With idyllic stretches of soft white sand lapped by warm turquoise waters, Bang Tao Beach offers a scenic hangout spot for unwinders. It is an alluring destination on Phuket’s quieter northwest coast. The tranquil atmosphere, along with its array of luxury resorts, makes Bang Tao a relaxing sanctuary for a luxury vacation. Yet beyond its obvious beach allure, Bang Tao offers a surprising variety of activities and attractions to discover.
From paddle boarding to island day trips, family-friendly amusement to high-end pampering, this 6-kilometre-long beach truly caters to everyone. Here is an overview of the top things to do in this Thai tropical paradise:
Laze on The Pristine Beach
Take a breather on Bang Tao’s breathtaking beach. Rent a beach chair and umbrella from one of the beach clubs dotted along the shoreline under the shade of swaying coconut palms. The powder-soft sand is lovely underfoot, and the sea stays shallow far out, making it ideal for swimming for all ages. For the ultimate beachfront luxury, book a villa or suite at one of Bang Tao’s plush resorts like Anantara Layan Phuket, where you’ll enjoy direct beach access.
Try Out Water Sports
The calm clear waters of Bang Tao offer various water sports for active souls. Test your balance with stand-up paddleboarding or glide across the tranquil sea while taking in coastal views. Paddleboard rentals are available for around 300 THB an hour. For an adrenaline rush, adventure-seekers can also try parasailing. You’ll soar 400 feet in the air and can enjoy panoramic vistas across Phuket. Most operators, like Chalong Bay Parasail, offer 15 minute flights for around 1,300 THB per person. Or shred the waves on surf and boogie boards, which can be rented easily from nearby surfing schools and shops.
Go on Island Hopping Tours
Take in the incredible natural views at the offshore islands of Bang Tao, Ko Nakha Yai, Ko Bon and Ko Pu. Going on a half or full-day island hopping tour allows you to explore these marine paradises. Boat tours typically include stops for swimming and snorkelling in crystal clear waters as you admire schools of fish, along with beach breaks for sunbathing and enjoying fresh local seafood meals. The iconic James Bond Island near Phang Nga Bay is also included in many tour itineraries. Reputable operators like Sea Star Andaman offer good quality tours starting from 1,800 THB for adults.
Visit Wat Cherng Talay
Perched on the hillside just north of Bang Tao, this temple complex is worth visiting for its spectacular views over Bang Tao Beach. Its ornate tiered gateways, shimmering golden pagodas and whitewashed buildings make for great photo backdrops. Aside from architecture, appreciate the serene walking paths lined with frangipani flowers and statues of mythological beasts and deities. Within the temple grounds is also a 40-meter-high viewpoint for panoramic vistas across the sweeping bay.
Indulge in Luxury Treatments
Bang Tao’s upscale resorts offer rejuvenating spa and wellness experiences for the ultimate indulgence. At these resorts, you will receive the best spa treatments and Thai massages in Phuket, ranging from aromatherapy oils and herbal compresses to hydrating facials and flower baths. For healing therapies, you can try holistic Ayurvedic treatments using ancient Indian medicine techniques. Well-known spas include Cool Spa at Outrigger Laguna Phuket overlooking scenic lagoons, and Sensasia Spa at Angsana Laguna Phuket set amid tropical greenery. A treatment combo of massage and facial typically costs around 4,500 THB upwards.
Go Souvenir Shopping
Bang Tao’s lively main street is lined with stalls and stores selling affordable souvenirs, clothes, and keepsakes. Browse colourful sarongs, handmade soaps with tropical scents, dreamcatchers, and shell-studded mirrors. Pick up quirky fridge magnets, embroidered purses, and Thai charm bracelets to take home. You’ll also find many tailors where you can get custom-made suits, dresses and shirts stitched at bargain prices. For art lovers, there is the Bohemian Chic Phuket Gallery to admire whimsical paintings and handcrafted jewellery by local artists.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood
When hunger strikes, sample the diversity of seafood along the Bang Tao beachfront. Small informal restaurants serve the daily catch, whether it’s juicy crab fried with chilli and basil leaves, barbequed skewers of shrimp or local fish cooked with spicy mango salad. High-end hotel restaurants, such asTrisara’s Seafood Restaurant, also dish up beachfront fine dining with creative fusion twists to seafood in a refined ambience. Don’t miss Phuket’s iconic dishes, namely gaeng pu pla sali, the sour and spicy yellow curry loaded with fish innards.
Catch a Muay Thai Match
Muay Thai boxing is Thailand’s martial art sport, and Bang Tao has its stadium to catch lively matches. At Thanyapura Sports & Leisure Club, matches take place every Wednesday and Friday from 7 to 10 pm. You’ll see amateur and pro boxers battle it out in the ring with kicks, elbow strikes and punches. Audience participation is highly encouraged, so feel free to whoop and holler! Before the fights, you can watch the boxers ritually perform the wai kru dance to pay respects to their teachers.
Go for a Family-Friendly Getaway at Splash Jungle Waterpark
Located within Grand Mirage Resort, Splash Jungle is Phuket’s largest waterpark, featuring roller coasters, speed slides and other wet rides set amid lush tropical landscapes. Adrenaline junkies will love the Boomerango slide’s death-defying twists and turns through confined loops in the dark. For families with young ones, there are kids’ areas like the miniature river cove and tipping buckets. Besides water rides, other park attractions include mini golf, paddle boats, and a petting zoo. Day passes start at 850 THB.
Tee Off at Golf Courses
With Phuket’s picturesque coastlines, several scenic golf courses let you play with an ocean-view backdrop. Just minutes from Bang Tao, Red Mountain Golf Club is an award-winning par-72 championship course hugging mangrove forests and lakes. Laguna Phuket Golf Club has two 18-hole courses meandering through lush rainforest and freshwater lagoons. Rental clubs and shuttle transfers can be easily arranged. These clubs offer daily rates starting from 5,000 THB. Perfect your swing against panoramic vistas!
Go Big Game Fishing
Phuket’s harbour boast immense diversity from marlin to sailfish, barracuda to tuna. Pretend you’re at Hemingway Big Game fishing for the day by booking a shared or private charter. Venture into the Andaman Sea with experts helping you bait hooks and reel in powerful fish. Charters typically include drinks, meals, and equipment with pickup directly from Bang Tao Beach. Operators like Phuket Off-shores Safaris offer full-day trips starting from 18,900 THB for up to 6 anglers, making this a special bucket list activity.
Conclusion
As these highlights show, there are plenty of memorable experiences to fill your days in Bang Tao, in addition to beach lounging and resort relaxation. Immerse yourself in cultural discoveries, active adventures, mouthwatering cuisine, and nature’s beauty across this picturesque coastal stretch in northwest Phuket. With its inviting white sands and azure waters coupled with nearby attractions, it’s easy to see why Bang Tao Beach promises an idyllic island getaway.