Where To Stay In Phuket? The Best Areas At A Glance
With 44 beaches, first-time visitors to Phuket are spoilt for choice. While families find large resorts in the west and southwest of the island, party animals’ best bet is Patong. Relaxation seekers enjoy privacy in the north, and photographers and history buffs will love Phuket Town. So where to stay in Phuket? Whichever type of traveller you are, you will find your own little corner on the island. Here are the best areas in Phuket at a glance.
PATONG, KARON, KATA BEACHES
As a first-timer to Phuket, the Patong-Karon-Kata area is your best option. Everything is within walking distance, from cafes and restaurants to street food and night markets. The beaches stretch for kilometres, with a powdery and busy version at Patong and the squeak-underfoot type at Karon and Kata. Patong is a mecca for nightlife, renowned for its globetrotting selection of clubs, bars, live music, and go-go bars.
You can find mini-versions of Patong in the Karon-Kata area, with a string of bars and restaurants. Not exactly quiet yet less busy than Patong, Kata Beach is popular with families who love large resorts like Metadee Concept Hotel, one of the best places to stay in Phuket.
NAITHON, NAI YANG, AND MAI KHAO BEACHES
Get away from it all and head for the northern beaches of Naithon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao, part of Sirinat National Park, where beach vendors and sun loungers are scarce. Stretching as far as the eye travels, these wonderful shorelines are the best areas in Phuket for lovey-dovey couples, perfect for romantic beach walks. You can stroll along the water’s edge as the sun sinks orange or enjoy candlelight dinners with a cocktail in hand, listening to the waves washing ashore.
PHUKET TOWN, EAST PHUKET, RAWAI BEACH
Originating in Malacca, Malaysia, the Sino-colonial row houses in Phuket Town are lit at night, making them popular with history enthusiasts and photographers alike. Formerly the homes of tin barons, these colourful buildings have been repurposed as cafes and bars, art galleries and clothes or ice cream shops. Bristling with night markets and southern Thai eateries in the street, the capital of Phuket province is also a haven for foodies, as is the island’s east coast. The east coast down to Rawai in the far south is one of the best places on Phuket for fresh seafood from local fishermen.
SURIN, KATA, NAI HARN BEACHES
If you’re looking for the most scenic beaches on Thailand’s largest island, Kata, Surin, and Nai Harn Beach are among the best areas to stay in Phuket. Framed by verdant hills and nearby islets, Nai Harn is a crescent white-sand beach. Surin Beach has a small-town feel, with its street food stalls in the shade of casuarinas, neighbourhood restaurants and no construction nearby. Kata Beach is just as picturesque as Surin but gets busier during peak season.
BANG TAO AND KAMALA BEACHES
Lacking Patong’s exuberant nightlife, Kamala and Bang Tao are popular with families considering where to stay in Phuket. Featuring large resorts offering anything from kids’ clubs to kids’ menus, Kamala is an affordable area with western restaurants galore. Bang Tao is home to several award-winning spas and retreats, many of which are a part of swanky hotels like Banyan Tree.
- Written by: Philipp Meier – Travel Writer