Where to Stay in Phuket in 2026: The Best Areas, Hotels and Local Tips
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Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, and the area you pick shapes your whole trip. Choose well and your favourite beach is ten minutes away. Choose badly and you spend half your holiday in a taxi.
I have written this five minute read to help you decide quickly which area suits you best.
Phuket Map
Move the map around to see hotels in each area and compare them side by side. Prices change with the season, so check your dates before you book.
- Love nightlife and plenty of choice? Stay in Patong.
- Dreaming of a classic, family friendly beach holiday? Choose Kata or Karon.
- Fancy a quieter, boujie stay? Look at Bangtao and Laguna.
- Want wellness and a slower pace? Try Rawai.
- Looking for authentic food, culture and great vibes? Stay in Phuket Old Town.
Patong: for nightlife, shopping and plenty of choice
Patong is one of the busiest and most popular areas in Phuket, famous for its long sandy beach, lively nightlife, restaurants, shopping malls and the iconic Bangla Road.
It is loud and crowded around the centre, but it is also the easiest place to find a budget friendly bargain and to get around without a car. You do not have to stay in the middle of the action, though. Patong has the widest choice of hotels on the island, and if you move slightly away from the main streets you can find quieter resorts with amazing pools and a luxury feel without the luxury price.
Hotel Pick Sea Hill Resort, A hidden gem hotel in Patong. It only has 12 rooms, so book early. It sits in the hills with stunning views over Patong Bay and a relaxed jungle vibe, and the nightlife, restaurants and beach are all just a short walk away.
Top tip: Eat at Number 6 restaurant. If there is a queue, they provide you with a free taxi to their sister restaurant, Number 6 on the hill. It has incredible jungle sunset views and no queue.
Patong is best for: first time visitors, nightlife, shopping, restaurants and anyone who wants lots of hotel choice at different prices.
Kata and Karon: for Sandy beaches and Family fun
These two beaches on the southwest coast are much calmer than Patong. Kata has a relaxed but lively feel, with restaurants, shops and a good stretch of sand. Karon is longer, wider and a little quieter. Both are family friendly and great for couples, and you can walk to most things.
Hotel pick: Sawasdee Village Resort and Spa, which has a stunning pool.
If you prefer a big name chain, Holiday Inn Kata is another good beachfront option.
Top tip: Visit Kata Night Market for street food and souvenirs, and make a day trip to the Big Buddha, which is a short drive away and has incredible views.
Kata and Karon are Best for: families, couples, first time visitors and relaxed beach days.
Bangtao and Laguna: for boujie beach clubs and sunsets
The west coast is calmer, with big resorts, beach clubs and some of the best restaurants on the island. Bangtao Beach is long and peaceful, and the Laguna area has resorts with pools and plenty of facilities in one place. You will need a taxi or scooter to get around, but everything feels more relaxed. Families should look at the Skywalk apartments in Laguna, which sit opposite a beautiful park with a children's maze and seed gardens.
Hotel pick: Saii Laguna, the one to choose when you want to treat yourself.
Top tip: Do not miss the local Friday night market in Bangtao, then head to Boat Avenue for food and a stroll.
Bangtao and Laguna are Best for: couples, honeymooners, families who want resort days and anyone who wants a quieter holiday.
Rawai: for wellness and a slower pace
Rawai is at the southern end of the island, far from the crowds of Patong, and it suits travellers who want a calmer base and a slower pace
Hotel pick: Selina Serenity, which has a great wellness calendar full of activities so you can switch off properly.
Top tip: Check the wellness calendar before you book, so you can plan your stay around the sessions you want to join.
Rawaii is Best for: wellness lovers, solo travellers, remote workers and slow travel.
Phuket Old Town: for food and culture
Colourful Sino Portuguese buildings, cafes, street art and local food make Old Town a favourite if you are not here just for the beach. The nearest beaches are a drive away, so it works best for a few nights alongside a beach stay.
Hotel pick: On On Hotel, a character filled stay in the middle of Old Town.
Top tip: Sunday is the day to be here, because the Sunday walking market is the place to be for street food, crafts and atmosphere.
Phuket Old Town is Best for: foodies, culture lovers, photographers and short city stays.
Andamanda Water Park: A huge, family friendly water park in Phuket packed with slides, where you can spend the day or rent a cabana.
Simon Cabaret: A glamorous, high energy cabaret show with dazzling costumes that is an easy and fun evening out.
Carnival Magic: A colourful theme park and show full of performances, perfect for a fun night with family or friends.
Visit an Elephant Sanctuary: A gentle, ethical way to meet elephants up close, with feeding experiences and no riding.
Maya Bay and Phi Phi: A boat day trip to the Phi Phi islands, with clear water, stunning scenery and plenty of stops for swimming.
YONA Beach Club: A boujie floating beach club with amazing sunsets, music and vibes, and a must for your Instagram.
ATV Riding: An adrenaline filled quad bike ride through jungle trails, which gets you muddy and has you grinning.
Cooking Class: Learn to cook your favourite Thai dishes, then eat what you make, which makes it a brilliant souvenir.
Khao Sok: Thailand’s jungle at its best, with limestone cliffs, wildlife and a night in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake.
- Visit between May and October. This is the rainy season, but temperatures stay between 25-35 degrees, and hotel prices are often lower, with plenty of dry hours each day.
- Book flexible rates in hotels where you can. Plans change, and free cancellation takes the stress out of changing your bookings.
- Pre book your airport transfer. Phuket airport is in the north of the island, and a transfer saves you haggling after a long flight.
For tours and day trips, I book with GetYourGuide, and you can save 5% with the code ALLCHECKEDIN5. Download Get Your Guide App here:
For data, an eSIM saves you hunting for a SIM card at the airport. I use Airalo, and new customers can get 15% off with the code NEWTOAIRALO15:
Still can’t decide?
Don’t stress about it. Phuket is small enough that you can stay in one area and still visit the others for the day, and there is no wrong answer. If it is your first trip, Kata or Karon is the easiest place to start, and if you want a hidden gem hotel with stunning views, Sea Hill in Patong is hard to beat. Use the map above to check prices for your dates, because the best deals move quickly.
Want more help planning? Read my guide to the best things to do in Phuket next, and grab my free Phuket travel guide so you have everything in one place. I share more tips, hotel finds and honest first impressions on TikTok @allcheckedin, so come and say hi.
Got a question about where to stay? Leave it in the comments and I will happily help.
Happy travels,
Nic 🇹🇭
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