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Naiharn Beach

Framing an idyllic bay on the island’s southwestern tip, Naiharn Beach remains one of Phuket’s most pristine waterfronts. The half-mile (1-km) long white-sand beach is flanked by green hills and lapped by turquoise waters. While nearby Naiharn Village has been modernized with cafés, art shops, and guesthouses, the beach and surrounding hills maintain a tranquil, non-commercial vibe, with hotels congregated along only one end. During the high season, a number of private yachts drop anchor in the bay, making Naiharn their temporary home.

1. Naiharn Beach

Relax under a sun umbrella, catch a tan on the powdery white sand, or wade out into the emerald waters – Naiharn Beach will satisfy even the toughest critic’s ideal of a tropical paradise.

2. Phromthep Cape

The sunsets here are very popular – crowds flock to the beach each evening to witness the multi-colored skies over the Andaman Sea at sundown. Phromthep Cape also boasts a market, restaurant, elephant shrine, and lighthouse.

3. Surfing

The gently tumbling waves and sandy shoreline here attract many boogie-boarders; the few surfers restrict themselves to the southern end of the beach.

4. Yanui Beach

Just south of Naiharn Beach, and accessible via the road that leads to Phromthep Cape, this small V-shaped stretch of sand offers seclusion amid the shade of coconut palms. Yanui Beach also has a small Thai restaurant and a few simple bungalows.

5. Naiharn Buddhist Monastery

Located behind Naiharn Beach, this spiritual center, which owns the beachfront, is said to be partly responsible for keeping the area from getting overdeveloped. The best time to visit is at dawn, when locals make merit by offering food to the monks.

6. Beachside Lunch

Shaded by a canopy of umbrellas and pine trees, the open-air restaurants at Naiharn Beach serve reasonably priced fresh fruit shakes, sandwiches, and a wide selection of Thai dishes.

7. Ao Sane Beach

With its rocky shoreline and rough slope down into the sea, Ao Sane Beach does not see hordes of swimmers. However, it is a prime spot for snorkelers who claim that the visibility and nearby corals are among the best in Naiharn.

8. Muay Thai

A number of muay thai gyms have been established in Naiharn Village. Visitors can punch some heavy bags, skip rope, and hit the pads with former professional Thai fighters.

prac_infoSinbi Muay Thai • 100/15 Moo 7, Sai Yuan Road, Rawai • 083 391 5535www.sinbi-muaythai.com

prac_infoRawai Supa Muay Thai • 43/42 Moo 7, Soi Sai Yuan, Rawai • 0766 8116

9. Windmill Viewpoint

Perched high on the hills overlooking Naiharn Beach, the Phromthep Alternative Energy Station is the ideal location for capturing the perfect beach photograph.

10. Naiharn Lake

Bicyclists and joggers enjoy the paved half-mile (1-km) long route encircling this inland freshwater lake. With sea breezes, it also makes for a pleasant picnic destination. Popular cafés and bars can be found on the lake’s northwestern shore.

Explosive Growth

Until just a few of years ago, the beach and village at Naiharn were still a quiet hideaway that not many people knew about. The sleepy village had a few open-air restaurants and guesthouses, but not much more. Later, like the rest of Phuket, a frenzy of development began as resorts, residences, and restaurants started popping up throughout the town. Today, the beach remains one of Phuket’s most beautiful, but attracts many more visitors than it did in the past.

Tip Tip: It is a long distance from Naiharn Village to the beach. Rent a car or motorbike to travel back and forth.
Tip Tip: Drink fresh, cold coconut water on the beach.
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