Where to stay in Phuket? — 10 best places to stay & best areas to stay in Phuket

Phuket is a large island with the areas of 50 km long and 20 km wide. There is no place which is too bad, it can only happen when you come here to find a hotel that far away from the place you like the best. So, it would be better if you know some places to stay in Phuket. Where to stay in Phuket? Let’s discover top 10 places and best areas to stay in Phuket which includes best beaches to stay in Phuket, cool places to stay in Phuket and top places to stay in Phuket below.

The best place to stay depends on the hobby of each person. Some people like to stay right next to the center to enjoy the nightlife and enjoy shopping, while others prefer peaceful space and away from crowded places. Let’s find out some tips to help you find the right place in Phuket at your own pace with Living Nomads below.

Best areas to stay in Phuket: Staying a Patong Beach

This resort town is located on the west coast which is known for its unique street – Bangla – the largest concentration of bars and clubs in Phuket and the most attractive nightlife destination of the island. It is surrounded by many hotels, from cheap motels to small resorts. The beachfront here is beautiful like the picture. It is towards north of Kamala, takes the advantage of the fantastic sunset views and offers a more luxurious experience for visitors, but at a very high cost of organizing parties. There are also great restaurants, shops, cultural attractions and a variety of activities to enjoy in this area.

Patong Beach is suitable for the travelers who have plan to spend financially, people who love parties, people who like a vibrant beach or people who want to stay in the center and want everything in the same place.

The best thing of Patong Beach is that there are many options to enjoy nightlife, dining and shopping. There are also many hotels at different rates. However, there are not many traditional Thai characteristics. The traffic is too busy and the beach is just open from May to November.

Staying at Kata Beach

There are many attractions around Kata Beach that make it a holiday destination with interesting activities. The long and lively beach which is attractive for surfing enthusiasts (from May to November) and swimming (there is a cool rocky beach to explore between the beach and Pu Island). The nightlife here is very interesting with many great restaurants to enjoy, shopping, sightseeing with fun activities. It brings joy to your whole family and is a particularly popular destination for young couples traveling with their children.

Kata Beach is suitable for young tourists, the tourists traveling with family, those who prefer nightlife are not too enthusiastic and people who love to surf and swim.

The things that make Kata Beach be famous is that it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. The long coastline makes it never crowded. There are also a variety of dining, shopping and nightlife options. Especially, the prices for accommodation are good. However, Kata Beach has long distance between the beach and mid-range hotels. The beach is just open from May to November.

Best areas to stay in Phuket: Staying at Karon Beach

The dazzling sand of the third long beach on the island has attracted many large resorts, stretching with a design blending with the surrounding nature. This gives Karon a very relaxing space. However, the northern area has urbanized with many of the nearby Patong Beach attractions – so much so that Karon is known as ‘Patong’s sister’. This makes Karon a great place for those who want to enjoy the nightlife, shopping and exploring many different destinations but not necessarily close to where they are.

Karon Beach is suitable for people who love the sea, like shopping or enjoy nightlife. It is also the perfect choice for people who want to be “not too busy” but not “too quiet”.

The best thing in Karon Beach is that there is Karon Center which is a vibrant holiday town with a great selection of dining, shopping and nightlife. Since there is no construction on the coast, it retains a very pure natural state. However, to move from one beach to another, we must take a long walk. The beach is just open from May to November.

Best areas to stay in Phuket: Staying at Kamala Beach

The long and curved beach of Kamala Beach with the small town behind, are only a short distance from Patong but there are many contrasting things. Away from the nightlife and bustling activities, Kamala is renowned for its retired people by the tranquil atmosphere, relaxing space, rich spa, villas and quality hotels. Nightlife is very quiet, mainly for those who are looking for a relaxing time instead of participating in the party. This area is suitable for those who want to live slowly, want to experience it is easy and quite fun when immersed on a quiet beach as the most active activity of your day here.

Kamala Beach is suitable for the guests traveling with family, people looking for community experience in the village or the travelers plan to spend financially.

The good things at Kamala Beach is that it is one of the few places in Phuket with many restaurants right on the beach. The wonderful surfing area north of the beach lasts from May to November. There is also a wide range of quality hotels at affordable prices. However, there is very few shopping opportunities. Kamala Beach is also quite quiet at night. Especially, the sea is just open from May to November.

Staying at Bangtao Beach

Bangtao is Phuket’s second longest beach. It has so many contrasting thing: the south of the beach is not rich with many mid-range hotels surrounding a small fishing village while the Laguna Complex occupies a group of luxurious resorts located between the lagoon. The northern area – ending at Layan Beach – has yet to develop beyond some of the five-star hotels located on the lush green hills. Bangtao Beach is a fairly quiet place, but it has some beach clubs that create a lively night scene with many great restaurants, mostly on or near Tinlay Plaza in the way which is in the entrance of the Laguna Complex.

Bangtao beach is suitable for the rich visitors, the travelers looking for a relaxing space, the visitors traveling with families or the people who like to enjoy everything in the same place.

The wonderful things here is that it is 6 km long beach which creates a great relaxing walking space. There are also many high-end restaurants. However, there is very few shopping and nightlife. The sea is just open from May to November. Especially, it is far 15km to Patong – where there are many activities at night.

Best places to stay in Phuket: Staying at Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao Beach which has the areas with 11 km long, is the longest beach in Phuket. This long and deserted beach provides a panoramic view of the 350-kilometer coastline between Phuket and Ranong on the border with Myanmar: a stretch of sand with pines, tropical almonds and palm trees as well as other beautiful tropical bushes here.

Mai Khao seems to be far from everything, except for some luxury resorts and Splash Jungle Water Park. Most of the beach in Sirinath National Park because this is the only place in Phuket where Giant Ridley Sea Turtles lay eggs each year from mid – November to February next year. If you are looking for a “stay away from everything” holiday, Mai Khao Beach is definitely the place to be.

Mai Khao Beach is suitable for honeymoon tourist, luxury travelers or people who want to find private space.

The best thing of Mai Khao Beach is that it has 11 km long beach which creates a great relaxing walk. This area is protected by the National Park regulations. Besides that, there is convenient distance from the airport (only 5km, no noise). However, there are very few dining options, shopping and nightlife. The sea is just open from May to November. It is also very far from Patong Beach (30 km) – where there are many activities at night.

Best places to stay in Phuket: Staying at Nai Harn Beach

Quiet and peaceful, Nai Harn Beach is one of the most popular places for locals. Because it is located in a narrow canyon and hills which do not have many hotels. The geographic location here creates a wonderful harbor and offers visitors a cool beach with little bays like Ya Nui and Ao Sane making Nai Harn especially loved by sailors as well as swimming enthusiasts. The area has a steady stream of visitors, with some excellent local restaurants but few shops or attractions other than great landscapes at Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint. Nai Harn Beach is the best place to enjoy a relaxing holiday in a natural surrounding without being completely isolated.

Nai Harn Beach is suitable for lovers of the beach and nature (this area is not too developed) or the lovers dive deep.

The best thing of Nai Harn Beach is that there are three beaches and one lagoon. Especially, it is a peaceful space for you to relax. However, the beach is open from May to November. There are very few shopping, nightlife venues and eating places

Best places to stay in Phuket: Staying at Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach is located in the southeast of Phuket Island. Historically, this is the first tourist beach in Phuket, this locality still liaises with the gipsy sea village with long boats of local fishermen lying about 2.5 km. There are also departures to Coral Island and Racha Island, Rawai’s atmosphere is really quiet compared to Patong. Just a few shops, some nightlife options and some great beachside restaurants. The proximity to Nai Harn and Cha Long also gives you great opportunities to explore Phuket’s most popular attractions such as Promthep Cape and Phuket Big Buddha. Rawai has many hotels and resorts ranging from cheap to five star.

Rawai Beach is suitable for people are looking for a ‘local’ experience here and people who want to get rid of cramped tourist areas

The good thing of Rawai Beach is that there are many local restaurants by the sea. It is near Laem Ka Beach and Promthep Cape. Moreover, it is easy to go to Hopping Island. However, there are very few shopping options. It is also very quiet at night.

Staying at Surin Beach

With its natural beauty, Surin Beach is a very special place. It is known for the visit of celebrities and many of the large houses in this area are the personal property of the billionaires. However, it is not entirely so, it brings you a peaceful but still international holiday with small town with many high-end shops. Surin Beach has some restrictions on attractions that make it suitable for those who want to get away from everything to relax in their privacy.

Surin Beach is suitable for the rich visitors, the travelers are looking for a “more exclusive” destination, famous people or those looking for relaxation.

The things that makes Surin Beach be more interesting is that there is great sunset spot and trendy shopping. There is great surfing location from May to November. Moreover, it is attractive deep-diving location in peak season at the north end of the beach. However, there are few places to visit or explore except the beach and the beach is just open from May to November

Staying in Phuket Town

The capital of the province and the largest urban area of the island, the narrow streets of Phuket Town have many restaurants, shops and unique attractions. This is an ideal location for those who want every day of their holiday to be different with new discoveries and new experiences. The town attracts many facets of different cultures, so it is called the home of centuries and is also home to some beautiful historical features. At the heart of local life, Phuket Town is probably the best place to get the “real Thai” experience on the island with many local markets for you to explore.

Phuket Town is suitable for people who are interested in history and culture, local food lovers or people who like shopping at the market.

The best thing here is that there is food, shopping and nightlife. Phuket Old Town is a very attractive and vibrant district. Especially, the hotel is affordable. However, there is no beach. The traffic is very busy during peak hours and it stays calm at night.

Phuket accommodation

Below we recommend more best budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Agoda, Booking)
• The Marina Phuket Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• Avista Grande Phuket Karon – MGallery Hotel Collection (Agoda, Booking)
• Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, an IHG Hotel (Agoda, Booking)
• Grand Mercure Phuket Patong (Agoda, Booking)
• DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort (SHA Extra Plus Certified) (Agoda, Booking)
• Mandarava Resort and Spa (Agoda, Booking)

You can also find, check rates, availability & booking for Phuket hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Phuket you can refer to

• (All Areas Inclusive) Private Phuket International Airport Transfers (HKT) for Phuket by Thai Rhythm
• Private Transfers for Phuket City and Surrounding Attractions
• Private Krabi (KBV) or Phuket Airport Transfers (HKT) for Krabi, Phuket, and More
• Private City Transfers between Phuket and Nearby Cities
• Shared Phuket International Airport (HKT) Transfer from Phuket
• Shared Van Transfer from Phuket International Airport (HKT) to Phuket
• Phuket City Sightseeing Day Tour
• Phuket Custom Full Day Tour
• Phuket Adventure Day Tour
• Phuket City Introduction Half Day Tour
• Phuket Custom Tour: Racha Island, Phi Phi Island, Phuket Fantasea, Dolphin Show, and More

Are you finding more top things to do in Thailand: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.