Let’s say you just checked out of your villa in Phuket, but you have a few more hours to kill before you go to the airport for your flight back home. You want a place that’s not too far from the airport, with enough activities and sights to keep you occupied while waiting for your flight.
Luckily for many guests in Phuket’s luxury private villas, there are many places near Phuket International Airport where you can spend your last few minutes—or hours—on the island. Some of these places are good for last-minute sightseeing, while others require more time for activities like dining and shopping.
Related article: Explore Phuket in 8 Wonderful Ways
5 Best Places to Fill Your Extra Time in Phuket
These waiting places were selected not only for their proximity to Phuket International Airport, but also for the variety of activities to keep everyone occupied while waiting for flights. Transportation to these places can be arranged with the villa staff, who may be able to provide you with a car or van with a driver.
1. Mai Khao Beach
There’s a reason why Mai Khao Beach is a popular place to kill time before a flight. Part of the beach is located on the western end of the Phuket International Airport runway, which makes it a great place to watch airplanes take off and land. Plane spotting at Mai Khao is popular during high season, where flights pass by at a regular rate.
If plane spotting scares you—especially since some airplanes fly low in this area—Mai Khao Beach has photogenic clear waters and soft sands, the better to stage one last picture-taking session before you go.
2. Sirinat National Park
Mai Khao Beach is also a part of Sirinat National Park, which covers 10 miles of sandy beach. The park’s other beaches are also known for their coral reefs, where several species of marine wildlife can be found.
Several species of trees, plants, and exotic native wildlife can also be found at Sirinat, including pine species of common ironwood and an entire mangrove forest teeming with its own marine life. This makes the park an ideal last-minute destination for communing with nature at its best.
Related article: Unveiling Phuket’s Exotic Wildlife and Discovering The Island’s Unique Creatures
3. Nai Thon Beach
A little further from Mai Khao, but still within the greater complex of Sirinat National Park, is Nai Thon Beach, which is 10 minutes away from the airport. While not as crowded as Mai Khao, Nai Thon is still a pleasant location for snacks, drinks, and picture taking.
The beach itself is divided into two sections by a hill of boulders that hides a more private cove. This part of Nai Thon Beach lets guests spend quiet time without interruption, making it an ideal spot for pre-flight relaxation.
4. Baan Ar-Jor
Located not too far from Mai Khao Beach and Sirinat National Park is Baan Ar-Jor, a Phuket historical landmark that reflects influences from the island’s colorful history. Step into the mansion and you will find preserved artifacts from Phuket’s past as well as colorful murals from local artists.
Inside the mansion are two different restaurants that offer authentic local cuisine: Toh Daeng, known for its must-try native seafood, and Wor-Ai-Ni, an extension of the original dining room for larger groups. Baan Ar-Jor also employs residents of Mai Khao and can be booked for special events, which is worth noting for the next trip to Phuket.
5. Porto de Phuket
If you have lots of time before leaving Phuket but need to indulge in retail therapy, the open-air Porto de Phuket shopping center is worth the stopover. Porto de Phuket is an ideal destination for last-minute shopping, with a selection of stores from esteemed brands.
Not only are there shops and restaurants to choose from at Porto de Phuket, but it’s also a worthy wellness destination for a brief spa treatment or massage. Kids will also love the dedicated children’s zone for family-friendly entertainment.
Related article: Indulge in High-End Shopping in Phuket: A Guide for Fashionistas
Spend Your Time Wisely in Phuket
Waiting to pass the time in Phuket before a flight should be a pleasure, and these places provide every traveler with options to explore nature, history, adventure, and a little indulgence. It all comes down to planning your trips with intention, even with last-minute plans.
To help you plan your last few moments in Phuket, the staff at your luxury private villa are more than happy to assist you in choosing the perfect place to wait and spend time before leaving. They can also arrange for personal transportation with reasonable rates.
Explore your options with help from our friendly villa staff, and you too may be able to enjoy your last few minutes in Phuket.
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Featured Image by Fairs and Festivals
