Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao Beach stretches 6km along Phuket’s northwest coast — the longest single beach on the island. The Laguna Phuket resort complex dominates the northern end, with five interconnected luxury hotels sharing pools, a golf course and a lagoon system. The southern end is quieter, with beach clubs, smaller boutique hotels and a few local seafood restaurants.

The Beach

The sand is wide and the gradient gentle — good for families and swimming in the November-April high season. The water gets rougher May-October when the southwest monsoon brings surf (red flag days are common). Beach clubs like Catch, Xana and Dream Beach Club line the mid-section with daybeds, DJs and elevated pricing.

The lagoon behind the beach is worth exploring by kayak — mangroves, birdlife and quiet channels away from the tourist strip.

Where to Stay

SAii Laguna Phuket (8.7 on Agoda) sits inside the Laguna complex with direct beach access and a family-friendly setup. Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket Hotel (8.6) is the upscale option at the northern end. Budget options are scarce here — Bang Tao is Phuket’s mid-to-high-end beach.

Getting There

30 minutes from Phuket Airport (northern location is convenient for arrivals). Songthaews from Phuket Town are infrequent — a Grab ride from Patong costs about 400-500 baht. Having a motorbike or car makes exploring the surrounding beaches easier.

Insider Tip: Walk south along the beach past the resort zone to find the local area — Thai-run restaurants serving fresh seafood at half the resort prices. The contrast with the Laguna complex a kilometre north is striking.