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Image: Kevin Hellon
NAI YANG BEACH - SNORKEL PARADISE IN THE NORTH OF PHUKET
Nai Yang Beach (Naiyang Beach) is often called Haad Nai Yang by the Thai. The beach is located in the north-western part of Phuket, the area is often referred to Sakhu. To the north of Nai Yang is Mai Khao Beach and to the south Nai Thon Beach. Despite the fact that Phuket’s international airport is a walk within 10 minutes, Nai Yang Beach has a relaxed vibe.This beach is an excellent starting or ending point during your stay on Phuket. There are plenty of good restaurants and accommodations plus there is always something to do in the area. Enjoy Nai Yang!
DID YOU KNOW?
Nai Yan Beach belongs to the Sirinat National Park. The beach and adjacent forest is a popular picnic spot for Phuket’s residents. So get something tasty and do as the locals do.
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Image: Sumit
The beach of Nai Yang
Nai Yang Beach is only about two kilometres long, but it’s very atmospheric. You can hire beach beds at the various restaurants or accommodations. Or you can take a beach towel and drop down in the powdery fine sand. At the end of the wide beach is a row of trees that provide the necessary shadow. From the beach you can actually walk straight into the Sirinat National Park. This way you avoid paying the entrance fee, at your own risk of course…
Nai Yang beach is located in a small bay, when continuing north the beach changes into Mai Khao Beach. Southwards, Nai Thon is the first beach after Nai Yang Beach. At the beach you will find several luxury resorts like The Slate and the Marriott Resort. Many tourists will seek out the sea at Nai Yang. According to experts, the Nai Yang coast is the best piece of sea to be found in the northern part of Phuket.
The sea of Nai Yang
Off the coast of Nai Yang Beach is a coral reef. Because of the diversity of hard and soft corals, it’s a playground for numerous tropical fish. The easy access makes Nai Yang Beach one of the best snorkelling spots in the north of Phuket. The reef also serves as a beacon against dangerous currents and high waves. However, you do need to follow the instructions of the lifeguards at all times. When the tide is out, the sea recedes considerably and this happens in many places along the Thai coast. Swimming in the sea is then a lot less pleasant or simply impossible.
Image: Kushch Dmitry
While snorkelling in the waters of Nai Yang, you may even see a turtle swimming by, as well as beautiful fish and various corals. Water sports enthusiasts are also well catered for at Yang Beach! You can go supping, kayaking or kitesurfing. At the southern tip of the bay are two tiny islands known as Koh Pling (palm island), a great place to kayak.
Image: Sunnyrain
Image: Foto.Touch
Nai Yang Fresh Market
The Nai Yang Fresh Market, also called Nai Yang Local Market or Nai Yang Market, is a typical Thai market. Nice to wander around and to discover new kinds of fruit and vegetables. Of course, you can also buy Thai snacks and meals there, a perfect market to taste something new. Buy some delicious food and eat it in the nearby forest or at Nai Yang Beach. Apart from food, the market vendors sell clothes, toys and much more. On the map of North Phuket, you’ll find the market under the heading Nai Yang Beach so you can show a taxi the location. The market is open on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 12:00 to 20:00.
PAY ATTENTION!
Market vendors start packing their goods as early as 18:00. Keep this in mind because you don’t want to walk around on a half-empty market.
Wat Mongkol Waranarm
Culture lovers must visit the Wat Mongkol Wararam or also called Nai Yang Temple. The temple complex dates back to 1757 and on the grounds there are several open and closed buildings to look at. True works of art! You can admire an immense hall and several houses of Buddhist monks. Here and there, you will come across impressive and unmissable murals and decorations.
For some extra spirituality and exercise, join the free yoga classes that are organised here. From November to March, these can be attended daily from 17:00. To be sure, ask your hotel if these classes are still taking place. In any case, bring enough to drink, because although yoga doesn’t require heavy efforts, you will have to deal with the Thai heat.
DID YOU KNOW?
There are a total of 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket.
Kiteboarding and wakeboarding at KBA Phuket Kite School
Whether you are a seasoned kitesurfer or have never stood on a board before, Phuket Kite School is there for everyone. At KBA you rent kites including complete equipment or start with your first kitesurfing lesson. There are also group lessons to follow and even refresher and private lessons. If you’d rather (learn how to) wakeboard, that’s possible too. A two-hour wakeboarding lesson costs 3,500 baht and a five-hour kiteboarding lesson costs 4,000 baht. More information on the website of KBA. The months May till September are ideal for this kind of activities!
Image: KBA Phuket Kite School
Image: KBA Phuket Kite School
Snorkeling off the coast of Nai Yang and other spots
Of course, you can go snorkelling on your own along the coast of Nai Yang. But why not book a snorkelling trip? That way, you will see much more while snorkelling. There are several options, like a visit to Koh Waeo, a small island not far from Nai Yang Beach. A full day snorkelling trip around Phuket is also possible. A snorkelling trip can be booked from 1,900 baht per person, including materials and transport by speedboat. A full day snorkelling trip around Phuket costs 2,900 baht per person. More information via Paradise Diving Asia.
Image: Paradise Diving Asia
Diving via a diving school in Nai Yang
A diving school with good reviews in Nai Yang is Paradise Diving Asia. The owner (a German) and his team speak English well, which is nice when you go diving. Through this diving school you can get an Open Water certificate. There are many more courses to follow, like Divemaster for instance. So you don’t have to go all the way to Koh Tao to get your diving licence! Of course you can also join a diving trip if you already have enough diving experience. Diving happens a lot around Nai Yang but if there is enough interest, there is even a diving trip to the Similan Islands. More information on the website of Paradise Diving Asia.
PAY ATTENTION!
Please note that the sea must be calm enough. Therefore, snorkelling and diving is mainly an activity for the period October to May.
Image: Paradise Diving Asia
Image: Johnny Schepens
A massage in Nai Yang
How nice it is to end a fun but busy day with a relaxing massage. In Nai Yang, you will find several massage parlours, from small ones to luxurious ones that belong to a resort. Assume the following prices; An hour enjoying a foot massage from 350 baht and a Thai massage 300 baht. Of course, there are many other possibilities such as aroma massages but also body scrubs and complete manicures and pedicures. And afterwards? Enjoying some food and/or drinks at Nai Yang Beach while you watch the sun sink into the sea… Yes, the day can be ended even better!
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
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.
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The Slate Phuket
In the north of Phuket lies a resort where industrial art, natural beauty and Thai hospitality come together. The Slate is a very special resort right on Nai Yang Beach. With three swimming pools, two of which are for adults only, an internationally renowned spa and no less than five classy restaurants, this accommodation is so much more than just a luxury five-star resort.
The “smallest” room of The Slate is no less than 56 m2 and is called Pearl Bed Suite. A very beautiful room with balcony and a super-sized bathroom including a free-standing bathtub. During a relaxing bath, you can gaze out at the sky and greenery as the bath offers an excellent view of the resort’s well-tended green garden.
The two bedroom private pool villa is truly the crème de la crème of The Slate on Phuket. This phenomenal villa is with a staggering 1,000 m2 gigantic! The villa consists of two bedrooms, a living room and a terrace around your private pool including hot tub! After sleeping here you’ll never want anything else!
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
The Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa is located in the far south of Nai Yang Beach. This beautiful resort is ideal for families and because it carries the Marriott brand, you can be sure that the facilities, service and cleanliness are top notch. In addition to a large swimming pool overlooking Nai Yang Beach, there is another elongated pool running on either side of the resort. Of course, the resort has a number of great restaurants and having breakfast here is a real treat!
Every type of traveller will feel at home at the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa. Whether you are a business traveller, a couple, a family or a large family visiting Nai Yang, the different types of rooms will suit everyone’s needs. There are rooms with a balcony or with direct access to the pool. Groups of friends or large families choose the two-bedroom beachfront Villa with private pool or book an interconnecting suite.
>> More information or book a stay at the Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa
Dewa Phuket (Beach Resort, Villas and Suites)
This beautiful resort is located on the edge of the Sirinat National Park. As the name above suggests, at the Dewa Phuket you can choose between rooms, villas and suites. Meaning that you can book a nice double room with balcony as well as your own private pool villa. A pleasant resort for large families or romantic couples… Dewa Phuket has two swimming pools or you can dive into the sea of Nai Yang in a five-minute walk.
L’esprit De Naiyang Beach Resort
L’esprit De Naiyang Beach Resort is a bit hidden in the south of Nai Yang. This is nice because it allows you to enjoy the serenity that this location offers. So for an extremely comfortable and relaxing holiday in the north of Phuket, this resort isn’t a bad idea at all. Choose a room overlooking the large pool or a villa in the garden, with or without private pool. One thing is for sure, this resort in Nai Yang will be a great place to stay!
>> More information or book a stay at L’esprit De Naiyang Beach Resort
The Touch Green, Naiyang
The Touch Green is located on a quiet road that leads you to Nai Yang Beach in just a ten-minute walk. The clean studios, rooms and villas you can stay in are well priced and include air conditioning and hot water. What we appreciate is that this price-friendly accommodation even has a swimming pool! In addition, there is a small supermarket on the same road and good restaurants and nice bars are never far away.
The Snug Airportel
Have you just landed at Phuket’s International Airport or are you looking to spend your last night(s) sleeping near an airport? Then look no further The Snug Airportel is what you’re looking for. It’s a crossover between a hotel and a hostel, The Snug is an affordable accommodation close to Nai Yang Beach. You can book a bed in a mixed dormitory for four or six people or a room for one or two people for more privacy. And yes, they have a swimming pool here too!
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!
Phen’s Restaurant & Coffee
Phen’s Restaurant & Coffee is a well-known restaurant right on Nai Yang Beach. If you want to eat with your bare feet in the sand, this is the place to be! At Phen’s, they serve both Thai and Western dishes. At lunch time, you can order a club sandwich including a delicious fruit or coffee shake and at night, a typical Thai curry. Even the locals of Nai Yang know how to find this restaurant, as the dishes with fish or shellfish are very popular. To be sure of a table at the beach, we recommend you make a reservation. You can do this on their Facebook page. You will thank us when you are dining while watching the sun sink into the Andaman Sea.
Sea Almond Chilled Restaurant & Bar
Another good restaurant located right on the beach of Nai Yang is the Sea Almond Restaurant. You can go there at any time of the day and at reasonable prices for such a great location. We recommend you to order the Massaman curry but they also have western dishes. For a cocktail with or without snacks you are of course also welcome here. That beautiful sunset comes with it, all for free.
TIP!
After a long day at Nai Yang Beach, it’s nice to wash the salt and sand out of your hair. At Sea Almond, they have a shower you can use.
The Naiyang Cafe
Less than ten minutes’ walk from Phuket International Airport is The Naiyang Cafe. An atmospheric café and restaurant where you can enjoy delicious drinks, masterful meals and blissful sweets. Be sure to try an iced coffee or smoothie. Between 10:00 and 20:00, the friendly staff serves Thai, Western and Halal dishes. This is one of our favourite places to eat in Nai Yang!
SAVE MONEY
Are you familiar with Eatigo? Thanks to this site, you get great discounts. We sometimes use Eatigo for a visit to a rooftop bar and/or fancy restaurant in Bangkok, but you can also use this platform on Phuket.
NY Beach Republic
Close to the Dewa Phuket Resort lays NY Beach Republic. A fine beachside venue with beanbags in the sand and a friendly atmosphere. DJs spin regularly and the staff do their best to make sure guests have a great time. Happy Hour is from 17:30 to 18:30 and since this beach bar is open until 01:30, you have plenty of time for a few tasty cocktails. Cheers to life!
