Sirinat National Park

Sirinat National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติสิรินาถ) covers 90 km² of protected coastal land stretching along Phuket's northwestern coastline to the island's northern tip. The park encompasses the quiet beaches of Nai Thon (หาดในทอน) and Nai Yang (หาดในยาง), along with mangrove forests, pine-shaded park headquarters, and an offshore coral reef that serves as habitat for sea turtles. The park headquarters are located at Nai Yang, where shady pine trees provide a relaxed setting for swimming and picnicking.

Nai Thon sits at the foot of high hills with a fine strip of sand and good swimming. Nai Yang is a narrow beachfront strip of low-rise hotels and restaurants with a subdued, family-friendly atmosphere — free of the sleaze common to many Thai beach resorts. Because of the park's proximity to Phuket International Airport (the runway is adjacent), development is limited and the beaches remain relatively unspoiled. The best time to visit is November–April; the rainy season (May–October) is very quiet and brings greener landscapes.

By Plane

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is immediately adjacent to Sirinat National Park — it is the closest destination on the island to the airport. A taxi from the airport to Nai Yang or Nai Thon costs about 300 baht (15 min). Walking from the airport terminal is not practical as the road requires a circuitous route.

By Car / Road

The park entrance is a short drive north from Phuket Town (30 km, about 35 min) along Thepkrasattri Road (Route 402). From Patong, it is a 40-minute drive (25 km) heading north past Kamala and Surin. Nai Yang is well signposted from the airport road.

The park and the two beach villages are compact and walkable. Bicycles can be rented for around 200 baht per day. Motorbike rental is 300 baht per day in high season. Short taxi rides within the area (e.g. to your accommodation on the main road) start at 150 baht — negotiate the price.

• Nai Yang Beach — The main beach within the park, backed by pine trees and protected by an offshore coral reef. Calm, clear water ideal for swimming. The park headquarters are at the south end.

• Nai Thon Beach — A quieter, more secluded beach at the foot of high hills. Good swimming and fewer visitors.

• Sirinat Mangrove Forest — 320 acres of protected mangrove forest at the island's northern tip. A nature trail with interpretive signs has been cleared for visitors.

• Offshore Coral Reef — A large reef system off Nai Yang that serves as a marine habitat and is slowly recovering from the 2004 tsunami. Good snorkelling from the lifeguard post area (no park entrance fee if you walk in from the beach).

• Airplane Viewing — The airport runway runs parallel to the park, making this a surprising spot for planespotting — aircraft pass low overhead on final approach.

• Swimming — The calmer waters at Nai Yang and Nai Thon are safer for swimming than many of Phuket's west-coast beaches. Swim in front of the lifeguard stations.

• Snorkelling — Off Nai Yang beach near the lifeguard post. Fish and coral are present; equipment can be rented from beachside vendors.

• Kite Surfing — Summer season (May–October) brings steady enough winds for kite surfing. KBA and Kitezone offer lessons and gear rental. There are waves on one side of the lagoon and flat water with reef break on the other.

• Massage — Simple massage huts on the beach offer Thai massage for 250–350 baht per hour.

• Mangrove Nature Trail — Walk the boardwalk through the protected mangrove forest at the northern end of the park. Free.

• Phen's Restaurant Bar & Coffee — Nai Yang Beach, +66 81 8959489. Daily 10:00–21:00. Beachfront dining with Thai and Western food. Mains 200–2,400 baht.
• Nai Yang Coffee and Meal — Nai Yang Beach, +66 89 205 9716. Thai and Western food with a selection of coffees. Mains around 160 baht.
• Green Home Made Pizza — Nai Yang Beach. Great sunset view with wood-fired pizzas around 200 baht.
• Beachfront Tents — Small informal restaurants set up on the sand along both Nai Thon and Nai Yang beaches. Tables and chairs on the sand, plastic settings, but often the best local food. Mains from 70 baht. Service can be slow but the setting is unbeatable.

• Sunset Beach Bar — Nai Yang Beach. A relaxing spot with tea beds on the sand, perfect for watching the sunset with a cold beer.
• Beachfront bars serve beer and cocktails at reasonable prices. The park setting means things close earlier than in Patong — nightlife is quiet. Tap water is not safe; bottled water is available everywhere.

• Budget: Pensiri House (112 Moo 5, Nai Yang, near Indigo Pearl, +66 81 8959489, 500+ baht) — clean guesthouse with air-con, a 5-min walk from the beach. Advance reservation recommended.
• Mid-range: The Angel of Naithon (+66 81 8309628) — traditional Thai-style private bungalows around a pool, a short walk from Nai Thon Beach.
• Upscale: Indigo Pearl (Nai Yang, from 4,000 baht) — a luxury design hotel near the airport with a superb pool, spa, and industrial-chic decor inspired by Phuket's tin-mining heritage. The Slate (adjacent to Indigo Pearl, from 5,000 baht) — another high-end resort with multiple pools and award-winning dining.

Nai Yang has a few small shops and minimarkets selling snacks, beach gear, and souvenirs. There is a 7-Eleven on the main road. For serious retail, Phuket Town is 30 minutes south. The main commodity here is relaxation — not shopping.

• Phuket Airport (5 min by taxi, 300 baht) — International and domestic departures.
• Phuket Town (30 km south, 35 min) — Historic Old Town with Sino-Portuguese architecture, markets, and museums.
• Patong (25 km south, 40 min by taxi) — Phuket's nightlife and entertainment hub.
• Kamala (20 km south, 30 min) — A quiet beach village with the Phuket FantaSea theme park.
• Surin Beach (15 km south, 25 min) — An upmarket beach with trendy restaurants and high-end resorts.