Plenty of sand to share
At over eight kilometres long, Bang Tao is the second longest beach on Phuket. The northern half of the beach has been annexed by the ultra-luxurious Laguna Complex of five-star hotels, but there’s still plenty of sand to share. Travellers without a super-sized budget shouldn’t be scared off by this mega-resort as the southern stretch is home to enough mid-range options that Bang Tao is still worth considering.
Phuket is so big, we’ve split it up into areas, select one of the below for detailed accommodation and food listings in that area. Sights and general overviews for Phuket as a whole can be found via the icons above. Don’t know where to start? Read an overview of Phuket’s different areas.
Browse hotels in Bang Tao Beach on Agoda
Provided by Travelfish partner Agoda. Prefer Booking? Click here.
The area around Bang Tao was formerly tin-mining country and the Laguna Complex’s artificial lakes are actually filled-in pits. Much of northern Phuket, Bang Tao included, was almost completely abandoned when the mines ran dry. It wasn’t until droves of tourists began to arrive that interest in Bang Tao was re-sparked, and parcels of land were quickly (and sometimes illicitly) snatched up by property developers.
To this day controversy surrounds ownership of some parcels of land in both the Bang Tao area and sections of Khao Lak. Corrupt politicians and other people of influence have, across the country, often tried to take advantage of Thailand’s sometimes vague land title system and Phuket has some prime examples of this type of abuse.
But swathes of dodgy land deals shouldn’t bother slowly bronzing tourists and Bang Tao remains a fine area for a bit of bronzing. The beach is long and the waters calm. There’s plentiful shade and in high season this area is a hit for water-sports.
From a traveller’s perspective, the focus is firmly settled on southern Bang Tao where there is a strip of small resorts lining the beach and a small village set further inland. Although you may not realise it until you’ve heard the call to prayer ringing out from the village mosque, this is a predominantly Muslim area and their conservative beliefs should be respected. If you plan to wander off the beach and into the village please remember to dress appropriately. No one will abuse you for wearing a bikini and sarong to the convenience store, but it’s impolite and inconsiderate.
During the high season the sea at Bang Tao is calm and perfect for swimming and water sports. While it is possible to swim here year round, swells and under-currents are common during the rainy season. Red flags are erected on the beach when swimming is dangerous, and you should heed their warning to keep out of the water.
For surfing, the northern end of the beach is more exposed to both the wind and the swell, and the waves, while bigger, can get pretty very mushy and unpredictable.
Jet skis can be hired on Bang Tao, but as with anywhere on Phuket, you’re supposed to have a Second Class Helmsman’s license to operate one -- the easiest way to avoid any problems is to ride as a passenger. Don’t forget the life jacket.
63 other destinations in Southern Thailand
More to it than Full Moon Parties
Wise old wilderness
The other Ko Chang
Leave the crowds behind
A bay all to yourself.
Let’s keep this one a secret
Ready to relax?
Breathtaking above and below the water
Unspoilt island wilderness
Golden Buddha island
Fancy pants beach time
Pristine beaches and jungle
Land of 300 peaks
The tranquility runs deep
Caves, beaches and a palace
Dozens of beaches to choose from
A popular spot to learn to dive
Lively gateway to the islands
Rock climbing paradise
Popular party island
Where the beaches stretch for miles
More to it than the Emerald Cave
Great choice for the quiet life
Relax by the sea
One laid-back island
Thailand‘s largest national park
Settle into a slower pace
Great beaches, pricey food
Mountains to the west, ocean to the east
Set your internal clock to Thai time
A family favourite
No need to leave that beach chair
Just kick back
Say hi to the sea turtles
Crossroad between islands and mountains
Unspoilt twin islands
Mainstream tourist hotspot
Before you hit the islands... Eat!
Welcome to paradise
Awesome
Ko Lipe’s wild neighbour
Wave to Burma
A comfortable island getaway
Unadulterated Southern Thailand
Thailand’s biggest and busiest island
Muslim fishing life
Low-key beach town
Mountains, lakes and no tourists
Take a break from it all
Your base for Phang Nga Bay
Largest city in Southern Thailand
Don’t miss the local iced tea
Like Hua Hin lite
Gateway to Ko Tao
Beach holiday hotspot
Almost Malaysia
Gulf coast island gateway
Gateway to Malaysia
Once a proud kingdom
Gateway to little-known islands
Gateway to the Satun islands
Well off the beaten trail
Historic for more than one reason