The area around Phuket International Airport offers considerably more than you’d expect—quiet beaches just minutes away, plane spotting that rivals St. Maarten’s famous Maho Beach, and genuinely good Thai restaurants tucked in unlikely places.
I’ve spent various amounts of time here over the years (long layovers, early flights, late arrivals) and discovered that Naiyang Beach and Mai Khao Beach are lovely escapes if you’ve got a few hours, the plane spotting is genuinely thrilling if you’re into that sort of thing, and staying here overnight before early flights makes considerably more sense than battling traffic from Patong at 4am.
What makes this area work is the proximity—everything’s within 5-15 minutes of the airport, the beaches are considerably quieter than southern Phuket, and you’re in Sirinat National Park territory, which means protected coastline and that authentic local feeling.
Table of Contents
Things to do near Phuket International Airport
The Beaches (Better Than You’d Think)
Naiyang Beach (The Best Option Near Airport)
Just 5-10 minutes from the airport, Naiyang Beach offers proper beach experience without the Patong chaos. As part of Sirinat National Park, it’s protected from overdevelopment—you’ll find casuarina trees providing natural shade, clean sand, shallow water perfect for swimming (during dry season), and that peaceful atmosphere returning travellers seek out.
The beach stretches about 2 kilometres with local restaurants, small bars, dive shops, and Thai massage parlours along the parallel road. It’s authentically local rather than tourist-manufactured, which means better prices and genuine Thai food.
What to Do
Swimming and sunbathing (November-April for best conditions), snorkelling (coral reefs offshore), beach massage (300 baht), kitesurfing during monsoon season (May-October when waves pick up), and simply relaxing under the trees with a book.
The restaurants here serve excellent Thai food at reasonable prices—Sea Almond Restaurant and The Good View are particularly good for beachfront dining. Black Ginger at The Slate hotel offers upscale Thai in stunning surroundings if you want something special.
Solo travellers will find Naiyang comfortable—it’s safe, easy to navigate, and the relaxed atmosphere means you’re not dealing with aggressive vendors or party crowds.
Mai Khao Beach (The Longest and Quietest)
Phuket’s longest beach (11 kilometres) stretches north from the airport. It’s considerably quieter than Naiyang—much of it remains deserted even during high season. The sand is coarser than southern beaches, and it’s not ideal for snorkelling (deep water, limited coral), but it delivers authentic tranquility and space.
The southern end near the airport runway is where plane spotting happens (more on that below). The northern stretches are home to luxury resorts (JW Marriott, Anantara) and very little else—genuinely peaceful if that’s what you’re after.
Swimming Caution
May to October brings strong currents and high waves. Red flags go up regularly during monsoon season—respect them. November to February offers calm, clear water for safe swimming.
Sea Turtle Nesting
Mai Khao is one of few remaining sea turtle nesting sites in Phuket. November to February, you might witness nesting or join conservation programmes through Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation.
Plane Spotting (The Main Attraction)
The southern end of Mai Khao Beach, right at the airport runway’s end, has become Phuket’s version of St. Maarten’s Maho Beach. Planes descend incredibly low over the sand for landing—the experience of a Boeing 777 roaring overhead is genuinely thrilling.
Best Viewing
Naiyang Beach actually offers better landing views than Mai Khao—planes come in slower, giving more time for photos. Mai Khao delivers the dramatic takeoff experience with powerful jet blast (hold onto your hat).
Important Notes
- Photography on the beach under flight paths is allowed
- Do NOT climb fences or enter restricted zones (it’s illegal)
- Respect safety barriers and local rules
- Be prepared for serious wind/sand blast during takeoffs
It’s touristy and a bit silly, but genuinely fun if you appreciate aviation. The photo opportunities are excellent, and the beach setting makes it considerably more pleasant than industrial plane-spotting locations.
Other Nearby Activities
Sirinat National Park
Naiyang and Mai Khao beaches form part of Sirinat National Park. You can explore coastal trails, spot wildlife, visit the park headquarters for information about local ecology, and enjoy protected beaches free from commercial development.
Entrance: Some days require park entrance fees (nominal amount). The protected status means no beach loungers or vendors on Mai Khao—bring your own towel.
Splash Jungle Water Park
Located on Mai Khao Beach near the airport, this family-friendly water park offers slides for various ages, pools, lazy rivers, and on-site dining. It’s not massive, and pricing is on the higher side, but it works well for families with a few hours to fill or staying nearby.
Soi Dog Foundation
About 15 minutes from the airport, this rescue centre has been saving and rehoming street dogs and cats since 2003. You can visit, volunteer, donate, or potentially adopt. It’s genuinely moving if you’re an animal lover, and they welcome visitors.
Wat Mongkol Waranarm (Wat Nai Yang)
This historic temple near Naiyang Beach serves as the spiritual centre for the Sakhu Subdistrict community. The architecture is beautiful, monks are welcoming to respectful visitors, and it offers cultural insight away from tourist attractions.
Sarasin Bridge & Phuket Gateway
Sarasin Bridge connects Phuket to mainland Thailand. The nearby Phuket Gateway offers public space with modern architecture, sculptures, and tributes to sea turtles. It’s worth a quick stop if you’re driving past, though not a destination in itself.
Blue Canyon Country Club
World-class golf about 20 minutes from the airport. Two championship courses, personal caddies, and facilities that justify the green fees if you’re serious about golf.
Where to Stay Near Airport
Budget Options
Phuket Airport Hotel is literally the closest to the airport (quarter mile) with minimal airport noise despite proximity. Free shuttle service, basic but clean rooms, perfect for early flights or late arrivals.
Himaphan Boutique Resort (5 minutes from airport) offers better accommodation than typical airport hotels—walking distance to Naiyang Beach, free WiFi, resort feel without resort prices.
Perennial Resort provides free 24-hour airport pickup service and sits close to Naiyang Beach. Good mid-range option.
Mid-Range & Upscale
The Slate Phuket (Naiyang Beach) features industrial-chic design against natural beach backdrop. Proper resort with multiple restaurants, pools, and Black Ginger Thai restaurant on private island.
Phuket Marriott Resort Nai Yang Beach offers Marriott quality with beachfront location, multiple dining options, spa, and family-friendly facilities.
Luxury
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao Beach) delivers five-star luxury with award-winning spa, multiple restaurants including Japanese teppanyaki and Italian cuisine, and tranquil Mai Khao Beach setting.
Anantara Mai Khao Villas provides villa accommodation with private pools, beachfront fine dining (Sea.Fire.Salt), and that exclusive Anantara atmosphere.
Getting There & Around
From Airport
- Walk (10 minutes to Naiyang Beach area hotels)
- Hotel shuttle (many nearby hotels offer free pickup)
- Taxi (50-100 baht to nearby beaches)
- Grab works in this area
Car Hire
Hiring a car makes sense if you’re exploring the area or want flexibility. Diamond Phuket Airport Scooter & Motorbike Rental offers two-wheel options.
To Other Phuket Areas
- Patong/Kata/Karon: 45-60 minutes by car
- Phuket Old Town: 30-40 minutes
Visa & Insurance
Check Thailand visa requirements. Travel insurance covers general trip issues.
Where to Eat
Local Thai
- Lertrod Kitchen (next to airport) serves authentic Southern Thai food in modest surroundings—perfect pre-departure meal
- The Good View (Naiyang Beach) offers beachfront Thai cuisine at reasonable prices
- Sea Almond Chilled Restaurant & Bar (Naiyang) serves Thai and international food with beach views
Resort Dining
- Black Ginger (The Slate) – Upscale Thai on private island
- Sea.Fire.Salt (Anantara) – Fresh seafood and premium meats with ocean views
- Cucina (JW Marriott) – Authentic Italian with weekend buffets
- Benihana (JW Marriott) – Japanese teppanyaki with chef show
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
The Phuket airport area surprises people—instead of industrial wasteland, you get national park beaches, excellent Thai food, and genuinely pleasant coastal atmosphere. It works brilliantly for early flights or late arrivals, but it’s also worth considering as your base if you prefer quiet beaches over Patong’s intensity.
The plane spotting is fun, Naiyang Beach is lovely, and staying here means avoiding traffic stress while still accessing the rest of Phuket within an hour’s drive.
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