Phuket is one of the most popular beach destinations in all of Thailand. It is the largest island in the country with around 50 kilometers in length and 20 kilometers at its widest.
This island is located in the southern part of Thailand and is known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife scene, the historic old town, and several cultural attractions.
The island is easily accessible by road, air, and sea. The Sarasin Bridge is located on the northern tip of Phuket connecting the island with mainland Thailand. Phuket international airport is located in the north and the island’s main pier, Rassada pier, located near Phuket Old Town on the east coast.
In this article, I will show you the list of the best places to stay in Phuket, including the best beaches, the most popular areas, and top hotels. If you are looking for Where to stay in Phuket, keep reading.
I rented a scooter and explored most of the island, so I can share first-hand tips and insights on the best spots, hidden gems, and what to avoid.
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The Best Areas to Stay in Phuket
In my opinion, the most popular areas to stay in Phuket are Patong, Karon, Kata, Karon, and Kalama, and the Old Town.
Other areas such as Bang Tao, Rawai, Nai Thon, Mai Khao, Nai Harn, and Rawai are also good options for those who want a quieter place away from the bustling nightlife.
Most of the beautiful beaches are located on the west coast of Phuket. There are several beaches on the south eastern coast but not in the ideal condition for swimming. Patong Beach, the nightlife hub on the west coast, is located 13km away from Phuket Old town, a main spot on the east coast.
Patong Beach is the best location in Phuket for those who want to be in the heart of the nightlife and parties. If you want a more relaxing atmosphere, but still have easy access to it, you can consider nearby beaches such as Kata, Karon, and Kalama. These areas are only within a 10 km radius from Patong.
Phuket Old Town is a great base for those who love history, authentic food, a more local atmosphere, and more budget-friendly accommodations. The downside of staying here is that it is within walking distance to the beach.
If you want a quieter beach holiday, you can consider staying somewhere far north or far south of the island. To the north, you will have Mai Khao, Nai Thon, and Bang Tao. To the south, you can consider the tranquil beaches of Nai Han and Rawai.
The beaches of Phuket are generally calm and ideal for swimming in the dry season from November to April, while in the monsoon season (May to October), the sea is tougher and is great for surfing.
Phuket is a very popular tourist island, and hotels fill up fast during peak season. Be sure to book several months in advance to avoid the challenge of finding a good place to stay last minute.
I booked my hotels spontaneously, so I didn’t have many options, most of the good ones were already taken. I was lucky to manage to find safe places to stay. I will share more details of my stay in Phuket in Patong, Karon, and Phuket Old town at the end of the article.
My top hotel picks in Phuket:
- Luxury: Phuket Graceland Resort
- Mid-range: Quality Beach Resorts Patong
- Budget: Seven Seas Hotel Patong
The Best Places to Stay in Phuket
1. Patong Beach
Patong is the most popular place to stay in Phuket for nightlife and shopping. It is located on the central west coast of the island, making it convenient for exploring both the north and south.
Patong is home to a long white sand beach, a busy walking street, a major shopping center, lots of nightlife markets, as well as lots of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Patong beach is a 3 km long stretch of white fine sand and clean water. The beach is lined with palm trees and lots of beach facilities like umbrellas, sunbeds, and beach bars. It is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, watching the sunset, jet skiing and parasailing.
You can enjoy great views of the entire beach from the elevated areas at both ends. Thawewong Beach Road is packed with tourist amenities like restaurants, bars, shops, and convenience stores. The Bangla Road Police Station is located at the central area of Patong Beach.
In addition to Patong Beach itself, from Patong, you can easily get a taxi or ride a scooter to the nearby beaches within a few minutes. Places like Tri Trang, Kalim, and Freedom Beach offer a quieter atmosphere than Patong Beach.
Patong has a lively nightlife and party scenes. You can see bars and nightclubs almost everywhere in town. Bangla Road Walking Street is the heart of the nightlife.
Bangla Road is a quiet street by day and turned into an action place around 5pm when it closed to traffic and turned into a bustling pedestrian zone awash with neon lights, music, and entertainment. Bangla Night Market is located here and is a good spot for both food and shopping.
When it comes to night markets, Patong offers a great selection to explore, which is perfect if you’re not into bars and clubs. I recommend checking out the Banzaan Fresh Market (my favorite spot), OTOP Market, and Malin Plaza.
These night markets are all located within a few minutes Grab Taxi ride from each other. You can easily hop between markets to try local Thai street food and pick up some souvenirs.
If you want to do some fancy shopping and dining, Jungceylon Mall is the place to go. It is set in the heart of Patong, a short walk from the Walking Street, Banzaan Night market, and Bangla Boxing Stadium.
The Jungceylon Mall is home to many international fashion brands, tech accessories, upscale restaurants, a Big C supermarket, and Mc Donald’s store.
Patong is an ideal location for party animals, single men, budget travelers, and those who want within easy walking distance to the nightlife. If you want a quieter atmosphere, you can stay in the outer Patong center such as in Kalim Beach, just 2 km north of the Bangla Walking Street.
Although Patong has a wide range of hotels for all budgets, it’s a very popular tourist destination, so hotels often sell out, especially in the high season (November to May).
If you’re planning to stay in Patong, make sure to book hotels in advance as last-minute availability can be limited.
Patong is around 35 km from Phuket International Airport, 30 km from Bang Rong Pier, and 17 km from Rassada Pier in Phuket Old Town. Traffic in Phuket can get pretty bad during rush hours, and the taxi ride from the airport to Patong is typically 50 min to 2 hr.
Where to Stay in Phuket in Patong:
Hotel Indigo
Hotel Indigo is a 5-star luxury hotel centrally located in the heart of Patong, within walking distance to the beach, shops, and nightlife spots. You’ll be close to popular points of interest like Patong Beach, Bangla Walking Street, Jungcelon Mall, Banzaan Night Market, and the Boxing Stadium.
The hotel has a rooftop swimming pool, a modern gym, and multiple onsite restaurants. The rooms are beautiful and clean. You can choose the rooms with pool access for the best experience. I recommend Hotel Indigo for families and couples who want to stay in a quality hotel in central Patong.
Holiday Inn Resort
Holiday Inn is a good 4-star mid-range hotel for families and couples in Patong Beach. This hotel is located right on the Beach Road, within a short distance from the beach, OTop market, and lots of restaurants, bars, and massage shops.
It has 3 swimming pools including two beautiful adult pools, one near the beach and another near the Busakorn Wing. Staying at Holiday Inn means you’ll be in the middle of Patong, close to everything.
Grand View
This 2-star hotel is a good option for budget and solo travelers. It is a good value for money hotel located in a quiet and peaceful area and is within 20-30 minutes walk from the Patong Beach and the walking street.
The rooms are basic but clean and have everything for your comfortable stay. The downside is that it is located on the hill so you’ll need a bit of hiking to reach the place. If you’re on a budget and want a quiet place to sleep, this hotel is a great place in Patong. It is ideal for those who plan to rent a scooter.
See more: Where to Stay in Patong Beach
2. Karon Beach
Karon Beach is one of the best places to stay in Phuket for families and couples who want a quieter atmosphere while still being close to the nightlife action of Patong. Karon is a long beach located just 5km south of Patong and 1km north of Kata Beach.
The highlight of Karon is the beach and its quieter atmosphere compared to Patong. It also has plenty of amenities for tourists. You can easily find restaurants, bars, souvenir shops, convenience stores, massage parlors, travel agencies, and laundry almost everywhere.
Karon beach is 3.2 km long with white sand and calm water, which is a great place for swimming, sunbathing, and watersport activities such as jet skiing, parasailing. There are plenty of sunbeds, umbrellas, and mobile beach bars on the shore.
At the northern part of Karon beach near Karon Park, you can find a small market with lots of street food stalls and public gym equipment.
Other attractions in Karon are the Karon Temple and the Tuesday/Thursday night market at the ground of the temple. If you are in Karon during this time, you can visit the market for food, clothes, and souvenirs.
I stayed in Karon for a night and feel it is great for exploring the southern area of Phuket. It was easy to use a scooter to get to Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Viewpoint, Nui Beach, Black Rock Viewpoint, Cape Krathing, and Big Buddha.
Karon is located 40km away from Phuket International Airport. You can easily reach your hotel by taxi. If you are on a budget, you can take the Smart Bus, which has several stops on Karon Road.
Where to stay in Phuket in Karon Beach:
Pullman Phuket Karon Beach Resort
Pullman is a 5-star luxury beachfront hotel located near Karon beach, featuring a magnificent ground with multiple pools, restaurants, tennis courts, and a kids club. It is an ideal base in Phuket for families with kids and for couples who want a relaxing holiday close to action.
You’ll be within walking distance to the beach, as well as many shops and restaurants. Kata with its night markets and beach are also within a short tuktuk ride from Pullman.
Karon Homes
Karon Homes is a 4-star mid-range apartment-style accommodation located in a central location of Karon, on Patak Road. It is a short walk from Karon Circle, Karon Beach, and Karon Temple with its night market. There are plenty of restaurants and shops nearby.
Rooms are spacious and comfortable. It also has a small swimming pool and a gym. The staff can help to arrange airport pickup and excursions with reasonable prices.
Karon Sino House
Sino House is a good choice for budget travelers in the Karon area. It is centrally located just at the corner from Wat Karon. You can easily access all tourist amenities.
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3. Kata Beach
Kata Beach is a popular beach town on the west coast of Phuket, located around 10 km south of Patong. Similar to Karon, Kata is a good choice for families, couples, and those who want a quiet beach holiday but still close to the party center of the island, Patong.
Kata has nice beaches and a vibrant nightlife scene with lots of restaurants, bars, and a night market. The nightlife in Kata is more laid-back than the hectic Patong.
Kata is home to two beautiful beaches, The main Kata Beach in the north, and Kata Noi in the south. They are located within 5 minutes drive away.
Both beaches have white fine sand, clean water, and are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watersport activities. There are shades, umbrellas, sunbeds lining the shore in both places.
The main Kata Beach is busier and more easily accessible than Kata Noi Beach. To get to Kata Noi, you need to walk down a steep staircase. The parking in Kata Noi is also limited along the main road.
There are a range of delicious street food stalls, beach bars, and restaurants lining the beach road on Kata Beach. You can easily grab meals and smoothies to bring to the beach. Kata Noi Beachfront has just a few beachfront bars and restaurants, offering a quieter atmosphere.
There is a wide selection of bars, restaurants, shops, food stalls along the Kata Road, which is the main road of this area. It is a place to go for nightlife. You can check out the Kata Night Market, KT Plaza, and lots of little shops down the alleys off the main road.
Kata is also a great base to explore major sights in South Phuket. You’ll be close to Karon Beach, The Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, Wat Chalong Temple, Dino Park Mini Golf, Nui Beach, Black Rock Viewpoint, and Promthep Cape.
Where to stay in Phuket in Kata Beach:
Sawasdee Village
This is a popular 4-star well-maintained hotel in the heart of Kata. It is just steps away from the area’s main road, where you can find all tourist amenities like the night markets, restaurants, bars, and convenience stores.
Kata Beach is located within 10-15 minutes from Sawasdee Village. The hotel also offers shuttle buses to the beach too. About facilities, Sawasdee has beautiful gardens and several swimming pools including a children’s pool. There are also swim up bars, restaurants, a spa, and a fitness center.
Malisa Villa Suites
Malisa is a luxury place for couples and families in Kata Beach. Couples can choose to stay in Pool Villa for two while families can stay in two-bedroom villas. All suits come with a kitchen, a living area, and a bathroom with a spa bath.
This hotel is set in a good location off the main street, which offers a quiet atmosphere. It is close to everything, within a few minutes walking distance to Kata Beach, restaurants, bars, and minimarts.
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
This 5-star hotel is located in Kata Noi Beach. It is a huge beachfront complex with 6 pools, 6 restaurants, and spacious rooms. You can book rooms with a balcony and views of the sea. It has a good and quiet location, away from the crowds, but still close to restaurants and shops in Kata.
Kata View Guest House
This is a good budget place to stay close to Kata Beach. It is a short walk from a 7-Evelen, bars, massage parlors, shops, and restaurants. They can help you with laundry services, bike rentals, and organize trips. Rooms are basic and comfortable.
See more:
- Where to Stay in Kata Beach
- Is it better to stay in Karon or Kata?
- Is it better to Stay in Patong or Kata?
4. Kamala Beach
Kamala Beach is a beautiful beach located 10 km north of Patong and 1 km south of Surin Beach. Similar to Karon and Kata, Kamala is one of the best areas in Phuket for families, couples, and solo travelers who want a quieter atmosphere while still close to the action-packed area of Patong.
Kata Beach is a 2 km long beach with white sand and lots of palm trees along the shores. The beach is family-friendly and is a good place for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying watersports activities like jet skiing, SUPs, and surfing. There are restaurants, resorts, bars, and massage parlors along the beach.
You can find many tourist amenities on the Kamala-Patong Road, Na Hat Road, and on many small streets connecting the main road with Kamala Beach.
There is a range of street food stalls, restaurants, and shops along the canal, near the Green Bridge and Tsunami Memorial Park.
In addition to the beach, Kamala has some popular points of interests like the famous Cafe Del Mar and Phuket Fantasea cultural theme park. If you are in this area on Friday, be sure to check out the Kamala Friday market for some local food.
Kamala has a central location on the west coast of Phuket, so it is a good base to explore Patong, Laem Sing Beach and Viewpoint, and Surin Beach. It is also a bit closer to the airport compared to Patong.
Where to stay in Phuket in Kamala Beach:
Andara Resort Villas
Andara is a luxury 5-star resort located in a quiet area on the edge of the Kalama Bay. The hotel has a well-maintained ground and is surrounded by greenery. It has two and three bedroom suites which are great for families and groups of friends.
Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and spa services. You can use the hotel’s shuttle to get into town center or just walk. Restaurants, a Pharmacy, and seven eleven are within 5 minutes walk from the resort.
PapaCrab Boutique Guesthouse
PapaCrab is mid-range hotel located in a prime location in Kalama Beach, on Na Hat Road. It is close to everything, including the beach, and lots of restaurants and shops. Rooms are beautiful and clean with a fresh smell.
The Mareeya Place
Mareeya is a 2-star good value for money accommodation located just a few minutes walk from Kamala Beach. It is around 30 minutes drive from the international airport.
Rooms are spacious and quiet. The owners also offer warm hospitality. This is a great base to explore relaxing stay and easy access to the nightlife and busy Patong Beach.
See more:
- Where to Stay in Kamala Beach
- Is it better in Kata or Kamala Beach?
- Is it better to stay in Patong or Kamala?
5. Phuket Old Town
Historic charm, authentic food scene, colorful Sino-Portuguese style buildings, budget-friendly, vibrant street arts, trendy cafes, and relaxing nightlife are some of the things I love about Phuket Old Town.
While most people choose to stay on the beaches on the west coast then take a day trip to Phuket Old Town, I recommend spending at least a night here to fully experience everything this historic town has to offer.
Phuket Old Town is a really cool place to stay on the island. It is ideal for those who want more local atmosphere, history & cultural attractions, and don’t mind being a bit further away from the beach.
You can also consider staying in The Old Town if you arrive in Phuket from other islands in the Andaman Sea like Koh Yao Yai/ Noi, Phi Phi island, Koh Lanta, or Koh Lipe.
Most of the island’s major piers, like Rassada and Bang Rong Pier, are located on the east coast, close to Phuket Old Town. This is convenient for day trips or taking ferries to nearby islands such as Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Krabi.
The old town is packed with colorful 19th-century shophouses with Sino-Portuguese style architecture. These colonial-era shophouses are concentrated on Thalang, Phang Nga, Krabi, Dibuk, Yaowarat, and Soi Romanee. These are great spots for taking photos.
The Old Town beautifully reflects Phuket’s multicultural past, shaped by Chinese, Indian, Muslim, and European influences. There are Buddhist temples, Chinese shrines, and quirky museums to explore.
The nightlife here is much calmer than Patong, but still has plenty of restaurants, bars, and night markets to explore. There are several night markets within the old town to explore like the Lard Yai Sunday Night Market and Phuket Indy Night Market.
The Old Town is also a place to explore authentic local food with much cheaper prices than in the beaches on the west coast. Chillva Night Market is one of my favorite spots on the island to try these delicious local foods.
There are also many souvenir shops with affordable clothes, accessories, and unique gifts. For a more modern shopping experience, you can check out Central Phuket Mall, which is one of the two largest malls on the island, located 10 mins Grab Taxi ride from the old town.
You can have stunning views of the Old Town at the Khao Rang Viewpoint, which is located just a few minutes’ ride away. It is a good spot to watch the city at sunrise and sunset. The scooter and car can go up to the viewpoint. Along the way you can visit the beautiful Khao Rung Samukkheethum Temple.
If you like hiking, be sure to check out Monkey Hill Viewpoint, which is 10-15 mins drive from the Old Town. You will have a chance to hike a steep jungle trail to reach the top of the mountain and have stunning views of Phuket City and the ocean. Lots of monkeys along the upper parts of the trail.
The Old Town offers a good location to explore the east coast and attractions like the Wat Chalong, Phuket Aquarium, Rawai Beach, and Prom Phep Cape.
Where to stay in Phuket Old Town:
Royal Phuket City Hotel
Royal Phuket is a luxury hotel set in an old but well-maintained building. It is well-located on Phang Nga Rd, within a 5 minute walk to the center of the old town. It is a good base for families and couples to explore Phuket Old Town.
You’ll be surrounded with a range of shops, cafes, restaurants, and an easy walk to Lard Yai Sunday Night Market. You can take a short Tuk tuk ride to the popular Naka weekend market. Additionally, the main bus station nearby makes it convenient to get to the airport by buses.
The hotel has a nice rooftop bar with stunning views of the city. The buffet breakfast has a large selection of dishes including local Thai and western food.
Hotel Midtown Ratsada
Midtown Ratsada is a mid-range 4-star hotel centrally located in a quiet area on Rasada Road of the old town, just a block away from popular areas like Phang Nga and Thalang Road. Staying here means you’ll be close to everything including shops, cafes, restaurants, massage parlors.
This hotel has a spacious room with a great size bathroom and a desk area. They have a nice rooftop pool, which is a great place to relax. You can room with a balcony for the views and more fresh air.
Baan Sutra Guesthouse
Baan Sutra is one of the best places to stay in Phuket old town on a budget and is a good option for couples and solo travelers. This 3-star good value for money hotel is centrally located in the heart of the old town on Dibuk Road, near everything.
It is a short walk to the Sunday market, walking street, as well as lots of eateries and coffee shops. You’ll also be close to airport buses and local bus stops where you take buses to the beaches. If you don’t want to use buses, you can use Grab and Bolt to get around.
See more:
- Where to Stay in Old Phuket Town
- Is it better to stay in Patong or Phuket Old Town?
- Is it better to stay in Kata or Phuket Old Town
6. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is a beautiful beach located at the southernmost point of Phuket, close to Promthep Cape. This beach is best suited for those who want a tranquil atmosphere. This area has some nice bungalow resorts, private villas, as well as several good bars and restaurants.
The beach is surrounded by hills on both sides. It has soft sand and shallow waters, and is safe for swimming, especially from November to April (the dry season). The rip currents are strong in the rainy season, making it not very ideal for swimming.
The beach has all facilities like umbrellas, sunbeds, massage services, and watersport equipment for rent. There are plenty of restaurants, street food stalls, and souvenir shops, on Nai Harn Beach Road.
You can have good views of Nai Harn Beach at Black Rock Viewpoint, Kape Krathing, and Windmill Viewpoint. If you like hiking, Nai Harn is good for you. There is a good coastal trail from Nai Harn Beach to Kape Krathing, Black Rock Viewpoint, and Nui Beach.
In addition to the beach, Nai Harn has some local attractions like Ban Nai Han Park and Wat Naiharn. These are peaceful places to relax and unwind.
Nai Han Park is surrounded by a large lake, making it an ideal spot for strolling, jogging, enjoying a picnic, or practicing yoga. The park has a public fitness equipment area and a children’s playground.
Nai Harn is 50km away from Phuket International Airport, which is a bit further away compared to other popular beaches. The main road to Nai Harn has a lot of sharp turns, so be cautious if you drive a scooter to this beach.
Nai Harn is a good quiet base to explore the southern part of Phuket. You will be close to Ya Nui Beach, Promthep Cape, or Kape Krathing.
Overall, it’s a great place to relax, but using it as a base to explore other parts of the island can be costly and time-consuming, as many popular attractions are farther away. Places like Patong and Phuket Old Town are around 1 hours drive away from Nai Harn depending on traffic conditions.
Best places to stay in Phuket in Nai Harn Beach:
The Nai Harn
This is a luxury 5-star hotel located in Nai Harn beach of Phuket. It is ideal for families and couples who have a generous budget and want a quiet retreat away from the hustle or bustle of Patong. It is set right at one end of Nai Harn Beach, offering stunning views of the bat.
The resort has quality amenities including spacious nicely decorated rooms, a wide range of dishes for breakfast, a nice pool, and a beach bar.
Sunsuri Phuket
This is a nice 5-star accommodation within a few minutes walking distance from Nai Harn Beach and the peaceful Nai Harn lake. It is overall a good place for families and couples to chill and relax. If you want to escape from the crowds, this is a place to be.
See more: Where to Stay in Nai Harn Beach
6. Surin Beach
Surin Beach is a quiet beach area located on the island’s west coast, between Bang Tao and Kamala. It is around 20 minutes drive from Patong and 35 minutes drive from Phuket Airport. The area is home to a few luxury resorts and is a great place for those looking for a luxury and quiet beach holiday.
Surin Beach is an 800m long beach with white sand and calm water, which is a popular place for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. The shore is lined with umbrellas, sunbeds, and beach bars.
The beach road has many street food stalls, massage services, souvenir shops, and restaurants. It is very convenient to grab something to eat right on the beach.
At the southern end of Surin Beach, you can walk along the trail for a few minutes to reach a more tranquil beach called Haad Laem Sing. You can have good views of this beach at the Laem Sing Beach Viewpoint on the main road connecting Surin and Kamala Beach.
Where to Stay in Phuket in Surin Beach:
OUTRIGGER Surin Beach Resort
This is one of the best places to stay in Surin, located in a quiet area, on Soi Hat Surin 8, near the main road and the beach. The hotel has beautiful grounds with a pool, a gym, and comfortable rooms. It is a bit far from the main tourist places, but overall a good place to relax and unwind.
The Surin Phuket
This is a 5-star beachfront hotel in Surin. The hotel has a long private beach and a nice pool area overlooking the sea. It is a good base for a tranquil beach holiday, away from the touristy areas.
See more: Where to Stay in Surin Beach
7. Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach is a luxury beach area located halfway between the airport and Patong Beach. It is the longest beach in Phuket, stretching 6 kilometers in length.
This area has many luxury resorts, hotels and villas which are ideal for a relaxing luxury beach holiday on Phuket. It is a good base to explore northern beaches of Phuket like Surin, Banana, Nai Thon, and Mai Khao Beach.
The downside is that Bang Tao is quite far from popular destinations like Patong, the Big Buddha, and Phuket Old Town. Exploring other highlights of Phuket can be both costly and time-consuming.
Bang Tao is quite a large area, with the main village and tourist amenities located in the southern part of Bang Tao, and huge resort complexes and golf courses in the northern part of the beach.
Where to Stay in Phuket in Bang Tao Beach:
Banyan Tree Phuket
Banyan is a five star luxury place to stay in Bang Tao Beach for couples and families. It is located in the northern area of Bang Tao Beach, offering a tranquil atmosphere. The airport is around 20 minutes drive away and Patong Beach is around 20 minutes drive away.
The resort has excellent amenities and world-class services. It has multiple swimming pools and beautiful villas. You can try cooking classes, spa treatments, or yoga classes in this complex.
Sunwing Bangtao Beach
Sunwing is a 4-star mid-range option of Bang Tao Beach and is a popular place for families in this area. The pool area is kid-friendly. It is located in the busiest part of Bang Tao, in the south, so you will be a short drive from a range of bars, shops, and restaurants.
See more: Where to Stay in Bang Tao
8. Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon is a quiet beach town, located north of Bang Tao Beach and South of Mai Khao Beach. It is very close to the airport, only 15 minutes drive away. It is an ideal location for those who want a chill beach holiday and don’t mind being a bit further from major areas like Phuket Town and Patong Beach.
Naithon is a 1km long beach that has white sand, calm water, and a quiet atmosphere. The beach is good for swimming, sunbathing, and watching the sunset. The south side of Naithon Beach can be accessed via a nice wooden bridge. It’s a popular spot among locals for taking Instagram-worthy photos.
There are tourist amenities lining along Beach Road 4018. You can find restaurants, bars, travel agencies, massage parlors, and convenience stores.
A few minutes drive to the south of Nai Thon Beach is Banana Beach, which is a good spot for snorkeling and swimming.
Where to stay in Phuket in Nai Thon Beach:
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
Pullman is an excellent five star resort in Nai Thon Beach. It is a large complex surrounded by greenery. It has spacious villas and a lovely outdoor pool with amazing views of the sea. It is a great place to stay in Nai Thon for families and couples looking for a quiet and luxury getaway.
Be mindful that the resort is on a hillside, so it will involve climbing stairs and slopes. The hotel also has shuttle services to help you get around.
Naithonburi Beach Resort
This 4-star mid-range hotel is located right on the Beach Road of Nai Thon, just a few minutes walk to the beach. It is an easy walk to shops, street food stalls, restaurants and massage salons. The resort has a well-maintained ground, two pools, and good breakfast options.
Naithon Beach Residence
This is a small budget-friendly apartment in Naithon, ideal base for couples and solo travelers. The hotel offers clean rooms and all basic amenities for a comfortable stay.
See more: Where to Stay in Nai Thon
9. Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach is a tranquil beach area in north Phuket, 10km away from the international airport . Its proximity to the airport makes it a popular spot for watching giant aircraft take off and land.
If you are looking for a quiet beach holiday, away from all the hustle and bustle, Mai Khao is a good choice. It has all tourist amenities like restaurants, bars, and shops for a comfortable stay.
One factor to consider when staying in Mai Khao is its location, which is farther from popular spots like Patong and Phuket Old Town. If you just want to chill on a quiet beach, it is a perfect choice.
The area is also home to several luxury resorts, making it ideal for those seeking a more upscale holiday experience. If you are on the budget, don’t worry, it also has many options for you to choose from. Just make sure to book in advance to have the best selection.
This beach is 11km long and is almost deserted at many sections. The beach has fine white sand and lots of Casuarina trees from the shores.
Where to stay in Phuket in Mai Khao Beach:
Le Méridien Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort
This 5-star hotel in Mai Khao is the perfect place to stay in Phuket for families and couples who stay to relax at a luxury and peaceful resort for a few nights.
The resort has direct access to the beach and is home to two outdoor swimming pools. They also have a kids club, onsite restaurants, and spacious rooms with modern amenities.
JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa
JW Marriott is a luxury resort in Mai Khao Beach. The resort has multiple swimming pools, dining options, and direct access to the tranquil beach. Ideal base for couples and families.
Maikhao Beach Residence
This 3-star budget-friendly accommodation is located on Mai Khao Soi 7, a short walk to the beach and all tourist amenities. It has well equipped rooms, comfortable beds, and an outdoor swimming pool.
See more: Where to Stay in Mai Khao Beach
10. Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach is a good beach area on the south eastern coast of Phuket. This area is home to a seafood market, where you can eat and buy fresh seafood with reasonable prices.
Staying here offers a more local vibe and good selection of seafood. As it is not as popular as the beaches on the beach, you might be able to find some good value accommodations here.
This area has a quieter atmosphere compared to the beaches on the west coast. It is a good base to explore Phuket Old Town, and other attractions in the south like Promthep Cape, Windmill Viewpoint, and Samnaksong Laem Phromthep.
Rawai beach might not be the island’s best beach for swimming but you can take a short drive to the swimmable beaches like Sangchai Beach and Yanui Beach in the South.
Where to stay in Phuket in Rawai Beach:
Wyndham La Vita Rawai Phuket
Wyndham is a 5-star hotel located within a 5 minute walk from Rawai Beach. In addition to a Starbucks in the hotel, you’ll be close to lots of coffee shops, restaurants, and a seven eleven. The hotel also has great pool and spa facilities.
Monaburi Boutique Resort
Monaburi is conveniently located near Rawai beach. It has clean and comfortable rooms. Lots of restaurants and bars are nearby. It is located off the main road, so you’ll have a quiet night’s sleep.
See more: Where to Stay in Rawai Beach
Where did I stay in Phuket? My personal experience
I stayed in three different places in Phuket: Karon, Patong, and Phuket Old Town. I booked the hotels at the last minute, so these were the only options available within my budget.
I was a solo female traveler looking for budget and mid-range options. These last minute hotels might not be the best hotels but they are generally safe and offer basic amenities for a good stay. If you book in advance, you can find a better quality hotel.
Capsule Bed Phuket
Location
Capsule Bed Phuket is located on Montri Road, just a block away from the heart of Phuket Old town. It is just a stone throw away from lots of restaurants, bars, shops, motorbike rental services, and attractions.
There are many authentic Thai restaurants near the hotel like the 1000009 Thai Noodle Restaurant and MeeTonPoe. They served both noodle soup and other Thai dishes with reasonable prices.
If you want to rent a scooter, there are numerous motorbike rentals on Montri Road. Remember to read the reviews before renting one. I rented the scooter for a week at Chai Motorbike Rental, and had a good experience with them. The owners were friendly and the bike was in good condition.
From the hotel, I was able to explore major night markets, cultural attractions, temples, and museums on Phangnga Road, Thalang Road, and Dibuk Road. Some major highlights to look at include Phuket Museum, Thalang Night Market, Indy Night Market, and Golden Dragon Monument.
Amenities
I booked the female only dorm rooms. The rooms were clean with bunk beds, air conditioning, and lockers with the key. There are big ladders to connect to the upper capsules. All beds have thick curtains so it can block the light.
The shared bathroom is located outside the room. They were clean during my stay and didn’t feel crowded at all. They also have a common kitchen area with fridge, microwave, and cutteries where you can store your food and make some quick meals.
The staff were very helpful and they let me store the suitcase for a few days after checking out. I recommend this hostel for budget travelers and backpackers who want a quiet place to stay in Phuket Old Town.
KPOP Hostel
Location
KPOP Hostel has a prime location in the heart of Karon, in a quiet area but close to everything. It is just a short walk from all tourist amenities including restaurants, bars, and shops. It is a short walk from Karon Beach, Karon Night Market, and Karon temple.
The Karon Circle is also a few minutes walk from KPOP hostel, which is convenient for those who take the smart bus from Phuket Airport to reach the hotel.
Amenities
I booked the mixed dormitory room as it is the last room available at the time of my booking. The room was clean with basic amenities like curtains for the bed, power sockets, safety deposit boxes, and lockers.
The bathroom is located inside the room. I stayed on the 4th floor and there is no lift, so it can be a bit challenging if you have a heavy suitcase. There is also a washing machine, and cafe on the ground floor.
The owner was friendly and helpful. They also help to book tours around Phuket and day trips to nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi or James Bond island.
If you are looking for a safe and quiet place to stay on a budget in Karon, KPOP hostel is a good choice. It is not a party hostel. Be sure to book in advance, especially during the high season, as like many other hotels in Phuket, it tends to be fully booked during this period.
U Sabai Living Hotel
After staying in several hostels, I wanted a private room, and U Sabai Living Hotel happened to be available when I spontaneously booked at the last minute.
Location
U Sabai Living Hotel is located in Soi Banzaan in the central area of Patong. It is within walking distance to some major attractions in Patong like the Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Banzaan Fresh Market, Bangla Boxing Stadium, and Bangla Walking Street.
There are plenty of amenities within easy walking from the hotels. You can easily find restaurants, bars, shops, massage parlors, and convenience stores. Even though it’s in the heart of the action, my room was still quiet, so I had a good night’s sleep.
Amenities
I booked a standard double room with a city view and a king bed. My room was spacious, clean, and had lots of natural lights. Unlike many budget and mid-range hotels in Thailand, this hotel has a lift so it was easy to bring the suitcase up and down to the room.
My room has all basic amenities for a comfortable stay. There are two tables, big mirrors, a mini fridge with drinks and snacks, a TV, and air conditioning. The bathroom is also clean and spacious. The amenities include shower gel, hair conditioner, shampoo, cotton buds, and a shower cap.
They also have a nice sitting area on the ground floor near the reception area. The reception can help you organise tours around Phuket. It was overall for me, a safe, good, cheap place to stay in the heart of Patong.
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These are my recommendations for the best areas and beach towns to stay in Phuket. Most visitors stay in Patong, Kata, Karon, Kalama, and Phuket Town due to its central location and easy access to the action.
If you want a more laid-back beach holiday, you can consider staying in places like Mai Khao, BangTao, and Naithon in the North or Nai Harn beach in the far south of the island.