Nai Harn is a scenic bay on the southern tip of Phuket. Its generous stretch of pure white sands and glittering turquoise waters have adorned many a postcard, yet for some reason it remains off the radar for most tourists who flock to the more popular southern beaches of Kata, Karon or Patong. Nai Harn lacks the sophistication of the more northerly beaches of Surin or Bang Tao but its casual charm and relaxed tropical vibe offer an appealing alternative. Revealing something about Nai Harn’s character, one of the longest-running night spots in the area is the Reggae Bar, which hasn’t changed its Rasta-cool look in years. A Buddhist temple which occupies most of the land approaching the beach certainly adds to Nai Harn’s calm nature. Surfing, snorkelling or simply lazing the day away on a rented sun lounger are the main daytime activities here, while in the evenings there’s a wide choice of restaurants to sample in the village, from noodle stands to upscale French and Italian eateries. The row of rustic restaurants in the shade of casuarina trees just back from the sands offer an excellent spot to watch the spectacular sunsets while indulging in a fresh seafood meal. The south-west monsoon from May to October kicks up some pretty hefty waves and there can be a strong undertow, so be sure to heed the red-flag warnings.