Ya Nui Beach (South Phuket, near Nai Harn Beach)
Ya Nui lies in the shadow of two of Phuket's loveliest viewpoints;
Phrom Thep and the viewpoint featuring large white windmill/propeller
power generators.
It's a charming little cove featuring good snorkeling, kayaking
and fishing. During high season there is a line of sun loungers
for hire (200 baht a set) as well as a stand that rents out masks,
fins, kayaks and body boards for very reasonable prices.
At this time of year there is also an ad hoc restaurant. The sand
is beautifully soft and children love to collect shells on this
beach.
An island called Koh Keyao Noi stands 700 metres out in the sea
and in calm weather yachts moor just off the coast and it is possible
to paddle out to explore the coral or to pay a visit to neighbouring
Nai Harn. In rougher weather local fishermen climb the rocky promontory
to cast off or simply brave the waves with casting nets.
How to get there
There are three approaches to Ya Nui. One, from Nai Harn, is made
by driving south over the hill, passing the propeller viewpoint
and down into the beach. From inland, a road leads from Rawai - simply keep going straight
when the main Rawai-Phrom Thep road swings left and carry on through
to the beach. The other way is to descend the north side of Phrom
Thep and you'll soon be in Ya Nui
Facilities on the beach
You can hire snorkeling gear on the beach itself. The northern
part of this compact (300 metre) beach is good for swimming and
body boarding but is a little rocky towards its southern end. You can hire a set of sun loungers for 200 baht in high season
and beachgoers often lunch or dine at a local bamboo restaurant
in the car park. Across the road at the bungalow complex there are
toilets available. Ya Nui is fairly busy in high season so ambulant
vendors frequent it, selling merchandise such as textiles, toys,
freshly cut fruit and souvenirs
Beach eats
In high season there are two restaurants here and vendors pass
by with fruit and snacks. There are shops and restaurants 500 metres
down the road towards Rawai.
Beach activities
There is good snorkeling a few metres out and many people hire
a kayak and paddle to Koh Keyao Noi where the snorkeling is even
better. If there is a bit of a swell, body boarding is popular at
the beach's northern end. Beach massage is available at reasonable
prices.
Where to stay in Ya Nui Beach
There are two bungalow set ups on the other side of the road, Yanui
Bungalows and Nai Ya Bungalow. Further up the road towards Rawai there is a cheap guesthouse called
Last Paradise. If your tastes run towards the luxurious, next-door
Nai Harn Beach features Le
Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club, Mangosteen
Resort & Spa and Evason
Phuket Resort & Spa is also not far away. |
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