“The Plane Beach” in Phuket: How to Get There and Take the Best Photos
There are places that tourists are willing to wake up at dawn for, endure the heat, and walk for kilometers across sand just to see. On Phuket, one such place is the southern part of Mai Khao Beach. Here, next to the runway of the international airport, lies a natural “air corridor” that has become a true legend of the island. Locals commonly call this spot the “plane beach”.
Huge airliners fly so low here that the air vibrates and the roar of the engines drowns out the sound of the sea. The sight is breathtaking, almost cinematic — and, best of all, completely free!
Here are some tips on how to get to the famous “plane beach” and how to capture the perfect shots.
Why Mai Khao Beach Became Famous
Mai Khao is the longest and one of the quietest beaches on Phuket. But its popularity has nothing to do with a perfect stretch of sand or the lack of crowds. The main attraction is the airport.
Planes approaching Phuket International Airport come in from the sea (especially during the high season from December to April). Their flight path runs directly over the beach: the aircraft literally “slice” through the sky at an altitude of just a few dozen meters. When an approaching Boeing or Airbus appears, people instinctively freeze, then raise their cameras — and in that moment, some of the most spectacular photographs on the island are born.
This place is a true gift for aviation lovers, thrill-seekers, and anyone who appreciates the unusual aesthetics of travel. It’s no surprise that the “plane beach” has become a must-visit spot in Phuket.
How to Get There
The observation area is located in the northern part of Mai Khao Beach, right next to the fence of the airport runway.
1. By motorbike or car (the most convenient option)
Access is possible from the north via Soi Mai Khao 6, a road that leads directly to the beach and then continues along the shoreline over the sand. There is a trail/dirt road running along the beach that can be used by motorbikes or small vehicles (regular cars are usually left in a parking area farther north).
Important: direct access by car to the exact spot where the planes land is not always possible, especially for larger vehicles — the road can become narrow and unpaved closer to the beach. Parking is often arranged slightly farther north, and from there visitors continue on foot.
Another option is to enter this location into your navigation app: and leave your car there in the parking area. From there, you’ll need to walk a short distance to the beach, but the path goes through a shaded area.
With your own transportation, you’ll be able to see many more amazing places on Phuket and beyond the island. We’ve collected them in our guide What to See in Phuket. Don’t miss this opportunity!
2. By taxi / Grab / Bolt
Set your destination to “Plane Spotting Point”. Drivers often drop passengers off by the roadside or at a parking area near Coriacea Boutique Resort, or slightly farther north — from there, you’ll need to walk a short distance on foot.
During the high season (roughly from December to April), the wind blows from the sea, and planes approach for landing directly over the beach. In summer, the flight path changes, and aircraft may arrive from the land side — the view is still impressive, but no longer “right overhead”. In this case, you’ll be watching takeoffs rather than landings.
3. On foot along Mai Khao Beach
This option is suitable if you’re staying at hotels such as JW Marriott, Renaissance, Sala, Anantara Layan / Mai Khao, or other northern resorts. The walk takes about 20–40 minutes along the shoreline. There is no shade at all, so be sure to bring a hat and drinking water.
4. On foot from Nai Yang Beach through Sirinat Park
Taxis from the Nai Yang side cannot drive directly to the beach due to the checkpoint of Sirinat National Park. However, you can reach it on foot, and to avoid paying the 100 baht per person entrance fee, you’ll need to take a small detour along the coast. The walk is about one kilometer — it will be hot, but you can cool off in the sea along the way.
When Is the Best Time to Visit?
The uniqueness of this spot depends on the landing direction.
During the high season (roughly from December to April), the wind blows from the sea, and planes approach for landing directly over the beach. In summer, the flight path changes, and aircraft may arrive from the land side — the view is still impressive, but no longer “right overhead”. In this case, you’ll be watching takeoffs rather than landings.
The Best Time: Morning and Midday
In the morning, there are many international arrivals, with planes coming in one after another. The light is soft, and the heat is easier to handle.
To know exactly when a plane is coming, use the Flightradar24 app:
- enter airport HKT;
- open “Arrivals”;
- track flights that are approaching for landing from the sea side.
What to Bring: a Must-Have Checklist
The “plane beach” is an amazing spot for plane spotting, but in practical terms it’s very wild. There are no cafés, no shops, and no shade. So prepare well — otherwise, along with great shots of airplanes, you might also end up with heatstroke.
Here’s what to bring:
- Sunscreen (SPF 50+). Reapply every 1–1.5 hours — the sun in Phuket is intense.
- A hat or umbrella. The best option is an umbrella or a beach cover-up. There is absolutely no shade on Mai Khao Beach, and aircraft engines create additional streams of hot air. An umbrella will protect you both from the sun and from gusts of wind that blow up sand.
- Water. At least one liter per person! You won’t be able to buy any on site.
- Flip-flops + a thick towel / mat. The sand heats up to the point where it’s painful to walk on. A towel is a real lifesaver.
- Swimwear. Locals and experienced travelers arrive already wearing swimsuits: when the heat becomes unbearable, you can simply step into the water to cool off.
- Power bank. If your phone dies (for example, from using navigation apps) before you manage to catch the planes on camera, it’ll be very disappointing.
Insider Tips
1. Come in the first half of the day. It gets hottest after 1:00 PM. Morning hours are more comfortable and more photogenic, with softer light.
2. The best shots are when the plane lands right over the waterline. Stand closer to the center of the viewing area and slightly toward the sea — aircraft fly lowest here.
3. Do not cross warning signs. This is important: the area near the fence is guarded, and fines are real. The regular safe zone is more than enough for photos.
4. Expect wind gusts and sand from the engines. When a plane passes very close, the airflow can lift sand into the air. Keep your belongings covered and hold your camera firmly.
The plane beach is a place for emotions. You arrive, first hear a distant roar, then see a massive airliner emerge from the blue haze, approaching straight toward you for a few seconds. Wind, noise, vibrations — a small dose of adrenaline. Every visit here is unpredictable, and that’s where its magic lies.
If you love unusual photography, you’ll definitely be interested in our curated lists Best Photo Spots in Phuket and Instagrammable Cafes.
