Nai Thon

A fishing village until relatively recently, Nai Thon was protected from mass development by its size, its hills and the national park land nearby. Roads over the headlands came late.

Luxury villa development has since taken the slopes at each end while leaving the village largely alone — an unusually well-managed outcome by Phuket standards.

A sheltered crescent with clear water and coral at the northern end, calmer than the open beaches further south. Swimming is good from November to April; monsoon surf and currents make it hazardous from May to October.

A row of beach restaurants along the sand and a handful of places on the village road — mostly Thai seafood, unpretentious and good. For range, you drive.

A convenience store or two and that is about it. The nearest supermarkets are towards Thalang or Cherngtalay, fifteen minutes away.

UWC Thailand is around eighteen minutes inland. Clinics are limited locally; hospitals are in Phuket Town, about forty-five minutes. A car is essential unless you never leave the village.