Are you heading to Phuket, Thailand for the very first time?
In that 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!
For those who’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 a bit of overwhelming – that’s why I wrote this information!
This Thai island has many stunning areas and beautiful seashores, however the very best to remain in Phuket for you’ll rely upon what you need out of your trip.
So, on this article, I’m drawing from my expertise dwelling in Phuket to share with you the very best seashores in Phuket, the very best areas to remain in Phuket and my favourite Phuket motels.
In a rush? Click on right here to leap to my lodge suggestions. Or keep on studying if you wish to get to extra concerning 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 really like probably the most about Phuket:
- There may be ample nature – In Phuket, you’re consistently surrounded by vibrant greenery and by no means need to 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 barely protected for swimming a few of the yr, you’ll NEVER get bored with lengthy seashore walks feeling the mushy sand beneath your toes.
- The sunsets are thoughts blowing – I don’t know why, however I’ve truthfully by no means seen extra stunning sunsets (and as continuously) as in Phuket.
- The delicacies is numerous 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, yow will discover EVERY kind of delicacies you may think about. Significantly, I’ve had pizzas right here which might be nearly as good as in Italy!
- Most days are sunny – Whereas the wet season could be ‘hit and miss’ (see under), in case you come throughout 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 filled 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 remember when visiting Phuket:
- Excessive season is EXTREMELY busy – For those who 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 might be on and off, that means you may have weeks of little and even no rain throughout this time. Nonetheless, you can’t 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 think about in case you plan to return throughout the wet season is that the ocean might not be protected to swim in all yr spherical. The ocean can get wild throughout the monsoon months, and there could be weeks with pink 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 motels, world-class diving, vibrant evening markets, colourful historic shophouses in Phuket City and beautiful temples just like the well-known hilltop Huge Buddha.
What makes Phuket island so standard is how numerous it’s, there’s so many lodging choices, vacationer sights and issues to do in Phuket so no matter you’re into, you will discover 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 presents one thing for ALL budgets. There’s a extensive selection of hostels, mid-range motels, luxurious resorts, and villas everywhere in the island.
Sometimes, motels alongside the seashore might be considerably costlier than these additional away, however you may nonetheless often discover some low-cost choices inside a brief strolling distance.
The Greatest Motels in Phuket – My Fast Picks:
Greatest Seashores and Areas to Keep in Phuket
Whereas Phuket is technically an island, it is vitally lengthy. All the very best seashores and touristy areas are discovered alongside the coast, primarily alongside the island’s west coast. Nonetheless, every space surprisingly has a really totally different vibe so the very best space in Phuket for you’ll rely in your private wants and preferences.
Subsequently, selecting the place to remain in Phuket will depend on what you want. For instance, you’ll love Patong in case you’re a celebration animal. However in case you favor peace and quiet, Mai Khao might be extra appropriate for you.
Kata Seaside and Karon Seaside are the very best 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 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 absorb the distinctive tradition and colourful heritage of the island.
Right here’s a short overview of the very best locations to remain in Phuket and who they’re finest suited to:
- Kata Seaside – Greatest for surfers and water sports activities lovers
- Karon Seaside – Greatest for many who need to be near the motion however not proper in it.
- Patong Seaside – Greatest for occasion animals
- Kamala Seaside – Greatest for households and anybody who desires to keep away from the crowds
- Phuket City – Greatest for lovers of structure, good espresso, and native markets.
- Bang Tao Seaside – Greatest for these searching for luxurious and luxury
- Surin Seaside – Greatest for the older crowd
- Rawai and Nai Harn – Greatest for the youthful crowd
- Mai Khao Seaside – Greatest 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 areas of the seashores and totally different areas.
If you’re planning on doing some island hopping excursions or day journeys the tour suppliers nearly all the time embody transport so they’ll choose you up out of your lodge. The very best place to ebook journeys is on Viator or Get Your Information, plus you may learn opinions and make sure you’re journey is a memorable expertise for all the proper causes!
Greatest Locations to Keep in Phuket: Prime Motels by Space
Nonetheless attempting to determine which is the very best space in Phuket for you? No worries; I’ll clarify what to anticipate from every space on this part and offer you my suggestions for the very best motels for all budgets.
Kata Seaside
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 seashore 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 may simply stroll up and down it in lower than an hour. Kata is an effective swimming seashore and can be standard with surfers as you’ll discover medium waves (when it comes to energy and dimension) right here – preferrred for studying the game. There are numerous surf colleges in Kata – you may be a part of a lesson straight on the seashore.
Subsequent to the primary seashore is Kata Noi Seaside, voted one of the stunning seashores on this planet, which presents a smaller and quieter different with some superb luxurious beachfront resorts like The Shore at Katathani a romantic adults solely resort.
From Kata, it’s also possible to do the strenuous uphill hike from Kata city to Huge Buddha in case you’re searching for a problem.
Greatest Lodging in Kata:
- $$$ Luxe – The Shore at Katathani is a 5-star cliffside resort that sits above the shore with personal pool villas, unbelievable views and direct entry to probably the most stunning seashore
- $$ Mid – OZO Phuket boasts a beachfront location and a big out of doors swimming pool, health middle and youngsters membership in a peaceable backyard setting.
- $ Price range – Lodge Kata Hill Sea View lives as much as its identify with unbelievable ocean views and an exquisite pool, only a 5-minute stroll from the seashore.
Karon Seaside
Karon is a bigger seashore city than Kata, only a 5-minute drive north. Karon has among the finest seashores in Phuket – tremendous mushy 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 among the finest areas to remain in Phuket for many who need a little bit of every thing.
Together with seashore lovers, Karon is standard with households, {couples}, and teams of buddies who need to stability leisure with partying.
Greatest Lodging in Karon:
- $$$ Luxe – Le Meridien is a hidden paradise on a personal seashore, giving the sensation of seclusion regardless of being only a few minute’s drive from all of the motion.
- $$ Mid – Pullman Karon is positioned (actually) a stone’s throw from the seashore and set in a shocking 75 acres of tropical panorama with 5 swimming pools!
- $ Price range – Reminiscence Resort is good for these searching for peace and worth as it’s positioned up a hill away from the city however with a free day by day shuttle service.
Patong Seaside
The well-known Patong seashore is understood for its 24/7 nightlife scene, predominantly centered alongside Bangla Highway, an extended strip of go-go bars and nightclubs. Subsequently, Patong Seaside attracts a specific crowd – teams of younger lads trying to occasion and older males trying to get fortunate!
Patong is usually a bit seedy at evening, so I don’t advocate it to households. Nonetheless, in case 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 seashore 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.
Greatest Lodging in Patong:
- $$$ Luxe – Amari is an expensive 5-star lodge constructed upon a hillside, giving unbelievable views from your entire resort, together with the lavish rooms which have personal balconies.
- $$ Mid – Grand Mercure is simply 600 meters from Bangla Highway and 300 meters from the seashore, making it a well-liked selection for anybody desirous to be within the middle of city.
- $ Price range – U Sabai Dwelling Lodge is without doubt one of the many funds motels in Patong that offers quick access all of the motion and is simply 10 minutes strolling distance from the seashore.
Kamala Seaside
Kamala is a quiet but stunning seashore space simply north of Patong seashore. Regardless of its proximity, Kamala seashore has a very totally different vibe. It’s very relaxed, the sandy seashore is gorgeous, and there are some wonderful bars and eating places close by, together with the well-known Cafe Del Mar.
Whereas there aren’t many sights in Kamala city, there are a lot inside a brief drive, together with Blue Tree Lagoon and Inexperienced Elephant Sanctuary.
Greatest 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.
- $ Price range – Sungthong is only a 3-minute drive from Kamala Seaside and presents clear and spacious rooms with personal balconies or pool entry.
Phuket City
For those who’re not fussed about being near a seashore 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 seashore cities however nonetheless shut sufficient to go to for a seashore day.
Also referred to as Phuket Previous City, the streets listed here are lined with colourful Nineteenth-century shophouses and beautiful Sino-Portuguese buildings become cafes and boutique motels. The realm turns into much more vibrant each weekend when the Sunday strolling road market takes place.
Phuket Previous City is without doubt one of 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 filled with Western-style cafes and eating places you may take pleasure in and take a break from the warmth.
And in case you discover the seashore calling you, you’ll be shut to 2 pristine seashores on the east coast – Panwa and Ko Sire!
Greatest Lodging in Phuket City:
- $$$ Luxe – Lodge Verdigris, ideally positioned within the Previous City this boutique lodge boasts a novel conventional decor and options Junior Suites with interior courtyard plunge swimming pools!
- $$ Mid – Hilltop Wellness Resort is located simply outdoors Phuket City atop a serene hill. It’s standard with yogis and wellness fans because it runs common retreats.
- $ Price range – Blue Carina Inn presents 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 without doubt one of 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 filled with luxurious motels, peaceable strolling trails, and spas. That is the very best 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 full of life open-air way of life middle and market. Then, in the direction of the south of Bang Tao Seaside, you will discover many beachfront eating places, cool seashore golf equipment, and lodging choices for all budgets.
Greatest Lodging in Bang Tao Seaside:
- $$$ Luxe – Angsana Laguna is undoubtedly probably the most epic resort in Bang Tao with a 323-meter pool snaking across the resort and a personal kayaking space.
- $$ Mid – Cassia is a vibrant household pleasant lodge in Laguna providing apartment-style rooms with kitchens and a big out of doors pool on the lagoon. Plus, it’s pet-friendly!
- $ Price range – Hanuman VIP Hostel balances affordability with luxurious, with a homely lounge space (full with a pool desk), trendy loos, and cabin-style dorms.
Surin Seaside
Surin Seaside is a small, quiet bay between Kamala and Bang Tao. It’s preferrred for many who need to keep in a peaceful space however nonetheless be a brief drive from many prime 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 street. There are additionally some beautiful elevated viewpoints on both aspect of the bay.
Greatest Lodging in Surin Seaside:
- $$$ Luxe – The Surin Phuket is a tropical oasis with personal seashore entry and vivid, ethereal, and spacious personal cottages.
- $$ Mid – Outrigger is a boutique ocean-facing resort with a contemporary and classy really feel only a 2-minute stroll from the sand.
- $ Price range – Surin Bay Inn is conveniently sandwiched between the seashore and the village, that 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, standard with digital nomads, health fanatics, and the youthful generations.
Rawai and Nai Harn are probably the most “up-and-coming” areas of Phuket, with new espresso retailers, eating places, and villa complexes popping up weekly. Rawai Seaside is filled with longtail boats so it’s not preferrred for swimming however Naiharn is without doubt one of the finest seashores in Phuket.
There are additionally many wonderful nature spots, together with the beautiful windmill viewpoint, and the breathtaking Promthep Cape. Regardless that these southern seashore cities are removed from the remainder of the island, there may be all the time a lot to do and discover right here!
Greatest Lodging in Rawai and Nai Harn:
- $$$ Luxe – The Nai Harn is a 5-star lodge constructed on a hill overlooking Nai Harn seashore with a beach-club model pool and bar space and the very best breakfast buffet in Phuket!
- $$ 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 house.
- $ Price range – Roost Glamping presents a novel glamping expertise surrounded by nature with trendy tents, correct beds, and comfy decor.
Mai Khao
On the different finish of the island is Mai Khao Seaside, Phuket’s northernmost seashore 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 Seaside is the very best space in Phuket for introverts who search nearly abandoned seashores, peaceable nature, and early nights. As many of the lodging right here is near the seashore and much from Phuket’s loopy visitors, Mai Khao presents a really tranquil vibe.
Mai Khao Seaside can be standard with golfers as it’s near the well-known Blue Canyon Nation Membership.
Greatest Lodging in Mai Khao:
- $$$ Luxe – Avani Plus presents EPIC beachfront suites with a kitchen, big lounge space, and spacious balcony. Some even include a personal pool!
- $$ Mid – Renaissance Phuket Resort is a 5-star resort and spa on the seashore constructed round peaceable backyard environment with suites and pool villas out there.
- $ Price range – Coriacea is a boutique lodge 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 the case of motels in Phuket so the very best place to remain actually comes right down to your wants, private choice and funds.
Right here’s some issues to think about when selecting your Phuket:
- Think about how near the seashore you need to be. Beachfront motels are usually costlier, however the further expense is price it in case you dream of waking up and stepping onto the sand!
- Examine the score and opinions of your lodging earlier than reserving. I like to recommend selecting motels with a score of 8 or above on Reserving.com.
- Enquire along with your lodging to see in the event that they set up airport pickup, as it will considerably cut back journey stress!
- Hunt down native eating places. Most eating places close to the seashore are geared 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
Easy methods to 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 coming into Thailand and visiting Phuket straightforward and handy.
Even in case you’re coming from different components of Thailand, air journey is the quickest and best option 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 must navigate your option to your lodging. Some resorts and motels supply pre-arranged airport transfers. In any other case, you may take a taxi, hop on a public bus, or hail a experience by 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 experience by the Seize app.
Easy methods to Get Round Phuket
Taxes are the most costly selection in the case of getting across the island. For those who do use them I like to recommend asking your lodge reception to name you one – that means, 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 numerous tuk-tuks across the touristy areas. They’re expensive, so they aren’t preferrred for lengthy distances. Nonetheless, many vacationers like to make use of them for brief rides for the expertise.
For a lower-cost option to get round, you may contemplate the Sensible Bus, which runs from Rawai to the airport, stopping in any respect the key seashore cities. A single experience is 100 THB, however you should purchase day or multi-day passes for a really cheap worth.
Lastly, some vacationers favor to rent a scooter whereas in Phuket. As Phuket’s roads are busy and harmful, I solely advocate this in case you have expertise with scooters and have pushed in Thailand earlier than. Guarantee you’ve a global driving license that covers bikes, too.
Greatest Time to Go to Phuket
Weatherwise, the very best 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 is usually a beautiful month to go to as it’s comparatively quiet. Nonetheless, as that is the tip of the wet season, the climate could be unpredictable.
Alternatively, contemplate April and Could (the opposite shoulder season) in case you don’t thoughts the warmth. The island shouldn’t be too crowded by this time, however it may be scorching, starting from 27°C to 36°C.
How Lengthy to Keep in Phuket
Wherever from 7 to 14 days is a perfect size to remain in Phuket. 7 days provides you with sufficient time to see all the highest sights and squeeze in a few day journeys – take a look at this 7 day Phuket itinerary for inspiration!
Nonetheless, in case you’re not in a rush, I like to recommend staying for 10 to 14 days. This additional time will mean you can take a look at extra components of the island, take some boat journeys, and discover at a extra relaxed place.
The Greatest Issues to Do in Phuket
In addition to being house to a few 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 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 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 must be what you’re searching for from this tropical paradise. Whether or not you need to discover the island’s sights, occasion the evening away or just loosen up on an exquisite seashore, in the case of Phuket motels, irrespective of your funds, you received’t be brief on choices!
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