 Mai Khao has a National Park status and its isolation makes it the perfect spot for camping. The north side of the beach is ideal for surfing, as the waters of the Phang Nga Bay meets the waves of the Andaman Sea. Fishing and hiking are also good tourist activities.
Mai Khao is famous as the place where the endangered species of giant leatherback turtles lay their eggs. It is a nesting ground for them and you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of these turtles at the nesting time. In April, there is a national water festival held when the young ones of the turtles hatch and the festival is called Songkran. You can also spot a species of mole crab here, known as chakkachan talay or sea cicada. It is considered a culinary delicacy and is collected by the locals.
Mai Khao Beach is one of those quiet getaways when you can spend a weekend with your family, in peace. |
Phuket is becoming one of the most popular vacation spots in Thailand and if you are a lover of idyllic, quiet holiday spots, then the island of Mai Khao in Phuket is your destination. It is supremely beautiful, with its pristine beaches!
The name ‘Mai Khao’ means white wood in English but it’s merely a joke so do not expect any white tree! The sand on the beaches fulfills the name as it is coarse and white. Its isolated beaches will allow you to walk for miles without encountering anyone!
There are the options of the ultra-luxurious JW Marriot Phuket Resort, the SALA Phuket Resort and Spa and the Anantara Phuket Resort and Spa. Also, accommodation is available in the nearby Phuket Airport Hotel, bungalow accommodation on the beach and the Indigo Pearl Hotel situated in the lush greenery of the hills on the nearby Nai Yang beach.
There are many access roads to the beach and you can select one which is best suited to you. Take the road just south of the airport which will lead to Nai Yang Beach and will subsequently enter the Sirinat National Park. Turn right from there and follow Phuket’s main highway, which is route 402 and it will help you reach the beach easily.
You can always opt for fine dining at the JW Marriot Phuket Resort but if you want to nibble on the beach then there are several bamboo-and-thatch seafood stops along Route 402 which runs parallel to the beach.