As Thailand’s largest island, there’s no shortage of gorgeous coastlines, or perfect, unspoiled beaches to enjoy in Phuket. From the popular, party beaches with plenty of activities to the quiet, serene beaches that are almost empty. Phuket is one of Thailand’s best holiday destinations. With crystal clear water and a sandy white beach, tourists can experience stunning sea views in the various places in Phuket.
Palm trees, white-sand beaches, crazy parties, luxury beach resorts, delicious Thai foods… What more could you expect from a tropical island? Phuket has it all!
Phuket is Thailand’s most popular travel destination and is visited by all kinds of travelers including backpackers, honeymoon couples, families, and party people. It is a beautiful island that has a lot to offer for all tastes and I have found you the best areas to suit your personal preferences. Thanks to a large number of accommodation options and being easy to get around on the island, it is not difficult to find a hotel for your budget in Phuket.
However, it can be a headache when looking for where to stay in Phuket. This island paradise is much larger than you might think with a wide range of accommodations available. You’ll find various luxury villas, 5-star beach resorts, high to mid-price hotels, and even a range of budget hostels to stay in Phuket. This quick and easy guide to Phuket’s best hotels and accommodations will help you decide where to stay. Whether you’re in the mood for a luxury gateway or a budget solo holiday, we’ve got the best of Phuket for you.
Tours
As a first-time traveler to Phuket, it is always ideal to know where to stay in Phuket. Most tourists will choose to stay on the west side of the island. This area houses many great bays and resorts that offer beach and sea views with a sunset.
The infamous Patong Beach is the most popular beach on the west side of Phuket. From there, you can choose the Karon and Kata beach (south of Patong), or Kalim and Kamala (north of Patong). It tends to be quieter and more laid back, away from the hustle and bustle of the main action area of Patong.
Tours
Patong beach
The most happening area on the island Being the most popular place in Phuket, Patong Beach is the busiest beach on the island. You can do various water activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and windsurfing, Besides, this happening area is home to all kinds of restaurants, shopping malls, night markets, and shops. The most happening street, Bangla Road is also located in this area. Here you’ll find the dance bar, bistro, go-go bars, and live music restaurants.
With tons of interesting things to do and water activities, Patong beach is a great place to stay in Phuket for holidaymakers or groups of friends. The party scene makes this place an exciting place in Phuket. Plenty of accommodation can be found here, from luxury 5-stars holidays to cheap budget hostels.
Tip, Visit Freedom Beach
Freedom by name, freedom by nature. Despite being located in the boisterous district of Patong, Freedom Beach is far from what one might expect. A quiet, unspoiled beach, it’s much less accessible than the majority of beaches on the island as land access requires getting in touch with your adventurous side and trekking through a jungle, but is also reachable by boat. Google Maps https://g.page/svadbaphuket?share
Stay:
Amari Phuket
looking out over the bay of Patong from the hills of Phuket it's the perfect getaway. Peacefully settled on the hills but only 5 minute's walk to Patong beach. During low tide, they have a private beach just behind the pool for relaxation or snorkeling.
The property has 3 pools so you will always find a place for yourself to relax
The staff at the resort was extremely friendly and helpful. Amari is a great hotel for families or couples in their 30s and upwards, who are after a relaxing and comfortable stay, one side note it's on the hill so it has a lot of stairs, they use the shuttle bus to bring you everywhere but you still need to walk at some stairs so mabey its, not the best place if you don't have good legs.
Although the weather was still rainy we enjoyed the food and views a lot during our stay. The best season to visit is between November and April, but from the last year's experience, early November can still bring some rainy days. Book Now
Thavorn Beach Village & Spa
One of the best places to stay in Phuket. The hotel has so many activities to do and is near Patong and Kamala. We stayed at the beach villas and loved it so much. Awake here and seeing the white beach and blue ocean is just if you awake in a dream. Book Now
Quality Resort and Spa
A hidden gem situated in the heart of Patong Beach, enveloped by lush tropical gardens, featuring 12 rooms with pool access, perfect for those who want to relax by the pool. Guests can enjoy the activities at Patong Beach, just moments away from the property. In from of the hotels you can find our favorite Irish pub, James & Joyce, which offers live music and a welcoming atmosphere so you can enjoy pub classics and traditional Thai meals.
Quality Resort & Spa Patong Beach, was built with a very specific intention in mind: Creating an environment for a relaxing and enjoyable stay. The entire property surrounds the sprawling and luxurious swimming pool with a golden traditional Thai design, adding a touch of luxury to the atmosphere. The resort offers dining options for guests, including a Thai and Indian-themed all-day restaurant, a Pool Bar, and James & Joyce – a lively Irish Pub. Book Now
Karon Beach
A favorite of many who come to Phuket, Karon Beach isn’t quite as popular as Patong, but there’s still plenty to do other than sunbathing here. The rocky area around the south of the beach is a top spot for snorkeling, but for those who prefer a more high-octane activity, it’s possible to rent jet skis on the beach too Whilst the sand might not be as soft as some beaches, the length of the beach means you won’t be short on space. The waves can get pretty wild during the rainy season, but that doesn’t mean the fun has to stop; nearby, there are a handful of bars that can easily provide an evening’s worth of entertainment whilst they might not match Patong. Google Maps Location https://goo.gl/maps/KmJqN5FzviWPuc689
Stay:
Thavorn Palm Beach
Imagine a place where you are taken through a paradise of nature. When time slows down, as you walk through this oasis of beauty, butterflies flutter beside you, cute rabbits hop about, and the ambient sound of birds fills the sky. This is the experience you begin to feel at the Thavorn Palm Beach Resort in the Karon district of Phuket. Truly as their slogan says, it is where Thai tradition meets nature. Book Now
Le Meridien in Phuket
Settled on one of the best beaches you can find around Phuket, a beautiful hotel perfectly built in a bay with a great white sandy beach great for snorkeling, surfing, or just relaxing by the pool. On the first days, we had some rain but on the last days the sun was shining and you can see the white sand and blue ocean popping up beautifully this is why it's one of the best beaches around Phuket. Book Now
Kamala beach
If you prefer to stay in more relaxed areas in Phuket, Kamala beach is another top option. It is located north of Patong Beach about 20 minutes. This area has a very family-friendly atmosphere, surrounded by hills which offers a more authentic village feel. Kamala is also home to FantaSea, which is considered a “Cultural Theme Park” and very popular with tourists.
Stay:
Sunwing Kamala Beach
Sunwing Kamala Beach includes all the fun, adventure, and luxury that families want most, elevating the family vacation to world-class standards. The resort is located on one of the most stunning and unspoiled beaches in Phuket. Book Now
Rawai beach
Located in the south of the island, Rawai beach is situated in a calm area 17km from Phuket town. The beach itself is lovely and quiet compared to the hustle and bustle of Patong. However, it is not a swimming beach and is used primarily as a boat harbor.
Rawai beach is known as a great place to sample some fresh seafood thanks to the fantastic seafood market and plenty of good seafood restaurants. An off-the-beaten-path area of Phuket to stay in if you are looking for a local vibe in Phuket.
Stay:
Navatara
Navatara has 37 rooms, "Thai style". Some rooms have pool access, and all rooms look pretty big. This is a smaller, Thai-style resort away from the main beaches, but not too far. Navatara is about 500m from Rawai beach and a few minutes drive from Nai Harn beach and Phromthep Cape Book Now
Kata Beach
At around 1.5km long, Kata Beach is big enough never to feel overly crowded and ensures you’ll always have ample space for a towel on the beach. Palm tree-lined with soft, white sand and plenty of places to eat and drink nearby, it’s easy to see why it’s so popular with tourists and locals. As well as activities such as surfing available, there are plenty of shops nearby to engage in retail therapy, plus resorts if you’re planning on staying a while. With lots of space and so much going on, it’s ideal for families or those who want a break from the more raucous beaches in the area. One of my favorite beaches in Phuket Google Maps Location https://goo.gl/maps/fUj3Pz8fUkW5YgLr6
Stay:
The Sis Kata resort
A Dynamic Young and Trendy Resort Situated about 300 Metres up On the Hillside A Few Moments Away Of The Award-Winning Gold Sands Of Kata Beach ‘The SIS Kata’ Stands Out As Having Amazing Views Across The Andaman Sea Plus A Signature Restaurant Which Welcomes Both In House Guests And Visitors Alike. A Little Further Up The Hill You Will Reach The View Point And Onwards To ‘Leam Phrom Thep’ Lighthouse Both Famous In Their Own Right. Designed By The ‘Sisters’ The Attention To Detail Has Played A Most Important Part In The Development Of The Beautiful Resort. Guests Can Enjoy A Variety Of Graciously Styled Rooms With Just That Extra Little Touch Of Style Seen Throughout. Book Now
Surin Beach
Surin Beach is one of Phuket's most beautiful and natural spots on the island. A beach that the late King Rama IX once visited in the 50s, it’s since become a playground for the rich and wealthy, with several high-class resorts and hotels nearby, as well as a golf course. It’s not hard to see why it’s so popular: soft, white sand gives way to a scenic row of palm trees, while the sea itself has both light and deeper blue tones. A word of caution — the sea here gets deeper than in other bays, so be careful if you’re planning on swimming. Other than that, it’s an extremely pleasant beach with some good restaurants and bars just a short walk away. Google Maps Location https://goo.gl/maps/dGpZSMHbmDMA4mg88
Stay:
Outrigger Surin Beach
Outrigger's Surin Beach Resort is an elegant, boutique resort nestled at the edge of the white sands of Surin Beach. A sense of tranquility is found in this tropical seaside haven filled with colorful handicrafts and plush silk fabrics throughout the property, presenting a stylish mix of traditional Asian decor and modern design. Experience our surf-inspired restaurant, Nalu Bar and Grill, and stay for the Phuket sunset at the Nalu loft bar. The resort has two swimming pools and is within walking distance of many beautiful beaches, historic temples and buildings, the Jungceylong Shopping Center, and a number of outdoor activities including scuba diving, cycling, yachting, hiking, and zip lining. Book Now
Sirinat National Park
Sirinat National Park is at the northern end of Phuket, close to the international airport. Since it’s a national park, the area is less developed than most in Phuket. It consists of more than 22km of white sandy shoreline separated into three beaches; Nai Thon, Nai Yang, and Phuket’s longest beach Mai Khao (11 km in length).
You can literally walk for hours along the beaches here and just come across locals relaxing beneath a palm tree or enjoying a swim. Obviously, we’re still in Phuket, and while they may be better hidden, quite a few resorts are dotted around the area.
Nai Thon Beach
Starting in the south and moving north, the first beach is Nai Thon, a tranquil, lovely stretch of somewhat rough yellow sand. Most of the beach is blissfully free of sunbeds and watersports. Unfortunately, there aren’t many places to eat and drink here, apart from the resorts and a couple of restaurants.
Banana Beach near Naithon beach
Banana Beach in Phuket is a little hidden treasure. , the small Banana Beach is hiding from the crowd. It is still quiet. Considering that Banana Beach is pretty big with shallow clear blue waters, towering palm trees, and excellent sand quality, it is a mystery why it hasn’t been developed like the rest of the island. There is a small restaurant on the beach open during the high season and on weekends. Google Maps location https://goo.gl/maps/JuSsFHjCwmmM3Qs5A
Stay:
Naithonburi
wonderful hotel away from all the hustle and bustle. It's so peaceful with on one side the mountains and a green jungle and on the other side, the beach which is a popular spot for surfers. The Northwest of Phuket has some fine beaches where you can get away from the crowds. The Naithonburi is small and neat, not very expensive, but has facilities a nice pool, a gym, and Naithon beach just outside! There's a pool bar and a restaurant, one of only a few along the beach.Book Now
Nai Yang Beach
The easiest accessible of the Sirinat beaches, Nai Yang, is a beautiful half-moon-shaped bay with shallow, still water. It is popular with kite surfers and watching the kiters do their thing is great fun.
Stay:
Marriot Resort Nai Yang
The resort is beautifully modern and designed in a tropical garden with rooms at the pool and beautiful villas on the beach with their own plunge pool, all a few steps from the beach. The beach is great for long walks and when the water is low you can also walk to a small hidden Island just around the corner of the resort. Book Now
Bang Tao beach
Beautiful Bang Tao beach is our favorite beach in Phuket. The beach is one of Phuket’s longest and lies on the northeast side of Phuket. The half-moon-shaped bay stretches on for 8 km of soft powdery white sand and is lined with trees.
The southern part of the region is home to many three and four-star hotels, some cool beach clubs, and an old fishing village further inland. Roughly in the middle of the beach is Laguna Phuket a large 1000 acres area of land with seven high-end hotels built around an inland lake.
The further north you go, the less developed the beach gets, and this is where it becomes truly stunning. White powder sand and the blue sea stretched out as far as the eye can see, and paradise is a word that easily springs to mind.
Stay:
Diamond Resort Phuket
Nestled among Laguna Phuket and Bangtao Beach area. Modern and contemporary with spacious rooms and stylish interiors. Diamond Resort Phuket embraces a coastal living style with a touch of elegance. Surrounded by lush tropical scenery, the resort features a chic design, a hip ambiance, and quality service.
Bang Tao Beach is easily accessible with a free daily shuttle service that runs frequently. The resort is within close reach of the bustling Boat Avenue Phuket, the elegant lifestyle destination resort Laguna Phuket, and the ultrahip Carpe Diem Beach Club Phuket. There are plenty of things to do, activities, and sights to explore from Diamond Resort Phuket.Book Now
South of Phuket
Nai Harn Beach
Located to the south of Phuket, Nai Harn is a small bay with powdery-soft sand and sea that changes from calm in the high season to strong currents in the low season, making it a popular spot for Phuket’s surfing and kiteboarding crowd. With much of the land owned by the Samnak Song Monastery, it’s avoided overdevelopment thus far, which makes a change from some of the more popular beaches on the island. Just behind the beach is a lake, where people come to fish and take a ride in swan-shaped pedalos, making for a pleasant change of scenery. Google Maps Location https://goo.gl/maps/9NiNTmFKAcS69T85A
Ao Sane Beach
Another hidden nirvana, Ao Sane beach can be reached by driving or walking through the Nai Harn hotel on Nai Harn Beach. Perhaps the island's rockiest beach, Ao Sane is also one of its best "secrets." This beach is where you'll find the meaning of true tranquility. You won't be bombarded by hawkers selling their wares or have to suffer through the incessant whining of Jet Skis. Nor will you be able to rent a beach chair or bodyboard, but this lack of commerce is the beach's greatest perk.
Tours
The sand at Ao Sane is rougher than it is on other beaches in Phuket. It's also incredibly rocky, so don't plan on a game of volleyball. This idyllic spot does, however, rate as one of the best places to snorkel and dive on the island. Plus, it's lined by giant trees, which provide much-needed shade to help you cool off. Google maps Location https://goo.gl/maps/Tm629MxALmdub8n26
Ya Nui Beach
What Ya Nui beach lacks in size, it more than makes up for in beauty. Just south of Nai Harn, it may only be 200m, but the size isn’t everything. Rather than views of resorts, it features the view of nearby Koh Keyao Noi island and has dramatic rocky outcrops set alongside the cerulean sea that look ready-made for photographs. In terms of activities, body-boarding is popular here, as is snorkeling, with some of the best snorkeling to be found out by Koh Keyao Noi, which is only a short kayak away. Google Maps Location https://goo.gl/maps/hjX9aMExhQoqvAT56
Stay:
Amatara Phuket wellness
a resort that gives visitors the best of both worlds and peaceful relaxation with easy access to all areas of Phuket without being a boat ride away. Amatara is a Phuket wellness resort is on the southeast corner of the island, away from the popular party areas, such as Patong Beach, more on the mid-northwest part of the island. It would take about 45 minutes to get to these more popular Phuket destinations. Book Now
Westin Siray Bay Resort
Build on a hill in the most Southern part of Phuket near Phuket Town and the ferry to Phi Phi or another Island near looking out over the beautiful ocean of Siray Bay. Once there, we were greeted by a very friendly staff. Our luggage was shuttled up to our room while we hopped onto a golf cart-like vehicle to take us to our room. It is a hilly area with lots of steps but we certainly enjoyed going up and down the landscape and enjoying the views. Book Now
Note for first-timers:
The large majority of the beautiful beaches of Phuket are on the island’s west coast, with only 3 or 4 exceptions in the southeast.
Best areas in Phuket for active first-timers: Kata, Karon, Patong If this is your first time in Phuket and you want to have everything nearby and easy to access, but don’t mind busy beaches, then Patong is your first choice. The beach is vast and beautiful and less busy in the north. Next will be Kata and Karon beaches; both have superb beaches but with fewer people. Dining and shopping are widely available, but the nightlife is much quieter than in Patong.
The best areas in Phuket for beach lovers: are Nai Harn, Kata, and Surin. If you want to stay on the most beautiful beaches of Phuket, the choice is difficult because there are so many. Nai Harn is one of the most scenic beaches with a wide crescent of white sand surrounded by green hills and nearby islands, and hotels have not invaded the beachfront. Surin beach is lovely with no construction near the beach, just local restaurants under the trees and beach massage. Kata Beach is also very scenic but busier during the high season.
The best area in Phuket for spas and well-being retreats: is Bang Tao Beach Spas, massages, and well-being are widely available all around Phuket, even on every beach, but Bang Tao is home to many award-winning spas and retreats, often part of luxury hotels such as Banyan Tree.
Best area in Phuket for nightlife and parties: Patong When it comes to nightlife, Patong is famous worldwide for its staggering choice of clubs, bars, excellent live music, and even infamous go-go bars, all at a surprisingly low price.
Best area in Phuket for families: is Kamala. Kata Beach, Bang Tao Beach. Phuket is a very family-friendly island with many activities for kids to enjoy. Many families choose to stay in Patong for the convenience of restaurants and shopping (nightlife only occupies one street in Patong), but it can feel a bit too busy, and the young crowd can be loud and make some families uncomfortable, especially during the high season. Kata and Kamala are a good compromise with affordable hotels and enough restaurants serving western food. Bang Tao is popular with families because the large resorts have all the facilities to make your kids happy, from kids’ clubs to kids’ pools and kids’ menus in restaurants.
The best areas in Phuket for romantic holidays: are Mai Khao, Surin, Nai Yang, and Naithon. If you want to stay away from the crowd to dedicate your entire holiday to your loved one, stay in the north of Phuket. The beaches are fantastic, and because they are part of national parks, there are few or no loungers or vendors on the beach. You can have long romantic walks and even dinner on the beach, enjoying sunsets with a cocktail.
Important note when deciding where to stay in Phuket: If you want to spend a day trip to the nearby islands or Phang Nga Bay, don’t worry! Tours agents always come to pick you up at your hotel, wherever you are on the island! So pick your hotel freely; even if you decide to stay north of Phuket, you can enjoy any tour or day trip just the same.
Travel Tips
Use Klook to find the best deals for trips, somehow they are most of the time 30% cheaper than when you buy them at a local agency. We visit a temple in Pattaya The Sanctuary of truth and on Klook you pay 360 Bath and at the temple itself 500 Bath. Klook is a world-leading travel activity and services booking platform with more than 60,000 activities across 250 major destinations.
Use Trivago to find the best prices for your hotels Trivago is a world-leading metasearch platform allowing users to compare accommodation prices from the best service suppliers. Travelers can find the best offers for hotels, apartments, houses, and even luxury villas.
Use 12Go to find your travel route for local buses, and ferries, we use them all the time as you can easily see the reviews, and the vouchers are everywhere accepted. tickets are sold for more than 5,000 destinations in 100+ countries worldwide.12Go has already helped more than 3,500,000 travelers from around the world get from point A to point B trouble-free and with a high-quality service guarantee. Over the years, the service has received more than 166,000 customer reviews.
Find Cheap rental cars with Discover Cars, somehow they always find the best deals for you. Many other websites hide fees and extra costs from you. Discover Cars includes all mandatory fees, taxes, and extras in the quoted price so there won't be any surprises when you arrive at the rental desk.
Find Cheap Flights here WayAway is the first flight aggregator to offer a membership plan that gives hard cash cashback rewards on any type of booking. So, in effect, WayAway offers two services: an innovative search that is available for free and a paid cashback program that helps travelers save even more on travel.
Use VisitorsCoverage to find the best Travel Insurance worldwide suitable for all types of travelers, including digital nomads, couples, and families regardless of budget VisitorsCoverage is one of the largest online travel insurance platforms offered in 175+ countries (with their primary market being United States). This insurance company was one of the first to offer travel insurance to travelers worldwide in 2006. Now, they offer several customizable plans, from classic insurance to cover medical expenses to extended insurance to cover flight delays, missing baggage, and other emergencies. #Travel #Thailand #Phuket