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 effectively!
When you’ve already began researching the place to remain in Phuket, you’ll have realized that regardless of being an island, it’s huge with so many seashores, points of interest and issues to do it may be a little bit overwhelming – that’s why I wrote this information!
This Thai island has many lovely areas and beautiful seashores, however the perfect to remain in Phuket for you’ll depend upon what you need out of your trip.
So, on this article, I’m drawing from my expertise residing in Phuket to share with you the perfect seashores in Phuket, the perfect areas to remain in Phuket and my favourite Phuket lodges.
In a rush? Click on right here to leap to my lodge suggestions. Or keep on studying if you wish to get to extra in regards to the island’s greatest seashores and areas first.
Why I Love Phuket
Once 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 like probably the most about Phuket:
- There may be plentiful nature – In Phuket, you’re always surrounded by vibrant greenery and by no means must go far to get pleasure from a spectacular view.
- The are quite a few lovely seashores – Phuket’s seashores are certainly picture-perfect: white sand and clear, turquoise waters. Whereas the ocean is just protected for swimming among the yr, you’ll NEVER get uninterested in lengthy seashore walks feeling the comfortable sand beneath your toes.
- The sunsets are thoughts blowing – I don’t know why, however I’ve actually by no means seen extra lovely sunsets (and as ceaselessly) as in Phuket.
- The delicacies is numerous and scrumptious – On each avenue, you’ll discover many native seafood eating places dishing up top-quality Thai meals. Plus, as a global vacation spot, you’ll find EVERY kind of delicacies you may think about. Critically, I’ve had pizzas right here which can be pretty much as good as in Italy!
- Most days are sunny – Whereas the wet season may be ‘hit and miss’ (see under), for those who come throughout the dry season (November to April) you’re just about assured to get lovely climate.
- There are countless day journey choices – Phuket has many close by islands, a few of which you’ll be able to entry in simply 20 minutes. Together with island hopping, Phuket borders Phang-Na, a province stuffed with waterfalls, lakes, untouched seashores, caves, and bays to discover. Try this put up for my favourite island hopping day journeys from Phuket.
In fact, nowhere is ideal. Right here are some things it’s your decision to keep in mind when visiting Phuket:
- Excessive season is EXTREMELY busy – When you don’t like crowds or visitors, I like to recommend planning your journey any time aside from December to February!
- Wet season may be relentless – Technically, the wet season lasts from Could to October. Most years, the monsoons will likely be on and off, that means you may have weeks of little and even no rain throughout this time. Nonetheless, you can not predict the climate; typically, you’ll get seven days of continuous downpours.
- The ocean may be unsafe for swimming in wet season – One other factor to contemplate for those who plan to come back throughout the wet season is that the ocean will not be protected to swim in all yr spherical. The ocean can get wild throughout the monsoon months, and there may be weeks with purple flags marking the ocean as unsafe.
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About Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, situated 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 lovely seashores and luxurious lodges, world-class diving, vibrant evening markets, colourful historic shophouses in Phuket City and beautiful temples just like the well-known hilltop Massive Buddha.
What makes Phuket island so standard is how numerous it’s, there’s so many lodging choices, vacationer points of interest and issues to do in Phuket so no matter you’re into, you can find it on this bustling Thai island!
Phuket Resort 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 large selection of hostels, mid-range lodges, luxurious resorts, and villas all around the island.
Sometimes, lodges alongside the seashore will likely 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 rather lengthy. All the perfect seashores and touristy areas are discovered alongside the coast, primarily alongside the island’s west coast. Nonetheless, every space surprisingly has a really completely different vibe so the perfect space in Phuket for you’ll rely in your private wants and preferences.
Due to this fact, selecting the place to remain in Phuket relies on what you need. For instance, you’ll love Patong for those who’re a celebration animal. However for those who desire peace and quiet, Mai Khao will likely be extra appropriate for you.
Kata Seashore and Karon Seashore are the perfect locations to remain in Phuket for first time guests as they provide a mixture of all the things and quick access to discover the island whereas Kamala Seashore 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 take in the distinctive tradition and colourful heritage of the island.
Right here’s a quick overview of the perfect locations to remain in Phuket and who they’re greatest suited to:
- Kata Seashore – Greatest for surfers and water sports activities lovers
- Karon Seashore – Greatest for individuals who wish to be near the motion however not proper in it.
- Patong Seashore – Greatest for celebration animals
- Kamala Seashore – 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 Seashore – Greatest for these in search of luxurious and luxury
- Surin Seashore – Greatest for the older crowd
- Rawai and Nai Harn – Greatest for the youthful crowd
- Mai Khao Seashore – 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 may get to know the places of the seashores and completely different areas.
In case you are planning on doing some island hopping excursions or day journeys the tour suppliers virtually at all times embody transport so they’ll decide you up out of your lodge. The very best place to e book journeys is on Viator or Get Your Information, plus you may learn evaluations and make sure you’re journey is a memorable expertise for all the correct causes!
Greatest Locations to Keep in Phuket: High Motels by Space
Nonetheless making an attempt to resolve which is the perfect 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 perfect lodges for all budgets.
Kata Seashore
Kata is conveniently situated between the island’s southern tip (Rawai and Nai Harn) and the bustling vacationer cities of Karon and Patong.
Due to this fact, this small seashore city is right for households and {couples} searching for loads of enjoyable actions close by however with no 24/7 noisy nightlife.
Kata Seashore is fairly lengthy; you may simply stroll up and down it in lower than an hour. Kata is an effective swimming seashore and can also be standard with surfers as you’ll discover medium waves (when it comes to energy and dimension) right here – supreme for studying the game. There are lots of surf faculties in Kata – you may be a part of a lesson immediately on the seashore.
Subsequent to the principle seashore is Kata Noi Seashore, voted one of the lovely seashores on the earth, which presents a smaller and quieter different with some wonderful luxurious beachfront resorts like The Shore at Katathani a romantic adults solely resort.
From Kata, you can even do the strenuous uphill hike from Kata city to Massive Buddha for those who’re in search of a problem.
Greatest Lodging in Kata:
- $$$ Luxe – The Shore at Katathani is a 5-star cliffside resort that sits above the shore with personal pool villas, unimaginable views and direct entry to probably the most lovely seashore
- $$ Mid – OZO Phuket boasts a beachfront location and a big out of doors swimming pool, health heart and children membership in a peaceable backyard setting.
- $ Price range – Resort Kata Hill Sea View lives as much as its title with unimaginable ocean views and a lovely pool, only a 5-minute stroll from the seashore.
Karon Seashore
Karon is a bigger seashore city than Kata, only a 5-minute drive north. Karon has among the best seashores in Phuket – tremendous comfortable white sand spanning 5 km!
Karon Seashore boasts a fab location, because the celebration resort Patong and the hidden Freedom Seashore are close by which makes it among the best areas to remain in Phuket for individuals who need a little bit of all the things.
Together with seashore lovers, Karon is standard with households, {couples}, and teams of mates who wish to steadiness leisure with partying.
Greatest Lodging in Karon:
- $$$ Luxe – Le Meridien is a hidden paradise on a non-public seashore, giving the sensation of seclusion regardless of being only a few minute’s drive from all of the motion.
- $$ Mid – Pullman Karon is situated (actually) a stone’s throw from the seashore and set in a surprising 75 acres of tropical panorama with 5 swimming pools!
- $ Price range – Reminiscence Resort is right for these in search of peace and worth as it’s situated up a hill away from the city however with a free each day shuttle service.
Patong Seashore
The well-known Patong seashore is understood for its 24/7 nightlife scene, predominantly centered alongside Bangla Street, an extended strip of go-go bars and nightclubs. Due to this fact, Patong Seashore attracts a specific crowd – teams of younger lads seeking to celebration and older males seeking to get fortunate!
Patong generally is a bit seedy at evening, so I don’t suggest it to households. Nonetheless, for those who’re on stag or hen do, then Patong will undoubtedly be the place to remain in Phuket!
Except for its nightlife, Patong boasts an extended sandy seashore and an unimaginable central location for accessing the remainder of the island. And if the crowds get an excessive amount of, you’ll find some quieter small bays simply south of the city, together with the attractive Paradise Seashore.
Greatest Lodging in Patong:
- $$$ Luxe – Amari is an expensive 5-star lodge constructed upon a hillside, giving unimaginable views from all the resort, together with the lavish rooms which have personal balconies.
- $$ Mid – Grand Mercure is simply 600 meters from Bangla Street and 300 meters from the seashore, making it a preferred selection for anybody eager to be within the heart of city.
- $ Price range – U Sabai Residing Resort is among the many price range lodges in Patong that provides quick access all of the motion and is simply 10 minutes strolling distance from the seashore.
- $ Backpacker – Lub D Phuket sociable and trendy backpacker hostel with dorms, personal rooms, pool and a restaurant nice for assembly folks and near the nightlife.
Kamala Seashore
Kamala is a quiet but lovely seashore space simply north of Patong seashore. Regardless of its proximity, Kamala seashore has a completely completely 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 are usually not many points of interest in Kamala city, there are a lot inside a brief drive, together with Blue Tree Lagoon and Inexperienced Elephant Sanctuary.
Greatest Lodging in Kamala:
- $$$ Luxe – The Naka is a blissful 5-star paradise situated south of Kamala Bay with fashionable villas boasting their very own personal out of doors infinity pool!
- $$ 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 Seashore and presents clear and spacious rooms with personal balconies or pool entry.
Phuket City
When you’re not fussed about being near a seashore and adore lovely structure, craft espresso, and cute boutique shops, Phuket City is for you!
Outdated 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 Outdated City, the streets listed here are lined with colourful Nineteenth-century shophouses and beautiful Sino-Portuguese buildings was cafes and boutique lodges. The world turns into much more vibrant each weekend when the Sunday strolling avenue market takes place.
Phuket Outdated City is among the greatest 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 stuffed with Western-style cafes and eating places you may get pleasure from and take a break from the warmth.
And for those who 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:
- $$$ Luxe – Resort Verdigris, ideally situated within the Outdated City this boutique lodge boasts a novel conventional decor and options Junior Suites with internal courtyard plunge swimming pools!
- $$ Mid – Hilltop Wellness Resort is located simply exterior Phuket City atop a serene hill. It’s standard with yogis and wellness lovers 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 Seashore
Bang Tao Seashore is among the longest in Phuket, spanning 6 km. Nonetheless, this space is really particular due to the beachside Laguna – a number of small lagoons simply behind the shoreline.
The Laguna a part of Bang Tao has been remodeled into an expensive inexperienced oasis stuffed with luxurious lodges, peaceable strolling trails, and spas. That is the perfect space in Phuket for anybody who prioritizes consolation and pampering in addition to {couples} in search of a romantic getaway.
Exterior the laguna is the favored Boat Avenue, a full of life open-air life-style heart and market. Then, in direction of the south of Bang Tao Seashore, you can find many beachfront eating places, cool seashore golf equipment, and lodging choices for all budgets.
Greatest Lodging in Bang Tao Seashore:
- $$$ Luxe – Angsana Laguna is undoubtedly probably the most epic resort in Bang Tao with a 323-meter pool snaking across the resort and a non-public kayaking space.
- $$ 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), fashionable bogs, and cabin-style dorms.
Surin Seashore
Surin Seashore is a small, quiet bay between Kamala and Bang Tao. It’s supreme for individuals who wish to keep in a relaxed space however nonetheless be a brief drive from many high seashores, points of interest, eating places, and markets.
Whereas Surin Seashore is small, it has a pure, untouched really feel as it’s lined with bushes hiding the close by highway. There are additionally some beautiful elevated viewpoints on both aspect of the bay.
Greatest Lodging in Surin Seashore:
- $$$ Luxe – The Surin Phuket is a tropical oasis with personal seashore entry and brilliant, ethereal, and spacious personal cottages.
- $$ Mid – Outrigger is a boutique ocean-facing resort with a contemporary and trendy 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 all the things you want is only a quick stroll away.
Rawai and Nai Harn Seashore
Rawai Seashore and Nai Harn Seashore 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 Seashore is stuffed with longtail boats so it’s not supreme for swimming however Naiharn is among the greatest 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 at all times a lot to do and discover right here!
Greatest Lodging in Rawai and Nai Harn:
- $$$ Luxe – The Nai Harn is a 5-star lodge constructed on a hill overlooking Nai Harn seashore with a beach-club type pool and bar space and the perfect breakfast buffet in Phuket!
- $$ 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 area.
- $ Price range – Roost Glamping presents a novel glamping expertise surrounded by nature with fashionable tents, correct beds, and comfy decor.
Mai Khao
On the different finish of the island is Mai Khao Seashore, 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 Seashore is the perfect space in Phuket for introverts who search virtually abandoned seashores, peaceable nature, and early nights. As a lot 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 Seashore can also be standard with golfers as it’s near the well-known Blue Canyon Nation Membership.
Greatest Lodging in Mai Khao:
- $$$ Luxe – Avani Plus presents EPIC beachfront suites with a kitchen, big lounge space, and spacious balcony. Some even include a non-public pool!
- $$ 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 Resort
There’s no scarcity of selection in the case of lodges in Phuket so the perfect place to remain actually comes right down to your wants, private desire and price range.
Right here’s some issues to contemplate when selecting your Phuket:
- Contemplate how near the seashore you wish to be. Beachfront lodges are typically costlier, however the further expense is value it for those who dream of waking up and stepping onto the sand!
- Examine the score and evaluations of your lodging earlier than reserving. I like to recommend selecting lodges with a score of 8 or above on Reserving.com.
- Enquire together with your lodging to see in the event that they manage airport pickup, as it will considerably cut back journey stress!
- Hunt down native eating places. Most eating places close to the seashore are aimed toward vacationers and, thus, have extra of a global menu. If you wish to style genuine Thai meals (and may 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
Tips on how to Get to Phuket
Having Thailand’s second busiest airport, most vacationers can fly immediately 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 getting into Thailand and visiting Phuket straightforward and handy.
Even for those who’re coming from different elements of Thailand, air journey is the quickest and best approach to enter Phuket. There are numerous buses and coach providers, however be aware that Phuket is roughly a 12-hour drive from Bangkok or a 1-hour flight away.
When you land in Phuket, you’ll have to navigate your approach to your lodging. Some resorts and lodges supply pre-arranged airport transfers. In any other case, you may take a taxi, hop on a public bus, or hail a trip via 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 e book a trip via the Seize app.
Tips on how to Get Round Phuket
Taxes are the most costly selection in the case of getting across the island. When you do use them I like to recommend asking your lodge reception to name you one – that manner, you’re much less prone to be overcharged.
Seize and different ride-hailing apps like Bolt supply a extra handy and cheaper choice to taxis.
Additionally, you will see a number of tuk-tuks across the touristy areas. They’re expensive, so they aren’t supreme for lengthy distances. Nonetheless, many vacationers like to make use of them for brief rides for the expertise.
For a lower-cost approach to get round, you may take into account the Sensible Bus, which runs from Rawai to the airport, stopping in any respect the main seashore cities. A single trip is 100 THB, however you should buy day or multi-day passes for a really affordable value.
Lastly, some vacationers desire to rent a scooter whereas in Phuket. As Phuket’s roads are busy and harmful, I solely suggest this when you’ve got expertise with scooters and have pushed in Thailand earlier than. Guarantee you might have a global driving license that covers bikes, too.
Greatest Time to Go to Phuket
Weatherwise, the perfect time to go to Phuket is December to March. You’ll be able to anticipate constantly good climate throughout these months – blue skies and plentiful sunshine. Nonetheless, they’re additionally the busiest months, so whereas the climate is fantastic, the island is crowded.
November generally is a beautiful month to go to as it’s comparatively quiet. Nonetheless, as that is the tip of the wet season, the climate may be unpredictable.
Alternatively, take into account April and Could (the opposite shoulder season) for those who don’t thoughts the warmth. The island isn’t too crowded by this time, however it may be scorching, starting from 27°C to 36°C.
Phuket’s wet season is between June and October with frequent, however typically quick, downpours, cloudy and overcast skies and unpredictable climate. Tough seas imply that it’s typically not protected to swim throughout this time however you’re going to get appreciable reductions on lodging and expertise much less crowds for those who go to throughout the wet cause.
How Lengthy to Keep in Phuket
Anyplace from 7 to 14 days is a perfect size to remain in Phuket. 7 days gives you 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, for those who’re not in a rush, I like to recommend staying for 10 to 14 days. This additional time will permit you to take a look at extra elements 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 among the world’s most beautiful white sand seashores and turquoise waters. Phuket additionally has countless actions and points of interest to supply.
From watersports and island hopping journeys, to visiting elephant sanctuaries and glittering Buddhist temples, to Thai cooking lessons or simply enjoyable 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 wish to go to and actions you’d love to do in your journey and examine the place they’re situated as taxi’s may 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 major deciding issue ought to be what you’re searching for from this tropical paradise. Whether or not you wish to discover the island’s points of interest, celebration the evening away or just calm down on a lovely seashore, in the case of Phuket lodges, irrespective of your price range, you gained’t be quick on choices!
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