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Where To Stay in Phuket | 10 Areas To Stay in 2024

Are you excited about your upcoming Phuket trip but need help working out where to stay? Give me your hand (in a non-creepy way..), and let me guide you through the different Phuket areas from my years of trips to this beautiful island.

In my no-BS guide, I’ll take you through the different neighbourhoods in Phuket, each with its own distinct vibe and accommodation options. Whether you’re after the crazy nightlife of Patong, the laid-back honeymoon vibes of Rawai or Nai Yang, or family-friendly spots like Kamala, I’ve got you.

This guide includes the top 10 areas to stay in Phuket and tips to help you decide where to stay in Phuket in 2024. Based on my personal experiences travelling to Phuket over the last 10 years and of course the latest information, you can trust that I’ll give you the best advice possible.

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Phuket location & Destinations

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Discover the best places to stay in Phuket in this informative video! Whether you’re looking for luxury, budget-friendly options, unique local experiences, or you’re unsure what neighborhood to stay in Phuket, our guide covers it all.

Dive into Phuket vibrant neighborhoods and find your perfect home away from home. Watch now for insider tips and make your Phuket trip unforgettable!

Patong – Ideal for Singles & Nightlife

Patong, located on the west coast, is a great spot for for solo travellers and people who love to parttttty! The atmosphere is a blend of beach vibes, street and market shopping, and of course fairly intense nightlife.

Bangla Road is the go to place for a range of different entertainment venues from local and International bars, pubs, live music venues and clubs. It’s considered Phuket’s red light district, where you will find sex tourism, such as ping pong shows and other eye opening experiences – definitely not suitable for children.

Patong can be a little overwhelming and chaotic due to being super commercialised (thanks to tourism) which has in turn diluted its traditional Thai charm. It can be rather smelly, especially after it rains, but the longer you are there, the quicker you get used to the smell, you won’t notice it after a while.

There are some negative about Patong, it’s still a great area for singles, backpackers and people who just want to experience Patong’s craziness. I’d recommend staying here for at least 1 night, if you are travelling in Phuket for more than a week.

My Top Pick for Patong!

Crest Resort & Pool Villas

  • Great Private Pool Villas
  • Swim up bar
  • Shuttle services offered

Below are some hostels and hotels in Patong to consider based on my research:

Patong beach in Phuket Thailand

Karon – Ideal for First time travellers to Phuket 

Karon is located 10km away from Patong and in my opinion the ideal spot for first timers. It’s not as busy at Patong but still close enough to visit Patong and other attractions around the island, without being super overwhelmed. It also offers a slightly more traditional Thai experience, than you would experience in the main touristy area.

Karon offers travellers a beautiful, long, 3.5 km beach (which can be busy but it’s actually a lot quieter than other beaches), local Karon Temple Market, shopping areas like Karon Bazaar, and a small amount of nightlife of a few beach bars.

It’s also a great spot to situation yourself if you want to take a few day trips, it’s a centralised location so the large majority of tour companies will be able to pick you up easily!

My Top Pick for Karon!
Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Karon Beach

  • Big rooms
  • Private plunge pool
  • Great activities for the kiddies!

Below are some hostels and hotels in Karon to consider based on my research:

Karon Beach in Phuket

Kata Beach – Ideal for Families 

Kata is located only 2.5km away from Karon, it’s main attraction is Kata beach, that’s a stretch of 1.5kms white sand beach, fringed with palm trees; the it quintessential tropical paradise.

Every time I’ve been to Kata, it’s always filled with families! Due to the bay, the waters here provide a safe space for kids to play in, although from April to October, the beach is perfect for surfers (less perfect for kids) as the sea is rougher.

I ended up chatting with a a few families while relaxing on the beach, as I don’t have kids, I wanted to understand why Kata is so popular with families. They told that they there are a lot more family-friendly places in the areas such as eateries, as well as plenty of hotels with kids clubs and babysitting services. They also mentioned that it’s not as crowded or as crazy as Patong.

My Top Pick for Kata!
OZO Phuket 

OZO Phuket 

  • Nightly movies
  • Burger making station!!!
  • Kids pool with water park and slides

Below are some hostels and hotels in Kata to consider based on my research:

Kata Beach lifeguards in Phuket Thailand

Phuket Town – Ideal for Thai culture & foodies

Phuket Town, nestled in the heart of the island, offers a blend of Thai Culture, historic Sino-Portuguese buildings and modern amenities. While tourists visit Phuket Town, it’s not really considered a touristy area, which makes it perfect for those looking for a more authentic Thai experience.

While it may not provide the typical beach holiday experience or direct beach access, its interesting streets, bustling markets, and plenty of dining options of street food and cafes, more than compensate. Ask the locals, and they will tell you that you will get some of the best Thai food in all of Phuket here.

There isn’t really a lot to do here but you can indulge in local Thai cuisine and explore the markets. Ding Li Ji Fan had some of the best chicken and rice dishes and Mae Ting Kanom Jeen is my go to for a typical Thai breakfast!

Located nearby is Central Phuket festival, a local shopping mall as well as Naka Weekend Market, the best market in my opinion. It’s massive, with so much to see and buy!

My Top Pick for Phuket Town!
Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Phuket - SHA Extra Plus

Blu Monkey Hub And Hotel Phuket

  • Bathtub on balcony
  • Pool is small but nice
  • 24/7 free bananas!

Below are some hostels and hotels in Phuket Town to consider based on my research:

Phuket Town

Rawai – Ideal for couples or honeymooners 

Rawai was the first area I stayed in Phuket, it was 2011 and my honeymoon, I hadn’t been to Phuket before I didn’t realise where everything was. I absolutely loved watching the rain storms in Phuket from my balcony at the Serenity resort.

I don’t regret staying in Rawai at all, it was the most chilled out, relaxed honeymoon I could ask for, but, there are plenty of bars and restaurants in Rawai so we didn’t get bored. There was also a small local market across the road from our hotel, selling clothes and fresh food. This area has a lot of pop up, small markets. Located near Nai Harn beach is Phromthep Cape, I’d recommend checking the sunset out here, at least once during your trip.

Located on the island’s southernmost tip, Rawai offers seclusion and it’s just a 17km (30-40min) drive away from the buzz of Patong. If you’re a beach lover, then you’re in for a treat with beaches like Rawai Beach and Nai Harn Beach, both are great for snorkelling. Some people might want to hire a scooter for your trip, or you can hire a driver or use apps like Grab and Bolt to get around.

My Top Pick for Rawai!
Serenity Resort & Residences Phuket

Selina Serenity Rawai Phuket

  • Great pool – sea not ideal for swimming
  • Most amazing staff!
  • From Hostels to Apartments

Below are some hostels and hotels in Rawai to consider based on my research:

Ya Nui Beach in Rawai Phuket Thailand

Nai Yang – Ideal for families or quieter area

Nai Yang is another one of my favourite spots in Phuket, I stayed at the Slate during my second and third trip to Phuket, located within the Sirinat National Park and just a quick five-minute drive from the airport (with occasional plane noise) . Nai Yang is really quiet, with only a few hotels in the area and only a few resturants and bars along the beach.

In my opinion, the beach is one of the best in Phuket, the waters are super calm and you can snorkel just off the beach. As the waters are so calm, it makes it a great spot for families, the kiddies won’t get swallowed up by massive waves. This area is also a great spot for kite surfing when the winds are high. I tried to do this a few times but unfortunately we didn’t have the best wind haah!

If you want to enjoy the sunset from the best spot, I would recommend heading to this cove, make sure to wear appropriate footwear as there is sharp rocks and coral and take a flashlight/torch for the way back!

My Top Pick for Nai Yang!
Indigo Pearl now know as the Slate located in Nai Yang Phuket

The Slate 

  • Take their theme very seriously
  • Black Ginger is a MUST!
  • Kids club & nanny service

Below are some hostels and hotels in Nai Yang to consider based on my research:

Sunset cove in Nai Yang Beach

Kamala – Ideal for relaxation and beach lovers 

Kamala was my go to spot on my last trip to Phuket, located only 20 minutes away from Patong. It’s a quieter area but still has nightlife and bars  scattered throughout the area, with a lot located on the southern end of Kamala.

Delmar Cafe is a nightlife hotpost with it’s large pool, massive bar, tasty food and cabanas to relax on. They have a regular DJ as well as International Djs from time to time. It can however, be fairly expensive for Thai standards but it’s a nice treat.

While Kamala doesn’t have the best beach in Phuket, it’s still a nice enough beach for you to enjoy. If you’re travelling as a couple, I’d recommend heading over to Haad Laem Sing – it was once over crowded with tourists, now its abandoned, making it perfect for a romantic picnic with your better half.

Most of the time, people don’t actually visit Kamala, but they visit FantaSea, a “Cultural Theme Park”, that provides nighttime entertainment for tourists. I can tell you, you’re missing out on a super relaxed, cool area!

My Top Pick for Kamala!
Bell pool villas in Kamala

The Bell Pool Villa Resort Phuket 

  • Organise a BBQ lunch!
  • Hotel app for all of their services
  • BYO pool floaties 😛

Below are some hostels and hotels in Kamala to consider based on my research:

Beach in Kamala Phuket Thailand

Bang Tao Beach – Ideal for relaxation in a less touristy place in Phuket

Bang Tao Beach, located on the western coast, is popular with expats, so you won’t have the same touristy experience as you would, staying in other areas. The beach here spans 6km of white sand and blue waters, the area is beautiful AND it’s super quiet; enjoy the beach without the hoards of tourists.

This area has a high concentration of luxury hotels and resorts including beachfront resorts, but there are plenty of hostels and budget accommodation options as well.

While Bang Tao’s quiet atmosphere may not be all that appealing to people looking for a party scene, it’s the perfect choice for people looking for an area to decompress from life.

There isn’t a lot to do in the area, except for a few beach bars and beach clubs like Beach Pig (for live music) and Catch beachclub or you can head over to Surin Beach, which is a 15 minute drive to visit Siam Supper Club for live music.

My Top Pick for Bang Tao!
Banyan Tree Phuket

Banyan Tree Phuket

  • Villas designed for privacy
  • Fresh coconut and ice cream delivery
  • Fire ceremony once a week @ 7pm

Below are some hostels and hotels in Bang Tao to consider based on my research:

bang tao beach phuket

Mai Khao Beach – Ideal for proximity to the airport

Mai Khao Beach, similar to Nai Yang is located near Phuket’s International Airport, ideal for people who arrive into Phuket late or have an early departing flight.

It’s one of the island’s least developed areas, the beaches tend to be nicer, the hotels are newer but the location can be fairly remote for tourists. The beach is Phuket’s longest beach at 13km long – that’s a lot of beach!

Despite its remote location, Mai Khao offers a few things to do from playing around at the Splash Jungle Water Park to horse riding along the beach, enjoy Thai food at one of the local restaurants or shop at the turtle village shopping mall. I’d recommend that you just chill out at the hotle and relax, enjoy the start or the end of your trip.

My Top Pick for Mai Khao!
Coriacea Beachfront Boutique Phuket

Coriacea Beachfront Boutique 

  • Great transfer hotel
  • Super close to the beach
  • Free bicycle hire

Below are some hostels and hotels in Mai Khao Beach to consider based on my research:

Mai Khao Beach near Nai Yang beach

Chalong – Ideal base for island hopping & major attractions. 

Chalong located in-between Rawai and Phuket town, on the eastern coast of the island. The Ao Chalong Pier serves as a hub for island hopping as well as being known for the Chalong Temples.

Despite the lack of traditional beach resort experiences people have come to expect, Chalong offers proximity to popular landmarks such as the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong Temples. Although, most people generally stay in other areas around Phuket and take day tours to these sites.

The advantage of staying in Chalong is that you are close to the pier for island or boat based day trips. Especially if you’re planning to hire your own boat (or long tail boat), if you’re taking a tour, most companies will pick up from just about anywhere in Phuket. It also have a more local feel and you’ll find that food here is much cheaper and there are no “tourist” prices”.

My Top Pick for Chalong!
Wow hotel Phuket

WOW PHUKET

  • Great value budget hotel
  • Reasonable priced laundry service
  • Pool access rooms

Below are some hostels and hotels in Chalong to consider based on my research:

Views of Chalong from the big Buddha

Final Thoughts: Best areas to stay Phuket

Phuket is one of the most wonderful place to stay, with plenty of amazing accommodation choices. Whether you want to escape on a luxury holiday or explore the Thai cultural highlights, using this guide, I hope you can find the perfect place to stay.

So don’t wait, book your stay in Phuket now! Enjoy a memorable experience, full of fun activities and delicious Thai food. Make sure it’s an unforgettable trip by booking your dream hotel and don’t forget to tip your housekeepers!. Goodbye Phuket – until next time!

FAQ for Where to stay in Phuket Thailand

Phuket town is great for shopping, history and culture where as Patong is party central. Patong also offers some great night markets for shopping but it can be pretty overwhelming as vendors really want you to buy from them.

There are beautiful beaches all over Phuket and Thailand in general. The beaches for swimming would be in Karon, Kata and Nai Harn. Kata, Freedom, and Banana beaches are the more ideal for snorkelling. Kamala and Rawai beaches are great for relaxation although Kamala can be a little busier at times.

If you’re wondering how many days do you need in Phuket? You could easily spend 2 days in Phuket, 2 weeks or 2 months and still not see or do everything.

Most people generally stay in Phuket for 4-7 days, depending where they are travelling from. Personally I think & days in Phuket is perfect, you can see a few sights and still get some time to relax.

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Author

  • Samantha King

    Sam, a seasoned traveler across four continents and 49 countries, is a leading authority in travel planning. Her website, Travelling King, offers tailored itineraries and expert guides for seamless trips. Sam's expertise in luxury travel, fast travel, and destination guides keeps her at the forefront of the travel community.

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156 Comments

  1. Hi Samantha.
    I’m planning a vacation to Phuket somewhere in May/June.
    Will this period is good for a vacation ?
    Which is the best place to stay,Phuket town/Patong/Kata/Karon ?
    Which one will you recommend if I want go for snorkelling,nightlife and beers.
    Appreciate if you suggest me one.
    Thanks Samantha. 🙂

  2. Hi, me and a friend (in our 40’s, the new 30’s) are headed to Phuket in Aug for 10-14 days. We are leaving the wives at homes so it will just be the guys. We are fairly active and outgoing but also enjoy the easy life, relaxing. I want to stay somewhere where there are a bunch of choices nearby for restaurants, bars (but not necessarily clubs), and a little night life, mostly for viewing and a drink than actually partying.

    I know I don’t want to stay in Patong, but like the idea of being near so we are able to go at anytime. What would you suggest? I also prefer really nice pools over the beach but want some nice views and nice beaches either walking distance or at least a short ride away.

    Our budget for hotels is $200-$300/day per room. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

  3. Not that this is my comment to make, but The Slate at Nai Yang (formerly Indigo Pearl). I was in Phuket for 3 weeks in December 16 and travelled the coastline. Since the Government cleanup many places have been decimated, wiping out all restaurants and eateries leaving very little behind.

    Nai Yang is on the edge of a National Park and so the surroundings are beautiful.

  4. HIi…
    We are 10 Couples and planning for a 8 Nights trip to Bangkok – Pattaya – Phuket.
    We have 2 Nights and 1 Full day in Phuket
    Planning to visit ( Day Trip ) to Phi Phi Island too
    Please suggest which is the best area to stay for Phi Phi Island visit.
    If possible plesae recommend good tour operator of the same area
    Thanks
    Sunil Chawla

  5. We will be in Phuket on 14th & 15th June 2017
    Will reach 14th June evening 8.00 PM and will leave on 16th June morning 8.40 AM
    Sunil Chawla

  6. Hey, its really helpful website. I’m planning for thailand in end of May with family but really dont have any idea where to stay and what should be the budget for hotel and family shopping + traveling. I was checking Qatar airway holiday packages which starts from 9,000 SAR – 18000 SAR including return flight + hotel. Secondly, If i would stay for 6 nights, would it be easy to visit two three cities? e.g. phuket to pattaya etc and what fun we have for kids? my kids are 4 years and 1 year.

    Would really appreciate if you could help me out and also let me know if you are in business of arranging holidays.

    I will be traveling from Saudi Arabia – Dammam.

    Thanks !

  7. Hi , really enjoyed reading all your tips!!! thank you!

    I’m going to Phuket to get some dental work done, clinis is on patong beach, i’m going with my boyfriend, we are both adventurous, would like to go and do some snorkelling, trips to islands etc, i don’t mind traveling to patong when i need to (have about 3 visits)

    where would you recommend, as in what area?

    thanks in advance! 🙂

  8. Whats the cheapest ferry to phi phi island?Anything i need to avoid of been rip of $$$.Do i book one way or return ticket to phi phi island.Any other activities at there?

  9. Hi Eugene,
    Sorry im afraid i dont know the best prices ferry – i would recommend asking on tripadvisor.
    It also depends if you want to stay there or just visit? It would be best to book a return ticket as i believe you receive a small discount.
    Phi Phi is a bit of a party island so there are plenty of bars or you can spend the beach at the beach snorkeling.

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