Wondering where to stay in Phuket with family?
I lived in Thailand for nearly five years, so I’m confident I can give you a solid and reliable answer to this question.
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, offering a variety of resorts, restaurants, activities, nightlife (even family-friendly), and even an international airport.
While some may find it too touristy, many appreciate the relaxed and carefree atmosphere it offers.
Phuket is an island off the west coast of Thailand, surrounded by 32 smaller islands. Exploring these islands is a must, as are enjoying beaches like Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Big Buddha, exploring Phuket Old Town, shopping at the Phuket Town weekend night market, or taking a boat trip to Phang Nga Bay. Older visitors can also enjoy the vibrant nightlife of Bangla Road.
All of this makes Phuket an ideal family-friendly vacation destination!
Each area has its own pros and cons, which will be summarized at the end of the paragraph.
At the end of this article, you’ll find a map highlighting all the family-friendly areas we recommend for staying in Phuket, as well as the city’s main attractions.
We’ll start with an overview, allowing you to quickly analyze which area might be the best option.
Now, let’s dive into our top recommendations!
The best areas in Phuket for families are Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Kamala Beach, Nai Harn & Mai Khao Beach, and Surin Beach.
All of these recommended areas have direct beach access, which is a must-see if you’re visiting Phuket with your family.
Most of them are centrally located with easy access to most of Phuket’s attractions, with the exception of Nai Harn and Mai Khao.
These areas are well-developed, but they also attract a lot of people. Fortunately, the resorts here tend to feel a little more secluded, even though you have all the amenities of these well-developed areas within easy reach.
These areas include Kata, Karon, Kamala, and Surin. They all have their advantages.
If you prefer to stay in a secluded location surrounded by beautiful and luxurious nature, Nai Harn & Mai Khao is your best choice.
🚫 I don’t recommend staying in the following two areas:
Patong is the epicenter of Phuket’s nightlife and also offers entertainment for adults.
Phuket Town doesn’t have much to offer children and doesn’t have direct beach access. Phuket Town is fun to visit, but there’s no point staying here with your family.
Below, we’ll break down each of these recommended areas in more detail to help you decide which one is best for your family.
⚠️ Tip: Tap the area name to jump directly to that section of the article for more information!
Kata Beach: Kata Beach is one of the most popular family-friendly spots, offering plenty of activities and a central location. It’s ideal for families looking for a variety of activities, but if you’re looking for something quieter, there are other options that might suit you better.
Karon Beach: Karon Beach is a quieter option than Kata Beach, but still offers plenty to do, with a good selection of hotels and restaurants. It is centrally located, although families often prefer Kata Beach for its greater comfort and convenience.
Kamala Beach: Kamala Beach offers a more authentic local experience with a secluded beach, perfect for those looking to escape the busier tourist spots in Phuket.
Nai Harn y Mai Khao Beach: These beaches are ideal for those seeking a peaceful environment, beautiful beaches, and luxurious resorts, away from the crowds. However, it is necessary to rent a car to easily get around the island.
Surin Beach: For those seeking privacy and luxury, Surin Beach is perfect. It boasts the most beautiful beach on the island, albeit with a hefty price tag.
Kata Beach is undoubtedly the most family-friendly area of Phuket.
Although popular, it is less crowded than Patong, which is known for its lively nightlife and attracts a different crowd.
Kata Beach offers a beautiful, quiet beach, ideal for snorkeling and surfing.
Flush-lined with palm trees, its clear water makes it an ideal place to relax and enjoy the outdoors with the family.
The area is full of activities, restaurants, and shops.
Although the nightlife is modest, Kata Beach is much quieter than Patong, making it an ideal spot for families and couples.
Kata Beach is located on the southwest coast of the island, close to popular attractions such as the Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, and Phromthep Cape.
It is also close to Chalong and Rawai Piers, ideal for those wishing to explore more of the island.
Most visitors book their excursions through agencies that offer convenient pick-up services.
As a popular destination, prices here can be slightly higher than in other parts of the island, but there are still affordable accommodations for those on a budget.
The most popular area for families in Phuket, reflected in a wealth of family-friendly amenities.
Plenty of activities for young and old.
Excellent central location.
Numerous family-friendly restaurants with international children’s menus.
Beautiful beach.
This area is very touristy, as is most of Phuket.
There are quieter alternatives if you’re looking for a more peaceful stay.
Karon Beach is another popular area of Phuket for families and offers a slightly quieter atmosphere than Kata Beach.
It’s also more affordable than Kata Beach, making it one of the best options for those traveling on a slightly tighter budget.
The beach itself is one of the longest on the island, offering plenty of space, so while it can get very busy, it never feels overcrowded.
Plenty of water activities are available, including snorkeling, diving, surfing, and parasailing, so there’s always something to do during the day.
It’s also centrally located, making it very easy to visit the island’s highlights or organize an island-hopping trip.
Karon Beach attracts a mix of travelers, mainly families and couples, but also solo travelers.
It’s often called Patong’s “little sister,” but without the vibrant nightlife it’s known for.
Accommodations on Karon Beach are varied and cater to all types of travelers, from budget hotels to luxury condos.
The best part is the breathtaking panoramic view of the long beach.
Karon Beach is located south of Patong Beach, meaning it’s centrally located on the island’s west coast, with easy access to Phuket’s main attractions.
Karon Beach is less busy than Kata Beach, which is why many families prefer it.
There are fewer restaurants available compared to Kata Beach.
It is less developed than Kata Beach.
While Kata and Karon beaches are more touristy, Kamala Beach offers a more authentic and tranquil atmosphere.
Formerly a fishing village, Kamala Beach still retains its traditional charm, making it an excellent choice for families looking for a quiet and relaxing place to stay.
This area mainly attracts older tourists and retirees who appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy watching the world go by.
If you’re a family who enjoys spending time on the beach, exploring local restaurants, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere, Kamala Beach is an excellent choice.
While it’s difficult to find something completely authentic in a tourist hotspot like Phuket, Kamala Beach comes close.
The beach is surrounded by hills, giving it a more secluded feel.
Kamala Beach offers a good variety of affordable accommodation, making it the most budget-friendly area on this list.
One of the best things about Kamala Beach is that there are no street vendors trying to sell you anything, so you can relax and enjoy your time here in peace.
Most families who stay here simply enjoy the authenticity and whenever they want to explore the lively parts of the island, they simply take a short taxi ride.
Less developed.
Less things to do.
Fewer restaurants to choose from.
These two areas are located on the north side of the island, close to Phuket International Airport, away from the busiest tourist spots.
Here you’ll find luxury hotels with access to the island’s largest beach.
Away from the hustle and bustle, you’ll rely on the hotel’s facilities for activities and services.
Renting a car is essential if you want to explore the island at your own pace.
While there are some challenges, such as the distance from popular attractions and the need for a car to get around, the rewards are beautiful accommodations in a quiet and peaceful setting.
This area is perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy luxury.
Families on a larger budget who appreciate comfort and serenity will appreciate what this area has to offer.
Don’t forget to visit Mai Khao Beach – Airport Viewpoint, where you can take a unique selfie with a plane taking off in the background.
Ideal for those seeking comfort and tranquility.
Luxury resorts that offer the ultimate vacation feel (although some hotels are adults-only).
Beautiful secluded beach
To get around, you’ll need to rent a car, as it’s far from the island’s main attractions.
Taxis are not always available in these areas of Phuket.
There are virtually no restaurants, so you’ll mainly eat at the resort.
For activities, you’ll still need to allow between half an hour and forty-five minutes to reach the busiest areas.
When it comes to luxury, Surin Beach stands out as the best option in Phuket.
This area is not for budget travelers.
Here you’ll find high-end resorts for the rich and famous, located on the island’s most beautiful beaches.
Surin Beach is perfect for families looking for a luxurious and trendy getaway where luxury knows no bounds.
While there isn’t much to do beyond shopping, fine dining, and high-end bars, the emphasis here is on relaxation and exclusivity.
Families booking luxury villas often prioritize privacy, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape in style.
If you’re looking for a private luxury vacation, Surin Beach is the place to be in Phuket.
Ideal for those seeking privacy
The most beautiful beach on the island.
Only accessible to those who have in their bank account a sum of money that resembles a telephone number (and I’m not talking about the emergency number).
