Sirinat National Park
A rugged and pristine beachfront, lined by pine trees, runs along Phuket’s northwest coast and marks three largely undeveloped beaches: Mai Khao, Nai Yang, and Nai Thon. Founded in 1981, Sirinat National Park covers an area of 35 sq miles (90 sq km), of which more than three quarters is marine territory. The clean blue waters feature large, healthy coral reefs, and Mai Khao Beach, in particular, has become a well-known sea turtle nesting site. At the northern end of Sirinat is a small, but unspoiled, mangrove forest.
1. Visitor Center
Located at the southern end of Mai Khao Beach, the Visitor Center provides useful information, including maps. It rents out tents, as well as inexpensive bungalows at the northern end of Nai Yang Beach.
Visitor Center • 89/1 Moo 1, Baan Nai Yang • 07632 7152 • open 8:30am–4:30pm daily • www.dnp.go.th/index_eng.asp
2. Sea Turtles
Giant sea turtles return to Mai Khao Beach every year between November and March to lay their eggs. The creatures are a fascinating sight. If you spot a turtle on the beach, do not disturb it or touch its eggs.Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation • 07631 4825 • Adm B100 • www.maikhaomarineturtlefoundation.org
3. Mangroves
A mangrove forest can be found at the northern end of Mai Khao Beach. These unique trees, with their tangled roots visible above the shoreline, are crucial in maintaining the ecological balance.
4. Nature Trail
An elevated walkway at the northern end of Mai Khao Beach guides visitors in a circular loop through the mangrove forest, with signs pointing out exotic plant species, including mountain ebony, black myrsina, red cycas, and Lady’s Nails quisqualis.
5. Mai Khao Beach
Phuket’s longest beach is a thin, undulating stretch of sand that slopes steeply down into the sea. Lined with magnificent old screw pines, and featuring very little intrusive development, the beach remains one of the island’s natural wonders.
6. Upmarket Resorts
The beaches of northern Phuket are home to upscale resort properties that harmonize marvelously with the national park surroundings. The JW Marriott, Sala Phuket, and Anantara, among others, offer 5-star luxury amid splendid natural scenery.
7. Camping on Nai Yang Beach
Bring your own tent to this beautiful beach or rent one, priced at B225 per night, from the national park’s Visitor Center. You can also rent bedding and sleeping mats. The well-kept campgrounds offer toilet and shower facilities.
8. Nai Thon Beach
This quiet beach north of Bang Tao has managed to retain its sleepy and natural feel despite the development of better road access. Small coral reefs located off either tip of the beach provide great opportunities for snorkeling, and the water is generally calm.
9. Snorkeling
There are enjoyable opportunities for snorkeling near the rocky headlands at both ends of Nai Yang Beach. Vendors rent masks, fins, and snorkels along the beach. Keep your eyes peeled for colorful schools of fish while snorkeling.
10. Scuba Diving
There is an interesting scuba diving site off the coast of northern Phuket. An old tin dredger that sunk off the coast of Ko Waew is reachable via a short boat ride from Nai Thon Beach. The 164-ft (50-m) long wreck rests at a depth of 53 ft (16 m).Paradise Diving • 116 Moo 5, Sakoo Village, Thalang • 07632 8278 • Adm B3,290 (Ko Waeo and Tin Mining Wreck) • www.dive-paradise.com
Turtle Conservation
The Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation, along with several Mai Khao Beach resorts, releases dozens of green turtles into the Andaman Sea each year to raise money and awareness for the endangered sea turtles. The conservation effort also includes beach and reef cleaning projects. However, the number of turtles returning to Mai Khao Beach has dwindled; conservationists hope to preserve the area as an annual nesting site.
Tip: If you cannot afford luxury resorts, pitch a tent on the beach. Tip: Local seafood restaurants along Route 402 serve excellent fresh fish.
