Peaceful Relaxing Getaway in Phuket
With its city-like downtown and hordes of noisy group tours, it’s no wonder “peaceful” doesn’t spring to mind when you think of Phuket. Almost as far as you can get from the madding crowds of Patong (an hour’s drive, to be exact), Phuket’s northwestern Mai Khao Beach could be just what you’re looking for. The island’s longest beach enjoys a pristine 11-kilometer stretch of sand within just 15-minutes’ ride of the airport, yet luckily mostly out of hearing range.
Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach starts at Sirinath National Park, right where Nai Yang Beach ends, and run for eleven kilometres to the very north of the island at Haad Sai Keow beach, close to the bridge.
What To Do
Activities on Mai Khao beach are very low key, there are no jet ski’s or banana boats. However it is a fantastic spot to relax and take in the scenery, or take long walks along the unspoilt beach. If your lucky from November to February you may see, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs, then in April the young hatchlings are released back into the sea.
Splash Jungle Water Park
Situated near Mai Khao Beach, this water park is home to hair-raising rides like the Boomerango (a dark tube with a 15-meter free fall) and the Super Bowl (a spinning slide that ends with a series of thrilling turns). For a slower pace, take a float down the Lazy River or explore the compact aquarium. Tickets B1,450 per person.
Shopping at Turtle Village
The main shopping area in Mai Khao is at Turtle Village, a boutique shopping and dining village located near the Anantara Resort.
Shopping here includes a range of Thai silk garments at Jim Thompson, swimwear and lingerie at Triumph an optician, along with other clothing stores, gifts and souvenirs.
Located in the basement is Turtle Mart a convenience store with a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits, groceries, milk, bread, pastries, snacks, drinks, beer, wine, newspapers and magazines. Opened daily from 8.30am to 9.30pm.
Where To Stay
A beachfront location along the tree-lined white sands of Mai Khao is the Anantara Resort which offers tropical getaways with its luxury private pool villa as well as 2 bedrooms apartment for family and children. It is an absolutely kids friendly hotel with a kids club that holds fun activities every hour.
Apartment
Pool Villa
Food
The hotel’s breakfast buffet spread is fabulous with a little kids’ buffet corner. You can taste southern Thai cuisine at their buffet dinner on every Tuesday.
Landscape
