Picolo recommends · Hotel in Phuket, Thailand
Banyan Tree Phuket
Private pool villas set around quiet lagoons at Bang Tao, with boats gliding between the resorts and the beach a short stroll away.
Mornings at Banyan Tree start on the water. A small boat crosses the lagoon between the resorts of Laguna, past palms and lawns, while buses do the same on land. Every villa here comes with its own pool.
The beach at Bang Tao is close, and there is room to spread out. The spa has a long history: Banyan Tree helped start the Thai spa tradition, and its treatments still rank with the best on Phuket.
Picolo’s verdict
Why we chose Banyan Tree Phuket
This is our pick for families. There is space for everyone, a pool to yourselves, plenty to keep children busy, and the airport is not far, which matters after a long flight with tired kids.
Laguna is a closed resort area, and it can feel cut off from everyday Thai life. To see the rest of Phuket, from the old town to the southern beaches, you will need a car or a driver.
What you get
- Private pool in every villa
- One of Thailand's pioneering spas
- Shuttle boat across the lagoons
- Bang Tao beach close by
- Lots of activities for families
A day at Banyan Tree Phuket
- Morning
- The shuttle boat across the lagoon to breakfast.
- Midday
- A few hours on the beach at Bang Tao.
- Afternoon
- An afternoon in the spa while the children swim in the villa pool.
- Evening
- Dinner at one of the restaurants around Laguna, reached by boat or bus.
Location
Laguna, Bang Tao, Phuket, Thailand
Open in MapsQuestions about Banyan Tree Phuket
Is Banyan Tree Phuket good for families?
Yes. It is our family pick on Phuket, with plenty of space, a private pool in every villa and many activities in the Laguna area.
Is Banyan Tree Phuket close to the airport?
Fairly close. Laguna lies on the northern half of the west coast, a shorter ride from the airport than the southern beaches.
Do I need a car at Banyan Tree Phuket?
Not inside Laguna, where boats and buses link the resorts. To explore the rest of the island, a car or driver makes life easier.
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Updated 6 Nov 2026All articles
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