Phuket may be Thailand’s best-known island, but few people realise just how big it is before their first visit. Where you choose to base yourself can have a huge impact on your holiday and the experiences you take home. Choose the wrong spot and you could spend the night listening to clubs thumping until dawn—or half your stay in overpriced taxis, making long journeys in search of better beaches.
It’s worth taking your time when choosing accommodation, because every part of Phuket has a completely different atmosphere. The southeastern tip promises peace and turquoise coves, while the west coast buzzes with nightlife and endless shopping. Thailand is incredibly diverse, and Phuket has something for every kind of traveller—you just need to know which bay is right for you.
In this guide, we’ll help you get your bearings and choose the right area. We’ll compare the island’s resorts, share specific accommodation recommendations for every budget and, most importantly, be honest about the places you may want to avoid if you’re looking for a peaceful break under the palms.
TL;DR
- Best overall: Romantic Sawasdee Village Resort & Spa offers excellent value in the popular Kata area.
- Best for families: Spacious Katathani Phuket Beach Resort or dependable Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort, both with great facilities.
- Best for luxury: Legendary Amanpuri or gorgeous private-pool villas at Banyan Tree Phuket for complete privacy.
- Best value and convenience: The well-known ibis Phuket Patong offers a reliable standard for a low price close to the action.
- Best for history lovers: Iconic The Memory at On On Hotel in Old Town—though you’ll have to do without beach access.
💡 Before you dive into our recommendations: you can browse all accommodation in Phuket, including current prices and availability, on this map. It’s handy if you want to see what’s available in your preferred area at a glance.
The full destination guide: Asia — guide and what to see
Which area should you choose?
Choosing the right resort area matters more in Phuket than picking a particular hotel. The island is large and traffic is heavy, so you don’t want to spend an hour in an overpriced taxi every day. Kata is probably the best choice for a first visit, offering an ideal mix of everything you might expect from Thailand. You’ll find great facilities, plenty of family resorts, excellent restaurants and calm seas during high season. Prices are roughly 1,500–4,000 THB per night, and the whole area has a friendly, relaxed feel. If you don’t ride a scooter, it’s also relatively easy to reach the main attractions from here.
Nearby Karon is known for one of the island’s widest and longest beaches. Its sheer size means it rarely feels crowded, even in peak tourist season, making it a great spot for a more peaceful day in the sun or a long walk along the sand. Karon is quieter than Kata, but there’s still plenty to do, and accommodation typically costs 1,000–3,000 THB per night.
At the other end of the spectrum is Patong, famous for wild Bangla Road, countless clubs and huge shopping centres. It has the island’s highest concentration of restaurants and bars, but expect noise well into the early hours. If you want to relax and get a good night’s sleep, it’s best to steer clear of Patong—even though it offers tempting accommodation prices and endless budget shopping.
Bang Tao and the nearby Laguna are home to some of the island’s most luxurious resorts and sprawling all-inclusive hotels. This is a peaceful, exclusive and more expensive part of Phuket, popular for its top-notch service and stylish beach clubs. By contrast, Nai Harn and the south of the island have fewer tourists, beautiful natural beaches and mid-range prices, attracting independent travellers and long-term expats.
Historic Phuket Old Town is a category of its own and is less popular for longer stays. The reason is simple: there’s no beach in Old Town, so you’ll need to travel across the island to reach the sea. But it’s a fantastic place to spend a night or two if you love colonial architecture, colourful streets and authentic local street food. You can easily find delicious vegetarian pad Thai here for just a few baht.
When to visit and when to book
Weather on the Andaman coast follows distinct seasonal patterns, so choosing the right dates is crucial to a successful holiday. The best time to visit Phuket is from late November to April, when the sea is calm and turquoise and the skies are clear. In summer, especially July and August, the strong southwest monsoon arrives, bringing frequent rain. Large waves and dangerous rip currents can make swimming unsafe. Red flags are often raised on the beaches, meaning you should stay out of the water.
If you’re travelling during peak season between December and March, book your accommodation at least three to six months ahead. The best hotels in Kata, Karon and the south fill up incredibly quickly, and last-minute room rates can shoot up. Keep an eye on options well in advance and, if possible, choose a booking with free cancellation to save yourself money and stress.
For the shoulder months, such as November or May, booking about a month ahead is usually enough. You can often find attractive discounts and extras as hotels try to fill rooms before or after the busiest period. The weather during these transitional months is still often very pleasant; the odd afternoon shower can be refreshing, and you’ll avoid the biggest crowds on popular beaches and trips. The changing seasons are something many experienced travellers quietly recommend.
12 best hotels in Phuket
1. Banyan Tree Phuket
Banyan Tree Phuket in exclusive Bang Tao feels like a vast tropical garden, with lagoons where you can take a traditional Thai boat ride. Accommodation is exclusively in large private villas with their own plunge pools, making this a favourite with honeymooners and couples seeking total privacy. Guests rave about the exceptionally warm staff and the spa, where a long massage leaves you feeling completely refreshed. The grounds are extensive, so you can borrow a bike to get to the beach or call for a hotel buggy whenever you like.
Expect to pay a premium for this kind of luxury—it’s firmly in the highest price bracket. One thing to watch at checkout: some guests have complained about poor exchange rates when paying in a foreign currency. It’s safer to pay in Thai baht or use a card with no foreign transaction fees. Otherwise, you can expect excellent service and generous portions at the café, giving you little reason to leave the resort.
💡 Tip: Book a table in advance at Saffron, the resort’s award-winning restaurant, which serves modern Asian cuisine. Its fantastic vegetarian menu uses local ingredients, and the vegetable curry and tofu spring rolls are particularly good.
2. Amanpuri
Legendary Amanpuri, on the island’s west coast near Bang Tao Beach, is the kind of resort where celebrities come for complete privacy. Dark wooden pavilions blend beautifully into the palm forest, and the terraces offer magical views over the Andaman Sea. Its biggest draw is a beautiful white-sand beach reserved for hotel guests—a rare luxury in Phuket. Guests praise the seemingly flawless service, which is also warm and unpretentious. Imagine heading for a swim while the staff quietly lay out fresh, dry towels on the shore.
With its extremely high prices, this probably isn’t an everyday holiday stay so much as a place to celebrate a truly special occasion. There’s an infinity pool and four restaurants happy to cater to your dietary needs, though even a resort this luxurious has a few drawbacks. Some guests admit that while everything is spotless, parts of the room furnishings are showing their age, and the bathroom toiletries could be more luxurious for the price. But if you’re after complete discretion and peace, you’ll leave with memories to last a lifetime.
💡 Tip: Don’t miss the morning yoga and meditation sessions on open-air wooden terraces overlooking the ocean as it wakes up. For an extra dose of romance, the staff can arrange a private sunset cruise.
3. The Nai Harn, Phuket
Iconic The Nai Harn, Phuket sits on a green hillside above a bay in the south of the island. From the moment you arrive, its airy design and huge terraces make an impression. Guests especially love the panoramic views of white sailboats, the stunning pool and the attentive staff. Breakfast is another highlight, with local honey, iced coffee and Thai tea regularly earning rave reviews. Nai Harn Beach, one of the island’s cleanest beaches with a gentle slope into the sea, is just a short walk down the hill. Beach equipment is available to guests.
Come here if you’re looking for a romantic escape and prefer a quieter atmosphere away from noisy resorts and commercial beach clubs. Some details show that the building isn’t brand new, but everything is beautifully maintained, and rooms with spacious terraces feel wonderfully cosy. There are also several charming local restaurants nearby with sea views, where chefs will happily make vegetarian versions of Thai classics—like excellent pad Thai without fish sauce.
💡 Tip: Treat yourself to an evening drink at the hotel’s rooftop bar, Reflections. It offers some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island’s south coast. Get there early to secure the best seats.
4. Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach is a five-star resort on the peaceful northwest coast, where contemporary architecture sits beautifully amid the wild greenery. It’s perched on a cliff above Naithon Beach, which sees relatively few day-trippers, so you can enjoy a genuinely peaceful stay. Guests particularly appreciate the wonderful staff—who reportedly even remember your favourite coffee at the generous breakfast. Rooms are light and spacious, though the entry-level options are farther from the ocean and have limited sea views.
This feels like a great compromise if you want luxury service without the crowds. One major advantage is the airport, just 15 minutes away. After a long flight, you can check in quickly instead of spending another hour in a taxi crossing the congested island to the south. In the evening, try the hotel’s Italian restaurant and watch the sunset—the views are said to be unforgettable.
💡 Tip: Make time for the infinity pools, which seem to merge with the ocean horizon and make a brilliant backdrop for photos. Head there early in the morning for a little peace and quiet all to yourself.
5. Kata Rocks
Kata Rocks is an ultra-modern resort at the southern end of Kata Beach. Its gleaming white design is a little like a luxury superyacht anchored on a cliff. Every glass-fronted minimalist villa has a private infinity pool and uninterrupted sea views, giving you complete privacy. Guests often praise the attentive staff, who can even organise a flawless proposal or honeymoon. Although you’re tucked away from the crowds, it’s only a few minutes’ walk to streets lined with restaurants, massage parlours and local shops.
Be prepared for a hefty price tag. On arrival, you may also be surprised by a 15,000 THB refundable deposit that isn’t widely mentioned in advance. Despite its luxurious look, some guests have noted that parts of the facilities are showing wear and that breakfast can be slow. Still, if you love clean lines and romantic sunsets, you’ll feel right at home. The bar is famous across the island, and travellers come from all over Phuket for an evening drink. Larger villas are also available for groups of friends.
💡 Tip: The acclaimed spa offers distinctive light and sound therapies that are said to help you get over jet lag quickly. Consider booking a session for your first day after a long flight so you can enjoy your holiday from the start.
6. Sawasdee Village Resort & Spa
If you’re looking for accommodation in Phuket with unmistakable Thai character, Sawasdee Village Resort & Spa in Kata could be just the place. This romantic resort is nestled in such a lush tropical garden that you’ll feel as if you’re in the jungle. Guests highlight its exceptional tranquillity—a welcome break from the island’s ever-present scooters—and beautiful design with dark wood and Buddhist statues. Soft meditation music sets the scene, while the fantastic staff take care of you with a smile. Prices are mid-range, even though the resort looks far more expensive, and it’s one of the best-reviewed hotels in the area.
This is more of a place to unwind, making it particularly popular with couples and adults. Guests often mention how immaculate the rooms are, and rooms with direct pool access are especially sought after. The hotel’s free shuttle can take you to Kata Beach whenever you like—a welcome option in the Thai heat if you don’t fancy the short walk.
💡 Tip: Treat yourself to at least one treatment at the renowned Baray Spa. Its golden decor makes it look like an ancient Asian temple, and the massages are delivered in a truly magical setting.
7. Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort
Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort is a good fit if you like the reliability and international standards of a major hotel brand. It sits on a quieter hill between Kata and Karon beaches, both within walking distance. Guests frequently mention the lovely staff and huge family rooms with plenty of space. After a day in the sun, relax by the tiered pools, which have a great atmosphere; there’s often live music in the evening, too. If you’d rather not walk uphill from the water, a regular shuttle runs to Kata Beach.
This seems to work especially well for families with children. There are kids’ clubs, well-equipped playrooms, shallow pools and even underwater scooters to rent by the pool—something little swimmers love. Just remember that the walk back is uphill, which can be tiring in the Thai heat. Prices are in the affordable mid-range and include a generous breakfast. Expect plenty of exotic fruit, delicious waffles and pancakes in the morning, and excellent Thai and Indian food for dinner.
💡 Tip: When booking online, ask for a room on one of the top floors. You’ll have a beautiful sea view through the palm trees and can enjoy your morning coffee on the balcony.
8. Cape Panwa Hotel
On the peaceful southeastern tip of the island, away from mass tourism, you’ll find Cape Panwa Hotel. Guests appreciate the elegant, slow-paced atmosphere and architecture that combines colonial touches with traditional Thai style. Its biggest selling point is a beautiful private beach protected from large waves year-round—a rare feature in Phuket, especially in summer. Guests often praise the enormous rooms with large balconies and ocean views, the friendly staff and the generous breakfasts. There are also two outdoor pools and a spa for some well-earned downtime.
This is an ideal choice if you want to escape the crowds and don’t need to head to the west coast for nightlife every evening. You’ll be a little farther from the main resorts and large shopping centres, but in return you get real privacy at a reasonable mid-range price. To be fair, some of the room furnishings are showing their age and could use a refresh. Prices at the resort’s ten restaurants and bars are also a little higher, but you’ll find plenty of pleasant, cheaper cafés just outside the gates.
💡 Tip: The resort is built on a steep hillside, but you don’t have to trudge down to the water. Its historic funicular takes you comfortably and stylishly from the main building straight to the beach.
9. Katathani Phuket Beach Resort
Katathani Phuket Beach Resort stretches along the beautiful, peaceful Kata Noi Bay and is so large that it practically has the beach to itself. It’s a brilliant escape for families with children: you could stay on the resort all week and want for nothing. Guests love the extensive, well-kept gardens where children can run barefoot on the grass, as well as the six pools, recently joined by some excellent waterslides. Many also praise the caring staff, who are happy to help—even if your child happens to get sick during your stay.
With so many guests, the breakfast buffet can get busy, and things can feel a little hectic at times. Otherwise, the resort runs smoothly and the rooms are modern and clean. The rooms in the newer Vari Wing are particularly well regarded. If you fancy a change of scene after a few days by the water, there are a few small local massage parlours and cosy shops selling traditional souvenirs just outside the resort gates.
💡 Tip: If you’re travelling as a couple and want peace and quiet, book a room in Thani Wing. It’s closer to the beach and has a noticeably quieter, more grown-up atmosphere, while the rest of the resort tends to be full of families.
10. ibis Phuket Patong
ibis Phuket Patong is a great option if you’re on a tighter budget but still want cleanliness and a dependable international standard. It’s in the quieter northern part of lively Patong, so both the beach and the clubs on Bangla Road are about a pleasant ten-minute walk away. Guests often mention the friendly staff and excellent breakfast, especially the station where chefs make omelettes to order. Rooms are small but modern, and you can borrow clean towels for the pleasant outdoor pool.
It can get quite humid indoors on rainy days, so you may need to keep the air conditioning running to dry things out. The bathrooms are also very compact, but they’re perfectly fine for a quick shower after a day exploring the islands. It’s a good base for active travellers who want a comfortable bed and dependable facilities. In the evening, head into the centre for affordable street food, where you can find delicious meat-free noodles for just a few baht.
💡 Tip: The hotel is surprisingly pet-friendly, which isn’t easy to find in Thailand. Get down to breakfast early to avoid the queues, as it can get very busy in high season.
11. Patong Bay Hill
Modern apartment complex Patong Bay Hill sits high above lively Patong, offering blissful quiet away from the thumping clubs of Bangla Road and lovely panoramic views of the bay. Guests particularly appreciate the large, airy rooms, many with a kitchenette, as well as the excellent air conditioning and pleasant pool. The beach and shops are only a few minutes downhill, and the hotel shuttle is fairly reliable; some travellers also rent a scooter. Prices are very reasonable, especially for groups of friends, as the spacious rooms give everyone plenty of breathing room.
It’s only fair to mention a few drawbacks that guests have flagged. At check-in, reception may ask for a 5,000 THB cash deposit or to hold your passport as security, and the staff aren’t always the friendliest. It’s worth knowing in advance so you don’t have to rush off to find an ATM and pay unnecessary fees. Housekeeping can also be inconsistent, so you may need to ask for your room to be cleaned. Still, the views and generous space make it worth considering.
💡 Tip: The resort is sprawling and built on a steep slope, so carrying your shopping uphill can be exhausting. Don’t hesitate to use the free hotel buggies, which will take you from reception right to your door.
12. The Memory at On On Hotel
The Memory at On On Hotel is right in the heart of historic Old Town and is the island’s oldest hotel still in operation, dating back to 1927. It may look familiar: the hotel featured in the famous Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach. It has since been carefully restored, and guests love its beautiful Sino-Portuguese design and photogenic courtyard. Reviews praise the welcoming staff, who greet guests with a cool towel and rose tea, as well as the unexpected tranquillity. The rooms are spacious and comfortable, although the dark period furniture can make them feel a little dim. At these surprisingly low prices, it’s a real find.
Keep in mind that you’ll be staying inland, so getting to the sea takes some effort. Still, it’s a great place to start your holiday if you’re a backpacker, history lover or solo traveller looking to acclimatise after your flight. Sunday evenings are especially fun, with fantastic street-food markets starting right outside the door. Pick up a delicious vegetarian curry at the night market, then move closer to the beach after a few days.
💡 Tip: Explore the surrounding streets, especially Thalang Road. It’s lined with colourful colonial-era buildings, street art and stylish speciality coffee shops, offering a completely different feel from the rest of Thailand.
How to choose the right hotel
Before making your final decision, think about what you want from your holiday. If you’re travelling with children, look for a mid-range hotel in Kata or Karon, where the facilities are excellent and the sea is calm. If you don’t want to ride a scooter or pay for expensive taxis, choose a hotel within easy walking distance of the beach, a market and somewhere to eat.
Couples looking for complete peace and quiet should head to Nai Harn Beach or the luxury enclave of Bang Tao, where traffic noise won’t disturb you. On the other hand, if your main goal is dancing every night and browsing the budget shops, stay in Patong but look for a hotel on a side street so you can at least get some sleep.
Where to go next
Once you’ve chosen your accommodation, it’s time to plan your itinerary. Check out our detailed guide to the best things to do in Phuket, featuring the island’s most beautiful viewpoints and temples. If you’re planning to explore more of the country, our guide to the best things to do in Thailand can help. And to stay connected and navigate with maps as soon as you land, arrange your connection in advance with our guide to eSIMs in Thailand.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Patong area suitable for families with children?
It’s definitely not an ideal choice. Patong is very noisy, the beaches tend to be overcrowded, and the evening atmosphere around Bangla Road targets adults looking for wild parties and cheap alcohol. For families, it’s much safer and more pleasant to choose quieter areas like Kata or Karon, where there are also sidewalks for strollers.
Do I need a scooter in Phuket?
A scooter will give you enormous freedom of movement and save you money, as island transport is very expensive. However, if you have no experience riding in Asian traffic chaos, you’re better off relying on taxis and apps like Grab. Local traffic can be very treacherous for beginners, and it’s not worth a needless injury.
Can I swim in the Old Town?
No, the Old Town (Phuket Town) is located inland on the eastern side of the island and has absolutely no beach. To reach the nearest decent swimming spot with clean water, you need to drive about thirty to forty minutes by car or bus to the west coast, so it’s really not a suitable base for a classic beach holiday.
Can I find vegetarian food in Phuket?
Thai cuisine is incredibly friendly to vegetarians, and in Phuket that goes double. You’ll commonly find excellent vegetable curries with tofu, meat-free versions of pad thai packed with peanuts, or refreshing green papaya salads. Just always ask the staff in advance to leave out the traditional fish sauce.
Can I go to the Andaman coast in August?
I really don’t recommend a trip in July and August if you want to swim. On this side of Thailand, the monsoon is at its peak, it rains very often and heavily, and because of the large waves, swimming in the sea is downright dangerous. Red flags fly on the beaches prohibiting entry into the water.
Is a holiday in Phuket expensive?
It depends very much on which area you choose for your stay. While in the Bang Tao resort you’ll pay practically European prices for accommodation and food, in the Old Town or in the outlying parts of the island you can find fantastic food at the market for just a few euros and cheap but very clean hostels.
How long should I stay on the island?
For the long journey from Europe to be worthwhile at all, and for you to have time to leisurely enjoy both the beautiful beaches and boat trips to the surrounding islands (like Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay), I recommend planning a stay of at least one to two weeks.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
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Compare car prices in Thailand →Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
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