Best Places to Stay in Phuket Automatic translate
Phuket is a lush island with rich rainforests, vibrant nightlife, lots of interesting sights and some of the most beautiful beaches in all of Thailand. If you are here for the first time and are not quite sure where to stay in Phuket, then our article may be just what you need.
Where to stay in Phuket
Although Phuket has many great attractions, the main reason people come here is for the beaches. Given this, you probably know everything about them. We’ll share our thoughts too, but first let’s see what else Phuket has to offer.
Monkey Hill, for example, is a fantastic viewpoint above Phuket Town, and on your way to the top you will be accompanied by – you guessed it – monkeys. In addition, Phuket has a Big Buddha, located on another of the highest hills of the island.
If you’re not into walking, the sea level urban areas are home to some of the best bars, lounges and clubs in all of Thailand. If you want to have fun, Phuket is the best place to be. In general, choosing where to stay in Phuket depends on what you like to do during your vacation.
In our article, we will look at many areas, and all of them are known for certain attractions. To help you decide where to stay, below are some of the most popular tourist spots, as well as some of the ones that you should not pay attention to.
5 Best Areas in Phuket
Below are the areas that we consider to be the best tourist destinations on the entire island.
- Phuket Town: The island’s capital has something for everyone.
- Old Town: This historic district of the city, rich in shrines, deserves a segment of its own.
- South Phuket: Big Buddha House and various points of interest
- Pa Thong: Nightlife area with the liveliest bars in Phuket.
- Karon Beach: Fine sand, clear water and plenty of marine activities.
Best areas and hotels in Phuket
Phuket Island is divided into several districts, each of which has its own entertainment facilities. All the areas we have just mentioned are known for various attractions and we will cover all of them in detail.
In the meantime, you need to know that you will enjoy yourself no matter where you stay. However, if you are more interested in the party scene, you should definitely stay closer to Pa Tong. Anyone who wants to have some fun in the sun will certainly want to book a hotel near Karon Beach.
It’s always convenient to have your preferred attractions close to where you live, so all the hotels we’ve mentioned are close to the attractions we’re considering. In addition, there are three different hotel categories based on price range, so we’re sure there’s something for everyone on our list.
Phuket City
Phuket Town has the most attractions you will find on the island. There are plenty of restaurants to grab a bite to eat, bars to have a drink and plenty of other entertainment options.
Two such places are the Phuket Trikini Museum and the 3D Museum. Both have a large collection of paintings that give the impression that everything that is painted on the walls is really approaching you.
It’s a simple concept, but there are plenty of different pictures to have fun with and some really fun pictures to remember from the trip. The area also has a famous hiking trail called Monkey Hill, where you can enjoy some truly breathtaking views and see the Sims the hill is named after.
However, we recommend keeping an eye on your valuables because these little creatures can be very prehensile and you won’t be the first tourist to lose their wallet because of them.
If you want to go to an even more picturesque place, you can go down to the bay and take one of the many sightseeing boats that will take you to Phang Nga Bay. There are about 40 islands in this small archipelago, and while you may not be able to see all of them, you can still see some great sights no matter where the boat stops.
However, in addition to being the most populous area in Phuket, it is also quite a popular tourist destination. This means that during your visit, you will most likely encounter a large crowd, so it can be difficult to book a table in a restaurant.
Things to do
Embark on one of the excursions, during which you will be shown the best views of the island.
Climb up Monkey Hill and get fantastic views of the city from the highest hill and the little grasshoppers in the trees that call this place home.
Visit the Tricky and 3D Museums and take an interesting photo with the paintings in the background.
Where to eat
- Super Dim Sum & Noodle is a simple diner where you can enjoy traditional Chinese Dim Sum dishes.
- Thai Brasserie Phuket offers a large selection of traditional Thai dishes.
- Tu Kab Khao Restaurant in Phuket offers a great selection of wines and cocktails.
Budget hotels in Phuket Town
Hotel On On has cable TV and free Wi-Fi in every room, as well as a front desk that is always connected.
Montree Phuket provides all guests with an a la carte breakfast in the morning, as well as a flat-screen TV and air conditioning in every room.
Mid-Range Hotels in Phuket Town
The EcoLoft features an outdoor pool with a seating area, free parking and Wi-Fi for all guests, and a shuttle service to and from the airport.
Ibis Styles Phuket City has a coffee maker, TV with satellite channels, free Wi-Fi in every room, an in-house restaurant with a decent menu, and a business center with print and fax facilities.
Luxury Phuket City Hotels
Blanket Hotel Phuket Town serves a continental breakfast every morning, has a bar for drinks, and all rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV and air conditioning.
The Pearl Hotel has a fairly decent-sized outdoor pool, a front desk where you can always get any information you need, free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel, and even a nightclub inside the hotel.
Old town
The Old Town is part of Phuket Town, but it definitely deserves its own section. Here you can see Chinese-Portuguese townhouses along Thalang road, many Chinese and Buddhist temples, as well as many other noteworthy attractions.
One such place is the Thai Hua Museum. Here you can get acquainted with artifacts and exhibits telling about the history of Chinese immigrants who moved here in ancient times.
Another famous place is the temple of Juy Tui. This is the most famous temple on the island, although it is old only in name; it was originally located on Soi Romanee in Phuket’s Old Town area, but was demolished and refurbished a few years ago.
Another highlight of the Old City is the traditional Old City Festival, which takes place along the roads of Thalang, Krabi and Phuket, all of which are converted into a pedestrian-only area.
If you manage to get to the festival, you will be able to see live music, colorful street parades, strange costumes and just a unique atmosphere that combines old and new.
Tranquil Light Temple is another temple in the area, only it is slightly larger and was built over 150 years ago, making it significantly older than Juy Tui Temple. And finally, if you are tired of visiting shrines and old buildings, there are also a few bars in the area that you can visit.
Since the Old Town is part of Phuket Town, it’s only natural that it has its own problems. During the tourist season, it will almost always be crowded, so we recommend booking a hotel in advance.
Things to do
Visit Juy Tui Temple or Serene Light Temple to see the intricate wall art and beauty of these places of worship.
Go to the Tai Hua Museum and learn a little more about the history of the Chinese people who immigrated here long ago.
Walk through the Old City and see all the preserved shrines and historical buildings.
Where to eat
- Day & Night Of Phuket is an old school restaurant with a fresh approach to food preparation.
- Raya Restaurant is a great place to grab a bite to eat in the morning.
- One Chun Cafe & Restaurant is small, quirky and a great place to have coffee with friends.
Budget hotels in the Old Town
Blu Monkey Bed & Breakfast Phuket features free Wi-Fi throughout, air conditioning in every room and free parking for all guests.
Offering an outdoor pool and an a la carte breakfast each morning, Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel offers air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi and a minibar.
Mid-range hotels in the Old Town
A continental breakfast is served every morning at Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Phuket. Each room has a modern TV and access to cable channels, air conditioning, and the local business center has the opportunity to use fax and photocopying.
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town provides all guests with a fully equipped fitness center to work out, air-conditioned rooms with satellite TV, and an in-house restaurant serving traditional Thai dishes.
Luxury hotels in the Old City
Island Escape by Burasari offers an American or a la carte breakfast each morning, an outdoor pool with seating area, and an on-site restaurant and bar.
Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra offers a choice of buffet or a la carte breakfast every morning, a restaurant and bar, a fully equipped fitness center, a wide range of spa and wellness centre.
South Phuket
Nai Harn Beach is a pretty little village on the south coast of Phuket. There are many small shops selling a variety of goods - from souvenirs to handicrafts. There are also several restaurants here where you can taste many different traditional Thai dishes.
Nai Harn Lake is a popular boating destination and the surrounding trails are great for a morning jog. However, if you’re more into relaxing or swimming, then the beach this area is named after is no worse than any other you’ll find in Phuket.
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is another popular tourist spot in the area, especially for those who want to try their famous white rum. Naturally, at the end of the tour you will be able to sit down and drink a few glasses of this product, but what is more interesting is that you will be able to learn about the distillation process during the tour itself.
This area of Phuket is also home to a 150-foot tall Buddha statue. Understandably, this is quite a popular tourist destination and people come from all over Phuket to see this massive monument with their own eyes.
There are many interesting sights in the south of Phuket, but they are located quite far from each other. To get from Nai Harn Beach to the Buddha statue, you have to drive a lot, which can be a real headache for those who want to see as many sights as possible with their own eyes.
Things to do
Go to Phuket’s famous Buddha statue and see if it’s really as big as advertised.
Visit the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery and learn about the different aspects of the alcohol distillation process.
Drive to the Na Harn area and spend the day at the beach, or rent a paddle boat and paddle around the lake.
Where to eat
- Le Celtique Phuket is a small restaurant with a cozy atmosphere.
- Crepes Factory is the best place to visit if you’re craving something sweet.
- Macaw Cafe & Restaurant Phuket is a great place to have a coffee or a cocktail with friends.
Budget hotels in South Phuket
Naiharn Beach Resort features rooms with a flat-screen cable TV, coffee maker, and free Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.
Offering satellite TV and air conditioning in every room, Baan Krating Phuket Resort has an on-site restaurant and bar.
Mid-range hotels in the south of Phuket
Babylon Pool Villas provides all guests with an outdoor pool with a relaxation area, a sauna with a hot tub and free Wi-Fi in every room.
Gallery Hotel Nai Harn has three outdoor pools for guests to use, a fully equipped fitness center that is always open, and all rooms with a flat-screen TV with satellite channels.
Luxury Hotels in South Phuket
Wyndham Grand Nai Harn Beach Phuket offers a choice of buffet or American breakfast in the morning, rooms with good TV and free Wi-Fi, and a large swimming pool.
Sunsuri Phuket Hotel provides all guests with a full-service spa with a variety of wellness options to choose from, cable TV and Wi-Fi in every room, and a bar where you can enjoy an evening drink.
Pa Tong
Pa Thong is a resort town in the north of Phuket. It has great hotels and fantastic beaches, but it’s most notable for its vibrant nightlife. This is without a doubt the best place in Phuket for those who want to wander around the bars and spend the night in a club.
Despite the fact that the area is small, it makes life much easier for visitors. All bars and nightclubs are within a dozen or so steps from your hotel room. This means that it is easy to check everything and find the place where the party is taking place.
Live bands play here every night, and each venue has its own music and selection of drinks, so you won’t get bored even if you spend a few days in Pa Tong. If you drive a little north you will also find the famous elephant sanctuary.
Here you can watch these majestic animals up close and learn a little more about them. If you drive a little to the northeast, you will also find the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center. Animal lovers will surely enjoy watching the little monkeys jump.
Pa Thong is an exclusive resort area with many hotels and nightclubs. The upside is that you can party and drink until dawn with your friends. However, the downside is that most hotels and bars will charge you money, so you will need a lot of money to stay in the area.
Things to do
Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and get up close and personal with some of the most massive animals to ever walk the land.
Visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center and see where these creatures are kept before they are healthy enough to be released into the wild.
Visit all the bars you can find in the area and enjoy a night out on the town with your friends.
Where to eat
- Kantok Restaurant in Patong has a fantastic menu of Thai tapas.
- Sala Bua Restaurant offers a wide range of dishes from both international and Thai cuisines.
- Tantra Patong Indian Restaurant has a romantic atmosphere and a variety of dishes for you to try.
Budget hotels in Pa Tong
Nipa Resort, Patong Beach has a bar and restaurant for drinks and snacks, a fully equipped fitness center and a fairly large outdoor pool with pool bar.
The Royal Paradise Hotel & Spa features two private pools, free Wi-Fi throughout, a fully equipped fitness center and a spa and wellness centre.
Mid-range hotels in Pa Thong
Oceanfront Beach Resort offers guests a choice between a buffet and an American breakfast each morning, an outdoor pool with a seating area, and all rooms are equipped with a flat-screen TV.
Phuket Graceland Resort and Spa offers a complimentary buffet breakfast every morning, two outdoor pools, a full-service spa and even a bowling alley.
Luxury hotels in Pa Thong
Amari Phuket offers all guests a variety of beauty treatments that you can try in the on-site spa, an Italian restaurant with a fairly extensive menu, as well as free Wi-Fi incl. in the rooms and modern TVs.
Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa has a fitness center that is always open, two hot tubs that guests can use at any time, a bar and restaurant where you can eat and drink, and three pools.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is located on the west coast of the island and is the most remarkable place for those who want to spend their holidays just relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sun.
This resort area is home to some of Phuket’s finest hotels, as well as the sights you’d expect to see in a beach fun-focused destination. There are kayaks, jet skis and even volleyball courts where you can play a few matches.
Near the beach you will find many beach bars where you can have a drink with friends if you want to beat the heat. Foodies will be happy to know that there are plenty of seafood restaurants serving some of the best fresh produce on the island.
If you want to try something other than lying on the beach, then Wat Karon is a Buddhist temple nearby that you can visit. Here you can see what the local places of worship look like and what offerings are left there.
Karon Beach is a great place for those who like to spend their holidays as close to the beach as possible, but there are not many other activities in the area other than swimming and sitting under an umbrella with a drink.
Things to do
Visit the Buddhist shrine Wat Karon and see how the interior of a real Thai temple looks like.
Rent a kayak and head out to sea if you want to get a better view of Karon Beach and the surrounding mountains.
Take an umbrella, a good book, a drink from the bar and spend the whole day at the beach doing nothing.
Where to eat
- CUT Grill & Lounge is the place to go if you want to try barbecue.
- L’Arôme by the Sea has an excellent menu and an equally great view of the coast that you can enjoy while eating.
- PINTO KARON is a small restaurant where you can have breakfast in the morning.
Budget hotels in Karon Beach
Secret Cliff Resort & Restaurant features three swimming pools, a fully equipped fitness center and free Wi-Fi throughout.
Phuket Island View Hotel has rooms with satellite TV and refrigerator, as well as three outdoor pools, a full-service spa and a good on-site restaurant.
Mid-Range Hotels in Karon Beach
Hilton Phuket Arcadia Resort & Spa gives guests access to five swimming pools, a beauty salon, a fully equipped fitness center that is always open, and even a two-tiered waterslide.
Mandarava Resort and Spa, Karon Beach features a swimming pool, fitness center, in-house restaurant and bar, and rooms with free Wi-Fi.
Luxury hotels in Karon Beach
Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket has a game room where guests can have fun, a fitness center where they can work out, four pools where you can do a few laps and several tennis courts where you can play a few matches.
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort features a 37-inch flat-screen TV in every room, a fully equipped fitness centre, tennis courts and three outdoor pools with relaxation areas.
So where is the best place to stay in Phuket?
Pa Thong is the province’s nightlife district and is definitely the place to stay if you want to hit as many bars as possible during your holiday. Karon Beach has great beaches, plenty of waterside cafes and bars, and plenty of activities to try while you’re here.
Phuket Town is home to most of the entertainment venues, museums, shrines and other places of interest and attractions you might want to visit. However, there are many other interesting places where you can stay to make your pastime unforgettable. Happy travels!
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