Phuket Island Thailand-Laguna Bang Tao Beach nightlife, restaurants, hotels, shopping

Laguna Bang tao beach nightlife, restaurants, hotels, shopping

Laguna/Bang Tao- Bang Tao Beach is located a few km’s south of Nai Thon. It is the second longest beach on Phuket, being over eight kms in length.

The sand and water are very similar to all west coast beaches in that it is white, squeaky and the water is crystal clear. During the low season, surfing is possible at the southern end of the beach. Rows of casuarina and coconut palm trees separate the beach from the beach road and its stores and shops, giving it a quiet and secluded atmosphere.

Bangtao Beach has the islands largest hotel development. There are a number of 5 star hotels that comprise the Laguna complex. These hotels are Banyan Tree, Angsana Resort and Spa, Laguna Beach Club. These resorts are connected to each other via a big lagoon in the middle, or you can walk or take a shuttle from one resort to the other. Laguna resort also features an 18 hole golf course appropriately titled, Laguna Phuket Golf Club. Farther south of the Laguna complex are some private residential developments. Once again as in all west facing beaches, the seas are calm and clear during the high season. However, Use extreme caution when swimming between May and October due to very strong rip tides.

Places to stay in Bang Tao- The majority of people that stay in Bangtao stay at one of the resorts in the Laguna complex. These hotels are Banyan Tree, Angsana, Laguna Beach Club, Dusit Laguna and the Allamanda. I listed these in the order of the price and quality. Towards the southern end of this long beach are more accommodations consisting of On the southern end of the beach, one can find several hotels and bungalow type operations. These hotels and resorts are aimed at the midrange tourists. Some of these include the Bangtao Beach Chalet, Blue Garden Resort and Spa, Baan Rosa, Andaman Bangtao Bay Resort, and the Bangtao Village Resort and the Best Western Bang Tao.

Places to eat in Bang Tao- Besides the obvious eateries in the Laguna Hotels, there are a number of mom and pop type restaurants serving local Thai food at reasonable prices. If you are adventurous, you can rent a motorbike or ride a bicycle to a few km’s away to Chern Thalay where you will find amenities and restaurants that cater to the local community with corresponding local ( read cheap) prices.

Nightlife in Bang Tao- There is not much nightlife in this area except for Tinlay place which is at the entrance to the Laguna resort complex. There are 3 bars here and a few nice upscale restaurants. Of course the hotels in the complex have their fair share of pubs and places to enjoy a cold beverage, but these are on the high side of pricing compared to outside pubs and bars.

Shopping in Bang Tao- There is an upscale shopping resort in the Laguna complex called Canal Village. This was opened back in 2000 and features a number of high end shops. Make sure to bring a credit card with a large limit if you intend to do all of your shopping here.

Mai Khao- Stunning km long beach

Nai Yang- By the airport

Nai Thon- Lots of private villas

Layan- Upscale in the North of Phuket

Surin- Nice beach, dangerous in low season

Laem Singh- Small stunning beach

Kamala- Relatively quiet,Muslim community

Nakalay- Rocky small beach

Kalim- Next to Patong, good surfing beach during high tide

Patong- Dirty water, great nightlife

Paradise Beach/Tri Trang-Hidden gem of a beach, close to Patong

Relax Bay/Le Meredien-Beautiful bay in front of Le Meredien

Karon- Squeaky clean beach

Kata- A mini Patong without the ugly buildings

Kata Noi-Kata Thani dominates this beach

Nui- Do't go here, locals charge you for access

Nai Harn- Great beach, lots of yachts in high season

Ya Nui- Super small, good snorkeling

Rawai- Not a nice beach, but lots of good seafood restaurants

Chalong- On the bay, don't swim here, but great food and vistas!

Cape Panwa- Isolated and quiet

Phuket Town- Terrible beach, but popular with locals at Sapan Hin

Ao Por/Cape Yamu- Best left unless you have a yacht at the marina