The best areas to stay in Phuket

Kamala

For the peace and quiet seekers

Tired of battling with fellow tourists and tuk-tuks? Kamala and its namesake golden beach offer respite from the crowds, with several luxury hotels and turquoise waters to boot. Formerly a fishing village, it has retained its slow pace of life despite turning its eyes towards travellers – though the cultural theme park Phuket Fantasea does provide thrills for those who want to shake things up a bit. 

Among the three areas the beach is divided into, you’ll find opportunities to explore vibrant sea life on the northern side, while beach bars, rooftop hangouts and restaurants bubble away at night towards the centre. Luxury digs such as Keemala , the cliffside Paresa Resort Phuket and Andara Resort Villas provide the ultimate hideaway for honeymooners.

Bang Tao

For champions of the all-inclusive

With pristine white sands and blue waters, Bang Tao is the ultimate spot to catch a few rays with a cocktail in hand. Take the hard work out of your holiday at one of its many all-inclusive resorts; options include Banyan Tree , Angsana Laguna Phuket and more, with each property boasting a distinct South East Asian flair. 

It’s difficult to be bored here (even though it’s a fair distance from Phuket’s main attractions), as you’ll be able to ride horses along the beach, embark on underwater snorkelling or diving adventures and rent bikes to explore the area’s quiet streets on two wheels. For those looking to practice their golf swing, Bang Tao is home to both a mini golf course and the larger Laguna Golf Phuket .

Patong

For party people

Patong brims with energy, especially when the sun goes down and the DJs come out to play. With its own beach, numerous restaurants and shopping stalls galore, there’s no shortage of things to do and is conveniently placed to access the rest of the island’s attractions. As it can get quite buzzy, staying on the fringes of the area is recommended if you want to be in the heart of the action, but still have a peaceful sanctuary to retreat to when the day is done.

Bangla Road is renowned for its nightlife scene, where gigantic clubs boom with music and a swathe of notorious R-rated bars awaits. It’s worth a wander down at least once; you’ll find VIPs packing into the Armania nightclub and even a Moulin Rouge complete with a spinning neon windmill. You can also get your shopping done here, with day and night markets touting quintessential Singha and Chang beer vests alongside delicate handicrafts. 

Kata

For the whole family

Kata is ideal for the family that wants to be near the bustle but have their own space. Along its two beaches – Kata Beach and the smaller Kata Noi – you'll find a few beachfront hotels of all budgets, including Club Med which dominates the area. Key sightseeing destinations like The Big Buddha, Promthep Cape and Wat Chalong Temple are under half an hour’s drive away, while the mostly gentle waves outside of monsoon season allow for easy introductory lessons to surfing. 

While the kids are off mini-golfing at Dino Park or snorkelling with one parent, there’s ample opportunity for the other to indulge in a massage or unwind at a beach bar. While quieter than some of the larger markets, Kata Night Market boasts an enticing food court alongside stalls to pick up souvenirs and more.  

Rawai

For digital nomads and island hoppers

If you’re looking for somewhere slightly off the beaten path, Rawai is a small fishing village turned hub for remote workers. While its beach is packed with longtail boats and not ideal for swimming, beautiful spots like Ao Sane and Nai Harn Beach – both preferred by residents – are just a few kilometres away when you want to catch some rays between emails. You can hire boats for island hopping tours to discover hidden beaches on Coral Island and Bon Island and golden statues on Buddha Island.

Food is at the heart of Rawai; it’s home to beachside cafés and restaurants and a bustling seafood market where you can select your fish live and have it served to you in minutes. Phuket Art Village , a vibrant artist commune filled with rainbow-coloured works, is worth a detour. Lastly, don’t miss Promthep Cape – one of Phuket’s most famous viewpoints –, perfect for cracking open a Chang and watching the sun set over the water. 

Phuket Old Town

For total immersion

Not a fan of beaches? The island’s Old Town might be for you. The area is steeped in history, showcasing a fascinating blend of Thai and Chinese culture known as Baba, as well as elements of European culture, which date back to the arrival of Fujian, Portuguese and Dutch immigrants in the 17th century. Their influences can be seen in the town’s colourful architecture, food and museums.

Soi Romanee – or Romanee alley – and its ice cream-coloured shopfronts provide the ultimate photo opportunity, while the hipster-ification of the area is visible in the cosy cafés and gorgeous boutiques celebrating local artisans. Although you won’t find the pumping clubs of Patong here, the area boasts a thriving cocktail scene that’s perfect for a romantic night out.  

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