Bang Tao Beach is a contrast of luxurious resorts and villas along its 8-kilometre stretch. It is also only a ' few minutes' away from the town of Cherng Talay, where many villagers still make their living as their ancestors did, by fishing, farming and rubber tapping. The northern part of the beach, is still so far untouched by development, and is an area where visitors might find that they have the beach almost to themselves.
There are a wide range of activities on the beach and via the hotels, including a ropes course and rock climbing, windsurfing, elephant riding and kids' sports, are available for guests of Laguna's Sheraton Grande, Dusit Laguna , Laguna Beach, Allamanda and Banyan Tree Phuket resorts, and some are open to outside visitors as well.
You can practise your swing at the Laguna Phuket golf course nearby or go horseback riding along the beach. Afterwards, why not indulge in a massage and spa treatment at the world renowned Banyan Tree spa or at other retreats nearby.
Some of the island's best finds for antiques and other treasures can be found at Laguna's Canal Village and in the rows of shops just outside the Laguna entrance. The open-air village markets are also worth visiting, if only to take in the sights and sounds of a typical Thai bazaar. While there are many fine dining options within Laguna's resorts, a good range of bars and restaurants have also sprung up down the road in recent years to cater to the increasing number of visitors to the area.
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Nightlife
Many of the upmarket and luxury hotels are located around the Bang Tao creating a more distinct and low key nightlife. The Laguna - a complex of five upmarket hotels linked by a shuttle service, is fully self contained with restaurants, bars, entertainment and leisure activities both day and night. It's all there. If you feel the need to get a more local view, there are a number of bars and small restaurants that despite warnings from the hotels, provide great food at very reasonable prices.
ibetter way to spend an evening than at a beachside bar or restaurant with the sound of the sea and the sand between your toes? Alternatively, at the Laguna entrance at ChoengTalay, is a cluster of bars and restaurants that have a faithful following with long term expatriates. From early evening you'll find people heading towards Totos and The Supper Club to catch up on the latest news. The Supper Club with its extensive menu also has a good wine list and good music, or try Tatonka with its interesting "Globetrotter" cuisine. Most bars stay open until late.
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