Phuket Areas for Those Who Want to Escape Civilization
For some people, truly relaxing means getting away from civilization and experiencing the purest “wild” island vibe. At first glance, Phuket, with its popularity, might seem like an unlikely place for such an escape. But that’s not entirely true: alongside its super touristy spots, the island hides plenty of secluded corners where you can enjoy nature, the sea, and peace and quiet. And even more than that — you can feel like you’re on a deserted island. So today, we’re heading out to explore a true hermit’s paradise: the Mai Khao, Nai Yang, and Panwa areas.
Mai Khao
Mai Khao is the longest and most secluded beach on Phuket. Its shoreline stretches for about 11 kilometers, and much of it remains virtually untouched. There are no typical tourist attractions here, very little street food, and few beach vendors. But what you do get is the unmistakable feeling that you’ve landed on a deserted island: in the central and northern parts of the beach, you can spend the whole day without seeing a single soul. For example, on Sai Kaew Beach.
Mai Khao is part of Sirinat National Park, so the environment here is protected by law. In the coastal areas, you can often spot monitor lizards, crabs, exotic birds, and sea turtles — during the nesting season, they lay their eggs right on the beach!
Despite all its “wildness” and closeness to nature, Mai Khao offers several options for comfortable accommodation: bungalows and guesthouses in the southern part of the beach, as well as a few upscale resorts — JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, SALA Phuket, and Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa. And if you want total immersion in a jungle atmosphere, you can rent a villa.
Where to eat in Mai Khao? The hotels have restaurants open not only to guests, and there are also a few local Thai cafes. But overall, this is not the kind of area where you’ll be showing off your evening attire.
Mai Khao in Phuket is practically synonymous with “far away.” The only thing close by is the airport — just about a 15-minute drive. Everything else (for example, Karon or Patong) will take an hour to an hour and a half to reach, and you’ll need your own transport — public transport hardly comes here. Use the contact form below to find the perfect car for you.
We’ve selected the three best passenger and crossover car rental companies. Fill out the form, and we’ll forward your request — they’ll contact you to provide details on the terms and pricing.
What to do in Mai Khao? Walk along the beach, watch planes land low overhead, spot sea turtles, meditate with a view of the ocean or under an ancient tree in Sirinat. If you’re an introvert, a nature lover, a creative soul seeking solitude, or simply want to “reset” yourself — Mai Khao is an excellent choice.
Cons of the Mai Khao area: minimal infrastructure, reliance on private transport, and waves and currents during the low season (May–October).
All the best spots in Mai Khao can be found in the dedicated section.
Nai Yang
A small coastal area that somehow manages to stay off the radar of mass tourism. Here, a calm, almost village-like atmosphere reigns: palm trees, pines by the shore, and unhurried sunsets.
Nai Yang Beach is also part of Sirinat Marine National Park, which means construction is limited and motorized water activities are banned. And there are hardly any tourists here. Nai Yang’s main advantage is that the sea is almost always calm, even in the low season. Plus, every year baby turtles are released into the sea from this beach — a heart-melting sight and pure joy if you happen to witness it!
In Nai Yang, the accommodation options are fairly modest. There are a few luxury hotels, such as The Slate, along with plenty of guesthouses and apartments.
Dining in Nai Yang is also a bit easier than in Mai Khao — there are simple Thai eateries as well as several scenic cafés and restaurants, perfect for a romantic sunset dinner.
Logistics in Nai Yang are the same as in Mai Khao: the airport is just a stone’s throw away, but getting to other parts of Phuket takes over an hour and only by private car or motorbike.
Nai Yang is Phuket without the extra frills: calm, green, and peaceful. Here you can spend the day under the rustle of pine trees and the sound of waves, without encountering a single pushy vendor or tour guide. It’s a place for those who value nature, simplicity, and authenticity.
Cons of the Nai Yang area: limited tourist infrastructure, a small selection of long-term rental housing, and few restaurants, shops, or entertainment options.
Cape Panwa
A green, hilly peninsula in the southeast of Phuket, rarely visited by mass tourism. Here you won’t find the noise of nightlife, beach bustle, or crowds of holidaymakers. Only natural beauty, tranquility, and a reserved — one might even say sophisticated — atmosphere for true connoisseurs.
Panwa is less of a beach destination and more about panoramic landscapes. The main beach, Ao Yon, lies in a sheltered bay and is completely wave-free — making it swimmable all year round.
Panwa is home to many boutique hotels, private villas, and upscale resorts, often with private beaches and panoramic sea views. The legends here include the five-star Sri Panwa resort, the serene wellness-focused Amatara Welleisure Resort, and the panoramic V Villas Phuket – MGallery.
You won’t have to search hard for quality cafes and restaurants in Panwa — they’re plentiful here: the scenic Baba Nest, Seaview Sunset Rooftop, The Cove Phuket, AKOYA, and others.
Despite its seclusion, Panwa also offers plenty to do: it’s home to the Phuket Aquarium, the UNG Pearl Farm & Shop, and the Khao Khad Viewpoint. Unlike Mai Khao and Nai Yang, here there’s an abundance of activities!
In addition, Panwa is closer to Phuket’s central tourist areas: Phuket Town is just a 15–20 minute drive away. But once again, you’ll need a car or bike — without private transport, unfortunately, you won’t get far. You can rent a bike using the contact form below.
Panwa is a paradise for introverted aesthetes who find Mai Khao or Nai Yang just a bit too “wild” and cut off from civilization. It’s the quintessence of natural beauty, style, and seclusion — without pretension, but with a deep sense of taste.
Cons of the Panwa area: fairly high housing prices, distance from the tourist center, and reliance on private transport.
All the best spots in Panwa can be found in the dedicated section.
We love to say that Phuket has it all. If you’re craving peace, open space, greenery, and the sounds of the ocean — welcome to quiet Mai Khao, natural Nai Yang, or tranquil Panwa. Stroll along an empty beach, gaze at the sea for hours, and simply breathe. No schedules, no rush, no people around.
Read about other areas of Phuket in the articles Phuket Areas for Nightlife Lovers, Phuket Areas for Families with Kids, and Phuket Areas for Luxury Seekers. And don’t forget to check out the Useful Info section, where you’ll find all the essential information about life and leisure in Phuket.
