Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao Beach Review

This is Phuket's northernmost beach, still a haven for leatherback turtles that lay their eggs here between November and February. It's an increasingly rare event, but one new nest was found less than two weeks after the tsunami hit.

The Marriott Resort and next-door Sirinath Marine National Park (established to protect the turtles) are the only things to occupy this beach, which connects with Nai Yang Beach, to form Phuket's longest stretch of sand. It's great for running, sunbathing, and swimming (in the hot season, although dangerous during the monsoons).