Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, luring visitors in with its relaxing beaches, stunning vistas and lively nightlife. Trying to work out where to stay in Phuket? Read my step-by-step guide to help you choose the perfect accommodation for your trip.
Where to Stay in Phuket Thailand: At a Glance
| Best For… | Hotel |
| Best Overall Hotel in Phuket | Anantara Mai Khao |
| Best Place to Stay in Phuket for Couples | Saii Laguna Phuket |
| Best Budget Stay in Phuket | Casa Brazil Homestay |
| Best Hotel in Phuket for Families | Patong Resort |
The Best Area to Stay in Phuket?
Wondering which is the best area to stay in Phuket?
The best area to stay in Phuket Thailand is Patong.
Patong is one of the most popular areas on the island as tourists flock there year round.
This area accommodates all visitors no matter their price budget, offering beach-front views at most hotels.
Patong is known for its pristine beach, but it also has a bustling nightlife and a variety of culinary treats to choose from for your meals.
Which is the Best Hotel in Phuket?
The best place to stay in Phuket is the Anantara Mai Khao in the north of the island.
This all-villa escape is set a distance away from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the island and offers a luxury getaway from it all.
Is there anything more refreshing than sliding open your bedroom door and hopping straight into your private pool before catching a few rays in your private sala (outdoors lounge)?
If so, we’re yet to come across it.
Phuket Hotel Price Guide
$= up to $50
$$ = $50-150
$$$ = $150+
Where to Stay in Phuket: Patong
Patong is one of the best places to stay in Phuket.
During the day you can dig your toes into the white sand of Patong Beach or visit one of the shopping malls close to Phuket Town and as the sun goes down the center of town lights up.
Phuket Town becomes party central as go-go bars, nightclubs, and cabarets overflow the streets. It’s easy to stay in Patong no matter what your budget as there’s a seemingly endless choice of hotels.
Things to do in Patong
- Jet ski at Patong beach
- Watch a Phuket Simon Cabaret show
- Zipline through Patong’s treetops
Best Hotels in Patong Phuket
Amari Phuket – The Best Hotel in Patong
Tucked away in a secluded area of the beaches of Patong is Amari Phuket. This five-star hotel is relaxation at its finest with customer service their number one priority.
The views just from the lobby of the hotel are breathtaking and only get better when you’re one of Amari Phuket’s well-furnished suites. If money isn’t an issue than Amari Phuket is the place to stay.
Cost: $$$
Check Rates and Availability at the Amari Phuket
Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa – The Best Hotel in Patong for Couples
In the hills of Patong is the authentic Thai resort, Diamond Cliff. Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa is extremely popular among couples traveling together thanks to the resort’s romantic atmosphere.
Diamond Cliff offers plenty to do on site: between two swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa and activities throughout the day for all ages, it’s easy to spend your whole time in the resort.
Cost: $$
Check Rates & Availability for Diamond Cliff
Patong Resort – The Best Hotel in Patong for Families
Just a short walk from the center of town and Phuket Beach is the ideal family hotel, Patong Resort. Entering the resort you’re greeted by the friendly staff with coconut welcome drinks in hand for you to quench your thirst after your travels.
Book yourself in for a massage, relax on your private balcony or head out and explore the Patong area.
Patong Resort offers the perfect refuge from the hustle and bustle but is within easy striking distance of many of the area’s famous bars, restaurants and clubs.
Cost: $
Check Rates and Availability for Patong Resort
Where to Stay in Phuket: Karon
Wondering where to stay in Phuket but not keen on the livelier aspects of Patong? Unlike Patong, Karon is a quieter area and the perfect place for families and those looking to relax and not party the night away in town.
Karon beach is the third longest beach on Phuket Island and features exciting sea-based activities.
You’ll also find some of the best authentic Thai cuisine in Karon – don’t miss the weekly marketplace held at the Buddhist temple close to the centre.
Things to do in Karon
- Snorkeling at Karon Beach
- Visit the Phuket Big Buddha
- Stroll through the Karon Temple Market
- Listen to live music at One Man Soi
Hotels in Karon, Phuket
Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort – The Best Hotel in Karon
One of the grandest resorts on the list is Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort.
Taking over about 40 acres and surrounded by Phuket’s greenery, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort has 417 suites, two swimming pools, four tennis courts, and more.
Rooms are airy and spacious and it’s set on a nice stretch of beach that’s perfect for soaking up the sunshine.
Cost: $$$
Check Rates and Availability for Le Meridien Phuket
Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa – The Best Hotel in Karon for Couples
Situated not far from the beach is the four star resort, Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa. The resort is surrounded by luscious greenery creating a peaceful environment for guests.
For couples looking for a decently priced place to stay in Phuket, Horizon Karon Beach Resort & Spa is a great place to consider. The food and drinks are highly praised as well as the friendly staff.
Cost: $$
Check Rates & Availability for Karon Beach Resort
Wynn Phuket – The Best Hotel in Patong for Privacy
Still within easy striking distance of the center of town and Phuket beach you’ll find Wynn Phuket. This resort has all the conveniences you would expect from a 5-star hotel, with staff always on hand to help where they can.
Wynn Phuket is the perfect place to stay if you want complete privacy without feeling like you’re completely out of touch with what’s happening in the area.
The resort is based around its private beach where guests can relax, put their feet up and forget about everything else.
Cost: $$$
Check Rates & Availability for Wynn Phuket
Rosewood Phuket – The Best Luxury Hotel in Phuket’s Karon Area
The Rosewood Phuket is a stunning resort with a price tag to match.
This luxurious beachside retreat has everything you need for a wonderfully relaxing time away.
For those who prefer their luxury turned up to the max, the Rosewood will be right up your alley. Rosewood Phuket also offers a wide range of activities to keep you entertained, including paragliding and scuba diving.
Cost: $$$
Check Rates & Availability for Rosewood Koh Phuket
Casa Brazil Homestay – The Best Hotel in Karon Phuket for Budget Travelers
A great place to stay on a tight budget while visiting Phuket is Casa Brazil Homestay.
A short stroll from the beach, the rooms are all designed with a modern Asian style and come with a private balcony.
Every little detail to make your stay at Casa Brazil has been thoroughly thought out – making for a pleasant and attentive stay.
Cost: $
Check Rates & Availability for Casa Brazil
Best Area to Stay in Phuket: Bang Tao Beach
Looking for a tranquil experience? Bang Tao Bay is the place to stay.
Located on the west coast of Phuket Island, Bang Tao Bay is a peaceful area and not overflowing with tourists like some other parts of the island.
This is an area where the majority of your time may be spent at your resort – it’s a fair distance to take day trips to other parts of Phuket.
One of Bang Tao Bay’s highlights is that you are surrounded by locals and don’t have to walk far to watch residents participate in ancient lifestyles of fishing, farming, and rubber tapping.
Things to do in Bang Tao Beach
- Enjoy a Thai-French fusion meal from Dedos
- Ride along Bang Tao Beach by horseback
- Look through handcrafted goods at Lagoon Traditional Thai Crafts
- Have a drink and dance at Catch Beach Club
The Best Places to Stay in Bang Tao Beach
The Pavilions Phuket – The Best Hotel in Bang Tao Beach
The Pavilions Phuket is one of the best places to stay in Phuket, thanks to an idyllic location overlooking Layan Beach.
This adults only resort in Phuket is often named as the best hotel in Phuket for couples.
This section “Sunset Coast” more than lives up to its name – but The Pavilions makes an impression at any time of the day.
Guests are encouraged to create their own perfect holiday with a series of personalised in-villa holiday experiences. Cooking classes, guided yoga sessions, even underwater photography classes – the experiences make for a memorable holiday.
Not so keen? Each villa comes with a private pool, perfect for spending lazy days with a cooling cocktail in hand.
Cost: $$$
Check Rates & Availability at The Pavilions
Saii Laguna Phuket Beach Resort – The Best Hotel in Bang Tao for Couples
For a premier beachfront setting Saii Laguna Phuket Beach Resort is the perfect place to stay in Phuket for couples.
Spacious rooms are paired with a simple, understated decor and super-comfortable beds that you won’t want to get out of.
Guests have a breathtaking view of the glistening blue lagoon while enjoying the Thai inspired dining that is available on the property.
Cost: $$$
Check Rates and Availability at Saii Laguna
Bangtao Beach Chalet — The Best Hotel in Bangtao for Budget Travelers
Unlike most resorts in Phuket, Bangtao Beach Chalet is a low rise resort tucked away in Bang Tao touching the rural Thai greenery surroundings.
This cozy resort is one of the best places to stay in Phuket if you’re not trying to spend an obscene amount of money, but still want to stay in a great hotel in Phuket.
The bungalows are simply furnished and are a short walk to the beach.
Cost:$$
Check Rates and Availability at the Bangtao Beach Chalets
Andaman Seaside Resort – The Best Value Hotel in Bangtao
The 32 room resort, Andaman Seaside Resort, is one of the best low priced resorts bordering Bang Tao Beach.
Guests can take a break from the sandy beach to relax by the swimming pool in the center of the property. If you don’t mind small quaint suites with a friendly staff then Andaman Seaside Resort is the place for you.
Cost:$
Check Prices & Availability at the Andaman Seaside Resort
The Beach House – The Best Hotel in Bang Tao for Couples
For a romantic escape head to The Beach House where you can enjoy spectacular views of the sunset and beautiful sunrises from your private balcony.
Just steps away from the sand, this beautiful villa is one of Phuket’s cosiest getaways.
Cost: $$$
Check Availability and Prices at The Beach House Phuket
Best Area to Stay in Phuket: Kamala
The fishing village of Kamala is one of the less developed areas of Phuket Island. If you’re wondering where to stay in Phuket and are looking to get a little off the beaten track, Kamala’s a good choice.
The town offers peace and quiet to travelers looking to relax in an intimate area.
Along the 2 kilometer beach you won’t find public facilities like you’d find in Patong – only a few bar and restaurants, but the remoteness is very much a part of the area’s charm.
Things to do in Kamala
- Visit Phuket’s most popular attraction, Phuket FantaSea
- Grab a drink at one of Kamala’s local beer gardens
- Treat yourself to a Mango Sticky Rice Skin Treatment at the Chann Spa
- Visit Kamala’s Tsunami Memorial Park
The Best Places to Stay in Kamala, Phuket
Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa – The Best Hotel for Couples in Kamala, Phuket
A perfect place for couples to stay while visiting Phuket is Ayara Kamala Resort & Spa.
This romantic resort focuses on guests finding a sense of tranquility during their stay. The resort, located on a remote hillside, is worth the stay if money isn’t an issue.
Cost: £££
Check Rates and Availability at The Ayara
Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach – The Best Hotel in Kamala, Phuket
Along the Kamala Beach is Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach, a modern resort with plenty of views of the Andaman Sea.
This resort is perfect for those looking to stay in Phuket and not break the bank on booking a place to stay. Novotel Phuket Kamala Beach has one restaurant and three bars on the property for guests to enjoy.
Cost:$$
Check Rates & Availability at the Novotel Phuket
Thai Kamala Beach Front – The Best Place to Stay in Kamala for Budget Travelers
Only a few steps away from the beach is Kamala Beach Front. This low budget resort may not have all the luxury bells and whistles, but it’s an affordable stay with a host of amenities.
The staff are friendly and always available no matter the time if guests need assistance. Although you’re a distance away from Patong’s nightlife there are plenty of bars and restaurants down the road from the resort.
Cost: $$
Check Rates and Availability at Thai Kamala Beach Front
Places to Stay in Phuket: Nai Harn Beach
The charm of Nai Harn Beach tends to be overlooked by many travelers, but it is one of the best areas to stay in Phuket if you’re looking for a mix of solitude and nightlife.
Nai Harn Beach has very few tourists populating the beach leaving you to relax in silence enjoying the clean turquoise sea but you’re only a twenty minute drive to the lively Patong nightlife.
Things to do in Nai Harn Beach
- Bring your camera to Phuket’s most photographed island, Phromthep Cape
- Check out the views at Karon Viewpoint
- Sail away on a boat tour
- Visit the Nai Harn Monastery
The Best Places to Stay in Nai Harn Beach
The Nai Harn – The Best Hotel in Nai Harn
A grand secluded sanctuary, The Nai Harn Resort overlooks the Nai Harn Bay from almost every visible angle.
Every one of the 130 guestrooms features a view of the bay and the boats that sail through the water. The staff accommodates to the needs of guests and are always surprising guests with thoughtful gestures.
Cost: $$$
Check Rates and Availability at The Nai Harn
The Windmill Phuket Hotel – The Best Hotel in Nai Harn for Families
Opening in late 2014, The Windmill Phuket Hotel is another great place to stay while visiting Phuket. The hotel is within walking distance to Phromthep Cape where you can watch the sunset along the bay.
This is a great hotel for families visiting Phuket as it’s not in the middle of the crowded city and the rooms are large and spacious.
Cost:$$
Check Rates and Availability at The Windmill Phuket
Happy Eight Resort – The Best Hotel in Nai Harn for Budget Travelers
Perfect for those on a budget is Happy Eight Resort.
This charming modern resort offers rooms with either beach or mountain views – both are stunning. It’s the perfect spot if you’re looking for a comfy place to rest your head after spending your days exploring Nai Harn and the rest of Phuket.
Cost: $$
Check Rates and Availability at The Happy Eight
Where to Stay in Phuket for Couples: Mai Khao Beach
There’s not very much to see and do in Mai Khao, so this is truly the best place to stay in Phuket when you really want to get away from it all.
On the north-west of the island, Mai Khao is blessed with long, quiet sandy beaches and beautiful views. It’s also close to the airport, so you can hop from your plane to the beach in the shortest time possible.
The Best Hotel to Stay in Phuket for Couples and the Best Luxury Hotel in Phuket: The Anantara Mai Khao
The Anantara Mai Khao is a tranquil escape tucked away behind a particularly quiet section of Mai Khao beach. Lanna-style villas come with private pools, sun decks and lots and lots of space.
The Anantara Mai Khao is my choice of the best luxury hotel in Phuket. It’s my favourite hotel on the island, thanks to its combination of privacy, comfort and luxury – not to mention its position on the absolutely stunning Mai Khao beach.
Check prices, reviews and availability at the Anantara Mai Khao
Best Mid-Range Hotel Mai Khao: Melia Phuket Mai Khao
Hotel Melia Phuket Mai Khao is a 5-star hotel that is located on the north-west of the island. It’s perfect for couples looking for a quiet escape.os comes with a private pool, sun deck and lots and lots of space. The hotel is also close to the airport, so it is possible to be relaxing by the pool only moments after you land in Phuket.
Check rates, reviews and availability at Melia Phuket Mai Khao
Best Places to Stay in Phuket: Practical Tips
- Phuket’s airport is served by a decent range of international flights. You should still compare prices to see whether it’s more cost-effective to fly to Bangkok and transfer from there. Check flights on Skyscanner.
- Unless you are staying in one of the more developed resorts, it can be difficult to get around the island. If you stay in a remote area, check whether your hotel provides transfers and how much they cost.
- Phuket is a great destination to incorporate into a longer Thailand itinerary as it’s well served by flights and buses. Want to see a different side of Thailand? I’d recommend splitting your time between Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
- Want more information? Check out these travel tips for planning your trip to Phuket.
- I also love using Plum Guide to find brilliant places to stay in Phuket – each property on the site is hand-picked so only the very best make the cut.
Love This? Save and Share on Pinterest
