Luxury Villas in Bang Tao & Layan

Bang Tao is a long, gently curving sweep of sand on Phuket’s north-west coast, several kilometres from end to end and one of the longest beaches on the island. Behind it lies the district of Cherng Talay, which has grown into one of Phuket’s most popular places to stay for families and longer visits. At the northern end, past a low headland, is Layan, a quieter, more natural beach backed by casuarina trees, where the coastline starts to feel wild again.

The heart of the area is Laguna, a large, landscaped resort district built around a chain of lagoons in the middle of Bang Tao. Its 18-hole golf course winds between the water and the palms, and a shuttle boat and paths link the resorts, restaurants and shops. Around it, a wide choice of private villas sits in gated estates, along quiet lanes behind the beach and on the hills towards Layan, many with large gardens and pools that suit groups and families travelling together.

Cherng Talay itself is a mix of old and new. The original village, with its mosque, market and local restaurants, sits a little inland, while the roads towards the beach are lined with cafés, bakeries, international restaurants and the Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket shopping areas. The beach clubs along the southern half of Bang Tao make for long, lazy afternoons, and the sunsets here are some of the best on the west coast.

It is also one of the most practical bases on the island. The airport is usually around twenty to thirty minutes away, Surin and Kamala are a short drive south, and the national park beaches of Nai Thon and Nai Yang are just up the coast. With golf, a big choice of restaurants and plenty of space on the beach, it suits guests who want everything close at hand without the crowds of Patong.