Wondering where to stay in Phuket in 2025?
This guide compares the best areas and places to stay — from lively Patong to relaxed Kamala — with simple pros and cons to help you choose the perfect base.
Whether you’re a first-timer, a couple, or looking for the best beach location, use our updated Phuket area map and local tips to find the right spot for your trip.
🌐 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 | Summary |
|---|---|
| Patong Beach | Best for nightlife, shopping, first-timers |
| Karon Beach | Wide beach, quieter than Patong, easy access |
| Kata Beach | Cozy, family-friendly, good snorkeling |
| Kamala Beach | Relaxed vibe, beach clubs, couples |
| Bangtao Beach | Luxury resorts, golf, calm beaches |
🗺️ Phuket Area Map (2025 Updated)
Use this map to visualize where each major beach sits on the west coast.
It helps you quickly understand which areas are best for your travel style and how long it takes to move between them.
🏝️ Best Areas to Stay in Phuket – By Travel Style
Patong Beach – Best for Nightlife & First-Timers
Patong is Phuket’s most energetic district, filled with malls, restaurants, and famous nightlife around Bangla Road.
It’s the easiest area for first-timers who want maximum convenience and plenty to do within walking distance.
Pros: very convenient, huge dining options, big malls
Cons: busy, noisy during peak season
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Patong
| Hotel Name | 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 Convenience & Long Beaches
Karon offers a long, wide beach with a calmer vibe than Patong.
You still get restaurants, shops, and easy transport—but with more breathing room.
Pros: spacious beach, fewer crowds, good mid-range hotels
Cons: nightlife and shopping are more limited
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Karon
| Hotel Name | 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 is quiet, stylish, and perfect for a slower-paced trip.
It’s home to famous beach clubs like Café del Mar, making it ideal for couples or relaxed adults-only holidays.
Pros: chilled atmosphere, modern cafés, sunset beach clubs
Cons: nightlife is minimal
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Kamala
| Hotel Name | 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
Kata has a cozy, friendly atmosphere with a sheltered bay ideal for swimming.
It’s popular with families, couples, and anyone who wants a softer, relaxing vibe.
Pros: great snorkeling, walkable, family-friendly
Cons: fewer hotels, rooms sell out early in peak months
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Kata
| Hotel Name | 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
Bang Tao and the Laguna complex are famous for high-end resorts, wide beaches, and calm surroundings.
If you’re dreaming of a luxury holiday or honeymoon, this is the place.
Pros: 5-star resorts, peaceful beach, golf & spa facilities
Cons: sightseeing areas require taxi/Grab to reach
🏨 Recommended Hotels in Bang Tao & Laguna
| Hotel Name | 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)
Couples tend to love:
- Kamala – quiet, romantic, beach clubs
- Kata – cozy, scenic, great for sunset walks
- Bang Tao – luxury resorts with private beaches
All three offer calm environments, ocean views, and easy dining options.
👣 Where to Stay in Phuket for First-Timers (2025)
For stress-free planning, the best picks for first-time visitors are:
- Patong – most convenient, everything walkable
- Karon – quieter but still easy to explore
- Kata – friendly, scenic, great for swimming
Choose based on how busy or relaxed you want your stay to be.l convenience, then consider moving to Kata or Karon mid-trip if you crave more calm.
❓ Phuket Accommodation FAQs (Updated 2025)
✔ Final Thoughts + Booking Tips
Each Phuket area has a different personality, so choosing the right base makes a huge difference:
- Patong – convenience + nightlife
- Karon / Kata – balanced, easy, great beaches
- Kamala – quiet, romantic, beach-club sunsets
- Bang Tao – luxury escapes
Pick the vibe you want, book early for peak season, and enjoy a smoother, more relaxing Phuket trip in 2025.
