Northwest Phuket - Villa Layan

The local area

Sheltered by the tiny island of Koh Kala, Layan is a favourite with locals and expats who prefer to sit under one of the shady pine trees bordering the beach, than in a phalanx of sun loungers. Behind the beach there is a small pier where long-tail boats set off up the river to a lagoon north of Koh Kala.

With a tranquil beach that looks much the same as it did twenty years ago, our Phuket holiday villa is the perfect place to get away from it all, and has the added convenience of being a great spot from which to explore the rest of the island.

The History of Phuket

Phuket is a magical island, and in the past it enticed travellers and traders from all over the world with promises of pearls, jewels and ivory. The culturally and artistically vivid capital Phuket Town was founded in the 1st century BC by colonists from India, and Phuket's economic importance - especially with the discovery of tin in the 16th century - attracted both the Dutch and the British.

Thousands of Chinese labourers were also drawn here, creating another cultural influence that's still evident throughout the island. These waves of visitors have made Phuket the place it is today, uniquely hospitable, culturally fascinating and famously beautiful.

What to See and Do in Northwest Phuket

For the days when you want to do nothing more than lie of tropical sands, Layan beach offers stunning scenery, crystal waters and relaxation - but this isn't all there is to this area. A small unspoilt island called Koh Kala (perfect for exploring) is accessible by walking over the sand, adding a little adventure to your lazy days at the beach. You can even rent a sea kayak to paddle through the paradisiacal lagoon to the island's north.

A little further afield, you can spend a day at the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park and its Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, a volunteer run organisation that helps gibbons that were seized by poachers. At the Sirinath National Park was established in order to converse Phuket's sea turtles, and you can wander over an elevated walkway that explores a mangrove habitat.

Furthermore, a trip to the stunning island of Koh Phi Phi (made famous by the Danny Boyle film "The Beach") is a must for avid snorkelers, all of which can be arranged through our concierge.

Aromatic Thai Cuisine

Thai cuisine is an intrinsic part of the nation's culture and it's loved all over the world. Defined by quality ingredients and precise balancing of punchy flavours, the food in Phuket is extraordinary. From our Phuket luxury villa you can enjoy everything from fresh seafood pulled off the boat and barbequed on the beach, to the exacting standards of the island's high-end restaurants, safe in the knowledge that it will all be absolutely delicious. Some dishes not to miss while you are here include the aromatic prawn broth Tom Yam Goong, fresh spring rolls doused in sweet sauce known as Por Pia and of course, an authentic pad thai.

The Experience

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