Baanrai I Talay Cafe – Hillside Cafe with Sea Views
Baanrai I Talay Cafe is a hillside cafe with panoramic views over Kamala Bay. It opened in May 2024 as a branch of the popular Baan Rai I Arun from Ranong. The cafe sits on the old Kamala-Patong road, known locally as Kuan Yak or Giant Hill, about 10 minutes drive from Kamala Beach.
I went on a Thursday afternoon, and the place was already half full. By 5 pm, most tables with sea views were taken. The setting is impressive. Built from bamboo, wood, and thatch, the whole place feels like a Thai farmhouse dropped onto a hillside. Multiple levels cascade down the slope, each with different seating areas. Some spots have air conditioning, others are open-air with fans. The best seats are obviously on the outdoor terraces facing the bay.
What to Order
The menu mixes Thai food with Western cafe dishes. Thai options include Pad Kra Pao (stir-fried basil), Massaman Curry, and fried rice. Western choices cover pasta, chicken steak, and club sandwiches. Portions are decent, and prices are reasonable for a place with this kind of view.
I tried the Massaman Curry. It was creamy with good spice, came with a generous amount of chicken, and arrived quickly. The Strawberry Yoghurt Smoothie is popular and worth ordering. Several tables around me had the Fried Chicken, which looked crispy and well-presented. They also serve beer and wine if you want something stronger for sunset.
The View and Atmosphere
This is why people come to Baanrai I Talay Cafe. The view over Kamala Bay is the main attraction. You can see the beach, the town below, and the Andaman Sea stretching to the horizon. On a clear day, the colours at sunset are worth the drive.
The decor leans heavily into the rustic farm aesthetic. Wooden furniture, rattan lamps, bamboo structures, and plants everywhere. It’s designed for photos, and plenty of visitors spend time walking around taking pictures before they even sit down. There’s also a small shop selling handmade souvenirs near the entrance.
The atmosphere is relaxed during weekday afternoons. Weekends and holidays get busy, with families, couples, and groups of friends filling the tables. If you want a good seat for sunset, arrive by 4:30 or 5 pm.
Keep in mind that payment is often cash-only or via QR code (Thai bank apps only), so bring some Thai Baht. The friendly staff, superb views, and relaxed atmosphere far from busy streets make it an ideal hideaway for couples, solo travellers, or anyone seeking a peaceful retreat with refreshments and ocean views.
How to Get There
Baanrai I Talay Cafe is on the old road connecting Kamala to Patong, not the main beach road, and just 500 m from the popular Keemala hotel. Coming from Kamala, head towards Patong and turn onto the old mountain road at the Kamala intersection. The road climbs steeply.
You need a car or a motorbike. The road is paved but steep with some tight corners. Not really suitable for bicycles unless you’re very fit. Parking at the cafe is free, and there’s plenty of space. Google Maps works fine for navigation. Search for “Baanrai I Talay Cafe Phuket”, and it will take you there.
Is It Worth It?
Yes, if you want a cafe with a view that’s different from the usual beach bars. The food is decent, prices are fair, and the setting is genuinely beautiful. It’s become popular quickly since opening, which means crowds on weekends, but the experience is still enjoyable.
The drive up the hill adds to the sense of escaping the beach tourist areas. You’re surrounded by jungle rather than hotels and shops. For couples or anyone who enjoys a scenic spot with a drink, it’s one of the better options near Kamala.
Just don’t expect exceptional food. Come for the view and atmosphere, treat the food as a bonus.
Baanrai I Talay Cafe Photos
Baanrai I Talay Cafe Info
Location: Kamala Beach (hillside above)
Address: 14/30 Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83120
Hours: 9 am – 9 pm
Phone: 065 253 5522
Budget: 200–400 Baht per person
Parking: Free, plenty of space
Facebook: บ้านไร่ ไอทะเล Cafe Phuket
Baanrai I Talay Cafe Map
Your Kamala Beach Travel Guide
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Baanrai I Talay Cafe – Hillside Cafe with Sea Views in Kamala, Phuket
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Baanrai I Talay Cafe has panoramic views over Kamala Bay. Thai food, coffee, sunset drinks. How to get there, what to order, tips for visiting.
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Baanrai I Talay Cafe Phuket
