Car Rental in Bang Tao

Why almost everyone here needs a car

The area is stretched out: it is about six kilometres from the north end of the beach to the south, and the villas stand in blocks set back a couple of kilometres from the water. In the tropics those distances are not walkable, and a scooter with children and shopping is not an option.

The second argument is that the amenities are spread out. Groceries are easier in a big supermarket, dinner is on Boat Avenue, swimming is at the beach — and those are three different addresses. A car turns the day into one route instead of three transfers.

Roads and getting into the residences

The main artery of the area is the road from the 4030 highway down to the sea: wide and properly marked. Inside the blocks the roads are narrow and often have no pavements, but the surface is even — this is new development, not old village lanes.

Many complexes are gated, with security and a barrier. They let you in on a call from a resident or by list. When we bring a car into a complex like that, we ask you to warn security in advance — otherwise the driver waits at the gate and loses time.

Laguna is a case of its own. It is a large estate with its own internal road network where it is easy to take the wrong turn: the signs point to hotels, not to streets. The first time, navigate to the specific hotel rather than to Laguna.

Parking at the beach and the centres

At the shopping centres parking is free and roomy, with spaces at any time. At the beach it is harder: there are few turnings down to the water, each with its own small bay, and in high season they fill up during the day.

At the weekend market and on concert evenings people park along the verge. That is acceptable where there are no yellow and white markings, but you will be pulling out into traffic afterwards.

• The beach clubs have their own car parks, usually free with an order
• Do not park under the coconut palms, the nuts come down in earnest
• After rain the dirt bays by the sea turn to mud, better to stand on asphalt
• In the evening it takes a while to get out of the Boat Avenue car park, allow a few extra minutes

Which class to take in Bang Tao

Most people here take an SUV or a minivan, and it makes sense: the distances are long, the roads are good, and the car is carrying a family with beach kit. An SUV is better for the seating position and the view; a minivan for more than four people or bulky luggage.

An economy car makes sense if you are staying right by the beach and need the car for grocery runs and the airport. Over a week the fuel difference is noticeable, and on the flat roads of this area the comfort is quite enough.

Where to drive from Bang Tao

The north of the island is closest from here: Nai Thon and Nai Yang are twenty minutes away, Mai Khao with its turtles about half an hour. These are the quietest beaches in Phuket, and Bang Tao is the easiest place to reach them from.

South the road runs through Surin and Kamala to Patong — about forty minutes. In high season the last stretch before Patong is at a standstill in the evening, so set off before six.

The eastern side of the island — Phuket Town, the Old Town and the piers — is about forty minutes on the highway. It is best to drive there in the morning and come back after dinner, when the road is empty.