Mai Khao & North
Mai Khao is the largest beach of the island and stretches up to 11 kilometers. Located on northernmost part of Phuket, it encompasses roughly the area located from the airport all the way to Sarasin Bridge, which connects Phuket to the mainland. Phuket International Airport is indeed located in Mai Khao.
This area of the island is much more quiet than down south and is the perfect getaway destination for honeymooners and people looking for the ultimate privacy. Having said that, you will still find plenty of hotels, restaurants and activities to do when staying in this location. The biggest asset of Mai Khao is its beach, which gives you the feeling of playing your own version of Robinson Crusoe, with plenty of coconuts to choose from if you need a friend. You can probably walk several kilometers in the morning and not seeing anyone else on the sand.
There are a few local and international hotel chains, as well as some beds & breakfast scattered across the small streets, that will take care of your accommodation requirements.
Food-wise, the largest concentration of restaurants would be on the beach side, alongside some bars to keep the visitors entertained, but it is far from the hustle and bustle you would get by staying in other part of the island, such as Patong.
Mai Khao is home to some great entertainment venues, such as the one and only water park, which should be on your to-do list if you are staying nearby, as well as some more quiet activities, such as visiting the Gibbons Rehabilitation Project, Soi Dog Foundation or trek your way through the Khao Pra Theaw Non-Hunting Area, a natural reserve which houses the gorgeous Ton Sai waterfall.
All in all, if you are looking for a quite place to spend your holidays, Mai Khao is the perfect destination. But bear in mind that transportation on this part of the island can be rather difficult. Therefore, it is advised to rent a car or a motorbike so that you can easily move from one place to another. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available at most hotels, but they can be pricey, considering your next stop will surely be a few kilometers away.
