Where to Stay in Phuket: Best Beaches, Areas & Hotels
Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Phuket from budget to luxury | Hi! We're Alex & Victoria - a digital nomad couple from Copenhagen escaping 9-5 to chase adventures in our beautiful world. Learn more about us here. |
Hostel or villa with a private pool?
In Phuket, there’s something for every type of traveller.
Whether you’re on a budget and prefer a dorm to save up for nights out, or you’re looking to indulge in ultra-luxury with concierge services and pillow menus.
In this guide to where to stay in Phuket, we’ve rounded up the best accommodation options on Thailand’s largest holiday island – along with tips on which beaches and areas suit your needs.
Our recommendations: Where to stay in Phuket?
- Budget: Baan Chay Lay Resort – We stayed at this hotel in Karon. The rooms are family-friendly with a kitchen, and the pool was in half shade/half sun.
- Value for money: 6th Avenue Surin Beach – At Surin, we stayed in a nice apartment hotel with a gym and a luxurious pool on the roof.
- Luxury: The Surin Phuket – One of Phuket’s absolute best hotels (without being one of the most expensive). Has a unique hexagonal pool that leads directly to an almost entirely private beach.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Phuket here.
Table of contents
- Map of Phuket
- The best beaches and areas to stay in Phuket
- The best hotels at Karon Beach
- The best hotels at Kata Beach & Kata Noi Beach
- The best hotels at Patong Beach
- The best hotels at Surin Beach
- The best hotels at Kamala Beach
- The best hotels at Bang Tao Beach
- The best hotels at Nai Harn Beach
- The best hotels in Phuket Old Town
- The best luxury hotels in Phuket
- How to get to and from Phuket
- When to visit Phuket?
- Our best tips for visiting Phuket
Map of Phuket
With a size of 543 km², Phuket is the largest island in Thailand.
Phuket is located in the Andaman Sea on Thailand’s west coast in the southern part of the country. A bridge at the island’s northern end connects it to the mainland.
The best beaches and areas to stay in Phuket
Most travellers to Phuket will find it ideal to stay near one of the many beautiful beaches.
Accommodation right by the water is typically the most expensive, so choosing a place a short distance from the beach can be a way to save money.
Below, we recommend hotels in specific beaches and areas.
The best beaches in Phuket:
- Karon Beach – The island’s most beautiful long beach. Very family-friendly and popular. We stayed here for a week.
- Kata Beach & Kata Noi Beach – Child-friendly beaches on the west coast just south of Karon.
- Patong Beach – Busy area with more of everything. Especially for those who enjoy partying.
- Surin Beach – Peaceful atmosphere with stalls along the beach promenade. We stayed here for 10 nights.
- Kamala Beach – Charming beach between the hills just south of Surin. Relaxed atmosphere.
- Bang Tao Beach – Long beach north of Surin with expensive lagoons.
- Nai Harn Beach – Serene and quiet beach located at the far south.
- Phuket Old Town – Cultural area with more affordable accommodation for those who don’t need to stay near the water. It’s also more convenient for boat trips from here.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Phuket here.
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The best hotels at Karon Beach
When we first arrived in Phuket, we went straight to Baan Chay Lay Resort (adlink) at Karon Beach to check in.
The area offers everything you could want for a holiday in Thailand. There are plenty of restaurants, massage parlours, shops, tour operators and whatever else you might need!
The beach itself is stunning, with 3 kilometres of soft, squeaky sand inviting you to relax all day day.
Karon Beach is very family-friendly, offering the perfect spot for building sandcastles or simply enjoying the view from a beach chair or (for free) under the palm trees.
In high season, there’s no doubt that Karon is popular. Especially around sunset, many people gather – mostly at the northern end near the roundabout. But there’s always room for a few more towels on the sand.
Consider the exact location of the hotel
There are two “main roads” at Karon: one along the beach and another a little further inland.
If you stay on the road further inland, your access to the beach may be limited. Some large resorts, like the Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort (adlink), occupy prime spots, which can restrict where you can walk down to the water.
Our personal opinion about staying at Karon Beach:
- Everything is within easy reach (with the exception of a large supermarket).
- We were particularly fond of the food from Soul Phuket. We got the best massage at Chok Dee Massage.
- The beach is incredibly beautiful and the sand is the some of the best on the island.
- The sidewalk doesn’t run along the entire road from the roundabout by the water to Karon Temple further inland. If you’re travelling with children and plan to walk around, staying closer to the beach than we did might be a better option. That said, the section without a sidewalk is only about 200 metres long, and you can simply walk along the road.
Where to stay at Karon Beach?
- Budget: Baan Chay Lay Resort – We stayed in a family-friendly room with a sofa and kitchen. We were pleased with the pool, where we could choose between sunbathing or relaxing in the shade.
- Value for money: Chanalai Hillside Resort – A great deal in Karon with a rooftop pool and a lovely location close to the beach and restaurants.
- Luxury: Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort – Large 5-star resort just across the road from the beach with multiple pools, restaurants, sports facilities and even a waterslide.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels near Karon here (adlink).
The best hotels at Kata Beach & Kata Noi Beach
Kata and Kata Noi (little Kata) are located just south of Karon. We didn’t swim here ourselves, but Alex passed by during a run.
Kata Beach to the north is quite similar to Karon, being very family-friendly and great for swimming.
Kata Noi is not as long, and since there are fewer hotels and restaurants, there are also fewer people.
Though it’s not completely untouched, you still get a sense of being a bit away from the crowds.
Where to stay at Kata Beach & Kata Noi Beach?
- Luxury: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort – Stay exclusively (and family-friendly) at the best resort right next to Kata Noi Beach.
- Value for money: Maiiam Bungalows – Less than five minutes on foot from Kata Beach, with nice rooms and a pool.
- Budget: Sleepy Station – Hostel offering affordable double rooms with private bathrooms or dormitory options.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels at Kata and Kata Noi here (adlink).
The best hotels at Patong Beach
Patong is the undisputed centre of tourism in Phuket.
With numerous hotels, you’ll find everything from the island’s cheapest options to some of the most luxurious (especially at the smaller beaches just west of Patong).
Choices are abundant here. While some might find the area overwhelming, others see it as the ultimate holiday experience.
As the major tourist hotspot, it can feel commercialised, crowded and not as authentic as other areas on the island. If you’re looking for a more laid-back atmosphere, Patong might not be the ideal spot.
However, if you want to experience Phuket’s nightlife, this is the place to be.
We preferred staying in Karon, which is still close enough for shopping trips to Patong’s malls. If you’re after convenience and want everything within walking distance, or if you find a great deal, we understand why Patong would be appealing.
It’s worth noting, though, that the area around Bangla Road can be noisy, especially if you’re not there to party all night.
Where to stay at Patong Beach?
- Ultra luxury: Rosewood Phuket – Pure luxury with private pool villas set in stunning, lush surroundings.
- Luxury: Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa – Beautiful 5-star hotel with its own beach, just under 10 minutes from the heart of Patong.
- Value for money: Rak Elegant Hotel Patong – A bit set back from the beach and all the fuss. Cool rooms and apartments with a rooftop pool.
- Budget: Casa Jip Guesthouse – Large rooms with a central (and quiet!) location in Patong.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels at Patong Beach here (adlink).
The best hotels at Surin Beach
In our opinion, Surin is an underrated beach in Phuket.
The water and sand are as beautiful and soft as it gets. But what really sets it apart is the sandy beach road just behind the beach.
There are no large hotels here, just local stalls under the palm trees offering cheap drinks, Thai food, massages and other essentials. This creates a charming “small-island” atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere in Phuket.
Surin Beach is located just north of Kamala Beach and south of Bang Tao Beach.
Where to stay at Surin Beach?
- Value for money: 6th Avenue Surin Beach – We stayed here in a nice apartment hotel with a gym and a luxurious pool on the roof.
- Value for money: Outrigger Surin Beach Resort – A solid “standard” hotel/resort right on the beach at a reasonable price.
- Luxury: The Surin Phuket – One of Phuket’s absolute best hotels (without being one of the most expensive). Has a unique hexagonal pool that leads directly to an almost entirely private beach.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels at Surin Beach here (adlink).
The best hotels at Kamala Beach
We visited Kamala Beach during our stay at Surin and were instantly charmed by the calm atmosphere.
The beauty of the area stood out, with blue water and palm trees swaying gracefully.
Kamala is situated in a bay surrounded by hills, which helps shield it from the rest of the island. Despite its peaceful setting, it’s still not far from the more lively Cherngtalay to the north or Patong to the south.
Where to stay at Kamala Beach?
- Ultra-luxury: Keemala – A sophisticated hideaway featuring traditional (and quite unique) wooden cabins in luxurious rainforest surroundings.
- Value for money: Wabi Sabi Boutique Hotel – Great hotel just 200 metres from the beach, featuring a pool and spacious standard rooms.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels at Kamala Beach here (adlink).
The best hotels at Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach is one of Phuket’s longest stretches of sand, and it can be divided into three parts:
- The southern end with “regular” hotels, restaurants and bars.
- The middle section with luxury hotels and lagoons.
- The northern end, which is almost deserted.
If you’re planning to stay in the southern area, we honestly think Surin Beach would be a better option. The sand here isn’t as soft, the water isn’t as clear and sunset views are limited.
That said, Laguna Phuket, located in the middle, is a unique area of the island. The sand here is softer than it is in the southern part, though it comes at a high price. Porto de Phuket, a shopping centre, is nearby, and Boat Avenue Phuket is easily accessible for shopping.
One of the advantages of staying at Bang Tao Beach is that it’s only about a 30-minute drive from the airport.
Where to stay at Bang Tao Beach?
- Luxury: SAii Laguna Phuket – Beautiful, top-class resort located by the lagoons and the best part of the beach.
- Budget: Chabana Resort – Stay right next to a small lake, close to plenty of food and shopping options, with approximately 1.5 km to the beach.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels at Bang Tao here (adlink).
The best hotels at Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is the most beautiful beach in the southernmost part of Phuket, offering a special sense of calm while still being close to the many options in Phuket Town.
Where to stay at Nai Harn Beach?
- Luxury: The Nai Harn – The hotel couldn’t be better located – just steps from Nai Harn Beach with sun all day long.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels at Nai Harn Beach here (adlink).
The best hotels in Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is the perfect place to stay on the island if you don’t mind being away from the beaches.
You can easily explore the streets on foot, taking in the many beautiful buildings. It’s also conveniently located for those wanting to explore more of Phuket or use the town as a base for boat trips to nearby islands.
Where to stay in Phuket Old Town?
- Budget: The Besavana Phuket – Budget-friendly hotel with a pool within walking distance to everything in Phuket’s charming old town.
- Value for money: The Memory at On On Hotel – Stay in a historic setting in the middle of the Old Town.
Search for the cheapest and best hotels in Phuket Old Town.
The best luxury hotels in Phuket
As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket naturally offers a wide range of exceptional luxury hotels – from expansive resorts with multiple pools to smaller boutique resorts and exclusive villas that prioritise personalised service.
Here is a carefully selected selection of the best luxury hotels in Phuket:
- Yao Noi: Six Senses – Just 45 minutes by speedboat from Phuket, yet a world away.
- Pa Klok: COMO Point Yamu – Incredible pool villas just 25 minutes from the airport on Phuket’s east coast.
- Surin Beach: The Surin Phuket – One of Phuket’s absolute best hotels (without being one of the most expensive). Has a unique hexagonal pool that leads directly to an almost entirely private beach.
- Kamala Beach: Keemala – A sophisticated hideaway featuring traditional (and quite unique) wooden cabins in luxurious rainforest surroundings.
- Tri Trang Beach: Rosewood Phuket – Pure luxury with private pool villas set in stunning, lush surroundings.
- Nai Harn Beach: The Nai Harn – The best hotel in southern Phuket, located right on the beach.
- Merlin Beach: Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa – Beautiful 5-star hotel with its own beach, just under 10 minutes from the heart of Patong.
The best things to do and see in Phuket
On Thailand’s largest island, there’s plenty to do (beyond relaxing on its stunning beaches).
We’ve created a comprehensive travel guide to Phuket, covering the best things to do and see.
- Big Buddha – Great view from Phuket’s largest statue
- Wat Chalong – The largest and most stunning Buddhist temple on the island
- Phuket Old Town – Colourful Sino-Portuguese houses
- Karon Temple – Pretty Buddhist temple in Karon
- Karon Temple Market – Classic market in a sacred setting
- Boat trips from Phuket – Island hopping to Thailand’s most beautiful islands
- Water activities – Try everything from snorkelling to jet skiing
- Trekking in the jungle – See waterfalls in the rainforest
- Active experiences – Get moving and connect with nature
- Samet Nangshe Viewpoint – Day trip to an epic panoramic view
- Nightlife – Party in Thai style
- Massage – Relax and unwind
- Shopping – Buy unique souvenirs
How to get to and from Phuket
Get to Thailand
From Denmark and many other countries around the world, there are direct flights to Phuket, with even more options available with a single stopover.
Phuket International Airport is also well connected to other cities in Thailand, for example Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Krabi, Chumphon and Rayong (which you can fly to in order to reach Koh Samet).
After three weeks in Phuket, we flew from its international airport to Koh Samui.
You can also fly directly between Phuket and other Asian cities such as Kuala Lumpur, Singapore, Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City and Phnom Penh.
By using our adlink below, you can search for flights on Momondo:
Find the cheapest flights to Phuket here.
When to visit Phuket?
With a temperature that almost always stays between 25°C and 32°C (77° F to 90° F), Phuket has a pleasant, tropical climate.
Phuket has three distinct seasons: the cool winter season (Phuket’s high season), the hot summer season and the rainy season.
Despite this, Phuket remains a year-round destination, with most hotels and restaurants staying open throughout the year.
What is the best time of year to visit Phuket?
The best months to visit Phuket are December and January, offering cooler temperatures, plenty of sunshine and calm waves.
November and February are also great times to travel, with slightly lower prices compared to December and January.
November to February (Phuket’s high season):
We visited Phuket ourselves in January, and it’s during this time at the beginning of the year that Phuket experiences its high season, with the most tourists and the most stable sunny weather.
Temperatures are slightly cooler, and in turn, hotel prices are higher – especially from around mid-December to mid-January.
If you’re planning to travel to Phuket over Christmas and/or New Year, it’s highly recommended to book accommodation well in advance.
March to May (the hottest months):
Phuket generally experiences the highest temperatures from March to May, with increased rainfall as well.
The school year in Thailand ends around the end of February or the beginning of March, when many families travel to escape the hottest months.
If you’re planning to visit Phuket in March, April or May, it might be worth paying a little extra for a room with air conditioning and perhaps even access to a pool!
June to August (the start of the rainy season):
From June, or sometimes as early as May, the heat begins to subside with the southwest monsoon winds that bring heavy rainfall to Phuket.
The rain usually falls in intense showers and rarely lasts all day, so there are still plenty of sunny hours.
In July and August, Phuket is at its greenest.
The rainy season also offers the chance to find accommodation at discounted prices.
September and October (the wettest months):
September and October are the wettest months in Phuket, with frequent heavy rain. During this time, boat trips or swimming in the sea aren’t always possible.
The rainfall can be so intense that the roads almost turn into rivers. It’s wise to be prepared with an umbrella and a good book if you find yourself needing to stay sheltered for a while!
If you want to avoid the worst of the rainy season in Phuket, you might want to consider visiting Koh Samui, Koh Phangan or Koh Tao instead. These islands, located in the Gulf of Thailand, have slightly different seasonal patterns, with the rainy season falling at a different time.
Our best tips for visiting Phuket
- Phuket is a beautiful island. Make sure to bring a good camera! Here’s our guide to lightweight photography gear for high-quality travel content.
- Transportation with Grab or Bolt is often cheaper than local taxis. They work similarly to Uber. Download both apps and compare prices for a ride to Phuket Old Town – just make sure you have data on your phone.
- The electrical outlets in Phuket generally feature two round prongs, fitting both most European and Asian appliances, as well as the flat prongs of USA and Japan. The standard voltage is 220 volts.
- How long to spend in Phuket is hard to say. You can see the main sights in a few adventure-filled days, or spend weeks discovering the hidden beaches. Not to mention all the islands in Phang Nga Bay!
- Beachwear belongs on the beach. Although Thais in Phuket are accustomed to tourists, it’s considered rude to wear a swimsuit when you’re not on the beach. Especially at temples.
- Book accommodation well in advance if you’re travelling during the high season (July and August + December to March). While there will always be rooms available, many of the best hotels get fully booked months ahead of time.
- Wifi is widely available in hotels and cafes, and it’s usually very fast. If you need internet access elsewhere for services like Grab and Bolt, consider buying a local SIM card or eSIM with data. It’s affordable and easy to obtain. We’ve previously used Airalo (adlink) with great success.
- Phuket is very family-friendly. Thais are fond of children, and there are plenty of fun activities beyond just lounging on the beach.
- The sun is strong. Remember your sun protection and stay in the shade during the hottest hours in the middle of the day.
- Credit cards are accepted in most higher-end establishments, but cash is more commonly used in local restaurants and smaller shops.
- ATMs and currency exchange spots are easy to find. It’s usually most cost-effective to withdraw money in baht, and to minimise extra fees, it’s a good idea to take out the maximum allowed amount at once.
- With several hospitals, clinics and dental practices on the island, medical care is readily available if you need treatment or assistance during your stay.
- Bring your own water bottle and refill it at cafes, restaurants or water dispensers, where a litre of clean water costs just a single baht.
- Remember travel insurance! We compare the best travel insurance for digital nomads and long-term travellers here.
Thank you for reading along
Thank you for reading our guide on where to stay in Phuket. We hope you’ve found a beach or hotel that perfectly matches your holiday dreams.
Have you visited Phuket before? Where did you stay? What do you think of the island?
We would love to hear from you in the comments below. And ask away if you have any questions, too – we are happy to help!
Our favourite travel resources:
- Booking.com for cheap hotels.
- Momondo for the best flight deals.
- SafetyWing for travel insurance. We also like World Nomads and True Traveller. All three compared here.
Our camera gear:
- Panasonic GH5. Used for all of our photos and videos.
- DJI Mavic 2 Pro. Best drone out there!
- Sirui Tripod. Lightweight and strong.
- See all of our camera gear here.
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