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 nicely!
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, points of interest 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 the perfect 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 the perfect seashores in Phuket, the perfect areas to remain in Phuket and my favourite Phuket accommodations.
In a rush? Click on right here to leap to my lodge suggestions. Or keep it up studying if you wish to get to extra in regards to the island’s finest 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 like essentially the most about Phuket:
- There may be ample nature – In Phuket, you’re consistently surrounded by vibrant greenery and by no means must go far to get pleasure from 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 barely protected for swimming a number of the yr, you’ll NEVER get bored with lengthy seaside walks feeling the gentle 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 incessantly) as in Phuket.
- The delicacies is various and scrumptious – On each road, you’ll discover many native seafood eating places dishing up top-quality Thai meals. Plus, as a global vacation spot, you’ll find EVERY kind of delicacies you possibly can think about. Significantly, I’ve had pizzas right here which can be nearly as good as in Italy!
- Most days are sunny – Whereas the wet season might be ‘hit and miss’ (see beneath), for those who 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 be able to 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 it’s your decision to keep in mind when visiting Phuket:
- Excessive season is EXTREMELY busy – Should you don’t like crowds or site visitors, I like to recommend planning your journey any time aside from December to February!
- Wet season might be relentless – Technically, the wet season lasts from Might to October. Most years, the monsoons might be on and off, which means you possibly can have weeks of little and even no rain throughout this time. Nonetheless, you can’t predict the climate; generally, you’ll get seven days of continuous downpours.
- The ocean might be unsafe for swimming in wet season – One other factor to contemplate for those who plan to return in the course of the wet season is that the ocean is probably not protected to swim in all yr spherical. The ocean can get wild in the course of the monsoon months, and there might be weeks with purple flags marking the ocean as unsafe.
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About Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, positioned 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 way faster.
Phuket is understood for a lot of issues, together with stunning seashores and luxurious accommodations, world-class diving, vibrant night time markets, colourful historic shophouses in Phuket City and beautiful temples just like the well-known hilltop Massive Buddha.
What makes Phuket island so standard is how various it’s, there’s so many lodging choices, vacationer points of interest and issues to do in Phuket so no matter you’re into, you will see that it on this bustling Thai island!
Phuket Resort and Lodging Choices
One cause Phuket is Thailand’s hottest vacationer vacation spot is as a result of it affords one thing for ALL budgets. There’s a large alternative of hostels, mid-range accommodations, luxurious resorts, and villas all around the island.
Usually, accommodations alongside the seaside might be considerably costlier than these additional away, however you possibly can nonetheless often discover some low-cost choices inside a brief strolling distance.
The Finest Motels in Phuket – My Fast Picks:
Finest Seashores and Areas to Keep in Phuket
Whereas Phuket is technically an island, it is vitally lengthy. All the perfect 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 the perfect space in Phuket for you’ll rely in your private wants and preferences.
Subsequently, selecting the place to remain in Phuket depends upon what you want. For instance, you’ll love Patong for those who’re a celebration animal. However for those who desire peace and quiet, Mai Khao might be extra appropriate for you.
Kata Seashore and Karon Seashore are the perfect locations to remain in Phuket for first time guests as they provide a mixture of every thing and quick access to discover the island whereas Kamala Seashore is the best choice for a household vacation.
Whereas most guests keep on Phuket’s seashores, don’t neglect to make time to go to Phuket City to absorb the distinctive tradition and colourful heritage of the island.
Right here’s a short overview of the perfect locations to remain in Phuket and who they’re finest suited to:
- Kata Seashore – Finest for surfers and water sports activities lovers
- Karon Seashore – Finest for many who need to be near the motion however not proper in it.
- Patong Seashore – Finest for get together animals
- Kamala Seashore – Finest for households and anybody who desires to keep away from the crowds
- Phuket City – Finest for lovers of structure, good espresso, and native markets.
- Bang Tao Seashore – Finest for these searching for luxurious and luxury
- Surin Seashore – Finest for the older crowd
- Rawai and Nai Harn – Finest for the youthful crowd
- Mai Khao Seashore – Finest for these seeing nature and rest
Map of Phuket
That will help 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 nearly all the time embody transport so they are going to decide you up out of your lodge. The perfect place to ebook 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 suitable causes!
Finest Locations to Keep in Phuket: Prime Motels by Space
Nonetheless making an attempt to resolve which is the perfect 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 the perfect accommodations for all budgets.
Kata Seashore
Kata is conveniently positioned between the island’s southern tip (Rawai and Nai Harn) and the bustling vacationer cities of Karon and Patong.
Subsequently, this small seaside city is right for households and {couples} on the lookout for loads of enjoyable actions close by however and not using a 24/7 noisy nightlife.
Kata Seashore 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 also be standard with surfers as you’ll discover medium waves (when it comes to energy and measurement) right here – ideally suited for studying the game. There are numerous surf colleges in Kata – you possibly can be a part of a lesson immediately on the seaside.
Subsequent to the primary seaside is Kata Noi Seashore, voted one of the vital stunning seashores on the planet, which affords a smaller and quieter various with some wonderful luxurious beachfront resorts like The Shore at Katathani a romantic adults solely resort.
From Kata, you too can do the strenuous uphill hike from Kata city to Massive Buddha for those who’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 children membership in a peaceable backyard setting.
- $ Finances – Resort Kata Hill Sea View lives as much as its identify with unbelievable ocean views and a fantastic pool, only a 5-minute stroll from the seaside.
Karon Seashore
Karon is a bigger seaside city than Kata, only a 5-minute drive north. Karon has among the finest seashores in Phuket – tremendous gentle white sand spanning 5 km!
Karon Seashore boasts a fab location, because the get together resort Patong and the hidden Freedom Seashore are close by which makes it among the finest areas to remain in Phuket for many who need a little bit of every thing.
Together with seaside lovers, Karon is standard with households, {couples}, and teams of buddies who need to stability rest with partying.
Finest Lodging in Karon:
- $$$ Luxe – Le Meridien is a hidden paradise on a non-public seaside, giving the sensation of seclusion regardless of being only a few minute’s drive from all of the motion.
- $$ Mid – Pullman Karon is positioned (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 right for these searching for peace and worth as it’s positioned up a hill away from the city however with a free every day shuttle service.
Patong Seashore
The well-known Patong seaside is understood for its 24/7 nightlife scene, predominantly centered alongside Bangla Highway, an extended strip of go-go bars and nightclubs. Subsequently, Patong Seashore attracts a selected crowd – teams of younger lads seeking to get together 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, for those who’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, you’ll find some quieter small bays simply south of the city, together with the beautiful Paradise Seashore.
Finest Lodging in Patong:
- $$$ Luxe – Amari is an expensive 5-star lodge constructed upon a hillside, giving unbelievable views from all the resort, together with the lavish rooms which have personal balconies.
- $$ Mid – Grand Mercure is simply 600 meters from Bangla Highway and 300 meters from the seaside, making it a preferred alternative for anybody desirous to be within the heart of city.
- $ Finances – U Sabai Dwelling Resort is among the many finances accommodations in Patong that provides quick access all of the motion and is simply 10 minutes strolling distance from the seaside.
Kamala Seashore
Kamala is a quiet but stunning seaside space simply north of Patong seaside. Regardless of its proximity, Kamala seaside has a very completely different vibe. It’s very relaxed, the sandy seaside is gorgeous, and there are some glorious bars and eating places close by, together with the well-known Cafe Del Mar.
Whereas there will not be many points of interest in Kamala city, there are a lot inside a brief drive, together with Blue Tree Lagoon and Inexperienced Elephant Sanctuary.
Finest Lodging in Kamala:
- $$$ Luxe – The Naka is a blissful 5-star paradise positioned south of Kamala Bay with fashionable villas boasting their very own personal out of doors infinity pool!
- $$ 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 Seashore and affords 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 facet, removed from the vacationer seaside cities however nonetheless shut sufficient to go to for a seaside day.
Also called Phuket Previous City, the streets listed below are lined with colourful Nineteenth-century shophouses and beautiful Sino-Portuguese buildings became cafes and boutique accommodations. The realm turns into much more vibrant each weekend when the Sunday strolling road market takes place.
Phuket Previous City is among the finest areas to remain in Phuket if you wish to expertise genuine Phuketarian tradition and combine with the locals. Nonetheless, the world nonetheless has a contemporary really feel, because it’s stuffed with Western-style cafes and eating places you possibly can get pleasure from and take a break from the warmth.
And for those who 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:
- $$$ Luxe – Resort Verdigris, ideally positioned within the Previous City this boutique lodge boasts a novel conventional decor and options Junior Suites with interior courtyard plunge swimming pools!
- $$ Mid – Hilltop Wellness Resort is located simply outdoors Phuket City atop a serene hill. It’s standard with yogis and wellness lovers because it runs common retreats.
- $ Finances – Blue Carina Inn affords worth, comfort, and clear rooms, a few of which have personal balconies overlooking the out of doors swimming pool.
Bang Tao Seashore
Bang Tao Seashore is among the longest in Phuket, spanning 6 km. Nonetheless, this space is actually particular due to the beachside Laguna – a number of small lagoons simply behind the shoreline.
The Laguna a part of Bang Tao has been reworked into an expensive inexperienced oasis stuffed with luxurious accommodations, peaceable strolling trails, and spas. That is the perfect space in Phuket for anybody who prioritizes consolation and pampering in addition to {couples} searching for a romantic getaway.
Outdoors the laguna is the favored Boat Avenue, a vigorous open-air life-style heart and market. Then, in direction of the south of Bang Tao Seashore, you will see that many beachfront eating places, cool seaside golf equipment, and lodging choices for all budgets.
Finest Lodging in Bang Tao Seashore:
- $$$ Luxe – Angsana Laguna is undoubtedly essentially the most epic resort in Bang Tao with a 323-meter pool snaking across the resort and a non-public kayaking space.
- $$ Mid – Cassia is a vibrant household pleasant lodge 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 Seashore
Surin Seashore is a small, quiet bay between Kamala and Bang Tao. It’s ideally suited for many who need to keep in a relaxed space however nonetheless be a brief drive from many prime seashores, points of interest, eating places, and markets.
Whereas Surin Seashore is small, it has a pure, untouched really feel as it’s lined with timber hiding the close by highway. There are additionally some pretty elevated viewpoints on both facet of the bay.
Finest Lodging in Surin Seashore:
- $$$ Luxe – The Surin Phuket is a tropical oasis with personal seaside entry and shiny, ethereal, and spacious personal cottages.
- $$ 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 quick stroll away.
Rawai and Nai Harn Seashore
Rawai Seashore and Nai Harn Seashore are two adjoining areas within the southern tip of Phuket, standard 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 retailers, eating places, and villa complexes popping up weekly. Rawai Seashore is stuffed with longtail boats so it’s not ideally suited for swimming however Naiharn is among the finest seashores in Phuket.
There are additionally many glorious nature spots, together with the beautiful windmill viewpoint, and the breathtaking Promthep Cape. Though these southern seaside cities are removed from the remainder of the island, there may be all the time a lot to do and discover right here!
Finest Lodging in Rawai and Nai Harn:
- $$$ Luxe – The Nai Harn is a 5-star lodge constructed on a hill overlooking Nai Harn seaside with a beach-club model pool and bar space and the perfect breakfast buffet in Phuket!
- $$ 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 affords a novel glamping expertise surrounded by nature with fashionable tents, correct beds, and comfy decor.
Mai Khao
On the different finish of the island is Mai Khao Seashore, 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 world is often quiet.
Mai Khao Seashore is the perfect space in Phuket for introverts who search nearly abandoned seashores, peaceable nature, and early nights. As a lot of the lodging right here is near the seaside and much from Phuket’s loopy site visitors, Mai Khao affords a really tranquil vibe.
Mai Khao Seashore can also be standard with golfers as it’s near the well-known Blue Canyon Nation Membership.
Finest Lodging in Mai Khao:
- $$$ Luxe – Avani Plus affords EPIC beachfront suites with a kitchen, big lounge space, and spacious balcony. Some even include a non-public pool!
- $$ Mid – Renaissance Phuket Resort is a 5-star resort and spa on the seaside constructed round peaceable backyard environment with suites and pool villas accessible.
- $ Finances – Coriacea is a boutique lodge providing beachfront lodging for a fraction of the price of the larger resorts. Plus, all rooms have personal balconies.
Suggestions for Selecting Your Resort
There’s no scarcity of alternative in relation to accommodations in Phuket so the perfect place to remain actually comes right down to your wants, private choice and finances.
Right here’s some issues to contemplate when selecting your Phuket:
- Take into account how near the seaside you need to be. Beachfront accommodations are usually costlier, however the further expense is value it for those who dream of waking up and stepping onto the sand!
- Verify the score and evaluations of your lodging earlier than reserving. I like to recommend selecting accommodations with a score of 8 or above on Reserving.com.
- Enquire together with your lodging to see in the event that they arrange airport pickup, as this can considerably cut back journey stress!
- Search out 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 may 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
Get to Phuket
Having Thailand’s second busiest airport, most vacationers can fly immediately 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 coming into Thailand and visiting Phuket simple and handy.
Even for those who’re coming from different elements of Thailand, air journey is the quickest and best approach to enter Phuket. There are numerous buses and coach providers, however word that Phuket is roughly a 12-hour drive from Bangkok or a 1-hour flight away.
When you land in Phuket, you’ll have to navigate your approach to your lodging. Some resorts and accommodations supply pre-arranged airport transfers. In any other case, you possibly can take a taxi, hop on a public bus, or hail a trip by way of an app like Seize.
Nonetheless, many taxi drivers on the airport prey on unsuspecting vacationers and considerably overcharge. Due to this, some vacationers choose to ebook a trip by way of the Seize app.
Get Round Phuket
Taxes are the most costly alternative in relation to getting across the island. Should you do use them I like to recommend asking your lodge reception to name you one – that method, you’re much less more likely to be overcharged.
Seize and different ride-hailing apps like Bolt supply a extra handy and cheaper choice to taxis.
Additionally, you will see a lot of tuk-tuks across the touristy areas. They’re expensive, 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 take into account the Good Bus, which runs from Rawai to the airport, stopping in any respect the most important seaside cities. A single trip is 100 THB, however you should purchase day or multi-day passes for a really affordable value.
Lastly, some vacationers desire to rent a scooter whereas in Phuket. As Phuket’s roads are busy and harmful, I solely suggest this in case you have expertise with scooters and have pushed in Thailand earlier than. Guarantee you have got a global driving license that covers bikes, too.
Finest Time to Go to Phuket
Weatherwise, the perfect time to go to Phuket is December to March. You’ll be able to count on constantly good climate throughout these months – blue skies and ample sunshine. Nonetheless, they’re additionally the busiest months, so whereas the climate is great, the island is crowded.
November could be a pretty month to go to as it’s comparatively quiet. Nonetheless, as that is the top of the wet season, the climate might be unpredictable.
Alternatively, take into account April and Might (the opposite shoulder season) for those who don’t thoughts the warmth. The island isn’t 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, for those who’re not in a rush, I like to recommend staying for 10 to 14 days. This further time will will let you try extra elements 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 points of interest to supply.
From watersports and island hopping journeys, to visiting elephant sanctuaries and glittering Buddhist temples, to Thai cooking courses or simply stress-free 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 need to go to and actions you’d love to do in your journey and verify the place they’re positioned as taxi’s might 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 primary deciding issue must be what you’re on the lookout for from this tropical paradise. Whether or not you need to discover the island’s points of interest, get together the night time away or just loosen up on a fantastic seaside, in relation to Phuket accommodations, regardless of your finances, you received’t be quick on choices!
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