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Updated: 9 February, 2025
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most famous islands, known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear waters. In this guide, I’ll help you decide where to stay in Phuket based on what you’re looking for, along with the pros and cons of each area.
I’ve also included hotel recommendations for different budgets, all based on my two years living on the island.
If you’re short on time, my top pick is SIS Kata, and if you prefer staying in Patong, I recommend Four Points. Both offer excellent value for money.
Where to Stay in Phuket
1. Kata Beach: Beach and Surf
Kata Beach is one of my favorite places to stay in Phuket. It strikes a perfect balance between activities and relaxation, making it a top choice for families and surfers. Surfing is one of the best things to do in Phuket during wave season, and you’ll often spot surf lessons happening along the shore. For the rest of the year, the beach is ideal for snorkeling.
In Kata, you’ll also find a great mix of restaurants, shops, and bars. It has a lively atmosphere without the overwhelming chaos of places like Patong.
The downside? As a popular tourist spot, prices can be steep during peak season, and it does get crowded. But if you’re looking for a place to stay in Phuket with easy access to services and a gorgeous beach, Kata is an excellent choice.
- Check out hotel deals in Kata beach here
Recommended Hotels in Kata beach
- €€€ The SIS Kata: This resort has breathtaking views and an amazing infinity pool. It’s my pick for the best value-for-money hotel in Phuket.
- €€ Thalassa: Located in a quiet area, this hotel has spacious and comfortable rooms.
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2. Karon Beach: Tranquility and Wide Space
Karon Beach is a great choice if you want to stay in Phuket away from the busy vibe of Patong. Its long, wide beach gives you plenty of room to relax and enjoy the sea without feeling crowded. The area around Karon has a good mix of restaurants and shops, along with a variety of recreational activities to keep you entertained.
One downside is that Karon can feel a bit spread out. Restaurants and shopping spots aren’t always close together, so you might find yourself walking more if you don’t have transportation. That said, renting a motorbike makes things much easier. You can get to Kata Beach in just a few minutes, as it’s the next beach.
- Check out the hotel deals in Karon beach here
Recommended Hotels in Karon beach
- €€€ Mandarava: A modern resort set in lush greenery with a stunning pool.
- €€ Boomerang Village: A peaceful hotel surrounded by nature, with friendly staff and cozy rooms.
3. Kamala Beach: Peace on the Andaman Coast
Kamala Beach is an excellent choice if you’re looking for a quiet spot that’s still close to other parts of Phuket and just a short drive from Patong. The beach itself is gorgeous, with a relaxed atmosphere and a few laid-back bars and restaurants. It’s also a great area if you are on a family trip to Phuket.
While Kamala has a lot of charm, it doesn’t offer as many entertainment options as some other areas. If you’re looking for more activities, you’ll need to explore other parts of the island. Even so, Kamala is perfect if you’re after a peaceful stay surrounded by nature.
- Check out the hotel deals in Kamala beach here
Recommended Hotels in Kamala beach
- €€€€ InterContinental Phuket: One of the top hotels in the area, with a modern design and direct beach access.
- €€ The Palms: Spacious apartments, some with direct pool access. A great option for families or groups.
- €€ Thai Kamala: Large rooms with stunning beach views.
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4. Nai Harn Beach: Nature and Scenic Beauty
Nai Harn Beach is a spacious beach with clear waters, ideal for relaxing. While it might not be the most stunning beach in Phuket, it’s still a solid choice and a definite upgrade from Rawai.
This area is a favorite among locals and expats, so it has a more authentic vibe compared to other parts of Phuket.
However, the accommodation options in Nai Harn are somewhat limited. It’s also a very quiet area, with minimal nightlife and only a few restaurants. However, if you rent a motorbike, you can easily reach some fantastic and affordable dining spots nearby.
- Check out Nai Harn hotel deals here
Recommended Hotels in Nai Harn
- €€€ The Nai Harn: A luxury hotel with stunning sea views, ideal for couples.
- €€ Naiharn Beach Resort: Conveniently located near restaurants and the beach, featuring a great pool and bar.
5. Surin Beach: Exclusivity and Unforgettable Scenery
If you’re looking for a luxury getaway, Surin Beach is a fantastic option. This beach is famous for its crystal-clear waters, fine sand, palm trees, and breathtaking sunsets. The peaceful ambiance makes it a perfect spot if you're looking for a romantic trip or even a honeymoon in Thailand.
The downside? While Surin has more accommodation options than Bang Tao, it’s still on the expensive side. Plus, there aren’t many entertainment or nightlife options in the area.
- Check out hotel deals in Surin here
Recommended Hotels in Surin
- €€€€€ The Surin Phuket: Luxurious beachfront villas with an excellent breakfast selection.
- €€€€€ Twinpalms Phuket: One of the best resorts in Phuket, with a stunning pool surrounded by tropical palm trees.
- €€ Pen Villa: A well-located hotel with a beautiful garden and a large pool.
6. Bang Tao Beach: Luxury and Tranquility by the Sea
Bang Tao Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a sophisticated and exclusive environment. This is one of Phuket’s longest beaches, lined with high-end hotels with everything you need to relax without leaving the property.
The resorts here come with spas, pools, and even golf courses, making Bang Tao an excellent choice for a honeymoon in Thailand or a luxury vacation.
What I love most about Bang Tao is its peaceful atmosphere, free from large crowds, ensuring a fully relaxing stay. However, its exclusivity does come with higher prices, and it’s a bit far from other attractions in Phuket.
- Check out Bang Tao hotel deals here
Recommended Hotels in Bang Tao
- €€€€€ Banyan Tree: A luxury resort surrounded by nature, featuring private villas and impeccable service.
- €€€€ Angsana Laguna: Ideal for families, with a pool and kids’ play area.
- €€ Pai Tan: Close to the beach, with spacious rooms and beautiful pools. Excellent value for the price.
7. Patong: Nightlife and Endless Fun
If you’re after nightlife and entertainment, Patong is the best place to stay in Phuket. It’s packed with bars, clubs, and restaurants, making it the heart of the island’s vibrant party scene. The beach itself isn’t the most beautiful or peaceful, but it’s incredibly convenient since it’s just steps away from all the action.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of Patong. Many visitors to Phuket feel let down because they only experience this area. But trust me, Phuket has so much more to offer, and the rest of the island feels completely different.
That said, staying in Patong does come with downsides—mainly the noise and the crowds, especially during high season. Still, if you’re looking for nonstop fun and want to be at the center of it all, Patong won’t disappoint. To escape the worst of the noise, I’ve selected hotels located slightly away from the busiest nightlife spots.
- Check out hotel deals in Patong here
Recommended Hotels in Patong
- €€€€ Oceanfront Beach Resort: Rooms with sea views and a gorgeous pool.
- €€€ Four Points: The best value-for-money option in Patong, located right on the beach and with an excellent breakfast buffet.
- €€ Bandalo Boutique Hotel: A stylish hotel in a prime location with a great breakfast.
- € Patong Mansion: Located in a quiet area with stunning views from the pool.
Tips for choosing accommodation in Phuket
- Define your travel style: For a peaceful stay surrounded by nature, Bang Tao or Kamala are perfect. If you prefer a balance of nightlife and relaxation, Kata is ideal. For a wild party scene, Patong is your spot. For a more local, authentic vibe, go with Nai Harn.
- Book early for high season: Between November and March, accommodations in popular areas fill up quickly, so plan ahead.
- Travel in low season: From May to October, many hotels offer big discounts because of the rainy season.
- Tour pick-ups: If you are planning to join a day trip from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands or other destinations, pick-ups are more common in Kata, Karon, and Patong. In other areas, they’re less frequent and may cost extra.
- Be ready for deposits: Most hotels in Thailand require a deposit at check-in. Mid-range and high-end places usually block the amount on your card, while budget accommodations often prefer cash. You’ll get the deposit back when you check out.
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Map of Areas to Stay in Phuket
Final Thoughts
These are the best areas to stay in Phuket, with something for every taste and budget. As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket has an incredible mix of landscapes and activities, I hope you find the perfect spot for your trip.
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! 😘
More about Phuket and Southern Thailand
- 28 TOP Things to Do in Phuket + Map (from a local)
- 7 Best Day Trips from Phuket
- 5 Hotels in Phuket: resorts with the best value for money
- What to do in Phi Phi: the Ultimate Guide
- Khao Sok National Park: visit to the park, lake and caves
- Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
- What to do in Khao Lak: 11 Plans in this Seaside Paradise
Hello, I’m Andrea, the creator and writer of Viajeros Activos (Active Travelers). I’m a nomad, so I consider myself a full-time traveler. I’m passionate about good food and always looking for new adventures.
Hello. I arrived in Phuket today, I am in Rawai. I think my location is not the best for the beaches. I would appreciate if you could guide me.
Hello Marlenny
Rawai has a rather dirty beach, for me it is not the best area to stay, the good thing is that you have very good restaurants in the area.
Kata is a much nicer place to stay if you have time to look for something else, otherwise look in the Karon area which is cheaper. In this guide I recommend both places and leave several hotels that are good.
If not, you will have to travel by motorbike or Grab to visit other beaches. You can also ask your hotel if they have a shuttle service to other beaches.
Good vacations!
Great article.