Where to Stay in Phuket → 10 INCREDIBLE Areas

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and is known for its pristine beaches and crystal-clear waters, so if you are wondering where to stay in Phuket, I completely understand what you mean. 

I lived in Thailand for a while (and keep coming back every year for 1-2 months at least), and I got to explore the country, so I can tell you about all the best areas in Phuket and what each of them is good for. 

If you’re visiting for the first time, I recommend staying in Karon – the beach is beautiful, and there are plenty of opportunities for water sports. 

Read this post because you will learn everything about the 10 best tourist-friendly areas in Phuket, and tell you what each of them is best for. 

Not only that, but I also went ahead and compared pretty much all the accommodation options on the island and handpicked the absolute best of the best options (and sorted it out by price so everyone can find their ideal place to stay!). 

Once you find the perfect area for you, be quick and make a reservation – hotels sell out super quick in Phuket, as they are affordable and offer amazing amenities. 

Now, let’s look at the top spots for a stay in Phuket!

If you are in a hurry

Here are the best places to stay in Karon, Phuket:

Neighborhood	Perfect for	Best Hotel
💲 Karon	Cheap accommodation, local markets, beaches & nature	Mandarava Resort and Spa
🕺 Patong	Nightlife, tourist attractions, shopping	Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong
💅 Kata	Trendy bars, snorkeling, beachfront spas & resorts	Katathani Beach Resort
🏝️ Bang Tao Beach	Big beaches, no crowds, water sports	Saii Laguna Phuket
💑 Rawai	Romantic resorts, nice restaurants, island hopping	Wyndham La Vita
👩‍👩‍👦 Kamala	Family activities, a calm atmosphere, sandy beaches	Cape Sienna Hotel
✨ Surin	Stunning nature, upscale hotels, fishing	The Surin Phuket
🛕 Phuket Town	Culture, restaurants, bars, museums & temples	Sinae Phuket
🌴 Mai Khao & Naiyang Beach	Longest beach in Phuket, Sirinat National Park, close to Phuket Airport	Anantara Vacation Club
💎 Nai Harn Beach	Peaceful beach, hiking, snorkeling	The Nai Harn

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Watch my video, it will give you a visual explanation of all the areas:

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Here’s a map of Phuket with all 10 areas I’ll be talking about in the post:

1. Karon – where to stay in Phuket for first-timers

Karon is a lovely resort town on the island’s West Coast, situated 10 km (6 km) South of Patong and often called the ‘little sister of Patong.’ However, Karon is much quieter than Patong (area #2 in my list) and has a more authentic atmosphere, which is why it’s become a popular destination for families as well as the best area to stay in Phuket for couples. 

While staying in Karon, you can enjoy the beautiful beaches and crystal clear blue waters, try different water sports, and dine at the best local seafood restaurants. If you’re looking for nightlife, there are quite a few bars, but the nightlife scene isn’t nearly as bustling as in Patong – perfect if you want to get a good night’s sleep!

Karon Beach (map) is the focal point of the Karon area; this idyllic beach is recognizable for its golden sand and calm waters, which make it the ideal swimming beach. However, this is a popular beach and is usually teeming with tourists. So, if you want to relax on a quiet beach, head North to Freedom Beach (map) and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere.

Right next to Karon Beach, you’ll also come across Karon Park, a large and scenic park with a beach area and cool food markets on the weekend. The park also overlooks the Phuket Reservoir, an artificial lake, which makes it a great choice if you want to spend some time by the water but away from the beach crowds. 

Lastly, I want to tell you to keep an open slot on a Tuesday or Friday night for a visit to the Karon Temple Market (map). This is a night market where you can get delicious street food, buy souvenirs, and enjoy live music while you’re doing your shopping. 

If it’s your first time visiting Thailand, I actually recommend splitting your time between staying in Phuket, Bangkok, and Koh Phangan so you can get a great overview of the entire country. 

Other accommodation options in Karon

Things to do in Karon

• Visit the stunning Karon Temple (map)
• Chill at Khlong Bangla Park (map)
• Sign up for a guided tour of the Karon Viewpoint and other notable Phuket attractions
• Try traditional Thai food at Mama Jin Restaurant (map)

2. Patong – where to stay in Phuket for nightlife

Patong is located on the West Coast of Phuket, North of Karon, and it’s got a reputation for being the most touristy area on the island. Patong’s main trait is the bustling nightlife scene, which is why I recommend this as one of the best places to stay in Phuket for young adults and backpackers who like to have quick access to live music bars and cool beach clubs.

So, if you’re looking for a fun night out, your first stop should be Bangla Road, a busy road that hosts numerous nightclubs, bars, and even massage parlors – it’s a nightlife haven! Here, you can also spot the famous Thai Ladyboys (transgender women). These women are often even more beautiful than Thai women, so you can easily get mistaken!

I’m sure you’ll get hungry during your night out, and the best place to get a tasty meal is Bangla Night Market (map). There are plenty of food options, but I recommend getting some seafood – it’s fresh and delicious.

Other than nightlife, there are plenty of fun ways to spend the day at Patong Beach (map). You can swim and sunbathe, go parasailing or wakeboarding, or sip on a cocktail at a beach club. But one thing to know about Patong Beach is that it’s one of the most popular Phuket beaches, so it’s always crowded. 

Since this is a tourist area, unfortunately, some of the locals will try to scam you. So, be very careful when you’re going on a tuk-tuk ride, renting a jet ski (usually the scam is renting you a previously damaged jet ski and then demanding a high pay for the “damage”), getting a ride from the airport, or buying jewelry. In general, always be cautious when you’re spending your money somewhere. If you’re looking for a peaceful beach, Karon Beach is the better choice for you. And if you’re into surfing, I highly recommend checking out Kalim Beach (map).

Other accommodation options in Patong

Things to do in Patong

• Spend a day at the beautiful Paradise Beach (map)
• Pay a visit to the Suwan Khiri Wong Temple (map)
• Try some delicious street food at Malin Plaza Patong Market (map)
• Go shopping for fresh food at Banzaan Fresh Market (map)

3. Kata – the coolest neighborhood in Phuket

Kata is another amazing destination on the island’s West Coast, right next to Karon and 10 km (6 miles) from Patong Beach. It’s one of the best places to stay in Phuket on the beach, with stunning white sand beaches surrounded by palm trees, as well as the coolest neighborhood, thanks to its trendy restaurants, bars, and beautiful beachfront resorts. 

Kata is one of the best areas in Phuket if you want a combination of a chill atmosphere, vibrant nightlife, and cool activities such as snorkeling, surfing, diving, and jet skiing. So, if you’re someone like me who is into a little bit of everything, Kata is a great choice for you. The area is also very family-friendly, so it’s a great spot to stay in if you’re traveling with family. 

Kata Beach (map) is a fantastic beach for swimming and sunbathing, but it also boasts a famous snorkeling spot. The Kata Beach House Reef is situated at the Northern end of the beach and enables you to see different kinds of fish, turtles, seahorses, and octopuses. 

Beach lovers will be happy to hear that they’ll find another amazing beach near Phuket Kata Beach. Of course, I’m talking about Kata Noi Beach (map), a bit further South of Kata Beach. Kata Noi Beach provides plenty of opportunities for water sports and is a bit less crowded, so I suggest you make the trip South and spend at least a day there. 

Other spots that deserve your attention are Kata Beach Community Park (map), the Kata Night Market (map), and Dino Park Mini Golf & Restaurant (map), an outdoor mini golf course with a great restaurant and a bar. 

Kata is one of the smaller areas I recommend in this post, and it’s very walkable, so I highly recommend it for people who are staying in Phuket without a car. Plus, there’s a good selection of both resorts and smaller boutique hotels so that it can accommodate different types of travelers. 

Other accommodation options in Kata

Things to do in Kata

• Venture out to see The Big Buddha statue (map)
• Take a surfing lesson on Kata Beach
• Grab breakfast at Lost in Phuket

4. Bang Tao Beach – for a relaxing holiday

Bang Tao is a high-end resort area in the Thalang district, on the West Coast of Phuket and just 5 km (3 miles) North of Kamala Beach. Bang Tao has a more laid-back vibe than many other Phuket areas, as it doesn’t attract as many tourists (yet!), and the beach is not as crowded.

Even though Bang Tao is not as popular as Patong or Karon, there are many luxury hotels, resorts, and spas that offer all-inclusive arrangements and various amenities, making this the perfect destination if you want to unwind and relax. 

Bang Tao is also the perfect spot for beach lovers; Bang Tao Beach (map) is a beautiful beach with powdery white sand and clear waters where you can try different water sports (diving, stand up paddleboarding) or simply enjoy the view from one of the beach clubs and bars. 

I would also highly recommend visiting the Bang Thao Night Market (map); it’s a local street market and provides a very authentic Thai experience. But if you want a more upscale shopping experience, I suggest the Porto de Phuket shopping mall, which, besides shopping, offers a variety of cool activities. 

Other accommodation options in Bang Tao Beach

Things to do in Bang Tao Beach

• Book a tee time at Laguna Golf
• Have a drink at the rooftop terrace of Xana Beach Club 
• Venture out and visit the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

5. Rawai – where to stay in Phuket on a honeymoon

Rawai is one of the most romantic destinations in Phuket, with its peaceful atmosphere, numerous dining options, and cool activities – couples will certainly have an amazing time in Rawai. Situated on the southeast coast, 5 km (5 miles) from Nai Harn, Rawai is a real tropical paradise. 

Besides honeymooners, Rawai is also home to many expats and digital nomads, so you can be sure that you’ll experience a variety of cultures and try different cuisines. However, the very best thing to eat in Rawai is the local seafood, and one of the best places to have it is Nikita’s Beach Restaurant, where you can have a delicious meal by the sea. 

The main beach here is Rawai Beach (map), with fishing boats docked nearby, many local seafood restaurants, and plenty of picnic spots. However, there’s much more to this beautiful beach; Rawai Beach is actually a popular starting point for exploring the nearby islands. 

From Rawai, you can hop on a tour to islands such as Ko Lon, Ko Bon, Ko Kaeo Yai, and Ko Yao Yai, as well as some other islands, and explore these hidden gems. So, if you were wondering where to stay in Phuket for island hopping, Rawai is the best spot for it.

One of my favorite things about Rawai is the variety of accommodations. Here, you’ll find everything from luxury resorts and upscale boutique hotels to camping spots and budget hotels, so it’s perfect for every type of traveler.

Other accommodation options in Rawai

Things to do in Rawai

• Plan a visit to see the sunset at Cape Phrom Thep (map)
• Explore Rawai Park on a family trip
• Check out the Rawai Seafood Market (map)

6. Kamala – where to stay in Phuket with family

Kamala is another magical spot on the western side of Phuket, situated between Patong Beach to the South and Surin Beach to the North. Kamala is one of the best areas in Phuket for families, as it has a much calmer atmosphere than tourist hotspots like Patong and boasts a peaceful beach where even the little ones can swim and enjoy many fun games. 

In the same time it is about 30 min away from Patong, so if you are craving for some nightlife, you are not too far!

As I already mentioned, Kamala Beach (map) is the main point of interest in the area, but if you’re looking for some more family-friendly activities, you have to visit Phuket FantaSea, a cultural theme park where you can see fireworks and cool shows, dine at their on-site restaurant, and even do some shopping. 

If you’re traveling with kids, I suggest checking out another fantastic theme park – Carnival Magic, known for its amazing light show. During your stay in Kamala, you might want to check out Tsunami Memorial Park (map) and hike up to Kamala Beach View Point (map) – the view is definitely worth the effort. 

Another important aspect of this area of Phuket, especially if you’re staying here with family, is that it’s quite walkable. You can easily get to the beach from most hotels in Kamala, and the top attractions are within walking distance of each other, so you don’t have to worry about the kids getting tired of too much walking. 

Other accommodation options in Kamala

Things to do in Kamala

• Taste traditional Thai food at Kamala Friday Market (map)
• Spend a day at the Haad Laem Sing Beach (map)
• Have lunch with a view at Café Del Mar Phuket

7. Surin – where to stay in Phuket for luxury

You won’t be surprised to hear that the magnificent Surin Beach is nestled along Phuket’s Western coast, where you’ll find all of the island’s most beautiful beaches. Surin is North of Kamala and Patong (20 min by car to Patong) and it boasts beautiful nature as well as many luxurious hotels and resorts and a few fine-dining restaurants. 

If you want a classic beach vacation, then I’m sure you’ll appreciate Surin Beach (map) with its turquoise water and soft sand. But if you want something more rugged and off the beaten path, head up North to Laem Son, also known as Pineapple Beach. This is a small, rocky beach and a great spot for fishing. 

In terms of attractions, Surin doesn’t have a lot to offer, but it does have plenty of resorts and spas, so it’s perfect if you want to have a quiet vacation to relax and splurge on some spa treatments. And even if your budget is not as big, you will still find some amazing boutique hotels at affordable prices that have great upscale facilities.

Other accommodation options in Surin

Things to do in Surin

• Go shopping at The Plaza Surin
• Have an unforgettable meal at Wagyu Steakhouse
• Try the dinner tasting menu at The Smokaccia Laboratory

8. Phuket Town – where to stay in Phuket for history lovers

Located on the East Coast, Phuket Town is the largest city on the island and also the capital of Phuket province. Even though it’s far from popular beaches like Patong Beach (15 km / 9 mi) and Karon Beach (17 km / 10 miles), but I recommend visiting Phuket Town if you want to experience the island’s authentic culture and traditional cuisine.

The main reason why people choose to stay here is Phuket Old Town, with its narrow streets lined with historical buildings. If you’re into history, I’m sure you’ll appreciate the architecture of the ancient buildings in Sino-European style and the museums like the Phuket Thai Hua Museum and Chinpracha House. 

The streets of Phuket Old Town are also lined with street art, so take the time to walk around and admire these wonderful murals. The best way to go about this is by starting to walk down Thanon Talang Road and explore the many side streets that lead off this main street.

There are plenty of other things to see and do in Phuket Town – you’ll see everything from parks and shrines to cool eateries and night markets, but unfortunately, there aren’t any beaches that will take your breath away. However, there are plenty of public and private transportation options in Phuket Town, so you can easily organize a trip to one of the island’s stunning beaches. Finally, I suggest visiting the Chalong area to see the Chaithararam Temple – Wat Chalong (map), an impressive Buddhist temple complex. There’s a lot to see around Phuket Town, so it’s also a good idea to rent a car and explore your surroundings.

Other accommodation options in Phuket Town

Things to do in Phuket Town

• Enjoy the water adventures at Andamanda Phuket
• Check out the offer at Naka Weekend Market (map)
• Spend the day shopping at Central Phuket 
• Taste delicious street food at the Sunday Walking Street Market (map)

9. Mai Khao & Naiyang Beach – for outdoor activities

Mai Khao Beach is situated on Phuket’s northern tip and is the island’s longest beach, stretching over 11 km (7 miles)! Naiyang is a smaller beach south of Mai Khao, but what these 2 have in common is the peaceful and serene atmosphere. I recommend staying here if you want to spend a lot of time outdoors without having to deal with the crowds of tourists. 

During your stay here, I’m sure you’ll want to make the most of Mai Khao Beach (map), so add at least 2 days to your itinerary for exploring this stunning beach. But if you’re looking for a different type of water adventure, I advise you to Splash Jungle Water Park – it’s great fun for both kids and adults. 

Besides the obvious, staying in Mai Khao has another great perk – it’s the location of Phuket International Airport, the place where you’ll probably arrive at the start of your Phuket adventure. So, if you have only a few days in Phuket, staying in Mai Khao is the most convenient choice. 

Before we move on to Naiyang Beach, there’s another amazing place I have to talk to you about – Sirinat National Park (map). This national park is situated between Mai Khao and Naiyang; it has some amazing beaches and is home to turtles and many rare kinds of birds, so it’s the ideal thing to do if you’re looking for ways to spend more time outdoors. 

Once you’re done exploring Sirinat National Park, it’s time to move on to Naiyang Beach (map), another relaxed beach spot and a great place if you want to watch the planes as they take off and land! 

Other accommodation options in Mai Khao & Naiyang Beach

Things to do in Mai Khao & Naiyang Beach

• Spend the day golfing at Blue Canyon Country Club
• Venture South to Nai Thon Beach (map) and Phuket Elephant Care
• Shop at the Nai Yang Fresh Market (map)

10. Nai Harn Beach – for a local experience

Nai Harn is located on the southwest coast of Phuket Island, 5 km (3 miles) West of Rawai. This is often referred to as one of the last of Phuket’s hidden gems, as not many tourists know about it! So, if you choose to stay here, you’ll have the chance to immerse yourself in the local atmosphere and see how Thai people live away from the hustle and bustle. 

The beach at Nai Harn (map) is quiet and offers a few spots for snorkeling – I’m sure you’ll be happy there aren’t any other people around. But even though the beach is quiet, you’ll still find beach bars and local restaurants in the area, so there’s always something to do even when you’re not swimming in the warm waters. 

Another cool activity you can do here is hiking up to the Windmill Viewpoint (map); from here, you’ll witness unbeatable views of the Andaman Sea, and if you want to do some more hiking, you can also go up to the Black Rock Viewpoint (map). 

Nai Harn doesn’t offer a lot in terms of activities, but it’s one of the best areas in Phuket if you’re planning a longer stay and want to immerse yourself in local culture. 

Other accommodation options in Nai Harn Beach

Things to do in Nai Harn Beach 

• Visit the Naiharn Temple (map)
• Grab a drink or a bite to eat at AVO Kitchen & Wine (map)
• Plan a kayaking trip at Yanui Beach (map)

👑 Luxury price:	US$150
💵 Mid-range hotel:	US$80
🛏️ Budget:	US$30
📍 Best area:	Karon
🛎️ Best luxury hotel:	Mandarava Resort and Spa
🧳 Best mid-range hotel:	Memory Karon Resort
👛 Best budget hotel:	Karon Living Room

BONUS: Best beach resorts in Phuket

If you’re planning a stay on this beautiful island, you’re probably looking for the best places to stay in Phuket on the beach. That’s why I decided to compile a list of the best beach resorts in Phuket; you’ll find below, ranked by price from high to low. 

• Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa ($$$) – This 5-star resort provides access to a private beach but also has 3 swimming pools, a premium spa, and a kids’ club. 
• Panwaburi Beachfront Resort ($$$) – One of the top luxury resorts in Panwa Beach, Panwaburi features a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a restaurant. 
• L’esprit De Naiyang Beach Resort ($$) – This tropical resort provides accommodation in private villas and deluxe rooms, and also offers spa services and room service. 

FAQs about where to stay in Phuket

Conclusion

Phuket is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Thailand, and I am sure you will have a great time on this tropical jungle island. I hope this post helped you decide where to stay in Phuket and you’re already making reservations and adding things to your itinerary. 

But just in case you have trouble deciding, here are my top 2 hotels in Karon, Phuket:

• Mandarava Resort and Spa – I love that this hotel offers a free shuttle to the beach and arranges various tours for you
• Memory Karon Resort – I adore the decor of this boutique hotel and the amazing breakfast

Whether you decide to stay in Karon, in Phuket Town, or anywhere else, hurry up and book your vacation. Phuket is an extremely popular destination, so all the best hotels sell out super fast, and you don’t want to miss out on this experience. 

I would be glad to hear about your holiday experience in Phuket, so don’t forget to leave a comment below. The same goes for any questions you might have – I’ll be happy to provide an answer!

Have a nice holiday,

Yulia

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