About Natai Beach
Natai Beach is on the mainland, in Khok Kloi, Takua Thung district, Phang Nga province, a short drive north of the Sarasin Bridge (around 15 km, 15-20 mins) rather than on Phuket island. It is about 10 km of straight, west-facing sand that is still almost undeveloped, with development limited by local planning rules. Dining is a mix of resort restaurants, a handful of beach restaurants and cafes, and Baba Beach Club, the one beach club we found. In the south-west monsoon (May to October) the surf and rip currents often make swimming unsafe.
Be realistic about distances, because this is a quiet resort coast rather than a town. Everyday shopping is in Khok Kloi, around 5 km (around 10 mins) away, with a Lotus supermarket, a fresh market and Takua Thung Hospital, a public district hospital. There is no international school in Phang Nga within a 30 minute drive: the nearest are in Thalang, Phuket, around 45 mins away. The nearest private hospital with a confirmed 24-hour emergency centre, Bangkok Hospital Phuket, is around an hour or more away. Phuket Airport is around 35-45 mins from the middle of the beach. Gyms, padel courts, golf and marinas are in Phuket, so Natai suits people who want quiet and are happy to drive.
What's in Natai Beach
Beaches & nature
- Natai Beach About 10 km of straight west-facing sand, almost undeveloped. Surf and rip currents in the south-west monsoon (May to October) often make swimming unsafe
- Mai Khao Beach and Sirinat National Park The northernmost beach on Phuket and a turtle-nesting beach, around 18 km, 25 mins
- Nai Yang Beach Around 34 km, 40-45 mins
- Layan Beach Around 44 km, 50-60 mins
- Khuk Khak and Khao Lak beaches Surf and quiet stretches, roughly 53 km, 50 mins (approximate)
Healthcare
- Takua Thung Hospital Public district hospital in Khok Kloi, around 5 km, 10 mins. 24-hour emergency care is not confirmed, so check with the hospital
- Thai Mueang Hospital Public hospital in Thai Mueang, around 20 km, 20-25 mins. 24-hour emergency care is not confirmed
- Thalang Hospital Public hospital with 60 beds in Phuket, around 38 km, 45 mins
- Bangkok Hospital Phuket Private, 24-hour emergency and trauma, around 55 km, 65-75 mins. Serious cases from Natai are normally taken to the private hospitals in Phuket, so allow an hour or more
- Bangkok Hospital Siriroj and Mission Hospital Phuket Private hospitals in Phuket Town, around 53-56 km, 65-75 mins
- Emergency Ambulance: 1669
Schools & nurseries
- Nearest schools There is no international school in Phang Nga within a 30 minute drive. All the schools below are in Phuket
- UWC Thailand IB continuum, Pre-K to Grade 12, with boarding and a separate nursery building, in Thalang, around 35 km, 45 mins
- Glenalmond Phuket International School English National Curriculum from age 2, inside Thanyapura in Thalang, around 36 km, 45-50 mins. Opened in August 2026
- HeadStart International School, Cherngtalay campus English National Curriculum, Foundation to Year 9. Around 55 mins (approximate)
- British International School Phuket (BISP) British, ages 2 to 18, in Koh Kaew, around 48 km, 60 mins
- Finnway International School Finnish-based, ages 2 to 12, in Koh Kaew, around 47 km, 60 mins
- More campuses QSI, Kajonkiet and the HeadStart main campus (Chaofah) in Kathu and Wichit are around 54-57 km, 65-70 mins. Check ages and curricula with each school
- Nurseries and pre-schools None could be verified in Khok Kloi, Thai Mueang or Khao Lak
Shopping & daily needs
- Lotus Khok Kloi Supermarket, 06:00 to 22:00, around 5 km, 10 mins
- Khok Kloi Fresh Market Fresh market, around 5 km, 10 mins
- Thai Mueang town Lotus, a fresh market and banks, around 18-20 km, 20-25 mins
- Lotus and Tops Daily, Mai Khao and Nai Yang Supermarket on the Phuket side, around 26 km, 35 mins
- Nang Thong Supermarket, Khao Lak Imported Western food, bakery, fresh produce and wine, daily 08:00 to 22:00, around 52 km, 45 mins
- Lotus Thalang, Makro and Home Pro The main shopping in Thalang, Phuket, around 40 km, 45-50 mins
- Boat Avenue and Villa Market Cherngtalay, Phuket, around 44 km, 50-60 mins
Restaurants & beach clubs
- Baba Beach Club Beachfront resort and club with a swim-up bar, sunset daybeds and DJ sets every Saturday and daily in high season. Sushi, Thai, Italian and grills. Around 1 km. Check the rules for day visitors
- Aulis Phuket and Anaala, Iniala Beach House Aulis is a 15-seat tasting-menu restaurant by Simon Rogan, reported to have won a first Michelin star in late 2024; its 2026 status is not confirmed. Anaala serves beach barbecue and Thai dishes. Both are within 1 km
- The Edge All-day Thai, Asian and European food, steps from the beach, within 1 km
- Rabiang Lay and Natai Seafood by Nava Simple, casual seafood on the beach and the shore road, within 1 km
- Chantara, The Seasons and The Sea Light Cafe and Restaurant Beach-area restaurants within about 2 km. The Seasons is vegan with multi-course menus and sunset views
- Natai Restaurant and Pool Bar Beachfront restaurant at Natai Beach Resort and Spa
Coffee & cafes
- Asterisk Espresso Phang Nga Specialty espresso in Khok Kloi, 07:00 to 16:00, with a chief barista named Thailand National Barista Champion 2025. Around 10 km, 15 mins. The only specialty cafe found in the area
- Boonta By The Beach Beachside cafe with desserts, sides and drinks, a short walk from The Edge
Sports & wellness
- The Talay Ocean therapy retreat in Khok Kloi, about 80 m from the sand, with surf, movement, breathwork and shared meals in a daily programme
- Gyms and studios None for the public were found in Natai, Khok Kloi or Thai Mueang. Thanyapura in Thalang (pools, gym, classes and tennis) is around 36 km, 45-50 mins. Revolution Gym and Rebel Rock Climbing in Phuket are around 55 mins
- Padel & tennis None found in Phang Nga within 25 km. Nearest are Destination Padel Club (6 courts, 4 roofed) in Thalang, around 39 km, 45 mins, PTP Club Phuket (6 courts), around 50 mins, and Padel Phuket @ Blue Tree (6 courts, 4 covered), around 55 mins
- Golf No course in Phang Nga within 30 km was found. In Phuket: Blue Canyon (Canyon and Lakes, 18 holes each) around 33 km, 40 mins; Mission Hills Phuket (18 holes, par 72) around 35 km, 40 mins; Laguna Golf Phuket (18 holes, par 71) around 43 km, 50 mins
- Horse riding Phuket Riding Club at Mai Khao (beach and jungle rides, lessons, daily 07:30 to 18:30) around 19 km, 25 mins. COLTS Horse Riding at Nai Yang Beach, around 40-45 mins
- Marinas Yacht Haven Marina in north Phuket is around 24 km, 30 mins. Boat Lagoon and Royal Phuket Marina are around 48 km, 60-65 mins
Attractions
- Splash Jungle Water Park Water park at Mai Khao, around 27 km, 35 mins
New & coming soon in Natai Beach
New
- NewGlenalmond Phuket International School English National Curriculum school at Thanyapura, opened August 2026. Around 36 km, 45-50 mins away.
- NewBangkok Phuket Cancer Institute Opened in September 2026 at Bangkok Hospital Phuket, around 65-75 mins away.
Coming soon
- Coming soonKimpton Phang-Nga Natai Beach Announced. IHG signed a 150-key beachfront resort with the developer Natai Venture Co. on 5 August 2026, with opening planned for 2028. It is a signing, with no firmer date. The resort is planned to have dining, a spa, pools, fitness and a kids club.
- Coming soonAndaman International Airport (Phang Nga) Proposed. A second airport on the mainland in Phang Nga, reported to open between 2030 and 2032, depending on the source. It is planned for Khok Kloi and Lo Yung, in the same district as Natai. No 2026 construction milestone was found.
- Coming soonPhuket Airport expansion Planned. An international terminal extension and extra gates, taking capacity to at least 18 million passengers a year. Completion is given as between 2029 and 2031, depending on the source.
- Coming soonBumrungrad International Hospital Phuket Planned in Mai Khao, near the airport. Opening is reported between the third quarter and the end of 2027, depending on the source. About 33 km from Natai by road.
- Coming soonWattanapat Phuket Hospital, Kamala Planned. A 200-bed private hospital in two phases of 100 beds. The company has said the first phase is planned for the last quarter of 2026. Check with the hospital for the current position.
- Coming soonSongklanagarind (PSU) Hospital Phuket Planned. A new university hospital, reported to open between 2029 and 2030, depending on the source. The site is reported as Kathu in some sources.
Getting around from Natai Beach
- Sarasin Bridgearound 15 km, 15-20 mins
- Phuket Airportaround 30 km, 35-45 mins
- Takua Thung Hospitalaround 5 km, 10 mins
- Mai Khao Beacharound 18 km, 25 mins
- Boat Avenuearound 44 km, 50-60 mins
- Boat Lagoon & Royal Phuket Marinaaround 48 km, 60-65 mins
- Phuket Townaround 56 km, 65-75 mins
- Patong Beacharound 62 km, 70-80 mins
Properties in Natai Beach
Villas for Rent in Natai Beach
Other Phuket area guides
Bangtao/Laguna · Bangtao/Surin · Cape Yamu · Chalong · Cherngtalay · Kamala · Karon · Koh Kaew · Layan · Nai Thon · Pru Jampa · Rawai · Sakhu · Thalang
Frequently asked questions
Is Natai Beach on Phuket island?
No. Natai is on the mainland in Khok Kloi, Phang Nga province, a short drive north of the Sarasin Bridge, around 15 km and roughly 15 to 20 mins by road from the bridge.
What is Natai Beach like to live near?
About 10 km of straight, west-facing sand that is still almost undeveloped, with development limited by local planning rules. It is quiet, with resort restaurants, a few beach restaurants and cafes, and Baba Beach Club. Swimming is often unsafe in the south-west monsoon (May to October) because of surf and rip currents.
How far is Natai Beach from Phuket Airport?
Around 30 km, roughly 35 to 45 mins by road from the middle of the beach, depending on traffic. It is a little quicker from the southern end and longer from the northern end.
Is there a hospital near Natai Beach?
Takua Thung Hospital, a public district hospital in Khok Kloi, is around 5 km away (around 10 mins), but its 24-hour emergency service is not confirmed. The nearest private hospital with a confirmed 24-hour emergency centre is Bangkok Hospital Phuket, around 55 km away (around 65-75 mins). Ambulance: 1669.
Are there international schools near Natai Beach?
Not in Phang Nga within a 30 minute drive. The nearest are in Thalang, Phuket: UWC Thailand is around 45 mins away and Glenalmond Phuket (opened August 2026) around 45-50 mins. BISP and Finnway in Koh Kaew are around 60 mins away.
Where do I do everyday shopping near Natai Beach?
In Khok Kloi, around 5 km (around 10 mins) away, where there is a Lotus supermarket and a fresh market. Thai Mueang, around 20-25 mins away, has a larger Lotus, banks and more services. Gyms, padel courts and golf are in Phuket, around 40 mins or more away.