Where To Stay in Phuket for All Budgets: Best Hotels and Areas

About

When planning a visit to Phuket, it’s important to know the best areas and places to stay in Phuket, as it can make your vacation much more comfortable if you choose the best according to your budget and preferences.

We will detail all distinct Phuket areas below, including for whom they’re best suited. But in general, Old Town is the best centrally-located area in Phuket, while Karon and Kata beaches are the best areas to stay in Phuket for beach time and adventure activities.

The most important factor to consider when trying to figure out where to stay in Phuket is the distance from the main attractions or things you will do on your visit to this area of Thailand.

• Read our Travel Guide: Top Things To Do in Phuket

Quick Overview of Where To Stay in Phuket: Best Hotels

Before diving into detailed explanations of the best places to stay in Phuket, here is our selection of top hotels in Phuket for all budgets, from budget accommodation to mid-range hotels and luxury stays.

Where To Stay in Phuket: Frequently Asked Questions

Being the biggest island in Thailand, there are lots of things to do in Phuket, from exploring the beautiful beaches and partaking in water sports like surfing and trying mouth-watering food to island-hopping and scuba diving.

And since each area is best for something, we’ve first listed and answered the most frequently asked questions about where to stay in Phuket. Hopefully, this makes it easier to choose the best place for your visit, depending on your preferences.

Best Areas To Stay in Phuket

• Phuket Old Town: Centrally Located and Best Area To Stay for First Timers – Shunli Hotel
• Kata: Best Area To Stay for Beautiful Beaches – Aurico Resort
• Karon: Best Area To Stay for Families – Thavorn Palm Beach Resort
• Surin: Best Area To Stay For Luxury – Outrigger Surin Beach Resort
• Kamala: Best Quiet Area To Stay – Sunwing Resort
• Patong: Best Area To Stay for Partying and Nightlife – Nap Patong
• Bang Tao: Best Area For All-Inclusive Stays – The Pavilions
• Mai Khao: Best Area For a Peaceful Beach Getaway – Anantara Vacation Club
• Rawai: Best Area For a Local Experience and Trips to Nearby Islands – The Proud Rawai

In addition to the areas to stay on Phuket’s main island, you can also stay on one of the nearby smaller islands:

• Koh Yao Noi: Best Alternative Place To Stay in Phuket – Six Senses Resort Yao Noi
• Koh Yao Yai: Most Peaceful Island To Stay in Phuket – Anantara Resort Yao Yai
• Racha Island: Best Island To Stay in Phuket For Amazing Snorkeling – The Racha
• Naka Yai: Best Island To Stay in Phuket For Luxury Beach Getaways – The Naka Island Luxury Resort and Spa

Phuket Area Guide Map

Phuket Hotel Map

Old Town: Centrally Located and Best Area To Stay in Phuket for First Timers

Phuket Old Town is a go-to destination for an authentic Thai experience. It is rich in history, stunning architecture, and culture, making it the best area to stay in Phuket if you’re a history buff, cultural traveler, or a food enthusiast.

The great thing is that the old part of Phuket Town is small, so you can easily explore the place on foot.

You will find numerous restored colonial buildings, temples, and Chinese shrines. Also, plenty of restaurants, shops, and bars line the main street.

There’s a Weekend Market you can check out outside town for second-hand collectibles, souvenirs, local food, and more. Plus, the Phuket Walking Street, which transforms into a night market and shopping site every Sunday, is also worth visiting.

Please note that Phuket Old Town lies far from the beach, so it’s not the perfect choice for a beach getaway. But if you wish to go to the beach, you can take a tuk-tuk that you can find on the street or book a taxi through a ride-hailing app. You may also ride a bus or a songthaew or rent a scooter.

Concerning accommodation, there are no luxury hotels in the old town, only properties offering mid-priced or cheap rooms and dorms.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Old Town

Mid-Range: Hotel Verdigris

It’s the best hotel to stay in Phuket Old Town, as it depicts an 18th-century residence while offering modern luxuries, such as free Wi-Fi, contemporary room amenities, and personalized services.

Mid-Range: The Memory at On On Hotel

Providing different room types, this Sino-Portuguese-styled hotel is situated in the heart of the town, bringing you close to restaurants and main attractions.

Best Budget Hotels in Old Town

Budget Hotel: Shunli Hotel

While it has a centralized location, the hotel provides a quiet atmosphere apart from clean rooms and different breakfasts every day.

Budget Hotel: Hop Inn

This 2-star hotel housing comfy rooms lies close to the main street with massage places, restaurants, and cafés all nearby.

Best Hostels in Old Town

Hostel: Phuket Sunny Hostel

Featuring air-conditioned private rooms and mixed dorms with lockers, situated in a classic building with an on-site restaurant.

Hostel: The Neighbors Hostel

This 2-star property offering private rooms and mixed and female-only dorms is near a bus terminal, restaurants, bars, cafés, and night markets.

Kata: Best Area To Stay in Phuket for Beautiful Beaches

Kata, a small town on the island’s west coast, is the best place to stay in Phuket for a relaxing beach vacation and water sports opportunities. Its waves are perfect for surfing, but the waters are also ideal for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and jet-skiing.

• Best surf schools
  • Beyond Surf Kata
  • Whale Surf School

However, the waves can be quite high during the low season (May to October), so it may not be suitable to swim in. Aside from aquatic activities, you can sunbathe or get a Thai massage while enjoying the laid-back atmosphere of Kata Beach, though the place can get crowded sometimes.

In addition to the beautiful stretch of white sand, Kata has other attractions, including the Kata Night Market, Kata Temple, and Surf House Phuket. These spots are only a short tuk-tuk or taxi ride away. And if you want more freedom in exploring the area, you can rent a car or motorbike.

The main area of Kata is where you’ll find a good selection of restaurants and bars. Street food stalls are generally near the beach’s entrance.

Since the airport is more than an hour from the town, you should expect a bit more expensive fare when getting a taxi from the airport. We recommend booking a private hotel transfer for a hassle-free journey.

Kata Beach hosts some of the best hotels in Phuket, offering both cheap and luxury accommodations, so it’s a great option for beach lovers with all kinds of budgets.

Best Luxury Resorts in Kata Beach

Luxury: Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

This beachfront property guarantees a memorable stay with Thai-style rooms and state-of-the-art amenities, including six pools, six dining choices, five bars, and two fitness centers.

Luxury: Kata Rocks

A 10-minute walk from Kata Beach, this luxurious resort offers villas with sea views and private pools, a magnificent sunset lounge and bar, and a car rental service.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Kata Beach

Mid-Range: BLU PINE Villa

One of the best hotels to stay in Phuket, BLUE Pine Villa provides a spectacular outdoor pool, massage services, accommodation with private balconies, car or motorbike rental, and a private shuttle service to Kata Beach.

Mid-Range: Aurico Kata Resort & Spa

It’s one of the best resorts in Phuket for families and couples, as it features a kids’ club, sauna, outdoor pools with Jacuzzi outlets, and spacious rooms.

Best Budget Hotels in Kata Beach

Budget Hotel: Kata Leaf Resort Phuket

It’s a charming resort where you can book affordable Thai-style rooms and enjoy a tranquil atmosphere at night while being close to multiple attractions, restaurants, shops, and the beach.

Budget Hotel: Da Bungalows

The property, which is only a short walk from the beach, provides comfortable rooms for families or couples, stunning ocean views from the private balconies, and all-day dining at its restaurant.

Best Hostels in Kata Beach

Hostel: OK Phuket

This hostel, comprising private rooms and dorms, is located along a quiet street within walking distance of Kata Walking Street, the beach, and many food options.

Hostel: Sino Hostel

It’s one of the best hostels in Phuket, offering well-equipped, air-conditioned accommodation along a street close to the beach and town facilities.

Karon: Best Area To Stay in Phuket for Families

Karon is an ideal beach destination for families or those seeking peace without complete isolation. If you’re one of them, consider Karon when exploring options to determine where to stay in Phuket.

Featuring white sand and tall palm trees, Karon Beach has no restaurants or hotels directly on the shore, which explains its relaxed vibe. But no worries! You’ll find affordable seafood eateries or fine-dining establishments across the main road.

Many shops are also on the primary road, particularly inside Karon Bazaar, a covered shopping center. Karon Temple Night Market every Tuesday and Friday is also great for shopping.

While there are numerous bars, cafés, and restaurants in the southern part of the beach, the nightlife scene here isn’t as vibrant as in the nearby areas.

If you want to do other things than shopping and lazing on the beach, get involved with aquatic activities. Karon is one of the perfect places to stay in Phuket to enjoy a range of water sports, from jet-skiing and parasailing to snorkeling and surfing. Swimming is also possible here except when strong currents appear (off-season).

You can also visit Karon’s top attractions, such as Wat Karon, Karon Dragon Statue, Karon Park, and Dino Park Mini Golf. You can take tuk-tuks to these sites or book a taxi or a Grab car. Songthaew operations and motorbike or car rentals are also typical in the town.

About accommodation, Karon is home to a range of great hotels, from cheap ones offering basic rooms to vast luxury resorts with deluxe suites.

Best Luxury Resorts in Karon Beach

Luxury: Avista Grande

This family-friendly resort has outstanding amenities, such as a Kids Zone, a 24-hour gym, and a luxury spa, all within walking distance of Karon Beach.

Luxury: Thavorn Palm Beach Resort

It’s one of the best resorts in Phuket, featuring Thai-style rooms in tropical gardens and boasting a giant waterslide.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Karon Beach

Mid-Range: On The Hill Resort

This 3-star hilltop property is perfect for families, as it offers a kids’ club, a playground, a babysitting service, and various activities, including table tennis.

Mid-Range: Simplitel

Close to many town facilities, this hotel houses modern rooms with mountain or city views, a 24-hour convenience store, and a well-equipped fitness center.

Best Budget Hotels in Karon Beach

Budget Hotel: Allstar Guesthouse

The guesthouse is near the beach, cafes, restaurants, bars, and a convenience store, yet peaceful at night.

Budget Hotel: Karon Sea Side

At this hotel, you will get multiple complimentary offers like free daily room clean-up and direct access to attractions and town facilities.

Best Hostels in Karon Beach

Hostel: Fishtail Hostel

This hostel brings you closer to the beach and buses bound for the airport and Phuket Town while providing comfortable dorms at affordable prices.

Hostel: KPOP Hostel

It’s one of the favorite Phuket hostels, having friendly and helpful staff and offering mixed or female-only dorms, plus a convenient location right by the beach

Surin: Best Area To Stay in Phuket For Luxury

Surin is the best area to stay in Phuket if you want to surround yourself with luxuries during your vacation on the island. It is also perfect for a beach getaway, as it is home to one of Thailand’s most famous beaches.

Surin Beach has powdery, soft sand and many coconut trees providing natural shade. The clear turquoise waters also add charm to the place. While swimming is allowed here, you must take note of the strong currents during the low season.

Other water sports available include snorkeling, kayaking, boogie-boarding, and surfing. But if you only want to relax, you can rent beach beds and umbrellas or treat yourself to a relaxing Thai massage at any of the several massage parlors by the beach.

Parallel to Surin Beach are numerous street food and market stalls selling Thai snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and inflatables. There are no restaurants or bars on the beach, but some high-end options are in the main town area. You can find more shopping and dining choices at Plaza Surin.

Surin is small, so you can easily reach town facilities and points of interest by walking. But you’ll still find various transportation options in the area, such as taxis, tuk-tuks, and Songthaews. Car or motorbike rental service is also available.

Being a luxury resort destination, Surin is home to some of the best Phuket luxury resorts and hotels. However, there are still cheap accommodations available, but no hostels.

Best Luxury Resorts in Surin Beach

Luxury: Outrigger Surin Beach Resort

At this boutique resort, you can enjoy relaxing massage treatments, an exceptional dining experience at its restaurant and bar, and sweeping ocean views at its rooftop bar.

Luxury: Twinpalms Phuket

Surrounded by tropical foliage, this peaceful and secluded property offers a free shuttle service, a range of spa services, and many amenities, including a saltwater pool, making it one of the best resorts in Phuket.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Surin Beach

Mid-Range: Surintra Boutique Resort

This resort is a great mid-range option in Phuket, only a short walk from several dining options and shopping streets and right up the street from the beach.

Mid-Range: Pen Villa

Perched on the hills, this serene hotel is one of the best value-for-money accommodations near Surin Beach, with shuttle services and delicious food and drinks at its restaurant and bar.

Best Budget Hotels in Surin Beach

Budget Hotel: Surin Bay Inn

Featuring an on-site restaurant and air-conditioned rooms, the inn is only a 2-minute walk to Surin Beach and a 40-minute drive from the airport.

Kamala: Best Quiet Area To Stay in Phuket

Kamala is a little resort town with a serene atmosphere, making it the best place to stay in Phuket for a relaxing break away from big crowds and the hustle and bustle of city life.

This beachside area is famous for its beautiful long sandy beach and clear blue sea. Several water sports are available here, but if you’re after relaxation, you can get a superb Thai massage or other wellness treatments.

Trying Thai food is also an exciting activity on the beach. You will find a paved promenade with restaurants serving local and international cuisine. There are also several stalls selling local products and bars that make the beach quite lively at night.

The only downside of staying in Kamala is that you won’t find many attractions; there’s only Fantasea Park, a temple, a local market, and Kamala Beach to visit.

If you want to get around the town, tuk-tuks and taxis are available to serve you. Consider renting a motorbike or bicycle to explore the place at your own pace.

Kamala hosts a good mix of luxury resorts, mid-range hotels, and budget-friendly properties, so there’s an accommodation that suits every budget.

Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Kamala Beach

Luxury: Andara Resort Villas

It’s an upscale resort ideal for families and couples, as it provides luxurious suites and villas with sea views, a kids’ club, kids’ pizza making, and a Thai cooking class.

Luxury: Cape Sienna Gourmet Hotel & Villas

It’s one of the best hotels in Phuket since it offers stunning sea views from the villas with excellent amenities, like four dining options, two swimming pools, and spa treatment rooms.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Kamala Beach

Mid-Range: Sunwing Resort

Just within walking distance of Fantasea Park, this family-oriented resort boasts eight outdoor pools, two restaurants, a convenience store, and various free and paid children’s activities.

Mid-Range: Glam Habitat

It’s a modern hotel close to the beach and shopping opportunities, consisting of various room types and an outdoor pool.

Best Budget Hotels in Kamala Beach

Budget Hotel: The Seashore Serviced Apartments

At this budget-friendly property, you’ll stay in air-conditioned apartments with kitchenettes, request an airport shuttle, and rent a car or bicycle, all at affordable prices.

Budget Hotel: Buk Inn Hotel

It’s a 2-star inn offering spacious, comfy rooms and easy access to the beach, restaurants, bars, and shops.

Best Hostels in Kamala Beach

Hostel: Baan Kamala Backpacker

The hostel houses private rooms and five dorms with free Wi-Fi and private parking and provides travel or transportation arrangements.

Patong: Best Area To Stay in Phuket for Partying and Nightlife

If you want the ultimate nightlife experience, Patong is the best place to stay in Phuket. This town is the liveliest area on the island, featuring a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafés.

Patong also has countless bars, nightclubs, discos, and street food stalls along Bangla Road. Therefore, staying along that road might not be a good idea if you want a good night’s sleep.

This beachside town also has great shopping options, as it is home to Jungceylon Shopping Mall and Banana Walk Shopping Mall. There are also bustling markets and night markets you can visit.

Patong Beach is a 3 km stretch of golden sand full of local vendors, restaurants, bars, and massage parlors. In terms of activities, you can try jet skiing, parasailing, diving, or snorkeling.

However, the beach gets easily overcrowded during the day. Also, some eating or drinking places and shops may offer overpriced food and products.

Patong Beach may not be the best area to stay in Phuket for a relaxing beach vacation, as it’s unfortunately full of vendors walking along the beach trying to sell their products. For a more peaceful experience on Patong, go to the far south or far north end and avoid the central part.

Getting around Patong is easy, thanks to the different transportation choices. You can arrange a tuk-tuk or taxi ride or take the local bus or Songthaew. Alternatively, you can go to almost everything in town even though it’s not that small compared to others.

Concerning accommodation, Patong offers great hotels not only for backpackers but also for average and luxury travelers.

Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Patong Beach

Luxury: Four Points by Sheraton Patong

A wonderful resort right across the more peaceful and beautiful part of Patong Beach, with a superb outdoor swimming pool, fitness center, and well-equipped rooms.

Luxury: La Flora Resort

Located in the central part of Patong Beach, it offers luxurious rooms, outdoor pools, and spa services and is close to the nightlife and shopping options like Jungceylon Shopping Mall.

Luxury: SKYView Resort

Set in a quiet location, the resort provides 5-star accommodation with a daily buffet breakfast, transportation, and a well-equipped fitness center.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Patong Beach

Mid-Range: Nap Patong

Within easy reach of Patong Beach, this hotel offers a range of accommodations, from double rooms to villas, alongside airport transfers and wellness treatments.

Mid-Range: Eden Resort & Villas

This resort offers to help you recharge your mind and body with its massage and beauty services, serenity, and natural surroundings.

Best Budget Hotels in Patong Beach

Budget Hotel: Le Tanjong House

One of the best cheap hotels in Phuket, offers easy access to the beach, Bangla Road, and Junceylon Shopping Center.

Budget Hotel: Nicky’s Handlebar

It’s a biker-themed hotel with a restaurant, bar, and a convenient location close to Bangla Road, food stalls, convenience stores, and the beach.

Best Hostels in Patong Beach

Hostel: Lub d Phuket

Staying at this hostel allows you to affordably enjoy the nightlife of Bangla Road, activities on the beach, and comfy beds in its private rooms or dorms that also come with lockers and a minibar.

Hostel: Hip Hostel

It’s one of the best Phuket hostels since it provides a tranquil place to sleep despite being close to Bangla Road and shopping sites like Jungceylon Shopping Mall and a night market.

Bang Tao: Best Area For All-Inclusive Stays in Phuket

Bang Tao is a resort area in Phuket known for its stunning, tranquil sandy beach and luxury resorts. It is only a 30-minute ride from the Phuket International Airport.

That being the case, Bang Tao is the best area to stay in Phuket if you seek a combination of luxury accommodations and a peaceful beach environment while staying close to the airport.

Bang Tao Beach boasts a lush forest that separates it from the road, so you cannot see vehicles nor hear the traffic as you relax. The absence of vendors and jet ski or banana boat operators also contributes to the shore’s laid-back vibe.

The northern part of the beach is quieter and more pristine, while the southern end is where you’ll find high-end resorts or hotels that makeup Laguna Phuket, the island’s largest resort complex. The southern area is also where restaurants, bars, beach clubs, and shops are.

Bang Tao Night Market is another point of interest in the town. Here, you can enjoy Thai food or shop for souvenirs every Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If golfing is your thing, visit Phuket Adventure Mini Golf Course or Laguna Golf Club.

Exploring Bang Tao isn’t a hassle, as many taxis or tuk-tuks are available for transport within the town or to other parts of Phuket. You can also rent a bicycle, motorbike, or car or use a ride-hailing app to book a vehicle.

While the town is known for pricey accommodations, backpackers and budget travelers can still find a few good cheap hotels and hostels.

Best Luxury Resorts in Bang Tao

Luxury: Banyan Tree

It’s one of the luxury resorts in Laguna Phuket, guaranteeing a fantastic stay with its spacious villas with pools, fine-dining options, full-spa services, and a serene location.

Luxury: The Pavilions

Perched atop a mountain, this high-end resort provides quiet private suites or villas, a bar with breathtaking views of the sea and sunset, and free on-site cultural activities.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Bang Tao

Mid-Range: Best Western Premier Beach Resort and Spa

Set along the beach, this family-friendly resort provides a babysitting service, tour arrangements, a shuttle bus service to Patong and Phuket Town, and direct beach access.

Mid-Range: Hilton Garden Inn

It’s one of the best resorts in Phuket for families and couples, as it features a kids’ club, sauna, outdoor pools with Jacuzzi outlets, and spacious rooms.

Best Budget Hotels in Bang Tao

Budget Hotel: Bang Tao Guesthouse

Situated in a quiet part of the town, this guesthouse gives direct access to the beach and restaurants, airport transportation, and car rental service.

Budget Hotel: KD Residence

The property offers well-equipped apartments at an affordable price and easy access to bars, restaurants, and the beach, making it one of the best cheap hotels in Phuket.

Best Hostels in Bang Tao

Hostel: ChillHub Hostel

Here, you can stay in the mixed or female-only dorm, enjoy complimentary breakfasts, and swim in the outdoor pool.

Hostel: Hanuman VIP Hostel

Featuring private rooms and mixed or female-only dorms, the hostel serves daily breakfast and free snacks throughout the day and offers a nice communal space and bike or car hire.

Mai Khao: Best Area For a Peaceful Beach Getaway in Phuket

Deciding where to stay in Phuket is difficult, considering its several towns. But if a relaxing and grandeur vacation is what you want, choose Mai Khao. It is the best area to experience a perfect mix of luxury comfort and absolute serenity.

Mai Khao is home to the island’s longest and most secluded beach. A part of the Sirinat National Park, the shoreline is completely tranquil and is rarely visited.

One part of the beach is just meters away from the airport, so you can take a photo with an airplane a few meters above you.

Swimming is the top activity on Mai Khao Beach, especially from December to April. Aside from that, sunbathing is the only other thing you can do here. Also, you don’t have many options for food or drinks on the beach.

There are no beachfront bars, and the only available restaurants are those at the few resorts (and they can be a bit pricey). But if you go further into the village, you’ll find more affordable local food. You can also enjoy budget meals at the eateries before Sarasin Bridge.

If you need to buy clothes or other necessities, you can get them from Turtle Village, Mai Khao’s main shopping complex, which houses restaurants, too. You can ride a tuk-tuk or taxi to get there or rent a car for flexibility. Motorbikes and bicycle rentals are also available.

In addition to hosting some of the best Phuket luxury resorts, Mai Khao has several mid-range and budget hotels catering to travelers. Unfortunately, the town has no hostels.

Best Luxury Resorts in Mai Khao

Luxury: Anantara Vacation Club

This high-end property offering suites and pool villas has various recreational activities to keep you entertained, such as movie nights, cooking, and Thai boxing.

Luxury: Renaissance Phuket Resort and Spa

The resort provides everything you need for a memorable stay in Mai Khao, from various amenities, including a large pool and five restaurants, to activities like bike tours and yoga.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Mai Khao

Mid-Range: Baan Mai Khao

It’s a beachfront apartment complex featuring a tranquil vibe, well-equipped units, a picnic area, a private beach area, and an outdoor pool surrounded by greenery.

Mid-Range: Mai Khao Beach Residence

Enclosed by foliage, the property is loved for its excellent staff, quiet environment, and proximity to the beach, shops, restaurants, and a small supermarket.

Best Budget Hotels in Mai Khao

Budget Hotel: Phuket Campground

Featuring contemporary cottages and a restaurant, it’s the best hotel to stay in Phuket to experience a nature getaway amid beautiful surroundings.

Budget Hotel: Mai Khao Beach Guest House

A stay in this guesthouse means you have lots of peaceful time to relax, sleep in a spacious and cozy room, and have free use of bicycles to get to the nearby beach, restaurants, or shops.

Rawai: Best Area For a Local Experience in Phuket and Trips to Nearby Islands

Rawai is a seafront village exhibiting more local charm than the other towns. It is known for its relaxed atmosphere and is not too crowded like some of the more popular tourist areas on the island.

So, if you want a more local experience and feel more comfortable in a less touristy area, then Rawai is one of the best places to stay in Phuket.

Rawai features a narrow strip of white sand lined with many trees providing natural shade. Sadly, the beach is unsuitable for swimming due to its shallow waters and the presence of boats. It’s the starting point for boat trips to nearby islands, such as Coral Island (Koh Hae) and Bon Island.

Despite that, it’s an ideal place to watch the sunset or explore delicious Thai food and drinks at the beachfront bars, cafés, and restaurants. Do note that there isn’t much nightlife on the shoreline.

Rawai Beach also hosts a vibrant seafood market and numerous shops with clothing, souvenirs, and everyday necessities.

Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available along the streets. You also have the choice to book a car through a ride-hailing app. Otherwise, a motorbike rental is the best option so you can explore other nearby beaches like Nai Harn or Yanui.

In Rawai, you can find a variety of accommodations ranging from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts. However, the choices are fewer than on the West Coast. Moreover, there are no hostels in the area.

Best Luxury Hotels and Resorts in Rawai

Luxury: Lady Naya Villas

This upscale property provides 5-star service alongside an array of facilities and well-equipped villas and suites designed for couples and larger groups.

Luxury: Wyndham La Vita

The resort offers 5-star accommodation and facilities and can hold beach weddings, as it’s within walking distance of the shore.

Best Mid-Range Hotels in Rawai

Mid-Range: Phuket Kana International Hotel

The hotel guarantees a relaxing and fun stay with its quiet environment, sea views, well-furnished rooms, and various facilities.

Mid-Range: The Proud Rawai

A 2-minute walk from Rawai Beach, this apartment complex consists of air-conditioned units with a fully-equipped kitchen, a rooftop pool, and multiple dining options.

Best Budget Hotels in Rawai

Budget Hotel: Sandy House

Aside from spacious rooms, the guesthouse has complimentary offers such as breakfast, Wi-Fi, and private parking, and direct access to the beach and local restaurants.

Budget Hotel: Smile Residence

At this 3-star hotel, you can stay in spacious rooms and access the on-site restaurant, fitness center, and outdoor pool while staying within budget.

Best Hostels in Rawai

Hostel: Selina Serenity

It’s a luxury coworking resort, but it offers affordable dormitory rooms (mixed and female-only) with free Wi-Fi, excellent breakfast, and free use of facilities.

Things to know before visiting Phuket

Things to do in Phuket

We compiled a comprehensive list of the top things to do in Phuket in our Phuket Travel Guide, full of first-hand travel information and everything you need to know for your visit to this part of Thailand.

How to get to Phuket

Phuket is well connected to other south Thai destinations like Krabi with frequent buses and ferries, as well as affordable domestic flights from Bangkok and international flights from many countries.

If you’re flying into Phuket, we recommend booking a private airport transfer to your hotel.

How to get around Phuket

The best way to get around Phuket is by renting a scooter, as it’s the most convenient and affordable option.

Otherwise, you can also rent a car in Phuket, or you can book a private car with a driver if you prefer not to drive but want to visit the main attractions in a more flexible way.

And if you’d like to avoid planning it all yourself, the best way to see some of the top sights is on an organized Phuket tour.