Along the rocky shores of Phuket’s southernmost tip rests Nai Harn beach – another of the island’s heavenly strips of sand. The beach is powdery and white, the waters calm (at most times of the year) and crystal clear, and development on the beach itself is minimal — really! It is encompassed on both sides by jungle-covered mountains.
Nai Harn is one of those places where you just look around and say, wow, beautiful beach, and look – it even has a natural baby pool! At the south end of the beach, there’s a channel that brings fresh water to the sea and creates the perfect spot for children, and grownups to enjoy. The grownups love it because it’s safe enough for infants. The kids love it because the channel surges with gentle tidal water flowing in and out of the lagoon providing a fun ride!
One of the attractions at Nai Harn is the paragliding. Motorized and non-motorized paragliding flights are available for all to partake. You just launch off from a hill overlooking the beach for your adventure into the carefree world of riding on the wind while viewing the natural wonders of this tropical paradise.
Nai Harn is all about relaxation and for many people a gentle swim in the shimmering and perfectly still crystal clear waters, especially during the high season months, is all the activity one requires. The waters to the north of the beach also provide perfect conditions for snorkeling. As the low season approaches, the beach becomes a popular destination for surfers and bodyboarders especially at the southern end where conditions are enhanced by a permanent sandbank. The northern end of the beach offers a safer environment for kids to enjoy the waves, and boards can be purchased or rented through a number of outlets and beach vendors.
No visit to Nai Harn would be complete without visiting the beachfront monastery which has so far played a large part in staving off the development that has affected the serene and tranquil nature of many of the west coast resorts. Early-risers can witness the morning ritual where the local villagers pay their respects and offer donations to the Buddhist monks.
Couples often have their wedding pictures taken Nai Harn beach. Maybe you’ll do the same one day, but you won’t just want to bring your cameras for weddings and babies. Nai Harn is also the perfect place for sunsets!
Nai Harn is very quiet and there’s little in terms of dining or shopping on the beach itself. A greater selection of restaurants, shops, and some decent midrange digs can be found a 10-15 minute walk further inland in what might be called Nai Harn Town.
Just north of Nai Harn, along the coast, is a small secluded cove called Nui Beach. It’s hard to access, but quiet and picturesque. Further along is Ya Nui, a sandy cove that attracts snorkelers and divers. Another out-of-the way spot nearby is the tiny beach of Ao Sane, a great spot for snorkeling, reached by taking the dirt road that starts at Le Royal Phuket Yacht Club car park.
While in Nai Harn Town, visit Chao Khun Restaurant for an all you can eat breakfast, and a wonderfully varied menu of Thai and European foods.
