Bang Tao Beach
North-west Phuket
A long sweep of sand from the Laguna resorts down to the quieter southern end. It rarely feels crowded, and the walk along the shore is long and peaceful.
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Phuket, Thailand
Bang Tao Beach
An 8-km beach on the north-west coast, home to the Laguna resorts, beach clubs and quieter stretches of sand.
Favourite places
Laguna lagoons
Behind the beach
Former tin-mine pools turned into lagoons surrounded by resorts, gardens and a golf course.
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Cherngtalay, near Laguna
A shopping and dining area near the beach with restaurants, cafés and evening markets.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Southern Bang Tao
Towards Surin
The local end of the beach, with fishing boats, simple seafood restaurants and fewer hotels.
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Local food
Khao mok gai
Phuket, Thailand
Southern Thai Muslim-style rice cooked with spices and chicken, served with a sweet-sour sauce — common in the Muslim villages of the area.
Roti
Phuket, Thailand
Fried flatbread served with curry or with banana and condensed milk.
Grilled seafood
Phuket, Thailand
Fresh fish and prawns grilled at beachside restaurants.
Where to eat
Boat Avenue
Cherngtalay
A cluster of restaurants and cafés, with a weekly evening market.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Seafood restaurants on the beach
Southern Bang Tao
Simple, family-run places serving grilled fish and Thai dishes on the sand.
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Where to stay
Laguna
Phuket, Thailand
Luxury resorts around the lagoons with golf and quiet beach frontage.
Open in Google Maps (opens in a new tab)Cherngtalay
Phuket, Thailand
The local town behind the beach, with villas, apartments and restaurants.
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Culture
Cherngtalay and the villages around Bang Tao have a large Muslim community with mosques nearby. Dress modestly away from the beach, especially near mosques, and be respectful during prayer times and Ramadan.
History
Bang Tao's lagoons were once tin mines. They were turned into the Laguna resort area, and the long beach now has luxury hotels, beach clubs and restaurants, with calm, local stretches at its southern end.
Tour plans
North-west Phuket beaches
1 dayStep 1: Morning at Bang Tao
Swim and walk the long beach.
Step 2: Surin Beach
Head south to neighbouring Surin for lunch.
Step 3: Sunset at a beach club
Return to Bang Tao for the sunset.
Step 4: Dinner at Boat Avenue
Eat at Boat Avenue or the local market.
Map
Travel information
Best time to visit
November to April for calm swimming; late afternoon is best for sunset at the beach clubs.
How to get there
About 25 minutes from Phuket Airport by car.
Getting around
Bang Tao is spread out along the coast. Grab, taxis and tuk-tuks are the easiest way around; Laguna has its own shuttle for hotel guests. A scooter or car is useful for exploring Surin and Kamala nearby.
Travel tips
Rip currents occur in the monsoon season; follow the flags.
