Where To Stay In Phuket Thailand 2026 , The Complete Area Guide

Accommodation Options In Phuket 

Once you've booked your flights, it’s time to start thinking about where on this paradise island you are going to base yourself.

Phuket is a BIG island

 

Phuket might look small on the map but did you know that it is actually Thailand’s largest island (The 2nd Largest Island is Koh Samui).

It is easy to navigate the island using public transport options such as taxis and the Smart bus. Motorbike hire is popular and you will see lots of Motorbikes and Tuktuks whizzing around. If you are planning on driving here make sure that you bring your International Driving permit with you as there are regular traffic stops and the police will ask for this document.  

There are over 30 Beaches in Phuket and each beach town has its own unique personality. Choosing the right base location will completely shape your trip. This guide contains some affiliate links and will break down some of the popular places to stay in Phuket in 2026. 

Accommodation options have evolved

Phuket’s accommodation scene has evolved dramatically over the past few decades. In the 1970s/80s, travellers would stay in simple bamboo beach huts and family run guesthouses ,often with cold showers and fans rather than air conditioning. As international tourism has increased the island has diversified its accommodation options to suit every type of traveller and budget. 

Today you can still find budget hostels and guesthouses for under £20 per night, but you can also rent modern condos with bougie rooftop pools, book private pool villas in the hills, or stay in five star resorts with swim up rooms and full wellness facilities. Areas such as Rawai, Kathu and Bang Tao have seen additions of luxury resorts, Golf Courses and High end villas. All attracting families, digital nomads and long stay visitors.

Let’s look at some of the different areas of Phuket that are popular in 2026.

Patong Beach

Patong is Phuket’s most famous and busiest area. If you want energy, nightlife, nearby beaches, and everything located within walking distance, this is where to stay.

The beach itself is long and lively with jet skis, parasailing, and gets busy around sunset. Nightlife centres around Bangla Road and the nearby bars and restaurants The whole area is known for neon lights, bars, live music, and clubs.

Hotels in Patong

Luxury

Hotel Indigo Patong by IHG Short walk to the beach with luxury rooftop infinity pool. 

Amari Phuket  Modern and Luxurious, Beach front location with spa.

Win House Patong Romantic hillside suites with city view Infinity pools.

Family

Four Points by Sheraton Beachfront, kids clubs, 3 onsite restaurants. 
Holiday Inn Express Patong Resort Beachfront convenience, global brand.
Diamond Cliff Resort and spa Beachfront location, multiple pools & free shuttle bus.
Ibis Hotel Patong Popular hotel for families wanting to explore the local area.

Singles/Backpacker

Lub d Phuket Right in the heart of patong, See thru pool and great social scene.
BearPacker Patong for travellers wanting a lively but affordable base.

Things to do in Patong 

Bangla Road Bar Crawl  Hit the bright lights of bangla road .

 

Muay Thai Patong Stadium Watch a real life Muay Thai fight in a professional stadium.

ATV tour Off roading thru the jungle, This one is for the adrenaline lovers.

Book all tours with 5% off using code ALLCHECKEDIN5 on the GetYourGuide app 

Karon Beach

Karon is just south of Patong but feels calmer and more spacious. The beach is long, wide, and less crowded. It has lots of restaurants and bars to keep you entertained but without the intensity of Patong. Karon is the home of The Big Buddha and is popular with families and solo travellers. 

Hotels in Karon 

Luxury 

Mandarava Resort and Spa  stunning forest location with huge pools.
Access Resort and Villas Family Friendly Luxury, Swim up bar and Kids arcade room. 
Paradox Resort  Beachside Villas offering spa facilities 

Family 

Chanalai Hillside Resort, Karon Beach Pool access rooms.
Holiday Inn resort Karon Beach By IHG  Convenient location with a Kids clubs/ Spa.
Novotel Phuket Kara Avista Resort and Spa Swim up rooms and pool bars. 

Phuket Orchid  Seafront, Waterpark hotel.

Sugar Marina Art Hotel  boutique modern hotel with children’s waterpark 

Solo/ backpackers

Hostel Montana  Located close to all the shops and restaurants 
Baan Kongdee Sunset Resort Affordable sea rooms near to night markets
Fishtail Hostel. Newly renovated hostel with sea view rooms. 

Things to do in Karon 

Carnival Magic Phukets lightup cultural show, a great event for the whole family. 

Ziplining spend the day zipping thru the jungle - adrenaline junkies will love this 

Kamala Beach

Kamala is north of Patong and offers a much more peaceful environment, It is a complete contrast to patong and has a more laid back, relaxed vibe. A popular area for solo travellers and familes wanting to enjoy the one mile long beach and friendly community.

Hotel in Kamala 
Luxury

Ayara Kamala Hillside location with panoramic ocean views
Wyndham Garden Phuket Modern resort, Hillside location with multiple pools 
Radisson Resort Kamala Quiet location , Large suites and multiple pools 
Intercontinental Phuket Kamala Beachfront, Modern design. Amazing sunset views.

Family 

Sunwing Kamala Spacious Family resort with 8 pools and waterslides 
Namaka Kamala Luxurious family resort with panoramic sea views 
Princess Kamala Beachfront location ideal for families wanting direct access. 

Solo/ Backpackers 

Kamala Beachside Apartment style beachfront hotel. Offers longstay options
Kamala Cool Small but cute and within walking distance to the beach 
Phukamala Affordable rooms with garden settings walking distance to the beach
Baan Fantasea Kamala  Simple Affordable dorm rooms

Things to do in Kamala

Horseriding Make memories on the beach Riding along the shoreline at sunset . 

Koh sok Jungle Explore an ancient rainforest with a limestone cliff backdrop

Phuket Old Town

If beaches are not your priority and you love culture, cafés, and architecture, staying in Old Phuket Town is the place for you. It’s colourful, creative, and full of character and History. On Sundays the whole area comes to life with the famous Sunday Walking street market which is a must do on everyone’s Phuket Itinerary. 

Hotels in Old Town 
Luxury 

Courtyard by Marriot Large pool, VIP Service and Upscale design. 
Midtown Ratsada Rooftop views, contemporary design and nearby to old town.
Hotel Verdigis Elegant designed stylish hotel , Nearby to markets and temples.

Family 

Sino House Boutique Hotel Modern Portuguese design near old town landmarks.
Phuket 5 Fortune Basic Hotel with easy access to buses and old town.
Novotel Phuket City Popular hotel, conveniently located with a large pool.

Solo/ Backpackers

Phuket OLd town Hostel : Popular with solo travellers located near temples/markets.
Beehive Boutique Has a fun Social vibe, located walking distance to Old town shops.
Phuket Sunny Hostel in the center of old town. Popular with backpackers.
Poshtel Literally in walking street, Modern Hostel offering dorms and private rooms

Things to Do 

Ethical Elephant Tour Phuket  Spend the day learning and making memories with the elephants 

Sight seeing Tour  9 hour guided tour around the old town 

Bangtao / Laguna Phuket

Bangtao is located on the west coast of Phuket, between Kamala and NaiThorn beach. It has the islands Longest beach andoffers a mix of high end luxury living in Laguna and a relaxed local vibe in Cherngtalay. 

Hotels in Bangtao/ Laguna 
Luxury 

Amora Large Luxurious complex walking access to local bars and restaurants.
Dusit Thani Located in laguna, direct beach acess with peaceful Atmosphere
The Surin Phuket  Incredible design located inbetween Surin and Bangtao Beach.

Family

Hotel Coco Located 5 minutes walk to the beach, Large spacious rooms. 
Angsana Phuket 5 star luxury, Easy access to the beach, Buggy transport provided.
Saii Resort& Spa Large resort with Gardens and Kids club, steps from beach.
Best Western Bangtao  Seafront hotel near to beach, watersports and Gyms.

Budget 

Chill Hub simple dorms Steps from Bang Tao Beach and Muay Thai gym. 
BluMonkey Hub Funky Contemprary design, near to busy bars and restaurants
Phant Apartments  Nearby to the Ma Doo Bua Cafe and popular with long stay back packers.

Things to do 

Bioluminescence Plancton Tour   Phenomenal sunset tour that takes you to Phanga bay for a colourful evening viewing the bioluminescence showcase.

YONA Beach club Phukets Floating Luxury Multilevel beach club hosting an array of world level djs. Soak up the sunshine whilst in the Andaman sea

Viral Hotels 

Keemala Resort

A unique Resort within jungle settings, Popular for special celebrations. Treehouse style villas has multiple Michelin Stars

Ma Doo Bua

This is the Viral Lily pad drone photo shoot/ Cafe, but did you know it’s actually a hotel and you can stay there! It’s surrounded by thousands of beautiful Lily Pads and located in a peaceful local area around 10 minutes drive from Surin Beach

Panwaburi Beach Resort 

This is the viral hotel youve probably seen on TikTok  , It is beachfront and has a beautiful pool and offers floating breakfast and the famous Glass Canoe/ Kayaks, It’s around 30 minute drive from Patong. 

M Social Hotel

Located Near to Jungleceylon Mall and within walking distance to Bangla Road This is a modern contemporary hotel, featuring top of the range technology and Mod cons and offering 5 star resort service

Micky Monkey Beach Hotel 

Simple resort on the beach near to the airport offering picturesque beach shacks, Super cute settings in the peace and quiet. 

Where will you choose? 

Choosing where to stay in Phuket depends entirely on the type of trip you want. Patong delivers energy and nightlife. Karon offers space and balance. Kata gives relaxed beach charm. Kamala is calm and family friendly. Old Town brings culture and history. Phuket is not one size fits all and that is exactly why it works for so many different travellers. Pick your base wisely and your Thailand trip will feel effortless from day one.

Apps you need for travelling 

I hope this guide helps you choose the perfect base for your Phuket trip! Every hotel and tour link in this guide has been personally researched and recommended.

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Check out more blogs and destination guides below :

• 25 apps you need to save money travelling
• 12 hours in Shanghai
• 3 Days in Koh Tao
• Island Hopping in Phuket
• Perfect Phi Phi 
• There’s More to Patong than Parties  

Happy Travels!✈️🇹🇭

⚠️ Some links in this guide are affiliate links  I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. I only recommend things I personally use and trust 🙏