If you’re planning a trip to Phuket you’ve surely seen pictures of the stunning beaches! From long sandy stretches of sand to secluded coves out of your wildest dreams, there is something for every beach lover in Phuket. On the Southern tip of Phuket sits two of the most beautiful beaches on the island… And the good news is they’re right next to each other! Join us as we take you to paradise in Phuket Thailand on a trip to Yanui and Nai Harn Beach.
How to Get to Yanui & Nai Harn Beach Phuket
As we just mentioned, one of the best parts about these two beaches is how close they are to each other. In fact, Yanui beach is just around the corner from Nai Harn. By motorbike or car, they are just 5 minutes apart!
The closest big town to Nai Harn Beach Phuket is Rawai. However, it is easily accessible from the gorgeous Kata Beach & Kata Noi Beach and only a little bit further of a drive from Patong.
Yanui Beach Phuket
Yanui Beach is a small swimming cove in Phuket that you can’t miss on your trip to the island! Due to its size, we recommend going early in the day to avoid the crowds. There are 2 sides to Ya Nui Beach separated by a small rock jetting out into the ocean.
The clear blue waters make for a great snorkeling spot as you’ll see plenty of fish at Yanui Beach. There is also a restaurant across the street that serves both traditional Thai and Western food for lunch.
→ 15 Best Beaches in Phuket Thailand For Your Next Vacation
Nai Harn Beach Phuket
Once you head up the hill from Yanui you’ll be greeted by an incredible view of the coastline. Directly to the left will be the one and only Nai Harn Beach! Head down the hill and past Nai Harn Lake to get to the multiple parking areas along the beach.
Once you arrive you will quickly see what all the hype is about. The long white sands of Nai Harn Beach are immaculate, and the water is crystal clear. Light waves roll in all day and there are plenty of chairs with umbrellas for rent for some shade.
We love grabbing fresh coconuts from the local stand and taking in the views of one of Phuket’s most jaw-dropping beaches! On the far right end of the beach, there is a mini-mart with cheap drinks available. If you go past the Nai Harn hotel there is some rocks to sit on for a unique view of the ocean.
→ What’s Thai Food? 40 Delicious Dishes & Drinks You Must Try!
Where to Stay on Nai Harn Beach
5 Star Resort – The Nai Harn – Known as one of the best hotels in not just Phuket, but all of Thailand! Enjoy amazing beach and sea views from luxury rooms. If you ever want to leave you will be literally steps from one of the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Budget Traveler – Naiharn On The Rock Resort Phuket – Right next door the ultra-luxurious Nai Harn is a more basic accommodation. Great choice if you want to be near this beach but for a low price.
Things do at Yanui & Nai Harn Beach
There are plenty of fun activities to enjoy at both of these beaches. The water is extremely calm and clear which makes it the perfect area for a variety of water sports. Here are some of our favorite things to do at Yanui and Nai Harn Beach in Phuket Thailand!
Snorkel: Both of these beaches are popular places to snorkel on Phuket! Enjoy swimming around and taking in the amazing tropical island fish.
Kayak: Rent kayaks on the beach for as little as 100 Baht and paddle around the different coves.
SUP: Stand-up paddleboarding is another great way to get out on the water! Work all those muscles as you get a different experience than you would from a boat.
Relax: Lastly, one of the best activities is to simply relax! Rent a beach chair, grab a drink, and enjoy the magical scenery of Phuket at Nai Harn and Yanui Beach.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over Phuket! You can find everything from a James Bond island luxury sunset cruise, to Phuket Old Town 15-taster food adventure, and 5-hour island tour!
The Windmill Viewpoint
Directly in between Yanui and Nai Harn Beach in Thailand is the famous Windmill Viewpoint. Its location high in the cliffs makes for an epic spot to view both beaches from above.
The windmill is also one of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Phuket. So after you’ve spent the day at the beach, head up top to the Windmill Viewpoint to watch the sun go down.
Also, be sure to check out Promthep Cape for another incredible view which is also one of our 6 favorite sunset spots on Phuket!
Nai Harn Beach vs Yanui Beach
So what’s the better Phuket beach to visit on your trip?? Well, that’s hard question because we absolutely love both! Nai Harn is better for travelers looking to play in the waves and enjoy sprawling out on the long sands of the island.
If you’re up for a smaller spot with coves, snorkeling, and kayaking adventures, then Yanui Beach is probably for you. The best part is… You don’t have to pick just one! With their close proximity to each other, we usually hit both in the same afternoon.
Have any questions on Yanui & Nai Harn Phuket or want to share your own favorite beaches on the island? Leave us a comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
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Thailand Travel Planning
Information: Explore all our Thailand articles, amazing destinations around the world, travel planning tips, and street food guides.
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we found flights from Bangkok to Phuket for $12 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
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Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without protection. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
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Helpful Thailand Articles
Phuket: 22 Things to Do – Old Town Food Guide – Rawai – Elephant Sanctuary – Sunday Night Market – Phuket Old Town – Big Buddha – Renting a Motorbike – Nui Beach
Koh Phi Phi: Ferry from Phuket – 25 Things to Know – Maya Bay Private Tour – 3 Viewpoint Hike – Monkey Beach – Phi Phi Don Boat Tour
Koh Lanta: 10 Things to Do – 8 Best Beaches – One Day Motorbike
Railey Beach: 12 Things to Do – 3 Epic Beaches – Krabi to Koh Phangan
Gulf of Thailand: Koh Phangan 10 Things to Know – Bottle Beach Koh Phangan – Koh Tao 12 Things to Know – Freedom Beach Koh Tao – Koh Samui
More: Planning Thailand Trip – Koh Lipe – Chiang Mai
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
