There are many places to travel in Thailand, but one of the most memorable, exciting, and picturesque locations is Bang Tao beach located on Phuket island’s west coast. It is easily one of Phuket’s longest beaches, stretching eight kilometers in a graceful crescent moon-shaped arc of pristine white sand. Bang Tao also called ‘Bangtao’ is considered one of the more peaceful beaches in Phuket, far from the hustle and bustle of its urban areas like Phuket town.
In addition to this relaxing and gorgeous seaside experience, there’s more to discover in Bang Tao with plenty of Thai food restaurants, night markets, hotels, a stylish beach club scene, wildlife, cultural landmarks, and even a golf course. Let’s find out all the must-visit places and experiences in Bang Tao.
A Bit Of History On Bang Tao
One of the major industries in 18th century Phuket was tin mining followed by rubber plantations. These operations were the primary sources of income for the island, and their operations carried on until the 1970s when the tin and rubber prices came down. Afterward, the tourism industry picked up in the 1980s and the mines were quickly abandoned.
The old tin mining operations had left scars on the environment, spoiling many of the natural landscapes and polluting water sources like rivers and canals. Fortunately, many foreign investors from countries like Singapore saw the potential in areas like Bang Tao beach, and funded projects that were intent on beautifying the location to its former natural glory, while developing it into a premier tourist destination.
Many of the old mine pits were flooded to form lagoons and lakes not just in Bang Tao but all over Phuket island. Some of the natural and mining features of the landscape were utilized in the design of world-class golf courses found in many parts of the island.
Bang Tao beach which thankfully still retained its untouched beauty was maintained carefully in the hope of attracting tourists. Unlike many other beaches found all around Phuket, the Bang Tao beach area is not packed to the brim with beachside activities, jet skis, and beach vendors to ruin your day in the sun. Therefore the place is very tranquil, allowing visitors to relax and set their minds at ease.
Bang Tao Beach: A Holiday Destination
The northern part of Bang Tao beach is where you can relax with a bit of sun and surf while enjoying the amazing views of the Andaman Sea. This is where you go if you want to be left alone. The southern part of Bang Tao beach includes beach clubs, shopping areas, local restaurants, and bars if you’re in search of a bit of excitement on your holiday.
The Bang Tao Beach
The beach itself is the main draw at Bang Tao. While it may be narrower than what you would find in places like Patong beach, it is not crowded, allowing you to enjoy its soft white sand with a feeling of bliss. The northern part of Bang Tao beach is more natural and less developed with fewer restaurants and bars to distract your eye from the natural environment.
The beach is perfect for a leisurely walk or a jog if you need some exercise. The sunset is particularly splendid and you should not forget to take your digital camera or phone along with you to capture this sight. There are also a few bars located along the beach if you need a refreshing drink or some coconut water to quench your thirst.
Bang Tao beach is frequented not just by foreign tourists but also locals who love to spend time with their kids or have a Sunday afternoon stroll. At its northernmost edge, Bang Tao beach connects to Layan beach. There is no real boundary between these beaches, but the small island called Gata is generally where the Layan beach is considered to start from.
The Bang Tao Beach Clubs
There are a few beach clubs along Bang Tao you can check out, although you will have to pay before getting into these. If you want to sip a drink while watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea, then one of these will be the perfect place. Many of the beach clubs also have swimming pools if you don’t wish to bathe in the ocean and sunbeds to lounge in while working on your tan.
Catch Beach Club
The Catch Beach Club is the first of its kind in the area and a clear favorite for many locals and travelers. Managed by Twinpalms Phuket, this famous place was originally situated at Surin beach, another popular stretch of beach in Phuket.
Xana Beach Club
The Xana beach club is part of the Angsana Laguna Phuket Hotel. While it has all the usual beach club features like a swimming pool, bar, and beach sofas, there’s also DJ music in the evenings. If you feel like partying, this is where you should go.
Dream Beach Club
While this club is closer to Layan beach, it is still worth the walk north since it has not one but two swimming pools, four bars, and hundreds of sunbeds to lounge in. It can accommodate a large crowd easily, and the evenings are very lively with a resident DJ set up just above a swimming pool to spin a variety of music like R&B and Jazz.
The Bang Tao Night Market
The night market on Boat Avenue is a colorful occasion to try out some delicious local food, fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as a variety of goods like clothing, and souvenirs to take back home from your trip. While relatively empty during the day, Boat Avenue street comes alive every Friday night with street vendors setting up their vibrant stalls and wares.
Bang Tao Activities
If you’re not interested in simply relaxing during your holiday in Bang Tao, then fortunately for you, there are plenty of exciting activities you can take part in. You can rent a kayak and paddle around the lagoon, or if you’re into sailing, you can find small sailing boats available too. You can book a scuba session from one of the diving centers, or go snorkeling. For more on where you can go snorkeling, read The Top 7 Recommended Beaches For Snorkeling In Phuket.
The Laguna Golf Course
The Laguna Phuket Resort complex has many facilities for accommodation, dining, entertainment, and tourist activities. Among these is the Laguna golf course, with over 6756 yards and a full 18-hole layout for golf enthusiasts to play with. There are plenty of hazards like lagoons and bunkers with banyan trees lining the fairways. The greens are done with USGA specification grass and will provide a great golfing experience all year round. You can get golf lessons from professional coaches as well. To learn more, read Laguna Golf Phuket.
Phuket Adventure Mini Golf
If you’re not a connoisseur when it comes to your golfing experience, or you simply want to have a fun time with the whole family, then you can try out the 18-hole miniature golf course at Phuket Adventure Mini Golf located near the southern end of Bang Tao beach. It’s best to come here around sunset when the day is cooling down. The mini course is beautifully landscaped, although don’t expect world-class greens here.
Elephant Watching
There are two elephant sanctuaries located within a few minutes’ drive from Bang Tao beach if you’re a lover of wildlife. There are two tour groups every day at the Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary, and you will get to see elephants bathe, feed, and roam around freely around the jungle that makes up the park.
Thankfully, there is no elephant riding allowed here although you are allowed to get close during bathing which can get a bit muddy. The Elephant Retirement Park offers a similar tour experience, and both sanctuaries have free shuttle buses which will pick you up from your hotel. You will also have a chance to buy souvenirs and take plenty of pictures. You will be served lunch as part of your tour package.
Quest Laguna Phuket
If you’re planning a corporate team-building retreat or a camp for kids, then Quest Laguna inside the Laguna complex is the perfect place for you to host it. Quest has been organizing team-building activities since the mid-1990s, and they provide very professional but fun half-day and full-day programs.
The various games and activities your group will experience are all done on the expansive woodland and meadow area inside the Laguna complex which spans an impressive three hectares. For the younger visitors in the 05 to 15 age groups, there are a variety of games to keep them occupied in the family fun zone.
Phuket International Horse Club
The Phuket International Horse Club can be found near the entrance to the Laguna complex on Bang Tao beach. Here you can get horseback rides along the beach and even riding lessons from experienced instructors. These skilled professionals will also match the pony or horse according to the rider’s comfort level and skill, so even first-time riders won’t panic.
You can get private lessons or take your whole family for a group lesson. The lessons will take you along the Bang Tao beach inside the Laguna complex heading north towards the Layan beach and back. You can take a horse for one-hour or two-hour rides. Late afternoon is the best time with the beach cooling down, and the sunset looking magical.
Cultural Attractions In Bang Tao
If you’re a fan of cultural and historical sites, then Bang Tao beach is very close to a few of them.
Wat Choeng Thale
First, there’s Wat Choeng Thale, a Thai temple that has been around for over a century. Its unique architecture reflects a perfect mix of both Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. You can reach this temple by traveling east from Bang Tao beach on Soi Cherngtalay 6 and turning into Srisoonthorn road.
If you do decide to visit this colorful temple, make sure to check out the ordination hall with its beautiful frescos telling the story of the Buddha. Outside, you will notice paintings that depict many deities from Hindu mythology, such as the elephant-headed god Ganesha, known in Thailand as Phra Phikanet, the bringer of luck and wisdom. Those passionate about history may notice all the writings in the temple are in Sanskrit.
Choeng Thale Shrine
The Choeng Thale Shrine located just before Wat Choeng Thale on Srisoonthorn road is another popular local attraction. Back at the turn of the 20th century, there were many Chinese immigrants living in the area who worked in the tin mines. One of them went back to his home country and brought back three wooden images of Taoist deities. The worshippers eventually built a shrine around these artifacts, and the place still exists to this day. The number of visitors to the shrine increases during cultural holidays like the Chinese New Year and also the Phuket Vegetarian Festival.
The Best Hotels And Resorts Near Bang Tao Beach
The Laguna Phuket is a massive resort complex that includes eight unique luxury hotel experiences, all within minutes of each other, with over 1,400 guest rooms across all of them. Let’s look at the best Laguna hotels in the Laguna Phuket complex if you’re planning to stay near Bang Tao beach.
Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket
This hotel is your best option if you desire to stay and experience one of Phuket’s longest beaches to its maximum. Many of its luxurious guest rooms will give you spectacular views of the sea, and there are plenty of sunbeds to lounge in and work on your tan. Apart from the five-star rooms and service, you will get all the usual amenities like a gym and an outdoor swimming pool. There’s a shuttle service to take you anywhere within the Laguna Phuket complex to visit its other restaurants, beach clubs, and spa center.
Angsana Laguna Phuket
On the other side of the lagoon from Dusit Thani Laguna is the Angsana Laguna hotel. It’s just a short walk from Bang Tao beach and has all the luxurious facilities found in many of the Laguna Phuket hotels. Its distinguishing feature would be the 300-meter-long free-form pool that snakes its way around the entire hotel. They also have a spa and wellness center if you need relaxation.
Movenpick Resort Bang Tao Beach
If you want a fantastic view of the ocean, then Movenpick has luxurious villas that provide just that. Each villa comes with multiple guest bedrooms, and a private swimming pool, making them a perfect choice if you’re traveling with family or friends. If you want to visit nearby places and attractions like Boat Avenue, the hotel provides a free shuttle service for guests. Their Palm restaurant offers great dining options with both Thai and western cuisine, and you can even get food served at your private beachside villa.
Dining Options Near Bang Tao Beach
If you want to enjoy some tasty seafood at the beachfront, then head south along the Bang Tao beach past the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Hotel. Here you will find a series of restaurants that serve both Thai and western dishes. You can dive into your delicious meal while sitting at a bamboo table under an umbrella right on the sand. The area comes alive during sunset with reggae music, and it’s a great place to enjoy the evening with a drink. You can also find plenty of great dining options around the Boat Avenue area, although these will be slightly more expensive, upscale, and without the amazing sea views.
Spa Treatments
Many of the hotels in the Laguna area of Bang Tao beach feature spa centers. The most lavish spa treatments can be found at the Banyan Tree Spa Sanctuary and Angsana Spa Laguna where you can get massages, facials, and body treatments. There are also smaller spa services in areas like Tinlay Plaza. These will cost you much less than the five-star resorts although the quality of the treatment may vary from place to place.
How To Reach Bang Tao Beach
The fastest way to get to Bang Tao beach is to take a flight that lands at the Phuket international airport. From the airport, it’s about a 30-minute drive to the Bang Tao beach area if you decide to take a cab. If you want to enjoy a great view of the sea during your drive, you can use the 4018 which goes along the western coast of the island towards Bang Tao. The great thing about Bang Tao is that it’s never too far from the best attractions in Phuket, being only 40 minutes away from the colorful streets of Phuket town, and about 30 minutes from Patong beach.
How To Get Around Bang Tao
If you don’t wish to walk or hire a cab every time you need to travel to nearby locations, there are many places where you can rent a bike. Your hotel might also let you borrow one for free, so be sure to check it with them before spending money on one. If you’re staying in Phuket for a few months, you might want to purchase a small motorbike to get around town. Just make sure you have the required motorcycle license, and motorbike insurance before you start riding it.
Planning To Visit Bang Tao Beach?
If you’re unsure of where to go and what to do on Bang Tao beach, then you’re going to need a local guide like Ushup. We have been all around the island of Phuket, and there’s no one else who knows this place as we do. We can help you discover the most authentic Thai food restaurants, the best Muay Thai training gyms, and the most scenic golfing experiences you can have in Phuket. To learn more, visit Ushup today!
FAQs
Bang Tao beach is one of the most popular tourist spots in Phuket, which is an island on the southern tip of Thailand. Bang Tao offers an eight-kilometer stretch of unbroken white sand, one of the longest beaches in Phuket.
Yes. Between November and April is the high season in Phuket just after the monsoon season is over. Then the sea at Bang Tao beach is relatively calm, providing the perfect conditions for swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, and various other water activities like riding jet skis or sailing boats.
You can dine in one of the many bars, restaurants, and beach clubs, play golf at Laguna golf course, go horseback riding on the beach, check out the night market on Boat Avenue, get a relaxing spa treatment, visit an elephant sanctuary, immerse yourself in the local culture at a Thai temple, take a dip in the ocean, or simply relax at the beach.
