Why Mai Khao is Ideal for Family Vacations: Unique Adventures & Unforgettable Memories

The island of Phuket is a tropical paradise located towards the south of Thailand and features various attractions and areas to explore. While there are many regions on the island at which you can stay, Mai Khao is an ideal choice if you’re visiting with family and want to enjoy a memorable vacation. From thrilling outdoor adventures to local shopping experiences to cultural tours, here are a few reasons why Mai Khao is perfect for your dream family vacation.

Splash Jungle Water Park

One of the best ways to enjoy an adrenaline-fueled water adventure in Phuket is to visit the Splash Jungle Water Park in Mai Khao. The park has plenty of water slides and rides that you and your kids can enjoy especially on a hot day. You can also enjoy various snacks and treats to replenish your energy as you spend your day making the biggest splashes with your family. 

Sirinat National Park

Located roughly 30 kilometres from Phuket Town and close to several Phuket family resorts, the Sirinat National Park in Mai Khao is one of the main attractions on the entire island. Covering a vast expanse of 13 kilometres, the park’s main goal is to safeguard precious natural resources like coniferous forests, beaches and coral reefs. If you want to spend some quality family time in the great outdoors, a nature walk within this spectacular park will be worth your while. The park has several trails of various difficulty levels but the following are fairly easy and are ideal for family excursions:

Athichitra, Sirinat National Park12, CC BY-SA 4.0

• Mai Khao Beach to Nai Yang Beach
• Nai Thin Beach to Nai Yang Beach
• Sao Kaew Beach Trail

Whichever of these you choose, you’re guaranteed to witness the splendour of nature’s beauty as you explore its various ecosystems and witness an array of animal and bird species.

Mai Khao Plaza

You can also treat yourself to a unique shopping experience at the Mai Khao Plaza where you’ll find plenty of intricate souvenirs and travel gifts to take back home with you. Covering an area of roughly 5000 square kilometres, you and your kids will have plenty to explore at this vibrant hub from shopping stalls to dining venues and eateries to relaxing spa treatments. The Plaza is located close to several of the island’s more upscale shopping venues and thus provides a more unique and authentic shopping experience for you to enjoy with your family. 

Wat Mai Khao

While it isn’t as popular as some of the other religious highlights on the island like the Wat Chalong, Wat Mai Khao is still worth a visit if you are staying at a nearby resort like Avani+ Mai Khao Phuket Suites. Tucked away from the main road, the temple doesn’t feature stunning structural marvels or ornate architecture; instead, it hides a bird sanctuary located in the park behind it, where a hidden lake protected by surrounding foliage provides a haven for various species of birds.

The Soi Dog Foundation

This non-profit organisation is yet another reason why Mai Khao is great for families, especially those who are fond of dogs. The foundation was established in 2003 to help stray dogs and cats found on the streets of Phuket as a whole. Volunteers at the foundation have taken on the responsibility of rescuing stray or injured dogs and cats, caring for them, and finding them suitable homes and caretakers.You can visit the foundation and join a guided tour to learn more about the foundation’s cause and its methods of caring for the animals. You can even participate in volunteer activities like walking the dogs and playing with them for a set period. 

Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao is also home to the longest beach in Phuket which stretches for more than 10 kilometres. This makes it a great spot to visit for families looking for a bit of beachside relaxation. In addition to taking a stroll amidst the cooling beach waters or lounging under a palm tree on the golden sand, you can also venture out towards the southern end of the beach for plane-watching as several flights make their way to the nearby Phuket International Airport.