Where to Stay in Phuket: Top Areas & Hotels [2025]

Some islands promise paradise, Phuket delivers it with a splash of vibrant markets, white-sand beaches, and after-dark energy that few places can match. But here's the secret: your experience changes dramatically depending on where you stay. From the lively buzz of Patong to the peaceful shores of Mai Khao, choosing the right neighborhood in Phuket shapes your entire trip.

Each area in Phuket offers a different vibe whether you’re chasing nightlife, seeking family-friendly resorts, or craving a quiet luxury escape. Picking the right base will not only save you hours of travel time but make your adventure way more unforgettable.

In this guide, I’ll break down the best places to stay in Phuket, whether you're visiting for beaches, parties, family fun, or a romantic getaway. Let’s find the perfect spot for your dream island escape!

1. Patong Beach – Phuket’s Party Capital 🎉

If you're craving nonstop energy, neon lights, and beach parties that roll into sunrise, Patong Beach is your playground. This area is where Phuket's famous nightlife and bustling beach vibes collide.

Who Should Stay in Patong Beach?

✔️ First-time visitors – Easy access to tours, beaches, and nightlife.

✔️ Nightlife lovers – Bangla Road is legendary for clubs and bars.

✔️ Budget travelers – Plenty of affordable hostels and mid-range hotels.

❌ Peace seekers – It's loud and packed, especially at night.

Best Hotels in Patong Beach

• Luxury: Amari Phuket – Secluded luxury with private beach access.
• Mid-Range: The Kee Resort – Modern comfort steps from Bangla Road.
• Budget: Lub d Phuket Patong – Trendy hostel with a pool and social vibe.

Best Things to Do in Patong Beach

• 💃Bangla Road – Dance the night away at Phuket’s biggest party street.
• ⛱️Patong Beach – Sunbathe, parasail, or just people-watch.
• 🛍️Jungceylon Shopping Mall – Perfect for retail therapy and cooling off.

Food & Dining in Patong Beach

Patong is packed with everything from cheap street food to international restaurants. Don't miss the seafood BBQs on the beachfront!

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~45 minutes by taxi (around 800-1000 THB)
🚗 Easy to grab taxis, tuk-tuks, or scooters, but traffic can be crazy.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Patong Beach

• ✅ Unbeatable nightlife and beach access.
• ✅ Tons of shopping and dining options.
• ❌ Noisy and crowded.
• ❌ Not ideal for an authentic Thai experience.

2. Kata Beach – Laid-back Beach Vibes 🌊

Kata strikes the perfect balance between lively and chill. Think gorgeous surf waves by day and relaxed dining by night.

Who Should Stay in Kata Beach?

✔️ Families – Calm waters and kid-friendly resorts.

✔️ Couples – Romantic sunsets and quieter evenings.

✔️ Surfers – Popular for beginner waves.

❌ Party animals – Nightlife is low-key here.

Best Hotels in Kata Beach

• Luxury: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort – Beachfront bliss for families and couples.
• Mid-Range: Chanalai Flora Resort – Great value with a tropical vibe.
• Budget: FIN Hostel Co Working – Budget-friendly and close to the beach.

Best Things to Do in Kata Beach

• 🏄Surf House Phuket – Try flowboarding even if you're a beginner.
• 🩷Kata Noi Beach – A quieter, even prettier beach nearby.
• 🏌️Dino Park Mini Golf – Fun for families with kids.

Food & Dining in Kata Beach

Fresh seafood and cute cafés line the main road. Try the mango sticky rice at the Kata Night Market!

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~1 hour by taxi (approx. 1000 THB)
🚗 Easy to scooter around; fewer tuk-tuks than Patong.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Kata Beach

• ✅ Beautiful beach and laid-back vibe.
• ✅ Family and couple friendly.
• ❌ Limited nightlife.
• ❌ Slightly pricier than nearby Karon.

3. Karon Beach – Relaxed but Convenient 🏖️

Karon offers a long, wide beach with fewer crowds than Patong but still enough restaurants, shops, and bars to keep you busy.

Who Should Stay in Karon Beach?

✔️Families – Open beach space and relaxed vibe.

✔️Mid-range travelers – Affordable hotels with beachfront access.

❌ Party lovers – Nightlife is tame compared to Patong.

Best Hotels in Karon Beach

• Luxury: Centara Grand Beach Resort – Direct beach access and a water park for kids.
• Mid-Range: Mandarava Resort – Hillside views and chic pools.
• Budget: On Hotel Phuket – Basic, clean, and right by the beach.

Best Things to Do in Karon Beach

• 🎆Karon Temple Market – A colorful local night market.
• 🌸Big Buddha – A short drive away; must-visit landmark.
• 🌄Karon Beach – Long walks and sunset photography.

Food & Dining in Karon Beach

Plenty of casual beachfront dining. Try Karon Café for a good steak if you need a break from Thai food.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~1 hour by taxi (around 1000 THB)
🚗 Easy for scooter rentals and taxis.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Karon Beach

• ✅ Wide, peaceful beach.
• ✅ Lots of affordable stays.
• ❌ Quiet nightlife.
• ❌ Not as luxurious as Kata or Patong.

4. Rawai – Local Vibes & Island Adventures 🚤

Rawai feels like real Phuket, fishing boats bobbing offshore, seafood markets buzzing, and easy access to nearby islands. It’s a launchpad for day trips rather than a beach-bumming destination.

Who Should Stay in Rawai?

✔️Adventure seekers – Perfect base for boat trips to Coral Island, Racha Island, and more.

✔️Long-term travelers – Affordable rentals and local living.

✔️Foodies – Amazing fresh seafood.

❌ Beach lovers – Not ideal for swimming.

Best Hotels in Rawai

• Luxury: The Nai Harn – Ultimate beachfront luxury just nearby.
• Mid-Range: Navatara Phuket Resort – Boutique comfort with a Thai touch.
• Budget: Le Piman Resort – Great for extended stays at friendly rates.

Best Things to Do in Rawai

• 🦞Rawai Seafood Market – Pick your seafood, get it cooked on the spot.
• 🐚Phuket Seashell Museum – Quirky but interesting stop.
• 🌄Promthep Cape – Jaw-dropping sunsets.

Food & Dining in Rawai

If you love seafood, you’ll be in heaven. Rawai Seafood Market and the beachfront restaurants are unbeatable.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~1 hour 15 mins by taxi (~1200 THB)
🚗 Renting a scooter is highly recommended to get around.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Rawai

• ✅ Authentic local vibe.
• ✅ Great for island hopping.
• ❌ No swimmable beach.
• ❌ Far from the main tourist hubs.

5. Kamala Beach – Quiet Escape Close to the Action 🌅

Kamala is a peaceful village vibe with an upscale twist, it's calm by day, and offers low-key bars and beach clubs by night.

Who Should Stay in Kamala Beach?

✔️Families – Safe, swimmable beach and relaxed town.

✔️Couples – Romantic, quieter than Patong.

✔️Luxury seekers – Beach clubs and posh resorts.

❌ Partygoers – Nightlife is mellow.

Best Hotels in Kamala Beach

• Luxury: InterContinental Phuket Resort – Five-star beachfront heaven.
• Mid-Range: Sunprime Kamala Beach – Adults-only escape right on the sand.
• Budget: Kamala Beachfront Apartment – Great for longer, cheaper stays.

Best Things to Do in Kamala Beach

• ⛲Phuket FantaSea – Cultural show meets theme park.
• 🍸Café del Mar Phuket – Famous beach club for sunset cocktails.
• 🏊Kamala Beach – Swim, sunbathe, or snorkel.

Food & Dining in Kamala Beach

Laid-back cafés and beachfront restaurants are everywhere. Try grilled seafood with your toes in the sand!

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~45 minutes by taxi (~800 THB)
🚗 Renting a scooter is ideal for getting around.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Kamala Beach

• ✅ Beautiful, quiet beach.
• ✅ Great luxury options.
• ❌ Not much happening late at night.
• ❌ Fewer budget stays compared to Patong.

6. Mai Khao Beach – Secluded Luxury & Nature 🛬

Love the idea of an empty beach stretching for miles? Mai Khao is a protected national park zone ultra-peaceful, pure nature, and luxury resorts.

Who Should Stay in Mai Khao Beach?

✔️Luxury travelers – Upscale resorts on endless beach.

✔️Transit visitors – Super close to Phuket Airport.

✔️ Nature lovers – National park walks and turtle releases.

❌ Nightlife seekers – No real nightlife at all.

Best Hotels in Mai Khao Beach

• Luxury: JW Marriott Phuket Resort – Luxe beachfront paradise.
• Mid-Range: Holiday Inn Resort Phuket Mai Khao – Family-friendly comfort.
• Budget: Splash Beach Resort – Affordable fun with a water park!

Best Things to Do in Mai Khao Beach

• ✈️Mai Khao Beach – Secluded beach walks and plane spotting.
• 🦪Sirinat National Park – Explore untouched coastal beauty.
• 🐢Turtle Village – Small shopping and dining hub.

Food & Dining in Mai Khao Beach

Most dining options are inside resorts. For authentic eats, head south toward Nai Yang or into local towns.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~15 minutes by taxi (~400 THB)
🚗 Very little public transport — renting a car or resort shuttle is key.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Mai Khao Beach

• ✅ Gorgeous untouched beach.
• ✅ Perfect for luxury and privacy.
• ❌ Remote location.
• ❌ Limited dining and entertainment.

7. Phuket Old Town – Culture, Color, and Creativity 🎨

Step back in time with colorful Sino-Portuguese mansions, vibrant street art, night markets, and historic charm around every corner.

Who Should Stay in Phuket Old Town?

✔️Culture lovers – Amazing heritage buildings and museums.

✔️ Foodies – Best local eats in Phuket.

✔️ Budget travelers – Tons of affordable boutique hotels.

❌ Beach lovers – Far from the ocean.

Best Hotels in Phuket Old Town

• Luxury: Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel – Elegant colonial charm.
• Mid-Range: The Memory at On On Hotel – Stay in Phuket's oldest hotel.
• Budget: Book a Bed Poshtel – Stylish, social hostel option.

Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town

• 🎆Sunday Walking Street Market – Phuket’s best night market.
• 🏘️Thalang Road – Gorgeous old shophouses and hipster cafés.
• 🖼️Thai Hua Museum – Dive into Phuket’s Chinese heritage.

Food & Dining in Phuket Old Town

Heaven for street food lovers. Try chicken rice at Kota Khao Man Gai and the famous roti at Roti Chaofa!

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~45 minutes by taxi (~800-900 THB)
🚶🏻 Walkable town, tuk-tuks and taxis available for longer trips.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Phuket Old Town

• ✅ Rich history and colorful architecture.
• ✅ Amazing food and nightlife (bars, not clubs).
• ❌ No beaches nearby.
• ❌ Hot and busy during midday.

8. Surin Beach – Stylish, Upscale Beach Vibes 🏖️

Nicknamed "Millionaire’s Row," Surin Beach is a magnet for luxury travelers — think fine-dining, chic beach clubs, and crystal-clear waters framed by lush green hills.

Who Should Stay in Surin Beach?

✔️ Luxury travelers – High-end resorts and villas.

✔️ Couples – Romantic sunsets and serene atmosphere.

✔️ Foodies – Upscale restaurants and cafés.

❌ Party animals – Nightlife is low-key.

Best Hotels in Surin Beach

• Luxury: Twinpalms Phuket – Boutique luxury with an iconic pool.
• Mid-Range: Surintra Boutique Resort – Stylish comfort steps from the beach.
• Budget: Surin Sweet Hotel – Great location without the big price tag.

Best Things to Do in Surin Beach

• 🤿Surin Beach – Chill, swim, snorkel, and sunbathe.
• 🍸Catch Beach Club – Glamorous beach days and party nights.
• 🛍️Shopping at Surin Plaza – High-end boutiques and art galleries.

Food & Dining in Surin Beach

Upscale seafood, beach clubs with gourmet menus, and trendy cafés. It's all about dining in style here.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~40 minutes by taxi (~700 THB)
🚗 Best to rent a scooter if you want to explore nearby beaches like Bang Tao.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Surin Beach

• ✅ Stunning beach with luxury vibes.
• ✅ Fantastic restaurants and beach clubs.
• ❌ Not ideal for budget travelers.
• ❌ Nightlife can be a bit too quiet.

9. Bang Tao Beach – Best for Luxury Resorts & Families 🏝️

Bang Tao stretches for miles along a long, beautiful bay lined with luxury resorts, laid-back beach bars, and the famous Laguna Phuket complex.

Who Should Stay in Bang Tao Beach?

✔️ Families – Spacious villas and kid-friendly resorts.

✔️ Golfers – Near Laguna Golf Phuket.

✔️ Long-stay visitors – Great condos and rentals.

❌ Backpackers – Few cheap options.

Best Hotels in Bang Tao Beach

• Luxury: Banyan Tree Phuket – Dreamy villas and spa experiences.
• Mid-Range: Sunwing Bangtao Beach – Perfect for families with kids.
• Budget: Chillhub Hostel – Budget-friendly and near the beach!

Best Things to Do in Bang Tao Beach

• Bang Tao Beach – Swim, SUP, or just relax.
• Laguna Phuket Golf Course – Hit the greens in tropical paradise.
• Boat Avenue – Trendy shopping, dining, and nightlife.

Food & Dining in Bang Tao Beach

You’ll find everything from Thai beach shacks to high-end dining. Try "Catch Beach Club" for a fun dinner by the sea!

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~30 minutes by taxi (~600 THB)
🚗 Car or scooter rental is ideal for exploring the area easily.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Bang Tao Beach

✅ Family-friendly and luxurious.

✅ Great food, shopping, and golf.

❌ Expensive compared to other areas.

❌ Nightlife is more chill than wild.

10. Nai Harn Beach – Laid-back, Gorgeous, and Local 🌿

Tucked away in Phuket’s south, Nai Harn is a dream of powdery white sands, calm turquoise waters, and a more "secret spot" feel compared to the busier beaches.

Who Should Stay in Nai Harn Beach?

✔️Nature lovers – Unspoiled beauty and hiking nearby.

✔️ Couples – Quiet and romantic atmosphere.

✔️ Families – Safe swimming beach for kids.

❌ Nightlife chasers – Very quiet after sunset.

Best Hotels in Nai Harn Beach

• Luxury: The Nai Harn – Stunning beachfront suites and sunset views.
• Mid-Range: Sunsuri Phuket – Great value with big pools and hillside views.
• Budget: Nai Harn On The Rock Resort – Cozy bungalows near the beach.

Best Things to Do in Nai Harn Beach

• Nai Harn Beach – Swim, relax, and watch incredible sunsets.
• Ao Sane Beach – Tiny hidden beach for snorkeling.
• Promthep Cape – Famous sunset viewpoint just minutes away.

Food & Dining in Nai Harn Beach

Small, charming cafés and local seafood restaurants dot the area. No big chains — just authentic local flavors.

Transportation & Accessibility

🚕 From Phuket Airport: ~1 hour by taxi (~1000 THB)
🚗 Scooter rental highly recommended for exploring Rawai and other beaches.

Pros & Cons of Staying in Nai Harn Beach

• ✅ Beautiful, peaceful beach.
• ✅ Great for families and couples.
• ❌ Limited nightlife and shopping.
• ❌ Far from the airport and major malls.

🏝️Ready For A Perfect Stay In Phuket?

Phuket truly has something for every kind of traveler whether you're dreaming of lively nights in Patong, peaceful retreats in Nai Harn, or family-friendly fun in Kamala. Each area brings its own vibe, and picking the right one will shape your island adventure in the best way.

Ready to lock in your perfect trip? Start by finding the Best Hotel In Phuket, securing your Flight to Phuket from Singapore, and checking out the latest travel promotions. Staying connected is easy too. Grab an eSIM for Thailand before you land!

Not sure when to go? Check out the Best Time to Visit Phuket guide! For even more inspiration, dive into our full Phuket travel guide. No matter where you stay, getting around Phuket is a breeze with taxis, scooters, and island tours 🚗🏖️.