Nai Han

Nai Han (หาดในหาน Hat Nai Han), more commonly referred to as Nai Harn, is a beach at the southernmost tip of Phuket, near Laem Phromthep (Phromthep Cape). The northern bit of Nai Han is Ao Sen (อ่าวเสน).

Understand

Some 18 km from Phuket Town, southeast of Kata Noi and north of Laem Phromthep, Nai Han is not Phuket's longest beach, but it borders the most gorgeous lagoon on the island. The middle of the beach is dominated by the Nai Han monastery, which has prevented excessive development and is the reason that the beach is generally less crowded than other spots on the southern part of the island.

See

• Ao Sen (อ่าวเสน). Often overlooked due to its proximity to Nai Han, and because the connecting road runs through and under the Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Club, Ao Sen has a wan air of long-lost glamour to it. Its chief appeal is the epic view it offers of Nai Han and Phromthep Cape.
• Hat Nui (หาดนุ้ย). Possibly the most difficult beach to visit on Phuket, Nui lies between the Kata Viewpoint and Nai Han. A wide, dirt road cut through the forested hillside replaced the winding track down to the beach; however this is just as steep and difficult to traverse and should only be attempted by four-wheel drive trucks and moto-cross bikes.
• Laem Phromthep (Phromthep Cape), Rawai/Nai Harn (travel as far south on Ko Phuket as you can, well-signposted). 24/7. Literally translated as "God's Cape", Phromthep is one of the island's most notable natural landmarks and lies to the far south, around 2 km from Rawai. With high cliffs and uninterrupted views, Phromthep Cape is most famous for its dramatic sunsets, which regularly attract crowds. At the summit you can visit the lighthouse and a small and interesting shrine featuring elephants prominently. 
• Kata View Point (จุดชมวิว). This is located mid-point between Nai Han and Kata beaches. The scenic Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches, and Ko Pu can be viewed from here.

Eat

• Breakfast Hut, 31/33 Baan Sai Yuan (on the main road in Nai Harn, which happens to be Rte 4233), ☏ +66 76 289823. 09:00-18:00. A favourite among ex-pats and tourists, the Breakfast Hut serves arguably the best breakfast in Nai Harn. The menu includes both Western and Thai foods, and the restaurant is run by Noi and her a colourful Scots partner, John. Can be a lifesaver after a hard night out. 
• DaVinci, 28/46 Moo 1 (on the main road in Nai Harn), ☏ +66 76 289574. Recognised as one of Phuket's better eateries. The restaurant itself includes a large open-air area, a number of private function rooms, a cocktail bar, and children's play area. Food is of a very high standard with a good menu selection, the staff are hand-picked to add to the aesthetic appeal, and the atmosphere in this place is very good. Live musicians regularly play jazz, electro and chill out music. Definitely a great restaurant for a special night out, but this place tends to be a bit full of itself and is not for those on a budget. Frutti di Mare pizza, 380 baht. 
• M&Ms Pizza (just after the junction of the Rawai beach and Nai Harn beach roads, it is a large open-area modern building on the right-hand side as you drive to Nai Han Beach.), ☏ +66 76 289574. 18:00-24:00. Italian restaurant in Nai Harn, rustic in both food served and the laid-back atmosphere. M&Ms is reputed to serve the best pizza in Phuket. The pizzas here really are that good, and the pasta specials also make fine dishes. The only downside is this place's popularity, and during peak season the queue can mean a wait of 30 mins or more. The music is jazz, there's always a good buzz here, and it's very family-friendly. 
• 1 Noodle House and Thai Food, 48/6 Soi Saiyuan (On the main road thru Nai Han [coordinates approximate]). Daily, 08:00-21:00. Thai chef, Khun Eat, and her sister, Khun May, decamped from another restaurant and started their own place. Terrific selection of both Thai and Western food: salads, spaghetti, sandwiches, all delicious and priced within reach. Beef burger, fries, 150 baht; Special omlette, 120 baht; Chicken salad, 120 baht; Steak, 250 baht; Beer, 50-70 baht. (updated May 2016)
• Rum Jungle, 69/8 Baan Sai Yuan, ☏ +66 76 388153. 18:00. This place has a lot of charm and atmosphere. The food is of a really high standard, and the Australian owner/chef has a great skill for serving ordinary dishes in an extraordinary way. The menu changes regularly, and fuses Mediterranean and Thai cuisine. Certainly not the cheapest restaurant in the area, but definitely one of the best. They close on Sunday. No need to reserve. 

Sleep

There are several low-end guesthouses and a hotel on the beach. At the top end is the Evason Resort. The high end Meridien Phuket Yacht Club sits on a hill at one end of the beach.

• Ao Sane Bungalows, 11/2 Hat Nai Harn. Bungalows on the beach. Small restaurant and dive shop. 500+ baht (fan room, Thai toilet).