Are you looking for a beach destination that offers both luxury and local culture? Do you want to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea, as well as the history, activities, and cuisine of Phuket? If so, then Bang Tao Beach is the perfect place for you!
Bang Tao Beach is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Phuket, Thailand. It is located on the west coast of the island, about 20 km from the airport and 25 km from Patong. It is also the longest beach in Phuket, stretching for 8 km along the Andaman Sea.
Bang Tao Beach has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a cultural experience. You can walk on the white sand, swim in the clear water, and admire the tropical scenery. You can also visit the Laguna Phuket complex, which occupies most of the beachfront land and offers a range of facilities and activities, such as hotels, resorts, golf, spas, shopping, and entertainment. Or you can explore the local village, which offers a glimpse of the traditional Thai life, and sample the delicious local food and drinks.
In this article, we will give you a complete guide to Bang Tao Beach, covering everything you need to know, such as its history, its features, its attractions, its dining options, its accommodation options, and its transportation options. By the end of this article, you will be ready to plan your trip to Bang Tao Beach and have an unforgettable time!
Bang Tao Beach History: From Tin Mine to Holiday Paradise
Bang Tao Beach has a fascinating history that dates back to the 19th century. It used to be a tin mine site, where thousands of workers from China and Malaysia extracted the valuable metal from the sand. The tin mining industry was one of the main sources of income and development for Phuket, but it also had a negative impact on the environment and the society.
In the 1980s, the tin mining industry declined due to the depletion of the resources and the competition from other countries. The tin mine site at Bang Tao Beach was abandoned and left as a wasteland, with polluted water, eroded land, and poor living conditions for the workers and their families.
In 1984, a group of developers and investors from Singapore saw the potential of Bang Tao Beach and decided to transform it into a holiday destination. They formed a joint venture called Laguna Resorts & Hotels (LRH) and acquired 1,000 acres of land at Bang Tao Beach. They also invested in cleaning up the environment, restoring the natural beauty, and creating a sustainable development.
The first project of LRH was the Laguna Phuket complex, which opened in 1987. It consisted of five luxury hotels and resorts, a golf course, a spa, a shopping center, and a marina. The Laguna Phuket complex was designed to cater to the high-end market, offering world-class facilities and services, as well as a unique concept of interlinked lagoons and canals that connected the hotels and resorts.
The second project of LRH was the Laguna Phuket Golf Club, which opened in 1992. It was an 18-hole championship golf course, designed by Max Wexler and David Abell. It was also the first golf course in Thailand to be certified by the Audubon International for its environmental conservation and management.
The third project of LRH was the Laguna Village, which opened in 1995. It was a residential development, consisting of villas, townhouses, and apartments, for sale or rent. It was also the first gated community in Phuket, offering security, privacy, and convenience to the residents.
The fourth project of LRH was the Laguna Holiday Club, which opened in 2006. It was a vacation ownership program, allowing members to enjoy the benefits and privileges of the Laguna Phuket complex, as well as other destinations around the world.
The fifth project of LRH was the Laguna Phuket Triathlon, which started in 1994. It was an annual international sporting event, attracting thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world. It was also the first triathlon in Asia to be sanctioned by the International Triathlon Union.
The development of Bang Tao Beach by LRH was a success story, as it transformed the former tin mine site into a holiday paradise. It also brought economic growth, employment, and tourism to Phuket, as well as social and environmental benefits to the local community. Today, Bang Tao Beach is one of the most sought-after and prestigious destinations in Phuket, and a testament to the vision and innovation of LRH.
Bang Tao Beach Today: A Mix of Luxury and Local Culture
Bang Tao Beach today is a mix of luxury and local culture, offering a variety of experiences and attractions to the visitors. It is also the longest beach in Phuket, stretching for 8 km along the Andaman Sea. It has four distinct sections, each with its own characteristics and atmosphere.
The first section is the northern end of the beach, which is the most quiet and secluded. It is also the home of Layan Beach, which is a small and charming beach, surrounded by pine trees and a small island. Layan Beach is ideal for relaxing, swimming, and kayaking. It is also the location of some of the most exclusive and expensive hotels and resorts in Phuket, such as the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, the Banyan Tree Phuket, and the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket.
The second section is the middle part of the beach, which is the most lively and vibrant. It is also the home of the Laguna Phuket complex, which occupies most of the beachfront land and offers a range of facilities and activities, such as hotels, resorts, golf, spas, shopping, and entertainment. The Laguna Phuket complex is ideal for families, couples, and groups, as it caters to different tastes and budgets. It is also the location of some of the most popular and famous hotels and resorts in Phuket, such as the Angsana Laguna Phuket, the Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort, and the Cassia Phuket.
The third section is the southern part of the beach, which is the most local and authentic. It is also the home of the local village, which offers a glimpse of the traditional Thai life, and its features, such as the restaurants, shops, markets, and temples. The local village is ideal for exploring, dining, and shopping, as it offers a variety of local food and drinks, souvenirs, and handicrafts. It is also the location of some of the most affordable and friendly hotels and resorts in Phuket, such as the Bangtao Beach Chalet, the Sunwing Bangtao Beach, and the Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa.
The fourth section is the southernmost tip of the beach, which is the most fun and trendy. It is also the home of the beach clubs, which are the latest and hottest attractions in Phuket, and offer a combination of music, food, drinks, and entertainment. The beach clubs are ideal for partying, socializing, and enjoying the sunset. They are also the location of some of the most stylish and chic hotels and resorts in Phuket, such as the Xana Beach Club, the Dream Beach Club, and the Amanpuri.
Bang Tao Beach today is a mix of luxury and local culture, offering a variety of experiences and attractions to the visitors. It is also the longest beach in Phuket, stretching for 8 km along the Andaman Sea. It is a beach that has something for everyone, whether you are looking for a relaxing getaway, a fun-filled adventure, or a cultural experience.
What To Do At Bang Tao Beach: The Top 10 Things
Bang Tao Beach has a lot of things to do, whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, or culture. Here are the top 10 things to do at Bang Tao Beach, that you should not miss:
Walk on the beach:
One of the simplest and most enjoyable things to do at Bang Tao Beach is to walk on the beach. You can walk along the 8 km of white sand, feel the breeze, hear the waves, and admire the scenery. You can also collect shells, build sandcastles, or play with the water. Walking on the beach is a great way to relax, exercise, and appreciate the beauty of nature.
Visit Layan Beach:
Another thing to do at Bang Tao Beach is to visit Layan Beach, which is a small and charming beach, located at the northern end of the beach. Layan Beach is surrounded by pine trees and a small island, which create a secluded and romantic atmosphere. You can swim, kayak, or snorkel in the clear water, or relax on the sunbeds or hammocks. You can also visit the Layan Beach Shrine, which is a small and colorful shrine, dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Guan Yin.
Enjoy the Blue Tree Water Park:
A fun and exciting thing to do at Bang Tao Beach is to enjoy the Blue Tree Water Park, which is a large and modern water park, located near the Laguna Phuket complex. The Blue Tree Water Park has a variety of attractions and activities, such as slides, pools, lazy river, splash zone, wave pool, and surf simulator. It also has a fitness center, a spa, a restaurant, and a bar. The Blue Tree Water Park is suitable for all ages and preferences, as it offers thrill, chill, and fun.
Have a coffee at Ma Doo Bua Cafe:
A creative and unique thing to do at Bang Tao Beach is to have a coffee at Ma Doo Bua Cafe, which is a small and cozy cafe, located near the Laguna Phuket complex. Ma Doo Bua Cafe is famous for its lotus-shaped coffee, which is a special and artistic way of serving coffee. The coffee is poured into a cup that has a lotus leaf on top, and then the leaf is carefully removed, revealing a beautiful lotus flower pattern on the coffee. The coffee is also delicious and aromatic, and you can choose from different flavors, such as espresso, latte, cappuccino, and mocha. You can also enjoy some snacks and desserts, such as cakes, cookies, and ice cream. Ma Doo Bua Cafe is a great place to relax, enjoy the view, and take some Instagram-worthy photos.
Shop at Boat Avenue:
A popular and convenient thing to do at Bang Tao Beach is to shop at Boat Avenue, which is a large and modern shopping area, located near the Laguna Phuket complex. Boat Avenue has a variety of shops and stalls, selling everything from clothes, accessories, souvenirs, and handicrafts, to groceries, electronics, and furniture. You can also find some international brands, such as H&M, Uniqlo, and Starbucks. Boat Avenue also has a night market, which opens every Friday from 4 pm to 10 pm, and offers more local products, such as food, drinks, and entertainment. Boat Avenue is a great place to shop, eat, and have fun.
Relax at a beach club:
A trendy and enjoyable thing to do at Bang Tao Beach is to relax at a beach club, which are the latest and hottest attractions in Phuket, and offer a combination of music, food, drinks, and entertainment. There are several beach clubs to choose from at Bang Tao Beach, each with its own style and vibe. Some of the most famous and chic beach clubs are Xana Beach Club, Dream Beach Club, and Amanpuri. You can lounge on the sunbeds or cabanas, sip on cocktails or mocktails, and listen to the DJ or live music. You can also swim in the pool or the sea, join the pool party or the beach party, and watch the sunset or the fire show. You can also dine at the restaurant or the bar, and taste some of the finest cuisines and dishes, such as Thai, seafood, Italian, and international. Relaxing at a beach club is a great way to experience the nightlife and the glamour of Bang Tao Beach.
Explore the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary:
A meaningful and rewarding thing to do at Bang Tao Beach is to explore the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, which is a sanctuary and a retirement home for rescued elephants, located near the Laguna Phuket complex. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first ethical elephant sanctuary in Phuket, and it aims to provide a natural and peaceful environment for the elephants, where they can roam freely, eat healthily, and socialize with each other.
You can visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and join a half-day or a full-day program, where you can learn about the elephants, their stories, and their behaviors. You can also feed, bathe, and walk with the elephants, and observe them in their natural habitat. You can also support the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary by donating, volunteering, or adopting an elephant. Exploring the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a great way to learn about the elephants, their plight, and their conservation.
Play golf at Laguna Golf Phuket:
A challenging and fun thing to do at Bang Tao Beach is to play golf at Laguna Golf Phuket, which is an 18-hole championship golf course, located within the Laguna Phuket complex. Laguna Golf Phuket is one of the best golf courses in Thailand, and it offers a scenic and diverse layout, with water hazards, bunkers, and undulating greens. It also offers a stunning view of the lagoons, the mountains, and the sea.
You can play golf at Laguna Golf Phuket and enjoy the facilities and services, such as the clubhouse, the pro shop, the driving range, the putting green, and the caddy. You can also join the golf academy, where you can learn from the professional instructors, or the golf events, where you can compete with other golfers. You can also enjoy the dining options at Laguna Golf Phuket, such as the Banyan Cafe, which serves Thai and international food, or the Golfers’ Terrace, which serves snacks and drinks. Playing golf at Laguna Golf Phuket is a great way to exercise, improve your skills, and have fun.
Getting There
Bang Tao Beach is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Phuket, Thailand. It is located on the west coast of the island, about 20 km from the airport and 25 km from Patong. There are several ways to reach Bang Tao Beach, depending on your budget, preference, and convenience.
By bus:
You can take a public bus from Phuket Town or Patong to Bang Tao Beach. The bus fare is about 30 THB (0.9 USD) per person, and the journey takes about an hour. The bus stops near the local village, which is the southern part of the beach. You can also take a shuttle bus from the airport to Bang Tao Beach, which costs about 200 THB (6 USD) per person, and takes about 30 minutes. The shuttle bus stops near the Laguna Phuket complex, which is the middle part of the beach.
By taxi:
You can take a taxi from the airport or any other location in Phuket to Bang Tao Beach. The taxi fare is about 600 THB (18 USD) from the airport, and about 400 THB (12 USD) from Patong. The journey takes about 20 minutes from the airport, and about 30 minutes from Patong. The taxi can drop you off at any point along the beach, depending on your hotel or resort. You can book a taxi online or by phone, or hail one on the street.
By tuk-tuk:
You can take a tuk-tuk, which is a three-wheeled motorized vehicle, from Patong or other nearby beaches to Bang Tao Beach. The tuk-tuk fare is about 300 THB (9 USD) from Patong, and about 200 THB (6 USD) from Surin Beach. The journey takes about 40 minutes from Patong, and about 20 minutes from Surin Beach. The tuk-tuk can drop you off at any point along the beach, depending on your hotel or resort. You can find a tuk-tuk at the main road or the beach road, or ask your hotel or resort to arrange one for you.
We hope that this article has given you a complete guide to Bang Tao Beach, and that you have found it useful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!
Thank you for reading, and happy travels!
