Ya Nui Beach

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 flashpackers and families travelling Phuket on a budget.

Ya Nui beach was badly hit by the 2004 tsumani and all of the bungalows in the valley were destroyed. Many businesses with low-lying locations chose not to rebuild. However, a few new accommodation options on Ya Nui have been built and others were in progress at the time of research. A tailor shop has even sprung up in the once deserted valley — get here before they multiply.

A restaurant run by Ya Nui Bungalows has now been rebuilt on the beach and there is another shack selling food and drinks. You can rent beach chairs and umbrellas (200B) and if you need some exercise, kayaks are 100B for one person and 200B for two. Don't get too excited — that's per hour.

Though the beach is nowhere near deserted, it is one of the better options in the area for some mellow relaxation. There is also some notable snorkelling at the southern end of Ya Nui. Masks can be rented from either shack for 50B, fins are an additional 50B.

You could feasibly walk here from Nai Harn beach, but it's a lot easier if you have your own transport. A motorcycle will do, but be sure it has plenty of pick-up to make it over the steep, winding hills. Be careful if coming from either Laem Phromthep or Nai Harn as the road is extremely steep and dangerous when wet.

Orientation
Ya Nui doesn't have its own ATM. Make your way to the All Seasons Resort at Nai Harn beach or to Rawai beach if desperate for cash. As one of Phuket's more mellow beaches, Ya Nui also lacks internet cafes. Head to Nai Harn where many of the restaurants and cafes have free WiFi.