Nai Harn

Nai Harn sits in a bay at the southwest corner of Phuket, ringed by headlands and backed by a freshwater lagoon and the grounds of a monastery, which is why the…Nai Harn sits in a bay at the southwest corner of Phuket, ringed by headlands and backed by a freshwater lagoon and the grounds of a monastery, which is why the beachfront was never built out the way Patong and Karon were.

The beach is a compact curve of white sand with generally clear water and a reputation as one of the better swimming beaches on the island. Building is set back behind the lagoon, with a small run of restaurants, bars and massage shops at the northern access and a handful of hotels on the slopes above. Yachts anchor in the bay through the high season.

The surrounding roads reach Ya Nui beach and the Windmill viewpoint to the south, Promthep Cape at the island's tip, and Rawai a few minutes east. Swimming is good from November to April; the southwest monsoon brings a heavy shore break here and the beach is flagged, with lifeguards posted through the season. Everyday shopping, gyms and long-stay services are mostly a short ride away in Rawai.