Staying at Diamond Resort Phuket in Bang Tao puts you in one of Phuket’s most convenient pockets, with the beach, lively dining streets, laid-back cafés, markets and island tours all within easy reach. This guide focuses on what you can realistically see and do within a few minutes of the resort around Bang Tao and Laguna, plus the best options for day trips to Phuket Old Town, nearby islands and night markets around the island.
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Getting Oriented Around Diamond Resort Phuket
Diamond Resort Phuket sits in Cherngtalay, a few minutes inland from Bang Tao Beach and right between two key hubs: Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket. In practice this means you can spend the day by the sea, then be back at an outdoor mall or night market in less than ten minutes by shuttle or taxi. The area is quieter than Patong but has enough restaurants, cafés and bars that you will not feel remote.
The resort typically runs a free shuttle to Bang Tao Beach and Boat Avenue on a set schedule, which is worth using because motorbike taxis and Grab rides, while not expensive, can add up over several days. Even if you prefer walking, keep in mind that Phuket’s sun is strong for most of the year, so a five minute ride often feels far more comfortable than a 20 minute walk on busy roads.
As a rough orientation, Bang Tao Beach lies to the west, the Laguna resort complex and golf course occupy the central lagoon area, and Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket sit just east of the Laguna entrance. Phuket Old Town is about 40 to 50 minutes by car to the southeast depending on traffic, and Phuket International Airport is usually around 25 minutes to the north.
Because distances are short but traffic can be heavy at certain times, it is smart to group your days by area. For example, spend one day between Bang Tao Beach and a sunset drink at a nearby beach club, another evening between Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket, and reserve a separate day or evening for Old Town or a night market trip.
Bang Tao Beach: Sun, Sand and Beach Clubs
Bang Tao is one of Phuket’s longest beaches, stretching for several kilometers with soft sand and generally gentle surf outside of the monsoon months. From Diamond Resort Phuket, you are roughly five to ten minutes from the sand by shuttle or taxi. At the southern and central sections, the beach feels lively with casual bars and beach loungers, while the northern end closer to Layan is much quieter and backed by casuarina trees.
You will find a mix of local-style beach bars with plastic chairs in the sand and higher end beach clubs that bring in a crowd for cocktails and DJs around sunset. Over recent years Bang Tao has become known for venues such as Catch Beach Club and Xana Beach Club at Angsana Laguna, as well as more low-key spots with beanbags and lanterns. Openings and closures do change, so it is wise to check with your hotel staff or a recent review the day you plan to go, especially after storms or low season.
A typical day for many visitors is to arrive at the beach late morning, rent a lounger and umbrella from a local vendor, then alternate between swims and snacks. Expect to pay a modest fee for a lounger for the day, often including basic table service. Drink prices are higher at beach clubs than at simple bars in the village behind the beach, so a common strategy is to enjoy a couple of sunset drinks at a club, then move inland for dinner where menus are more moderately priced.
If you are visiting in the rainy low season, waves can be rough and red flags are common, particularly from May to October. Even then, a beach walk at sunrise or late afternoon is rewarding, but it is important to follow lifeguard instructions and avoid swimming if conditions look unsafe. Families with small children often prefer mornings when the sun is softer and the sand is cooler.
Boat Avenue: Dining, Shopping and the Friday Night Market
Boat Avenue is one of the main reasons Bang Tao and Laguna feel like a self-contained mini town. This open-air complex at the entrance to Laguna is a short ride from Diamond Resort Phuket and combines a high-end supermarket, wine shops, cafés, restaurants and small boutiques. It is especially useful for stocking up on snacks, fruit, wine or sunscreen without needing to go into Phuket Town.
The central anchor is a large international supermarket where you can find everything from Thai tropical fruits and fresh seafood to imported cheese, cereal and gluten free products. Prices for imported items are significantly higher than in local markets, but for many travelers the convenience and air conditioning are worth it. Scattered around the supermarket you will see wine shops, health food stores, fashion boutiques and homeware shops aimed at both tourists and long stay residents.
Boat Avenue is also a dining hub, with Italian, Mexican, Japanese, tapas and modern Thai restaurants lining the main street and side lanes. Actual venues change over time, but you will consistently find popular choices such as Italian delis with fresh pasta and cold cuts, grill restaurants serving steaks and seafood, and casual spots for burgers, tacos or sushi. Most places post menus outside in English and Thai, and many have lunch deals or happy hours that make them better value than eating in hotel restaurants every night.
On Friday evenings, Boat Avenue hosts the Fun Friday Avenue Market which transforms the area into a street food and craft fair. Dozens of stalls appear selling everything from grilled satay and pad thai to mango sticky rice and fresh coconuts, along with clothes, simple jewelry and souvenirs. This is a relaxed way to sample many small dishes at once, and a good option if you are traveling with a group that has different tastes. Go early in the evening to avoid the biggest crowds and bring some small cash for easier transactions, although more vendors now accept mobile payments.
Porto de Phuket: Open Air Lifestyle Mall and Family Hangout
Next to Boat Avenue, Porto de Phuket is an open air lifestyle mall developed by one of Thailand’s major retail groups. Instead of a tall enclosed mall, it spreads low and wide, with landscaped courtyards, playground areas and pet friendly zones. For guests at Diamond Resort Phuket, this is where you go if you want a mix of dining, a stroll and some shopping in one place without the noise of a nightclub strip.
Porto de Phuket typically hosts a branch of a large Central Food Hall style supermarket, beauty salons, fashion outlets, sporting goods shops and a handful of mid range and upscale restaurants. You might have dinner at a modern Thai restaurant that is a sister branch to a famous Old Town eatery, or choose Japanese izakaya style plates, Korean barbecue or a burger bar, all within a few minutes’ walk of one another. Air conditioned interiors alternate with shaded outdoor seating that works well in the evenings when the heat eases.
Families appreciate the children’s play areas and open lawns where younger kids can run around under parental supervision. There is also usually a small pet park, and you will see local residents walking dogs in the cool of the evening. Seasonal events such as small weekend markets, New Year decorations or Songkran themed activities sometimes take place here, so it is worth asking your hotel if anything special is scheduled while you are visiting.
For practical everyday needs, Porto de Phuket is a good place to buy basic clothing, flip flops, swimwear or travel accessories if you forgot something at home. Prices in branded outlets tend to be similar to other major malls in Thailand. For a more local feel or bargain hunting, you will still want to visit markets elsewhere on the island, but Porto de Phuket is hard to beat for convenience when you are based in Bang Tao.
Exploring the Laguna Area: Golf, Cycling and Lagoons
The Laguna Phuket area is a large integrated resort complex built around interconnected lagoons and canals just west of Boat Avenue. Even if you are not staying in one of the Laguna hotels, you can still enjoy parts of the complex, from its golf course and spas to certain restaurants and bars that welcome outside guests. From Diamond Resort Phuket, the Laguna entrance is only a few minutes away, and local taxis are very used to this route.
Golfers can book tee times at Laguna Golf Phuket, an 18 hole course that winds between lagoons and hotel grounds with mountain backdrops. Green fees vary by season and promotions, but are generally in line with other resort courses in Thailand. Club rental, caddies and carts are available, and it is advisable to book ahead in high season from December through March when demand is strongest. Non players often enjoy joining for a meal or drink at the clubhouse with views over the fairways.
The lagoon network also gives the area a different feel from many other parts of Phuket. Some hotels operate complimentary longtail or pontoon boat shuttles across the water for their guests, and visitors can sometimes book lagoon boat tours through tour desks. A gentle alternative is to rent a bicycle from your hotel or a local shop and ride around the quiet internal roads early in the morning when traffic is light and the air is cooler. You will pass manicured gardens, small bridges and beach access paths that link back to Bang Tao.
Scattered around Laguna are standalone restaurants, cafés and spas that are open to outside guests. These range from fine dining beachfront venues to simple cafés serving coffee and smoothies. Prices tend to be higher inside the Laguna complex than in Cherngtalay’s local streets, but the trade off is a more controlled environment, easy parking and landscaped surroundings. For a special occasion, many visitors book a sunset dinner at a beachfront resort restaurant overlooking the central section of Bang Tao Beach.
Day Trip to Phuket Old Town from Bang Tao
Phuket Old Town is one of the island’s highlights and makes an excellent half or full day trip from Bang Tao. The drive from Diamond Resort Phuket typically takes around 40 to 50 minutes each way depending on traffic. Because parking in Old Town’s narrow streets can be tricky, many visitors either hire a driver for a few hours or use a ride hailing app for a one way trip and then another for the return.
The historic center is known for its Sino Portuguese shophouses with pastel facades, louvered windows and arcades that run along streets such as Thalang Road, Dibuk Road and Krabi Road. Many of these buildings now house cafés, boutique guesthouses, galleries and restaurants. Walking is the best way to explore, but sun and humidity can be intense, so plan to duck into air conditioned spots regularly, such as coffee shops or small museums.
For food, there are long established local restaurants that specialize in Phuket style dishes influenced by Chinese, Malaysian and southern Thai flavors. You will also find trendy cafés that serve brunch dishes alongside Thai staples, as well as dessert shops focusing on ice cream, shaved ice and cakes. Prices in Old Town are generally lower than in the beach resorts, particularly at simple noodle shops and rice restaurants where locals eat daily.
If possible, time your visit for late afternoon into evening. You can explore the architecture and street art while the light is still good, then stay for dinner as the temperatures drop. On Sundays, a large walking street market usually takes over part of Thalang Road with food stalls, handicrafts and live music. This can get crowded, but it is one of the most atmospheric evenings on the island. From there, a taxi back to Bang Tao late evening is straightforward if arranged in advance or via an app.
Island Tours and Marine Day Trips from the Bang Tao Area
Phuket’s surrounding islands and bays are among its biggest draws, and staying in Bang Tao does not limit your options. Most speedboat and longtail tours depart from marinas on the island’s east side such as Royal Phuket Marina, Boat Lagoon or ports near Chalong, and tour companies usually include transfers from hotels in Bang Tao and Laguna. Pick up times can be early, often between 7:00 and 8:00 in the morning, to match departure schedules and avoid the midday heat.
Popular options include full day trips to Phi Phi Islands, which combine snorkeling stops, viewpoints and visits to bays framed by limestone cliffs. Another classic choice is a tour of Phang Nga Bay with its sheer rock formations and sea caves, sometimes including stops at islands where you can kayak under rocky arches or through mangrove channels. For a less crowded feel, some operators focus on smaller island groups or run sunset cruises with fewer passengers and more time at each stop.
When comparing tours, look at group size, boat type, the exact stops on the itinerary and what is included in the price. Many tours provide hotel transfers, a simple buffet lunch, soft drinks and snorkeling gear, but not all include national park entrance fees, which may be collected in cash on the day. Prices fluctuate by season and fuel costs, but you can generally expect full day speedboat tours to cost more than half day local trips.
Because marine conditions and regulations can change, particularly in monsoon season or when authorities adjust access rules for reef recovery, it is important to book through a reputable agent or directly with an established operator. Staff at Diamond Resort Phuket or tour desks around Boat Avenue can help you compare current options. Always listen carefully to safety briefings, wear life jackets when required and be realistic about motion sickness if you are sensitive to choppy seas.
Night Markets and Evening Food Adventures
While Boat Avenue’s Friday night market is the most convenient option near Diamond Resort Phuket, Phuket has several other night markets worth considering if you enjoy street food and browsing stalls. Many visitors make an evening outing of it: head out around sunset, snack your way through the market, then return to Bang Tao by taxi later in the night.
On the outskirts of Phuket Town there are large markets that run on selected days of the week with a huge variety of food stalls. You can expect grilled seafood, fried chicken, Thai curries, roti pancakes and an array of desserts, along with clothes, bags and phone accessories. Prices per item are modest, so it is easy to sample many dishes without spending much. However, portions can be larger than you expect, so sharing plates with your travel companions is a good way to taste widely.
Closer to Bang Tao, there are rotating local markets in Cherngtalay and surrounding neighborhoods that set up on specific weekdays. These feel more local than tourist focused, with fresh produce, ready to eat dishes and everyday household items. Ask hotel staff which market days fall during your stay and the easiest way to get there. Timing can change seasonally or around public holidays, so up to date local advice matters more than any fixed schedule you may see online.
When eating at night markets, basic precautions help keep you comfortable. Choose stalls with a steady stream of local customers, which usually indicates fresh turnover. Opt for food cooked to order or kept hot on grills rather than items that have been sitting for a long time. Drink plenty of water, carry hand sanitizer or wet wipes, and avoid trying everything in one night if you have a sensitive stomach. With a bit of common sense, night markets are one of the most memorable and affordable dining experiences in Phuket.
The Takeaway
Staying at Diamond Resort Phuket in the Bang Tao and Laguna area gives you a balanced base: enough infrastructure and atmosphere to feel lively, yet calmer than Phuket’s busiest resort strips. Within ten minutes you can reach Bang Tao’s long beach, the restaurants and markets of Boat Avenue, the family friendly spaces of Porto de Phuket and the lagoon views of the Laguna complex.
With a little planning, you can fill your days with a mix of simple pleasures and bigger adventures. Alternate between unhurried mornings on the sand, leisurely lunches in Cherngtalay cafés, island hopping tours, and evenings exploring Old Town or grazing through night markets. Use local knowledge from hotel staff and current reviews to fine tune your choices, especially for beach clubs and marine trips where operating conditions can shift.
Most importantly, allow some flexibility in your schedule. Phuket rewards those who are willing to adjust plans for the weather, follow a local recommendation or stay a little longer than expected in a place with the right vibe. From Diamond Resort Phuket, the island’s quieter northwestern corner is at your doorstep, and the rest of Phuket is only a ride away.
FAQ
Q1. How far is Diamond Resort Phuket from Bang Tao Beach and how do I get there?
The resort is roughly 1 to 1.5 kilometers from Bang Tao Beach, usually five to ten minutes by hotel shuttle, taxi or ride hailing service depending on traffic.
Q2. Can I walk from Diamond Resort Phuket to Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket?
It is technically walkable in around 20 to 30 minutes, but most visitors prefer a short shuttle or taxi because of heat, humidity and traffic along the main road.
Q3. Are the beach clubs at Bang Tao suitable for families with children?
Earlier in the day many beach clubs are family friendly with pools, loungers and food menus, but they can become louder and more party oriented from late afternoon into the night.
Q4. Do I need to book restaurants at Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket in advance?
Outside of peak holiday periods walk ins are often fine, but for popular restaurants and weekend evenings it is sensible to reserve earlier in the day to avoid long waits.
Q5. What is the best way to reach Phuket Old Town from Bang Tao?
The most practical options are hiring a private driver for several hours or booking a round trip ride with a taxi or ride hailing app, since parking in Old Town can be limited.
Q6. Which island tours are most convenient if I am staying near Bang Tao?
Most major tours, including Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay trips, offer hotel pickup in Bang Tao and Laguna, so convenience depends more on departure time, group size and itinerary than on your base.
Q7. Are the night markets in Phuket open every day?
Some markets operate daily while others run on specific days, such as Friday for Boat Avenue’s market or Sundays for the walking street in Phuket Old Town, so always check current schedules locally.
Q8. Is it safe to swim at Bang Tao Beach year round?
Conditions are usually calm in the dry season from roughly November to April, but waves can be strong in monsoon months, so always observe flags and follow local lifeguard advice.
Q9. Can I rent a scooter to get around Bang Tao and Laguna?
Scooter rental is widely available, but you should only ride if you have appropriate experience, an international driving permit, proper insurance and are comfortable with Phuket traffic and road conditions.
Q10. How many days should I plan to stay near Bang Tao to see the main sights?
A stay of three to five nights is enough to enjoy Bang Tao Beach, Boat Avenue, Porto de Phuket and a day trip to either Phuket Old Town or nearby islands, with longer visits allowing for more relaxed days.