Where to stay in Phuket?

Patong: Phuket's largest seaside resort

Let's face it: Patong is a mixed bag. With its focus on mass tourism, it caters to the needs of travellers in search of a certain level of entertainment, activities and places to go out, while at the same time being on the edge of one of the island's largest and most beautiful stretches of fine sand. But for those who want a modicum of peace and quiet, this is not the place for them.

Patong is renowned for its nightlife. With its many bars, restaurants and nightclubs, as well as Thai boxing matches and massage parlors, it is the place to be. Otherwise, it's hard to miss out...

As you can see, this is a place to stay in Phuket aimed more at a young, party-going clientele than at families with children. For the latter, it's better to opt for the seaside resorts discussed below.

In terms of accommodation, there are numerous hotel complexes with swimming pools, located more or less close to the sea.

Stay in Karon, Phuket's second most popular tourist destination

Karon Beach, as well as Kata, just below it, are a good alternative for a seaside stay in Phuket's major resorts. They are only a few kilometers from Patong to the south, and also boast a very large stretch of sand (around 3km for Karon).

Here, too, you'll find everything you need for a pleasant vacation, with restaurants, bars and a variety of shops. But less pronounced than Patong. For this reason, it's considered more of a family resort, although there's something for everyone, whether couples or friends.

Here, as in other tourist resorts in Phuket, it's easy to rent a scooter or bicycle. With its almost central location on the west coast, Phuket Town and the wilder southern beaches can be reached in around 30 minutes.

Among the things to do in Karon, the most notable is to get to the so-called "Karon Viewpoint". It's easy to get there on foot or by scooter. It offers a lovely view of the villages of Kata and Karon, the sand and the Andaman Sea.

In terms of accommodation, you'll find resort-style hotels, of course, but also smaller hotels in town, as well as bed & breakfasts.

Staying near less touristy beaches in the west

To broaden your choice of accommodation in Phuket, while remaining in the same environment of vast stretches of white sand, you can look at the other coastal towns along the western coast.

Indeed, in addition to the very touristy Patong and Karon, there are a number of other, less-frequented towns. These include Kamala, Bang Tao, Nai Thon and Mai Khao. For the latter two, however, proximity to the international airport can be a hindrance, especially in the case of Mai Khao, which is almost at the foot of the runways and therefore relatively noisy. This does not, however, prevent the presence of hotels in the area, generally at attractive prices.

The accommodation on offer in these west coast destinations is more limited in terms of quantity, but it is diversified. Accommodation is available in resorts, inns and villas.

The characteristics of these vacation destinations will suit you if you're looking for seaside relaxation. All the while, you can enjoy a few outings to a restaurant or bar, without having to stay in a tourist hotspot.

In any case, keep in mind that Kamala and Bang Tao are at most twenty kilometers from Patong. So if you're in the mood for entertainment, you can get there in the evening quite easily by scooter or cab.

The far south, Phuket's best place to stay

Apart from the great western beaches we've already mentioned, the southern part of the island is a good compromise for staying in Phuket. Here, there are beautiful stretches of sand, with a few establishments to stay in, but far from the mass tourism you'll find elsewhere on the island.

People generally come here to recharge their batteries for several nights. But on the other hand, if you're looking for a lively place to stay, you may find yourself a little isolated here...

The best-known places to stay in this area are:

• Rawai Beach, to the south-east, a former fishing port that has now become a small seaside resort lined with restaurants and offering boat trips to the surrounding islands. However, despite its beauty, it is not suitable for swimming due to the rocks and pebbles on the seabed.
• Nai Harn Beach, to the south-west, is clearly smaller but well exposed for enjoying the sunset.

Apart from these, there are other smaller beaches scattered along the coast. And even less frequented. On the other hand, the terrain is often more or less unfavorable for swimming. That's why this part of Phuket doesn't attract many visitors.

In return for this isolation, and even if tourism has developed somewhat, the accommodation on offer is relatively limited. So, if you want to stay in this paradise, even if only for part of your stay, you need to book your room as soon as possible!

Phuket Town: accommodation in the main town

Phuket's main attraction is its coastline. But the province also has a main town, which also bears its name. Located to the east, on the edge of a small bay, Phuket Town, or Phuket City, is a good place to stay. Its advantages include:

• a relatively central location, making it easy to get around the island. It's easy to find a scooter rental company for the day.
• a certain liveliness, with numerous bars, restaurants and places to go out at night, particularly within the square bounded by Yaowarad Rd, Soi Romanee, Thaland Rd and Dibuk Rd.

Among the things to discover are a few museums, the Wat Mongkol Nimit temple, and above all the pretty, colorful buildings in the old town. Along Soi Romanee in particular. For fans of the film "The Beach" starring Leonardo di Caprio, you can visit the On On hotel in this area, which was used as the set for the film. It's also a great place to stay in Phuket Town.

Another advantage of staying in this area is its proximity to the port from which excursions to Phang Nga Bay depart from Phuket. Or boats to the islands of Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai.

In terms of accommodation, there are a few rentals, notably villas, but also hotels. The latter are mostly located on the outskirts of the historic center. In any case, given the city's relatively limited tourist appeal, they are more affordable than in the seaside resorts.

As you can see, you need to come here with a clear understanding of the facts. It's clearly more suited to travelers in search of authenticity. Or those who want to keep their budget in mind, even if it means travelling around the island to get to the beach. By scooter, for example.

Staying here is therefore reserved more for backpackers than for tourists in search of seaside relaxation.