Whether you want to be in the heart of the action on Patong Beach or prefer something more romantic and secluded, Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, has it all. From budget stays to luxury resorts, I’ve created this guide on where to stay in Phuket with every type of traveller in mind.
Wondering where to stay in Phuket? The island is Thailand’s largest. It has its own international airport, and most of its best beaches are along the scenic west coast. Travellers can choose between lively areas like Patong Beach and quieter, more local stays in Kamala.
Patong Beach is one of the busiest areas in Phuket, famous for nightlife, shopping, and a wide range of hotels. Its Paradise Complex area is also a great choice for LGBTQ travellers.
Nearby, Karon Beach offers long stretches of white sand and a more relaxed feel. Meanwhile, Kata Beach and Kata Noi combine family-friendly resorts with great surfing. Kamala is quieter but still well connected. It’s popular with couples and long-stayers. In Bang Tao, you’ll find lots of luxury resorts and beach clubs.
Phuket Old Town features colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, boutique hotels, and authentic street food. It’s ideal if you want culture beyond the beach.
Other beautiful spots worth including on your Thailand itinerary are Surin Beach, known for upscale beachside bars; Nai Harn, a favourite of both locals and expats; Mai Khao, a peaceful northern beach near the airport; and tiny Freedom Beach, one of Phuket’s most pristine hidden gems.
How to get around Phuket & tips for your stay.
While Grab, Asia’s version of Uber, is available in parts, taxis in general are quite expensive compared to Bangkok
or Chiang Mai.
For longer distances, it is more economical to book a shared minivan transfer. If you are heading to Koh Phi Phi or another island in Krabi, many boat operators include hotel pick-ups with their tickets.
If you want to cover a lot of ground, Phuket is a good place to hire a car or a motorbike, especially if you are travelling on your own.
Patong Beach is Phuket’s liveliest area, so it’s ideal for travellers who want wild nightlife, shopping, and plenty of dining options on their doorstep. Expect bustling streets, casual beach bars, and endless entertainment. Even though it’s busy, Patong also has a wide range of hotels, including budget stays and luxury resorts.
La Flora Resort Patong
Best for: stylishly updated accommodation
Double rooms from £184 per night
Provided by Booking.com
This newly renovated resort features beautiful rooms, a stunning spa, and a serene pool. You could have the perfect holiday without leaving, but if you do venture out, Patong Beach is only a short walk away.
Lub D Phuket Patong caters to a younger crowd and is ideal for travellers wanting a social experience. The property has a restaurant, pool, and table tennis area – all perfect for mingling.
This boutique hotel offers stylish rooms and apartments for those who prefer a bit of glam. It’s the perfect design-forward retreat from the busy Patong Beach bustle.
This hostel offers dorms and private rooms with amenities like laundry service and on-site dining – all at an affordable price. Balancing safe and social vibes, it’s a great choice for female solo travellers (though the hostel accepts all travellers).
Rosewood Phuket is perfect if you’re looking to curl up in the lap of luxury after a day playing on Freedom or Paradise Beaches. It’s renowned for its secluded setting on Emerald Bay and ultra-luxurious pavilions and private villas.
Karon Beach is the second-largest beach in the province, but it’s more relaxed than Patong, so it’s great for families and couples. You’ll find a mix of mid-range and upscale hotels. Plus, Karon Beach gives you access to great restaurants, bars, and shopping – without the overwhelming crowds.
On The Hill Karon Resort
Best for: Karon Bay views
Double rooms from £62 per night
Provided by Booking.com
Nestled on a lush hillside overlooking the bay, Karon Resort is the perfect tropical hideaway. Watch the sunset from the restaurant terrace and enjoy Karon Beach only a 5-minute walk away.
Fishtail Hostel is a great option for the eco-conscious budget traveller. Choose from a variety of room options, including privates with double beds and dorms – many have excellent views from floor-to-ceiling windows.
With its free water park access, playrooms, and dedicated children’s pool, Phuket Emerald Beach Resort offers fun for the whole family. Decorated with adorable sea turtles, the rooms are light, spacious, and modern.
Located on Phuket’s southwest coast, Kata Beach and the smaller Kata Noi are perfect for families, couples, and surfers who want to balance activity with relaxation. Expect golden sands, laid-back beach bars, and great dining. Hotels here range from smaller, boutique resorts to luxury stays.
The 4 Blocks at Kata noi
Best for: affordable access to Kata Noi
Double rooms from £40 per night
Less than 300 metres from Kata Noi, this guest house offers a breezy, affordable stay with clean rooms and proximity to local restaurants and cafés.
This well-appointed boutique hotel has everything you could ask for – from exclusive beach access to bespoke rooms, valet parking, and childcare services. Savour the perfect view from the bar, daiquiri in hand.
Between the infinity pool, Serenity Spa, and floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the beach, this is the perfect retreat for honeymooners as it’s adults-only. Wake to breath-taking sunrise views from bed in your own private villa.
Kamala is a quieter beach town that’s perfect for couples and long-term visitors looking for a slower pace. You’ll find family-friendly resorts, unique hotels, and luxury villas. Although nightlife is limited, Kamala still has beachside dining, local markets, and easy access to nearby attractions.
Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa
Best for: Kamala access
Double rooms from £143 per night
Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa is a great all-inclusive option in Kamala. The property includes two bars, a restaurant, and a pool. Plus, when you feel like exploring, they offer free shuttles to the beach and surrounding areas.
Pamper yourself over views of Kamala and Surin Beach in your own villa complete with a private butler. It’s perfect for honeymooners, but thanks to on-site babysitting services, it’s also great for small families.
Surrounded by rainforest canopy, Keemala was designed by locals to give guests a truly authentic experience. They also offer heritage tours and visits to the nearby islands and a rum distillery.
Bang Tao is well-known for its upscale resorts, beach clubs, and long stretches of white sand. It’s great for luxury travellers as well as families and groups. Expect stylish hotels, luxury golf courses, and fine dining. Though it’s quieter than Patong, Bang Tao has lively beach bars and a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere.
Marisa Garden Bungalow
Best for: bungalows on a budget
Double rooms from £42 per night
Provided by Booking.com
Just two minutes from Bang Tao Beach, these bungalows are a great budget option. Rooms are cosy and complete with their own private balconies that open onto the property’s garden.
This family-friendly accommodation is complete with a kids’ club and huge pool that has its own winding waterslide. The hotel also has a tour desk and easy access both to Bang Tao and the airport.
This 5-star hotel in Phuket is the picture of tranquillity, with its many bespoke pools and water fixtures, full-service spa, and Thai-inspired architecture. It’s also close to Surin Beach and Bang Tao Night Market.
The Surin features stunning and cosy villas perched among the palms and overlooking the beach. It’s a romantic and serene escape that’s perfect for honeymooners and host to many weddings.
Phuket Old Town is perfect for travellers interested in culture, history, and food. Stay here for boutique accommodation in colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings, vibrant street art, and night markets. It’s ideal for a more authentic Thai experience.
Hotel Verdigris
Best for: captivating interiors
Double rooms from £184 per night
Provided by Booking.com
This opulent design hotel is inspired by the style of a mysterious woman from 18th-century Phuket. Stay here if you’re looking for beauty and intrigue in the heart of the Old Town.
This is the perfect stay if you’re looking for a boutique feel but want to stay within budget. It makes for a charming base for your Phuket exploring, and breakfast is included.
The Memory On On Hotel is the oldest of its kind in Phuket, and it’s been carefully restored to highlight its unique Sino-Portuguese architecture. Attention to detail extends throughout, and rooms open onto a beautiful courtyard.
Individual hotel prices were sourced on 19.09.2024 for one night (01.12.2025 to 02.12.2025) and are correct at the time of publishing but subject to change.
Average Phuket hotel prices are based on hotel searches made on KAYAK & associated brands in the period between 13.08.2023 and 13.08.2025 for travel days between 01.01.2024 and 31.12.2025. All prices are average for 1 night in a double room. Prices may vary and savings cannot be guaranteed.
Lily CichanowiczLily is a freelance writer, digital nomad, and jet setter. Currently based in Berlin, she dreams of someday moving back to Latin America. She prefers slow travel and befriending locals in order to understand cultures deeply. On a trip, you can find her seeking out authentic cuisine and connecting with the political history of a destination.
