Mai Khao

Mai Khao (หาดไม้ขาว Hat Mai Khao) is a beach on the northwestern coast of Phuket, Thailand. It's commonly called Airport Beach or Sa Nam Bin Beach (the (Thai) word for "airport"), as it's very close to the airport. The northern portion is known as Hat Sai Khao (หาดทรายแก้ว), a long sandy beach with groves of Casuarina trees along the shore.

Travel to Mai Khao Beach

Public transport is very limited or even non-existent from the airport and unless you understand and speak (Thai) it is easier just to get a taxi which takes about 20 minutes to the village or any of the resorts along the beach.

Mai Khao Beach is easily accessible from Highway 402. There are few public roads but if you only want to see the beach the best way is to follow the signs to Turtle Village and carry on past the large hotels and you will find yourself on the quietest beach on Phuket. This is part of the national park, but you will not be charged for entry or parking in this area. From the village there is a road that leads directly to the beach via Khao Dream Resort.

How to get around in Mai Khao Beach

Ignore the taxi and hotel agents as you arrive at Phuket International Airport and walk a short distance just to the right of the building. There you will see a "Taxi Meter" kiosk where you will be able to get a taxi for a realistic price. It should cost no more than 700 to 1100 Baht (less than USD 40) including a 100 Baht airport tax. Journey time is around 20-30 minutes. Some hotels in Mai Khao will offer transfers which are highly recommended.

There are local buses that will take you to Phuket town for only 120 Baht each way. You will have to either walk to Highway 402 (about 2 kilometers) or get a lift from someone. Most of the local people are friendly and will go out of their way to help you and do not expect anything in return.

The bus journey takes about 90 minutes to town and is an experience in itself but is reliable and affordable. Do not expect a luxurious journey unless you are willing to pay. You can also board a bus from the main highway to Phang Nga, Krabi, Surat Thani and other nearby towns. Long distances such as Bangkok will usually require that you have paid for a ticket in advance at the bus station in Phuket or from a travel agent.

Motorbike and vehicle hire is readily available all over Phuket and best to arrange near the airport as there are many hire shops around there making the prices more competitive. A small automatic motorbike should cost a maximum of 300 Baht/day and cars such as a new Honda Jazz or small saloon around 1,000 Baht/day including insurance. Note that you will not be insured unless you have a full driving license accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) covering the type of vehicle you wish to hire. The IDP must be applied for in your own country where you hold a full driving license. It usually costs little. Also make sure you have Travel Insurance.

What to see in Mai Khao Beach

The beach area from Nai Yang to Sarasin bridge which includes Mai Khao is part of Sirinat National Park. In the undeveloped areas you will see many plants and fauna including rare species of birds, lizards, snakes, fish, and marine life.

Top Muslim Travel Tips for Mai Khao Beach

If you want shopping, Mai Khao Beach is definitely not for you unless you are willing to travel about 1 hour each way. Patong or one of the other beaches south of the airport is more suitable for such activities. Being in the north and most undeveloped part of the island Mai, Khao is a great place to stay if you like nature and long walks on the beach or just relaxing. The sea here is not safe for swimming in low season between May-November. The best time for calm seas is around January. This is also one of the busiest months and it's a good idea to book well in advance.

Muslim Friendly Shopping in Mai Khao Beach

Halal Restaurants in Mai Khao Beach

All the resorts have their own restaurants on-site but Halal food food meed to be booked well in advance.

Local restaurants are the best for value and taste and should not be avoided and some are Muslim owned. Some of the best are right on the beach just before Sarasin Bridge. Here you can eat authentic local food by the sea in a bamboo sala which is all freshly cooked unlike some of the hotels further south. Not a microwave oven in sight, just good authentic home cooking with generally good service even though English is limited.

If you are a bit more adventurous the world is really your lobster! Many villagers will put a few tables outside their house and sell various local food which is affordable and very tasty. Around Mai Khao village there are also local markets open in the afternoons every day of the week where you can buy fresh produce for cooking in your apartment or barbecued Snacks to eat on the spot and hoards of fresh fruit of every variety.

Muslim Friendly hotels in Mai Khao Beach

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