Bangtao Beach is one of the longest in Phuket. Located on the west coast of this beautiful tropical island, the beach is a contrast of sorts – with some of the most luxurious and ultra-posh resorts, estates and villas in Phuket, but also with its fair share of untouched pristine areas.
For visitors of Phuket who want to experience contemporary comforts amidst a tranquil and quiet environment, Bangtao is the perfect paradise for you. While many of the community’s locals are employed in the hotels and villas, there is still a large number of residents who practice the ancient lifestyles of fishing, farming, and rubber trapping.
Restaurants
Don’t let the provincial atmosphere of Bangtao fool you. Though many of the beach’s areas are undeveloped, the large number of modern establishments offer a wide array of dining experiences that even the most picky of diners will surely enjoy.
DeDos is definitely one of the most buzzed-about restaurants in Bangtao and even the whole of Phuket. The restaurant’s French chef worked in 2 Michelin-star restos in France, and the exquisite menu boasts of French, Thai, Japanese, and Mediterranean dishes.
The Nikki Beach Club on Layan offers an ultra-modern and chic dining experience, with its occasional top-class events, and its successful renditions of fusion cuisine.
Other popular restaurants in Bangtao include Black Cat, Bistro Bangtao, and Ceramic Kitchen.
Shopping
You won’t find any malls or big-name chain stores here – but an eclectic mix of high-end boutiques, antique stores, and even art galleries. If these shopping options aren’t for you, there are plenty of beach shopping around, selling basic necessities, souvenirs, and food.
Lemongrass House boasts organic cosmetics and products made by an American expat, while the Lagoon Traditional Thai Crafts is the place to find locally carved goods. For upscale shopping, Canal Village is the shopping hub of the luxurious Laguna Phuket Complex, where over 40 stores cater to the hundreds of guests that stay in the 5 high-end hotels in the area.
If you need to go to big shopping malls, Central Festival & Jungceylon could be the answer. To see a list of places to go shopping in Phuket, click here.
Activities
The Nikki Beach Club on Layan Beach, one of the best world-class beach clubs in Phuket, is an attraction in and of itself. With a unique blend of fashion, music, art, film, and dining, this exclusive and posh beach club features incredible amenities and architecture that bring you to the most exotic places in the world. If you love parties and events, this beach club is definitely on top of the list in Bangtao.
For the adventure type, Anthem Wake Park offers wakeboarding lessons for beginners and experienced riders. Electric cables are used to pull students on the 50,000 sq. km freshwater lake, and a bar and resto are available for other guests as well.
For an experience you mustn’t miss in Bangtao, elephant trekking is made possible by the Phuket International Riding Club, who also offer horseback riding lessons with trails on the beach.
Other notable attractions and activities include visiting the Wat Cherng Talay, which is the spiritual center of Cherng Talay, and the Phuket Adventure Mini Golf Club.
If you want to experience a holiday that evokes peace of mind and tranquility, yet amidst the modern comforts of contemporary living, nothing beats Bangtao as your go-to destination. With a large list of dining, shopping, and day activity opportunities, you’ll definitely leave Bangtao with a general feeling of rejuvenation and utter enjoyment.
Accommodations
Some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts in Phuket can be found along the 6-kilometer stretch of Bangtao’s white beach, so there are definitely plenty of options. Whether you would want it beachfront, just a few minutes walk or maybe a few minute’s drive to the beach, you can find it here. If you are seeking private luxury villa accommodation, Villa Love 21 is just a 5-minute drive away.
Featured Image: Laguna Outrigger Phuket
Updated as of August 2, 2024