Mai Khao Beach Hotels & Resorts

Touch down at Phuket Airport and head south to the best beaches—that's what you're supposed to do right? Think again because one of the most secluded and nicest beaches might just be closer to the airport than you think. Mai Khao is 11 kilometres of fantastic beach tucked away in the North West of Phuket and it's still yet to be tainted by mass commercialism so get there quick.

Seclusion is a rare thing on an island as popular as Phuket and it can only be found in a few places—Mai Khao is definitely one of those places. This is a vision of the tropics as you hope they would look. The sand stretches for miles, palms sway in the background, barely another person can be seen and the sea is begging for you to swim in it. There are a few big-name Mai Khao resorts already here but on the whole the area has yet to be overtaken by accommodation. Part of the reason for this is because Mai Khao is actually part of Sirinat National Park and as a result much of the land is protected. The National Park is a fantastic attraction in itself, spread over 90 sq kilometres and comprising a saltwater mangrove forest, a nature trail with a huge wooden walking platform and a variety of plants and animals.

Mai Khao also avoids the noise of jet skis and other distractions that are more common down south but if you do fancy an alternative to the lazy beach lifestyle encouraged here, there is Splash Jungle Waterpark. Perfect for kids and families seeking an afternoon of entertainment on waterslides.