Overview of Bangtao
Bangtao offers both luxurious resort properties and a chance to experience the non-tourist life on Phuket. The luxury resort market here is dominated by the six properties that make up the Laguna Phuket resort complex, while just a few minutes away is the small town of Cherng Talay, which is inhabited primarily by fisherman and farmers. Visitors often choose to stay in Bangtao for the comfortable and upscale accommodations in a colorful and interesting setting.
It’s hard to talk about Bangtao without first mentioning the huge Laguna Phuket resort. Made up of six properties — the Allamanda, Banyan Tree Phuket, the Dusit Laguna, the Laguna Beach, the Laguna Holiday Club, and the Sheraton Grande — the Laguna resorts share lagoons, shops, restaurants, family activities, and a challenging golf course. For many visitors to Bangtao, never having to leave their hotel except to visit the local beach is a positive, but for those who like to venture out of the Laguna complex, the Bangtao area has many interesting sights to offer.
The beach at Bangtao is four miles in length, which leaves much room for beach goers to spread out. In addition, Bangtao’s beach is not as crowded as Patong Beach or even Karon Beach, although there are usually a few vendors with windsurfers or jet skis for rent. Horseback riding on the beach is available through the Bangtao Riding Club, which is located near the Laguna complex entrance. For those interested in swimming, the best is found during low tide; the sandy beach area that meets the water is steep at high tide. Beach shacks are located in front of the Laguna resorts; vendors here sell everything from drinks and snacks to tours and clothing.
Dining in Bangtao offers a multitude of options; the Laguna area in particular contains a number of upscale restaurants, while smaller and less expensive spots offer a range of cuisine without as much impact to the wallet or purse. Some of the more famous options with the Laguna resorts include the Casuarina Beach Restaurant, Ruen Thai, La Trattoria, Chao Lay, and Saffron at the Banyan Tree Phuket. In the cluster of shops and restaurants near the entrance to the Laguna complex, Tinlay Place is home to the international dishes at Tatonka Restaurant, the friendly Black Cat Restaurant, and the Siam Supper Club, which is known for California cuisine options. Options for good meals in Cherng Talay include Farang and Lady Pie.
While the many activities and restaurants can keep visitors completely occupied, it’s nice to have options for shopping, and Bangtao provides these, too. Canal Village, located by one of the lagoons at the Laguna resorts, offers some 40 different shops, boutiques, and tailors. For antiques, The Palace of Art is one of the top spots on Phuket.
For visitors in search of beach solitude and local color while enjoying easy access to activities, restaurants, and shops, Bangtao is an ideal choice.
