Scooter Rental in Mai Khao 2026

Mai Khao is Phuket's northernmost and longest beach, stretching over ten kilometres of virtually untouched sand along the Sirinat National Park coastline. This is the Phuket that existed before mass tourism: quiet, wild, and stunningly beautiful. The beach is so long that even during peak season you can walk for twenty minutes without seeing another person. A scooter is essential here, as Mai Khao is remote from the main tourist areas and has minimal public transport.

The southern end of Mai Khao Beach has become famous for plane spotting. Phuket International Airport's runway ends just a few hundred metres from the shore, and arriving aircraft pass directly overhead at astonishingly low altitude. The experience of lying on the beach while a Boeing 777 thunders past just 30 metres above you is extraordinary and has become one of Phuket's most photographed moments. Ride your scooter to the beach access road near the airport fence, park up, and use a flight tracker app to time the arrivals.

Mai Khao sits within the Sirinat National Park, which means development is strictly limited. The northern section of the beach is backed by casuarina forest and has a handful of luxury resorts (JW Marriott, Sala Phuket, Renaissance) spaced far apart. Between the resorts, the beach is wild and empty. During nesting season from November to February, endangered sea turtles come ashore at night to lay eggs, and the Sirinat National Park runs a conservation programme.

The area around Mai Khao has a distinctly rural Thai feel. Small villages along the road to the beach have local restaurants, fruit stalls, and temples that see almost no tourist visitors. The Sunday morning market in Mai Khao village is a tiny local affair where villagers sell fresh produce, curry pastes, and grilled meats. This is as far from Bangla Road as you can get while still being in Phuket.

From Mai Khao, the ride north to Sarasin Bridge takes about 15 minutes. The bridge connects Phuket to mainland Phang Nga province, and the viewpoint on the old bridge beside it offers panoramic views of the strait. Beyond the bridge, Phang Nga province has mangrove forests, traditional fishing villages, and James Bond Island, though that requires a boat trip.

Skoot offers airport delivery for scooter rentals, making Mai Khao one of the most convenient areas to start your Phuket exploration. Pick up your scooter near the airport and ride north to Mai Khao Beach in five minutes, or head south to Bang Tao and the west coast. Prices start from 150 THB per day. The roads around Mai Khao are flat, wide, and virtually traffic-free, making it one of the easiest areas in Phuket for scooter riding.

For supplies, the nearest large shopping is in Thalang near the Heroines Monument (20 minutes south) or at the small Tesco Lotus near the airport. Mai Khao village has basic minimarts and local restaurants. The isolation is part of the appeal, and riders who base themselves here enjoy the serenity while having the freedom to reach any part of the island within 45 minutes.