Phuket is Thailand's largest island, a land of contrasts where neon-lit party strips sit minutes away from silent rainforest retreats. Your experience depends entirely on your base: the hedonistic energy of Patong, the family-friendly shores of Kata, the Sino-Portuguese history of Old Town, or the exclusive luxury of Bang Tao. Use this guide to find your perfect beach (or non-beach) vibe.
Patong
Patong is the beating heart of Phuket's nightlife and tourism. Centered around Bangla Road, it's a sensory overload of bars, clubs, street food, and neon lights. The beach is crowded and energetic. Staying here is for those who want to party, shop late, and be in the utter center of the action.
What we love
- +Unmatched nightlife and entertainment options
- +Endless shopping (Jungceylon) and dining choices
- +Great base for day trips (easy pickup location)
Worth noting
- –Extremely noisy, crowded, and chaotic
- –Beach is not the island's cleanest or prettiest
- –Can feel overwhelming and aggressive with touts
Nearby
Bangla Road · Patong Beach · Jungceylon Shopping Center · Freedom Beach (by boat) · Boxing Stadiums
Kata & Karon
Just south of Patong, these twin beaches offer a perfect balance: lively enough to have great dining and markets, but relaxed enough for families and couples. Kata has a surfing vibe and beautiful bay, while Karon features a long, squeaky-sand beach and wider roads. It's the classic Phuket beach holiday destination.
What we love
- +Beautiful, swimmable beaches with clear water
- +Great mix of restaurants and night markets
- +Family-friendly atmosphere without the sleaze
Worth noting
- –Can still get crowded in high season
- –Tuk-tuk mafia prices for short trips
- –Not as much high-end luxury as Bang Tao
Nearby
Kata Beach viewpoint · Dino Park Mini Golf · Karon Temple Market · Kata Night Market · Surf House Phuket
Old Phuket Town
Far from the beach, Old Town offers the island's most authentic cultural experience. Sino-Portuguese shophouses line the streets, filled with hip cafes, local art galleries, and some of Thailand's best food. It's a hit with history lovers and digital nomads looking for 'real' local life.
What we love
- +Stunning historic architecture and photogenic streets
- +Incredible local food scene (UNESCO City of Gastronomy)
- +Sunday Walking Street Market is a must-seee
Worth noting
- –No beach access (30+ mins drive)
- –Quieter nightlife compared to the coast
- –Air quality can be lower due to traffic
Nearby
Thalang Road · Sunday Walking Street · Soi Romanee · Thai Hua Museum · Blue Elephant Mansion
Handpicked Hotels
Boutique Hotels in Phuket
Bang Tao / Laguna
This is Phuket's 'Millionaire's Mile', a stretch of long white sand dominated by luxury resorts, golf courses, and beach clubs. The Laguna complex offers a manicured, safe environment with shuttles connecting hotels. It's the top choice for luxury travelers, expats, and families seeking a polished resort experience.
What we love
- +Pristine, long beach that rarely feels crowded
- +High-end dining and beach clubs (Catch, Maya)
- +Safe, walkable (within Laguna), and upscale
Worth noting
- –Expensive dining and accommodation
- –Isolated from the rest of the island
- –Lacks slightly in 'local' Thai street feel
Nearby
Boat Avenue & Porto de Phuket · Laguna Golf Phuket · Catch Beach Club · Layan Beach · Friday Night Market at Boat Avenue
Kamala
Kamala retains a village feel while hosting some of the island's coolest spots. It strikes a niche between the luxury of Bang Tao and the activity of Patong. Known strictly for 'Millionaire's Mile' on the headland and a relaxed, family-friendly bay below, it also hosts the famous Café del Mar.
What we love
- +Relaxed village vibe with a nice enclosed bay
- +Home to cool beach clubs like Café del Mar
- +Good proximity to both Patong and Surin
Worth noting
- –Ocean can be rough in low season
- –Parts of the town are still developing
- –Not as much shopping as Patong or Old Town
Nearby
Phuket FantaSea · Café del Mar · Kamala Beach · Carnival Magic · Tsunami Memorial Park
Surin Beach
Known as 'Millionaire's Row', Surin was once a party hotspot but has matured into a sophisticated, quiet beach destination. It features crystal clear waters and boutique dining. It attracts a well-heeled crowd looking for beauty and peace without the isolation of the far north.
What we love
- +Stunning clear water and soft sand
- +Upscale, boutique dining options
- +Quiet and relaxed atmosphere
Worth noting
- –Fewer budget accommodation options
- –Beach clubs were removed (quiet nightlife)
- –Not much shopping or local culture
Nearby
Surin Beach · Pansea Beach (Private) · Twinpalms Phuket · Audy Restaurant · Laem Sing Viewpoint
Rawai & Nai Harn
Located at the southern tip of the island, this area is a favorite among expats and long-term travelers. It feels less like a tourist resort and more like a real community. Nai Harn is arguably the island's most beautiful beach, while Rawai offers incredible seafood dining right on the water.
What we love
- +Nai Harn is pristine and less commercial
- +Fantastic seafood markets in Rawai
- +Great base for island hopping (longtail boats)
Worth noting
- –Far from the airport (1+ hour drive)
- –Need a scooter/car to get around
- –Nightlife is laid-back bars, not clubs
Nearby
Promthep Cape (Sunset View) · Nai Harn Beach · Rawai Seafood Market · Wat Chalong (nearby) · Yanui Beach
More Places to Stay
Boutique Hotels in Phuket
Ready to explore Phuket?
Browse our curated collection of boutique hotels across all neighborhoods.
View All Hotels in Phuket
