Bang Tao is in the north of Phuket, approximately 25km from Phuket airport. Bang Tao features a large holiday resort called Laguna Phuket which spans 1000 acres of tropical parkland and runs along an 6km stretch of beach. Laguna Phuket features a golf course, restaurants, bars, spas and boutiques. It's also a good base for organising day tours by boat or around Phuket. The nearest town is Cherng Talay, which is just a few minutes from Laguna Phuket.
Bang Tao is just a few minutes from the town of Cherng Talay and 25km from Phuket Airport. It's a sophisticated holiday destination featuring seven 5 star hotels within the Laguna Phuket complex including the exclusive Banyan Tree and Angsana Laguna. There is free use of the shuttle boats and buses within the resort and many of the hotels allow visitors to use their facilities. Perfect if you want to indulge by booking in at the spa, explore on a yacht or fit in a round of golf.
Laguna Phuket also features a range of fine dining options and family friendly restaurants. There are also lots of other activities for all couples, individuals and families to enjoy in Bang Tao like sailing, wakeboarding, canoeing and horse riding.
Cherng Talay was originally a traditional village where you will find local Thai restaurants, but it also has a Tesco Lotus and can get busy. The beaches at Bang Tao are stunning and there are some incredible sunsets. Bang Tao is also home to some opulent beach clubs where you can enjoy a sumptuous brunch and stay all day long and party into the night if you want to.
Beaches
Bang Tao Beach
One of the longest beaches in Phuket stretching for 6km. The beach is largely uninterrupted and secluded, so you won't find the crowds you get in Patong. The beach is suitable for swimming and has shallow water, red flags will be raised when not suitable for swimming.
The Catch Beach Club is a high-quality bar, restaurant and lounge spot right on this beautiful beach and has restablished itself here from Surin Beach in the last couple of years. With a superb beachfront location, excellent food and drinks and great music, it is one of the top chill-out spots throughout the day and a popular party venue at night. Sunloungers and salas do cost but are credited against the food and beverage purchased. Children are welcome on the beach but not in the Club's swimming pool.
Layan Beach
This is located at the northern end of Bang Tao beach and is very quiet, home to Nikki Beach club and some local beachfront restaurants. It is peaceful and is beautiful with white sand, calm waters and fringed with casuarina trees. A slice of tropical paradise. You can rent kayaks here and go out to small island of Koh Kala.
Spas and Wellness
Angsana Spa
A spa renowned for excellent service and surrounded by natural beauty, it has views over the beach and of the surrounding lagoon. Try the glitter experience, where you are polished and conditioned with gold treatments. Rediscover your sparkle.
Banyan Tree Spa
This is an award winning spa and it's easy to see why, the spa uses ancient ayurvedic techniques. Try the signature Royal Banyan treatment, you are massaged with a herbal pouch dipped in sesame oil.
There is a fantastic selection of things to do in Bang Tao. Although it is a quieter area, the fact that it is home to many high end resorts brings with it a good range of facilities and choices, blended with some authentic Thai charm. Take your pick, select a hedonistic beach club, a day of wakeboarding, experience the freedom of a horse back ride on the beach or find a spot on the sand and soak up the incredible views.
Watersports
There are lots of watersports available at the beach, rent a kayak, take a banana boat ride or hobie cat sailing.
Diving
There are lots of options to dive from Bang Tao - take a day trip to the Bang Tao mining wreck. Try www.phuket-dive.com.
Horse Riding
There is a horse riding ranch at the Laguna complex and experienced staff will assess your ability and enable you to ride their horses along the beach, enjoying the natural tropical landscape.
Golf
The Laguna Phuket Golf course is pre-bookable - play 9 or 18 holes.
Anthem Wake Park
The first clockwise cable wakeboard park in Asia. There are also restaurants here for spectators. A 10 to 20 minute drive from Laguna Phuket.
Shopping
Within Laguna Phuket, shopping is centred around Canal Village, it's a shopping centre with cafes and luxury boutiques. Worth a visit is the Banyan Tree Gallery for luxurious gifts, handicrafts and spa treats.
Wat Cherng Talay Temple
Just east of Cherng Talay town, lots of large and inspiring colourful murals, depicting Buddhism.
Quest Laguna
Quest fun zone offers a range of activities for children aged 5 to 15.
There is an excellent choice of restaurants in Bang Tao, there are lots of fine dining options as well as those that are suitable for families. Here are some of our favourites:
360 Degrees
Located in the Phuket Pavilions resort at Cherng Talay, ascend through a bamboo grove to reach the 360 degree views over Phuket. Say farewell to the day with the restaurants 'sunset ritual'. Dishes include tapas with a twist, like the feta, mint and pine nut cigars. Other dishes on the menu include raw fish and grilled meats.
Siam Supper Club
A contemporary supper club located just outside the Laguna complex. Gourmet dining including fresh seafood, aged grilled steaks, pizza and pasta.
Flame/Bake/Pasta
Three restaurants grouped together in the Laguna area. Bake serves fresh coffee and pastries. Flame serves rotisserie chicken, pizzas and burgers. Pasta? Well you can guess. Three family friendly restaurants, great for a casual bite to eat.
The Bistro
This is a family friendly restaurant with great reviews serving a range of Thai and International cuisine.
De Dos
Located just outside the Laguna complex, Chef Pablo creates culinary art with flavour combinations that captures a fusion of Thai, Japanese, French and Mediterrenean cuisine.
BangTao nightlife is relaxed and chilled, but BangTao is home to some sophisticated beach clubs. You can celebrate all day and all evening if you want to. You'll also find many of the restaurants and bars in Laguna Phuket stay open late in the evening.
Catch Beach Club
You can chill out here all day into the evening when the club really comes to life, becoming one of the more sophisticated night spots in Phuket. House and guest DJs play great chill-out, nu-disco and techno tunes and, even though it’s not a small venue, it can easily get packed on a big party night. One of the classiest beach clubs in Phuket, it is widely regarded as a must-visit.The Club hosts events throughout the year so keep an eye on the Catch Club website and Facebook page for details. Friday nights is BBQ nights and there is a full festive season schedule for brunch, dinner and not forgetting a New Years Eve party!
Nikki Beach Club
Opened in 2014. Already famed for its brunches, this beautifully decorated spot is open until midnight. The entertainment is varied with fashion shows, a fire show, themed parties and live music. Contemporary menu of moutwatering food like the Nikki Beach Wagyu Beef sliders. Order from the comfort of your all white double bed on the beach.
Xana with Attica
This is a contemporary beach club and entertainment venue with a range of luxury cabanas and beachside beds. International Djs often feature here. Menu is modern seafood and international club cuisine - popular for its Friday night seafood BBQ.
Nok + Jo's Sports bar
A 24 hour sports bar with live games shown, a pool table and table soccer.
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