Are you heading to Phuket, Thailand for the very first time? If so, welcome! I’m an expat who has lived in Phuket for the last three years, and throughout my time here, I’ve come to know the island VERY well!
Phuket is one of the best places to visit in Thailand for first-timers because there’s something for everyone – beaches, nature, culture, food, nightlife, and plenty of accommodation options for all budgets and types of travelers.
If you’ve already started researching where to stay in Phuket, you’ll have realized that despite being an island, it is enormous with so many beaches, areas and attractions that it can be a little overwhelming to decide – that’s why I wrote this guide!
This Thai island has many beautiful areas and stunning beaches, but the best to stay in Phuket for you will depend on what your preferences and what you want from your vacation.
So, in this article, I’m drawing from my experience living in Phuket to share with you the best beaches in Phuket, the best areas to stay in Phuket and my favorite Phuket hotels.
In a hurry? Click here to jump to my hotel recommendations. Or carry on reading if you want to get to more about the island’s best beaches and areas first.
Why I Love Phuket
When I moved to Phuket, I had no idea what to expect. However, I instantly fell in love with the island, and although it does get hectic, the pros undoubtedly outweigh the cons.
Here’s what I love the most about Phuket:
- There is abundant nature – In Phuket, you’re constantly surrounded by vibrant greenery and never have to go far to enjoy a spectacular view.
- The are numerous beautiful beaches – Phuket’s beaches are indeed picture-perfect: white sand and clear, turquoise waters. While the sea is only safe for swimming some of the year, you will NEVER get tired of long beach walks feeling the soft sand beneath your toes.
- The sunsets are mind blowing – I don’t know why, but I’ve honestly never seen more beautiful sunsets (and as frequently) as in Phuket.
- The cuisine is diverse and delicious – On every street, you’ll find many local seafood restaurants dishing up top-quality Thai food. Plus, as an international destination, you can find EVERY type of cuisine you can imagine. Seriously, I’ve had pizzas here that are as good as in Italy!
- Most days are sunny – While the rainy season can be ‘hit or miss’ (see below), if you come during the dry season (November to April) you’re pretty much guaranteed to get beautiful weather.
- There are endless day trip options – Phuket has many nearby islands, some of which you can access in just 20 minutes. Along with island hopping, Phuket borders Phang-Na, a province full of waterfalls, lakes, untouched beaches, caves, and bays to explore. Check out this post for my favorite island hopping day trips from Phuket.
Of course, nowhere is perfect. Here are a few things you may want to bear in mind when visiting Phuket:
- High season is EXTREMELY busy – If you don’t like crowds or traffic, I recommend planning your trip any time other than December to February!
- Rainy season can be relentless – Technically, the rainy season lasts from May to October. Most years, the monsoons will be on and off, meaning you can have weeks of little or even no rain during this time. However, you cannot predict the weather; sometimes, you’ll get seven days of non-stop downpours.
- The sea can be unsafe for swimming in rainy season – Another thing to consider if you plan to come during the rainy season is that the sea may not be safe to swim in all year round. The ocean can get wild during the monsoon months, and there can be weeks with red flags marking the sea as unsafe.
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About Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, located in the south of the Andaman Sea. Spanning 576 square kilometers, it takes about 1.5 hours to drive from the south to the north, but going east to the west is much quicker.
Phuket is known for many things, including beautiful beaches, luxury hotels, world-class diving, vibrant night markets, colorful historic shophouses in Phuket Town, stunning temples and the famous hilltop Big Buddha.
What makes Phuket island so popular is how diverse it is, there’s so many accommodation options, tourist attractions and things to do in Phuket so whatever you are into, you will find it on this bustling Thai island!
Phuket Hotel and Accommodation Options
One reason Phuket is Thailand’s most popular tourist destination is because it offers something for ALL budgets. There is a wide choice of backpacker hostels, mid-range hotels, luxury resorts, boutique hotels and private villas all over the island.
Typically, hotels along the beach will be significantly more expensive than those further away, but you can still usually find some low-cost options within a short walking distance. If you prefer smaller and unique properties check out my pick of the best boutique hotels in Phuket.
The Best Hotels in Phuket – My Quick Picks:
Best Beaches and Areas to Stay in Phuket
While Phuket is technically an island, it is very long. All the best beaches and touristy areas are found along the coast, mainly along the island’s west coast. However, each area has a very different vibe so the best area in Phuket for you will depend on your personal needs and preferences.
Therefore, choosing where to stay in Phuket depends on what you desire. For example, you’ll love Patong if you’re a party animal, but if you prefer peace and quiet, Mai Khao will be more suitable for you.
Kata Beach and Karon Beach are the best places to stay in Phuket for first time visitors as they offer a mix of everything and easy access to explore the island while Kamala Beach is the best option for a family holiday. If you dream of a secluded off the beaten track escape then head to Cape Panwa, or Coconut Island.
While most visitors stay on Phuket’s beaches, don’t forget to make time to visit Phuket Town to soak up the unique culture and colorful heritage of the island.
Here’s a brief overview of the best places to stay in Phuket and who they are best suited to:
- Kata Beach – Best for surfers and water sports lovers
- Karon Beach – Best for those who want to be close to the action but not right in it.
- Patong Beach – Best for party animals
- Kamala Beach – Best for families and anyone who wants to avoid the crowds
- Phuket Town – Best for lovers of architecture, good coffee, and local markets.
- Bang Tao Beach – Best for those seeking luxury and comfort
- Surin Beach – Best for the older crowd
- Rawai and Nai Harn – Best for the younger crowd
- Mai Khao Beach – Best for those seeing nature and relaxation
- Cape Panwa – Best for hidden gems and secluded coves
- Coconut Island – Best for an island escape
Map of Phuket
To help you get your bearings here’s a map of Phuket so you can get to know the locations of the beaches and different areas.
Island hopping is one thing not to miss when visiting Phuket and the tour providers almost always include transport. They will pick you up from your hotel so you can stay anywhere on the island and don’t need to worry about how you will get to the port.
The best place to book trips is on Viator or Get Your Guide, there is a huge selection with competitive prices, plus you can read reviews and ensure your trip is a memorable experience for all the right reasons!
Best Places to Stay in Phuket: Top Hotels by Area
Still trying to decide which is the best area in Phuket for you? No worries; I’ll explain what to expect from each area in this section and give you my recommendations for the best hotels for all budgets.
Kata Beach
Kata is conveniently located between the island’s southern tip (Rawai and Nai Harn) and the bustling tourist towns of Karon and Patong.
Therefore, this small beach town is ideal for families and couples looking for plenty of fun activities nearby but without a 24/7 noisy nightlife.
Kata Beach is pretty long; you can easily walk up and down it in less than an hour. Kata is a good swimming beach and is also popular with surfers as you’ll find medium waves (in terms of power and size) here – ideal for learning the sport. There are many surf schools in Kata – you can join a lesson directly on the beach.
Next to the main beach is Kata Noi Beach, voted one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, which offers a smaller and quieter alternative with some amazing luxury beachfront resorts like The Shore at Katathani a romantic adults only resort.
From Kata, you can also do the strenuous uphill hike from Kata town to Big Buddha if you’re seeking a challenge.
Best Accommodation in Kata:
- $$$ Luxe – The Shore at Katathani is a 5-star cliffside resort that sits above the shore with private pool villas, incredible views and direct access to the most beautiful beach
- $$ Mid – OZO Phuket boasts a beachfront location and a large outdoor swimming pool, fitness center and kids club in a peaceful garden setting.
- $ Budget – Hotel Kata Hill Sea View lives up to its name with incredible ocean views and a beautiful pool, just a 5-minute walk from the beach.
Karon Beach
Karon is a larger beach town than Kata, just a 5-minute drive north. Karon has one of the best beaches in Phuket – super soft white sand spanning 5 km!
Karon Beach boasts a fab location, as the party resort Patong and the hidden Freedom Beach are nearby which makes it one of the best areas to stay in Phuket for those who want a bit of everything.
Along with beach lovers, Karon is popular with families, couples, and groups of friends who want to balance relaxation with partying.
Best Accommodation in Karon:
- $$$ Luxe – Le Meridien is a hidden paradise on a private beach, giving the feeling of seclusion despite being just a few minute’s drive from all the action.
- $$ Mid – Pullman Karon is located (literally) a stone’s throw from the beach and set in a stunning 75 acres of tropical landscape with five pools!
- $ Budget – Memory Resort is ideal for those seeking peace and value as it is located up a hill away from the town but with a free daily shuttle service.
Patong Beach
The famous Patong beach is known for its 24/7 nightlife scene, predominantly centered along Bangla Road, a long strip of go-go bars and nightclubs. Therefore, Patong Beach attracts a particular crowd – groups of young lads looking to party and older men looking to get lucky!
Patong can be a bit seedy at night, so I don’t recommend it to families. However, if you’re on stag or hen do, then Patong will undoubtedly be where to stay in Phuket!
Aside from its nightlife, Patong boasts a long sandy beach and an incredible central location for accessing the rest of the island. And if the crowds get too much, you can find some quieter small bays just south of the town, including the gorgeous Paradise Beach.
Best Accommodation in Patong:
- $$$ Luxe – Amari is a luxurious 5-star hotel built upon a hillside, giving incredible views from the entire resort, including the lavish rooms which have private balconies.
- $$ Mid – Grand Mercure is just 600 meters from Bangla Road and 300 meters from the beach, making it a popular choice for anyone wanting to be in the center of town.
- $ Budget – U Sabai Living Hotel is one of the many budget hotels in Patong that gives easy access all the action and is just 10 minutes walking distance from the beach.
- $ Backpacker – Lub D Phuket sociable and stylish backpacker hostel with dorms, private rooms, pool and a cafe great for meeting people and close to the nightlife.
Kamala Beach
Kamala is a quiet yet beautiful beach area just north of Patong beach. Despite its proximity, Kamala beach has a totally different vibe. It’s very relaxed, the sandy beach is beautiful, and there are some excellent bars and restaurants nearby, including the famous Cafe Del Mar.
While there are not many attractions in Kamala town, there are plenty within a short drive, including Blue Tree Lagoon and Green Elephant Sanctuary.
Best Accommodation in Kamala:
- $$$ Luxe – The Naka is a blissful 5-star paradise located south of Kamala Bay with modern villas boasting their own private outdoor infinity pool!
- $$ Mid – Sunwing boasts eight outdoor pools and spacious rooms with kitchenettes, just a 10-minute walk from Kamala town.
- $ Budget – Sungthong is just a 3-minute drive from Kamala Beach and offers clean and spacious rooms with private balconies or pool access.
Phuket Town
If you’re not fussed about being right on the beach and adore beautiful architecture, craft coffee, and cute boutique stores, Phuket Town is for you!
Old Phuket Town is on the island’s east side, far from the tourist beach towns but still close enough to visit for a beach day.
Also known as Phuket Old Town, the streets here are lined with colorful 19th-century shophouses and stunning Sino-Portuguese buildings turned into quirky cafes and boutique hotels. The area becomes even more vibrant every weekend when the Sunday walking street market takes place.
Phuket Old Town is one of the best areas to stay in Phuket if you want to experience authentic Phuketarian culture and integrate with the locals. However, the area still has a modern feel, as it’s full of Western-style cafes and restaurants you can enjoy and take a break from the heat.
And if you find the beach calling you, you’ll be close to two pristine beaches on the east coast – Panwa and Ko Sire!
Best Accommodation in Phuket Town:
- $$$ Luxe – Hotel Verdigris, ideally located in the Old Town this boutique hotel boasts a unique traditional decor and features Junior Suites with inner courtyard plunge pools!
- $$ Mid – Hilltop Wellness Resort is situated just outside Phuket Town atop a serene hill. It’s popular with yogis and wellness enthusiasts as it runs regular retreats.
- $ Budget – Blue Carina Inn offers value, convenience, and clean rooms, some of which have private balconies overlooking the outdoor swimming pool.
Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach is one of the longest in Phuket, spanning 6 km. However, this area is truly special because of the beachside Laguna – multiple small lagoons just behind the shoreline.
The Laguna part of Bang Tao has been transformed into a luxurious green oasis full of luxury hotels, peaceful walking trails, and spas. This is the best area in Phuket for anyone who prioritizes comfort and pampering as well as couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Outside the laguna is the popular Boat Avenue, a lively open-air lifestyle center and market. Then, towards the south of Bang Tao Beach, you will find many beachfront restaurants, cool beach clubs, and accommodation options for all budgets.
Best Accommodation in Bang Tao Beach:
- $$$ Luxe – Angsana Laguna is undoubtedly the most epic resort in Bang Tao with a 323-meter pool snaking around the resort and a private kayaking area.
- $$ Mid – Cassia is a vibrant family friendly hotel in Laguna offering apartment-style rooms with kitchens and a large outdoor pool on the lagoon. Plus, it’s pet-friendly!
- $ Budget – Hanuman VIP Hostel balances affordability with luxury, with a homely lounge area (complete with a pool table), stylish bathrooms, and cabin-style dorms.
Surin Beach
Surin Beach is a small, quiet bay between Kamala and Bang Tao. It’s ideal for those who want to stay in a calm area but still be a short drive from many top beaches, attractions, restaurants, and markets.
While Surin Beach is small, it has a natural, untouched feel as it is lined with trees hiding the nearby road. There are also some lovely elevated viewpoints on either side of the bay.
Best Accommodation in Surin Beach:
- $$$ Luxe – The Surin Phuket is a tropical oasis with private beach access and bright, airy, and spacious private cottages.
- $$ Mid – Outrigger is a boutique ocean-facing resort with a modern and stylish feel just a 2-minute stroll from the sand.
- $ Budget – Surin Bay Inn is conveniently sandwiched between the beach and the village, meaning everything you need is just a short walk away.
Rawai and Nai Harn Beach
Rawai Beach and Nai Harn Beach are two adjacent areas in the southern tip of Phuket, popular with digital nomads, fitness fanatics, and the younger generations.
Rawai and Nai Harn are the most “up-and-coming” areas of Phuket, with new coffee shops, restaurants, and villa complexes popping up weekly. Rawai Beach is full of longtail boats so it’s not ideal for swimming but Naiharn is one of the best beaches in Phuket.
There are also many excellent nature spots, including the stunning windmill viewpoint, and the breathtaking Promthep Cape. Even though these southern beach towns are far from the rest of the island, there is always plenty to do and explore here!
Best Accommodation in Rawai and Nai Harn:
- $$$ Luxe – The Nai Harn is a 5-star hotel built on a hill overlooking Nai Harn beach with a beach-club style pool and bar area and the best breakfast buffet in Phuket!
- $$ Mid – Selina is a stylish “all-in-one resort” for young travelers and digital nomads, complete with a wellness deck, beachfront restaurant, pool, and co-working space.
- $ Budget – Roost Glamping offers a unique glamping experience surrounded by nature with stylish tents, proper beds, and cozy decor.
Mai Khao
At the other end of the island is Mai Khao Beach, Phuket’s northernmost beach stretching 7 miles. Mai Khao is very close to the airport (offering convenience for jet-lagged travelers), and Sirinath National Park, yet the area is usually quiet.
Mai Khao Beach is the best area in Phuket for introverts who seek almost deserted beaches, peaceful nature, and early nights. As most of the accommodation here is close to the beach and far from Phuket’s crazy traffic, Mai Khao offers a very tranquil vibe.
Mai Khao Beach is also popular with golfers as it is close to the well-known Blue Canyon Country Club.
Best Accommodation in Mai Khao:
- $$$ Luxe – Avani Plus offers EPIC beachfront suites with a kitchen, huge lounge area, and spacious balcony. Some even come with a private pool!
- $$ Mid – Renaissance Phuket Resort is a 5-star resort and spa on the beach built around peaceful garden surroundings with suites and pool villas available.
- $ Budget – Coriacea is a boutique hotel offering beachfront accommodation for a fraction of the cost of the bigger resorts. Plus, all rooms have private balconies.
Tips for Choosing Your Phuket Accommodation
There’s no shortage of choice when it comes to hotels in Phuket so the best place to stay really comes down to your needs, personal preference and budget.
Here’s some things to consider when choosing your Phuket:
- Consider how close to the beach you want to be. Beachfront hotels are generally more expensive, but the additional expense is worth it if you dream of waking up and stepping onto the sand!
- Check the rating and reviews of your accommodation before booking. I recommend choosing hotels with a rating of 8 or above on Booking.com.
- Enquire with your accommodation to see if they organize airport pickup, as this will significantly reduce travel stress!
- Seek out local restaurants. Most restaurants near the beach are aimed at tourists and, thus, have more of an international menu. If you want to taste authentic Thai food (and can handle the spice), I recommend choosing restaurants on the back streets where you see the locals dining.
Planning Your Trip to Phuket
How to Get to Phuket
Having Thailand’s second busiest airport, most travelers can fly directly into Phuket International Airport. 47 airlines operate from Phuket airport, including Emirates, Etihad, and Virgin Australia.
Most nationalities can get a 30 day visa exemption or visa on arrival which makes entering Thailand and visiting Phuket easy and convenient.
Even if you’re coming from other parts of Thailand, air travel is the quickest and easiest way to get to Phuket. There are various buses services, but note that Phuket is approximately a 12-hour drive from Bangkok or a 1-hour flight away. You can also get a ferry from Krabi to Phuket. The best place to book domestic flights, trains, buses and ferries is on 12Go Asia.
Once you land in Phuket, you’ll need to navigate your way to your accommodation. Some resorts and hotels offer pre-arranged airport transfers and you can also book an airport transfer on Viator. Otherwise, you can take a taxi, hop on a public bus, or hail a ride through an app like Grab.
However, many taxi drivers at the airport prey on unsuspecting tourists and significantly overcharge. Because of this, some tourists opt to book a ride through the Grab app.
How to Get Around Phuket
Taxes are the most expensive choice when it comes to getting around the island. If you do use them I recommend asking your hotel reception to call you one – that way, you’re less likely to be overcharged.
Grab and other ride-hailing apps like Bolt offer a more convenient and cheaper option to taxis.
You will also see lots of tuk-tuks around the touristy areas. They are costly, so they are not ideal for long distances. Still, many tourists like to use them for short rides for the experience.
If you want to visit lots of attractions consider a guided tour or day trip as it will be more convenient and better value than taking lots of taxis. I prefer to book these on Viator and Get Your Guide as I can read reviews so I know I’m going to get a good experience.
For a lower-cost way to get around, you can consider the Smart Bus, which runs from Rawai to the airport, stopping at all the major beach towns. A single ride is 100 THB, but you can buy day or multi-day passes for a very reasonable price.
Finally, some tourists prefer to hire a scooter while in Phuket. As Phuket’s roads are busy and dangerous, I only recommend this if you have experience with scooters and have driven in Thailand before. Ensure you have an international driving license that covers motorcycles, too.
Best Time to Visit Phuket
Weatherwise, the best time to visit Phuket is December to March. You can expect consistently good weather during these months – blue skies and abundant sunshine. However, they are also the busiest months, so while the weather is wonderful, the island is crowded.
November can be a lovely month to visit as it is relatively quiet. Still, as this is the end of the rainy season, the weather can be unpredictable.
Alternatively, consider April and May (the other shoulder season) if you don’t mind the heat. The island is not too crowded by this time, but it can be scorching, ranging from 27°C to 36°C.
Phuket’s rainy season is between June and October with frequent, but often short, downpours, cloudy and overcast skies and unpredictable weather.
Rough seas mean that it is sometimes not safe to swim during this time but you will get considerable discounts on accommodation and experience less crowds if you visit during the rainy reason.
How Long to Stay in Phuket
Anywhere from 7 to 14 days is an ideal length to stay in Phuket. 7 days will give you enough time to see all the top sights and squeeze in a couple of day trips – check out this 7 day Phuket itinerary for inspiration!
However, if you’re not in a rush, I recommend staying for 10 to 14 days. This extra time will allow you to check out more parts of the island, take some boat trips, and explore at a more relaxed place.
The Best Things to Do in Phuket
As well as being home to some of the world’s most stunning white sand beaches and turquoise waters. Phuket also has endless activities and attractions to offer.
From watersports and island hopping trips, to visiting elephant sanctuaries and glittering Buddhist temples, to Thai cooking classes or just relaxing with a massage, there’s no shortage of things to do in Phuket to keep you busy.
When choosing where to stay in Phuket, think about what sort of places you want to visit and activities you’d like to do on your trip and check where they are located as taxi’s can be expensive (by Thai standards.)
So Now You Know Where to Stay in Phuket
I hope this blog has given you a better idea about where to stay in Phuket. As each area differs, your main deciding factor should be what you’re looking for from this tropical paradise. Whether you want to explore the island’s attractions, party the night away or simply relax on a beautiful beach, when it comes to Phuket hotels, no matter your budget, you won’t be short on options!
And don’t forget that Phuket is just the start of exploring this beautiful and fascinating country. If you’re looking for inspiration on other places to go check out my list of the best places to visit in Thailand and see my comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide for more tips.
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