Where to stay in Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, joined to the mainland by a bridge and fringed on its west coast by a string of Andaman Sea beaches. It's easy to reach, with an international airport in the north, and it caters for every kind of trip, from party weekends to quiet family holidays.

Each beach has its own character, and the island is big enough that a transfer from one end to the other can take an hour or more in traffic. Pick the area that fits your plans: nightlife, a calmer bay, or a short hop from the airport.

Airport
Phuket International (HKT), in the north of the island near Nai Yang
Getting around
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, songthaew buses and the airport bus along the west coast
Beaches
Mostly on the west coast, facing the Andaman Sea and the sunset
Wettest months
Usually around May to October, when west-coast seas can be rough

Places to stay in Phuket

27 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Phuket, area by area

Our places to stay are in three areas along the west coast, from the busiest beach on the island to the quiet north by the airport.

Patong and Kalim

Best for nightlife and shopping

Phuket's busiest resort: a long, curved beach backed by hotels, malls, markets and Bangla Road, the island's best-known nightlife street. It's lively day and night and very convenient, though not the place for peace and quiet. Kalim, just north around the headland, is calmer and rocky, a few minutes from the action.

Surin and the north-west beaches

Best for a calmer beach break

Surin is a smaller, more upmarket bay north of Patong, with good swimming in the dry season and a relaxed choice of beach restaurants. Bang Tao and the Laguna resort area are just to the north and Kamala just to the south, so you have options without the crowds of Patong.

Nai Yang and the airport

Best for early and late flights

The quiet north-west, where Nai Yang beach sits inside Sirinat National Park, lined with casuarina trees and seafood stalls, a few minutes from the airport runway. It's ideal for the first or last night of a trip, and pleasant for a few days if you like a low-key beach. Planes pass overhead, which some guests enjoy watching.

Getting to and around Phuket

Phuket International Airport is in the far north of the island and has direct flights from Bangkok, other Asian hubs and, in season, further afield. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the quickest way to your hotel; from the airport to Patong typically takes 45 minutes to an hour, longer in traffic.

Once you're settled, songthaew buses run from Phuket Town to the main beaches during the day, and an airport bus follows the west coast. Many visitors rent a scooter, but the island's roads are busy and hilly, so only ride if you're experienced and insured.

Beyond the beaches

Phuket Old Town, on the east side of the island, is worth an afternoon for its restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and Sunday walking street market. The Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill gives wide views over the south of the island, and boat trips leave daily for Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi islands.

Questions about staying in Phuket

Which area of Phuket is best for nightlife?

Patong, with Bangla Road at its centre, has the biggest choice of bars, clubs and late-night restaurants on the island.

Where should I stay near Phuket airport?

Nai Yang is the closest beach to the airport, usually just a few minutes by taxi, which makes it handy for early departures and late arrivals.

Is Surin Beach quieter than Patong?

Yes. Surin is a smaller bay with a more relaxed feel, though it's still an easy taxi ride to Patong for an evening out.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

The drier, calmer months are usually from around November to April. From about May to October the west coast gets more rain and rougher seas, and red flags on the beaches mean swimming isn't safe.

How do I get around Phuket?

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the simplest way. Songthaew buses run between the beaches and Phuket Town, and an airport bus runs along the west coast.

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