Phuket has definitely been the highlight to our explorations of Thailand. Below I will share with you the best areas to stay in Phuket.
Below I guide you through where to stay in Phuket in this mountainous island on the Andaman Sea. The majority are drawn to the beautiful beaches and island hopping adventures around Phuket.
It can be hard to find where to stay for first-time visitors to Phuket. So, below you will not only get tips to the best beaches in Phuket but the best hotels to stay in Phuket and the best place to stay in Phuket for island hopping too.
This cool island also boasts a reach history with many Europeans from Portugues, French Britsh flocking to Thailand before the Chinese joined to seek opportunity in the tin-mining boom of the 19th century.
All this means that you will see the influence in architecture to the food. Local cuisine is dominated by seafood and spice, mixed with flavours from India, Malaysia, Indonesia and beyond, from restaurants to street vendors, that food is rich with flavour.
Also See
- 5 Reasons You Will Love Bangkok
- 10 Experiences Not To Miss Out On In Phuket
- What To Pack For A Trip To Thailand
- The Best Areas To Stay In Bangkok
CONTENTS
Where To Stay In Phuket | The Best Areas To Stay In Phuket
Phuket has some of the most stunning beaches to check out. From Surin beach, Harn beach, Khao Beach, Mai Khao Beach, Nai Yang Beach Nai Harn Beach just to name a few.
Phuket is home to many many high-end seaside resorts, spas and restaurants but there is still something for everyone in every budget range.
Many only a minutes walk to the beach if not just meters. I have experienced each budget range from budget living at Gold Digger’s Resort and no its nothing like the playboy mansion but great service and hospitality in a clean too.
We also sampled a mid-range hotel at Hotel Ikon with balcony sea views. Then sample luxury in the private villa at Renaissance with endless private beaches for guests only.
So if you are looking for where to stay in Phuket the guide below will help you secure a great place stay in Phuket, in one of the best areas to stay in Phuket, whether you want budget, mid-range or luxury in addition to where you want to be in Phuket City, near markets and shops or in a place like Patong that is lively with many nightclubs, bars, and restaurant entertainment.
Whether you are looking for best place to stay in Phuket for families, where to stay in Phuket for singles with a lively atmosphere there is something for everyone.
Staying On Old Phuket Town
The provincial capital and largest urban area of the island, Phuket Town’s narrow streets are filled with great restaurants, boutique shops and unique attractions.
Below you will find the best places to stay in Phuket town. This is the ideal location for people who want every day of their holiday to be different; filled with new discoveries and new experiences.
The town has absorbed many aspects of the varying cultures which have called it home over the centuries, making it also place of beautiful historic designs and features.
Being the hub of local life, Phuket Town is probably the best place to get the “real Thailand” experience on the island and there are regular local markets to explore. For more hotels in Old Phuket Town.
Budget/Cheap Hotels
Ritsurin Boutique Hotel | Hop Inn Phuket | Chinotel
Mid-Range Hotels
Casa Blanca Boutique | The Memory at On On Hotel | The Malika Hotel
Luxury Hotels
Novotel Phuket Phokeethra |Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel |Little Nyonya Hotel |
Staying On Patong/Patong Beach
Patong, located on the West Coast of Phuket, is the most popular beach resort town on the island and one of more popular tourist locations in Phuket.
With a beautiful white sand beach facing the Andaman Sea, it is a highly frequented area for tourists and locals alike.
Staying in Patong Beach, you will only be about a half hour’s ride away from Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most revered Buddhist Temple.
Apart from the beaches, restaurants, and clubs, there is the Jungceylon Shopping Complex, a welcoming haven for shopping.
If you are looking for where to stay in Phuket for singles, this is one of those lively areas that draws in people after great nightlife.
Patong is also very famous for its exciting nightlife because of Bangla Road, a lively party zone which offers an exciting after-dark atmosphere (which may not be for everyone). For more hotels in Patong Beach.
Budget/Cheap Hotels
Simple Boutique Sea Breeze | Phunara Residence | The SR Residence |
Mid-Range Hotels
Kokotel Phuket Patong | Hotel Sole | A Casa Di Luca |
Luxury Hotels
Ramada Phuket Deevana Patong | Holiday Inn Express Beach Central | Nap Patong|
Staying On Karon Beach
Outside of Patong, Karon Beach is the next most popular area in Phuket. Located between Patong and Kata, Karon Beach features the third longest white sand beach on Phuket.
The beach boasts paved walkways and there is an awesome runoff canal with pedestrian bridges.
Spending the day at the beach, you can enjoy snorkeling and diving. The beach is wide enough that you won’t feel crowded even though it is a popular beach amongst both locals and tourists.
Apart from having fun during the days at the beach or one of the many attractions in the area, there is an exciting nightlife in Karon Beach.
Plus, this area offers accommodation from budget options to luxurious hotels. For more hotels in Karon Beach.
Budget/Cheap Hotels
Pension Zum Ross | Karon Bay Inn | Paradise Inn |
Mid-Range Hotels
Grand Sunset Hotel | Manohra Cozy Resort | Baan Sailom Hotel |
Luxury Hotels
Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa | Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort | Pacific Club Resort
Staying On Kata Beach
This is one of the best area to stay in phuket for families. Kata is the ideal compromise between the hectic pace of Patong and the smallness of Karon.
Katon also sits along the pristine white-sand beaches on Phuket’s west coast. It is a favorite amongst families though it does offer much for other travelers.
But, being smaller and less hectic has not stopped Kata from growing its own unique take on a fun nightlife for visitors to the area.
From clubs to outdoor cafes and restaurants, you will be sure to find something fun to do either as a family, couple, or solo traveler.
Kata Centre to the northern end of Kata features a variety of shops, minimarts, and high-end fashion stores, while Kata South houses several resorts. For more hotels in Kata Beach.
Budget/Cheap Hotels
Glitter House | We Love Kata | Garden Home Kata |
Mid-Range Hotels
Sungthong Kamala Beach Resort | The Blue Pearl Kata Hotel | Must Sea Boutique Hotel |
Luxury Hotels
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort | Sugar Marina Resort | Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments|
Staying On Kamala Beach
Another popular village in Phuket is Kamala. It gives visitors a more authentic and quiet Thailand experience.
It is not as crowded or offers the type of night life one comes to expect from areas like Patong as it offers a quieter and more relaxed feel to Phuket.
So, while it too boasts a lovely beach open to visitors and locals, Kamala Beach is not as crowded as in Patong or Karon.
Kamala Beach also has some of the international hotels (e.g. Marriott Courtyard) as well as villas and apartments that attract retirees and long-term visitors.
So, step back in time, relax, and enjoy a slower paced travel at Kamala. For more hotels in Kamala Beach.
Budget/Cheap Hotels
The Umbrella House | The Mareeya Place | Ice Kamala Beach Hotel
Mid-Range Hotels
The Regent Resort Phuket Kamala Beach | Peter Kamala Guesthouse | Dengs Kamala Resort
Luxury Hotels
Kamala Resortel | Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort | Glam Habitat
Staying On Bang Tao Bay Beach
Bang Tao Bay is one of the more all-inclusive resort areas in Phuket. With quite a few luxury resorts such as the Laguna Phuket resort complex, and villas, there isn’t much to leave the comfort of those resorts for.
But, you can travel over to the town of Cherng Talay where residents make their living as fishers, farmers, and from rubber tapping. Or enjoy the uncrowded 6km long beach to yourself.
But, if you want to experience a bit more, BangTao Bay is only a short 30-minute ride from Patong. You can enjoy the scenic view along the journey. For more hotels in Bang Tao Beach.
Budget/Cheap Hotels
Baan Norkna Bangtao | ChillHub Hostel Phuket | Baan Coconut
Mid-Range Hotels
Andaman Seaside Resort | Peykaa Modern Villa | Mamaison Phuket
Luxury Hotels
Jewels Villas Phuket | The Pavilions, Phuket | Banyan Tree SPA Sanctuary
Staying On Rawai Beach
Rawai is considered the first popular tourist beach on the island. Once a popular holiday destination for locals, it is now firmly in the sights of visitors as well.
Rawai has fast become the area for sea excursions with a variety of boat tours and sightseeing trips being launched from its shores.
The area features the Phuket Seashell Museum and the Phuket Orchid Farm, both bring must-visit locations if you’re in the area.
It is also the home to Wat Sawang Arom, the main temple in Rawai Beach. For more hotels in Rawai.
Budget/Cheap Hotels
Purimas Resort | Putterhouse | Huga Place
Mid-Range Hotels
Vivi Boutique Room | Smile Residence | The Idol Boutique Resort and Villa |
Luxury Hotels
Vijitt Resort Phuket | Villa Alia | Saturdays Residence |
Also See
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