You may be surprised to learn that Phuket is a large island. It’s around 50km by 20km, in fact, meaning there are all sorts of different areas to stay. While every area in Phuket offers some benefits, it is annoying if you book a hotel on Phuket that is far away from the things you want to do and see. Use our quick guide to find out where to stay in phuket for a vacation to remember.
Which Area is Best in Phuket?
The answer to the question of which part of Phuket is best depends wholly on your personal interests and your taste. You may like to be close to the action and the nightlife, or somewhere peaceful and secluded. A busy family beach will be right for some, while a private desert island will be best for others. The main center for tourism on Phuket is Patong town and there are a variety of options for places to stay in this area. But there are other, quieter alternatives across the island.
Central Patong
If you want to be right at the heart of the action then choose a hotel near Bangla Road, which is the main road in Patong with all the nightlife which also leads to the beach at Patong. If you will spend most of your time going to bars, cafes, and restaurants as well as spending time on a busy beach then booking a hotel in central Patong will save you a lot on taxi fare. The area can be noisy at night so is not ideal for people that like peace and quiet, although you can find quieter spots by walking just a little further from the center.
Edge of Patong
Most Patong hotels are located outside of the central Patong area. Here you are more likely to find a luxurious hotel or a hotel with lots of facilities such as a spa and many restaurants. You get more space and more peace, although it is a taxi ride to the center of Patong and all the attractions, including the beach. Some of the resorts, however, are located close to the beach but not close to the bars and restaurants. Choose one of these hotels if you know you appreciate easy access to the sand.
Karon and Kata
Karon and Kata are smaller towns located around a 30-minute drive from the center of Patong. Both towns have good levels of facilities but the nightlife is not the same as at Patong. The beaches at Karon and Kata are quieter and you are more likely to find a long stretch of sand to yourself. You will find plenty of bars and cafes for the daytime and evening, and there are lots of restaurants to choose from. You still have the option of traveling into Patong for the shopping or the evening’s activities.
Laguna Resorts
Situated to the north of Phuket, about an hour away by car, is Bangtao Bay which is a network of lakes and lagoons, home to some of the most luxurious of the accommodation in Phuket. These five-star resorts include the Banyan Tree and the Sheraton Grande.
Kamala
Twenty-five minutes’ drive from Patong is the town of Kamala. Kamala has a beautiful beach and a not quite so beautiful town, and there are a few great quality resorts here for people looking to escape the hordes and the tourist crowd, particularly in high season. This area does not have much of a night life, and if this is a factor in your decision making then you should consider staying closer to Patong itself.
Rawai & Nai Harn Beach
Close to the southernmost point of Phuket is Rawai, a tiny tourist village that is famous for being the starting point for tours by long-tail boat. The atmosphere at Rawai is laidback and calmer than Patong but there are still plenty of options for eating out and having a drink. The beach at Rawai is not suitable for swimming but going just 10 minutes away you will find the gorgeous Nai Harn Beach. Nai Harn itself is a pleasant little town with shops, bars and restaurants.
Other Places in Phuket
Great value and luxurious hotels can be found all over the island so you certainly don’t need to restrict yourself to the main tourist centers. Some of the most exclusive accommodations are located in more remote locations. These resorts offer more of an all-inclusive package, containing everything you need to enjoy your holiday, all in one place. Interesting hotels in other parts of the island include the Indigo Pearl Hotel which has its home at Nai Yang Beach in north Phuket. The Surin Phuket Hotel is comprised of small bungalows on a hillside overlooking a great beach, and is highly recommended.
Great hotels and resorts are available all over Phuket. Find out where to stay in phuket the easy way with the help of PhuketOn. Book great value resorts, luxury hotels and find accommodation offers at PhuketOn.
