Where to stay in Phuket

Phuket: choose your beach before your hotel

Phuket is known for the party street in Patong, but the island is much more than that. Along the west coast are beaches with completely different characters, from lively resort towns to quiet coves with luxury hotels. Inland there is rainforest, and in Phuket Town colourful shophouses stand in Sino-Portuguese style.

Phuket lies on the Andaman coast of Thailand and has its best weather from November to April. Boats leave the island for Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and Krabi, which makes Phuket a good base for Thailand island hopping.

Which Phuket beach suits you?

• Patong: busy around the clock, Bangla Road and plenty of restaurants. Best if you want nightlife.

• Kata and Karon: wide beaches and family friendly, with restaurants within walking distance.

• Kamala and Surin: calmer, with beach clubs and more luxury hotels.

• Bang Tao and Laguna: a long beach and large resorts, good for families.

• Nai Harn and the south: a lovely bay and sunsets at Promthep Cape.

• The north-west coast: quiet coves near the airport, with some of the island's best hotels.

Things to do in Phuket

• Phang Nga Bay: kayak between limestone islands and caves, and see the famous James Bond Island.

• Phi Phi and Maya Bay: a boat trip to the islands south-east of Phuket. Read more about Krabi and the Phi Phi Islands.

• Phuket Town: the old town with shophouses, cafés and a Sunday market.

• Big Buddha: the large white statue on a hill overlooking the south coast.

• Promthep Cape: sunset over the Andaman Sea from the southern tip.

• Cooking classes and night markets: learn to make southern Thai curries, which are often hotter than in the north.

Our hotel picks in Phuket

For peace and luxury, stay on the north-west coast or around Bang Tao and Kamala. For nightlife, stay in Patong or Kata. The links to the hotels are partner links. If you book through them, Picolo may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Trisara: villas above a private bay

Villas with private pools on a hillside above a quiet bay on the north-west coast, a short drive from the airport. One of Phuket's best-known luxury hotels.

Book your stay: See rooms at Trisara

Banyan Tree Phuket: a pool villa by the lagoon

Pool villas in the Laguna area at Bang Tao, with a spa, golf course and the beach nearby. Good for couples and for families who want space.

Book your stay: See rooms at Banyan Tree Phuket

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

November to April is high season, with little rain and calm seas. December to February is the most popular time, so book early. From May to October it is the rainy season, with heavy showers and bigger waves on the west coast, but lower prices too. See also where is hot in November.

Frequently asked questions about Phuket

Where is the best area to stay in Phuket?

Stay in Patong for nightlife, Kata or Karon for a family holiday and Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao or the north-west coast for peace and luxury. Phuket Town suits a night or two of food and old streets.

When is the best time to go to Phuket?

November to April is best, with little rain and calm seas. May to October is the rainy season on the Andaman coast.

What are the best beaches in Phuket?

Kata, Karon, Surin and Nai Harn are among the most popular. The north-west coast has quieter coves, and Patong is the liveliest.

How do you get to Phi Phi from Phuket?

Ferries and speedboats leave from Rassada Pier near Phuket Town, and many people join an organised boat day trip.

Phuket or Krabi?

Phuket has more beaches, hotels and restaurants. Krabi is calmer and has more dramatic limestone cliffs. Many combine both by boat.