As my first ever stop in South East Asia, I will always remember Phuket as an absolute assault on the senses. Loud, vibrant, colourful, Phuket is pretty much the poster child for the South of Thailand. You’ve got the neon lights and chaos of Bangla Road, all the way to jungles and beaches that often go unshared (if you know where to look).
But it’s not aaaaall about lying around on the sand and nailing the perfect tan. Phuket is also home to vibrant night markets, street food that will make your taste buds do a little dance and a shit-load of adventures (the aforementioned food may also inspire the odd “shit-load” if you follow).
But the real highlight in Phuket is its WILD nightlife and I’m telling ya, it’s not for the faint-hearted. Phuket will rock you hard and if you’re not built for it, it could just break you. I’d argue that it gives Khao San Road a VERY good run for its money. If you’re up for the challenge, grab yourself a few Changs and head to Patong’s never-ending party scene.
Sure, Thailand has a portfolio of islands that are wilder and more remote, but Phuket doesn’t try to pretend to be something it’s not. It’s buzzing, widespread and opens its arms to millions of tourists a year. If it’s your first time in South Thailand, Phuket is a great snippet of everything to come.
So where to stay you ask?
Well, with an island so diverse, choosing where to stay in Phuket matters. You wouldn’t want to be neighbours to the party strips if you want an early night, nor would you want to be in a quiet corner if you want things accessible at your fingertips.
With over 100 villages to explore, it’s best to have an idea of where to stay in Phuket beforehand. I’ll give you all the goss when it comes to Phuket and its neighbourhoods so you can make the best decision for what you want out of your trip to Phuket.
Let’s get into it.
Photo: @amandaadraper
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Phuket Town
Phuket Town is the capital of Phuket province and the largest city on the island. Made up of narrow streets, Phuket Town is where you’ll find great restaurants, unique shops, and one-of-a-kind attractions.
Karon
Karon beach lies on the west coast of the island of Phuket. Home to the second largest of the island’s tourist beaches, Karon is where you’ll find stunning views, shimmering turquoise waters, and white sand beaches that squeak when you walk on them.
Patong
Patong is the most popular tourist destination in Phuket. This picturesque coastal town has stunning white sand beaches, perfect for relaxing on a chaise, catching some rays, and getting lost in the beauty of the scenery.
Kata
Kata Beach is one of the trendiest places to stay in Phuket. Located on the islands west coast, this village is perfect for travellers looking for a great mix of relaxed atmosphere, exciting nightlife, and a variety of great attractions.
Kamala
Look no farther than Kamala as the best place to stay in Phuket for families. This small village provides visitors with all the convenience of busy towns like Patong but without the hustle and bustle.
If you’re planning on backpacking Thailand, the land of Simles and Pad Thai, it’s most likely Phuket is on your list. If it’s not, you probably wouldn’t be reading this. Either way, I’m glad you’re here.
Phuket is one of those places that has everything, seriously, this island has it all. From beautiful beaches, clear turquoise waters and wild full moon parties and nightlife, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when your start planning your trip to Phuket.
The province of Phuket is divided into 2 districts and 17 subdistricts. Within these districts and subdistricts, there are more than 100 unique villages to see and explore. To make the most of your travel itinerary in Phuket, I recommend each trip include visits to at least three or four villages.
Photo: Nic Hilditch-Short
Phuket’s Five Best Neighbourhoods to Stay in
1. Phuket Town – Where to Stay in Phuket for First-Timers
Phuket Town feels a world away from beach clubs and infinity pools. This is narrow streets, shophouses with peeling paint, cafés run by people who actually live here, and some of the best food you’ll eat in Phuket without paying resort prices. It’s busy, colourful, and full of little details for those willing to slow down and notice them.
It’s a solid base if you care even slightly about history, culture, or eating extremely well between wanderings. There’s no end of things to do in Phuket, and its Old Town is no different. Sino-Portuguese buildings, temples wedged between coffee shops, night markets that smell incredible, and museums that explain why Phuket is the way it is.
Staying here makes sense if you want context before bouncing around the island. It’s practical, well-connected, and gives you a proper feel for Phuket before you start chasing beaches elsewhere. Just don’t expect luxury beachfront vibes or morning swims, this is a city base first and foremost.
- Best For: First-timers, food lovers, culture seekers
- The Vibe: Local, lively, historic
- Proximity to Airport: Around 40 minutes
- Transport Level: High, buses, taxis, scooters everywhere
- Budget: Budget to mid-range, great value for money
- Crowds: Moderate, busiest around Old Town evenings and weekends
Things to Do in Phuket Town
- Join a James Bond Island boat tour
- Climb Khao Rang for a magnificent bird’s-eye view of the city and the southern part of the island.
- Explore the rich history of Old Phuket Town, where you’ll find temples, preserved shophouses, restaurants, and cafes.
- Go on a Sea Kayak tour with transfer included.
- Visit the colourful Shrine of the Serene Light and see the Taoist etchings on the walls.
- Enjoy excellent street food as you browse Lard Yai, the Sunday Walking Street Market.
- Take in the breathtaking views at Windmill Viewpoint.
- Go on a guided tour to the Big Buddha and the largest temple in Phuket, Wat Chalong.
Purr Hostel | Best Hostel
Located in Phuket’s Old Town, this hostel will put you near some of the best shops and eats on the island, including lots of delicious Thai street food. The modern interior design contains splashes of colour, and each dorm bed comes with a privacy curtain.
The bathrooms are clean and updated with large shower heads, and the beds are super comfy. Despite being so close to Phuket’s many attractions, the hostel remains relatively quiet.
Quip Bed & Breakfast | Best Hotel
For a bit of character, it doesn’t get quirkier than this bed and breakfast. The rooms are genuinely quirky and thoughtfully designed, not the cookie-cutter kind you forget five minutes after check-out. You get a spacious bedroom and bathroom – it’s a no-frills setup, but the important stuff is covered and done well. Add in a dead-central Old Town location and you’re surrounded by solid food options whenever hunger strikes.
Deluxe+Balcony SK Postel | Best Airbnb
A solid budget stay right in the thick of it, with a private balcony thrown in for good measure. You’re close to the Phuket Bus Terminal, a short wander from Old Town, and dangerously near a 7-Eleven for late-night snacks and bad decisions. Local restaurants are everywhere, so eating well on the cheap is basically unavoidable. Comfortable, convenient, and a good base for seeing the real Phuket without haemorrhaging cash.
2. Karon – Where to Stay in Phuket on a Budget
Karon Beach lies on the west coast of the island of Phuket. Home to the second-largest of the island’s tourist beaches, Karon is where you’ll find stunning views, shimmering turquoise waters, and those serene squeaky-white-sand beaches Thailand is famed for, you have to check out Kata Noi Beach.
With a number of cool restaurants and relaxed bars, you’ll have no trouble finding ways to pass the time in Karon. It’s the perfect spot for beach lovers for sure. Make sure to check out the Pad Thai Shop in Karon – I had the best Pad Thai of my life there (and my mouth is watering as I type this).
Karon is more than just a stunning location. It’s one of the best areas to stay in Phuket if you’re travelling on a budget. You’re guaranteed to find somewhere to stay that fits your style and your budget with its myriad of accommodation options.
- Best For: Budget travellers, beach lovers, slow days
- The Vibe: Relaxed, beachy, low-key
- Proximity to Airport: Around 1 hour
- Transport Level: Moderate, taxis and scooters handy
- Budget: Budget to mid-range, strong value
- Crowds: Medium, busy in high season but rarely overwhelming
Photo: Rachita Raj
Things to Do in Karon
- Visit the colourful and stunning Wat Suwan Khiri Khet temple.
- Relax and take a break from the sun at Khlong Bangla Park.
- Go on a snorkel trip around the Similan Islands by speedboat.
- Grab a drink and watch the game at Walkabout Sports Bar.
- Learn how to cook like the locals with an authentic Thai food cooking class
Oasis Guesthouse | Best Guesthouse
This iconic guesthouse is just moments away from Karon Beach and has been hosting backpackers since 2007. You’ll be at the heart of the town’s nightlife with lots of great restaurants and bars to choose from.
All rooms are air-conditioned, and you can select either a mixed 8-bed dorm or a private room. The owners are friendly, the beds are comfy, and there’s even a bar on the ground floor. What more could you ask for? This is Thailand hostel vibes through and through.
Slumber Surf Phuket Kata | Best Hostel
Slumber Party is a classic party hostel chain in Thailand, which means equal part sleeze and fun. If you’re in the mood to meet people without trying very hard, this place makes it super easy thanks to sociable common areas, friendly staff, and nightly events that make mingling unavoidable.
It’s lively, a bit messy around the edges, and definitely not the place for an early night, but that’s the appeal. The bonus is the walking street food market right outside, which makes grabbing dinner between beers stupidly easy.
Sea View Cabin | Best Airbnb
This place is cheap, cheerful, and absolutely flexes when it comes to views. You’re perched on a hillside right in the thick of things, but just far enough out to feel like you’ve escaped the madness. Buddha off to one side, endless ocean and scattered islands stretching out in front, and front row seats to every sunset.
That view comes at a cost though, and it’s paid in stairs. Lots of them. This is not the spot for anyone craving daily room service, spa-level showers, or polished hotel extras. What you get instead is a simple base, bags of character, and scenery that makes you forget about the extras you’re missing.
3. Patong – Where To Stay in Phuket for Nightlife
Patong is a hugely popular tourist destination and counts among the best places to visit in Phuket. This picturesque coastal town has stunning white-sand beaches, perfect for relaxing, catching some rays, and getting lost in the beauty of the scenery.
But let’s be honest, that’s not why most people end up here. This is the island’s chaos capital, where Bangla Road makes even Khao San Road look tame. Nights here consist of too many Changs, bars that rub shoulder to shoulder with music bleeding into a great cacophony of debauchery and bad decisions.
Sounds fun, right?
A night out in Patong is a rite of passage that every backpacker should do at least once. Come morning, you can nurse that gnarly hangover with some vitamin D and sea. You’ll feel right as rain before you do it all again come the evening.
- Best For: Nightlife, party travellers, solo backpackers, short wild stays
- The Vibe: Loud, neon-soaked, chaotic, zero chill
- Proximity to Airport: Around 45–60 minutes by taxi
- Transport Level: Easy – taxis, tuk-tuks, songthaews everywhere
- Budget: Wide range – dirt-cheap guesthouses to (albeit, overpriced) party hotels
- Crowds: Heavy, especially evenings and weekends
Photo: Karelj (WikiCommons)
Things to Do in Patong
- Explore Bangla Road, Patong’s central attraction and home to bars, pubs, nightclubs, exotic and erotic shows, and Thai restaurants.
- Drive to Paradise Beach to experience one of the most stunning beaches in all of Thailand.
- Spend the day drinking, relaxing and partying at Yona Floating Beach Club
- Enjoy a moment of peace and tranquillity at the beautiful Suwan Khiri Wong Temple.
- Browse the stalls and enjoy cheap and tasty food at the Malin Plaza Patong Market.
- Watch a Muay Thai fight at Bangla Boxing Stadium.
- Spend the day in nature and head to one of Phuket’s national parks.
- Party from dusk until dawn at Seduction Complex, the largest nightclub in Patong Beach.
Lub d Phuket Patong | Best Hostel
It’s big, it’s popular, and it’s built for Patong’s nightlife. Close to the beach, Lub d has everything you need for the quintessential Patong experience: booze, pool, and a Muay Thai gym … Need I say more?
Oh, it’s even got a workspace for you digital nomads who like to fit in a little business on the side of your adventures.
Thanthip Beach Resort Patong | Best Hotel
For the price, the value is hard to argue with, especially considering the location right in the heart of Patong. Everything is on your doorstep, and you’re not paying a premium for it.
The rooms are impressively spacious, and daily housekeeping at this price point is a nice surprise rather than something you expect. Then there’s the breakfast. An absolute standout.
Entire apartment in Pa Tong | Best Airbnb
This place is clean, comfortable, and does exactly what it needs to. It’s around a ten-minute walk to the beach, close enough to Patong’s action without being swallowed by it. The kitchenette is a genuine money-saver and makes longer stays far easier on the budget.
Sam is a solid host, friendly, helpful, and available without hovering. The space isn’t modern or flashy, but it’s well-kept and practical. For the price, it’s a dependable base in Patong that lets you spend your cash on experiences rather than the room itself.
4. Kata – Coolest Area to Stay in Phuket
Kata is what happens when Phuket grows up a bit, swaps the bucket cocktails for decent food, and still remembers how to have a good time. Sitting on the west coast, this pocket of the island hits a rare sweet spot: chilled beach days, just enough nightlife to keep evenings interesting, and none of the full-throttle chaos you’ll find further north.
The beach is the star here. Around it, Kata has quietly stacked the deck with solid restaurants, surf schools, and great wellness retreats for those who want to forget about their backpacker roots. Phuket’s tourism glow-up is obvious here, with accommodation ranging from smart guesthouses to full-blown luxury resorts.
Kata is great if you’re an aspiring mermaid like myself. The house reef draws snorkellers and divers, with parrotfish, seahorses, and the occasional turtle cruising past when conditions are right. Nai Harn Beach sits within walking distance too, and it’s one of those rare Phuket beaches that still feels a bit wild and untouched if you catch it at the right time.
- Best For: Couples, chilled backpackers, beach lovers, longer stays
- The Vibe: Relaxed, polished, beachy, quietly social
- Proximity to Airport: Around 1 hour by taxi
- Transport Level: Easy – taxis, scooters, local transport
- Budget: Mid-range to high, with a few solid value finds
- Crowds: Moderate, busier in peak season but manageable
Photo: @amandaadraper
Things to Do in Kata
- Shop with the locals at the Thursday market where you can buy fish, spices, and other authentic Thai foods.
- Go for a guided hike through the rainforest.
- Swim and play in the calm blue waters of Kata Beach.
- Fun for the whole family, spend the day at Andamanda Waterpark.
- Enjoy good drinks and a great show at Ska Bar, a funky reggae and ska music bar.
- Swim, dive, and snorkel around the Kata Beach House Reef to see colourful fish, seahorses, and other sea creatures.
The Color Kata | Best Budget Hotel
The rooms The Color Kata feel fresh and modern, clearly recently renovated, with small details that actually make a difference. There’s a Japanese-style toilet (my biggest indicator of a place being a lil boujey!), electric blinds, and a genuinely comfortable bed, so it feels far more put together than expected at this price range. Shops, restaurants, and the beach are all walkable, which keeps life simple and transport costs low.
Naiharn Beach Resort | Best Mid Range Hotel
This resort is excellent value for your money in terms of location and amenities. It’s not as spenny as the luxury resorts you’ll see on the island, but it’s a good middle ground if you’re a backpacker wanting to treat yourself for a couple nights. You can easily walk to Nai Harn Beach, which is just 10 minutes away, and the lovely Kata Beach is a short 15-minute drive away as well. With a swimming pool, karaoke room and pool table, you’ll easily stay entertained here.
Nonnee Hostel Kata | Best Hostel
Okay, this hostel is setting the bar high and here for it. Let’s start with the rooms, the beds are super comfy and come with a privacy curtain, always a bonus when Hostels have these.
Spend your days relaxing by the pool or chillin’ in one of the many common areas meeting travel buddies. Oh, and they also have a pool table. Seriously, this hostel is a game-changer.
5. Kamala – Where To Stay in Phuket With Your Family
Kamala is Phuket with the volume turned way down. It’s the kind of place you end up when Patong feels like hard work and Kata still feels a bit busy. This small coastal village has everything you need close at hand, just without the 3am bass drops bleeding through the walls.
Life here moves slowly. There’s a solid line-up of restaurants, cafés, and wellness spots, plenty of comfortable hotels and resorts, and a general sense that nobody is in a rush to be anywhere else. It suits travelling families brilliantly, but couples and slower travellers also tend to quietly fall for it.
Kamala Beach is the real selling point. Long, soft sand and space to spread out (especially at the northern end). You won’t be short of places to sling up your travel hammock, kick it back and live your best beach bum life. Patong is still within reaching distance if you want to dip your toes into some nightlife or shopping, but most people staying in Kamala are here to unwind, reset, and enjoy Phuket without the circus.
- Best For: Families, couples, slow travellers, beach-first stays
- The Vibe: Calm, residential, beachy, low-key
- Proximity to Airport: Around 45 minutes by taxi
- Transport Level: Easy – taxis and scooters, short hops to busier areas
- Budget: Mid-range, with good value resorts and apartments
- Crowds: Low to moderate, even in peak season
Things to Do in Kamala
- Sample local snacks, treats, and delicacies at the Kamala Friday Market.
- Take a day trip to Phi Phi Islands by luxury catamaran.
- Visit Laem Sing Beach for a relaxing day in paradise or head to the beautiful Surin Beach.
- Experience the Siam Niramit Phuket show to inject some culture inbetween beach hopping.
- View charming works of art at the Kamala Beach Gallery.
- Visit Wat Baan Kamala, a classic Buddhist temple located on the beachfront, and enjoy a peaceful moment of zen.
- Learn to surf in the clear blue waters of Kamala Beach.
- Marvel at the underwater world and go scuba diving or snorkelling at Mathion Private Island.
Baan Kamala backpacker | Best Hostel
If you don’t like having fun, meeting amazing people and getting a bed at a bargain this place isn’t for you. What you see is what you get, this hostel offers a comfy dorm room with clean facilities and lockers you could probably sleep in.
You are in a central location close to the thick of the action with heaps of bars, restaurants and cafes on your doorstep. It gets better, it’s only a short walk to the beautiful beach making it an ideal location to get out and explore this island.
Naka Resort | Best Hotel
Alright, if I’m talking bang for your buck it’s hard to beat Naka Resort. Of course it’ll set you back more than a hostel or a guesthouse, but a resort at this price is definitely squeezing as much value out of your budget as it can.
Your toughest decision will be if you want to sip on a cocktail by the pool, head to the on-site restaurant for a feast for your tastebuds or stroll down to the beach. The hosts are super helpful and will help you organise trips and transfers to Phuket airport.
Yenna Apartment | Best Apartment
Kamala doesn’t exactly scream backpacker paradise, which makes this place feel like even more of a steal. The penthouse apartment is genuinely spacious, with room to spread out instead of living out of a backpack on the floor. It sits within easy walking distance of the beach, close enough for sunset strolls but far enough away to dodge late-night noise. The local beach stays pleasantly low-key by Phuket standards, which is a rare treat.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Phuket
Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect it. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Phuket.
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.
SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!
Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.
FAQs about Finding a Place to Stay in Phuket
Here’s what people usually ask about the areas of Phuket and where to stay.
Which Part of Phuket Should You Choose?
This island is a right of passage for many backpackers and travellers when venturing through Southeast Asia. With no shortage of legendary parties, incredible beaches and heaps of places to stay, Phuket has got something for everyone.
To make your backpacking adventure one to remember, it’s important to base yourself in the right neighbourhood. If you still can’t decide where to stay in Phuket, you gotta consider what you want out of Phuket. Do you want to get down and dirty on Bangla Road, or do you want something a little more civilised? Ponder, and your answer will surely come soon after.
As a backpacker who wants to party (revolutionary, I know), I had a wild time at Lub d in Patong. It was the perfect introduction to South Thailand and what hostels it had to offer.
Wherever you choose to stay, I’m sure Phuket will show you a good time. Peace and love, over and out!
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Thailand.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Phuket.
- Or… maybe you want to check out some Airbnbs in Phuket instead.
- Next up you’re gonna need to know all the best places to visit in Phuket to plan your trip.
- Planning out an itinerary for Phuket is a great way to maximise your time.
- Save yourself hassle and money and get an international sim card for Thailand.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventures
Thanks for your article! Got me out of Patong (Eugh!) and into Karon — more my place.
Thank you, I’m glad to have come across this. We’re looking at Thailand from Chiang Mai to Phuket. Been looking at YouTube videos, but good to see the written word to easily refer back to.