Olive Ridley Sea Turtle (credit: natgeocreative.com)
Mai Khao Beach is part of Sirinat National Park together with Nai Yang Beach, Nai Thon Beach and Sai Kaeo Beach. At 11 km long, Mai Khao is the longest stretch of beach in Phuket. Mai Khao Beach is known for sea turtle nesting. During the nesting season of November to April, Ridley Sea Turtles will come to the shore late at night and lay eggs. As the population of nesting sea turtle is continuously declining, local authority has resorted to moving the eggs to protected hatching fields and later on releasing baby turtles back into the sea. Meanwhile, visitors can participate in the beach and reef cleanup sessions led by Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, another effort by the locals into sea turtle conservation.
There is a water theme park by the beach known as “Splash Jungle Water Park”, where you can enjoy exciting rides and slides including Boomerango, Lazy River, Superbowl, and Kids Aquarium. Not far from JW Marriott and Anantara Villas, you will come across Turtle Village, a 2-level retail shopping village specially designed for Mai Khao Beach. Here you can find art pieces, paintings, jewelleries, souvenirs, Thai silk, premium nightwear, lingerie, and so on.
If you prefer quiet time on the beach, why not visit the nearby temple “Wat Mai Khao”. Other than a beautiful main chapel, the temple is known for austerity and strict monks. In fact, Mai Khao Beach is a bit quiet and isolated compared to other Phuket beaches, probably due to its out of town location. Here you can enjoy the wide open sea and even have the beach all by yourself! However, do take note that in the low season between May and November, the sea is extremely dangerous for swimming.
| How to get there: | ||
Mai Khao Beach is located approximately 40 km away from Phuket Town. One-way taxi fare costs around THB700.
| Opening hour and entrance fee: | ||
Sirinat National Park is open daily from 6 am to 6 pm, admission fee is THB200 for adult and THB100 for child.
Splash Jungle Water Park opens daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
Turtle Village opens daily from 10 am to 9 pm.
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