Where to Stay in Phuket – Our Pick of the Best Areas

Written by Team Expique
Published: March 10, 2021

You have made the easy decision of visiting Phuket, but now a much harder question. Where to stay in Phuket? While the island is overloaded with accommodation, we’ve chosen a few of our favorite neighborhoods to recommend based on atmosphere and budget.

Here is our guide of where to stay in Phuket.

Phuket Town

Phuket Town is Great for: Culture Seekers
Highlight: Local atmosphere

The island’s capital, Phuket Town is a bustling city center with much to see and do. Around one-third of Phuket’s residents live in town, which gives the area a very local feeling. For culture seekers, the town is full of authentic experiences, unique street art, interesting museums and delicious food.

Make sure to explore Phuket Old Town. This historic, vibrant neighborhood located around Thalang Road is a melting pot of art, culture and delicious food. Take time to admire the impeccably restored colonial mansions and brightly painted Sino-Portuguese shophouses, stop for a bite to eat at one of Phuket’s remaining authentic kopitiams, or discover a fresh nighttime experience at one of the town’s trendy cocktail bars.

Phuket Town is suitable for those on a strict budget. Accommodation is affordable, public transportation is abundant, and local street food stalls are extremely cheap.

Recommended Hotels to stay at in Phuket Town

The Memory at On On Hotel

Location: 19 Phang Nga Road, Muang, Phuket 83000 
Website: The Memory at On On Hotel

Woo Gallery & Boutique Hotel

Location: 43/1 Phang Nga Road, Muang, Phuket 83000
Website: Woo Gallery & Boutique Hotel

Laguna Area

Great for: Families
Highlight: Relaxation

A premier destination resort, Laguna Phuket is a tourist paradise consisting of five-star hotels, luxurious villas and residential property covering 1,000 acres of land. The resort is situated along a three-kilometer stretch of pristine beach at Bang Tao Bay, on the island’s west coast.

All-inclusive, Laguna Phuket hosts a wealth of facilities and amenities including an award-winning 18-hole golf course, the world-renowned Banyan Tree Spa, beach clubs, boutique shops, tours and excursions, as well as activities such as canoeing and sailing. Shuttle boats and buses are conveniently accessible anywhere within the resort within minutes.

The Laguna Area is suitable for those who have a lot of extra cash to spend while on holiday. Laguna Phuket is an upscale destination, and as the complex is full of five-star hotels and luxury villas, do expect for accommodation and food to have a higher price tag.

Recommended Hotels in Laguna

SAii Laguna Phuket

Location: 323 Moo 2, Srisoonthorn Road Bangtao Beach Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110
Website: SAii Laguna Phuket

Cassia Phuket

Location: Laguna Phuket 64, Srisoonthorn Road, Thalang, Phuket, 83110
Website: Cassia Phuket

Mai Khao Beach

Great for: Honeymooners

Highlight: Sirinat National Park

Mai Khao Beach offers up one of the most beautiful locations in Phuket. The beach is 11 kilometers long, which gives it a very secluded feel, and it is part of a protected national park. For those looking for a fun, isolated escape, Mai Khao Beach truly delivers. Enjoy lovely sunsets and long beach walks with the sound of the ocean as your backdrop. For plane spotting, head to the south of the beach for some very unique photos.

Mai Khao Beach offers accommodation for all budgets. Explore a slice of local life by wandering into the local neighborhood. Here you’ll find some of the freshest seafood in Phuket as well as authentic Thai restaurants with very affordable menu items.

Recommended Hotels in Mai Khao Beach

Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Location: 888 Moo 3, Tambon Mai Khao, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Website: Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Andaman House

Location: Soi Mai Khao 4, Mai Khao, Thalang, Phuket 83110
Website: Andaman House

Patong

Great for: Partygoers
Highlight: Nightlife

The vivacious beating heart of Phuket’s nightlife scene, Patong is an energetic tourist destination and the busiest area on the island. While the area is brimming with great shopping as well as a variety of cafes and restaurants, it is truly known for its party scene.

Bangla Road is Phuket’s party center. A mellow street by day, it turns into a neon-lit bar carnival of deafening music and cheap drinks as soon as the sun sets. It is the hub of the adult entertainment industry in Phuket as well. There is no better place to stay if you want to let loose and party each night.

Patong is suitable for all budgets. The tourist destination offers a variety of affordable accommodation options in addition to high end hotels & resorts. Cheap street food is available on every corner, and while expensive, public transport in the form of tuk tuks and taxis is abundant.

Recommended Hotels in Patong

Hotel Clover Patong Phuket

Location: 162/8-11 Taweewong Rd, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150
Website: Hotel Clover Patong Phuket

KUDO Hotel

Location: 33, 1 Thawewong Rd, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150
Website: KUDO Hotel

Rawai

Great for: Escaping the crowds
Highlight: Beautiful sunsets

A fishing village located in southern Phuket, Rawai is the perfect jumping spot to negotiate a longtail boat and visit the islands offshore. The neighborhood oozes local life, but is a popular home base for many expats in Phuket.

A combination of cheap restaurants and modern facilities complement Rawai’s attractiveness. Promthep Cape, the island’s most famous viewpoint, is located in Rawai and the area is close to the hiking trails of Baan Krating and the Black Rock Viewpoint. Enjoy the catch of the day at any of the beachfront restaurants, or sit on the beach and have a picnic with your family or friends.

Rawai is suitable for all budgets. The local restaurants located beachfront are cheap, and the variety of accommodation ranges in price. Public transport in the neighborhood is minimal, but local taxi drivers are friendly and happy to negotiate their price.

Recommended Hotels in Rawai

Navatara Phuket Resort

Location: 90/28 Viset Rd, Rawai, Muang Phuket 83130
Website: Navatara Phuket Resort

Rawai Palm Beach Resort

Location: 66/2 Viset Road, Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130
Website: Rawai Palm Beach Resort

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