What to Do in Layan Beach
Layan Beach is a beautiful but little-known bay on the west coast of Phuket, on the northern end of Bang Tao Beach. Layan is home to many luxurious resorts, such as Kora Beach Resort and Banyan Tree Resort. The beach ends with a river harbouring small fishing boats, and its best-known feature is the big island standing where the river reaches the sea. It is one of those places in Phuket that still feels the way most beaches used to feel 20 years ago.
Until recently, Layan Beach kept a low profile, with just a handful of small restaurants and bars peppering the beachfront from Bangtao Beach. At the very end of the beach, a small restaurant also offers Thai massage in a bamboo house for 400 baht, perfect for a lazy afternoon in the sun, especially the Aloe Vera massage at 500 baht (400 baht for 1/2 hour).
What to Do in Layan Beach?
Layan is a little off the beaten track, and there is little to do regarding attractions or activities. That’s why locals and expats like this beach; most come here to enjoy a leisurely lunch with family or friends. Things are slowly changing, but even with the opening of a large beach club, the area is still quiet most of the time.
The Beach
Come here to relax, enjoy a beach massage or a spa at nearby resorts and eat by the beach. That’s a great way to spend a day in Phuket.
Beach House and Rooftop by Anantara
Beach House Layan and Roof Top by Anantara are two exclusive venues on the same beach of the Anantara Layan Phuket. The rooftop is vast and very comfortable, and you can choose to sit on large sofas or at small dining tables by the water.
360 Rooftop Bar
360 rooftop bar at the Pavilion Resort is a beautiful place to enjoy a drink or even dinner at the end of your day. The terrace is not near the sea but above the trees.
Address: 31/, 232/1 Moo 6 Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Open: 5:30 pm – 11:30 pm
Tel: 076 317 600
Price: High
Banyan Tree Spa
The Banyan Tree Spa is one of the most exclusive on the island and a multi-award-winning experience in Thailand. If spa treatments are on your list during your trip to Phuket, this is the one experience you should try, but as you can expect, it is expensive and often fully booked.
Where to Stay on Layan Beach?
At first, there seem to be only two resorts on this beach: The famous Banyan Tree and the more recent Layan Residences by Anantara. Still, Layan is so close to Bangtao that you can enjoy a wide choice of excellent resorts.
Kora Beach Resort
Kora Beach Resort is a family-friendly hotel on Layan Beach, one of Phuket’s quieter and lesser-known spots. This recently developed area offers a peaceful escape with soft sands and clear waters, perfect for travellers looking for a relaxing destination away from crowded tourist beaches. The resort is near the beach, with views of the Andaman Sea and easy access to the ocean.
The hotel features 307 modern rooms and suites designed for comfort, with options like family rooms and two-bedroom suites that fit larger groups. Parents can relax at the spa or enjoy a meal at one of the resort’s four restaurants, including a rooftop grill with sunset views. With its spacious pools, family-friendly amenities, and peaceful surroundings, Kora Beach Resort is a good choice for a holiday in Phuket.
Swimming Pool: 1
Restaurants: 3 + 2 Bars
Distance to the beach: Beachfront
Distance to Patong Beach: 19.5 km
Distance to Phuket Town: 24.5 km
Check the rates
Layan Residences by Anantara
Layan Residences by Anantara offers luxurious private villas overlooking the Andaman Sea. Each villa is designed with spacious living areas, infinity pools, and panoramic ocean views. The architecture combines modern elegance with traditional Thai touches, featuring natural materials and open spaces. Guests can enjoy exclusive amenities, including personalised butler service, gourmet dining, and access to a pristine beach. The secluded setting provides privacy while being conveniently close to nearby attractions.
Range: 5-star
Distance to the closest beach: on the beach
Restaurants and Bars: 6, including a rooftop bar
Address: 168, Soi Layan 4, Choeng Thale, Phuket, 83110
Phone: 076 317 200
Check the rates:
Where to Eat on Layan Beach?
Layan used to have a handful of small restaurants under the trees along the beach, but they have all been removed. Only one remains at the very end, near the island.
Tan Restaurant & Massage
Tan Restaurant and Massage is the last restaurant still open on Layan Beach. The place is simple and very quiet, just next to the long-defunct Dream Beach Club.
Phone: 099 483 4756
Address: 28 Tambon Choeng Tale Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
HOW TO GET TO LAYAN BEACH?
To reach this beach, drive to Bang Tao Beach and follow the signs to the Banyan Tree Resort. Pass the Banyan Tree gates and continue to the nearby T-junction, then turn right and drive a few kilometres to the very end of the road, it’s an easy drive, but the road can be narrow at some points due to the cars parking on the street.
Layan Beach Photos
Fast Facts about Layan Beach
| ⛱️ Beach condition: | Excellent |
| ⛱️ Other beach nearby | Bang Tao Beach |
| 📷 Thing to do: | Xana Beach Club |
| 🍸 Rooftop: | Rooftop by Anantara |
| 🛎️ Best hotel: | Anantara Layan Phuket Resort |
| 🛎️ Best pool villas: | Banyan Tree Phuket |
| ✈️ Distance from Phuket International Airport: | 14 km |
