Mai Khao Airport Beach in Phuket: how to get there by bike and catch a landing

What it is and why visit

Mai Khao Beach runs along the entire western end of Phuket Airport's runway, and during certain months planes land literally right over the beach — 20–30 metres up, close enough to see the landing gear and airline logos. It's one of the few beaches like this in the world, similar to Maho Beach on Sint Maarten, minus the crowds and barbed-wire fences.

The setting is completely wild: a long stretch of pale sand, almost no development, backed by pines and mangroves of Sirinat National Park. Beyond the planes, people come for the open space and sunset — the beach faces west and stays quieter than the resort beaches on the coast.

What to see: season, angle, and plane traffic

From December to April, the wind blows from the northeast, so planes land from the sea straight over the beach — the best time for dramatic shots and roaring-engine video overhead. From May to November it flips: planes take off toward the beach and land from inland, so fewer low landings overhead, but you can catch spectacular takeoffs instead.

The spotting point is by the airport fence at the north end of the beach, near Grand West Sands and Coriacea Boutique Resort. A few drink stalls are usually set up there too, with tree shade to wait out the heat between planes.

Getting there by bike (or car)

The main access is from the north via Soi Mai Khao 6: turn off the main road 4030/402 running along the west coast to the airport, follow the paved lane to the end, then continue along the beach on foot or slowly by bike toward the airport fence.

Travel time: from Patong and Kamala — about 40 minutes (35 km), from Bang Tao and Surin — 20–25 minutes, from Phuket Town — about 30 minutes, from Chalong and Rawai — 50–60 minutes, with more traffic near the airport junction. By car it's about the same, though in season (Dec–Jan) add 10–15 minutes for traffic at the airport turn.

A second, quieter route comes from the south via the Sirinat National Park checkpoint: park there and walk about a kilometre north along the beach. Handy if you're also visiting the Ma Doo Bua lotus pond café the same day, since it's also in the north. See the full lineup for this trip in our bike catalogue.

Parking, entry

Beach entry is free however you arrive. Park for free along the road at Soi Mai Khao 6, or at the Sirinat National Park checkpoint lot further south — about 500 m from the airport fence, with motorbike taxis (20 baht) usually on hand if you'd rather not walk the sand.

One thing to note: entering Sirinat National Park itself (from Nai Yang Beach) costs 200 baht. You don't need to pay this for the planespotting spot if you access it via Soi Mai Khao 6 or park on the roadside without entering the park grounds.

Tips: when to go and what to bring

The best light for photos and video is early morning or an hour or two before sunset, when the sun is softer and not blasting the lens. Midday is hot and harsh, and tour vans pile up at the spotting point on weekends and afternoons — come early by bike to catch it quiet.

• Plenty of water — the nearest 7-Eleven is a couple of kilometres away
• A cap and sunscreen — there's almost no shade right on the beach
• Flightradar24 on your phone, so you're not waiting around between flights
• A towel or mat if you're planning to stay until sunset