On the central west coast of Phuket, Bangtao Beach is a beautiful coast of white sands that stretches for as far as the eyes can see. Along its shores are many casuarinas and coconut trees, under which there are numerous beach bars and restaurants which Bangtao is renowned for, where you can enjoy the sea breeze, have a bite to eat, or sip cocktails at sunset.

Layan & BangTao Beach
PHUKET’S NORTHWEST COAST IS A world class DESTINATION

Many years ago, Bangtao was the centre of Phuket's tin mining industries, where large deposits of tin lay metres off the actual coast. Today, Bangtao Beach is where Phuket residents of the Bangtao and Surin areas go to enjoy a quiet day of sun and sea. It is six kilometers long, offering plenty of space, and it is the one of the best beaches to visit on Phuket if you would like some peace and privacy.

Bangtao Beach, when viewed from the sands, is a perfectly symmetrical beach flanked by two headlands. The southern end is known as Bangtao, home to the world-acclaimed Laguna Resorts, whereas the northern end is known as the Layan area. Off the Layan stretch of Bangtao, there is a small island known as Koh Ghai - or Chicken Island. It is a solid piece of rock extending to the sea bed. From December to February, it is possible to swim out to the island and do some snorkeling.

On the Laguna side of Bangtao Beach, starting from the southern most end of the beach, there are some small resorts offering beach huts for rent. Farther up the coast, there is the only Laguna resort - Dusit Laguna - offering direct beach access from the resort itself. Once past the Dusit Laguna, the only accommodation option is to rent one of the many newly developed apartments or villas found on the roads running parallel or perpendicular to the coast.

The area of Bangtao has seen rapid development in the last few years. Many multi-million homes and apartments are being developed for the holiday rental market. These private properties are usually let out through the many real estate agents on the island. For long staying holiday makers, the area of Bangtao is appealing for its many rental choices, and proximity to the beach.

Layan - the northern end of Bangtao Beach - has evolved to become one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods on Phuket. This stretch of Bangtao Beach is home to many multi-million dollar developments including the acclaimed Layan Gardens. A popular resort in Layan in found in the hills of Layan - Pavilions Resorts - have won numerous awards and has been voted "Hottest Resort 2007" by Conde Nast Traveller.

Bangtao Beach Resort - has a café right on the waterfront serving delicious Thai food during lunch and dinner hours. The resort itself is located at end of Bangtao Beach closest to Surin Beach. This southernmost end of Bangtao has a small stretch of cafes, bars, shops and spas catering to tourists and residents of the area. The easiest way to get to this end of Bangtao Beach is to access it from Surin, continuing down the road in front of the Amanpuri.

Banyan Tree Beach Club - managed by the internationally acclaimed Banyan Tree Resorts, the Banyan Tree Beach Club is accessed through the Laguna entrance. Once in the Laguna area, follow the sign for Banyan Tree, which leads to the beach club. Although facilities like deck chairs and loungers are reserved by guests' exclusive use, excellent food is served at the café, which is open to public. A perfect way to enjoy an afternoon on Bangtao Beach is to start the day off with a good meal at the beach club, followed by a short stroll to a quiet spot along the beach for an afternoon of sun and relaxation.

Babylon Beach Club - offering a great mixed menu of Thai and International dishes at very competitive prices, with an extensive wine list, Babylon Beach Club is one of the few places on the island you can totally chill without being spotted by anyone you know. Found right on the beach on the southern end of Bangtao, Babylon Beach Club has been opened for nearly a year and is available for weddings and other private events. The beach club's beautiful and friendly owner - Lisa McWilliams - can be reached at the beach club's website: www.babylonbeachclub.com Visit the website for a detailed map to get to Babylon.

Lotus Seafood Restaurant - arguably one of the best locations on the island to enjoy a good seafood feed - live seafood, and fresh catch of the day - under the stars with your feet on the sands. Open for lunch and dinner. Lotus is accessed through the entrance of Laguna. To get to Lotus, follow the signs to Banyan Tree, go past the Banyan Tree Spa Villas, at the end of the road, turn left.

A's Reggae Bar - the best location on Bangtao Beach for a chill-out afternoon - the best pina coladas on Phuket can be found at A's beach hut. The beach hut rests on a quiet part of Bangtao Beach which is accessed through the Laguna entrance. A's beach hut is special in the sense that it was one he had slowly built by himself over the years. Although it was destroyed in the Tsunami, he re-built it to its former likeness for the enjoyment of his regular guests. Taking up spot on the central stretch of Bangtao Beach, A's Reggae Bar offers food and drinks, and a fantastic beach view with no buildings in sight - it is simply the beast place to enjoy an Andaman sunset. A's bar is accessed along the beach from Lotus restaurant.