Where to Stay in Phuket [2023]: 5 areas + stays you'll love!

Phuket is a bustling tourist destination that draws visitors from all over the world thanks to its stunning beaches, breathtaking nature, exciting nightlife, and delicious Thai cuisine.

If you're planning a vacation to Phuket and wondering where to stay, you should learn about the best neighborhoods for your needs. Based on where you decide to stay, you’ll have more convenient access to specific tourist attractions and unique things to do that will allow you to enjoy your visit to the fullest.

In addition to exploring some of the best areas in Phuket, I also compiled a list of five of the top hostels in Phuket. A quick read through this article will give you everything you need to ensure you will be comfortable, safe, and happy while you adventure around Phuket!

Best Places to Stay in Phuket

5. Patong

Patong is the most popular beach town on Phuket Island, and for a good reason. It has everything you could want in a beach vacation! This includes beautiful white sand beaches, plenty of sun, great restaurants and bars, and a lively nightlife and shopping scene.

There's also a wide range of accommodation to suit all budgets. So whether you’re looking to spend as little as possible on a hostel, or you want to treat yourself to local luxury at a hotel, you’ll find many great choices for accommodations.

Patong’s clear turquoise water is great for swimming, snorkeling, and diving. And if you get bored with the beach, there are plenty of other activities to keep you busy, from exploring the nearby temples and villages to hiking in the national park. 

Patong has something for everyone, which is why it's one of the best places to stay on Phuket Island.

4. Phuket Town

There are many reasons why people consider Phuket Town to be one of the best places to stay in Phuket. 

First, Phuket Town offers a more authentic Thai experience than other parts of the island. This is because it is less developed and touristy than places like Patong or Kata Beach. You will be able to experience more authentic Thai culture by staying in Phuket Town.

Second, Phuket Town is a more convenient base for exploring the rest of the island. It’s centrally located and has good transport links to other parts of Phuket.

Phuket Town also has a wide range of accommodation options, from budget hotels to luxury resorts. Overall, Phuket Town is the best place to stay in Phuket for those who want an authentic Thai experience and good value for money.

3. Kamala

Kamala is located on the west coast of Phuket, and it offers a more peaceful and relaxed atmosphere than other beach towns. The beaches here are quieter and more secluded, highly recommended for swimming, sunbathing, and simply taking in the incredible views.

Kamala is also home to a number of great restaurants, bars, and shops, so you can find everything you need without ever leaving the town. If you want to experience the best that Phuket has to offer while staying away from the noisier areas of the island, then Kamala is the best place to stay!

2. Kata

Kata Beach is known for its beautiful white sand beaches, crystal clear water, and amazing views. Since there is such a variety of things to do while staying in Kata, you can enjoy a stay here whether you’re traveling alone, as a couple, or even with your entire family!

There are plenty of beachfront hotels and resorts to choose from, as well as restaurants and bars. If you decide to make Kata your home while in Phuket, you won’t need to go far to find beautiful attractions, an exciting nightlife, and water activities. 

If you’re looking for variety and a place that’s good for a family vacation in Phuket, choose Kata as your homebase.

1. Nai Ham

Nai Ham is a small town located on the east coast of Phuket, about midway between Bangkok and the Malaysian border. It's a popular tourist destination for its beautiful beaches and many activities such as snorkeling, diving, and windsurfing.

Nai Ham is also known for its excellent seafood restaurants. Many of the town's hotels and resorts are located on the beach, offering stunning views of the Andaman Sea. If you're looking for a quiet place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty of Phuket, Nai Ham is a great choice.

5 of the Best Accomodations in Phuket

This beautiful island in Thailand is perfect for a beach vacation. However, choosing where to stay can be difficult as there are so many options available. To help you in making your decision, these are five of the best accommodations to stay at while in Phuket.

5. BGW Phuket

BGW Phuket is a one-of-a-kind hostel located in the heart of Patong. The hostel offers a variety of unique features and amenities that make it great for travelers. 

A great feature of the BGW is that it has its own private beach, which makes it one of the most recommended by travelers. You can enjoy all the benefits of a beach vacation without having to share the space with other guests. 

If you decide to book this accommodation, you will also be impressed by the other amenities offered by the hotel, including an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa. 

All of this is available for guests at an extremely affordable rate, so you won’t need to worry about breaking your bank!

Compare prices, check features, and book now:  HostelWorld | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

4. Deevana Patong Resort & Spa

Are you able to spend a bit more on your accommodations? Deevana Patong Resort & Spa is an excellent choice, and is still cheap if you’re comparing it to staying at hotels in other international hubs.

The resort is centrally located in Patong, just a short walk from the beach and with all the best shopping and dining options. The rooms are spacious and clean, with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay. You’ll be impressed by luxuries like a hotel spa, pick up and drop offs, two swimming pools, and an assortment of delicious food offered at breakfast!

Compare prices, check features, and book now: Booking.com | TripAdvisor

3. Chanalai Flora Resort

Chanalai Flora Resort is only a 3-minute walk from Kata Beach in Phuket. The hotel has two swimming pools with swim-up bars and a kid’s pool. Remember when I mentioned that Kata is great for a family trip? Chanalai Flora Resort is one of the many options that are great for families looking to relax in Phuket! 

The Chanalai Flora provides a complimentary breakfast with a variety of dishes to choose from. Aside from the clean and spacious rooms, guest reviews also praise the hotel's friendly and helpful staff.

Compare prices, check features, and book now: Booking.com | TripAdvisor

2. Phu NaNa Boutique Hotel

You may be like me and once you see a “boutique hotel” you think it's expensive! However, Phu NaNa Boutique Hotel doesn’t follow the traditional rules. This gem found just a 10-minute drive from the famous Patong Beach offers a memorable and more luxurious stay at an affordable price! 

Not only does this hotel offer its guests essentials like free Wi-Fi and a swimming pool, you’ll also get to dig into a delicious free breakfast included in your booking. On top of that, all of the rooms are air-conditioned, have private en-suite bathrooms, and are equipped with a safety deposit box to keep your valuables safe.

Compare prices, check features, and book now:  Booking.com | TripAdvisor

1. Book a Bed Poshtel

Raving reviews on many booking sites say that Book a Bed Poshtel is the place to stay when visiting Phuket! Located in the middle of Phuket Town, Book a Bed offers a variety of facilities that will make your stay better, including a shared kitchen and outdoor swimming pool.

All guests also get access to other services such as free Wi-Fi, parking, concierge services, and a 24-hour front desk. What doesn’t this posh hostel offer?

Whether you’re a solo traveler looking to spend the bare minimum on a dormitory-style room, or a group wanting to stay in more private accommodations, Book a Bed Poshtel will have options for you! 

Compare prices, check features, and book now:  HostelWorld | Booking.com | TripAdvisor

Say “Phuket” to Work and Plan Your Thailand Trip  With Pilot

A trip to Thailand may be just what you need to relax this year. If you’ve been to Bangkok before, you definitely need to see the other side of Thailand that Phuket has to offer.

Phuket is an area of Thailand you should see if you're a big fan of the beach and want to partake in fun water activities! You can enjoy popular activities like Thailand’s full moon party.

If the number of things you can do sounds overwhelming, it’s time to organize your itinerary. The best way to do this? A travel app that won’t let you down!