Bang Thao Beach

Bang Thao Beach Review

Once the site of a tin mine, Bang Thao Beach (a resort area collectively called Laguna Phuket) now glistens with the more precious metals worn by its affluent visitors. Due to the ingenuity of Ho Kwon Ping and his family, this area was built nearly 20 years ago in a spot so damaged from mining, most thought it beyond repair. Now it's recovered enough to support an array of accommodations, eateries, and golf courses set around the lagoons. The beach itself is a long stretch of white sand with vendors offering a variety of sports equipment rental, inexpensive seafood, beach massages, and cocktails. The beach is good for swimming in the hot season; the lagoon for kayaking anytime.

The once-quiet bay was one of the island's major destinations, though it's been quieter since the 2004 tsunami. As anywhere on the island, some of the older resorts are showing signs of age and tropical weather damage, despite frequent renovations.