Of over 600 reviews, the vast majority 78% gave Nai Yang Beach a “very good” or “excellent” rating. That says a lot! Beautiful, calm, peaceful, a stunning beach to spend an afternoon. There is deep sand and the ocean bottom close to shore is sand and small shells and rocks.

There are sometimes lifeguards present, depending whether the government renewed their contract or not. The beach is a huge curving bay that is one of the nicest beaches in Phuket. It’s long and wide, sort of like Phuket, without all the people, trash laying around, and annoying touts trying to sell you something.

There are massage shops, bamboo hut bars, Indian and Italian restaurants right at the beach now. Blue Canyon Country Club – 18 holes of golf is just 2 km (1.3 mi.) inland and receives great ratings from golfers.

Kiteboarding Asia Phuket (Kite-surfing) is at the south end of the beach – if you ever wanted to learn, and the waves are calm, this could be a great time to try!

Surfing? Yes! Nai Yang Beach is listed on our Top Phuket Surfing Spots Guide. Waves can be big here during the off-season months of May to November. A strong rip-tide occurs, which has caused deaths. Do be very careful if the water isn’t nearly flat. Reaching the best waves requires a 300-meter (328 yd.) paddle, but it’s well worth it as the sometimes-smooth waves can just roll endlessly off the shallow reef for some perfect rides. For board rental and lessons, see Saltwater Dreaming Surf Shop at Bang Tao Beach just a 10-minute drive south.

High fines possible.

With waves of any size at all, there exists strong currents which can pull people out to sea. It’s no joke on all west-facing beaches in Phuket, so take it seriously. Watch for lifeguard flags and ask what they mean if unsure.