In Thailand, there is an island of tranquility and serenity — Bang Tao Beach in Phuket. You won’t hear car noises or the chaos of loud music like in Patong here, just the gentle lapping of water against the shore and the soft rustle of leaves and grasses. In such an atmosphere, you might even feel like talking in whispers so as not to disturb the idyll. Let’s explore it step by step…
General Information
Beach information
Length (m): 6000 
Cover Type: White sand 
Water Temp (°C): 28 
Cleanliness (1-10): 8 
Crowdedness (1-10): 5 
Infrastructure: Full infrastructure 
Best Season: Nov–Апр 
Waves Level: Calm 
Lifeguards Available? yes 
Children Friendly? yes
Reviews
Photos
Essentially, Bang Tao Beach lies near the northern tip of Phuket, with only Nai Thon Beach lying farther north, while to the south it borders Surin Beach. Bangtao Beach stretches about six kilometers in length and around 40–50 meters in width.
Giving a full detailed description of the beach would take a lot of time, so we’ll limit ourselves to the main facts.
Bang Tao is conditionally divided into three zones:
- Southern
- Central
- Northern
You might find maps of Bang Tao indicating that on the northern side the beach merges seamlessly into Layan Beach. We won’t delve into that distinction and will stick to the classic theory of three zones. In the photo below, you can see sun loungers, but they were once prohibited on Phuket’s beaches. (Note: As of 2025, authorities have partially allowed the placement of sunbeds in designated zones, so you may find them in certain areas.)
The most popular areas among visitors are the central and southern parts of Bang Tao, mainly because they are easier to access. In the north lies the Laguna Hotel, which occupies quite a large portion of the shoreline. By Thai law (which generally applies throughout the country), beach areas cannot be privately owned, so the stretch of coast opposite the Laguna complex can still be freely used by tourists. However, the upscale atmosphere created by the Laguna complex sometimes unintentionally deters some budget-conscious travelers.
Interestingly, the name “Bangtao” translates to “Lagoon.” In its early days, this area was nothing more than a humble fishing village, devoid of the exclusivity it boasts today. After Phuket Island was discovered by the travel industry, hotel business owners moved in and began building five-star properties, transforming the area into a prestigious destination.
The presence of expensive hotels does not mean Bang Tao is inaccessible to travelers of average means. There are plenty of visitors staying nearby in condominiums or more affordable hotels. The area also attracts a significant number of winter visitors.
Apart from the sea, several ponds are scattered around the beach area, offering enjoyable walking paths. If you get tired, you can rest in one of the gazebos by the pond.
The vegetation here is unlike typical beach flora. Instead, you’ll find mainly pine-like casuarina trees. Because of this, Bang Tao Beach can feel reminiscent of a lakeside in the forest, except for the waves…
Check out our brief overview of the most popular beaches in Phuket.
Entering the Water and the Shore
The shore at Bang Tao Beach is sandy. The sand is fine, with a light shade (appearing nearly white in sunny weather and darker on cloudy days). The beach season begins in early November (sometimes late October) and ends in late April or early May. The sea is calm during this period, with almost no waves, making Bangtao Beach quite suitable for families with children.
During the summer months (June, July, August), the island experiences the rainy season, so waves do pick up—just like everywhere else. However, swimming is generally still possible because the waves here are not as pronounced as on Karon or Patong.
Bang Tao Beach does not have a pronounced low tide, and even when it occurs, you won’t have to wade hundreds of meters to reach deeper water.
The slope into the water is gentle, without sudden drops, and the depth increases gradually. About 5–10 meters from the shore, an adult will be able to stand with the water up to their neck. The water is clear, though it becomes murkier in the summer due to rougher seas. The seabed is free of sharp rocks but can feel somewhat silt-like, making it feel as if your feet are sinking into a soft, muddy texture reminiscent of a countryside pond.
The shoreline is clean, so you can sunbathe without worrying about unpleasant odors from discarded food or cigarette butts. Maintenance crews here clean efficiently, and tourists themselves rarely leave litter. (Amid such tranquility, you wouldn’t want to throw anything on the sand.)
On weekends, local residents come to Bang Tao, and they sometimes leave a bit of trash, but not always. Overall, Thai people tend to be quite tidy.
It’s also worth noting that the sand squeaks underfoot. It’s somewhat reminiscent of the “singing” sand on Karon Beach. The squeaking sound here isn’t quite as loud, but you can still hear it. It feels like walking on warm snow, which is pretty amusing.
Infrastructure
The main attraction of this beach is its relative seclusion. There are no busy roads close by, so tourists must rely on the limited offerings along the beach itself — namely, a few cafés and street-food stalls. Within walking distance, there’s a 7-Eleven, Tesco Lotus, Family Mart, and Super Cheap, where prices are lower.
By law, no establishments can be set up right on the beach, as nothing is allowed to spoil the beach’s pristine appearance. However, local entrepreneurs utilize the shade of the casuarina trees just inland to open small dining areas.
The available infrastructure is modest. In addition to a few small cafés, you’ll find street vendors selling ready-made food and a couple of stands selling beach essentials. There are also two bars where you can grab something stronger than a smoothie. If you want a restaurant experience, note that there are several five-star hotels here offering multiple dining venues.
Some food carts (makashnits) are positioned right where the shade ends, but none are on the actual beach itself.
You might also encounter individual vendors walking along the beach offering food, clothing, souvenirs, and other small items. There aren’t many of them, and they aren’t as pushy as on Patong or Karon.
Whether to buy something from roaming vendors is a personal choice, but note that at local markets you can often find the same items for much cheaper.
Beach Infrastructure
Regarding the beach arrangement, “decor” might be the best way to describe it. Recently, all excess items, including sun loungers that might spoil the aesthetics, were removed from the sand. Thus, Bang Tao Beach looks very natural. You may see some umbrellas in the central area, but they are also placed closer to the tree line.
Sun loungers haven’t disappeared entirely; they’ve simply moved from the sand onto the lawn. You can buy your own mat or beach chair in advance, or rent a proper beach seat under the wide branches of the casuarina trees for about 100 THB. (Note: Some areas might offer sun loungers in designated zones if local regulations allow.)
The ban on beach chairs did not affect hotels that have a “private” beach area (in quotes because the beach is still public). Hotel guests can enjoy sun loungers there legally (though there are always nuances).
As for English-speaking tourists, you won’t find as many here as on Patong. Still, you’ll typically come across some English speakers to chat with. There hasn’t been a year without English-speaking travelers at Bang Tao.
Local markets can be reached by taxi for about 300–400 THB (drivers usually wait in the southern area of the beach, among the trees). A taxi can also take you to the local McDonald’s (if you get tired of the local cuisine).
Massage
At Bang Tao Beach, you can not only soak up the sun but also give your muscles a good workout in the form of a massage. Right by the shoreline, you’ll find several improvised massage “parlors” (small areas partitioned off by light fabric, with a massage table underneath a sturdier covering).
Sometimes massage therapists walk along the beach offering on-the-spot services (though we don’t really recommend such services because the quality can be dubious). The photo shows what a beach massage stall might look like.
Entertainment
Despite having limited infrastructure, tourist reviews of this area are mostly positive. Who said there’s nothing to do at Bang Tao? On the beach, you can rent a jet ski, allowing you to ride pretty far from the shore and take in a magnificent view from the water.
If you love the underwater world, you can rent snorkeling gear at the local dive center. They also offer excursions (ask them about the programs available).
For young guests, there is more to do than just building sandcastles (and the sand here is perfect for that). Every evening, a baby elephant is brought along the shore by local entrepreneurs, allowing visitors to pet it and take photos.
Accommodation
Hotels on Bang Tao Beach in Phuket are mostly upscale properties, which may not fit every traveler’s budget. Moreover, there are many offers for renting villas or houses along the immediate shoreline, but prices start at around 200,000 THB per month—out of reach for many people.
It’s tough to find budget accommodations close to the beach (in the past, many affordable apartments existed, but most were destroyed in the tsunami, and nothing was rebuilt afterwards).
You can find more affordable apartments or condos about 1–2 km away from the beach (averaging 10,000–15,000 THB per month for a small room or one-bedroom apartment). The farther from the sea, the cheaper it is.
Many travelers opt to book through popular online platforms, ensuring a range of options from luxurious beachfront resorts to budget-friendly condos located just a short distance away.
How to Get There
This beach is quite well-known, and public transportation in the form of songthaews and tuk-tuks runs here. Fares vary depending on the distance.
For example, from Kamala or Surin you’ll pay around 40 THB per person (note: in 2025, it may be slightly higher, such as 50 THB), while from Phuket Town it’s about 80 THB.
Video: A Bang Tao Beach review.
A taxi ride starts at 500 THB, and the further you are, the more expensive it gets, of course.
- From Kamala or Surin: Approximately 40–50 THB per person
- From Phuket Town: Approximately 80 THB per person
- Taxi ride starting at: 500 THB
For those traveling on foot for the most part, a good landmark is the McDonald’s. You get off nearby and then follow the signs.
From McDonald’s to the beach by taxi costs about 200 THB, and 50–150 THB by songthaew (depending on the season). Walking takes about 15–20 minutes.
In short, Bang Tao Beach offers a rare blend of tranquility, natural beauty, and upscale comfort – a haven for those seeking a peaceful getaway without sacrificing modern conveniences.
