Nai Harn Beach

Along the rocky shores of Phuket's southern-most tip, lays Nai Harn Beach -- another of the island's heavenly strips of sand. The beach is powdery and white, the waters calm and crystal clear, and development on the beach itself is minimal -- really!

Seriously lacking in shade, Nai Harn is a favourite spot for sun-bakers -- if you don't have an umbrella, expect to burn to an absolute crisp. The beach also has some quite reasonable snorkelling toward the southern headlands and a mask and set of fins can be easily rented for around 150B.

The main reason that Nai Harn is pleasantly under-developed is courtesy of the Samnak Song Monastery which occupies most of the land off the centre and southern stretch of the beach. As with western Mae Nam Beach on Ko Samui, the temple's location brought development in the immediate area to a complete standstill -- what a shame there wasn't a large temple in the middle of Patong! Back off the beach, development has also been restricted by a large reservoir where locals fish and go for morning jogs.

Of the few accommodation options that are near the beach, most are up-market and new developments tend to be time-shares and private villas. Budget travellers are better off heading to Ya Nui Beach to the south or at the one cheapie spots on Ao Sane just to the north (through the Royal Phuket Yacht Club).



Nai Harn is very quiet and there's little in terms of dining, shopping, or entertainment on the beach itself. A greater selection of restaurants, shops, and some decent mid-range digs can be found a 10-15 minute walk further inland in what might be called Nai Harn town.


Nai Harn Beach Location