Wondering where to stay in Phuket for your 2025 trip?
This updated guide compares the 5 best areas — from lively Patong to relaxing Kamala — to help you choose the perfect base.
Whether you’re visiting Phuket for the first time, planning a romantic escape, or looking for a quiet beachfront stay, you’ll find pros, cons, and hotel picks for each area.
Use our Phuket area map and local tips to make your stay smooth, fun, and unforgettable.
Quick Comparison: Best Places to Stay in Phuket (2025)
Here’s a quick side-by-side comparison of Phuket’s top beach destinations—what they’re known for, who they suit best, and what to watch out for.
| Beach | Best For | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Patong Beach | Nightlife, first-timers | Lively & energetic. Great for nightlife and shopping. Crowded and noisy. |
| Karon Beach | Families, convenience | Wide, clean beach with many eateries. Easy access. Less character. |
| Kata Beach | Families, relaxed stays | Scenic, walkable area with cafes. Balanced vibe. Can get busy. |
| Kamala Beach | Couples, relaxation | Laid-back with beach clubs. Small-town feel. Limited shopping. |
| Bangtao Beach | Long stays, families | Quiet, long beach with resorts. Great for activities. Spread out. |
Phuket Area Map (2025)
Here’s a quick look at the main tourist areas in Phuket. From buzzing Patong to peaceful Bangtao, use this map to get your bearings before choosing where to stay
Best Areas to Stay in Phuket – by Travel Style
🏖️ Patong Beach – Best for Nightlife & First-Time Visitors
Patong Beach is the most famous and energetic area in Phuket. If it’s your first time on the island—or you’re looking for nightlife, shopping, and a ton of restaurants—this is the place to be.
During the day, you can enjoy jet skiing, parasailing, or just relaxing on the beach. But Patong truly comes alive at night, with its legendary Bangla Road full of bars, clubs, and entertainment.
💡 Good for:
Solo travelers, groups of friends, partygoers, or those who want convenience above all.
❌ Keep in mind:
It’s loud, crowded, and not ideal if you’re looking for peace and quiet.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Patong
| Hotel Name | Rating | Price Range (per night) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Kee Resort & Spa | ★★★★☆ | $70 – $120 | Modern, clean, right by nightlife and shopping. |
| Amari Phuket | ★★★★★ | $150 – $250 | Luxury beachfront resort, great for families and couples. |
| Holiday Inn Resort Phuket | ★★★★☆ | $100 – $180 | Family-friendly with kids’ facilities, peaceful location. |
🌅 Karon Beach – Best for Spacious Beaches & Convenience
Karon Beach is often overlooked—but it’s actually one of the best all-around spots to stay in Phuket. The beach is long, wide, and clean, with plenty of space even during high season.
You’ll find a nice mix of restaurants, shops, massage places, and casual bars along the main road. It’s more peaceful than Patong, yet still lively enough to keep things interesting—making it perfect for families or couples who want a relaxed, convenient stay.
💡 Good for:
Families, couples, or anyone wanting space, comfort, and accessibility.
❌ Keep in mind:
While functional, the area lacks a unique “wow” factor and has limited natural shade.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Karon
| Hotel Name | Rating | Price Range (per night) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mandarava Resort and Spa | ★★★★★ | $180 – $300 | Tropical hillside retreat with multiple pools, perfect for relaxation. |
| Beyond Resort Karon | ★★★★☆ | $120 – $200 | Adults-only beachfront resort with stunning sunset views. |
| Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket | ★★★★☆ | $100 – $180 | Family-friendly resort with pools and waterslides right on the beach. |
🍸 Kamala Beach – Best for Relaxation & Beach Clubs
Kamala Beach offers a quieter, more refined atmosphere—perfect for couples or solo travelers looking to unwind. The beach itself is peaceful, with soft sand, calm waters, and a local village feel.
One unique draw is the presence of stylish beach clubs like Café Del Mar, where you can lounge all day with cocktails, music, and sunset views.
It’s also a great base if you want to stay near Patong but avoid its chaos—just a 15-minute drive away.
💡 Good for:
Couples, chill travelers, or anyone wanting low-key luxury without going full resort-mode.
❌ Keep in mind:
While relaxing, Kamala has fewer shops and restaurants than other areas.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Kamala
| Hotel Name | Rating | Price Range (per night) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort | ★★★★★ | $130 – $200 | 🌴 Tropical hillside resort with stunning sea views, multiple dining options, and a spa. |
| Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa | ★★★★☆ | $70 – $100 | 🏖️ Private beach access, lush gardens, and traditional Thai-style villas. |
| Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach | ★★★★☆ | $50 – $80 | 🏝️ Beachfront location |
🐠 Kata Beach – Best for Families & Snorkeling
If you’re traveling with kids or just want a calmer beach vibe, Kata Beach is the perfect alternative to busy Patong.
The beach is clean, scenic, and walkable—with gentle waves and a safe, family-friendly atmosphere.
You’ll find plenty of cafes, restaurants, and massage shops within walking distance. It’s also a great spot for snorkeling near the rocks at the southern end, especially in the dry season (Nov–Apr).
💡 Good for:
Families, couples, or travelers who enjoy a balance of relaxation and convenience.
❌ Keep in mind:
It can still get a little busy in peak season, especially with families and tour groups.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Kata
| Hotel Name | Rating | Price Range (per night) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Katathani Phuket Beach Resort | ★★★★★ | $130 – $200 | 🌴 Award-winning beachfront resort with 6 pools and 6 dining options. Ideal for couples and families. |
| The Shore at Katathani | ★★★★★ | $200 – $330 | 🌊 Adults-only luxury villas with private pools, perfect for a romantic getaway. |
| Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa | ★★★★☆ | ¥$65 – $130 | 🏖️ Hilltop resort offering panoramic sea views, multiple pools, and a spa. Great for families. |
🏝️ Bang Tao & Laguna – Best for Luxury Resorts & Golf Getaways
If you’re dreaming of a serene, upscale stay in Phuket, Bang Tao Beach and the Laguna area deliver just that. Stretching over 6 km, Bangtao offers a peaceful coastline with luxury resorts, beach clubs, and activities like paddleboarding or yoga.
The Laguna Phuket Complex is a resort village filled with high-end hotels, spas, and an 18-hole golf course—perfect for honeymooners, digital nomads, or anyone looking for a long, comfortable stay.
💡 Good for:
Luxury travelers, golf lovers, families on longer trips.
❌ Keep in mind:
The area is quite spread out, and you may need a taxi or bike to get around.
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Bang Tao & Laguna
| Hotel Name | Rating | Price Range (per night) | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket | ★★★★★ | $250 – $500 | 🌴 Elegant beachfront stay with Thai-style luxury, serene setting, and direct beach access. |
| SAii Laguna Phuket | ★★★★☆ | $300 – $600 | 🏖️ Stylish resort offering beachfront access, water sports, and a variety of dining choices. |
| Allamanda Laguna Phuket by RESAVA | ★★★★☆ | $250 – $450 | 🏡 Family-friendly with spacious rooms, golf course views, and easy access to nearby attractions. |
Best Areas in Phuket for Couples (2025)
If you’re planning a romantic getaway in Phuket, these three areas are perfect for couples:
- Kamala Beach – Quiet and romantic, ideal for honeymoons. Enjoy sunset dinners and luxury stays like InterContinental Phuket or The Naka.
- Bangtao & Laguna – Upscale area with 5-star resorts, spas, and beach clubs such as Banyan Tree Phuket. Great for anniversaries.
- Kata Beach – Relaxed and scenic, perfect for couples who enjoy cafés, sunsets, and easy access to the sea.
🪷 Tip: Book early during high season (Nov–Feb) — the best couple resorts sell out quickly.
Where to Stay in Phuket for First-Timers (2025)
If this is your first time in Phuket, staying along the west coast gives you the best balance of access and comfort.
- Patong Beach – Perfect for first-timers who want everything in walking distance: nightlife, shops, tour pick-ups, and restaurants.
- Karon Beach – A bit calmer but still highly convenient, with a wide, clean beach and plenty of mid-range hotel choices.
- Kata Beach – A peaceful option that’s still near both Patong and Karon. Great if you want relaxing beach time without full immersion in nightlife.
✨ Tip: Start in Patong for central convenience, then consider moving to Kata or Karon mid-trip if you crave more calm.
Phuket Accommodation FAQs (Updated 2025)
Final Thoughts + Booking Tips
Phuket offers something for everyone — from the bustling streets of Patong to the peaceful sands of Kamala and upscale Bangtao. Choosing the right area depends on your travel style: whether you’re a first-time visitor, a couple seeking romance, or a family looking for calm beaches.
- Book early: High-season (Nov–Feb) fills up quickly, especially beachfront resorts.
- Compare hotels: Use Hotel reviews, free cancellations, and best rates.
- Check transportation: If you don’t plan to rent a motorbike, confirm hotel shuttles or local Grab/Bolt availability.
- Plan your itinerary by area: Staying in one neighborhood can save travel time and help you enjoy your Phuket adventure fully.
With the right choice, your Phuket stay will be stress-free, comfortable, and unforgettable. 🌅
