Mai Khao Beach (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Mai Khao Beach?
What makes it 76% Solo-Friendly: A solo traveler can jog, surf or spot low-flying jets and enjoy a nine-kilometre uncrowded shoreline, but public transport is scarce and there are few budget food stalls after dusk.
Positives:
- Wide, uncrowded shoreline: The 9km beach stays quiet even in peak season.
- Wildlife encounters: Turtle nesting season offers a rare chance to see marine wildlife.
- Unique plane views: Catch low-altitude takeoffs for striking photos near the northern end.
Challenges:
- Remote location: Mai Khao is 40km from Phuket town and has limited public transport.
- Basic facilities: Public beach has few shops or restrooms; plan accordingly.
- Weather variability: May–October brings strong winds and high surf, limiting some activities.
What is Mai Khao Beach?
- A 9-kilometre-long sandy shoreline on Phuket’s northwest coast, constituting the island’s longest beach
- A protected coastal zone within Sirinat National Park, characterized by undisturbed dunes and native palm groves
- A stretch of sand bordering Phuket International Airport, notable for its clear vistas of low-flying aircraft
What is so special about Mai Khao Beach for solo trip?
- Longest beach in Phuket with 9km of quiet shoreline
- Seasonal turtle nesting tours from November to March
- Ideal dawn surf sessions and tranquil sunrise walks
- Plane spotting offers unique low-altitude views
- Limited public amenities encourage packing essentials
Recommended visit duration: 0.5-1 day
Why 0.5-1 day visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Half to a full day gives time to surf, spot turtles and relax without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Mai Khao Beach
Turtle nesting tour:
Join a guided night tour from November to March to watch sea turtles dig nests and lay eggs.
Tip: Book in advance with Sirinat National Park and use a red flashlight.
Surf morning waves:
Rent a board and surf beginner-friendly waves at dawn.
Tip: Check wind conditions and wear reef booties to protect your feet.
Plane spotting:
Head to the northern end of the beach to photograph planes landing and taking off.
Tip: Bring a lens cover to guard against sand and a camera with zoom.
Sunrise beach stroll:
Walk along the empty shore at sunrise for peaceful views.
Tip: Arrive early to see the sky change and avoid the midday heat.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Mai Khao Beach
- Early arrival: Get to the beach by 6am to find parking and catch calm morning waves.
- Red-light flashlight: Use red filter on your torch during turtle tours to protect their vision.
- Pack essentials: Bring water, snacks and sunscreen since shops are scarce on the public beach.
Reviews of Mai Khao Beach
Victoria Hoskins
This beach is nice and quiet, with a good outlook and yes you can see aeroplanes coming in so that is interesting. We visited in July 2025 and found that the surf was rough so swimming was not recommended. Also, the main issue, is the large amount of litter on the beach. Noone seems to be taking care of the beach or conscious of the fact that the litter problem is out of control. It would be much ...
ahmed saeed
Peaceful escape away from the crowds. This beach is a hidden gem — calm and wonderfully quiet. Being far from the city means fewer tourists and more space to relax.
Kimjo Larsen-Taylor
Beautiful and quiet. Lots of litter washed up on the beach, which is a shame as otherwise it's idyllic.
Thulana Fernando
One of the most underrated and less populated beaches in Phuket. It's a big stretch and if you wanna walk your dog, or just chill or look at the flights going off and landing, this is the beach.
hit the trip
Popular place , many people go to see airplane fly at low altitude , its good , unique , feel like you can almost touch the airplane, but thats all about, the sea when i was there it was not good for swim.
When is the best time to visit Mai Khao Beach (Phuket, Thailand)?
November to March is best for turtle nesting tours and calm seas. April 13 hosts the hatchling release event. Avoid May–October when monsoon winds bring rough waters and limited services.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Sirinat National Park fee | THB 200 |
| Surfboard rental (1 hr) | THB 300 |
| Guided turtle tour | THB 500 |
| Beach snacks & water | THB 150 |
| Total Estimated | THB 1,150 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve
Map of Mai Khao Beach
Address: Mai Khao Beach, Phuket 83110, Thailand
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