Bang Tao Beach on the island of Phuket is a large, open bay home to one of Phuket’s longest beaches. The white sand beach stretches for six kilometers and is next to the village Cherng Talay.
While Bang Tao used to be a working area, primarily tin mining, the construction of the Laguna Complex changed the area into a tourist draw. Still, in the village of Cherng Talay there are many locals who fish, farm and rubber tap, just as their ancestors once did.
Laguna Complex
Bang Tao Beach was put on the tourist map thanks to the Laguna Complex. The Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort takes up a large part of the beach’s area. If you are looking for a place to stay on the beach, this is one of the biggest and best places to do so.
The resort itself is five hotel complexes and also has an 18 hole golf course. All of the rooms have incredible views and either overlook the ocean or the nearby lagoon. In addition to the standard rooms available, there are also luxury ones, including rooms with private terraces and villas on the grounds.
The Laguna Complex has many amenities including a kids club and a 55 meter water slide. There is also a spa to relax at. There are three outdoor tennis courts and one indoor tennis court to play on. There are three different restaurant to choose from and two bars.
While on the beach there are sun loungers and umbrellas that can be used as well as complementary non-motorized water sports to engage in. Sailing and rowing boats are available to use.
If you want to really indulge yourself, you can be a member of an exclusive lounge club. This gets you VIP check-in, access to the private club lounge to have your means in and unlimited soft drinks, tea and coffee. Each day there is a happy hour that includes beer, wine and a tasting menu.
The golf course in the resort, Banyan Tree, is a championship golf course. It is open to residents staying at the complex but green fees still apply.
In the Water
Bang Tao Beach is set inside a large bay which can be quite shallow. Swimming her is nice as the water is calm and clear.
At the north of the bay you can find a smaller bay that is almost enclosed. At the mouth of this smaller bay is an abundance of coral which makes for great snorkeling.
Travel
Phuket Airport
Most people who visit Bang Tao Beach fly into Phuket Airport. The airport is 25 kilometers away from Bang Tao Beach and takes about 40 minutes travel time. Most people take a transfer which costs about 600 baht. If you opt for a metered taxi, it will be about 550 baht.
In town
If you are staying at the Laguna Complex then transportation is relatively simple. There are free shuttle buses that will take you between the different hotels and shopping centers. If your destination is across the lagoon, no worries as there is a ferry service that will take you.
If you want to leave the Laguna Complex for other places on the island, it can become expensive. Relatively few taxis travel to the complex so you will need to call and book a taxi. Chauffered cars are available to take you to other places. These can be expensive. For example, a one way trip to Patong would be about 600 baht.
One place that is near Bang Tao Beach is Surin Beach. This beautiful beach is only about a 20 minute walk away and can be reached by heading south on the main road.
Shopping
While there are many shopping opportunities at the Laguna Complex, they are expensive. To get more local goods, travel into the nearby town where better deals can be had and more authentic pieces can be found.
Eating
If you are staying at the Laguna Complex, there are many good restaurants to choose from. However, it is worth taking a trip to the smaller, nearby town, or wandering down the beach for something local.
Nightlife
The nightlife in Bang Tao Beach is relatively calm. Most people that go out at night do so for good food or a few drinks. Patong Beach is much livelier and only 15 kilometers to the south. It is worth checking out for an evening and you can secure a taxi cab to return you back to your hotel. If you want a party atmosphere and to see what makes Bangla Road so famous, make sure you visit Patong Beach at night.
Other Accomodation
While the majority of tourists who spend their vacation at Bang Tao Beach end up at the Laguna Complex, there are other hotel options. Other hotels on the beach include a Best Western and other smaller hotels. [Read: Le Coral Hideaway Beyond Phuket Review]
Nearby Attractions
While resort life is always nice and relaxing, be sure to carve some time out of your stay at Bang Tao Beach to explore the rest of Phuket. Bang Tao Beach is on the west coast of Phuket and located in the middle of the coast line. Patong Beach is 15 kilometers to the south.
If you love animals, then try to plan a trip to the Khap Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary. Located in the northeast of Phuket, this national park covers 23 square kilometers of lush rain forest. It is home to exotic and endangered animal species on the island and is a tranquil place to get lost in nature. There are waterfalls, many hiking trails and a rehabilitation center for gibbon monkeys. The Wildlife Sanctuary is 15 kilometers northeast of Bang Tao Beach.
While many people go to Bang Tao Beach to relax and most stay at the massive Laguna Complex, it’s important to remember that there is much more to see on the island of Phuket. Definitely take advantage of all the amenities the resort has to offer, but also try to take time on your trip to explore other parts of Phuket.
