Where to Stay in Phuket: 11 Best Areas to Consider

Choosing the right area in Phuket can be the difference between a relaxing escape and wondering why your hotel is next to a nightclub that doesn’t sleep.

Phuket is large, and no two areas feel the same. You’ve got nightlife zones that don’t shut down, quiet beaches backed by green hills, and charming local towns that many tourists skip entirely.

This guide to where to stay in Phuket covers 11 of the island’s best areas — whether you’re visiting for the first time, hunting for hidden beaches, or want somewhere that won’t empty your wallet.

I’ve stayed in several of these spots myself and scoped out the rest, so you’re getting real recommendations, not recycled tourist fluff.

Kamala Beach

• Good for: Families, couples, chill travel vibes

• Vibe: Laid-back, slightly upscale, less touristy than its neighbors

• Pros & Cons: Gorgeous sunsets and quieter beach days, but nightlife is low-key

Kamala Beach is where Phuket slows down in the best way possible. You’ll find calm waves, long beach walks, and resorts that lean toward wellness and relaxation.

It’s not party central, which is exactly why many people love it here. Great for sunsets, seafood dinners, and a peaceful escape without sacrificing convenience.

If you’re traveling with kids or you want to stay close to the action without being in it, Kamala is an excellent choice.

Best Hotels in Kamala Beach

• The Naka Phuket: Cliffside views, private pools, and sleek architecture make this a modern hideaway.

• Novotel Kamala Beach: Mid-range beachfront spot with a rooftop bar and easy beach access.

• Wabi Sabi Boutique Hotel: Chic, clean, and affordable with modern rooms and a rooftop pool near the main Kamala strip.

Karon Beach

• Good for: Balanced travelers, beach lovers, families

• Vibe: Laid-back during the day, lightly buzzing at night

• Pros & Cons: Great beach and dining options; less overwhelming than Patong, but still close enough

Karon offers the sweet spot for many first-time visitors. It’s got a considerable stretch of soft sand, a walkable beach town, and enough restaurants to keep things interesting.

You’ll find massage shops, cocktail carts, and chilled bars, but it doesn’t feel like a party trap.

It’s easy to hop over to Patong if you want the madness, then retreat to Karon’s calmer pace at night. Bonus: The beach sunsets here are among the best on the island.

Best Hotels in Karon Beach

• Avista Grande Phuket Karon: Luxury resort with colonial-meets-tropical vibes and excellent service.

• Pacific Club Resort: Mid-range hidden gem tucked into the hills with a rooftop pool and spa.

• Karon Sea Sands Resort: Steps from the beach and affordable, with spacious rooms and big balconies.

Patong Beach

• Good for: Nightlife, first-time visitors, budget, and mid-range travelers

• Vibe: Loud, busy, neon-soaked, and always awake

• Pros & Cons: Unmatched energy and convenience; not for peace-and-quiet seekers

Patong is Phuket’s most infamous area, for better or worse. If you want to be in the thick of it, surrounded by shopping, bars, street food, and nightlife, this is your spot.

The beach isn’t the best in Phuket, but the convenience and buzz make up for it.

It’s chaotic, yes. But also wildly entertaining. For travelers who want it all at their doorstep, tours, tuk-tuks, 7-Elevens, and rooftop bars, Patong delivers if you want to be in the center of it all and prefer being near nightlife.

Best Hotels in Patong Beach

• Hotel Clover Patong: Stylish, central, and walkable to everything — great rooftop pool too.

• Holiday Inn Resort Phuket: A family favorite with spacious rooms and direct beach access.

• La Flora Resort Patong: On the quieter end of the beach, upscale but not over-the-top.

Kata Beach

• Good for: Surfers, foodies, digital nomads

• Vibe: Beachy, walkable, and a little artsy without being overdeveloped

• Pros & Cons: Great food and surf; can get crowded in high season

Kata Beach is a sweet spot, neither too busy nor too quiet. It’s become popular for travelers who want to take surf lessons in the morning and enjoy smoothie bowls by lunch.

You’ll find a good mix of trendy cafes, Thai eateries, and casual nightlife, all without the chaos of Patong.

There’s a nice flow to this neighborhood. You can walk almost everywhere, and you’re just a short tuk-tuk ride from Karon or Nai Harn if you want a change of scene.

Best Hotels in Kata Beach

• The SIS Kata Resort: Stylish and modern, with ocean views and a rooftop pool bar. Great for couples or groups.

• Katathani Phuket Beach Resort: A resort classic, right on the sand and perfect for beach lovers who don’t want to lift a finger.

• Chanalai Flora Resort: Affordable and family-friendly with tropical gardens and a walkable location.

Bang Tao Beach

• Good for: Luxury escapes, long-stay travelers, families

• Vibe: Upmarket, chilled, and spacious

• Pros & Cons: Plenty of room and privacy; dining and nightlife are more spread out

Bang Tao is where Phuket does luxury without the pretense. You’ll find high-end resorts, pool villas, beach clubs, and a more polished beach scene that still feels natural.

It’s also home to Laguna Phuket, a gated community with golf courses, spas, and family resorts.

While it’s less dense than Patong or Kata, you’ll still find great dining, stylish bars, and access to activities like yoga, horseback riding, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Best Hotels in Bang Tao Beach

• SAii Laguna Phuket: Family-friendly beachfront resort with lagoons and multiple pools.

• The Pavilions Phuket: Adults-only, ultra-romantic, with private pool villas in the hills.

• Cassia Phuket: Chic and colorful apartment-style hotel perfect for long stays or digital nomads.

Kata Noi Beach

• Good for: Couples, quiet escapes, luxury without flash

• Vibe: Serene, tucked away, romantic

• Pros & Cons: Beautiful and quiet; fewer dining and shopping options

Kata Noi is essentially the little sister of Kata Beach, smaller, calmer, and more exclusive. This is where you go if you want gorgeous sand, clear water, and not much else (in a good way).

It’s a favorite among honeymooners and those seeking a reset. There’s not much nightlife here, but the sunsets are stunning, and you’re still just minutes away from the livelier Kata area if you need more options.

Best Hotels in Kata Noi Beach

• The Shore at Katathani: Ultra-luxurious and adults-only, with private infinity pools overlooking the ocean.

• Katathani Phuket Beach Resort: Large, beachfront, and perfect for families or couples wanting a quieter stay.

• Mom Tri’s Villa Royale: A boutique hideaway with ocean views and a loyal returning guest base.

Nai Harn Beach

• Good for: Beach lovers, photographers, relaxed luxury

• Vibe: Calm, natural, slightly removed from the main tourist path

• Pros & Cons: Gorgeous and peaceful; fewer restaurants and nightlife options

Nai Harn is one of Phuket’s most scenic and photogenic beaches. Surrounded by green hills and a small lake, it has a peaceful, untouched feel that’s hard to find elsewhere on the island. This is an excellent base for beach-focused days and early nights.

It’s also near popular viewpoints like Promthep Cape and Windmill Viewpoint, making it a good fit for travelers chasing those golden-hour shots.

Best Hotels in Nai Harn Beach

• The Nai Harn: A design-forward hotel with unbeatable sea views and stylish rooms.

• Ya Nui Resort: A charming mid-range pick near both Nai Harn and Ya Nui beaches.

• Sunsuri Phuket: Quiet and upscale, with a large pool and serene jungle surroundings.

Surin Beach

• Good for: Upscale stays, quieter beaches, couples

• Vibe: Boutique luxury with a peaceful stretch of sand

• Pros & Cons: Beautiful and calm; fewer budget dining and nightlife options

Surin is often called “Millionaire’s Row” for a reason. It’s where luxury meets tranquility, with upscale resorts, stylish beach clubs, and a scenic bay that’s perfect for swimming.

While the nightlife is basically nonexistent, it’s a favorite for couples, honeymooners, and travelers who want the best of Phuket’s beaches without chaos.

The beach itself is well-maintained and rarely crowded, making it one of the island’s most peaceful places to unwind. Just don’t expect much action after sunset. Surin is all about slow mornings and serene views.

Best Hotels in Surin Beach

• The Surin Phuket: Elegant cottages and suites nestled on a private beachfront.

• Twinpalms Phuket: Sleek and modern with top-tier amenities and beach club access.

• 6th Avenue Surin Beach: More affordable option with rooftop pool and easy access to the beach.

Rawai Beach

• Good for: Laid-back travelers, local vibes, island hopping

• Vibe: Quiet fishing village meets chilled-out expat scene

• Pros & Cons: Great access to nearby islands and less touristy beaches; limited nightlife and farther from the action

Rawai is one of the oldest beach communities in Phuket, and it still retains a more local feel than a touristy one.

While the beach itself isn’t great for swimming, it’s a popular spot to catch boats to Coral Island or Koh Bon.

You’ll find fresh seafood markets, relaxed beach bars, and a laid-back energy here that’s hard to find in the north. It’s especially appealing for long-term travelers or anyone seeking a calmer pace.

Best Hotels in Rawai Beach

• The Vijitt Resort Phuket: Luxurious villas with private pools and sea views, set in lush tropical gardens.

• Selina Serenity Rawai Phuket: A stylish boutique pick with co-working spaces and community vibes.

• Rawai Palm Beach Resort: Affordable, family-friendly, and just a short stroll to the shore.

Mai Khao Beach

• Good for: Peace seekers, luxury travelers, airport proximity

• Vibe: Remote, quiet, and nature-forward

• Pros & Cons: Super peaceful; far from most attractions

Mai Khao is the northernmost beach in Phuket, and it’s a totally different world from Patong. This is where luxury meets nature.

It’s part of a protected national park, so the beach is clean, uncrowded, and long enough to feel like your own private slice of paradise.

It’s close to the airport, making it perfect for your first or last night in Phuket. However, keep in mind that there’s not much in terms of dining or nightlife, so it’s best suited for relaxation, rather than exploration.

Best Hotels in Mai Khao Beach

• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa: Classic beachfront luxury with great dining and a top-tier spa.

• SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort: Chic, quiet, and ideal for couples or honeymooners.

• The Palms Kamala Beach: Centrally located, spacious rooms, and just steps from the beach.

Phuket Town

• Good for: Budget travelers, digital nomads, culture lovers

• Vibe: Local, colorful, artsy, and community-oriented

• Pros & Cons: Great value and local culture; not by the beach

Phuket Town is where budget travelers win big. While it’s not right on the beach, it offers the best value for accommodations, plus access to markets, lively bars, and some of Phuket’s best street food.

The historic Old Town area is filled with charming Sino-Portuguese buildings, trendy cafes, and night markets that offer a genuine local flavor.

It’s also one of the most convenient spots to base yourself if you’re planning on doing island tours, ferries, and speedboat operators often leave from nearby piers.

And while you won’t wake up to ocean views, you’re only 20–30 minutes away from top beaches by scooter or taxi. If you don’t mind trading sand for culture and savings, Phuket Town is a smart move.

Best Hotels in Phuket Town

• The Memory at On On Hotel: Phuket’s oldest hotel with boutique vibes and a central Old Town location.

• Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel: Colonial charm meets modern comfort, right in the middle of the action.

• Blu Monkey Hub & Hotel: Stylish, affordable, and digital-nomad friendly with co-working space perks.

Chalong Bay

• Good for: Island hoppers, budget-conscious adventurers, long-term stays

• Vibe: Laid-back, local, functional, more pier than party

• Pros & Cons: Ideal for boat trips and excursions; lacks swimmable beaches

Chalong Bay is more practical than postcard-pretty, but that’s exactly what makes it appealing to some travelers.

This is Phuket’s major launching point for island tours, diving trips, and sea-based adventures, so if hopping between Phi Phi, Coral Island, or Racha is your plan, this is a smart base.

It’s not a beachy zone for lounging, but Chalong is budget-friendly, low-key, and home to some great local restaurants and dive shops.

You’ll also be close to attractions like the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong temple, and even Muay Thai training gyms. Not ideal for beach bums, but suitable for action-oriented travelers seeking value and easy access to excursions.

Best Hotels in Chalong Bay

• Villa Zolitude Resort & Spa: Secluded hillside villas with private pools, jungle views, and top-notch service. Perfect for a quiet, upscale escape.

• Chalong Chalet Resort: Elevated hillside views, large rooms, and a quiet setting just minutes from the pier.

• ZEN Rooms Chaofa Nok: Budget-friendly option with simple rooms, a pool, and easy access to Chalong’s main road.

Best Area by Travel Style

Everyone’s Phuket experience depends heavily on where you stay. Whether you’re here to relax, party, explore, or just stare at the ocean, your chosen area will shape how you see the island.

Phuket is larger than most expect, and many travelers book Patong by default, only to realize it’s not the tropical escape they imagined. While Patong is famous for nightlife and chaos, it’s just a small part of what the island offers.

From laid-back beach towns to quieter local hubs, each area delivers a different experience.

Take your time with this guide and choose based on your travel style. It’ll make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and a better match for what you’re actually looking for.

• First-Time Visitors: Kamala Beach is the perfect place to start. It’s scenic, well-developed, and calmer than Patong, yet it doesn’t feel remote. You’ll get easy access to tours, beaches, and dining without chaos.

• Families: Karon and Bangtao offer the balance of family-friendly resorts, walkable areas, and beach access. There’s space for kids to run around, calm waters, and plenty of restaurants.

• Nightlife & Entertainment Lovers: Patong Beach remains the go-to destination. It’s loud, wild, and full of life — perfect if you want your evenings to be just as busy as your days.

• Couples or a Romantic Trip: Surin and Kata Noi offer luxurious hideaways and quiet, romantic beaches. Fewer crowds, better resorts, and plenty of sunset views.

• Budget Travelers: Phuket Town and Chalong Bay both offer affordable accommodation, excellent street food, and good transport links. Beaches may be a short ride away, but you’ll save big.

• Island Hoppers & Divers: Chalong Bay is your best bet. You’re right by the pier, surrounded by tour offices, and perfectly placed for excursions without the beach crowds. Use 12GO to book all your island ferry tickets.

Getting Around Phuket

Phuket might be an island, but it’s not exactly small. Traveling from one beach town to another typically takes 20 to 45 minutes, especially during peak traffic times.

Walking is only realistic within the area you’re staying in, so choosing your base wisely (like we covered earlier) makes a huge difference.

Since public transit is limited and taxis aren’t always budget-friendly, here are the best ways to get around the island:

• Ride-Sharing Apps: Grab is the go-to ride-hailing app in Phuket. It’s often cheaper than local taxis and gives you the convenience of upfront pricing and cashless payment. Please note that in more remote areas, availability may be limited.

• Taxi or Tuk-Tuks: Both are easy to find, especially in Patong and Kata, but they rarely use meters. Always agree on the fare beforehand, as it can get expensive for longer distances. Tuk-tuks are fun for short trips, but they’re not exactly comfortable.

TIP: Always confirm the total price twice before starting your ride to avoid any awkward misunderstandings (or scams).

If the back-and-forth isn’t your thing, stick with ride-sharing apps for peace of mind.

• Rent a Scooter: This is the most flexible way to explore, as rental shops are readily available everywhere. Just know that driving in Phuket is not for beginners; there’s traffic, hills, and questionable road etiquette. You’ll need an international driving permit, and always wear a helmet.

• Phuket Smart Bus or Songthaew (Blue Bus): The Smart Bus runs along the west coast between the airport and Rawai, with stops in major beach towns. It’s clean, air-conditioned, and very affordable. Songthaews are the old-school local buses — cheaper but slower and less predictable.

• Tours with Round-Trip Hotel Pickup: Booking guided tours is a great way to explore without the stress of transportation. Many tours, whether it’s island hopping, elephant sanctuaries, or cultural sights, include pickup and drop-off right from your hotel, saving you the planning headache.

Phuket Accommodation Tips to Know

• January & February are the Best (and Busiest) Months: Phuket’s dry season peaks in January and February, offering the best weather of the year, sunny skies, low humidity, and calm seas. It’s prime time for beach days, boat trips, and everything in between.

• Book Early During Peak Season: With great weather comes great demand. From mid-December through February, hotel rates soar and popular areas sell out quickly. If you’re planning to visit during this window, secure your stay well in advance to avoid missing out (or overpaying, hotel prices in Phuket can increase quickly).

• Area Impacts Your Experience: Phuket is a large island, and where you stay will completely shape your trip. Patong brings chaos, Kamala offers calm, and Phuket Town provides a relaxing retreat. Ensure the area aligns with your vibe before making a commitment.

• Beachfront Hotels vs. Short Walks: You’ll pay more to stay directly on the beach, but many budget-friendly hotels are just a 5–10 minute walk away. Unless ocean views are a must-have, you can save a chunk by staying nearby instead of on the sand.

• Check Transport Access: Not all areas have easy access to taxis, buses, or ride-sharing. If you plan to explore, make sure your hotel isn’t tucked too far away without transport options, or prepare to rent a scooter.

• Pay Attention to Hotel Reviews: Look beyond the star rating. Focus on recent guest reviews for cleanliness, staff service, and the accuracy of location information. What looks dreamy in photos might be sandwiched between a construction site and a nightclub.

Which is the Best Area in Phuket to Stay In?

The best area in Phuket to stay in really depends on you, your travel style, your budget, and the kind of experience you’re after.

Want walkable nightlife and non-stop energy? Patong delivers. Prefer postcard beaches with luxury resorts? Kamala or Kata might be your zone. Traveling with family? Karon or Bang Tao are solid, easygoing options.

Phuket is more than just party scenes and beach resorts. It’s a massive island with distinct personalities depending on where you land.

That’s why I always recommend taking a close look at the vibe, location, and accessibility of each area before booking. The right spot will shape your entire perception of Phuket.

If you’re still unsure, it’s worth reading this guide again or exploring my other Phuket articles that break down activities, beaches, and itinerary ideas, all to help you figure out where your perfect Phuket base truly is.