Image: stryjek
NAI THON BEACH - A GREAT PLACE TO RELAX
Nai Thon Beach (Naithon Beach) is the southernmost beach belonging to Sirinat National Park. It is a quiet beach less than one kilometre long. Nai Thon offers visitors a relaxing and pleasant stay for people who want to escape the busy and often chaotic part of Phuket. Further on, you can read more about the “secret” beaches Nai Thon Noi Beach and Banana Beach In Nai Thon, it is mainly the highly rated restaurants and accommodations that stand out.
Image: rostovdriver
Table of contents
Click on the bar with the table of contents. This allows you to easily navigate to a topic.
- The beach of Nai Thon
- The sea of Nai Thon
- How to get to Nai Thon Beach on Phuket
- The “secret” beaches in the area of Nai Thone buurt
- Activities around Nai Thon Beach
- What else is there to do in the north of Phuket?
- Accommodations in the Nai Thon Beach area
- Best restaurants in the Nai Thon Beach area
- Our handy map of the northern part of Phuket
Image: Foto.Touch
The beach of Nai Thon
Although the beach at Nai Thon isn’t long, it’s quite wide. At the edge of the beach, there are some shady spots thanks to the trees that grow there. The beach is’nt packed with parasols and sunbeds (yet). If you sleep nearby, you can borrow a bath towel and parasol from the accommodation. Nai Thon Beach is a beach for those who seek peace and tranquility, there is always a place to sunbathe carefree in the soft sand. Here and there, you will find makeshift swings, hammocks, tables and chairs made from hemp and other natural materials. We think that Nai Thon beach is a really chill beach to hang out on when visiting Phuket.
Image: Filk
On the north side of Nai Thon Beach you find the popular and beautiful Pullman Phuket Arcadia, and all the way to the south you’ll find the exclusive villa district of Malawaina where may spend the night as well. Parallel to the beach, there runs a main road that crosses the area, you will find shops, a supermarket, good restaurants, nice bars and other quality accommodation along this beach road. On the beach side of the road, there are regular market stalls preparing typical street food such as roti (Thai pancake), satay and grilled chicken.
The sea of Nai Thon
Nai Thon’s seabed slopes gently, making this beach ideal for families with small children. And it’s not just small children who can have fun here, but adults and grown-ups too. Especially in the high season, when the sea is calm, the rocks on either side of the bay are good for snorkelling. In the middle of the bay, there are no rocks, which makes it good for swimming. Apart from the fine swimming water, Nai Thon Beach is also perfect for kayaking, supping and surfing. These are available for rent on the beach.
ATTENTION!
Nai Thon Beach is best visited during the dry season, from November to May at the latest. The rest of the months, the beach is deserted and the sea is too rough, so swimming is strongly advised against.
How to get to Nai Thon Beach on Phuket?
Nai Thon Beach is located below Nai Yang Beach. You reach Nai Thon by driving south from Phuket International Airport. Take the 4018 that goes to Nai Thon Beach but also to the southern beaches Nai Thon Noi and Banana Beach. If you drive even further south, you will eventually arrive at one of the most beautiful resorts of Phuket, Trisara. Trisara also has PRU Restaurant, the only restaurant with a Michelin star on Phuket. From Phuket Town or popular beaches such as Patong and Karon, it’s best to use a route planner. A taxi will cost you a maximum of 1,000 baht for a one-way trip from Phuket Town or Phuket’s popular beach resorts.
Image: Otvalo
ATMOSPEHRIC IMAGES OF NORTH PHUKET
Check out Picture This #34, which contains various images of the Sarasin Bridge, Mai Khao Beach, Sirinat National Park, Nai Yang Beach, Nai Thon Beach and Trisara.
The “secret” beaches near Nai Thon Beach
The two “secret” beaches listed below are definitely not to be missed. They are too small to describe separately, but are more than worth a visit. Via our map of North Phuket you can see where they are.
Nai Thon Noi Beach
Nai Thon Noi Beach, the little sister of Nai Thon Beach, is often seen as the private beach of the Andaman White Beach Resort. That’s not true as anyone who gets to the beach by, say, kayak, can relax there in the soft white powder sand. We can’t guarantee you’ll be turned away but it’s worth those few paddle strokes from Nai Thon Beach and actually it’s not a private beach at all. Nai Thon Noi is less than 300 metres long and one of the most remote and unknown beaches on Phuket! During the dry season, you can enjoy the sun, the sea and the beach, but you can also snorkel well between the rocks in the water. Don’t forget to load your mask and fins in your kayak…
DID YOU KNOW?
In Thai, Noi means small. The beach is a lot smaller than its big brother Nai Thon Beach, not surprisingly then to be called the small Nai Thon. For instance, you also have Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi, the big and small Yao Island. Koh or Ko means island in Thai.
Banana Beach
Do not confuse this Banana Beach with the one on Koh Hey (or Koh Hae). Sometimes these two destinations are mixed up with each other with the difference that the other Banana Beach is located on an island off the coast of Phuket. Our Banana Beach is less than 200 metres long and lies between Nai Thon Noi Beach and the Trisara resort.
At Banana Beach, you can order some delicious food and beverages from a small restaurant located on the beach. They even rent out beach beds and parasols. Just to be sure, always take something with you because this little place might be closed, especially in the low season. Banana Beach can get quite crowded during peak season. Longtail boats with tourists then moor during a tour. Not surprising because Banana Beach is just very beautiful! You can sunbathe at Banana Beach and besides swimming, you can snorkel in the water. You will soon spot various fish and other sea creatures.
From Nai Thon Beach, you can paddle to Banana Beach by kayak but taking a longtail boat is possible as well. You even can get there by road, drive from Nai Thon on the 4018 in southern direction. After Nai Thon Noi Beach where the Andaman White Beach Resort is located, you will pass Banana Beach. With a bit of luck, the beach is indicated or you will see cars and/or scooters parked along the road. Upon arrival, you will find a tiny but beautiful beach with clear blue seawater below. Now you only have to come down carefully. Welcome to Banana Beach!
Image: wuttichok
Ohm’s Surfboard Rental
The sea at Nai Thon is extremely good for (learning) to surf and that is why Khun Ohm has started a surf shop at Nai Thon Beach. If you always wanted to learn how to surf, the team of Ohm’s Surfboard Rental will help you. In a few days you will learn the basics and afterwards you can practice independently in the sea. Khun Ohm himself can teach someone how to surf in an hour. And that for 800 baht including materials!
As the name suggests, Ohm’s Surboard Rental also rents surfboards. You pay 200 baht for one hour and 100 baht extra for every hour after that. A bodyboard also costs 200 baht but you can use it for a few hours. Ohm also rents kayaks so you can easily visit Nai Thon Noi Beach and Banana Beach. A full-day kayak costs up to 700 baht, an hour 300 baht.
ACTIVITIES AND ATTRACTIONS IN THE NORTH OF PHUKET
- Chill out at Nai Thon Beach or learn to surf / rent a surfboard at Ohm
- Take that super cool selfie with an aeroplane at Mai Khao Beach
- Have a snack and/or drink at one of the best restaurants on Nai Yang Beach, Nai Thon Beach or Mai Khao Beach
- Take a stroll over the Nai Yang Fresh Market or visit the Turtle Village Shops & Cusine in Mai Khao
- A temple visit to Wat Mongkol Waranarm and/or Wat Mai Khao
- Seek out nature in the Sirinat National Park
- Walk (together) with bated breath over the Sarasin Bridge and have a drink or a meal at one of the nice restaurants
- Visit the “secret” beaches Nai Thon Noi Beach and Banana Beach near Nai Thon Beach
- Go kite- or wakeboarding, snorkelling or diving in the sea of Nai Yang and end the day with a nice massage
- Have a unique culinary experience at the Michelin-starred PRU Restaurant on the grounds of the luxurious Trisara
- Support the good initiatives Soi Dog Foundation and Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation by visiting them.
- See the various sculptures and other architectural art at the Phuket Gateway
- Have fun in the water at the Splash Jungle Water Park or play a round of golf at the Blue Canyon Country Club
SUPPORT US
We invest a lot of time and money in Thailand Magazine and we would really appreciate it if you could support us! You can do this by buying us a virtual iced coffee through Buy me a Coffee. You also help / support us by booking accommodation and travel within Thailand through our links. Are you planning to order something through Amazon? Even then you can support us! It costs you nothing extra but we get a small percentage from affiliate partners like Booking.com, Agoda, 12GoAsia and Amazon. It doesn’t even matter if you book an overnight stay in Thailand or in another country. You are not bound to any accommodation that we recommend on our site. However, we always advise you to select the free cancellation option.
Besides informing you as good as possible, we want to promote Thailand and support the Thai with this site. With your help we can continue to do this. Thank you very much!
Pullman Phuket Arcadia
If your budget allows it, sleep at the Pullman Phuket Arcadia! You will find the Pullman between the rocks in the north of the bay. Thanks to its location, the resort offers phenomenal views over Nai Thon Beach and the ocean. The friedly staff stands always ready to make sure you have everything you need. There are three swimming pools, one of which is especially for children, and of course there is a luxurious spa. There are two restaurants, three bars and even a bakery on site. Further on, you can read about Vero, a typical Italian trattoria where you can enjoy Italian delicacies to the full.
For families with children, there are rooms with an extra sofa bed, but of course there are also villas with private pools and magnificent sea views. In the rooms there is a beach bag with beach towels ready to be used. Nice and easy if you want to lie on the beach of Nai Thon. What a service!
>>> More information or book a stay at the Pullman Arcadia Phuket
Naithonburi Beach Resort
On the road parallel to Nai Thon Beach lies the Naithonburi Beach Resort. A more central spot in Nai Thon could not be found. In five minutes you are on Nai Thon Beach. The four-star resort has a gym and two swimming pools, one of which has a real beach. The various rooms range from a twin room to family rooms for the whole family. Naithonburi Beach Resort is a pleasant resort with good management and where the staff will do everything to make you feel at home in Thailand.
>> More information or book a stay at Naithonburi Beach Resort
Malaiwana Residences
Do you want something different than spending the night in a resort? Then stay at the very south of Nai Thon Beach where the Malaiwana Residences are located. These are awe-inspiring villas measuring no less than 600 square metres and, of course, all with private pools. The smallest villa can easily accommodate eight people and everything has been thought of. There even is a barbecue and every morning there is a nice breakfast prepared for the guests. Highly recommended if you want to stay with a large group in a beautiful and peaceful environment of Phuket.
>>> More information or book a stay in the Malaiwana Residences
Andaman White Beach Resort
The Andaman White Beach Resort is located on the even smaller Nai Thon Noi Beach and is only accessible from the resort or by sea. Thanks to its location, you and the other guests have a tropical beach (almost) all to yourselves! There are different types of rooms to book, one of which is located directly on the beach. This resort fits perfectly in the plan for a quiet beach holiday on Phuket.
>> More information or book a stay in the Andaman White Beach Resort
Trisara
Trisara is so special that we have chosen to create a separate article about it. Trisara is one of the very best resorts on Phuket and perhaps in all of Thailand! Not only the resort but also the accompanying PRU Restaurant is a must for people who only want the best of the best. You will find Trisara in a secluded bay just below Banana Beach. If you are planning a honeymoon or still have some money to spend on a dream holiday then Trisara is worth considering. You will not regret it.
WE VALUE YOUR OPINION!
Despite the fact that our selected locations in Phuket have a very good reputation, it’s possible that due to (for example) new management the quality has become less good. Or unfortunately locations have been forced to close their doors because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic… If you have useful information, please let us know! Also, if you have a favourite restaurant or other great tip for Phuket, be sure to let us know through our Thailand Magazine Facebook group, or Instagram and Facebook page. Via e-mail is also possible. THANKS!
Vero Trattoria & Wine Bar
If you love Italian food, Vero Trattoria & Wine Bar is the place to go! Aside from the delicious Italian delicacies and dishes, Vero, part of the Pullman Arcadia, is a great place to enjoy amazing wines. Of course, an evening at Vero costs more than a pad thai or fried rice at the local Thai but every once in a while, you just have to make this kind of trip, or at least we think so. That’s why we recommend you to go for a nice dinner and start with a board filled with Italian meats and cheeses. And, of course, finish off with a delicious Italian dessert. In between? That’s entirely up to you, buon appetito!
Phutawan Seafood
Seafood lover and staying on Nai Thon Beach? Then pay a visit to Phutawan Seafood. With a wide range of Thai dishes, chances are you will come back here. The food and service is great! Our advice, try something different than you would normally order. Let the very helpful staff advise you on this. For example, order a local fish or seafood dish, but even if you don’t like fish, there is plenty to choose from here.
Shameena Restaurant & Lounge
Once upon a time, there was a cook with a beautiful daughter who lived in Phuket… Welcome to the fairy tale called Shameena! Shameena is the name of the daughter of the owner/chef of this charming restaurant. The restaurant is located in the middle of Nai Thon where you can dine inside or outside. Because of its popularity, it can be very busy and maybe even full. There are not many dishes to choose from on the menu, but each dish is prepared to perfection, so try it for yourself. We are very curious to hear what you think!
DID YOU KNOW?
According to many visitors, Shameena Restaurant & Lounge is the very best restaurant on Nai Thon Beach.
PRU Restaurant
Although PRU Restaurant is not located in Nai Thon, we do want to mention this superb restaurant. As already mentioned earlier, we have written a separate article about Trisara to which this restaurant with the only Michelin star of Phuket belongs.
