When you visit Thailand, you know to come prepared for endless opportunities for fun in the sun and sand. However, maybe you’re looking for a unique, authentic experience that takes you off the beach and into the hustle and bustle of the Thai lifestyle. So, after you’ve visited Bangtao Beach, done some diving at Sea Bees Diving, and relaxed at the Laguna Phuket resort complex, now it’s time to venture out into the surrounding communities for more adventure. But where do you start? Well, we’ve gone ahead and compiled a quick guide to some of the must-visit places near Bangtao Beach and the Laguna Phuket resort, so you can easily head out for the day but be back in time for your à la carte dinner! And, as always, be sure to grab your Bistro St. Tropez resort and casual wear before you leave to help you stay cool and stylish throughout all your travels.
Cherngtalay, Thailand
Originally a small village community in Northern Phuket, Cherngtalay has become a growing tourist hot spot for people visiting Thailand over the past few years. Cherngtalay wraps around Bangtao Beach on the northwest side of Phuket Island, north of Surin Beach and Layan Beach. It has grown in popularity in recent years partially due to how close it is to the Laguna Phuket resorts, meaning the town easily entices vacationers to visit and get a more authentic Thai experience during their stay.
There is certainly no shortage of must-visit cafés, bars, and restaurants in Cherngtalay, and it only gets busier at night with partygoers. Plus, that’s not to mention the infinite shopping opportunities thanks to the numerous boutiques found within Cherngtalay. One thing to note when you are trying to find Cherngtalay is that local signs and even Google might spell it as “Choeng Thale” – but don’t fear, it’s the same place! At the heart of Cherngtalay is the big shopping area for the town that draws tourists and locals alike, known as the Boat Avenue Shopping Precinct or simply Boat Avenue.
Boat Avenue Shopping Precinct
Boat Avenue is located right before Tinlay Place and the entrance to the Laguna Phuket resort complex, which is why it’s so convenient for tourists to visit. Covering an area of 30,000 square meters, Boat Avenue is Thailand’s first container mall and is one of the most popular shopping areas in the province of Phuket. The shops in Boat Avenue are spread around several areas, including two long lines of shops with the container mall in between, plus the Boat Avenue Mall next to the Villa Supermarket. Boat Avenue was designed to have a contemporary feel as well as accommodate plenty of parking space for avid shoppers.
When you visit Boat Avenue, prepare for the ultimate experiences in food, shopping, and entertainment, thanks to the dozens of fashion boutiques and restaurants, including the large Villa Supermarket and a weekly night market on Fridays that transform the parking lot into a hub of authentic cuisine. Explore different foods of the world with restaurants like Little Paris, The Mexican, and CUT Grill & Bar scattered throughout Boat Avenue or opt for something more authentic from the local market. Ultimately, as one of the most popular spots for both locals and tourists to do some shopping, grab a bite to eat, or enjoy the atmosphere, let yourself get swept up into the experience on your next trip to Thailand. Plus, if you get a little too excited and spill on your Bistro St. Tropez resort and casual wear, you can easily get replacements since you’re visiting the bustling Boat Avenue Shopping Precinct.
Wings by Hejselbjerg & Maniki Boutique
Two boutiques that stand out among the rest for premium designer clothes at the Boat Avenue Shopping Precinct are Wings by Hejselbjerg and Maniki Boutique. Created by Danish designer Mette Hejselbjerg, they are both women’s boutiques that feature bold patterns, chic island pieces like kaftans and dresses, and high-end jewellry, bags, and hats. However, there is something special and unexpected about Wings by Hejselbjerg and Maniki Boutique; they also carry an exclusive line from a premier men’s lifestyle brand – our very own Bistro St. Tropez.
Our range of Bistro St. Tropez board shorts, linen shirts, and resort wear is made from the same beautiful silk and raw materials imported from Bali that both Wings by Hejselbjerg and Maniki Boutique use for their women’s wear line. So, it made sense to create an exclusive range of Bistro St. Tropez products you can only get at these designer boutiques at the Boat Avenue Shopping Precinct. Furthermore, our line not only fills the gap in the market so men can enjoy these shopping experiences as well but perfectly aligns with Hejselbjerg’s vision to provide the very best in eye-catching exclusive designs for its customers. This means if you really do spill on your favourite Bistro St. Tropez piece or forget to bring something for your vacation wardrobe altogether, you can simply come to Boat Avenue and visit Wings by Hejselbjerg or Maniki Boutique to replace it or find something new and exciting.
Final Thoughts
On your next trip to Thailand, go beyond the regular beach and resort experience and be sure to visit the newly buzzing town of Cherngtalay, which is made that much easier thanks to its close proximity to the Laguna Phuket resort complex and Bangtao Beach itself. Next, go to the Boat Avenue Shopping Precinct to get away from the crowded resort beaches and get caught up with experiencing authentic Thai culture. Then, as you explore the streets of the shopping area, allow yourself to become inspired by the culinary masterpieces and eye-catching designer looks that you will encounter. And finally, make sure to stop in at Wings by Hejselbjerg or Maniki Boutique to pick up the latest designer trends for women and, of course, to check out the exclusive selection of Bistro St. Tropez men’s board shorts, resort wear, and casual wear from our lineup.
