Finest Seashores, Areas & Lodges (2023)

Are you heading to Phuket, Thailand for the very first time?

If that’s the case, welcome! I’ve lived in Phuket as an expat for the final three years, and all through my time right here, I’ve come to know the island VERY properly!

Should you’ve already began researching the place to remain in Phuket, you’ll have realized that regardless of being an island, it’s monumental with so many seashores, sights and issues to do it may be slightly overwhelming  – that’s why I wrote this information!

This Thai island has many stunning areas and beautiful seashores, however one of the best to remain in Phuket for you’ll depend upon what you need out of your trip.

So, on this article, I’m drawing from my expertise residing in Phuket to share with you one of the best seashores in Phuket, one of the best areas to remain in Phuket and my favourite Phuket lodges.

In a rush? Click on right here to leap to my resort suggestions. Or keep it up studying if you wish to get to extra in regards to the island’s greatest seashores and areas first.

Why I Love Phuket

After I moved to Phuket, I had no thought what to anticipate. Nonetheless, I immediately fell in love with the island, and though it does get hectic, the professionals undoubtedly outweigh the cons.

Right here’s what I really like essentially the most about Phuket:

• There may be plentiful nature – In Phuket, you’re continuously surrounded by vibrant greenery and by no means should go far to take pleasure in a spectacular view.
• The are quite a few stunning seashores – Phuket’s seashores are certainly picture-perfect: white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Whereas the ocean is simply protected for swimming a number of the 12 months, you’ll NEVER get bored with lengthy seaside walks feeling the tender sand beneath your toes.
• The sunsets are thoughts blowing – I don’t know why, however I’ve actually by no means seen extra stunning sunsets (and as regularly) as in Phuket.
• The delicacies is numerous and scrumptious – On each avenue, you’ll discover many native seafood eating places dishing up top-quality Thai meals. Plus, as a global vacation spot, yow will discover EVERY sort of delicacies you possibly can think about. Severely, I’ve had pizzas right here which might be pretty much as good as in Italy!
• Most days are sunny – Whereas the wet season could be ‘hit and miss’ (see under), in the event you come in the course of the dry season (November to April) you’re just about assured to get stunning climate.
• There are infinite day journey choices – Phuket has many close by islands, a few of which you’ll entry in simply 20 minutes. Together with island hopping, Phuket borders Phang-Na, a province stuffed with waterfalls, lakes, untouched seashores, caves, and bays to discover.

After all, nowhere is ideal. Right here are some things you might have considered trying to remember when visiting Phuket:

• Excessive season is EXTREMELY busy – Should you don’t like crowds or visitors, I like to recommend planning your journey any time aside from December to February!
• Wet season could be relentless – Technically, the wet season lasts from Could to October. Most years, the monsoons shall be on and off, which means you possibly can have weeks of little and even no rain throughout this time. Nonetheless, you can not predict the climate; typically, you’ll get seven days of continuous downpours.
• The ocean could be unsafe for swimming in wet season – One other factor to contemplate in the event you plan to come back in the course of the wet season is that the ocean is probably not protected to swim in all 12 months spherical. The ocean can get wild in the course of the monsoon months, and there could be weeks with pink flags marking the ocean as unsafe.

Pin Me 🙂

About Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, situated within the south of the Andaman Sea. Spanning 576 sq. kilometers, it takes about 1.5 hours to drive from the south to the north, however going east to the west is far faster.

Phuket is thought for a lot of issues, together with stunning seashores and luxurious lodges, world-class diving, vibrant night time markets, colourful historic shophouses in Phuket City and beautiful temples just like the well-known hilltop Large Buddha.

What makes Phuket island so fashionable is how numerous it’s, there’s so many lodging choices, vacationer sights and issues to do in Phuket so no matter you might be into, you’ll find it on this bustling Thai island!

Phuket Lodge and Lodging Choices

One cause Phuket is Thailand’s hottest vacationer vacation spot is as a result of it gives one thing for ALL budgets. There’s a broad selection of hostels, mid-range lodges, luxurious resorts, and villas all around the island.

Sometimes, lodges alongside the seaside shall be considerably dearer than these additional away, however you possibly can nonetheless normally discover some low-cost choices inside a brief strolling distance.

The Finest Lodges in Phuket – My Fast Picks:

Finest Seashores and Areas to Keep in Phuket

Whereas Phuket is technically an island, it is rather lengthy. All one of the best seashores and touristy areas are discovered alongside the coast, primarily alongside the island’s west coast. Nonetheless, every space surprisingly has a really completely different vibe so one of the best space in Phuket for you’ll rely in your private wants and preferences.

Due to this fact, selecting the place to remain in Phuket is dependent upon what you want. For instance, you’ll love Patong in the event you’re a celebration animal. However in the event you favor peace and quiet, Mai Khao shall be extra appropriate for you.

Kata Seaside and Karon Seaside are one of the best locations to remain in Phuket for first time guests as they provide a mixture of every thing and easy accessibility to discover the island whereas Kamala Seaside is the best choice for a household vacation.

Whereas most guests keep on Phuket’s seashores, don’t overlook to make time to go to Phuket City to take in the distinctive tradition and colourful heritage of the island.

Right here’s a quick overview of one of the best locations to remain in Phuket and who they’re greatest suited to:

• Kata Seaside – Finest for surfers and water sports activities lovers
• Karon Seaside – Finest for individuals who wish to be near the motion however not proper in it.
• Patong Seaside – Finest for occasion animals
• Kamala Seaside – Finest for households and anybody who needs to keep away from the crowds
• Phuket City – Finest for lovers of structure, good espresso, and native markets.
• Bang Tao Seaside – Finest for these searching for luxurious and luxury
• Surin Seaside – Finest for the older crowd
• Rawai and Nai Harn – Finest for the youthful crowd
• Mai Khao Seaside – Finest for these seeing nature and leisure

Map of Phuket

That can assist you get your bearings right here’s a map of Phuket so you will get to know the places of the seashores and completely different areas.

In case you are planning on doing some island hopping excursions or day journeys the tour suppliers virtually at all times embody transport so they are going to choose you up out of your resort. The most effective place to e book journeys is on Viator or Get Your Information, plus you possibly can learn evaluations and make sure you’re journey is a memorable expertise for all the precise causes!

Finest Locations to Keep in Phuket: High Lodges by Space

Nonetheless making an attempt to determine which is one of the best space in Phuket for you? No worries; I’ll clarify what to anticipate from every space on this part and provide you with my suggestions for one of the best lodges for all budgets.

Kata Seaside

Kata is conveniently situated between the island’s southern tip (Rawai and Nai Harn) and the bustling vacationer cities of Karon and Patong.

Due to this fact, this small seaside city is good for households and {couples} searching for loads of enjoyable actions close by however with no 24/7 noisy nightlife.

Kata Seaside is fairly lengthy; you possibly can simply stroll up and down it in lower than an hour.  Kata is an efficient swimming seaside and can be fashionable with surfers as you’ll discover medium waves (by way of energy and dimension) right here – ideally suited for studying the game. There are various surf faculties in Kata – you possibly can be part of a lesson straight on the seaside.

Subsequent to the principle seaside is Kata Noi Seaside, voted one of the stunning seashores on this planet, which gives a smaller and quieter various with some superb luxurious beachfront resorts like The Shore at Katathani a romantic adults solely resort.

From Kata, you may as well do the strenuous uphill hike from Kata city to Large Buddha in the event you’re searching for a problem.

Finest Lodging in Kata:

• $$$ Luxe – The Shore at Katathani is a 5-star cliffside resort that sits above the shore with personal pool villas, unbelievable views and direct entry to essentially the most stunning seaside
• $$ Mid – OZO Phuket boasts a beachfront location and a big out of doors swimming pool, health heart and youngsters membership in a peaceable backyard setting.
• $ Finances – Lodge Kata Hill Sea View lives as much as its title with unbelievable ocean views and a gorgeous pool, only a 5-minute stroll from the seaside.

Karon Seaside

Karon is a bigger seaside city than Kata, only a 5-minute drive north. Karon has top-of-the-line seashores in Phuket – tremendous tender white sand spanning 5 km!

Karon Seaside boasts a fab location, because the occasion resort Patong and the hidden Freedom Seaside are close by which makes it top-of-the-line areas to remain in Phuket for individuals who desire a little bit of every thing.

Together with seaside lovers, Karon is fashionable with households, {couples}, and teams of mates who wish to stability leisure with partying.

Finest Lodging in Karon:

• $$$ Luxe – Le Meridien is a hidden paradise on a personal seaside, giving the sensation of seclusion regardless of being just some minute’s drive from all of the motion.
• $$ Mid – Pullman Karon is situated (actually) a stone’s throw from the seaside and set in a shocking 75 acres of tropical panorama with 5 swimming pools!
• $ Finances – Reminiscence Resort is good for these searching for peace and worth as it’s situated up a hill away from the city however with a free each day shuttle service.

Patong Seaside

The well-known Patong seaside is thought for its 24/7 nightlife scene, predominantly centered alongside Bangla Highway, an extended strip of go-go bars and nightclubs. Due to this fact, Patong Seaside attracts a specific crowd – teams of younger lads seeking to occasion and older males seeking to get fortunate!

Patong could be a bit seedy at night time, so I don’t suggest it to households. Nonetheless, in the event you’re on stag or hen do, then Patong will undoubtedly be the place to remain in Phuket!

Apart from its nightlife, Patong boasts an extended sandy seaside and an unbelievable central location for accessing the remainder of the island. And if the crowds get an excessive amount of, yow will discover some quieter small bays simply south of the city, together with the attractive Paradise Seaside.

Finest Lodging in Patong:

• $$$ Luxe – Amari is an expensive 5-star resort constructed upon a hillside, giving unbelievable views from all the resort, together with the lavish rooms which have personal balconies.
• $$ Mid – Grand Mercure is simply 600 meters from Bangla Highway and 300 meters from the seaside, making it a preferred selection for anybody desirous to be within the heart of city.
• $ Finances – U Sabai Dwelling Lodge is among the many finances lodges in Patong that offers easy accessibility all of the motion and is simply 10 minutes strolling distance from the seaside.

Kamala Seaside

Kamala is a quiet but stunning seaside space simply north of Patong seaside. Regardless of its proximity, Kamala seaside has a completely completely different vibe. It’s very relaxed, the sandy seaside is gorgeous, and there are some wonderful bars and eating places close by, together with the well-known Cafe Del Mar.

Whereas there should not many sights in Kamala city, there are a lot inside a brief drive, together with Blue Tree Lagoon and Inexperienced Elephant Sanctuary.

Finest Lodging in Kamala:

• $$$ Luxe – The Naka is a blissful 5-star paradise situated south of Kamala Bay with fashionable villas boasting their very own personal out of doors infinity pool!
• $$ Mid – Sunwing boasts eight out of doors swimming pools and spacious rooms with kitchenettes, only a 10-minute stroll from Kamala city.
• $ Finances – Sungthong is only a 3-minute drive from Kamala Seaside and gives clear and spacious rooms with personal balconies or pool entry.

Phuket City

Should you’re not fussed about being near a seaside and adore stunning structure, craft espresso, and cute boutique shops, Phuket City is for you!

Previous Phuket City is on the island’s east aspect, removed from the vacationer seaside cities however nonetheless shut sufficient to go to for a seaside day.

Also referred to as Phuket Previous City, the streets listed below are lined with colourful Nineteenth-century shophouses and beautiful Sino-Portuguese buildings became cafes and boutique lodges. The realm turns into much more vibrant each weekend when the Sunday strolling avenue market takes place.

Phuket Previous City is among the greatest areas to remain in Phuket if you wish to expertise genuine Phuketarian tradition and combine with the locals. Nonetheless, the realm nonetheless has a contemporary really feel, because it’s stuffed with Western-style cafes and eating places you possibly can take pleasure in and take a break from the warmth.

And in the event you discover the seaside calling you, you’ll be shut to 2 pristine seashores on the east coast – Panwa and Ko Sire!

Finest Lodging in Phuket City:

• $$$ Luxe – Lodge Verdigris, ideally situated within the Previous City this boutique resort boasts a singular conventional decor and options Junior Suites with inside courtyard plunge swimming pools!
• $$ Mid – Hilltop Wellness Resort is located simply exterior Phuket City atop a serene hill. It’s fashionable with yogis and wellness fanatics because it runs common retreats.
• $ Finances – Blue Carina Inn gives worth, comfort, and clear rooms, a few of which have personal balconies overlooking the out of doors swimming pool.

Bang Tao Seaside

Bang Tao Seaside is among the longest in Phuket, spanning 6 km. Nonetheless, this space is really particular due to the beachside Laguna – a number of small lagoons simply behind the shoreline.

The Laguna a part of Bang Tao has been remodeled into an expensive inexperienced oasis stuffed with luxurious lodges, peaceable strolling trails, and spas. That is one of the best space in Phuket for anybody who prioritizes consolation and pampering in addition to {couples} searching for a romantic getaway.

Exterior the laguna is the favored Boat Avenue, a energetic open-air life-style heart and market. Then, in the direction of the south of Bang Tao Seaside, you’ll find many beachfront eating places, cool seaside golf equipment, and lodging choices for all budgets.

Finest Lodging in Bang Tao Seaside:

• $$$ Luxe – Angsana Laguna is undoubtedly essentially the most epic resort in Bang Tao with a 323-meter pool snaking across the resort and a personal kayaking space.
• $$ Mid – Cassia is a vibrant household pleasant resort in Laguna providing apartment-style rooms with kitchens and a big out of doors pool on the lagoon. Plus, it’s pet-friendly!
• $ Finances – Hanuman VIP Hostel balances affordability with luxurious, with a homely lounge space (full with a pool desk), fashionable bogs, and cabin-style dorms.

Surin Seaside

Surin Seaside is a small, quiet bay between Kamala and Bang Tao. It’s ideally suited for individuals who wish to keep in a peaceful space however nonetheless be a brief drive from many high seashores, sights, eating places, and markets.

Whereas Surin Seaside is small, it has a pure, untouched really feel as it’s lined with timber hiding the close by highway. There are additionally some beautiful elevated viewpoints on both aspect of the bay.

Finest Lodging in Surin Seaside:

• $$$ Luxe – The Surin Phuket is a tropical oasis with personal seaside entry and vivid, ethereal, and spacious personal cottages.
• $$ Mid – Outrigger is a boutique ocean-facing resort with a contemporary and trendy really feel only a 2-minute stroll from the sand.
• $ Finances – Surin Bay Inn is conveniently sandwiched between the seaside and the village, which means every thing you want is only a brief stroll away.

Rawai and Nai Harn Seaside

Rawai Seaside and Nai Harn Seaside are two adjoining areas within the southern tip of Phuket, fashionable with digital nomads, health fanatics, and the youthful generations.

Rawai and Nai Harn are essentially the most “up-and-coming” areas of Phuket, with new espresso outlets, eating places, and villa complexes popping up weekly. Rawai Seaside is stuffed with longtail boats so it’s not ideally suited for swimming however Naiharn is among the greatest seashores in Phuket.

There are additionally many wonderful nature spots, together with the beautiful windmill viewpoint, and the breathtaking Promthep Cape. Although these southern seaside cities are removed from the remainder of the island, there may be at all times a lot to do and discover right here!

Finest Lodging in Rawai and Nai Harn:

• $$$ Luxe – The Nai Harn is a 5-star resort constructed on a hill overlooking Nai Harn seaside with a beach-club fashion pool and bar space and one of the best breakfast buffet in Phuket!
• $$ Mid – Selina is a classy “all-in-one resort” for younger vacationers and digital nomads, full with a wellness deck, beachfront restaurant, pool, and co-working area.
• $ Finances – Roost Glamping gives a singular glamping expertise surrounded by nature with fashionable tents, correct beds, and comfortable decor.

Mai Khao

On the different finish of the island is Mai Khao Seaside, Phuket’s northernmost seaside stretching 7 miles. Mai Khao may be very near the airport (providing comfort for jet-lagged vacationers), and Sirinath Nationwide Park, but the realm is normally quiet.

Mai Khao Seaside is one of the best space in Phuket for introverts who search virtually abandoned seashores, peaceable nature, and early nights. As many of the lodging right here is near the seaside and much from Phuket’s loopy visitors, Mai Khao gives a really tranquil vibe.

Mai Khao Seaside can be fashionable with golfers as it’s near the well-known Blue Canyon Nation Membership.

Finest Lodging in Mai Khao:

• $$$ Luxe – Avani Plus gives EPIC beachfront suites with a kitchen, large lounge space, and spacious balcony. Some even include a personal pool!
• $$ Mid – Renaissance Phuket Resort is a 5-star resort and spa on the seaside constructed round peaceable backyard environment with suites and pool villas out there.
• $ Finances – Coriacea is a boutique resort providing beachfront lodging for a fraction of the price of the larger resorts. Plus, all rooms have personal balconies.

Ideas for Selecting Your Lodge

There’s no scarcity of selection in terms of lodges in Phuket so one of the best place to remain actually comes right down to your wants, private desire and finances.

Right here’s some issues to contemplate when selecting your Phuket:

• Contemplate how near the seaside you wish to be. Beachfront lodges are typically dearer, however the extra expense is price it in the event you dream of waking up and stepping onto the sand!
• Test the score and evaluations of your lodging earlier than reserving. I like to recommend selecting lodges with a score of 8 or above on Reserving.com.
• Enquire along with your lodging to see in the event that they arrange airport pickup, as this may considerably cut back journey stress!
• Hunt down native eating places. Most eating places close to the seaside are aimed toward vacationers and, thus, have extra of a global menu. If you wish to style genuine Thai meals (and might deal with the spice), I like to recommend selecting eating places on the again streets the place you see the locals eating.

Planning Your Journey to Phuket

How one can Get to Phuket

Having Thailand’s second busiest airport, most vacationers can fly straight into Phuket Worldwide Airport. 47 airways function from Phuket airport, together with Emirates, Etihad, and Virgin Australia.

Most nationalities can get a 30 day visa exemption or visa on arrival which makes getting into Thailand and visiting Phuket simple and handy.

Even in the event you’re coming from different components of Thailand, air journey is the quickest and best approach to enter Phuket. There are numerous buses and coach companies, however notice that Phuket is roughly a 12-hour drive from Bangkok or a 1-hour flight away.

When you land in Phuket, you’ll must navigate your approach to your lodging. Some resorts and lodges provide pre-arranged airport transfers. In any other case, you possibly can take a taxi, hop on a public bus, or hail a experience by means of an app like Seize.

Nonetheless, many taxi drivers on the airport prey on unsuspecting vacationers and considerably overcharge. Due to this, some vacationers decide to e book a experience by means of the Seize app.

How one can Get Round Phuket

Taxes are the costliest selection in terms of getting across the island. Should you do use them I like to recommend asking your resort reception to name you one – that method, you’re much less more likely to be overcharged.

Seize and different ride-hailing apps like Bolt provide a extra handy and cheaper choice to taxis.

Additionally, you will see a number of tuk-tuks across the touristy areas. They’re pricey, so they don’t seem to be ideally suited for lengthy distances. Nonetheless, many vacationers like to make use of them for brief rides for the expertise.

For a lower-cost approach to get round, you possibly can think about the Sensible Bus, which runs from Rawai to the airport, stopping in any respect the main seaside cities. A single experience is 100 THB, however you should purchase day or multi-day passes for a really cheap value.

Lastly, some vacationers favor to rent a scooter whereas in Phuket. As Phuket’s roads are busy and harmful, I solely suggest this if in case you have expertise with scooters and have pushed in Thailand earlier than. Guarantee you might have a global driving license that covers bikes, too.

Finest Time to Go to Phuket

Weatherwise, one of the best time to go to Phuket is December to March. You may anticipate constantly good climate throughout these months – blue skies and plentiful sunshine. Nonetheless, they’re additionally the busiest months, so whereas the climate is fantastic, the island is crowded.

November could be a beautiful month to go to as it’s comparatively quiet. Nonetheless, as that is the top of the wet season, the climate could be unpredictable.

Alternatively, think about April and Could (the opposite shoulder season) in the event you don’t thoughts the warmth. The island is just not too crowded by this time, however it may be scorching, starting from 27°C to 36°C.

How Lengthy to Keep in Phuket

Anyplace from 7 to 14 days is a perfect size to remain in Phuket. 7 days offers you sufficient time to see all the highest sights and squeeze in a few day journeys – try this 7 day Phuket itinerary for inspiration!

Nonetheless, in the event you’re not in a rush, I like to recommend staying for 10 to 14 days. This additional time will can help you try extra components of the island, take some boat journeys, and discover at a extra relaxed place.

The Finest Issues to Do in Phuket

In addition to being dwelling to a number of the world’s most beautiful white sand seashores and turquoise waters. Phuket additionally has infinite actions and sights to supply.

From watersports and island hopping journeys, to visiting elephant sanctuaries and glittering Buddhist temples, to Thai cooking lessons or simply enjoyable with a therapeutic massage, there’s no scarcity of issues to do in Phuket to maintain you busy.

When selecting the place to remain in Phuket, take into consideration what kind of locations you wish to go to and actions you’d love to do in your journey and verify the place they’re situated as taxi’s could be costly (by Thai requirements.)

So Now You Know The place to Keep in Phuket

I hope this weblog has given you a greater thought about the place to remain in Phuket. As every space differs, your fundamental deciding issue needs to be what you’re searching for from this tropical paradise. Whether or not you wish to discover the island’s sights, occasion the night time away or just calm down on a gorgeous seaside, in terms of Phuket lodges, regardless of your finances, you received’t be brief on choices!

Learn Extra Thailand Weblog Posts: