Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Sirinat National Park
Comprising the exceptional beaches of Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao, as well as the
former Nai Yang National Park and Mai Khao wildlife reserve,
Sirinat National Park
(
0
8am-5pm)
encompasses 22 sq km of coastal land,
7632 8226;
www.dnp.go.th
;
adult/child 200/100B;
plus 68 sq km of sea.
The whole area is 15 minutes or less from Phuket International Airport, which makes it
particularly convenient for a first stop after a long trip. This is one of the sweetest slices of
the island.
Sights & Activities
If you're after a lovely arc of fine golden sand, away from the buzz of Phuket busyness,
Hat Nai Thon
is it. One of the best beaches on the island, swimming is exceptional here ex-
cept at the height of the monsoon, and there is some coral near the headlands at either end
of the bay. The closest ATM is in Nai Yang, so stock up on baht before you come. There
are a handful of beach restaurants strung along the sand.
Hat Nai Yang's
bay is sheltered by a reef that slopes 20m below the surface - which makes
for both good snorkelling in the dry season and fantastic surfing in the monsoon season.
Along the dirt road at the very southern end is a seemingly endless strip of seafood res-
taurants, beach bars and, oddly enough, tailor shops. It's all refreshingly rough around the
edges.
Hat Nai Yang is also a great place to go kiteboarding. Three fine operators with offices
here are
Bob's Kite School Phuket
(
www.kiteschoolphuket.com
; Nai Yang; 1hr discovery lesson 1000B, 3hr course
3300B)
,
Kiteboarding Asia
( 08 1591 4594;
www.kiteboardingasia.com
; lessons from 4000B)
and
Kite Zone
(
08 3395 2005;
www.kitesurfingphuket.com
; 1hr beginner lessons from 1100B; half-day lesson 4400B;
May-late-Oct)
.
About 5km north of Hat Nai Yang is
Hat Mai Khao
, Phuket's longest beach. Sea turtles
lay their eggs here between November and February. Take care when swimming, as
there's a strong year-round undertow. Except on weekends and holidays, you'll have this
place almost to yourself.
Sleeping & Eating
