Phuket hotel and lodging guide
Phuket has one of Thailand’s best selections of lodgings, ranging from exquisite five-star hotels and private boutique villas, to budget guesthouses. Most are found along the west coast, with Patong being the busiest and most central area. Karon and Kamala are more family friendly, Kata is upmarket and Bangtao is exclusive.
Lodging guide - Phuket
Phuket is a large and varied island and each of the west coast bays offer an entirely different atmosphere. You can stay in US$250 a night exclusive villas among the pretty lagoons of Bang Tao, hang out with the locals on the low-key Rawai Beach for US$20, or even bunk down at a backpackers in Phuket Town for US$8.
This Phuket lodging guide by area will help you decide exactly where you want to stay. Find these places on our Phuket map.
Patong lodging: this is party central; you’ll either love it or hate it, but the beach here is exciting and this busy area is where the action is by night. Only a few lodgings enjoy beachfront locations, with the southern end being quieter. Others are found near the sea to the north at Kalim Bay, but the beaches aren’t great. Plenty of places are located in the heart of Phuket, close to the bars, shopping and conveniences, but are hardly exclusive. Patong is relatively expensive, but there are some ‘cheap’ places tucked away down the lanes. Patong guide.
Karon lodging: less frenetic than Patong, lying just south over a small bluff, Karon is more suited to families and a quieter hotel experience. It has lots of conveniences. Most of the hotels tend to be in the busy centre or set on the hills behind since the lengthy beach area is lined by a public road mostly. There’s still nightlife here, and the biggest selection of nice hotels. Karon guide.
Kata lodging: farther south, this is one of the loveliest areas, but it’s more expensive, especially the small and exclusive Kata Noi Beach at the southern end. Quite a few high-end hotels are right on the beach or almost, separated by a quiet road. Nice restaurants face the beach and there are still plenty of conveniences in the village centre. Kata guide.
View our Phuket map
Kamala lodging: this beach got wiped out by the 2004 tsunami but has recovered, and a small memorial park is now found in the centre while the rest of this long, lovely sweeping beach is fronted by resorts. Other resorts are found in the relaxing and pleasant centre behind. It’s north of Patong and still fairly central. Hotels here are affordable and good value.Kamala guide.
Surin lodging: a small and quiet beach sandwiched between Kamala and Bang Tao, Surin is full of private villas and self catering units, with a few hotels, most of which are set back from the beach on the hills behind. The beach itself is lovely but low-key with a few cheap, local style restaurants and few facilities. Surin guide.
Bang Tao lodging: not as pretty as the other beaches, Bang Tao has one redeeming factor; the many lovely lagoons that resulted from a long-extinct tin mining trade. The Laguna complex is built around them and features some of the most luxurious hotel names in Thailand. It’s an exclusive experience with golf courses to match. Bang Tao guide.
Rawai and Nai Harn lodging: these two beaches are somewhat isolated in the south, but enjoy a peaceful and less touristy atmosphere. The upmarket Le Meridien is the only hotel on Nai Harn, but Rawai has several middle market lodging options. Although the beach isn’t the best, it’s a nice ‘locals’ experience with shady casuarinas trees lining the waterfront. Rawai guide.
Budget lodging: is found on Nai Yang Beach in the north. The beach is nice however the facilities are limited and it’s very far from the action - but close to the airport. Backpackers and budget travellers also have the option of cheap guesthouses and rooms tucked away in the rear of Patong or Karon. There are a few better value choices in Rawai, otherwise look around in Phuket Town and its suburb of Chalong, and rent a motorbike to get to the beach.
1stopthailand recommends:
Grove Gardens
This exclusive residential estate has a prime spot on the prestigious Cape Yamu (East Coast), with excellent views of offshore island and in close proximity to the Phuket Boat Lagoon Marina and Royal Phuket Marina, as well as Phuket Town.
www.grovegardensphuket.com
Royal Phawadee Village
A exquisitely decorated traditional Thai styled resort almost on the beach front, with luxury rooms, a heavenly pool area, and a range of facilities. Managed by a professional group, complete with several restaurants and tourist services.
www.royal-phawadee-village.com/
Expat Hotel
A small and homely hotel in the centre of Patong with clean and comfy rooms and a nice tropical pool area, ideal for longer stays and convenience close to the nightlife and beach.
www.expathotel.com
Club One Seven
One of Patong's newest, hippest boutique Bed and Breakfasts, this small and exclusive yet up-market venue includes a new pool garden with jacuzzi, gym and fitness room, as well as bar service available throughout the facility.
www.cluboneseven.net
