What to Visit in Nai Thon
Contents
1. Beaches
2. Sirinat National Park
3. Elephant Sanctuaries
4. Excursions
5. Cafes & Restaurants
6. Massage & SPA
Nai Thon is one of Phuket’s most peaceful and secluded areas. Located on the island’s northwestern coast, it is far from the busy tourist hubs and bustling streets. There are no large shopping malls or vibrant nightlife here – instead, you’ll find a beautiful beach, scenic hills, tropical nature, and a relaxed pace of life.
Beaches
Nai Thon Beach
The area’s main attraction and one of the most tranquil beaches on Phuket’s northwestern coast. Nai Thon is located within the boundaries of the Sirinat National Park, just a few minutes’ drive from the airport, yet it retains the atmosphere of a secluded resort destination.
The beach stretches for nearly a kilometer along a picturesque bay surrounded by lush green hills. Its wide strip of soft, light-colored sand and the absence of dense development create a sense of openness that is often missing on the island’s more popular beaches.
During the high season, the sea here is usually calm and well suited for swimming, including for families with children. With the arrival of the rainy season, Nai Thon becomes popular among surfers thanks to its long, consistent waves.
Snorkeling enthusiasts can explore the underwater world in the northern part of the bay, where rocky areas and a variety of marine life can be found.
Along the beach, there are cafes, restaurants, small shops, and massage salons, so everything you need for a comfortable stay is within walking distance.
Watch our video about Nai Thon Beach:
Mai Khao Beach (Beach with Airplanes)
Mai Khao is the longest beach on Phuket, stretching for nearly 11 kilometers along the island’s northwestern coast. It is part of Sirinat National Park, which has helped preserve its wide, uncrowded shoreline, unspoiled natural atmosphere, and one of the most pristine beaches on Phuket. It can be reached from Naithon in just 20–30 minutes.
The main attraction of Mai Khao is located in its southern section, near Phuket International Airport. This is where the famous “Airplane Beach” is situated, one of the island’s most popular locations.
During the high season, airplanes approach for landing from the sea and fly over the beach at a very low altitude. As another airliner appears above the shore, the air fills with the roar of the engines, and the aircraft seems to hover directly above the beach, creating the impression that it is close enough to touch.
The best time to visit Airplane Beach is during the high season. During this period, aircraft most often approach for landing from the sea. In the low season, wind directions change, so planes frequently approach from the land side, reducing the overall effect.
However, Mai Khao is interesting not only because of the airplanes. At certain times of the year, sea turtles also come ashore here to lay their eggs, making Mai Khao an important natural area of the island.
The long coastline of Mai Khao is perfect for walks along the sea, and thanks to the beach’s protected status, visitors can experience a sense of seclusion and complete escape from civilization.
Banana Beach
One of the most picturesque bays on Phuket’s northwestern coast, located between Bang Tao Beach and Nai Thon Beach.
For a long time, this place remained little known even among tourists: the beach is hidden behind dense tropical vegetation and is barely visible from the road. Thanks to this, it has preserved the atmosphere of a secluded tropical paradise to this day.
This small bay, approximately 200 meters long, got its name from its curved shape, which resembles a banana. The shoreline is surrounded by palm trees, lush green hills, and rocky outcrops, while during the high season the water takes on a clear turquoise hue.
Banana Beach is especially popular among snorkeling enthusiasts. Near the rocks at both ends of the bay, you can spot tropical fish and other marine life, while the crystal-clear water provides excellent visibility. For swimming, it is best to choose the central part of the beach, as there are rocks and coral formations closer to the edges.
The path down to the beach follows a trail along the hillside and takes only a few minutes. It is fairly steep but does not require any special fitness level. Parking is available near the road, and there is also a designated paid parking area.
Several small cafes serving Thai cuisine and drinks are located on the beach, offering a chance to enjoy a meal with a sea view. Long-tail boats are often moored along the shore and can be rented for trips along the coastline or visits to nearby beaches.
Watch our video about Banana Beach:
Sirinat National Park
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 16:30
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This large natural park was established in 1981 and covers about 90 square kilometers, most of which consists of the waters of the Andaman Sea. It includes Nai Yang, Nai Thon, and Mai Khao beaches, as well as mangrove forests and protected marine ecosystems.
One of the most interesting spots in the park is the 600-meter-long Tachachai wooden boardwalk. The trail runs through a mangrove forest with giant trees and intricate root systems. During the walk, you may encounter monitor lizards, crabs, and other inhabitants of this ecosystem.
Sirinat is also known as one of the few places in Thailand where sea turtles still come ashore to lay their eggs in a natural environment.
This takes place on Mai Khao Beach from November to April. During this period, sea turtle nests are protected, and visitors are asked to follow the rules: do not approach the nests, do not use flash photography, and do not disturb the animals.
Sirinat National Park is worth visiting for those who want to see a different side of Phuket — with wild beaches, mangrove forests, and untouched nature away from the tourist crowds.
Elephant Sanctuaries
Many travelers dream of seeing elephants in Thailand. If you want to get to know these amazing animals, we recommend choosing ethical sanctuaries where elephants live without chains, performances, or tourist rides. The sanctuaries listed below are not exactly in Nai Thon, but they are located nearby.
Elephant Care Park Nai Dee Phuket
Working hours: Mon - Sun: 08:30 - 17:00
Booking: WhatsApp, Telegram
One of the largest ethical elephant sanctuaries in Phuket. Here, the animals live in a natural environment, freely roaming the grounds, bathing, and interacting with each other without any coercion or training.
Visitors are offered several programs to get acquainted with the elephants, ranging from short visits with feeding to half-day tours. During the visit, you can learn the stories of rescued animals, walk alongside the elephants around the sanctuary, and observe their daily life.
Watch our video:
You can book a visit to this sanctuary at a discounted rate by contacting us using the details below:
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Working hours: Mon - Sun: 09:00 - 15:00
A popular ethical sanctuary located near Bang Tao. Here, the elephants live in as natural conditions as possible, and all programs are designed around animal welfare and learning about them without exploitation.
During the visit, guests can feed the elephants, observe them up close, take memorable photos, and learn more about their personalities and habits. It’s a great option for those who want to spend time with elephants in a gentle and responsible way.
Excursions
To see even more impressive places in Phuket, you can go on excursions from Nai Thon — both to the mainland and by sea.
For a complete list of excursions you can take from Bang Tao, see the “Excursions” page.
If you would like to book a private tour contact us via WhatsApp or Telegram.
Cafes & Restaurants
Despite the area’s compact size, Nai Thon has several good places serving Thai and international cuisine. Many restaurants are located just a few steps from the sea, so lunch or dinner can easily be combined with beautiful coastal views.
KIRI Restaurant Naithon Beach
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 11:00 - 22:00
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A modern restaurant on the beachfront of Nai Thon, inspired by the seaside atmosphere and Phuket’s culinary culture. It focuses on fresh local ingredients, bold flavors, and a relaxed setting.
The menu combines Thai and international cuisine in a contemporary style.
The interior is designed in a beach style: light tones, natural materials, and open space. The sunset here is stunning!
KIRI is suitable both for a leisurely lunch after the beach and for an evening dinner by the sea with a cocktail or a glass of wine.
Shameena Restaurant & Lounge
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 13:00 - 22:00
A family-run Thai restaurant that has long become one of Nai Thon’s most beloved dining spots. Many tourists return here year after year, and some even consider it the best restaurant in the area.
The menu features popular Thai dishes, seafood, and a few international options. The portions are generous, and the presentation shows attention to detail.
The atmosphere deserves special mention. The interior combines Thai and ethnic influences, creating a cozy space where you’ll want to linger a little longer.
Phutawan Seafood
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 22:00
A cozy restaurant where you can enjoy equally a dinner of fresh seafood, try classic Thai dishes, or choose something from international cuisine.
The menu offers a wide selection of fish and seafood dishes, as well as popular Thai options. For those who prefer less spicy food, the restaurant is also a good choice, as dishes can easily be adjusted to guests’ preferences.
The clean and cozy space, unobtrusive music, friendly staff, and attentive service create a relaxed atmosphere. Many tourists, once they discover this place, return again during their stay.
Massage & SPA
Nai Thon is ideal for a peaceful getaway, so massage and spa services are an essential part of the area’s resort atmosphere.
Along the beach, there are small massage salons offering traditional Thai massage, while hotels feature full spa complexes with facial and body treatment programs.
The full list of massage salons in the Sakhu area (which includes Naithon) has been compiled here https://phuket-insider.com/en/category/massage-parlors-in-sakhu/
Ketsirin Massage & Wellness
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 22:00
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A modern massage salon focused on high-quality muscle work and an individual approach to each guest.
The menu includes traditional Thai massage, oil treatments, foot, head, neck, and back massage, as well as more intensive techniques.
Special clothing is provided for treatments, the rooms are kept in perfect cleanliness, and the therapists carefully consider guests’ preferences and adjust the massage intensity accordingly.
LEO MASSAGE
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 10:00 - 22:00
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A popular massage salon in Nai Thon. The menu includes traditional Thai massage, oil massage, foot massage, as well as neck, back, and shoulder treatments. The therapists are highly skilled, and the quality of the treatments is consistently high: regardless of who you are assigned to, the results are usually excellent.
The service deserves special mention. The staff pays close attention to guests’ preferences, and after the session visitors are offered tea and a small treat.
Aromdee Massage Haven
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Working hours: Mon - Sun: 09:30 - 22:00
A cozy massage salon that many choose as a more affordable alternative to hotel spas, without compromising on the quality of treatments.
The salon offers traditional Thai massage, oil massage, foot massage, as well as various relaxing and restorative programs.
Despite its compact size, the interior is clean, cozy, and peaceful. The staff warmly welcomes guests, helps them choose the right treatment, and pays close attention to clients’ preferences.
Nai Thon can hardly be described as an area with a large number of attractions, but that is exactly its main appeal. People come here not for noisy entertainment or a vibrant nightlife, but for a beautiful beach, calm sea, tropical nature, and a slow-paced holiday.
To see what to visit in the areas near Nai Thon in Phuket, check the pages “What to visit in Bang Tao” and “What to visit in Nai Yang”. You can find all the best places in Phuket in the sections of our website:
