Where to stay in Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, on the Andaman coast and joined to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge in the north. Most visitors think of the west-coast beaches, but the island also has a proper provincial capital, Phuket Town, with a historic core of Sino-Portuguese shophouses, Chinese shrines, cafés and markets.

Most of the places we list here are in and around that old town: hostels, guesthouses and small hotels that suit travellers who would rather explore on foot and take day trips to the beaches than stay on the sand. There are also a few options near Bang Tao and Rawai. Filter by area, type and features below, or read the area guide first.

The island is bigger than it looks on a map. Getting from the airport in the north to Rawai in the south can take an hour or more in traffic, so it pays to choose your base with your plans in mind.

Nearest airport
Phuket International (HKT), in the north of the island
Boats to the islands
Ferries to Koh Phi Phi and Krabi leave from Rassada Pier, east of Phuket Town
Getting around
Taxis, tuk-tuks, ride-hailing apps, songthaews, the Smart Bus and scooter hire
Wettest months
Usually May to October

Places to stay in Phuket

27 hotels

Hotel in Phuket Town west & Naka Market

Eat n Sleep

Kitchenettes, washing machines and a children's play area in residential Phuket Town

  • air-conditioning
  • free Wi-Fi
  • family rooms
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Hotel in Phuket Town west & Naka Market

Leelawadee Naka

A 24-hour desk, daily housekeeping and free parking in residential Phuket Town

  • air-conditioning
  • terrace
  • 24-hour front desk
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Hotel in Phuket Town west & Naka Market

Mayfa Hotel

Desks, balconies over the garden and a bar on Wirat Hong Yok Road

  • air-conditioning
  • garden
  • terrace
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Guesthouse in Bang Tao, Surin & Kamala

Phuketnumnoi23

Kitchenettes, a garden and Bang Tao Beach a few minutes away on foot

  • air-conditioning
  • kitchen
  • garden
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Guesthouse in Phuket Old Town

Sleep at Phuket

Bike hire, a minimarket and a round-the-clock desk on Montri Road

  • air-conditioning
  • bike hire
  • 24-hour front desk
See today's offers

Villa in Rawai, Nai Harn & Chalong

Villa Talosy

A private pool, three en-suite bedrooms and a garden in Phuket's far south

  • pool
  • garden
  • air-conditioning
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"Our order" puts hotels we have fully written up first. Commission doesn't affect the order.

Where to stay in Phuket, area by area

Phuket Town sits on the east side of the island, about a 20 to 30-minute drive from the main west-coast beaches. The beach areas run down the west coast from the airport to Rawai, each with a different pace.

Phuket Old Town

Best for food, culture and budget stays

The historic heart of Phuket Town is a compact grid around Thalang, Dibuk, Krabi and Phang-nga roads, lined with restored shophouses from the tin-mining era. Soi Rommanee, a short lane of pastel facades, is the most photographed corner. On Sunday evenings part of Thalang Road becomes a walking-street market, and there are cafés, street-food stalls and small museums within a few minutes of each other.

It's the best-value part of Phuket for independent travellers, and handy for Rassada Pier and the bus terminal. The trade-off is that the nearest swimming beaches are a 20 to 30-minute ride away.

Phuket Town west & Naka Market

Best for longer stays and shopping

West and south of the old town, the roads around Wirat Hong Yok and Chao Fa are a mix of residential streets, condos and newer small hotels. The Naka Weekend Market runs here on Saturday and Sunday evenings, and the Central Phuket shopping malls are close by.

It's quieter and more local than the old town and often a little cheaper, with quick road access to Chalong and the west coast. You'll want a taxi, scooter or ride-hailing app for most trips.

Patong

Best for nightlife

Phuket's busiest resort, with a long beach, Bangla Road's bars and clubs, big shopping centres and a huge choice of places to eat. It's loud, lively and convenient for boat trips and nights out, but not the place for a quiet break.

Kata & Karon

Best for beach holidays and families

South of Patong, Karon, Kata and Kata Noi are long, sandy beaches with a calmer, family-friendly feel and plenty of restaurants. The Big Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill sits inland between Kata and Chalong.

Rawai, Nai Harn & Chalong

Best for a relaxed, lived-in feel

The southern tip of the island is popular with long-stay visitors. Rawai is known for its seafront seafood market and longtail boats to nearby islands, Nai Harn has one of Phuket's prettiest bays, and Promthep Cape is the classic sunset viewpoint. Chalong, slightly north, has the main pier for many day trips and Wat Chalong, the island's best-known temple. Villas and pool houses are common here.

Bang Tao, Surin & Kamala

Best for quieter beaches

North of Patong, the beaches get calmer and more upmarket. Bang Tao is a long sweep of sand with the Laguna resort complex at its centre, while Surin and Kamala are smaller bays with beach clubs and restaurants. They're about 30 minutes from the airport, and a car or scooter helps.

Airport & northern beaches

Best for early flights

Nai Yang, Mai Khao and Nai Thon are the least developed of Phuket's beaches, partly inside Sirinat National Park and close to the airport. They suit a quiet stay or a last night before a morning flight.

Questions about staying in Phuket

Is it better to stay in Phuket Town or on a beach?

Phuket Town is better for food, culture and value, and puts you close to the piers and bus station. A beach area such as Kata or Bang Tao is better if you want to swim every day without a 20 to 30-minute ride each way. Some visitors split their stay between the two.

How do I get from Phuket Airport to Phuket Town?

Taxis and ride-hailing apps are the quickest option, and there are also airport buses and minibuses into town. Allow roughly 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic, and check current fares and timetables at the airport.

Which beach is closest to Phuket Old Town?

The west-coast beaches such as Patong, Karon and Kata are all roughly a 20 to 30-minute drive. Songthaews to several beaches leave from near the market on Ranong Road, which is the cheapest way to go.

Can I get to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket Town?

Yes. Ferries to Koh Phi Phi leave from Rassada Pier, a short taxi ride east of the old town. Most crossings take around two hours; timetables change with the season, so check them close to your trip.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

The dry season, roughly November to April, usually brings the calmest seas and most sunshine. From about May to October the south-west monsoon brings more rain and rougher water on the west coast, though it's quieter and prices are often lower.

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