Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket with its excellent water quality. It's encompassed on both sides by jungle-covered mountains and there's a large freshwater lagoon inland.
Never overloaded, even in high season, Nai Harn's usually busier at weekends as it is popular with both Thais and expats. Many tourists who come to Phuket never make it to this wonderful stretch of sand. At the southern end the lagoon flows into the sea, creating a stream that children love to play in.

All year round the water is a comfortable 29°C. Flat lake-like crystal-clear water invites you for a dip November to May.

From June to October on occasion there can be days where larger waves attract surfers and prevent swimming however these days aren't very common.

How to get there

From Patong Beach: Located in the south of the island, Nai Harn is a 20 minute drive.

Take the beach road through Karon and Kata and turn right at the Kata Beach Resort. Pass the Boathouse Wine & Grill then take a sharp turn left up the hill.

Pursue this road for five kilometres down into Nai Harn Village and follow the signs to the beach. There is a large parking lot next to the Buddhist temple and shaded parking on the beach side of the temple.

Facilities on the Beach

Sunbeds line the entire length of Nai Harn Beach. Sunbed vendors rent a set of two sunbeds, a table and an umbrella for 200 baht per day.

There are public toilets at the north end by the shops and the centrally located beach restaurants will usually allow you to use theirs for a small charge.

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Beach Eats

In many ways you're spoilt for choice when it comes to food at Nai Harn.

You can order sandwiches, ice creams, cut fruit and a range of drinks that includes beer, soft drinks and juices directly from your sunbed rental people, so you don't even have to interrupt your tanning.

There's a wealth of choices at restaurants that line the top of the beach. Most are very reasonably priced and have menus that seem to go on forever. Pretty much any Thai dish you could want will be available in addition to many international favourites.

Watersports in Nai Harn

Some of the best snorkeling in Phuket can be found in front of Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club. Snorkeling opportunities stretch all the way out past Ao Sane (a small beach to the end of the bay). Equipment can be rented easily on the beach or bought at the nearby shops.

From May to October at the northern end of the beach, the waves are a little small for surfing but the perfect size for boogie boarding. Kids love to spend the whole day riding the waves in a relatively safe environment and it doesn't take long to learn. Boards can be bought in the shops around Nai Harn Beach or rented from the sunbed rental people.

Although generally quieter than the other beaches in Phuket, rental jetskis do make an appearance from time to time.

Surfing in Nai Harn Beach

At the south end of this beach there is a permanent sandbank that gives a good and often fast ride, even in the smallest swells. At the northern end (right next to Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club) there is a beach-and-reef break in the corner. This break can hold large swells and can at times get pretty potent.

Details: Winds are variable with waves up to three metres. (Read more about surfing)

Beach Activities

Apart from sunbathing the main activities in Nai Harn Beach are water based but there is a volleyball net which is used frequently, if you fancy a game just join in, anyone can play.

As it's so picturesque, the whole area is popular with joggers. A lap around the lake with a leg including the whole length of the beach is around 2.5km (1.5 miles).

Beach Vendors

Beach vendors are frequent visitors to Nai Harn Beach and they'll have you buying all sorts of gift shop type wares given half the chance.

A polite 'no thank you' is all that's required if you're not interested. Should you wish to look at something on offer you're not obliged to make a purchase. You'll need to bargain the original asking price down - they expect you to - and please remember to smile when doing so. A smile greases many a financial transaction in Thailand.

Hotels located directly on the beach

• Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club

To Kata Noi Beach

To Rawai Beach