LAKU Beach Club

A Beach Club on Koh Maphrao

LAKU Beach Club is one of the newest reasons to hop over to Koh Maphrao, just off the east coast of Phuket. It’s part of the Barcelo Coconut Island resort, but you don’t need to stay overnight to enjoy it — they’ve opened it up to outside guests with a day pass, and it’s worth the ride. The setting is relaxed and breezy, with views straight out to sea and a clean stretch of beach just steps away.

It’s not a party beach club, but they do have DJs on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, usually from late afternoon. It’s more about chilling on the sunbeds with a drink than dancing, but it sets a good mood.

The Food at LAKU

The menu is Mediterranean at heart, with a few tropical touches and lots of seafood. If you’re sharing, start with the charcuterie and cheese platter or their “Mezze Platter,” which comes with hummus, baba ganoush, labneh, and warm pita. The grilled prawn skewers are great with a cold beer, and their crispy calamari comes with lemon and aioli — simple but spot on.

There are fresh salads if you want something lighter, or bigger plates like grilled seabass, beef tenderloin with truffle sauce, and seafood linguine. I tried the LAKU Burger on one visit — stacked, juicy, and hard to finish without a mess. They’ve also got a few Thai options for those craving something familiar.

Drinks are a highlight here. Some of the cocktails use homemade syrups made from local herbs and fruits — a nice nod to the Moken people, who’ve lived in these waters for generations and are known for their natural foraging. It’s a detail you’d miss if no one told you, but it makes a difference in the glass.

See the menu here – Drink list here

How to Get There

The trip is half the fun. LAKU has its own pier and reception lounge on the Phuket mainland, just past Laem Hin Pier. It’s not the same spot as the public boats — the LAKU pier is private and easy to spot, with a small welcome lobby facing the island. From there, it’s just a 10 to 15-minute boat ride across the water. Calm, quick, and you’re there with sand under your feet and a drink in hand.

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