Where to Stay in Phuket 2026 | Best Areas + Hotel Map
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and a major beach resort destination. The west coast has the famous beaches (Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Bangtao), while the east coast and south have more local atmosphere. Beach choice fundamentally shapes your trip - Patong for party, Kata for families, Bangtao for luxury, Old Town for culture. Transport between beaches requires car/motorbike/expensive taxis.
On This Page
Editor's Pick for First-Timers
Kata Beach
Best balance for first-timers: beautiful beach without Patong chaos, good restaurants and bars, family-friendly, and close enough to access Patong nightlife by taxi when desired. Quality across all price ranges and a surfable beach in monsoon season.
Patong Beach
Kata Beach
Karon / Kamala
Bangtao / Laguna
Phuket Old Town
Rawai / Nai Harn
Quick Guide: Best Areas
Things to Know
- • Patong can be overwhelming with aggressive touts and noise - know what you're getting into
- • Some 'sea view' hotels face construction or hills - check recent photos
- • Budget guesthouses in Patong back alleys can be very basic - read reviews carefully
- • Tuk-tuk/taxi prices between beaches are often inflated - agree on price before boarding
- • Monsoon season (May-October) brings rain and rough seas on west coast beaches
Understanding Phuket Geography
Phuket's west coast has all major tourist beaches stretching from Kamala/Surin in the north, through Patong (center), to Kata/Karon in the south. Phuket Town (east coast) is the historic and commercial center. The southern tip (Rawai/Nai Harn) is quieter. The airport is in the north. Distances are significant - Patong to airport is 45-60 minutes.
Neighborhood Overview
Explore different areas by price range. Click a neighborhood to learn more.
Accommodation Map
Check availability and prices across Booking.com, Vrbo, and more.
Best Neighborhoods in Phuket
Patong Beach
Best for: Bangla Road nightlife, beach parties, water sports, shopping
"Thailand's most famous party beach with neon-lit nightlife"
Pros
- Best nightlife
- Most facilities
- Central location
- Water sports
Cons
- Extremely touristy
- Noisy
- Overpriced beach
- Traffic chaos
Kata Beach
Best for: Family-friendly beach, surfing in monsoon, dining options, beach clubs
"Relaxed beach town with good balance of facilities and calm"
Pros
- Family-friendly
- Good restaurants
- Beach quality
- Surf season waves
Cons
- Limited nightlife
- Developing traffic
- Distance from airport
Karon Beach
Best for: Long beach, less crowded than Patong, good mid-range options
"Quieter alternative to Patong with long sandy beach"
Pros
- Less crowded beach
- More affordable
- Good mid-range hotels
Cons
- Quiet nightlife
- Some beach vendors
- Less happening
Kamala Beach
Best for: Quiet beach, luxury resorts, families, Muslim fishing village charm
"Laid-back village beach with upscale resort development"
Pros
- Quiet atmosphere
- Beautiful beach
- Luxury resorts
- Local village
Cons
- Limited dining
- Far from action
- Needs transport for nightlife
Bangtao / Laguna
Best for: Luxury resort complex, golf, beach clubs, upscale dining
"Self-contained luxury resort enclave with world-class facilities"
Pros
- Luxury resorts
- Beach clubs
- Golf courses
- Family facilities
Cons
- Expensive
- Isolated bubble
- Need resort shuttle/taxi
- Far from local life
Phuket Old Town
Best for: Sino-Portuguese architecture, street art, cafes, local food, culture
"Historic town center with colorful architecture and café culture"
Pros
- Cultural experience
- Best local food
- Photography heaven
- Budget-friendly
Cons
- No beach
- Hot daytime walking
- Limited beach access
- Quiet at night
Rawai / Nai Harn
Best for: Local seafood, expat community, quiet beaches, viewpoints
"Southern tip local vibe with expat cafes and seafood market"
Pros
- Authentic local feel
- Amazing seafood
- Beautiful Nai Harn Beach
- Great viewpoints
Cons
- Far from everything
- Limited nightlife
- Need own transport
Accommodation Budget in Phuket
Budget
Hostels, budget hotels, shared facilities
Mid-Range
3-star hotels, boutique stays, great locations
Luxury
5-star hotels, suites, premium amenities
💡 Prices vary by season. Book 2-3 months ahead for best rates.
Our Top Hotel Picks
$ Best Budget Hotels
Lub d Phuket Patong
Patong Beach
Design-forward social hostel with private rooms, a signature see-through outdoor pool, and a prime location near Patong Beach and Bangla Road.
$$$ Best Luxury Hotels
The Shore at Katathani
Kata Noi
Adults-only boutique with private pool villas and direct beach access to beautiful Kata Noi Beach. Romantic escape.
Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong - MGallery
Patong (hillside)
Hillside resort overlooking Patong with infinity pool, spa, and quiet location above the chaos.
Amanpuri
Surin Beach
Legendary Aman resort that started the Thai luxury beach trend. Minimalist Thai pavilions, private beach, and impeccable service.
Trisara
Nai Thon
Ultra-private villa resort with private pools, secluded beach, and Michelin-starred dining. Celebrities' hideaway.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Bangtao / Laguna
All-villa resort in Laguna complex with legendary spa, golf access, and comprehensive facilities.
✦ Unique & Boutique Stays
The Memory at On On Hotel
Phuket Old Town
Renovated historic hotel from The Beach movie fame with charming colonial style. Instagram-worthy and full of character.
Keemala
Kamala (hillside)
Fantasy treehouse and bird's nest villas in jungle setting with private pools. Unlike anything else in Phuket.
Smart Booking Tips for Phuket
- 1 Book 2-3 months ahead for high season (December-February) and Christmas/New Year
- 2 Shoulder seasons (April-May, October-November) offer 40-50% savings with acceptable weather
- 3 Many resorts offer excellent package deals including transfers - compare total costs
- 4 All-inclusive/half-board often not worth it given excellent cheap local food
- 5 Consider splitting stay: beach resort + 1-2 nights in Old Town for culture
- 6 High season prices can be 3-4x low season - flexibility saves significantly
Why you can trust this guide
35+ countries • 8 years analyzing travel data
Independent developer and travel data analyst based in Prague. 35+ countries visited across Europe and Asia, 8+ years analyzing flight routes, accommodation prices, and seasonal weather patterns.
- All neighborhoods verified by walking them
- Curated locations based on walkability & safety
- Real-time availability via live partner maps
- Prices based on Booking.com & Numbeo averages
Methodology: This guide combines on-the-ground neighborhood research, current hotel pricing data, and real traveler feedback to provide honest, actionable accommodation recommendations for Phuket.
Updated: February 12, 2026
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Overview
Complete travel guide for Phuket: top things to do, itineraries, and typical costs.