A former fishing community built in the traditional fashion of interconnected piers, the villagers of Bang Bao have swapped their nets for renting out portions of their homes to souvenir shops and restaurants. Most visitors come for the excellent seafood and shopping.
At first glance, Bang Bao may look like a tourist trap, but the traders who pack the pier generally offer quality, locally made produce. Walk to the far end to see a white lighthouse and boats bound for the nearby islands. Unless you are staying in one of the pier's guesthouses, get going before dark as it can be hard to find a taxi back.