Layan Beach is the name of the north end of Bangtao Beach on the west coast of Phuket. Unlike most beaches on Phuket’s west coast, it’s still a tranquil area where you can sit back and relax in the shade of the tall pine trees that line the beach. Most of the people who visit this magnificent beach are Thais and expats; everything looks the same as it did 20 years ago. The sea is relatively calm here because the beach is sheltered by Koh Kala, a small island in its northern part.
Located at the north end of Bangtao Beach on the west coast of Phuket, Layan Beach is home to luxury resorts and hotels at the crossroads of the sea and river. With a small island called Koh Kala protecting Layan Beach, the region still looks the same as it did over 20 years ago. Unlike other beaches on Phuket’s west coast, Layan Beach is relatively quiet and only frequented by expats and Thais, which helps keep this beach Phuket’s well-kept secret. Some other attractions in the area are the recently opened Dream Beach Club and the traditional Thai massages offered by the locals in their charming bamboo huts.
Off the beaten path, Layan Beach is an easily accessible little paradise of Phuket. Tree-lined beaches like Layan are popular with locals as they offer a cooling escape from the sun. Koh Kala is easy to explore and will make you feel like a real Robinson Crusoe, plus it’s only a few meters from the mainland. The lagoon north of the beach is beautiful, and there is little development in the area apart from a few villas and lots.
Things to Do at Layan Beach
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Go Kayaking
There is a small pier with fishing boats behind the beach along the river leading to the lagoon north of Koh Kala island. Once in the lagoon, visitors can rent a kayak and explore the area.
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Go Clubbing
Visit one of Phuket’s best beach clubs at Layan Beach for a fun sunset or a hearty lunch.
There is a restaurant and some beach chairs at the beginning of the beach and Dream Beach Club, one of the best in Phuket. The restaurant serves good Thai and Western food at a fair price and is an excellent place to enjoy lunch with a view or sunset. Behind the beach, you will find a small pier with long tails and fishing boats along a small river leading to a lagoon north of Koh Kala. Here you can rent a sea kayak from the restaurant to tour around Koh Kala and the Lagoon. The pier also has a sea rescue center and small shops where you can find Thai snacks, fruit, and drinks.
Next to the pier, on the road that runs along the beach, there is a bathroom/shower stall where you can clean up before returning to your hotel.
How to Reach
- Arrive at Bangtao Beach by scooter or tuk-tuk.
- Follow the signs to Banyan Tree Resort.
- When you come through the gate of Banyan Tree Resort, continue to the T-junction and turn right.
- Walk down a few kilometers to the dead end.
- Another way to get there is to go through the lagoon complex and continue north on the minor road toward the coast.
