Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao (Bangtao) Beach is in a contrasting area of modern resorts and villas at the south end and a quieter area at the north end near the rustic Cherngtalay village.

Once a settlement of Chinese immigrants, there is an interesting historic shrine here. It has 8 statues of Chinese mythology on the rooftop guarded by dragons. Inside the hall is decorated with artwork and has a main altar and a statue of Nezha, heaven’s gatekeeper. There is a second Buddhist shrine with giant serpents guarding the entrance.

Between the two cultural extremes, Bang Tao offers a good choice of restaurants and shops, including modern resort-style offerings and traditional local businesses.

Quieter than Patong Beach, sandy Bang Tao stretches for about 4 miles and is rarely overcrowded. It’s a great beach for romantic walks along the edge of the water and there’s plenty of room for sunbathing and enjoying the scenery. Sunbeds are strictly for hotel guests, so bring your own mat, chairs and umbrella.

There are a good range of beach activities including surfing (best at the north end and between May and October). It’s an excellent beach for swimming, jet skiing, parasailing and banana boat rides.

One of the rare activities offered at Bang Tao is horse riding. The ponies are brought down to the beach later in the day when it is cooler and there are instructors to help novice riders. There’s also a recreational facility offering rock climbing, abseiling, a ropes challenge course and a climbing wall at Quest.

The beach has plenty of restaurants and bars, mostly attached to the Laguna Resort, and it’s a good spot for enjoying nightlife after dark.