Where To Stay In Phuket First Time 2024 – 6 Best Areas

Home » Where To Stay In Phuket First Time 2024 – 6 Best Areas

The best areas to stay in Phuket are Kamala, Nai Yang, Mai Khao, Patong, Kata, Karon and Rawai.

Each of these recommended areas is suitable for a different type of traveller, varying from luxury, families or budget travellers to party-minded hedonistic travellers.

There is one area in Phuket that’s a bit of a case of doubt. That area is Phuket’s Old Town.

As beautiful and exciting as it is, especially during the evening, you don’t have direct access to the beach, which is something most travellers seek.

If you stay for at least a week, and you’re willing to stay at different places (one or two) throughout Phuket, then it’s a great part of Phuket to spend a night or two.

But you won’t fly all the way to the other world to a tropical large island and don’t have access to the beach.

Now, as you can see, you have quite some options and it’s quite an overwhelming answer to your question about where to stay in Phuket first time.

But don’t worry, because, in this article, we dive deeper into each and every part of Bangkok that we believe are among the best areas to stay in Phuket for first-time visitors, no matter the type of traveller you are.

If you want to go straight to the recommendations, tap on the following button. Or simply continue reading.

Renowned for its pristine beaches like Patong, Kata, and Karon, Phuket is a haven for sun-seekers, offering turquoise waters and golden sands.

The island’s bustling nightlife, centered around Patong’s Bangla Road, adds an electric vibe to the experience, appealing to those seeking entertainment after sunset.

Beyond its beaches, Phuket boasts a rich cultural tapestry evident in its temples, such as the iconic Big Buddha, and the Old Town’s charming architecture reflecting its historical significance as a trading hub.

The vibrant markets and local street food further immerse visitors in the authentic Thai experience.

Phuket is also a gateway to the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, and James Bond Island, making it a hub for island-hopping adventures.

Diving enthusiasts are drawn to the Andaman Sea’s crystal-clear waters, home to vibrant coral reefs and diverse marine life.

Over the last years, Phuket also has emerged as a wellness destination, offering world-class spas and yoga retreats.

The fusion of traditional Thai hospitality with modern amenities elevates the island’s appeal, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration in one spectacular package.

But with so many different things to offer, it might be a bit challenging to pick the right area that suits your needs.

So, we’ve come up with a list of recommended areas to make things easier.

Each of the recommended areas comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which are summarized after each paragraph.

With that being said, let’s jump straight to our recommendation.

Where to stay in Phuket first time? Keep reading!

Overview of the best areas to stay in Phuket first time

Below, you find a table with an overview of all the recommended areas along with a short explanation of what makes that area so special.

You can tap on one of the green links to go immediately to that recommended area, or just continue reading the article.

The best areas to stay in Phuket first time	What’s so special about this area?
1. Kamala	Popular touristy area suitable for couples, laid-back vibe, more central location, hotels in all budget classes, excellent beach
2. Nai Yang & Mai Khao	Some of the most luxurious and comfortable hotels with all facilities you can dream of, an ideal area for families and couples.
3. Patong	The epicentre of Phuket’s nightlife scene with countless bars and clubs right in the middle of the island.
4. Kata	Beautiful beach, calm area, central location, which attracts families and couples.
5. Karon	This part of Phuket still has a local feeling, plenty of budget-friendly but also good hotels and an excellent beach.
6. Rawai	Great alternative area away from the crowds with loads of local restaurants and it has a central location, although not a proper beach.

How to get around Phuket the first time?

Navigating Phuket as a tourist is relatively convenient, thanks to various transportation options available on the island.

Here’s a quick guide on how to get around in Phuket:

Taxis

Taxis are readily available in Phuket, and you can find them in popular tourist areas, outside hotels, and at the airport.

Note: Phuket is known for its taxi scams and contrary to, for example, Bangkok, getting around in a taxi is often more expensive. Most taxis refuse to use the taxi meter. As an alternative, you can use the Grab app, which is the Asian version of Uber.

Tuk-Tuks

These open-air, three-wheeled vehicles are a popular and iconic mode of transportation in Phuket.

Tuk-tuks are commonly found in tourist areas and are suitable for short distances.

Agree on the fare before starting your ride, as they may not use meters.

Again, the Grab app is far more convenient.

Renting a Scooter or Motorbike

Many tourists opt to rent scooters or motorbikes to explore the island independently.

However, ensure that you have the necessary driving skills, documents, and insurance and always wear a helmet.

In Phuket, the police specifically target tourists to fine them for any legitimate reason.

Personally, I would not rent a motorbike as so many foreigners are involved in ugly accidents.

But I can’t deny it’s a popular form of transport and quite ideal to explore the island.

Car Rentals

Renting a car provides flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan to explore the island extensively.

Several international and local car rental companies operate in Phuket.

During one of my visits to the northern parts of Phuket, I had to rent a car as taxis are not as available compared to the more bustling areas.

Overall, it was a great experience with the ultimate flexibility to explore the more remote parts of Phuket.

But keep in mind that traffic is chaotic and you do need to have an international driver’s license in order to pick up the car at the airport.

Songthaews

These are converted pickup trucks with benches in the back and serve as shared transportation.

They follow set routes, and you can flag them down along the road.

Songthaews are a budget-friendly option but may not be as readily available in all areas.

Organized tours

When you book an organized tour to visit, for example, the Phi Phi islands, transportation is usually included.

Especially when you stay in a higher-end hotel and you book a tour via the front desk, you will have a (private) pick-up.

You can also hire a private driver for a day, which is an ideal form of transport for larger groups and families.

What is the best time of the year to visit Phuket for the first time?

The best time to visit Phuket, obviously, largely depends on your preferences and the type of experience you are seeking.

However, the high tourist season, which is generally considered the best time to visit, is from November to February.

During this period:

Weather: Phuket experiences cool and dry weather, making it pleasant for outdoor activities and beach excursions. Daytime temperatures hover around 25-32°C (77-89°F).

Sea Conditions: The Andaman Sea is calm during these months, and ideal for water activities such as snorkeling, diving, and island-hopping.

Festivals: You might get to experience vibrant local festivals like Loy Krathong and Christmas and New Year celebrations, adding cultural richness to your visit. If you choose stay visit Phuket during the hottest period of the year, which is around April, you can also celebrate Songkran in Phuket.

If you prefer to avoid crowds and take advantage of lower prices, the shoulder seasons of late April to June and September to October might be suitable.

However, be aware of the following considerations:

Weather Variability: The weather during these shoulder seasons can be a bit unpredictable. Late April to June is the start of the rainy season, and September to October is the transition from the rainy season to the dry season.

Rainfall: September and October are the wettest months, with increased rainfall. Some beach activities and boat excursions might be affected.

Heat: April to June can be quite hot, with temperatures rising before the arrival of the monsoon rains.

Note: We recommend avoiding the months of July and August if possible, as they are the peak of the monsoon season with frequent heavy rainfall and rough seas.

The best areas to stay in Phuket are:

1. Kamala Beach – Family-friendly area in Phuket

Often dubbed as the most family-friendly area in Phuket, Kamala Beach is the perfect area to stay in Phuket for first-timers as it offers a wide variety of affordable hotels, is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and the location is central with good accessibility to the island’s highlights.

This area is surrounded by two mountains, which gives it a more isolated feeling. Life in Kamala is slow, which attracts retirees, tourists with kids and couples but the area is far from boring.

Recently, Kamala is gaining popularity and new hotels are being built rapidly, but the laid-back vibe is still there (for now).

Kamala is more like a small town than a part of Phuket. There are plenty of authentic local restaurants to discover and in the evening, you can easily find a nice beach bar.

But it’s nothing compared to the nearby Patong, which attracts mostly young travellers.

For who: families and couples.

Pros: popular touristic area suitable for couples, laid-back vibe, more central location, hotels in all budget classes, excellent beach(es).

Cons: relatively quiet, not attractive for young travellers who enjoy the nightlife.

Mobility: central location, easy access to transportation for sightseeing.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-time visitors in this area are visually listed below:

Agoda is part of Booking.com, and often offers significantly cheaper options compared to its competitors. You’ll get the same service that you are used to at Booking.com, but you simply pay less.

2. Nai Yang & Mai Khao – Luxury travellers

Nai Yang is located right under Phuket International Airport on the west side of the island and is a peaceful area with several luxurious hotels.

Due to its location, it’s highly recommended to rent a car if you want to move around easily.

There are hotels available in several budget classes. Keep in mind that Nai Yang is a quiet area, away from common facilities.

The remoteness makes it unique, but if you’re looking for an area more vibrant, we recommend you stay elsewhere.

For an even more secluded holiday, have a look at Mai Khao, the area north of Nai Yang.

Here, you can find amazing hotels and beach clubs that are ideal for that romantic vibe.

For who: luxury travellers, often families and couples.

Pros: some of the most luxurious hotels with all facilities you can dream of.

Cons: located far from the island’s highlights

Mobility: it’s highly recommended to rent a car when you want to explore the island. It’s not always easy to find taxis during the night.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-time visitors in this area are visually listed below:

3. Patong – Party-minded, young travellers

For younger travellers and those who enjoy partying, Patong is the best place to stay in Phuket for the first time.

As this is one of the most touristic and bustling areas, all facilities are within reach.

Patong is the epicentre of the island and has a beach as long as three kilometres where you can find all sorts of water activities such as jet-skiing, parasailing and windsurfing.

Those who come to Phuket to rest and enjoy a peaceful holiday should definitely stay away from Patong.

Also, Patong does not have the nicest beach but is good enough for sunbathing and water activities.

Besides, many young travellers often rent a motorbike or find other ways of transportation to enjoy the beautiful beaches nearby.

The main attraction of Patong is Bangla Road. At the end of the day and especially during the night, this Walking Street is the epicentre of Phuket’s nightlife with all sorts of bars and nightclubs including a red-light district.

Patong is by far the most touristic area of the island with plenty of restaurants, bars and activities to satisfy the hedonistic traveller. It has a laid-back atmosphere and because of its touristic scene, many tourists simply hate it or love it.

For who: young, party-minded, hedonistic travellers.

Pros: right in the epicentre of the island.

Cons: this is not everyone’s cup of tea. If you don’t like nightlife and drunk tourists, avoid this area at all costs.

Mobility: plenty of taxis and other forms of transportation are available. Young travellers often still rent a motorbike to visit beaches and other highlights.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-time visitors in this area are visually listed below:

4. Kata Beach – Family-friendly calm area in Phuket

Kata beach attracts mostly families and couples due to its calmness compared to areas like Patong.

The beach is also noteworthy with white sand and crystal clear water, which is ideal for snorkelling.

Aside from its beautiful beach, which can get busy, there are plenty of spas available in this area as well as a night market.

Similar to the nearby Karon Beach, Kata Beach is located centrally near island highlights such as Karon Viewpoint, Mingmongkol Big Buddha and Promthep Cape.

For those who do want to experience the nightlife, head over to Patong during the evening, which is only a ten-minute ride, although you can find some nice spots at Kata Beach itself.

During the evening, Kata Beach does have some nice bars near the beach which is ideal for couples and families as it’s nowhere near Patong.

Then again, Kata Beach is known for its relative calmness.

For who: couples, families

Pros: Beautiful beach, good location.

Cons: It’s known for its calmness, which can be a pro or con.

Mobility: Located centrally on the west side of the island, plenty of transportation is available.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-time visitors in this area are visually listed below:

5. Karon Beach – Budget-friendly, ideal for couples and families

Karon is a popular area in Phuket for first-timers as it is located centrally yet does have a secluded feel.

Those who are looking for a bustling area should reconsider staying at Karon Beach as it’s relatively quiet.

Karon is an excellent area for those travelling on a stricter budget but in general, it’s a popular area for families and couples.

There are many local restaurants to discover and the beach is nice.

In the evening, there are some places open but it’s definitely not a popular nightlife area.

During the day, you can find all sorts of activities in this area, ranging from snorkelling, diving and surfing to parasailing. The beach itself is among the longest on the island which is ideal for a nice walk but is also great for water activities.

Due to its size, you will have plenty of space at the beach. Karon is located under Patong, so for those who do want to go a night out in Phuket, a short taxi ride will get you to the epicentre anyway.

For who: families and couples (on a budget).

Pros: Still has a local feeling, plenty of budget-friendly but also good hotels, excellent beach.

Cons: relatively quiet, which can be a good or a bad thing.

Mobility: Located centrally with island highlights nearby.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-time visitors in this area are visually listed below:

6. Rawai – Alternative (local) area in Phuket

While most travellers tend to stay on the west coast of Phuket, there are some alternative areas that you might want to consider. While we don’t recommend you stay at Phuket Old Town, an alternative is to stay at Rawai Beach.

This area is developed but often overlooked by tourists.

You can find plenty of bars, restaurants and nice coffee shops in this area while not being bothered by too many tourists (for Phuket standards), which give you that nice local feeling.

The beach, however, is not that great as it is rocky and full of fishing boats and this is one of the reasons why tourists tend to skip Rawai.

You have to travel in order to get to a more decent beach (that’s the price you have to pay for it). But the abundance of great restaurants makes it up. There is actually quite some nightlife to discover and it’s much more laid-back compared to Patong.

In other words, you won’t get bored. And on top of that, you are not that far away from the island’s highlights.

For who: travellers who look for not-too-common areas.

Pros: Plenty of restaurants, bars and coffee shops, not too many tourists compared to other areas.

Cons: Not a good beach (nearby).

Mobility: located south, close to the island’s highlights but far from beaches and other bustling areas.

Some of the best hotels to stay in Phuket for first-time visitors in this area are visually listed below:

Why we don’t recommend staying in Phuket Old Town

Although Phuket Old Town is picturesque, not having a beach at your doorstep is not what you want when staying in Phuket for the first time.

That’s why we suggest visiting Phuket Old Town as a day trip. Walking around this iconic, charming part of Phuket with all the colourful houses is absolutely an activity you should do when in Phuket, especially in the afternoon when it’s not that hot.

But there are better areas to stay in Phuket for the first time than Phuket Old Town, although we must admit that these boutique hotels are quite romantic and give you a unique vibe you won’t easily find elsewhere in Thailand.