8 Best Things to Do in Nai Yang Beach

Nai Yang Beach is part of the Sirinat National Park in Phuket. There are a few salas (open-sided pavilions) to hide from the sun or rain on the beach. This northern area is a local favourite as the beach lacks the commercial feel of Patong or Karon. If you happen to drive through on a weekend, you'll see many families, groups of friends or couples having picnic parties in the large shady areas next to the beach. Many food vendors usually gather along the roadside to prepare all the classic Thai dishes, sweets, drinks and local fruits.

Nai Yang Market is a colourful community market that opens 3 days a week. Shopping at this open-air market can be a lot of fun and an eye-opening experience for travellers. There are lots of products on display, from tropical vegetables and fruits to clothes and handicrafts.

Sirinath – or Sirinat – National Park spans over 90 sq km, from west of Phuket International Airport to the island's northern tip. Nai Yang, Nai Thon and Mai Khao beaches are part of this protected area. The northern end of the park is a mangrove forest, with saltwater swamps supporting a unique ecosystem. There's an 800-metre wooden walkway, with signs pointing out the types of plants and animals living in the forest. Entrance to Sirinath National Park is near Sarasin Bridge, which connects Phuket to Phang Nga Province.

Wat Mongkol Wararam (Nai Yang Temple) is worth a visit for its interesting structures, which includes a wooden abbot’s house dating back to 1954. It's also a community-driven temple, with aerobic sessions taking place during the dry season. Everyone can join in for free. Each session usually starts at 5pm – bring some drinking water as there aren't many shops close to the temple.

Aqua One Watersports Phuket offers half- and full-day diving trips, CMAS and PADI dive courses, as well as water scooters and accessories for rent. Its multilingual and experienced team are always looking for fun, but safety is their first priority. You can find the centre on Nai Yang Beach, just 10 minutes away from Phuket International Airport.

Coqoon Spa at The Slate Phuket has a cutting-edge treehouse design, with 8 luxurious treatment rooms surrounded by rainforest and tropical garden. It has a full-service spa menu that ranges from traditional Thai massages, facials, hand and foot treatments to body scrubs and wraps using Anne Sémonin products.

Kiteboarding or kitesurfing is a form of wakeboarding where you're pulled by a large kite instead of a boat. Kiteboarding Asia is the leading company for kiteboarding lessons and retailers of kitesurfing equipment in the region. It operates every day from May to October on Nai Yang Beach. Their school is located in the Nai Yang Beach Resort, offering lessons for beginners with full insurance.

Many resorts in Nai Yang offer complimentary yoga classes for guests, but if drop-ins are welcomed for a small fee. Private sessions typically start from 1,800 baht, while group classes start from around 500 baht. One of Nai Yang's most popular yoga studios is Baan Yoga Phuket, around 5 minutes from Naiyang Beach and Sirinath National Park. It offers twice-daily Hatha yoga classes from Tuesdays to Fridays, and morning sessions on weekends.