Where To Stay In Phuket
Where To Stay In Phuket
Are you looking for the perfect place to stay in Phuket, Thailand? Look no further! This blog post aims to provide you with valuable insights into the different areas and neighborhoods in Phuket, helping you make an informed decision that suits your preferences and needs. Whether you’re seeking a vibrant party scene in Patong or a more serene and relaxing ambiance in Rawai or Nai Yang, we’ve got you covered. We’ll explore various accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious yet affordable hotels. Additionally, we’ll guide you on how to determine the best area to stay in Phuket, recommend top-notch hotels, and highlight the must-visit places during your trip.
If you’re seeking discretion and privacy during your visit to Phuket, consider Prosper Hospitality. Their luxurious villas offer a perfect retreat where you can create lasting memories with your loved ones. For a detailed guide to Prosper Hospitality, check out our comprehensive review here. Whether you’re planning your trip for 2023 or simply curious about the best places to stay in Phuket, this guide has all the information you need.
Phuket is renowned as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting honeymooners, solo travelers, and digital nomads alike. Moreover, compared to Western destinations, Thailand offers affordable options for accommodation, making Phuket an accessible and budget-friendly choice. Get ready to dive into this comprehensive guide on where to stay in Phuket in 2023!
To help you in your decision-making process, we have curated a list of the top 10 neighborhoods in Phuket. Each neighborhood offers its unique charm and advantages, ensuring there’s a perfect suburb for every traveler. We have designed this guide to be user-friendly, with detailed recommendations on places to visit, things to do, and even suggestions for unique eateries. Consider this your go-to guide for an unforgettable Phuket experience!
Before we dive in, please note that prices in Phuket vary significantly between high and low tourist seasons, often differing by nearly 50%. The low season runs from May to October, while the high season spans from November to April. Personally, we find October to be an ideal time to visit Phuket, as it marks the end of the low season, ensuring fewer crowds and minimal rainfall to disrupt your holiday plans. Now, let’s explore the best neighborhoods in Phuket and find your perfect match.
Party Central in Phuket: Patong Phuket – Perfect for Solo Travelers
Patong is the beating heart of tourism in Phuket, where the beach comes alive with bustling crowds of people relaxing on lounge chairs, enjoying thrilling jet ski rides, and browsing through a myriad of enticing vendors selling ice cream, sunglasses, clothing, lucky balloons (lanterns), and much more!
As you stroll through the streets of Patong, you’ll encounter a lively scene with numerous bars, ladyboys, tailors, ping pong shows, and unfortunately, some litter. Often referred to as Phuket’s walking street, Patong is home to a vibrant market area.
The distinct aroma of Patong may initially catch you off guard, but fear not, you’ll quickly acclimate to it. However, when it rains, the scent temporarily dissipates, only to return with a vengeance later on!
For first-time visitors seeking an immersive experience of Phuket’s vibrant atmosphere, Patong is often hailed as the ultimate destination. It’s renowned as one of the best places to stay in Phuket for young adults, as it offers a central hub for exciting nightlife and a taste of Phuket’s wild side. Moreover, Patong Beach is known for its exceptional Walking Street market, boasting an impressive array of markets where you can find everything from “designer” clothing, handbags, watches, and shoes to non-designer items like wallets, clothing, shoes, and hats.
While many vendors in the markets sell similar products, prices can vary depending on your negotiating skills, communication, and appearance. If you’re looking for tips on how to navigate the art of bartering in Thailand, we have a guide to help you secure the best deals. Patong is undoubtedly the place to stay in Phuket for those seeking an exhilarating nightlife experience.
During our visit to Patong in the low season, we experienced what can be described as organized chaos. However, it’s important to note that even during the low season, Patong exudes a frantic and bustling atmosphere. One can only imagine the heightened intensity during the high season – a truly remarkable experience!
Given its status as the primary tourist area in Phuket, Patong offers a range of affordable hotel options. If you’re wondering where to stay in Phuket for a solo trip, Patong is an excellent choice.
Why Stay in Patong:
- Patong is considered one of the best places in Phuket for young adults and singles, as it serves as a vibrant party central.
- First-time visitors looking to immerse themselves in Phuket’s lively nightlife will find Patong an ideal choice.
- Accommodation options in Patong cater to a variety of budgets, offering both budget-friendly and more luxurious choices.
Things To Do in Patong:
Bangla Night Market: Visit Patong Beach’s renowned Walking Street market, offering an extensive selection of knockoff designer clothing, handbags, watches, shoes, and typical Thai tourist market items. While many vendors sell similar products, prices can vary based on your bargaining skills and appearance.
Enjoy the Nightlife: Explore the vibrant nightlife on Bangla Road, the epicenter of Patong’s entertainment scene. Discover countless bars, clubs, and restaurants that remain open into the early hours of the morning. Embrace the high-energy atmosphere and go with the flow to have an unforgettable time!
Phuket Simon Cabaret: Treat yourself to a glamorous evening at the most famous cabaret performance in Phuket, located in Patong. Marvel at the stunning performances of extravagantly dressed artists, showcasing choreographed dances accompanied by music and dazzling lights.
Patong Beach: No visit to Patong is complete without enjoying the beach. Take part in various water activities, such as swimming, jet-skiing, and parasailing. Alternatively, relax on the soft sand under the warm sunshine, but be aware that the beach can be quite crowded with other tourists.
Property in Patong – Click Here
Karon – Ideal for Tourists Seeking a Relaxed Atmosphere
When deciding between Karon and Patong, Karon Beach emerges as a compelling option. Situated just 20 minutes away from Patong, Karon Beach offers a more tranquil alternative. Often referred to as “Patong’s Little Sister,” Karon maintains a laid-back vibe while still providing plenty of small shops, markets, bars, and delightful restaurants and cafes.
Karon is undoubtedly one of the best places to stay in Phuket, Thailand, as it allows you to experience authentic Thai life without the overwhelming presence of ping pong shows and other unwanted experiences. While there may be fewer ladyboys or ping pong shows compared to Patong (unless you venture to Bangla Road), you can still find bars off Patak Road that offer a similar atmosphere to those in Patong. These establishments may have a few “hostesses” available for socializing over drinks or games for a fee.
In terms of shopping, Karon offers the popular Karon Bazaar, where you can find a diverse range of products, including DVDs, clothing, suitcases, and beachwear. The advantage of Karon is that you won’t experience the same level of harassment from tailors as you might encounter in Patong.
Alternatively, you can explore the Karon Temple Market, which operates on Tuesdays and Fridays. This market offers similar items to the Karon Bazaar, but you’ll also find an assortment of food and fruit, some of which may be unfamiliar to Western visitors. It’s always an interesting and sensory-rich experience to wander through these markets and discover new and delightful things.
The dilemma of choosing between Karon and Patong is common among travelers. Karon Beach, often deemed Patong’s Little Sister, presents a more serene and less frantic ambiance while being conveniently located just 20 minutes away.
Why Stay in Karon:
Karon is renowned as one of the best places to stay in Phuket, Thailand because it offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in authentic Thai life without being constantly bombarded by aggressive sellers or falling into tourist traps.
Moreover, Karon’s central location makes it an excellent base for exploring other areas of Phuket during the day. With its stunning beach, diverse markets, and a wide array of restaurants and bars, Karon has something to suit every traveler’s taste.
Things To Do in Karon:
- Shop at the Markets: Visit Karon Bazaar, where you can browse and purchase clothing and beachwear without the hassle of persistent tailors often encountered in Patong. Alternatively, explore the Karon Temple Market, held on Tuesdays and Fridays.
- At the Karon Temple Market, you’ll find items similar to those at the main bazaar, but with the added bonus of a wide variety of food and local fruits. It’s a fascinating experience to wander through the market, discovering new and unique sights and aromas.
- Explore the Nightlife: Most of Karon’s bars are situated just off Patak Road and offer a similar atmosphere to those in Patong, albeit with a more laid-back vibe. If you enjoy going out at night but prefer a less wild experience, there are upscale beach clubs with DJs and live music that might be better suited to your taste.
- Karon Beach: Boasting one of the largest stretches of sand in Phuket, Karon Beach is less crowded compared to other popular beaches on the island. Here, you can unwind on the tranquil white sands, take a refreshing swim in the beautiful sea, or partake in exhilarating activities such as parasailing or kayaking.
Karon is truly a destination that combines relaxation, authentic experiences, and ample opportunities for exploration and enjoyment.
Karon Property – Click here
Kata Beach – Perfect for Families in Phuket, Thailand
Kata Beach, located in Karon but worth highlighting separately, is an ideal choice for families seeking a relaxing beach getaway. Throughout the year, Kata Beach mesmerizes visitors with its picturesque palm-lined shoreline, pristine white sands, and crystal-clear waters.
Beyond its natural beauty, Kata Beach offers an excellent selection of restaurants and a lively nightlife scene, providing options for those who want to enjoy a night out without the crowds found in Patong. From souvenir shops to clothing stores, 7-Elevens, and local supermarkets, you’ll find plenty of places to explore and shop.
Compared to Patong, Kata Beach’s nightlife is more laid-back, catering to families and couples rather than singles. If you appreciate breathtaking views, don’t miss the opportunity to visit the “3 Capes” lookout at Kata viewpoint, where you can marvel at the vistas of Patong, Kata, and Karon.
Whether you visit Kata Beach during high or low season, you’ll be enchanted by its family-friendly atmosphere, excellent dining options, and vibrant bars.
Why Stay in Kata Beach: Kata Beach is particularly well-suited for families, offering a more relaxed ambiance and amenities that cater to their needs.
The nightlife in Kata Beach is generally milder compared to other areas like Patong, making it a comfortable choice for families and couples.
The beach itself is calm and safe for children to swim in, and you’ll find numerous hotels that provide kids’ clubs and babysitting services, ensuring a worry-free experience for parents.
Things To Do In Kata Beach:
Spend the Day at the Beach: Just like Karon Beach, Kata Beach boasts soft white sands and crystal-clear waters. It’s the perfect spot to bask in the sun, take a refreshing dip in the sea, and unwind in a tropical paradise. During the low season (May to November), the conditions are favorable for bodysurfing. You can also rent a surfboard and receive lessons from one of the local surf schools.
Enjoy Breathtaking Views: Take a short drive from the beach to Karon Viewpoint, also known as the Three Beaches Viewpoint. From this vantage point, you can marvel at panoramic views of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, and Karon Beaches, framed by lush green hills in the background. Remember to bring your camera and consider visiting just before sunset for a truly magical experience. Please note that there is a steep staircase leading up the hill, but the awe-inspiring views make it well worth the effort.
Visit the Big Buddha: Less than half an hour away from Kata Beach lies Phuket’s iconic Big Buddha. This remarkable Buddhist temple is home to a majestic 45-meter-high Buddha statue situated atop a mountain. The Big Buddha offers unforgettable panoramic vistas of Kata and the surrounding islands. To reach the top, you’ll need to climb a staircase with 306 steps, so make sure to wear comfortable shoes for the ascent.
Kata Beach provides a wonderful range of activities, from beach relaxation to stunning viewpoints and cultural exploration.
Phuket Town – Discover the Charm of Old Town
Phuket Town, located in central Phuket, offers a distinctive experience that sets it apart from the typical tropical beachside destinations found on the island. While not all areas provide beach views, the town exudes its own captivating blend of old-world charm and modern vibrancy.
At the heart of Phuket Town lies Old Phuket Town, particularly along Thalang Road. This historic district is adorned with colorful 19th-century shop houses and Sino-Portuguese buildings that were constructed in 1903. Staying in Phuket Town presents a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the captivating ambiance of these Sino-Portuguese structures.
From dawn to dusk, Phuket Town buzzes with activity. Its main streets come alive with bustling markets offering a wide array of goods. Additionally, the town boasts a decent selection of restaurants and bars, providing options for those seeking a bit of nightlife, albeit in a more subdued atmosphere compared to Patong. Here is a list of the best places to stay in Phuket Town.
Phuket Town serves as the capital city of Phuket and may not offer the typical beachfront experience. However, its allure lies in its distinct character and the opportunity to uncover the historical and cultural treasures that await within its enchanting streets.
