What to Visit in Nai Yang
Contents
1. Beaches
2. Temples
3. Excursions
4. Massage & SPA
5. Cafes & Restaurants
6. Sirinat National Park
7. Splash Jungle Water Park
8. Blue Canyon Country Club Golf Club
9. Elephant Care Park Nai Dee Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
10. Abandoned Hotel Phuket Peninsula
Nai Yang is a quiet area on the northwestern coast of Phuket, located near the international airport. Despite its proximity to the air hub, it has a relaxed atmosphere without noisy entertainment or tourist crowds.
The infrastructure in Nai Yang remains quite low-key. There are no large shopping malls, noisy nightlife streets, or a large number of upscale restaurants.
Therefore, Nai Yang is often chosen by those who want to see a more authentic side of the island and feel like locals rather than tourists.
Beaches
Nai Yang Beach
The main beach of the area stretches for almost 2 kilometers along the coastline and is part of Sirinat National Park, which has helped preserve the atmosphere of tropical nature and an untouched island shoreline.
The sea here is usually calm, and the water entry is gentle, making the beach ideal for families with children.
In the central part, there is everything needed for a comfortable stay: sun loungers, cafes, restaurants, massage parlors, and small shops.
Watch our video about Nai Yang Beach:
Nai Thon Beach
One of the most beautiful beaches on Phuket’s northwestern coast, located just a 10–15 minute drive from Nai Yang.
The beach stretches along nearly one kilometer of a picturesque bay surrounded by lush green hills. Its wide strip of soft white sand and the absence of dense development create a peaceful atmosphere that makes Naithon a favorite among island visitors.
During the high season, the sea here is usually calm and ideal for swimming.
In the low season, waves roll in, attracting surfers. Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore the northern part of the bay, where rocky areas and a variety of marine life can be found.
Watch our video about Naithon Beach:
Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao is nearly 11 kilometers of sandy shoreline, where even during the high season it is easy to find a spot to be alone with the sea. The beach is located a 15-minute drive from Nai Yang.
The infrastructure on the beach is minimal, and that is exactly its main attraction. People come to Mai Khao not for entertainment, but for the sense of space, tranquility, and authentic tropical nature.
The feature that made Mai Khao popular among tourists is the plane spotting beach. Here, airliners approach for landing so low that it feels as if you could touch them with your hand.
The best time to visit the plane spotting beach is during the high season, approximately from December to April. During this period, airliners most often approach from the sea and fly directly over the beach.
During the rainy season, the wind direction changes, so aircraft often approach from the land side, making the famous low flyover less frequent.
For the best chance of seeing several aircraft in a short period, it is recommended to arrive in the morning or closer to midday, when a large number of international flights land at the airport.
We also recommend tracking aircraft using the FlightRadar24 app.
Temples
Wat Mongkol Wararam Temple
The spiritual center and main Buddhist temple of the Nai Yang area. It is one of the few places where visitors can observe the everyday life of local residents away from the tourist routes.
The temple grounds offer a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere. Here, you can see traditional Thai pavilions, golden Buddha statues, beautifully maintained gardens, and local people who come to pray, make offerings, or simply spend some quiet time.
Wat Mongkol Wararam is well worth a visit for those who want to take a short break from the beach and discover a different side of Phuket. Its beautifully landscaped grounds also make it an excellent place for a leisurely stroll.
Wat Kanan
Many people dream of seeing the famous White Temple in Chiang Rai, but few know that Phuket already has its own white temple.
Wat Kanan is the only White Temple on the island, located in the Thalang district. And although it is not in Nai Yang itself, the journey here takes very little time. And believe us — it is worth it.
Wat Kanan is a relatively new temple: its construction began about ten years ago and is still ongoing thanks to donations.
The main attraction of the complex is the snow-white ubosot, located right in the middle of a lake. The atmosphere here is indescribable, and the photos turn out amazing!
On the first floor of the building there is a small museum with archaeological finds and an ancient Buddha statue from the Ayutthaya period, while the second floor houses a prayer hall.
Fish and turtles live in the lake around the temple, and visitors can feed them. But the main highlight is, of course, the temple’s architecture, entirely executed in white.
Watch our video about this snow-white wonder:
Excursions
To see even more impressive places in Phuket, you can go on excursions from Nai Yang — both to the mainland and by sea.
For a complete list of excursions you can take from Nai Yang, see the “Excursions” page.
If you would like to book a private tour contact us via WhatsApp or Telegram.
Massage & SPA
The full list of massage salons in the Sakhu area (which includes Nai Yang) has been collected here https://phuket-insider.com/en/category/massage-parlors-in-sakhu/
Coqoon Spa
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 20:00
Website | Booking
A premium spa center located on the grounds of The Slate hotel, surrounded by tropical gardens and hidden from view among the greenery.
Guests are welcomed in private treatment suites, and the programs are tailored individually, taking into account their preferences, well-being, and mood on the day of the visit.
Natural ingredients and signature spa rituals are used for the treatments, aimed at relaxation and restoring energy.
The spa center is open daily from 10:00 to 20:00. Due to the limited number of spots, it is recommended to book treatments in advance, especially during the high tourist season.
Quan Spa (Marriott Nai Yang)
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Working hours: Mon 10:00 - 22:30; Tue - Sun: 10:00 - 22:00
Website | Services
Another high-end spa complex in Nai Yang is located at the Marriott hotel. Here, you can enjoy massages, facials, body scrubs, body wraps, as well as manicures and pedicures.
Special attention is given to couples’ programs and comprehensive restorative rituals. There are even children’s treatments, making the space suitable for a wide range of guests.
Treatments are available by prior appointment. The atmosphere is calm and private, with an emphasis on comfort and relaxation.
Nai Yang Beach Massage by Organic Products
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 22:00
A small massage salon in the Nai Yang Beach area that operates in the style of traditional Thai massage, with an emphasis on oils and natural products.
Inside, there are simple but tidy massage areas. The main focus here is on Thai massage, oil techniques, and foot massage. There are also sports and relaxation options available.
The level of service may vary slightly depending on the therapist, as is often the case in small local salons. It is a simple but typical Phuket place with good-quality massage and without unnecessary pretentiousness.
Cafes & Restaurants
The Black Ginger
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 18:00 - 23:00
Website | Menu | Book a table
One of the most unusual restaurants in Phuket, located on the grounds of The Slate hotel in the Mai Khao area. Even the journey there begins with a special experience: guests are taken across a lit lagoon on a wooden raft. The restaurant itself is designed in the style of an old Thai mansion and feels as if it is hidden within tropical greenery.
The menu is based on traditional Thai cuisine, inspired by recipes from different regions of the country. The dishes are presented in a modern interpretation while still preserving authentic flavors and ingredients.
To get acquainted with the restaurant’s cuisine, it is worth trying the chef’s tasting menu.
Black Ginger is worth visiting not only for the food but also for the atmosphere. In the evening, the illuminated lagoon, traditional architecture, and surrounding jungle create an unusual setting for a walk and photography.
Don’t forget about the dress code: smart casual attire is required.
Rivet
The restaurant is also located on the grounds of The Slate hotel, where the focus is on dishes prepared over an open flame and in a smoker.
The interior is designed in an industrial style with metal structures, high ceilings, and striking lighting, which clearly sets it apart from the classic beach restaurants of Phuket.
The menu is centered around meat, seafood, and vegetables cooked on the grill. The open kitchen allows guests to watch the cooking process, while the distinctive aromas of smoke and flame-grilled food become part of the restaurant’s atmosphere.
Important: Rivet welcomes guests aged 8 and above, which creates a calmer atmosphere oriented more toward an adult audience.
Sea Almond Chilled Restaurant & Cafe
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Working hours: Mon - Tue: 10:00 - 22:00; Thu - Sun: 10:00 - 22:00
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A cozy restaurant on the shore of Nai Yang Beach where you can have dinner with a sea view. The tables are set almost on the sand, creating a relaxed atmosphere.
The special vibe is to come here closer to sunset, when the sea turns golden and the coastline becomes cooler.
The menu features popular Thai dishes, seafood, grilled items, cocktails, and refreshing drinks.
The place is suitable both for a romantic evening and for a family meal after a day at the beach.
Sirinat National Park
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 16:30
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One of the main natural attractions of northern Phuket. The park was established in 1981 and covers approximately 90 square kilometers, most of which consists of the waters of the Andaman Sea. It includes the beaches of Nai Yang, Nai Thon, and Mai Khao, as well as mangrove forests and protected marine ecosystems.
One of the most fascinating places is the Tha Chatchai Boardwalk, a wooden trail about 600 meters long. The route winds through a mangrove forest with giant trees and a maze of unusual intertwined roots. Here, you may have the chance to spot monitor lizards, crabs, and other exotic wildlife.
Sirinat National Park also plays an important role in the conservation of sea turtles. Every year, from November to April, they come ashore on Mai Khao Beach to lay their eggs. During this period, the nesting sites are protected, and visitors are asked to follow the rules and avoid disturbing the animals.
Splash Jungle Water Park
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 18:30
Website
Booking: WhatsApp, Telegram
The largest water park in the northern part of Phuket, featuring extreme water slides and relaxing recreation areas.
The most thrilling attractions are Super Bowl and Boomerango, where visitors can enjoy steep drops, sharp turns, and the sensation of free fall.
For those who are not fans of extreme rides, there is a wave pool and a lazy river stretching more than 300 meters.
For young children, the water park offers safe kids’ play areas. For parents, there are cafes and a poolside bar.
A nice advantage is that even during the high season, the water park is rarely overcrowded, and queues for the slides are usually much shorter than at other major water parks in Phuket.
From June 1 to September 30, 2026, the water park will be closed.
You can book a visit to the water park at a discount by contacting us using the details below:
Blue Canyon Country Club
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Working hours:
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One of the most renowned golf clubs in Phuket and, indeed, throughout Asia. Above all, the club is famous for its world-class golf courses, which are seamlessly integrated into the surrounding landscape and are considered among the most beautiful — and most challenging — in the region.
The club was built on the site of a former tin mine. Architect Yoshikazu Kato preserved as much of the natural terrain as possible, giving the courses their distinctive character and unique appeal.
Instead of artificial obstacles, natural canyons, bodies of water, rock formations, and dense vegetation are used here, making every hole different from the previous one.
The club’s main pride is the Blue Canyon Country Club – Canyon Course. It is known for its challenging elevation changes, narrow fairways, and impressive views of canyons and lakes. The course demands precision and careful strategy, making it engaging both for experienced players and for those who want to test themselves on one of Asia’s top golf courses.
In addition to its world-class golf courses, Blue Canyon Country Club features a modern clubhouse with a restaurant, practice facilities, a pro shop, and everything needed for a comfortable stay. Even if you don’t play golf, it is still worth visiting for its beautiful scenery and atmosphere.
Elephant Care Park Nai Dee Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 17:00
Website
Booking: WhatsApp, Telegram
Elephant Care Park Nai Dee Phuket is located outside Nai Yang, however the journey here takes very little time. If you want to get to know elephants while relaxing in the north of the island, this sanctuary will be a good option for a trip.
Here the elephants live their best life: without riding tourists, circus performances, or other entertainment. The center is engaged in the rehabilitation of animals and creates the most comfortable conditions for them after a difficult past.
Visitors can choose different programs: get acquainted with the elephants, feed them, walk around the area, and observe the animals in a peaceful environment. This format allows you to learn more about the lives of elephants and see them without tourist attractions.
Tickets to Elephant Care Park Nai Dee Phuket can be purchased at a discount:
Abandoned Hotel Phuket Peninsula
And this location was once also meant to become luxury, but things turned out differently. Abandoned Hotel Phuket Peninsula Spa Resort is an abandoned hotel whose construction was halted more than 10 years ago.
By the time the project was frozen, it was practically at a final stage: the main construction work had been completed, and only interior finishing and furniture installation remained. Spacious rooms, terraces, and an extensive area were supposed to make it one of the most ambitious resorts in the northern part of Phuket. But… it never happened.
Why the project was never completed is still not known for sure. Some link it to the owners’ problems, others to a lack of necessary permits. Over the years, many legends and mystical stories have emerged around the hotel, which only increased interest in the place.
Over time, the empty buildings were gradually taken over by nature: the structures became overgrown with vegetation, the rooms fell into disrepair, and the complex itself turned into one of the most unusual abandoned locations on the island.
Disclaimer: the hotel is an abandoned site, and visiting it may be unsafe. The area contains partially collapsed structures, open gaps, debris, and insects, so exploring the complex should be done with caution and entirely at your own risk.
Nai Yang is well suited for a relaxed pace of vacation, when you don’t want a packed schedule or constant travel. The area is convenient as a base in northern Phuket or as a stop at the beginning and end of a trip — the airport is nearby, so travel time is minimal.
It is easy to plan a simple itinerary for a few days: a morning at the beach, a walk in the national park, lunch in one of the seaside restaurants, and an evening massage or spa.
If desired, you can add trips to the nearby Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches or go on excursions around the island or to Phang Nga Province.
See also detailed materials about other areas of Phuket:
- What to Visit in Bang Tao
- What to Visit in Kata
- What to Visit in Karon
- What to Visit in Patong
- What to Visit in Kamala
- What to Visit in Surin
- What to Visit in Nai Thon
You can find other interesting places in the sections of our website:
