Where to stay in Phuket for first-timers 2024 - 10 best areas

In this article, we dive deeper into your question about where to stay in Phuket for first-timers.

To make it as simple as possible for you as a reader, we start with an overview of all the recommended areas we cover followed by a short description.

Then, we briefly answer a few commonly asked questions:

Where to stay in Phuket first time?

Where to stay in Phuket with family?

Where to stay in Phuket for nightlife?

Where to stay in Phuket for couples?

Where to stay in Phuket for island hopping?

Where to stay in Phuket honeymoon?

You can always tap on a purple link to go directly to that part of the article.

This will save you a lot of time and only read what you need to read.

Enjoy!

Overview of the best areas to stay in phuket

Name of the area in Phuket	Description of the recommended area
1. Kata Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	Among the most popular and beautiful beaches on the island with a great laid-back vibe and a central location. An area that’s far from boring with plenty of modern amenities close by. Ideal for families and couples.
2. Kamala Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	This former fisherman’s village is quieter than Kata Beach and among the most beautiful beaches the island has to offer. It’s even more laid-back than Kata Beach, but has fewer options when it comes to accommodations and dining options. Still hugely popular among families who are looking for a relaxing holiday.
3. Patong Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	The nightlife epicenter of the island that mainly attracts the younger traveller. It’s also the most touristy part of the island which you either like or dislike. The area is ideal for exploring the rest of the island as everything can easily be arranged from here, including motorbike rentals, island hopping tours and private vans. The food scene caters mostly to tourists, with an abundance of great international restaurants.
4. Karon Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	This is the alternative to Patong with fewer clubs and sleazy bars, but a decent nightlife scene with nice bars near the beach and a night bazaar ideal for younger travellers and couples. You should not compare it to Patong, though, but it’s located nearby. Couples and families tend to stay here, especially those on a stricter budget.
5. Nai Yang & Mai Khao Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	Located all the way in the north of the island, these two areas are ideal for those looking for a remote, luxurious area. Many of the top brands of the hotel industry have a resort here that make sure you won’t have a single worry during your trip. The downside is that you’re located quite a bit away from the major attractions.
6. Phuket Town Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	This is the only recommended area that doesn’t have direct access to the beach but offers a unique atmosphere around Phuket’s Old Town with plenty of unique bars, shops, and cafes to explore. Foodies should most definitely check out this area as it’s home to some legendary Southern Thai restaurants. Phuket Town has a great nightlife scene that caters more to Thai compared to other parts of the island.
7. Bang Tao Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	Strategically one of the best options as you’re located right in the middle of the island with great access to other popular parts of the island. A relatively calm area with access to the longest beach in Phuket. Well-developed area with great sunset views, but it’s a bit of an upscale area.
8. Rawai Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	A great option for those who seek a bit of an alternative area where authenticity is visible. Also, a great area if you are planning to frequently go island-hopping. A laid-back atmosphere and a great (sea)food scene.
9. Surin Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	An exclusive part of Phuket where you can find some of the most luxurious resorts and private villas on the island. Also home to one of the most beautiful beaches of Phuket with plenty of upscale things to do. A great option if your budget allows it.
10. Nai Harn Beach Go directly to this part of the article for more in-depth information. ↓	Home to one of the most beautiful beaches on the island where mass tourism hasn’t caught up yet, ideal for a laid-back holiday in an authentic part of Phuket. Keep in mind that there are fewer things to do, which can be either an advantage or disadvantage, depending on the type of traveler you are.

Where to stay in Phuket first time

The best areas to stay in Phuket first time are Kata Beach, Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Nai Yang & Mai Khao Beach, and Phuket Town.

These six areas are the most convenient areas in Phuket for first-time visitors, although there are several other alternatives.

Kata Beach is one of the all-time favorites thanks to its location and great beach. You can easily explore the rest of the island while staying in an area with an amazing beach and plenty of things to do.

Kamala Beach is a quieter area than Kata Beach and one of the top choices among families.

Patong Beach is the tourist epicenter of the island and also the nightlife epicenter of Phuket. If you want to avoid mass tourism, then it’s better to stay elsewhere, but as this part mostly caters to tourists, it comes with a lot of benefits for tourists. You can easily book day trips, the restaurants cater to the Western taste palette, there is an abundance of great accommodation options and the nightlife scene is wild.

Karon Beach is a quieter alternative to Patong and a great budget-friendly option.

Nai Yang & Mai Khao is an ideal area for those who seek a remote area with luxurious hotels.

Phuket Town is strategically located to explore the island to the fullest as well as go island-hopping. Just keep in mind that it does not have direct access to a beach.

Where to stay in Phuket with family

The best areas to stay in Phuket with family are Kamala Beach, Kata Beach, and Nai Harn Beach.

While there are several other areas where you can easily stay with your family, these three stand out as being a family-friendly area.

Kamala Beach is a quieter area compared to other areas and several family-friendly activities and attractions are located nearby.

It also offers a beautiful beach with calm waters.

Kata Beach is one of the all-time favourite areas among tourists as it has a great beach and a great central location to further explore the island.

Keep in mind that it’s one of the most desired areas in Phuket and especially during peak season, it’s relatively crowded.

For a more off-the-beaten-path experience, stay at Nai Harn Beach.

This area is located in the south and isn’t spoiled by mass tourism yet.

It’s a calm area that lacks nightlife, which is great for families.

You’re also surrounded by beautiful nature.

Just keep in mind that it’s less developed compared to Kamala and Kata Beach.

Where to stay in Phuket for nightlife

The best areas to stay in Phuket for nightlife are Patong Beach, Phuket Town, Karon Beach, and Surin Beach.

Patong Beach is home to Bangla Road, which is the nightlife epicenter of the island where you can find an abundance of bars, clubs, and other nightlife venues.

Keep in mind that it’s also Phuket’s red-light district.

Phuket Town is a great alternative for those who prefer to visit mainly bars.

Karon Beach is a lighter version of Patong with nice bars near the beach.

Surin Beach has a great beachfront nightlife scene but is by far the most upscale option of all of these areas.

For most tourists, Patong Beach is the best option simply because none of the other areas can compete against this wild and crazy part of Phuket.

Where to stay in Phuket for couples

The best areas to stay in Phuket for couples are Nai Yang & Mai Khao, Kata Beach, Kamala Beach, Phuket Town, Bang Tao Beach, and Surin Beach.

Nai Yang & Mai Khao is a combined area that is basically the ideal area for couples as you can find such romantic hotels here.

The downside is that you’re located much further away from the major highlights, so renting a car or scooter is basically mandatory in order to explore the island.

Staying closer to the tourist epicenter is at places like Kata Beach and Kamala Beach are more convenient.

I would not recommend Patong Beach as this is the nightlife epicenter of the island and it attracts a certain type of traveler that not every couple is fond of.

Phuket Town is a great option too, where you can find all sorts of boutique and romantic hotels.

This area is located strategically to further explore the island but lacks direct access to the beach.

You do have access to all sorts of modern amenities and staying in Phuket Old Town is quite romantic.

For a more luxurious holiday, Bang Tao Beach and Surin Beach are the absolute winners for couples.

These areas come with so many benefits, except you will pay a premium price for accommodation, dining, shopping, and other entertainment options.

Where to stay in Phuket for island hopping

The best areas to stay in Phuket for island-hopping are Rawai Beach, Kata Beach, Phuket Town, Kalama Beach, and Nai Yang.

The piers and its boats that take you around for island-hopping are located on the east side of the island, while most of the recommended areas are located on the west side of the island.

Luckily, there is a road from Kata Beach straight to Chalong, where you can find the piers.

So, Kata Beach is one of the best options for island-hopping as you enjoy the main attractions of Phuket as well, while you’re only a fifteen-minute drive away from the pier.

Rawai Beach and Phuket Town are located near the eastern piers as well.

The boats from the eastern piers take you to islands like James Bond Island, Phi Phi Islands, Racha Island, and Jame Coral Islands.

If you’re planning to visit islands like Surin Island and the Similan Islands, it’s better to stay at Kamala Beach and Nai Yang & Mai Khao.

Nai Yang is only a viable option when you stick to these two islands, and combine them with Phang Nha Bay, as it’s located all the way in the north of Phuket.

The pier with boats to Surin Island and the Similan Islands is located near Phang Nha Bay.

When you want to visit islands on the west and east sides of Phuket, the best options are Kamala Beach and Kata Beach.

Where to stay in Phuket for honeymoon

The best areas to stay in Phuket for a honeymoon are Nai Yang & Mai Khao, Bang Tao Beach, and Surin Beach.

These three parts of Phuket are upscale and offer a secluded holiday.

Nai Yang & Mai Khao are areas in the northern parts of Phuket where you can find amazing hotels that mainly cater to couples.

Especially in Mai Khao, you can find accommodations where you as a newlywed won’t be bothered by others.

For something exclusive, have a look at Surin Beach, an area that is only interesting for the happy few.

You can find private villas and luxurious resorts that come with all the amenities you as a honeymooner can think of.

If you prefer an area with upscale accommodations but are planning to do things, such as island hopping, diving, snorkeling, and other active things, but want to stay in an upscale area with high-end restaurants, then Bang Tao Beach is probably your best option.

Staying in one of these three areas will guarantee an unforgettable (honeymoon) experience.

1. Kata Beach

Arguably the best area to stay in Phuket is Kata Beach.

It’s among the most popular beaches the island has to offer, but regarding its size, it’s rarely extremely busy.

Phuket doesn’t have that many attractions to offer, and the ones that are located on the island, can easily be visited in two days.

Why is Phuket such a popular destination then?

Don’t get us wrong, Phuket is an amazing destination.

The island is an entertaining island, with resorts that offer everything a family can dream of, while younger, party-minded travellers can party until sunrise.

But Phuket is mostly an ideal beach destination in Thailand, where you have all the modern amenities at your doorsteps for ultimate comfort and plenty of activities to keep you entertained.

That includes sightseeing, but also island hopping.

But having access to a proper beach is basically mandatory.

And that is exactly what Kata Beach offers.

Kata Beach is located right under Karon Beach, which both are located south of the popular party area Patong.

It takes you about fifteen minutes by taxi to reach this famous party destination for those who want to explore Phuket’s nightlife scene because Kata Beach is far from a party destination.

That also means that Kata Beach is located relatively centrally, near several main attractions, making it a great base to explore the rest of the island.

But the reason why people choose to stay in Kata Beach is because of its tranquility.

During high season, it’s not the quietest area of the island, but still, during these peak months, it’s not wild at all.

The second major advantage of staying at Kata Beach is its beach.

The sand, the crystal clear water, and the trees that provide occasional shades are hard to compete against.

Keep in mind that during the low season, the waves of the ocean make it sometimes unsafe to swim here.

During that time of the year, many surfers visit this part of the island to surf over these wilder tides.

Combining all of this, the laid-back atmosphere, the incredible beach, its central location, and you understand why Kata Beach is among the most popular areas to stay in Phuket.

Especially families love to spend their holidays here.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

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2. Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach is a great alternative to Kata Beach for those seeking a bit more authenticity.

This former fisherman’s village is nowadays modernized with a few beach clubs, but it still has a bit of a local feeling, especially compared to the other popular touristy areas.

It’s a quieter area compared to Kata Beach, but that also means it has fewer common amenities.

But it’s the perfect area for those who seek a relaxing and easygoing holiday.

Kamala Beach is located north of Patong, which means that you’re centrally based.

Many families choose to stay in Kamala Beach and it’s good to know that several family-friendly activities are located nearby.

For example, the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, which is an ethical elephant sanctuary, is just a short ride away from Kamala Beach.

But the big question is: does Kamala Beach has a proper beach?

The answer is yes.

Kamala Beach is among the most beautiful ones on the island.

Just keep in mind that Kamala Beach offers fewer options when it comes to accommodation, especially when you compare it to Kata Beach.

If you’re visiting Phuket as a family and you’re looking for a relaxing holiday, Kamala Beach is among the best options you can have.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

3. Patong Beach

Patong is a bit of a notorious part of the island.

It’s the nightlife area of Phuket and all the bars and clubs are concentrated around Bangla Road.

Many young travellers tend to stay around this street or pick a more comfortable stay at one of the many beachfront hotels where they sunbathe at the hotel’s swimming pool until the hangover is finally over.

Patong is only for a certain type of traveller and it’s also good to know that along Bangla Road, many go-go bars and other adult entertainment venues are situated.

While Patong is definitely no Pattaya when it comes to adult entertainment, it’s still not everyone’s cup of tea.

There are alternatives when it comes to nightlife areas in Phuket, including Karon Beach, Phuket’s Old Town, and a bit of Kata Beach, but these do not come close to Phuket’s nightlife epicenter.

Some might disagree, but Patong has more to offer than nightlife alone.

It also offers a wide array of modern amenities and it’s among the touristy parts of the island.

That means that it’s quite a good base to explore the rest of the island.

You can easily find a tour operator that takes you to every corner of the island or a tour that takes you on island hopping.

There is an abundance of restaurants, including international and higher-end venues.

Patong Beach is large, but not as beautiful as other beaches.

But again, it’s incredibly easy to travel around the island and most young tourists rent a motorbike and drive along the coastal roads until they find a great (isolated) beach to spend the afternoon.

There are many tourists that hate Patong because of its nightlife scene and that it’s so touristy.

But there are also plenty of tourists who love Patong, because of its convenience.

And with many amazing resorts located at the beachfront with great ocean views, you can most definitely have an amazing holiday here.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

4. Karon Beach

Karon Beach is south of Patong and north of Kata Beach and is basically the quieter alternative to Patong.

The beach of Karon is incredibly long and because of that, you always have plenty of space when enjoying a day at the beach.

In the northern parts of the beach, you can find a town that especially comes alive during the evening.

No, it’s not like Patong, but you can definitely enjoy some proper dinner and a few drinks there.

But for the real nightlife on the island, you have to take a taxi to Patong, which is just a short ride away.

Karon Beach is considered a budget-friendly area, but that doesn’t mean all accommodations are affordable.

Overall, it offers a bit of everything and the fact that hotels aren’t per se expensive is a great perk as well.

Combining all of this and you understand why especially couples and families with a stricter budget choose this area to stay at during their holidays.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

5. Nai Yang & Mai Khao

We’ve combined these two areas because they are located next to each other and have many similarities.

Both areas are located near Phuket’s international airport, all the way to the north of the island.

That means that these areas are located quite far away from the other areas as well as the major attractions.

Renting a car or motorbike is highly recommended as it’s more challenging finding a taxi.

However, both Nai Yang and Mai Khao offer something most other areas don’t: remoteness in combination with luxury.

Mai Khao offers more luxurious resorts compared to Nai Yang, while Nai Yang offers a beautiful beach that is ideal for a morning or evening stroll.

Some of the top brands within the hotel industry all have a resort here and it’s among the best parts of the island to fully indulge yourself in luxury and comfort.

The only issue that you have when staying here is that you have to travel much further to see other parts of the island.

The good thing is that you’re located much closer to the piers that take you to Surin Island and the Similan Islands as well as Phang Na Bay, which are all hugely popular day trips.

Combining all of this and you understand why especially couples and families with a larger budget choose this area to stay at during their holidays.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

6. Phuket Town

Phuket Town is a popular option for many travellers as you have all the modern comforts at your doorstep.

Keep in mind that it’s the only area that we recommend that does not have direct access to the beach.

If that doesn’t bother you, then you’re in for a treat.

First of all, Phuket’s Old Town is a popular tourist attraction.

Wondering through the iconic buildings with Sino-Portuguese architecture is one of the highlights of the island.

Here you can find a wide array of unique shops, cafes, and bars.

On Sundays, there is a walking street market that is hugely popular among tourists.

Phuket Town is located more towards the east side of the island where you have better access to the piers where you can find several island hopping tours.

Phuket Town also has a unique nightlife scene that caters mostly to the Thai.

The food scene in Phuket is also impressive, with many legendary Southern Thai restaurants serving their – often incredibly spicy – Southern specialties.

As most tourists tend to stay at one of the popular beaches and only visit Phuket Town as a day trip, it has a more authentic feeling.

But the biggest drawback is the lack of a beach.

So, what we recommend: if Phuket Town caught your attention with its food and nightlife scene, then combine your trip to Phuket with a few days in Phuket Town and the rest at one of the beaches.

And when you do want to explore the islands on the east side of Phuket, make sure to do it during your stay in Phuket Town due to the convenient location near the piers.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

7. Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao Beach is one of the longest beaches in Phuket and is located right in the middle of the west side of the island.

The area is home to some of Phuket’s most luxurious resorts and hotels, offering world-class amenities, spa services, and stunning views.

To entertain those who have high standards, the area offers a large variety of upscale restaurants with culinary highlights.

Other common activities in this part of the island include shopping and water activities like jet-skiing and snorkeling.

Bang Tao is conveniently located near other popular attractions in Phuket, such as Patong Beach, Bangla Road nightlife, and cultural sites like the Big Buddha.

But Bang Tao itself is tranquil, which makes it ideal for those looking for a relaxing vacation.

All of this doesn’t come cheap, as you can expect.

If you’re travelling on a budget, then there are far better areas to choose from.

Also, the nightlife scene here is quite dull.

For that, you always have to take a taxi to another part of the island.

But if your budget allows it, and you want to indulge in luxury and comfort in a calm area that’s conveniently located to the majority of the major attractions, then Bang Tao is the right place for you.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

8. Rawai Beach

Rawai Beach is located in the south of the island and is not per se the absolute first choice for most tourists.

But it’s quite a unique area that offers a completely different experience compared to the more popular tourist spots on the island.

What it does offer is a local and authentic atmosphere that you won’t find elsewhere on the island.

There are many tourists who simply love Phuket, but there is also a group that doesn’t like Phuket for being too touristy.

Well, then they haven’t stayed in Rawai.

Food lovers should most definitely visit Rawai, no matter if they pick their hotel here or not.

Rawai is namely famous for its seafood market where you can buy fresh seafood and have it cooked at nearby restaurants.

The area is also located near Chalong Bay, where you can take boat trips to nearby islands, go diving, enjoy water sports, and even learn to sail.

Those who are planning to go island-hopping, to places like Coral Island, Racha Island, James Bond Island, and Phi Phi Islands, should know that Rawai serves as a convenient departure point.

Rawai offers a far more laid-back and relaxed atmosphere compared to some of the more crowded tourist areas.

It’s an ideal spot for those seeking peace and tranquility, away from the hustle and bustle.

While Rawai itself doesn’t have the typical sandy beaches suitable for swimming, it’s a starting point for exploring nearby beaches such as Nai Harn Beach, known for its natural beauty and clear waters.

Promthep Cape, located near Rawai, is renowned for its spectacular sunset views.

One final great thing about Rawai is that it’s becoming a wellness and yoga retreat hub.

Now, what’s not to like about this area?

First of all, you don’t have direct access to a beautiful beach.

Secondly, the nightlife scene is not that great.

And lastly, the area caters to locals, not per se to tourists, which can also be an advantage to some.

Just know that other areas are more developed towards tourists which come with certain amenities that Rawai doesn’t offer.

But for a more authentic and less touristy holiday experience in Phuket, Rawai Beach is a great, one-of-a-kind option!

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

9. Surin Beach

Surin Beach is one of the most beautiful and pristine beaches on the island.

And because of that, some of the most exclusive villas and luxury resorts are built around Phuket’s most stunning parts.

It’s all about luxury, comfort, and sophistication.

If that’s not for you, then pick one of the other recommended areas.

But, if you are looking for something upscale, then Surin won’t disappoint.

Here, you can enjoy world-class amenities, personalized services, and stunning views of the Andaman Sea.

The area offers a selection of high-end restaurants and beach clubs serving gourmet cuisine.

Surin is home to boutique shops and high-end fashion stores, providing opportunities for upscale shopping.

While not as vibrant as Patong’s nightlife, Surin has a more elegant nightlife scene with beach clubs and bars.

Even if you don’t stay in Surin, exploring its nightlife scene is highly recommended, especially when you want something more classy than Bangla Road in Patong.

Surin is strategically located near other popular beaches such as Kamala and Bang Tao.

The west-facing Surin Beach is also an excellent spot to witness breathtaking sunsets over the Andaman Sea.

What’s not to like about Surin Beach?

Well, it’s basically an area for a select few who can actually afford it.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below:

10. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach is located next to Rawai Beach, the area that is known for its authenticity.

There are many similarities between these two areas because they are basically neighbors.

Both offer a local culture, have access to local markets, and have a serene atmosphere.

But there are some differences that are worth mentioning.

First of all, Nai Harn Beach is often dubbed the most beautiful beach on the island.

Rawai doesn’t have a proper beach.

The second major difference is that Nai Harn offers beautiful natural surroundings which are characterized by green hills.

Rawai is mainly a local village.

The last major difference is that Nai Harn Beach is known for its family-friendly environment thanks to the calm waters and relaxed atmosphere.

Just keep in mind that you’re located further away from the major towns and popular areas of Phuket.

That means that there are fewer things to do, such as nightlife, shopping options, commercial development, public transportation, and entertainment venues.

But if you want to stay in a calm area, with direct access to perhaps the most beautiful beach on the island, in an authentic environment, Nai Harn Beach is one of your best options!

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-timers in this particular area are listed below: