Where to Stay in Phuket: Best Areas and Hotels

Updated: November 16, 2024

Phuket is one of the most famous islands in Thailand, where you will find some of the best Thai beaches with crystal-clear waters. In this guide I tell you where to stay in Phuket by area according to what you want to do with its advantages and disadvantages.

Additionally, I have included recommended hotels for different budgets, all based on my experience living on the island for two years.

In case you don't have time to read the whole article, my favourite hotel is the SIS Kata , if you prefer to stay in Patong I recommend the Four Points . Both are excellent value hotels.

Where to Stay in Phuket

1. Kata Beach: Beach and Surf

Kata Beach is one of the best areas to stay in Phuket and my favourite, ideal if you are looking for a balance between activities and tranquility. This beach is popular with families and surf enthusiasts, one of the best best things to do in Phuket during the wave season, so it is common to see surfing classes in its waters. Then, the rest of the year it is ideal for snorkeling.

sunset-at-kata-beach

In addition, in Kata you will find a good variety of restaurants, shops and bars, all in a very good atmosphere and less bustling than areas such as Patong.

The downside is that, as it is a very touristy place, prices can be high in high season and it tends to get quite crowded. Still, it is an excellent option if you are looking for accommodation in Phuket with easy access to services and a nice beach.

Recommended Hotels in Kata beach

  • €€€ The SIS Kata : A resort with spectacular views and a beautiful infinity pool. The best value for money hotel in Phuket.
  • €€ Thalassa : Located in a quiet area, it has spacious and comfortable rooms.

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2. Karon Beach: Tranquility and Wide Space

Karon Beach is another option if you are looking for hotels in Phuket away from the hustle and bustle of Patong. On its kilometer-long beach you will have space to enjoy the sun and the sea without crowds. In Karon you will find restaurants and shops around it, as well as a variety of recreational activities.

beach-karon

As for its disadvantages, Karon can seem a bit spread out, with the restaurant and shopping areas somewhat far from each other. This can mean long walks if you don't have a means of transport. If you rent a motorbike, you can also get to Kata in a few minutes, as it is the next beach.

Recommended Hotels in Karon beach

  • €€€ Mandarava : Modern resort full of greenery and a beautiful pool.
  • €€ Boomerang Village : Located in a green and quiet environment, very friendly staff and comfortable rooms.

3. Kamala Beach: Tranquility on the Andaman Coast

Kamala Beach is a great option if you prefer to stay somewhere quiet but well connected to other areas of Phuket and very close to Patong. The beach is beautiful and has a relaxed atmosphere, as well as some bars and restaurants with a quieter atmosphere. This area is also ideal if you are travelling to Phuket with your family.

beach-kamala

Although Kamala has its charm, it doesn't have as many entertainment options, so if you want to explore more activities you'll have to go to other areas. Still, it's an excellent choice if you're looking for a place to stay in Phuket to enjoy nature and serenity.

Recommended Hotels in Kamala beach

  • €€€€ InterContinental Phuket : One of the best hotels in the area, with a modern design and direct access to the beach.
  • €€ The Palms : Very spacious apartments, some with direct access to the pool. A hotel in Phuket ideal for families or groups.
  • €€ Thai Kamala : Spacious rooms with views of the beach.

4. Nai Harn Beach: Nature and Scenic Beauty

Nai Harn Beach is a large beach with crystal-clear waters, ideal for relaxing. Although it is far from being one of the prettiest beaches in Phuket, it is not bad either and is a much better option than Rawai.

This area is popular with locals and expats, and maintains a more authentic feel compared to other areas of Phuket.

beach-nai-harn

However, the accommodation offer in Nai Harn is not so varied. In addition, it is a very quiet area, with no nightlife and few restaurants. Although you can find good and cheap restaurants in a few minutes by motorbike.

Recommended Hotels in Nai Harn

  • €€€ The Nai Harn : Luxury hotel with stunning sea views, ideal for couples.
  • €€ Naiharn Beach Resort : Good location, not far from the restaurant area and the beach; good pool with bar.

5. Surin Beach: Exclusivity and Unforgettable Landscapes

Surin Beach is another great option if you're wondering where to stay in Phuket for a luxury trip. This beach with crystal-clear waters, fine sand and palm trees is known for its beautiful sunsets. Surin has a calm atmosphere, perfect if you're looking for an exclusive place or even for a honeymoon in Thailand.

surin-beach-in-phuket

One of the downsides of this area is that, although it has a wider range of accommodation options than Bang Tao, it is still quite expensive. In addition, Surin has fewer entertainment and nightlife options.

Recommended Hotels in Surin

  • €€€€€ The Surin Phuket : Luxury beachfront villas and an excellent, varied breakfast.
  • €€€€€ Twinpalms Phuket : It is one of the best resorts in Phuket , with a beautiful pool in a tropical environment with palm trees.
  • €€ Pen Villa : Well located hotel, with beautiful garden and large pool.

6. Bang Tao Beach: Luxury and Tranquility on the Beach

Bang Tao Beach is an area with a sophisticated and exclusive environment. This beach is one of the longest on Phuket Island and is full of high-end hotels, with all the necessary amenities to relax without leaving the hotel.

The resorts here offer spas, swimming pools and even golf courses, making it an excellent choice for a Thailand honeymoon or luxury vacation.

beach-bang-tao-and-layan-from-the-plane

The positive side of Bang Tao is its calm atmosphere, without large crowds, which ensures a completely restful stay. However, its exclusivity is reflected in the prices, which tend to be high, and it is somewhat far from other attractions in Phuket.

Recommended Hotels in Bang Tao

  • €€€€€ Banyan Tree : Luxury resort surrounded by nature, with private villas and impeccable service.
  • €€€€ Angsana Laguna : Ideal for families, with a swimming pool and children's play area.
  • €€ Pai Tan : Close to the beach, spacious rooms and beautiful pools. Excellent value for money.

7. Patong: Nightlife and Unlimited Fun

Patong is the best area to stay in Phuket if you are looking for nightlife and entertainment. Here you will find a great offer of bars, clubs and restaurants to enjoy the party atmosphere of Phuket. The beach is not the prettiest nor is it quiet, however, it is very convenient, because it is just a few steps from the entertainment area.

Personally, I don't like Patong very much. Also, many people who go on holiday to Phuket are disappointed because they only visit this area. But Phuket is much more than Patong and the rest of the island has nothing to do with it.

patong

There are also a couple of major drawbacks to staying in Patong, namely noise and the number of tourists, especially during peak season. However, if you are looking for fun and being in the centre of the action, Patong will not disappoint you. The hotels I recommend below are all away from the nightlife noise.

Recommended Hotels in Patong

  • €€€€ Oceanfront Beach Resort : Rooms with ocean views and beautiful pool.
  • €€€ Four Points : Best value for money hotel in Patong, located on the beachfront and with a very good buffet breakfast.
  • €€ Bandalo Boutique Hotel : Modern hotel with a good location and a very good breakfast.
  • € Patong Mansion : Located in a quiet area with stunning views from the pool.

Tips for choosing accommodation in Phuket

  1. Define the style of your trip: If you want a quiet stay surrounded by nature, Bang Tao or Kamala are your best options. If you prefer nightlife and moderate entertainment, Kata is ideal. On the other hand, if you want crazy parties, Patong is your area. Finally, if you want to be in a more local and authentic area, choose Nai Harn.
  2. Book in advance during the high season (November to March), as accommodation in popular areas often sells out quickly.
  3. Travel in the low season: Between May and October, many hotels offer significant discounts due to the rainy season.
  4. Pick up from excursions: If you are planning to do tours from Phuket For Phi Phi Islands and other places, it is more common for pick-up to be included in areas such as Kata, Karon and Patong. For the other areas, pick-ups are not as common and sometimes they charge a small extra fee.
  5. Deposit:In Thailand, it is very common for hotels to ask for a deposit upon check-in. Mid-range and high-end hotels usually block the amount on a card, while budget hotels usually prefer cash. The refund is made upon check-out.
phuket-beaches

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Map with areas to stay in Phuket

Final Thoughts

These are the best areas to stay in Phuket, with options to suit all tastes and budgets. Phuket is the largest Thai island, with a wide variety of landscapes and activities.

In this guide to accommodation in Thailand you can continue reading all my articles with the best areas to stay in the country and recommended hotels.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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