Visiting Mai Khao Beach
Anyone who has looked into white sand beaches, island paradises, or Thailand knows Phuket. It is the country's largest island, located roughly 900 km from Bangkok on the western side of the Malay Peninsula. It features lush natural landscapes and some of the finest coastlines in the world.
Mai Khao Beach sits in the northwestern section of the island, bordered largely by the Sirinath National Park. This keeps the surroundings wild and natural rather than crowded with mega-resorts. This expansive stretch of sand runs 10 km north from the Phuket International Airport.
Despite its beauty, Mai Khao Beach stays relatively quiet for a few reasons. The sand texture is not ideal for serious sunbathing. On top of that, the scarcity of nearby hotels keeps visitor numbers down. Add in the lack of lifeguards and a seabed that drops off sharply, and you get a spot that is far from ideal for swimming. You are much more likely to cross paths with nature lovers than sunbathers hunting for a tan. Even so, Mai Khao Beach has other major draws.
The Turtle Festival
One annual event pulls in crowds: the nesting season of leatherback turtles. These ancient creatures show up once a year to dig nests and bury their eggs in the sand. Unfortunately, sightings have dropped in recent years. To help counter this, local conservation efforts include releasing baby turtles during an official ceremony every year.
Another major draw for visitors is watching the planes. Aircraft landing at the airport make their final approach directly over the beach, passing just twenty metres above the sand, which makes for a striking spectacle.
A true beach for nature lovers.
Due to its popularity as a tourist destination, many beaches in Phuket have started to feel like vacation factories.
That is not the case for Mai Khao yet. It actually seems to me that the area is located in a protected zone.
You will be able to enjoy its white sand in peace, if you are staying in the area :)