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Where to stay in Phuket – beaches and areas compared
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Southern Thailand

Where to stay in Phuket – beaches and areas compared

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Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Bang Tao, Mai Khao and Phuket Town compared. Which part of Phuket suits you, when to go and how to get around.

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and its busiest beach destination, connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. It has more hotels than anywhere else in the country outside Bangkok, so the real decision is not whether to go but which coast to stay on. The beaches are spread along the west coast, and the drive between the far north and the far south can take more than an hour.

Choosing an area

Area Best for Feel
Patong Nightlife, shopping, first-timers who want everything nearby Busy, loud, central west coast
Karon Families who want a long beach with restaurants Lively but calmer than Patong
Kata and Kata Noi Couples and families, surfing in the monsoon months Relaxed, pretty bays
Kamala A middle ground between quiet and convenient Village-like, mid-range resorts
Bang Tao and Laguna Large resorts, golf, families Spacious, planned resort area
Nai Thon, Nai Yang and Mai Khao Quiet stays close to the airport Natural, national park coastline
Rawai and Nai Harn Long stays, a local feel, seafood Southern tip, few big resorts
Phuket Town Culture, food, Sino-Portuguese old town Urban, no beach

If this is your first trip and you want to walk to restaurants and bars, Patong or Karon are the obvious choices. If you mainly want a beach and a pool, look at Kata, Kamala, Bang Tao or the northern beaches, and take taxis when you want to go out.

When to go

The driest, calmest season is roughly November to April, which is also the high season for hotel prices. From May to October the southwest monsoon brings more rain and bigger waves on the west coast. Red flags on the beaches mean dangerous currents and swimming is not allowed. The upside of the rainy season is lower prices and fewer crowds.

Getting around

Phuket International Airport is in the north of the island, about 30–40 minutes from Bang Tao and roughly an hour or more from Patong, Karon and Kata in traffic. There is no rail line. Visitors use metered or fixed-price taxis, ride-hailing apps, the Smart Bus that runs along the west coast between the airport and Rawai, and the local songthaew buses from Phuket Town.

Beyond the beaches

Phuket is the main departure point for day trips to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi islands. On the island itself, the Big Buddha above Chalong, Wat Chalong, the viewpoint at Promthep Cape and the old town’s Thalang Road are the most visited sights.

Where to stay

  • Bang Tao and Laguna

    A long west-coast beach with Phuket's biggest integrated resort area. Who Bang Tao and Laguna suit, getting around and what to expect.

  • Kamala

    A relaxed beach village between Patong and Surin. What Kamala is like, who it suits, and how it compares with the busier beaches.

  • Karon

    One of Phuket's longest beaches, between Patong and Kata. What Karon is like, who it suits, and practical tips on getting around.

  • Kata and Kata Noi

    Two pretty bays in south-west Phuket, popular with couples and families. What Kata and Kata Noi are like, who they suit and when to go.

  • Patong

    Phuket's busiest beach town. Who Patong suits, the quieter ends of the bay, getting around and when the sea is safe for swimming.

  • Phuket Old Town

    Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and local food in Phuket's historic centre. Who should stay in town instead of on the beach.

Hotels

  • Amanpuri

    The first Aman resort, on a headland above Pansea Beach in north-west Phuket. Location, history and who it suits.

Things to do

  • Phuket Big Buddha

    A 45-metre white marble Buddha on the Nakkerd Hills with views over Chalong Bay. How to visit Phuket's Big Buddha and what to wear.

Festivals and events

  • Chinese New Year

    Where to see Chinese New Year celebrations in Thailand, from Bangkok's Yaowarat to Nakhon Sawan, and tips for visiting.

  • Phuket Vegetarian Festival

    Nine days of processions, firecrackers and vegetarian food in Phuket Town. When it happens, what to expect and tips for visitors.

  • Songkran

    When Songkran happens, where the biggest celebrations are, what to expect and how to book hotels around the Thai New Year holiday.