The Beach - Nai Yang
Nai Yang - A sun worshipper's
guide
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The northern part of the beach is part of Sirinath
National Park and thus has no development. There are a few salas
(open sided pavilions) in which to sit if the sun or the rain get
too much and the beach has little of the commercial feel that pervades
in Patong or Karon.
This northern area is a local favourite. If you happen to drive
through on a weekend, you will see many families, groups of friends
or couple having picnic parties in the large shady areas next to
the beach.
Many food vendors usually gather along the roadside to prepare
all the classic Thai dishes, sweets, drinks and local fruits.
Further south is slightly more commercial and developed; bars and
restaurants line the middle part of the beach. This is also where
Indigo Pearl is,
the only hotel currently open. Sea turtles are occasional nocturnal
visitors who, lay their eggs in the sand at night time. If you see
any turtles or their tracks you should let your hotel know and they'll
contact Phuket Marine Biological Centre to incubate the eggs in
safety.
This is a working beach and care should be taken to stay away from
fishermen's nets and equipment. During high season, walking toward
the north will give you unique views on planes approching phuket
and landing at Phuket International
Airport.
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How to get there
Drive towards Phuket International Airport on Highway 402 and turn
left at the traffic lights for the airport. Instead of taking the
right turn at the T-junction at the end of this road go left and
then take the first right turn to Nai Yang.
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Facilities on the beach
The sunbed rental folks in Nai Yang are a particularly friendly
bunch. Sunbeds are available at the central part of the beach where
all the pizzerias, bars and seafood eateries are.
Some small tour counters can organize a longtail boat to go around
the coast or the small islands nearby.
Toilets can be found close at the back of the concrete row of shops,
there is a charge which is usually 5 baht.
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Beach Eats and Nightlife
For beach side eating, northern Nai Yang has a great choice of
small beach huts, each serving up freshly barbecued seafood. A good
pace to try something different or discover some Thai dishes you
might never see on a menu.
Further south, in front of the Indigo
Pearl, many charming beach restaurants serve Thai food, seafood
and Western favourites at reasonable prices. Many have a good selection
of dishes and offer the rare pleasure of eating barefoot in the
sand under the shade of casuarina trees, while a cool breeze keeps
temperatures down for a perfect lazy afternoon.
Later in the evening, bars remain open, and some offer a good selection
of drinks right on the beach in a very relaxed and friendly atmosphere.
Lately, some more sophisticated Italian restaurants have opened,
or if you're looking for a dinner that's a bit more stylish, try
the 'Rivet Grill' or the 'Tin Mine' at Indigo
Pearl (you can walk in from the beach side or drive in from
the airport road).
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Right up at the north end of the beach there is a reef that acts
as a natural breakwater so swimming there is safe all year round.
Masks and fins are for rent for those who wish to explore the reef.
For the rest of the beach, pay attention to red warning flags from
June to October.
Two diving schools are available in Nai Yang beach: Nautica Divers
on the beach front and Paradise Divers inside Indigo
Pearl. Diving is possible
on the nearby reef 10 minutes offshore, or take a two hours speedboat
ride to the famous Similan Island.
Surfing and Kite Surfing in Nai Yang Beach
In the central part of the beach there is a kite surfing school
, KBA: Kite Board Asia, just metres from the shoreline. The school
opens only 3 months per year, from the beginning of June to the
end of August when winds are strong enough. Some really good kite
surfing action can be enjoyed at that time. The school offers several
types of lesson, from beginner to advanced or private lessons to
improve your style.
There is a large coral reef a distant paddle from the beach that
can mean great surfing when conditions are right but don't be fooled:
it's a long way out. Low tide surfing is good also with unpredictable
banks and peaks.
Details: Slight wind with swells up to three metres. (Read
more about surfing)
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Beach Activities in Nai Yang
A huge sala (open sided building or roof on stilts) has been built
at the top of the beach, just south of Indigo Pearl Resort, for
an army of masseuses to ply their trade.
A Thai massage costs around 300 baht (Approx US$ 9), other kinds
of massage and reflexology are also available.
If you enjoy long walks, set off towards the north end of the beach,
past the picnic area and you will eventually find yourself by the
perimeter of the Phuket International Airport runway. During high
season you can take in the memorable sight of planes approaching
from the sea side to land on the runway.
If your hotel provides bicycles, the national park at the northern
end of the beach is worth a look.
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Vendors
Beach vendors ply their wares only during high season on Nai Yang.
Just a polite smile and a ‘no thank you' is enough if you
are not interested.
If you do stop a vendor please remember that you're not obliged
to buy anything! Also, don't forget to bargain the original price
down – they expect you to: and most importantly, smile!
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Hotels on the beachor near the beach
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Friendly
village atmosphere
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