Bang Tao is a long stretch of beach located in Phuket, Thailand, that boasts about 8km (5mi) of sandy shoreline lined with casuarina trees. This spot is popular among tourists, especially for windsurfing contests, though the main surf conditions can be a bit hit or miss. It tends to get crowded, but finding a little bit of space to catch some waves isn't impossible.

The surf here generally works best with a south or southwest swell, handling sizes down to 1ft (0.3m). The waves break over sand, creating beach waves that can be both left and right. If you're a beginner, this spot is decent for you, especially when the tide is low to mid or even high. Just keep in mind that the south end of Bang Tao offers some wind protection and emptier peaks, while the middle might get a bit more crowded. Be careful of the strong rips that can occur, though.

Additional tips for surfing Bang Tao include checking the wind direction, as east winds are preferred here. If you hit it right with the conditions, you can get some fun waves, but don’t expect it to be a world-class surf spot. It's more of a chill surf day kind of place, perfect for beginners looking to get used to the ocean.