Attraction
Phuket Big Buddha
A 45-metre marble-clad Buddha on Nakkerd Hill above Chalong, with free entry and wide views over Kata, Chalong Bay and the south of the island.
Sirinat National Park
A coastal national park in north-west Phuket around the airport, protecting Nai Yang, Mai Khao and Nai Thon beaches, mangroves and offshore coral reefs.
At a glance
- Type
- National park and beaches
- Area
- Nai Yang / Mai Khao, Phuket, Thailand
Good to know
- Beaches
- Mangroves
- Coral reefs
- Turtle nesting area
Why we recommend it
Sirinat National Park protects a long strip of Phuket's north-west coast, from Nai Thon in the south up past Nai Yang to Mai Khao, the island's longest beach. It was declared Thailand's 32nd national park in 1981 under the name Nai Yang National Park and was renamed Sirinat in 1992. Of its 90 square kilometres, around 68 are marine, covering coral reefs that lie between 700 metres and a kilometre offshore. It is run by the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
The appeal here is a quieter, greener side of Phuket. Nai Yang is a sheltered bay near the airport, Mai Khao is a long, open stretch of sand running north, and Nai Thon is a smaller bay to the south. Behind the coast there is a patch of about one square kilometre of mangrove forest where freshwater meets the sea, with red, white and black mangroves, cannonball mangroves and several other species. Visitor numbers are modest by Phuket standards: the park recorded about 51,000 visitors in 2019.
The beaches of Mai Khao and Nai Yang are nesting areas for sea turtles, which lay their eggs between November and February. If you are lucky enough to come across a nest or hatchlings, keep your distance, avoid lights at night and follow any instructions from park staff. The reefs offshore are home to plate and soft corals, sea fans and anemones, and snorkelling is possible when the sea is calm in the dry season.
The park suits families, couples and anyone who wants space rather than nightlife. Swimming conditions are best from roughly December to April; in the monsoon months waves and currents can be strong. Bring water and sun protection, as facilities on the longer beaches are limited, and take your rubbish with you.
Because the park wraps around Phuket International Airport, it is the easiest place to spend a few hours on the first or last day of a trip. It lies around 30 kilometres north of Phuket Town in Thalang District, and the resorts at Nai Yang and Mai Khao give quick access to the airport. A car or taxi is the practical way to get here.
Sirinat National Park FAQs
Where is Sirinat National Park?
On Phuket's north-west coast around the airport, about 30 kilometres north of Phuket Town.
Which beaches are in the park?
Nai Yang, Mai Khao and Nai Thon, among others; Mai Khao is Phuket's longest beach.
When do turtles nest there?
Sea turtles lay eggs on Mai Khao and Nai Yang between November and February.
Is there snorkelling?
Coral reefs lie 700 to 1,000 metres offshore and can be snorkelled when the sea is calm.
When is the best time to swim?
In the dry season, roughly December to April; the monsoon months bring rough seas.
Who manages the park?
The Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation.
Is it close to the airport?
Yes, the park surrounds Phuket International Airport, so it suits a first or last day.
How do I get there?
By car or taxi; there is no rail link and few bus options on this part of the island.