Imagine a pristine beach with crystal clear water, soft white sand, and lush green hills, surrounded by a tranquil and scenic park, a serene lake, and a sacred temple. Welcome to Nai Harn Beach, Phuket's hidden gem. This beach is a perfect place to relax, unwind, and enjoy the natural beauty and charm of Thailand's largest island. Whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a cultural experience, Nai Harn Beach has something for everyone.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide to the beach and its surroundings, covering everything from how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. Read on and discover why Nai Harn Beach is one of the best beaches in Phuket.
How to Get to Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is located in the south of Phuket, about 18 km from the airport and 20 km from Patong, the main tourist hub of the island. There are several ways to reach the beach from different locations in Phuket, depending on your budget, time, and convenience. Here are some of the most common options:
- Taxi: Taking a taxi is the easiest and fastest way to get to the beach, but also the most expensive. You can find taxis at the airport, Patong, or other beaches, but make sure to negotiate the fare before you get in, as they may charge you more than the standard rate. The average cost of a taxi from the airport to the beach is about 800 baht, and from Patong to the beach is about 600 baht.
- Bus: Taking a bus is the cheapest and most eco-friendly way to get to the beach, but also the slowest and least comfortable. You can find buses at the airport, Patong, or other beaches, but they may not run frequently or on schedule, and they may stop at several places along the way. The average cost of a bus from the airport to the beach is about 200 baht, and from Patong to the beach is about 150 baht.
- Bike: Renting a bike is a great way to get to the beach if you are adventurous and confident in your driving skills, but also the most risky and challenging. You can find bike rental shops at the airport, Patong, or other beaches, but make sure to check the condition of the bike, the insurance, and the license before you rent it, as you may encounter some traffic, road, or legal issues. The average cost of renting a bike for a day is about 300 baht, and the fuel cost is about 50 baht.
- Car: Renting a car is a good way to get to the beach if you are traveling with a group or a family, but also the most complicated and hassle-free. You can find car rental shops at the airport, Patong, or other beaches, but make sure to check the condition of the car, the insurance, and the license before you rent it, as you may encounter some traffic, road, or legal issues. The average cost of renting a car for a day is about 1000 baht, and the fuel cost is about 100 baht.
What to Do at Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is not only a beautiful beach, but also a lively and diverse destination that offers a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. Here are some of the things you can do at the beach and its surroundings:
- Swimming: Nai Harn Beach is ideal for swimming, as the water is clear, calm, and warm throughout the year. The beach has a gentle slope and a sandy bottom, making it easy and safe to enter and exit the water. However, be aware of the red flags that indicate strong currents or waves, especially during the monsoon season from May to October, and follow the instructions of the lifeguards and the rescue team.
- Surfing: Nai Harn Beach is also a popular spot for surfing, as the waves are consistent, powerful, and fun, especially during the monsoon season from May to October. The beach has several breaks that suit different levels of surfers, from beginners to experts. You can rent a surfboard or take a lesson from one of the surf shops or schools near the beach, such as the Nai Harn Surf House, the Phuket Surf School, or the Saltwater Dreaming Surf Shop.
- Snorkelling: Nai Harn Beach is a great place to snorkel, as the water is clear, colorful, and rich in marine life, especially during the dry season from November to April. The best spots to snorkel are at the north and south ends of the beach, where you can find coral reefs, fish, turtles, rays, and other creatures. You can bring your own snorkelling gear or rent it from one of the vendors near the beach, such as the Nai Harn Diving Center, the Nai Harn Snorkeling, or the Nai Harn Sea World.
- Sailing: Nai Harn Beach is a perfect place to sail, as the wind is steady, the sea is calm, and the scenery is stunning, especially during the dry season from November to April. The beach has a sailing club that offers sailing courses, rentals, and tours for all ages and abilities, such as the Nai Harn Yacht Club, the Nai Harn Sailing School, or the Nai Harn Sailing Adventure. You can choose from different types of boats, such as catamarans, dinghies, or kayaks, and explore the nearby islands, such as Koh Bon, Koh Kaew, or Koh Man.
- Paddle boarding: Nai Harn Beach is an excellent place to paddle board, as the water is flat, smooth, and peaceful, especially during the dry season from November to April. The beach has a paddle board shop that offers paddle board rentals, lessons, and tours for all levels and ages, such as the Nai Harn SUP, the Nai Harn Paddle Boarding, or the Nai Harn SUP Safari. You can enjoy the views of the beach, the hills, and the islands, and spot some wildlife, such as birds, fish, or turtles.
- Sunbathing: Nai Harn Beach is a wonderful place to sunbathe, as the sun is bright, the sand is soft, and the shade is plentiful, throughout the year. The beach has a variety of sunbeds, umbrellas, and mats that you can rent for a reasonable price, or you can use your own towel or blanket. You can also find some natural shade under the trees or in the park that surrounds the beach, where you can relax and enjoy the breeze.
- Relaxing: Nai Harn Beach is a relaxing place to chill, as the atmosphere is serene, the noise is minimal, and the massage is available, throughout the year. The beach has several massage parlors that offer different types of massage, such as Thai, oil, or foot, for a cheap price, or you can get a massage on the beach from one of the vendors. You can also find some hammocks, swings, or benches that you can use to rest and unwind.
- Visiting the Nai Harn Lake and the Wat Nai Harn temple: Nai Harn Beach is not only a beach, but also a cultural and spiritual destination that has a lake and a temple that are worth visiting. The Nai Harn Lake is a large and beautiful lake that is located next to the beach, where you can enjoy the views, the birds, and the flowers, or do some activities, such as jogging, cycling, or picnicking. The Wat Nai Harn is a Buddhist temple that is located near the lake, where you can admire the architecture, the statues, and the paintings, or participate in some rituals, such as donating, blessing, or meditating. The lake and the temple are open to the public every day, but make sure to dress appropriately and respect the rules and the etiquette.
- Exploring the nearby viewpoints and beaches: Nai Harn Beach is also a convenient base to explore the nearby viewpoints and beaches that offer spectacular views and experiences. Some of the most popular ones are:
- Promthep Cape: Promthep Cape is a rocky headland that is located at the southernmost tip of Phuket, about 3 km from the beach. It is one of the best places to watch the sunset, as the sky and the sea turn into a rainbow of colors. You can also visit the lighthouse, the shrine, and the market that are located on the cape, or walk down to the small beach that is hidden below the cliffs.
- Windmill Viewpoint: Windmill Viewpoint is a hilltop that is located between Nai Harn Beach and Ya Nui Beach, about 2 km from the beach. It is one of the best places to see the panoramic view of the beach, the lake, the island, and the windmills that are used to generate electricity. You can also see some paragliders that take off from the hill and fly over the sea.
- Ya Nui Beach: Ya Nui Beach is a small and secluded beach that is located next to the Windmill Viewpoint, about 2 km from the beach. It is one of the best places to snorkel, as the water is clear, shallow, and full of coral and fish. You can also rent a kayak or a paddle board and explore the nearby island of Koh Kaew, which has a small beach and a Buddha statue.
- Rawai Beach: Rawai Beach is a long and busy beach that is located opposite to Nai Harn Beach, about 4 km from the beach. It is not a good place to swim, as the water is shallow, muddy, and full of boats, but it is a good place to experience the local culture and cuisine, as the beach is lined with seafood restaurants, bars, and shops. You can also take a longtail boat from the beach and visit the nearby islands, such as Koh Bon, Koh Hae, or Koh Racha, which have beautiful beaches and snorkelling spots.
Where to Eat at Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach has a variety of restaurants and cafes that serve different cuisines and dishes near the beach, such as Thai, Italian, seafood, pizza, pasta, salad, coffee, and cake. Whether you are looking for a quick snack, a hearty meal, or a sweet treat, you will find something to satisfy your taste buds and your budget. Here are some of the best places to eat at Nai Harn Beach:
- Nai Harn Reggae Bar: Nai Harn Reggae Bar is a casual and cozy bar that offers a range of drinks and food, such as cocktails, beers, burgers, fries, and salads. The bar has a friendly and laid-back atmosphere, with live music, pool tables, and dart boards. You can enjoy the views of the beach and the sunset from the terrace, or mingle with the locals and the expats inside. The bar is open every day from 11 am to 2 am, and the prices are reasonable, with a burger and a beer costing about 200 baht.
- Rock Salt: Rock Salt is a stylish and elegant restaurant that offers a fusion of Mediterranean and Asian cuisine, such as tapas, seafood, pasta, curry, and steak. The restaurant has a chic and modern decor, with a spacious dining area, a lounge, and a bar. You can enjoy the views of the beach and the ocean from the balcony, or relax in the comfortable sofas inside. The restaurant is open every day from 7 am to 11 pm, and the prices are moderate, with a pasta and a wine costing about 400 baht.
- Maggie and Mario's Pizzeria: Maggie and Mario's Pizzeria is a family-friendly and authentic pizzeria that offers a variety of pizzas, pastas, salads, and desserts, such as margherita, carbonara, caesar, and tiramisu. The pizzeria has a warm and welcoming ambiance, with a colorful and cozy interior, and a garden and a playground outside. You can enjoy the fresh and delicious food from the wood-fired oven, or order a delivery or a takeaway. The pizzeria is open every day from 11 am to 10 pm, and the prices are cheap, with a pizza and a soda costing about 150 baht.
- Coffee Tribe: Coffee Tribe is a trendy and hip cafe that offers a selection of coffee, tea, smoothies, and baked goods, such as espresso, latte, frappe, and muffin. The cafe has a cool and creative vibe, with a bright and spacious interior, and a wall and a counter decorated with coffee beans and cups. You can enjoy the aromatic and flavorful drinks and snacks from the barista, or browse the internet or read a book from the library. The cafe is open every day from 8 am to 6 pm, and the prices are fair, with a coffee and a muffin costing about 100 baht.
Where to Stay at Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach has a variety of accommodation options that suit different budgets and preferences near the beach, such as resorts, hotels, villas, and guesthouses. Whether you are looking for a luxurious retreat, a cozy stay, or a budget-friendly option, you will find something to match your needs and expectations. Here are some of the best places to stay at Nai Harn Beach:
- Nai Harn Resort: Nai Harn Resort is a five-star resort that offers a blend of comfort, elegance, and service, such as spacious rooms, private balconies, outdoor pools, spa, gym, and restaurants. The resort is located right on the beach, giving you direct access to the sand and the sea, and stunning views of the sunset. The resort is open every day, and the prices are high, with a deluxe room and a breakfast costing about 5000 baht.
- All Seasons Nai Harn Phuket: All Seasons Nai Harn Phuket is a four-star hotel that offers a mix of convenience, style, and value, such as modern rooms, garden views, indoor pools, sauna, fitness center, and bars. The hotel is located a few minutes walk from the beach, giving you easy access to the water and the park, and scenic views of the hills. The hotel is open every day, and the prices are moderate, with a superior room and a breakfast costing about 2000 baht.
- Baan Krating Phuket Resort: Baan Krating Phuket Resort is a three-star resort that offers a combination of nature, charm, and affordability, such as cozy rooms, wooden furniture, private terraces, outdoor pool, library, and restaurant. The resort is located on a hillside overlooking the beach, giving you a secluded and peaceful atmosphere, and breathtaking views of the ocean. The resort is open every day, and the prices are cheap, with a deluxe room and a breakfast costing about 1000 baht.
- Naiharn Garden Resort: Naiharn Garden Resort is a two-star guesthouse that offers a balance of simplicity, friendliness, and economy, such as clean rooms, air conditioning, free wifi, laundry service, and cafe. The guesthouse is located a short drive from the beach, giving you a quiet and comfortable environment, and convenient access to the attractions and the activities. The guesthouse is open every day, and the prices are fair, with a standard room and a breakfast costing about 500 baht.
Conclusion
Nai Harn Beach is one of the most beautiful and secluded beaches in Phuket, and a perfect destination for anyone who wants to enjoy the natural beauty and charm of Thailand's largest island. In this article, we have provided you with a complete guide to the beach and its surroundings, covering everything from how to get there, what to do, where to eat, and where to stay. We hope that this article has given you a comprehensive and informative overview of Nai Harn Beach, and inspired you to plan a trip or a vacation to this stunning destination. Nai Harn Beach has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a peaceful getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a cultural experience.
You will not regret visiting this hidden gem of Phuket, and you will surely fall in love with its beauty and charm. Book your tickets now and discover the beauty and the charm of Nai Harn Beach, Phuket's hidden gem.
