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LAYAN BEACH - A SMALL QUIET BEACH IN THE MIDDLE OF PHUKET
Layan Beach is a relatively unknown and mostly unspoiled stretch of beach located on the west coast of Phuket. The beach is located just below the beautiful Trisara Resort, and to the south Layan Beach spills over into the popular Bang Tao Beach. You could say that Layan Beach actually covers the northern part of Bang Tao Beach. The big difference with Bang Tao Beach is that it’s also nice and quiet on Layan Beach during the high season. Except for a few tourists, there will only be a few local fishing boats bobbing in the sea water. Perhaps it is quiet because Layan’s resorts, restaurants and bars can be counted on two hands. We will tip off the best hospitality locations of Layan later in this article.
Image: stryjek
- The beach of Layan Beach
- The sea of Layan Beach
- Kala en Koh Kala
- How to get to Layan Beach from the north of Phuket?
- How to get to Layan Beach from the south of Phuket?
- What to do on Layan Beach?
- De best accommodations on Layan Beach
- Good eats on Layan Beach
- The best (beach) bars on Layan Beach
- What else to do in the middle of Phuket?
- Our handy map of central Phuket
- More interesting articles about Thailand
Image: stryjek
The beach of Layan
Because mass tourism hasn’t yet taken over this beach on Phuket, Layan Beach is clean and the atmosphere is friendly. In the fine white sand you are happy to lay down a beach towel to enjoy your relaxing day at this beach. Shady spots are provided by the trees at the edge of the beach. At some restaurants along the beach, especially towards Bang Tao, you can rent sun beds or lounge cushions.
As is the case with most beaches in Thailand, Layan Beach spills over into a beach with a completely different name. In our case we drew the line ourselves, namely at the fun and hip beach bar Hugo Hut. One step further and you are walking on the sand of Bang Tao Beach. This is the busier and longer part and especially known for the Lagunas and some super beautiful resorts like the phenomenal Banyan Tree Phuket. You can read more about that in our article about Bang Tao Beach.
Hugo Hut, the border between Layan and Bang Tao | Image: Dree Panton (Instagram)
The advantage of staying in this area of Phuket is that whether you sleep in the quieter Layan or busier Bang Tao you can always commute back and forth from quiet to busy and vice versa. We find Layan Beach a nice beach for a few quiet relaxing days where you can enjoy a romantic sunset with a nice cool drink in your hand and your feet in the warm sand.
The sea of Layan Beach
While staring at the sea of Layan you see some fishing boats and the occasional speed boat passing by. At high tide you can swim there but Layan is not a great swimming beach. Save this for beaches in the northern part of Phuket like Nai Yang or Nai Thon Beach. In the south of Phuket, we recommend the sea at Surin and Kata. However, the coast of Layan is fine for some paddling which provides a bit of a cool down. Well, cooling …, the sea is shallow and therefore it feels more like a warm bath … During low tide the sea retreats considerably and creates an even larger stretch of beach. A characteristic phenomenon that happens on many more beaches in Thailand.
The river Kala and island Koh Kala
During low tide you can walk to a small island opposite Layan Beach. The islet, which listens to the name Koh Kala (not to be confused with those climbing beasts in Australia …), lies exactly opposite a small freshwater stream that flows into the sea. This little river is called Kala and is frequently used by the locals who have their boats here. On the island of Kala there are palm trees and nothing else. During high tide you can snorkel around Koh Kala. The striking single tree that grows between the mainland and the island in the sea is a special appearance, nature rocks!
Image: Narong Niemhom
How to get to Layan Beach from the north of Phuket?
From northern Phuket (the international airport), it’s less than half an hour’s drive to Layan Beach. Drive south on the 4031 past Nai Yang Beach and continue on the 4018. Gradually pass Nai Thon Beach and drive through Trisara. Continue your way on the 4031 and after less than 10 minutes you will come to an exit where you can take Soi Layan 4. This way you come out in the northern part of Layan Beach. You can also choose to continue on the 4031 and then take Soi Layan 2. This way you come out on the road that runs parallel to Layan Beach and Bang Tao Beach.
How to get to Layan Beach from the south of Phuket?
From the south of Phuket, you can get to Layan beach in half an hour with this route on Google Maps.
What to do on Layan Beach and surrounding area?
Kayaking, supboarding and snorkeling
In addition to beach beds, you can rent kayaks and sup boards from a number of beach bars on Layan Beach. With these you can explore the sea and paddle around Koh Kala during high tide. A kayak or sup board on Layan Beach costs about 200 baht per hour. Guests having drinks and/or snacks at Hugo Hut can borrow a kayak for free. The same goes for guests of the Layan Residences by Anantara, now that’s service! At high tide, the coast of Koh Kala, the small island off Layan Beach, is a reasonable snorkeling spot. This is not the very best place to snorkel on Phuket but at least now you know that there are a number of species of tropical fish to be seen here.
Massage at Layan Beach
At several beach shacks you can not only rent a beach bed or kayak but also book a massage, including at Hugo Hut. Ask the friendly staff if you can get a massage and a half hour later you will have a wonderful massage directly at Layan Beach. Assume 350 baht for a one-hour massage.
Horseback riding
Next door to The Pavilions, a super beautiful resort in Layan, lays the Phuket International Horse Club. If you’ve always wanted to go horseback riding on a tropical beach during sunset or if you miss Bella, your own horse at home, you can still gallop at Layan. One hour of horseback riding during sunset costs 1,500 baht. Before sunset, you pay 1,200 baht per hour.
What are the best accommodations on Layan Beach, Phuket?
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Trisara
Trisara is one of the most beautiful resorts on Phuket, which is why we chose to dedicate an entire article to this exclusive resort. But that’s not the only reason. On the premises you will also find the only restaurant on Phuket with a Michelin star, PRU Restaurant. PRU is run by Dutch chef Jim Ophorst. You can also read more about the restaurant and its team in our extensive article about Trisara and PRU Restaurant. In addition, we have a very special interview with Jim online.
The Pavilions Phuket
Despite the fact that The Pavilions Phuket is located a bit further from Layan Beach, we would like to recommend this super nice resort to you. The resort also has a shuttle service to Layan Beach, which is very convenient. Whether you will use the shuttle service is questionable because chances are you won’t even want to leave the grounds of this resort. Why? The service here is outstanding, there are plenty of amenities such as a pool, spa, fitness center and a number of great restaurants on site. What more could a person want!?
Perhaps the name The Pavilions already looks familiar to you. Not surprisingly because you will not only find them near Layan Beach on Phuket but are also located in cities like Rome, Madrid, Amsterdam and even on the edge of the Himalayas! The resort in Phuket consists of different types of rooms, you can choose from all kinds of suites, penthouses, pavilions and (pool) villas.
If you would ask us we would book the Ocean View Pool Villa. A luxury villa of 310 m2 with a private pool and panoramic views over the surroundings of Layan. Furthermore, the villa has a spacious living room, a bedroom to dream away and a nice bathroom including shower and bathtub. Did someone say something about the shuttle service to Layan Beach? We will stay right here in The Pavilions!
Layan Residences by Anantara
When it comes to the best resorts in Thailand, there are always a few names that are frequently mentioned, including the name Anantara. The Layan Residences by Anantara are located in the northern part of the beach where you can look over Koh Kala and the serene surroundings of Layan from the Beachside Pool. It is here where you can relax and enjoy a carefree holiday on Phuket!
During your stay at the Layan Residences you have access to two swimming pools, a gym and tennis court. And after exercising you can completely relax in the Anantara Spa of the resorts where you can book a wellness retreat. Then during the evening dine in one of the great restaurants of which we will tip two later in the article. Finally, end the day with a delicious mojito or other summer cocktail from The Mojito Factory!
In terms of rooms, there are numerous options available at the Layan Residences by Anantara. For example, you have the Premier room for two of 56 m2 with a comfortable and huge bed including a garden view. Families will be too happy with the family villa including a private pool. The 100 m2 villa has a double bed, a sofa bed for the kids and is fully equipped. Are you with a large group? Not a problem at all! Anantara has several villas from two bedrooms up to seven bedrooms! Those are going to be some great days at Layan Beach on Phuket!
>>> More information or book a stay in the Layan Residences by Anantara
TIP!
If you still have some money to spend, you can book a helicopter trip to Phang Nga Bay via Layan Residences. For about 90,000 baht you can visit various locations such as Koh Panyee but also the James Bond Island with your own helicopter and pilot.
Angsana Villas Resort Phuket
Looking for your own villa during your stay on Phuket? Angsana Villas Resort is a short forty-five minute walk or ten minute shuttle service from Layan Beach. The resort has two swimming pools, a fitness center, a fine restaurant and different types of suites and villas. Whatever you book here everything is spacious, clean and perfectly finished. The attentive staff at Angsana will make sure you will have a wonderful time during your stay on Phuket!
>>> More information or book a stay at the Angsana Villas Resort
DID YOU KNOW?
Not far from the Angsana Villas Resort you will find the Angsana Laguna Phuket. The two resorts are less than fifteen minutes drive from each other. The resort is near Bang Tao Beach, which flows into Layan Beach to the north.
>>> More information or book a stay at the Angsana Laguna Phuket
What are the best restaurants on Layan Beach, Phuket?
WE VALUE YOUR OPINION!
Despite the fact that our selected locations in Phuket have a very good reputation, it’s possible that due to (for example) new management the quality has become less good. Or unfortunately locations have been forced to close their doors because of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic… If you have useful information, please let us know! Also, if you have a favorite restaurant or other great tip for Phuket, be sure to let us know through our Thailand Magazine Facebook group, or Instagram and Facebook page. Via e-mail is also possible. THANKS!
PRU Restaurant
Ready for a unique and flavorful culinary experience? Then visit PRU Restaurant which is a part of Trisara. You will definitely not regret it! Read about PRU in our article about the only restaurant on Phuket with a Michelin star or the interview with Dutch star chef Jim Ophorst.
Age Restaurant
Age Restaurant is part of the Layan Residences by Anantara, located in the north of Layan Beach. Their slogan is “Age, Quality through time.” The first thing that came to mind was a good wine that gets better with age or how about juicy and sweet ripe fruits. In short, Age is a great name that we can relate to. And if you go off the many very positive reviews we are not the only ones. Age has apparently matured well because lately reviews with five stars, the highest possible score, have become quite standard.
The restaurant is not only praised for its food and pleasant atmosphere but also for the beautiful wines and delicious cocktails that are served here. The menu is mainly (modern) French oriented and with plenty of variety. Some examples are the smoked duck, dishes from the Josper and desserts like the Eton Mess.
DID YOU KNOW?
Age’s chef is the winner of Iron Chef Thailand 2020. Cheers to that!
Dee Plee
Dee Plee is also part of the Layan Residences by Anantara. Here you can enjoy quality Thai food with a fine sea view. Dee Plee offers Thai dishes from different regions of Thailand. Of course you can order the bestsellers like Satay, Massaman, Khao Soi and Penang Curry but there are also dishes available that are less known. For example, try the Yum Hau Plee Hoy Shell, a salad with banana flower. Or the Poo Phad Pong Karee, crab from Phuket with egg and curry powder, super tasty!
Project Artisan
Project Artisan was born out of the need to create a location where the family feeling prevails. A rendezvous where you can get together with the whole family and friends. Enjoying delicious and healthy dishes together. Chatting with a glass of wine including delicious snacks. To reminisce until late in the evening with a cocktail in your hand while you regurgitate old stories for the hundredth time. Project Artisan is that place you keep coming back to every time you visit the Layan area on Phuket.
At Project Artisan you are welcome for every meal of the day. For example, you can have a sumptuous breakfast or share a pizza for lunch. For dinner you can order a soup, a number of different bruschetta’s and a fresh salad, and enjoy! This is also where good food and art come together. Numerous artworks are exhibited on location and sometimes they are even created in front of you during the evening.
What are the best (beach) bars on Layan Beach, Phuket?
Hugo Hut
Hugo Hut is a super cozy and fun beach bar right on Layan Beach. It all started with a small hut on the beach and a barbeque. Today, Hugo Hut is a cozy haven for those who visit Layan Beach. The staff is extremely friendly and guests can borrow a kayak or supboard, You will feel right at home at this cozy “surf shack”. Numerous events and activities are also organized. There are beach volleyball tournaments and you can even play a game of pool on the beach. There are also regular DJs invited to build a party on the beach including a dazzling fire show!
At Hugo Hut from 17.00 to 19.00 it’s extra party time because then it’s Happy Hour, you get two cocktails for the price of one. This beach bar works with many pop up concepts whereby they invite local restaurants to organize a barbecue or other dinner. Enjoy a beautiful sunset while lying on the beach. Hugo Hut stands for that free vacation feeling on a tropical beach where you make new friends!
NOTE!
Hugo Hut on Layan Beach is closed during the low season (May to October). But not to worry because where there are closing doors there are opening doors somewhere else on Phuket. Hugo Hut will become Hugo Hub and will set up shop on Bang Tao Beach during the off-season. So you can still enjoy Hugo’s cozy atmosphere and amicable service!
Beach&Bubbles
Beach&Bubbles is another fun beach bar on Layan Beach. The “beach” is obvious but what about the bubbles? You can choose from two different types of champagne, from several types of Prosecco and a few more types of sparkling wines. Of course at Beach&Bubbles they have also thought of some bites like a plate with different cheese, tray of mixed nuts or a set of 6 Fine de Claire oysters.
360 Rooftop Bar
Finally, we tip you the 360 Rooftop Bar, part of The Pavilions Phuket which we wrote about earlier in this article. This bar gives you, as the name suggests, a beautiful 360 degree view over the surroundings of Layan on Phuket. Upon arrival, you will be taken all the way up to the terrace at the top. Order a nice drink and some snacks and enjoy. A perfect place for a pleasant evening during your vacation!
- Visit the beach at Bang Tao Beach.
- You can play golf at the Laguna Golf Club or play mini golf with the family at Phuket Adventure Mini Golf.
- Visit these Buddhist temples in central Phuket; Wat Choeng Thale or the Wat Baan Kamala.
- Go shopping and eating in the popular shopping area Boat Avenue near Bang Tao Beach or The Plaza Surin near Surin Beach.
- Visit one of the following (night) markets; Fun Friday Avenue Night Market, Bang Tao Night Market or the Monday / Friday Market Kamala.
- You can have a lot of fun in the water at Blue Tree Phuket.
- Book a stay in one of the best accommodations near Bang Tao Beach.
- Have a drink and a snack at one of the best (beach) bars or restaurants of Bang Tao Beach and surroundings.
- Visit Surin Beach and get some goodies for the beach from the small markets and street food stalls there at the beach.
- Check out the beautiful views from the Surin Beach Viewpoint or Laem Sing Viewpoint.
- There are plenty of (tiny) beaches in the middle of Phuket such as; Pansea Beach, Laem Sing Beach, Rayee Beach, Hua Beach, Yae Beach and Nakalay Beach.
- Book a stay at one of the best accommodations near Surin Beach.
- Have a snack and drink at the one of the best (beach) bars or restaurants of Surin Beach and its surroundings.
- In terms of theme parks in the middle of Phuket, you can visit Phuket FantaSea and Carnival Magic.
- Visit the beautiful beach of Kamala Beach and its promenade.
- Good surfing can be done with the Kamala Go Surfing Club.
- Go on an adventure towards The Hidden Rock Ponds overlooking the Andaman Sea.
- Book a stay at one of the best accommodations near Kamala Beach.
- Dine at one of Kamala’s best restaurants or have a snack and drink at one of the best (beach) bars in Kamala Beach and the surrounding area.
The map of central Phuket
Especially for you, we made a map of middle Phuket. It shows the beaches, the best places to eat and drink, fun sights and other activities. Have fun and enjoy!
SOME OTHER GREAT INFORMATION ABOUT THAILAND!
