Lease takeover
Area guide
Bang Tao, Laguna and Cherngtalay property guide
This is Khun Mark's home turf. His office sits at Boat Avenue in Cherngtalay, a few minutes from the sand, and most of the homes he advises on are within a short drive of his door. Here is how the area really works, from the beach road to the back sois.
The Collection
Homes Khun Mark can show you in Bang Tao and Laguna
Lease takeover
For sale
For sale
For sale
For sale
For saleThe feel
Bang Tao is the long sweep of beach on Phuket's north-west coast, and Cherngtalay is the district that wraps around it. In the middle sits Laguna Phuket, an integrated resort built around a chain of lagoons, with hotels, a golf course and residences sharing one landscaped estate.
The result is the most settled, most international part of the island. Mornings start with school runs and coffee at Boat Avenue. Afternoons are for the beach clubs on the sand. Evenings drift towards Porto de Phuket and the restaurants along the Laguna road.
It is polished without feeling closed off. You can live inside a gated estate with a concierge, or in a quiet soi five minutes back from the beach where the neighbours are Thai families and the noodle stall knows your order. Many of Khun Mark's clients start in one and end up in the other.
Where to live
Laguna
The estate itself. Villas and townhomes back onto lagoons and fairways, security is constant, and you can cycle or take the shuttle to the beach. Expect resort-style management and the fees that come with it.
Bang Tao beachfront and the beach road
Condominium resorts and branded residences line the coast road. This is where you buy if you want to walk to the sea every morning, and where holiday rental demand is strongest.
Pasak
Inland from the beach, along the Pasak sois, is where much of the island's new villa building has happened. Plots are larger, prices per square metre are lower than the beachfront, and many villas are new builds with private pools.
Koktanod and Soi Tanoat
A quieter, greener pocket between Bang Tao and Layan. Good for families who want space and are happy to drive five or ten minutes to the beach.
Bang Tao Valley and Cherngtalay village
The more affordable edge of the area. Newer condo projects here start from lower price points and suit buyers who want a foot in the area, or a rental to manage.
Si Sunthon and Manik
Further inland towards Thalang. Larger villa estates on bigger plots, closer to UWC Thailand and the main Thepkrasattri Road.
Daily life
Beaches
Bang Tao Beach is one of the longest on the island, so it rarely feels crowded. The southern end runs into Surin, the northern end towards Layan.
Dining and shopping
Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket are the heart of it: cafés, restaurants, a Villa Market supermarket and gyms. There are more independent restaurants along the Laguna road and the beachfront.
Schools
HeadStart International School has a Cherngtalay campus. UWC Thailand, which teaches the IB from primary to diploma, is in Thalang, a short drive north. Glenalmond Phuket International School, a British-curriculum school that opened in August 2026 within Thanyapura, is also in Thalang. British International School Phuket is in Koh Kaew, further across the island.
Healthcare
Bangkok Hospital Phuket runs a clinic in Laguna, open daily from 09:00 to 18:00, for consultations, blood tests and minor treatment. The main private hospitals are in Phuket Town.
Getting to the airport
Allow around 20 to 30 minutes to Phuket International Airport in normal traffic. That short hop is one of the main reasons owners who fly in and out often choose this side of the island.
Who it suits
- Families who want international schools, safe streets and a settled expat community.
- Buyers who plan to let their home when they are away, since this is one of Phuket's deepest holiday and long-term rental markets.
- People who split their year between Phuket and home and want a short airport run.
It suits people less well if they want old Phuket village life or very low prices. For that, look further south or inland.
Buying here
Most condos in Bang Tao and Laguna are sold either on foreign freehold title, within the building's 49% foreign quota, or on a registered 30-year lease once that quota is used up.
Villas are a different matter. Foreigners cannot own land in Thailand, so villa purchases are usually structured as a registered land lease with ownership of the building itself. Some developers advertise "freehold" villas; in practice that usually means a Thai company or a Thai spouse holds the land. Thai company structures carry real legal risk if the Thai shareholders are nominees, so Khun Mark always recommends an independent lawyer before you commit.
Laguna and the larger gated estates charge common area fees, and some have sinking fund contributions. Ask for the figures and the juristic person's latest accounts before you sign.
This is general guidance, not legal advice.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
Where do most foreigners live in Phuket?
Bang Tao, Laguna and Cherngtalay on the west coast, and Rawai and Nai Harn in the south, have the largest settled foreign communities. Bang Tao draws families and international schools; Rawai draws long-stay residents and retirees.
Can foreigners buy villas in Bang Tao?
You can own the building and lease the land on a registered lease of up to 30 years. Foreigners cannot own land in their own name. Condos are simpler: you can own one outright if the building's 49% foreign quota has space.
How far is Bang Tao from the airport?
Around 20 to 30 minutes by car in normal traffic.
See what is available in Bang Tao and Laguna
The office is in Boat Avenue, so Khun Mark can usually show you a home the same day.
