Ya Nui Beach, Phuket

Small and secluded, places like Ya Nui Beach are becoming a rarity on Phuket. Located between Nai Harn and Rawai beaches, this cove has a lovely strip of sand that's ideal for swimming and snorkelling. A quiet road runs past the beach and, on its other side, you'll find several modest bungalow operations aimed at backpackers and families travelling Phuket on a budget.


Ya Nui beach was badly hit by the tsumani and all of the bungalows in the valley were destroyed. Many businesses with low-lying locations chose not to rebuild, and Ya Nui would likely look very different if it hadn't been for this cataclysmic geological event. As unlikely as it is, locals are wary of a repeat so the rebuilding that has occurred is further up in the hills.


The only structures you'll find on the beach now are shacks selling food and drinks or renting snorkelling gear. During the high season you can rent beach chairs and umbrellas (200B) and roaming beach vendors and masseurs occasionally make an appearance. Everything except a few bungalows close for the low season, giving Ya Nui beach a deserted feeling.