Layan shares the same coastline with Bang Tao village set on the western coast of the island. Its untouched nature and serenity draw travellers to lie under the shade of the tall pine trees fringing the beach and soak in the calm Andaman Sea protected by a miniature Koh Kala islet from the swell.
Layan looks just the same as it used to decades ago, featuring with a beautiful belt of turquoise sea, fringed by the tall pine trees. The fast development that completely changed most of the western locations spared Layan. You will find here a couple of fancy beach bars hidden in the lush greenery and several Thai-style bars serving cold beers and fresh juices.
Most travellers that visit Layan splendid beach are Thai and expats, as a result, the area features with just a right number of tourist facilities including restaurants, bars and accommodations. At the northern end of the beach, there are a few sun chairs and umbrellas available for rent but the further south you will find only a wide stretch of the blinding white sand and a tiny islet that separated Layan in halves.
Layan is one of a few regions in Phuket where you can swim all year round, even during the rainy season, when all western parts get hit by big swells. The miniature Koh Kala island off the north end of the coastline shelters Layan beach making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. Situated off the shoreline, it can be reached on foot during the low tide, so if you want to feel yourself a pioneer on a desert island, Layan beach and its minuscule Koh Kala are waiting for you.
Layan exudes serenity and tranquillity, it is a favourite beach retreat among choosiest travellers, and for a good reason. The lack of the tourist infrastructure is one of the major appeals adherent to the region.
There are no fashion boutiques, massive shopping malls and houseware hubs in Layan, so if you want to indulge in some serious shopping, head to Patong and Kata villages famous for its massive shopping centres, local bazaars and markets.
All shopping in Layan reduces to a couple of small shops located behind the pier that sell basic necessities, snacks, fruits and refreshing beverages to quench your thirst and satisfy your hunger.
With its turquoise waters, silvery sand fringed with swaying coconut palms and tall pine trees, Layan is a splendid picture postcard beach. Unique and beautiful, Layan rarely gets overcrowded.
Small restaurants and local bars, where you can cool down and enjoy a couple of beers or a cocktail, are ideal shelters from the tropical heat. A couple of fancy beach bars offer some different, more sophisticated relaxation. Right on the beach, you can get a bargain-priced Thai or relaxation massage performed by the skilled masseuse. After the one hour treatment, you will feel reborn and utterly relaxed, so it’s well worth a trying.
Layan is a laid-back and serene location, where everything – from its splendid beach to the exquisite villas tucked away in the lush tropical gardens – exude relaxing vibes, so if you are in Thailand for the unbeaten beach retreat, Layan is an excellent place to spend your holiday.
There is a big restaurant at the southern end of the beach attracting tourists and locals to satisfy the hunger and to shelter from the scorching tropical sun under the thatched roof. The venue serves savoury and fair priced Thai food, fresh seafood and Western favourites.
A couple of chic beach clubs set at the southern end of the beach are ideal for those wanting to indulge in dinner in style. These elegant establishments offer the eclectic mix of Asian and Thai dishes along with a delightful Mediterranean cuisine.
The pier behind the beach that harbours fishermen’s long-tail boats hosts another restaurant, where you can watch small vessels scurrying around the lagoon and try some Thai snacks, fresh juices and other local favourites.
Layan beach is an ideal spot to witness the incredible Thai sunsets. You can grab a beer at one of the shack-style bars popular among locals and Thai expats, or get a more sophisticated experience at one of the beach clubs tucked away among tall pine trees and swaying palms.
The lounge music, large swimming pool and fancy decor are integral parts of beach club relaxation. Try delicious exotic cocktails or choose a glass of wine to get an outstanding chill out experience while watching the sun disappearing in the gorgeous Andaman Sea.
Even though the nightlife in Layan is rather relaxed and tranquil, you will never get bored of its stunning nature and magnificent beachfront paths running along the coastline. Various bars and beach clubs invite visitors of all ages to soak in the comfy white sun lounges with an ice-cold tropical cocktail in your hand listening to the latest hits mixed by resident DJ.
Situated towards the south of Phuket International Airport on the western coast of Phuket, Layan is the ideal base to explore the western part of the island and relish in the serene and calm beach retreat.
One of the longest beaches in Phuket, Bang Tao is a splendid stretch of silvery shoreline with several high-end villas and resorts strung along the coast.
Surin has a huge range of upscale resorts and luxury villas perched on dramatic clifftops, most that are walking distance to the beach and restaurants.
The beautiful stretch of white sand ringed by tall trees still remains reasonably untouched, offering travellers to experience the real Thailand.
There are five Ministry Approved villas in Layan. As Layan is a rather exclusive and serene tourist destination, villa prices tend to be higher than other parts of Phuket. Layan villas range from USD $220 per night for two-bedroom villa resorts to over USD $2,100 per night for a seven-bedroom luxury villa.
Most of our villas have dedicated staff including: butlers, chefs, nannies, 24-hour security personnel, and many other services you won’t find in a hotel. This is why we say “Spend just one night in a villa and you’ll never stay in a hotel again.”
Although it is possible to get to Layan, Phuket over land or water, the best way is to fly.
It can take between 30 minutes to 45 minutes to reach Layan from Phuket International Airport depending on traffic. Ministry of Villas can arrange a chauffeur to greet you upon arrival and escort you to your villa.
Alternatively, there is a taxi desk at the arrival level which arranges one-way fares at a fixed-price. You can opt one of the transfer options – a shared mini van with other travellers or a private taxi.
There are plenty of options, so we’ve ranked them according to our recommendations for first-time travellers:
Ministry of Villas can arrange a private car and chauffeur for you. Depending on which villa you are staying in, the cost for the private vehicle with a driver can vary, so it’s recommended to contact our Ministry of Villas team to get the complete information about the private transfers.
Moving around on motorbike is a fast way to get to the destination point, however, a certain level of experience is required. Most important: you must have an international drivers license on your person at all times otherwise the local police can issue you a ticket with a summons to appear in court. And, of course, make sure you wear a helmet.
It can be challenging to find a car rental shop in Layan, so if you are travelling from the Phuket International Airport, it is highly recommended to hire a car from one of the offices located in the arrival terminal. The car travel in Layan is a fast and convenient way to explore the area but closer to the beach the path narrows and gets packed full with vehicles making it tricky to either move forward or find parking.
The taxi in Layan area can be found in the designated tourist destinations (beach, shops, places of interest and other tourist attractions). Always opt metered taxis as the travel by minivans without meters can be overpriced.
Travelling by tuk-tuk can be slightly cheaper than by taxi, however, take into account that tuk-tuks are not as convenient and fast as cars. Also, it is not recommended to travel by tuk-tuk to the longer distances due to the reasons of safety and comfort.
Ministry of Villas is passionate about delivering exceptional service. We believe it’s the little things that make staying in a villa so special. Let us do the ground work for you and help you plan the perfect holiday.
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