Spanning over 500 square kilometers, Phuket Island’s beauty traverses gorgeous coastlines, lush forests, and historic towns. So when traveling here, choosing the right place to stay can be tricky! With so many options available, you want to make sure you’re picking accommodation that suits your interests, whether you want to stay near the beach, the nightlife, or cultural attractions.
Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve is centrally located on the island, so we have a good idea of some of the best areas for accommodation. And thanks to our prime setting, we’re easily accessible wherever you are, making our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities the perfect outing for any day.
We’ve created this guide to the best areas to stay in Phuket to help you plan your travels. If you have any questions for us about our tours in the meantime, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Bang Tao Beach: For Easy Access and Wellness Amenities
With its golf courses, spas, and beach clubs, Bang Tao Beach has everything you could need while staying in Phuket. With a beach spanning over six kilometers and a selection of high-end resorts to choose from, you may never want to leave Bang Tao. The Angsana Laguna Phuket is a particularly good choice for accommodation, offering a high-end spa, golf course, expansive swimming pool, and five-star amenities.
Bang Tao Beach’s central location makes it all the more attractive, being just a 30-minute drive from the airport. It’s also just a 10-minute drive from Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, meaning you can easily visit us for one of our Phuket Elephant Tours and Activities!
Kamala and Surin Beach: For a Quiet Escape
Away from the bustle of the more busy tourist beaches, Kamala and Surin Beach provide a peaceful escape. Kamala Beach offers a range of budget-friendly accommodations as well as luxury resorts, and has plenty of excellent restaurants to choose from, including the iconic Cafe del Mar.
Surin Beach is located just north of Kamala, and while it is smaller and has fewer accommodation options, it will offer you an even more secluded stay. It’s home to some upscale hotels, which will only add to the feeling of exclusivity, and would be perfectly suited to couples and newlyweds.
If you’re traveling to Thailand to celebrate your recent nuptials, read our guide to the Best Resorts in Phuket for a Honeymoon Trip.
Patong Beach: For Nightlife & Entertainment
Possibly one of the most famous areas in Phuket, and one of the most famous for nightlife, Patong Beach is where the partygoers will want to be. This is where you’ll find Bangla Road, a street brimming with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues.
That’s not all there is to it, however. The beach is a hub for water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides. It’s also a prime location for shopping, with everything from street markets to Jungceylon Shopping Mall, where you’ll find a range of international brands. For travelers seeking a high-energy atmosphere with easy access to nightlife, beach activities, and entertainment, you can’t go wrong with Patong. You can learn more about this area with our Guide to Patong Beach, Phuket.
Phuket Old Town: For a Cultural Stay
While Phuket’s beaches are teeming with coastal resorts, the Old Town offers a change of pace and scenery. Staying among historic Sino-Portuguese buildings, you can immerse yourself in Phuket’s culture with easy access to its local markets, cafes, galleries, and museums. Rather than clubs, you’ll find live music venues and bars that offer a more relaxed nightlife experience. It’s also famed for its Sunday Walking Street Market, where you can find an array of traditional crafts, street food, and souvenirs.
For more ideas on what to see and experience here, read our blog on the 10 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
Karon and Kata Beach: For A Family Vacation
If you’re traveling to Phuket with your family, both Karon and Kata Beach offer the perfect area to stay in. These beaches are located adjacent to one another, and both provide a perfect mix of relaxation and adventure.
You’ll find a good selection of accommodation options, ranging from cosy, boutique hotels to family-friendly coastal resorts. The golden sands and clear waters beckon you to swim, snorkel, suntan, and surf, while the numerous cafes and restaurants offer excellent places to refuel and try local Thai cuisine. And with attractions like the Dino Park Mini Golf Course, there’ll be plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained!
You can learn more about the area with our Ultimate Guide to Karon Beach, Phuket.
Nai Harn Beach: For a Retreat into Nature
Located right at the end of the island, Nai Harn Beach is one of Phuket’s most picturesque beaches, surrounded by lush, green hills. It’s a favorite among nature lovers and travelers looking for a quiet escape. Unlike the more developed areas of Phuket, Nai Harn has retained its charm, with fewer large resorts and a more local feel. With its pristine beach, tranquil lagoon, and monasteries, Nai Harn offers a truly peaceful retreat. Nearby, you’ll find scenic viewpoints like Promthep Cape, where you can catch breathtaking sunsets.
Visit Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve During Your Stay
We hope this guide has offered you information and inspiration for choosing where you will stay on your next visit to Phuket. When you are here, we would love to welcome you to the Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve, where you can meet our rescued elephants in a safe and ethical manner. Our Short 90-Minute Elephant Adventure in Phuket offers a great introduction to our sanctuary, while our Half-Day Elephant Adventure in Phuket offers a more hands-on experience, including a Thai cooking class!
If you have any more questions about our experiences, feel free to get in touch with us.
