I have a secret to tell you. But please don’t tell anyone. I have found paradise in Phuket. Truly! What started as a simple walk between Nai Harn and Kata Beach ended with me discovering one of the best beaches near Nai Harn: Nui Beach. Hidden inside a beautiful little cove, it quickly became my secret spot. It was love at first sight.
So, let’s start from the beginning…
Nai Harn Phuket
As you might have read from my previous blog about Phuket – Happy New Year from Phuket – the Nai Harn area is certainly the spot to be. For me anyway. I love it here. That said, I also enjoy exploring the surrounding areas, both on my bike and on foot. After all, you never know what you might find. That is all part of the adventure.
So, one afternoon, I set off to hike down a steep path to a remote little place called Nui Beach.
How to find one of the best beaches in Phuket – Nui Beach
The signage to Nui Beach, the paradise in Phuket, and one of the best beaches around, is quite aged and small. But you still can’t miss it. Just look for the little huts on the dirt road, near the Karon View Point. I parked my bike there the first time, but you can ride in a bit further. Up to the steep turn off to the right, near another old sign.
I am sure, under normal circumstances, there would be a few people heading to Nui Beach, using the official 4x4WD taxi, offered by the locals. And walking the 1.5km downhill I can definitely understand why you would want to get a lift. And why you definitely shouldn’t take a bike down (unless you a local of course). Hiking the Alps is nothing in comparison. Not only is the path to this secret spot in Nai Harn very steep, but also slippery and sandy. Definitely a challenge in the heat. How am I ever going to get back up this hill again?
What a reward it is however, arriving at the bottom. I have found paradise.
At the gate of Nui Beach I was greeted by a local lady, telling me it is a private beach. 100 THB please. And more if you want to use the chair, the internet, the shower, etc. .. Really? Where is the sign?
Private beach or not, I wasn’t sure. I could tell nonetheless, that she is taking care of this paradise in Phuket. And so, as it is less than 3 Euros, I didn’t mind paying. Let’s go in.
…
Nui Beach – secret spot?
As soon as you enter Nui Beach you can tell this place is special and therefore considered one of the best beaches in Phuket. This little beach cove is set up to give you the best viewing point from each angle, overlooking the crystal clear blue water. It is truly magnificent. And although certain parts of the set up and furniture looked rather aged, this place was still something unique.
I am sure pre-Covid it would have been a popular spot to hang out at, enjoying a drink with friends. For now, it was clearly just me and Nui Beach. My paradise in Phuket and one of the best beaches I have been to. Without a doubt.
Well, I would add the beach in Kas, in Turkey to the list of best beaches as well. Even though it is slightly different (e.g. no sand), it is just as magnificent!
…
So far, my visits to Nui Beach have been short. I guess there is only that much one can do in paradise, all alone. Besides taking lots of photos, swimming and walking the beach (although the sand is really hot), that’s all I find to do here. Especially since I have my usual beach time in Nai Harn every morning (without the big hike).
That said, maybe this is the reason why Nui Beach is a hidden secret spot in Nai Harn. Because of the difficulty to get there. Trust me, walking back up that steep hill, at 70-80% humidity is certainly not pleasant. However, it is a rewarding hike. Both ways. Just pack lots of water.
For now, I might have to enjoy Nui Beach all by myself. But I don’t mind. Really!
Afterword: I did actually come back here a few years later with my cousins. It was booming with tourists and people and it was just as I remembered it! Absolutely breathtaking and stunning. Read here: When the family comes to town!
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