Where to stay in Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's biggest island and its busiest beach destination, with an international airport, a long west coast of sandy bays and a historic old town in the east. The beaches range from the round-the-clock energy of Patong to quiet coves you can only reach on foot.

The places we list are in and around Patong, the island's liveliest town, plus a sea-view hotel at Tri Trang, a small bay just south of it. They're good-value bases for nightlife, shopping and boat trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay.

Airport
Phuket International, in the north; about 45 to 60 minutes to Patong
Boat trips
Ferries and speedboats to Phi Phi, Krabi and Phang Nga Bay
Getting around
Taxis, ride-hailing apps, tuk-tuks and scooter hire
Rainy season
Roughly May to October

Places to stay in Phuket

5 hotels

"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Phuket, area by area

Phuket's west coast runs from the airport beaches in the north down to Kata and Rawai in the south. Patong is in the middle, with Tri Trang and Merlin Beach tucked just below it.

Patong

Best for nightlife, shopping and a big beach

Patong is Phuket's party town: a long, busy beach, Bangla Road's bars and clubs, the Jungceylon shopping centre, cabaret shows and Muay Thai stadiums. Hotels a few streets back from the beach, around Nanai Road and Phang Muang Sai Kor Road, are quieter and better value, and still a short walk from the action.

Tri Trang and Merlin Beach

Best for sea views close to Patong

Just over the headland south of Patong, Tri Trang and Merlin Beach are small, sheltered bays with clear water and coral close to shore. They feel far calmer than Patong, which is only a few minutes away by car.

Kata and Karon

Best for families and swimming

South of Patong, Karon and Kata have wide, sandy beaches and a more relaxed, family-friendly feel, with plenty of restaurants but less of Patong's nightlife.

Questions about staying in Phuket

Is Patong a good place to stay in Phuket?

Yes, if you want nightlife, shopping and lots of choice of food. If you'd rather have a quieter beach, look at Kata, Karon or the small bays such as Tri Trang, all within a short drive.

How far is Patong from Phuket Airport?

Around 45 to 60 minutes by taxi, depending on traffic.

Can I do island trips from Phuket?

Yes. Day trips run to Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island, and the Similan Islands in season. Most tours include hotel pick-ups from Patong.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

The dry season, from about November to April, has the calmest seas. From May to October there's more rain and rough surf on the west coast, and some beaches fly red flags.

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