Hotels in Phuket

Phuket is a big island, and its beaches are quite different from each other, so pick the beach before you pick the hotel. Patong is loud, Kata and Karon suit families, and the north is quiet and upscale. In November 2026, listings started from about US$16 a night, but beachfront resorts cost far more, particularly from December to February.

Where to stay

Patong. The busiest resort area, with a long beach, malls, restaurants and the Bangla Road nightlife. It's convenient without a car, but crowded and noisy, so it isn't the place for a quiet break.

Karon. A long, wide beach just south of Patong, with big hotels and a calmer feel. It's good value and popular with families and longer stays.

Kata. Prettier and more compact, with good swimming in the dry season, surf in the rainy season, and plenty of restaurants. It's a good all-round choice for couples and families.

Rawai and Nai Harn. The relaxed south, with a lovely beach at Nai Harn, seafood at Rawai and fewer crowds. You'll need a scooter or taxi to get around, as things are spread out.

Kamala and Surin. Quieter beach towns on the west coast, between Patong and the north. Surin has more upscale stays, and Kamala is relaxed and family-friendly.

Bang Tao and Mai Khao. The Laguna area and the far north, with big resorts on long, quiet beaches, closer to the airport. These suit a resort holiday, but there's less to do outside the hotel.

Phuket Old Town. Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and boutique guesthouses, away from the beach. It's great for food and character, and a night or two here adds variety to a beach trip.

How to choose

Choose by mood. For nightlife, go to Patong. For families, go to Kata or Karon. For quiet, go to Nai Harn, Surin or Mai Khao.

Plan your transport. Taxis are expensive compared with the rest of Thailand, and public transport is limited. Compare ride-hailing prices, and factor these costs into a cheap hotel far from the beach.

Check the distance to the airport. The airport is in the far north. It's close to Mai Khao and takes about an hour or more to reach Kata and Rawai, depending on traffic.

What to expect

Beachfront claims. Many hotels near the beach are across a road or on a hillside. Check the map and photos, especially if you're bringing small children, as some hills are steep.

Monsoon. From about May to October, the west coast has rougher seas, and red flags mean no swimming. Rates can be much lower, though, so it's a good time if you mainly want a pool.

When to book. Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year fill up early and can have higher minimum stays. Check what's included, such as breakfast and airport transfers.