Phuket: Guide to choosing the ideal beach to stay at

Phuket, Southern Provinces, Travel to Thailand

Phuket, a world-famous island that needs no introduction, represents for many the idea of a tropical paradise, lined with white sand beaches and crystal clear waters. With over 30 different beaches, it can be difficult to choose where to stay. Each of the beaches has its own personality and charm, ranging from bustling and touristy areas to secluded and quiet corners.

In this article, I offer you a practical guide to choosing the ideal beach for your stay in Phuket according to your preferences and travel style. We will cover the different types of beaches, the main accommodation areas, as well as hotel suggestions for each budget category.

I have already prepared similar articles for you to find where to sleep in several unmissable destinations in Thailand, it seemed logical to me to continue the series with Phuket. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and a very popular destination for travelers. And while it can be very crowded in high season, you also have to take into account that many people are content with the most well-known areas, leaving a good part of the island, especially the east coast, still wild (I talked about it in particular in the article here).

As a reminder, other articles for hotels in Thailand are available here:

To find your hotel in Bangkok: Where to stay in Bangkok?
To find your hotel in Chiang Mai: Where to stay in Chiang Mai?
To find your hotel in Ko Samui: Which beach to stay in Ko Samui
To find your hotel in Ko Chang: Which beach to stay in Ko Chang

If you can't find what you're looking for in the list below, you can always search directly here:

Summary hide

How to target the ideal beach in Phuket?

1- Phuket Town, the charming main town of the island

2- Rawai and Nai Harn beaches

3- Karon and Kata Beach, my first steps in Phuket!

4- Patong, the main beach of Phuket

5- Kamala, the beach that is gaining popularity

6- Bang Tao and Surin beaches

7- Near the airport: for peace and quiet

How to target the ideal beach in Phuket?

Choosing a hotel is never easy. We always want everything nearby, according to our tastes: quiet, charming, cheap (often), it quickly becomes a headache, even more so knowing the large offer on the island.

If we were to summarize the different beach and resort options in Phuket, we could classify the hotels into the following main areas:

With a bonus to help you find your way, a map of the beaches of Phuket of my own design (by the way, in case it's pronounced Pouquette and not Fouquette):

Phuket town
Rawai and Nai Harn Beaches
Karon and Kata Beaches
Patong Beach
Kamala Beaches
Bang Tao and Surin Beaches
Near the airport

Each beach actually offers a different type of atmosphere and the interests and attractions obviously change depending on whether you sleep in Phuket Town or in the far north of the island near the airport. Also knowing that the island is more than 50 km long, it is quite possible to test two different areas, because seeing everything from the same place, unless it is central like towards Kamala or Surin, can quickly become time-consuming.

Another point to note is that in Thailand, and more particularly on the islands, prices can vary from single to double between high season (from November to May) and the low season (from June to October), knowing that locally, hotels apply their price offers according to this calendar, including a peak season between December and January et during the Thai New Year period (around mid-April).

The price indications of the article are based on the minimum possible cost, so in low season (For a median rate of €1 = 36 Bahts). Be careful, some hotels may seem unavailable if you search for one night, some establishments require a minimum of two nights.

Overall, hotels are listed based on a selection of criteria, location, reviews/opinions and most importantly, decor, room appearance and price of course. Knowing that I travel as a couple mainly, there are no hostels or guesthouses welcoming backpackers in shared rooms in the lists below, if you are in this case, faites le moi savoir I would happily add hotels for this category.

Let’s review these different options with explanations of the possible choices.

The links pointing to Agoda and Booking are affiliated, meaning that I will be paid a commission if you book a hotel. However, I myself regularly use these sites (mainly Agoda at the base) to book my hotels in Thailand and throughout Asia and I have never had any complaints. So I recommend them to you with full knowledge of the facts.

1- Phuket Town, the charming main town of the island

Why sleep in Phuket Town:

I'll start with the least obvious choice for many, namely, outside of a beach. Phuket Town is often overlooked by travelers, who usually go to Phuket to enjoy its beaches and seaside activities, without thinking about visiting a city. In addition, Phuket Town was once considered a rather poor and unattractive city for tourists. However, in recent years, the city has undergone a real renaissance with the restoration of its historic buildings and the opening of new restaurants and shops, attracting more and more visitors curious to discover this side of Phuket.

Yet this city has a lot to offer in terms of culture, history and architecture. This is evidenced by the Sino-Portuguese style houses and shops that line the streets of the old town. Alignments of Chinese houses, murals and beautiful old buildings that you can come across here and there await you. I do not praise the Phuket Old Town, its facilities and desire for preservation, which offer a beautiful walk to see another side of the island and see beyond the beaches.

You will also find museums there, such as the Phuket Thai Hua Museum, a museum housed in a 1934 building, which provides insight into the history of the island. Another example is the Chin Pracha House, an elegant Sino-colonial mansion from 1903 or the Tourist Information Center, the tourist information center of the old town which is a museum in itself, located in a real old 2-story house with a lot of information on the past of the island. For children, you can try the Phuket 3D Museum and its trompe-l'oeil.

thalang road phuket town

Another cultural visit, it is in Phuket that you will find the most important Chinese sanctuary, Jui Tui Shrine, one of the 6 islands of the island where the impressive ceremonies take place during the Phuket Vegetarian Festival (which takes place every year in October according to the lunar calendar, be careful, sensitive souls abstain!)

As it is a city, you will also have a wide choice of restaurants (as everywhere in Thailand for that), some famous like the Raya Restaurant, arranged in a period house. This could be the opportunity to try one of the local specialties, the famous roti, for example at Roti Taew Nam, local atmosphere guaranteed. The old town is also a dynamic area, with small cafes everywhere for a refreshing break and shops with old-world charm.

You can also stroll through one of the city's many markets, including the weekend one (Naka Weekend Market, along Wirat Hong Yok Rd), the bustling Sunday evening market on Thalang Rd, the photogenic colorful street of Phuket Town.

Phuket Town is also an obvious base if your next stopover is in the area, especially if you're heading to Krabi, because it is from the port of Phuket Town (Rassada Pier) that you will leave!

Bonus info: For a comprehensive view of the entire city, visit the Khao Rang Hill, or its neighbor, at Monkey Hill Viewpoint. In both cases you should come across monkeys, these mischievous creatures so close to us, an experience that will delight families.

Which hotel in Phuket Town:

In Phuket Town itself, I had already stayed there and had tested the Sino House (from 30€), a small, pleasant hotel located a stone's throw from the historic centre. When I explored the old town a few years later, this time we stayed at the legendary The memory at on on hotel (from €40), located in a superbly renovated historic building. I say legendary because before the renovation, this was where the famous scenes of the seedy hotel (supposedly in Khao San) with Di Caprio for the film The Beach were filmed.

We can also see the growing popularity of Phuket Town because, after Patong Beach, it is still there that we find the largest concentration of hotels.

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Phuket Town

PeranaKan Boutique Hotel

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 25€

It's a boutique hotel that doesn't necessarily look like much from the outside, but turns out to be very good value for money with pretty rooms (most of them without windows) and a rooftop with a view of the city.

Learn more and book the PeranaKan Boutique Hotel

Xinlor House

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 27€

A small boutique hotel described as a gem. Friendly staff, affordable room, clean, elegant, and very well located. You can also try a luxury room with jacuzzi from €68.

Learn more and book Xinlor House

HOMA Phuket Town

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 37€

For this price, it's hard to do better, with carefully designed rooms, a rooftop pool, and even a renowned Italian restaurant. Its only real flaw is that it's a bit out of the way from the old town (3km).

Learn more and book HOMA Phuket Town

Casa Blanca Boutique

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 46€

The Casa Blanca still maintains an excellent reputation after more than 10 years of service, it is a hotel described as charming, with beautiful architecture with an interior courtyard and a small swimming pool.

Learn more and book the Casa Blanca Boutique

Woo Gallery

Note: 9,6 / 10

Budget: from 54€

Rare are the opinions so unanimous on a hotel. Almost faultless for the Woo Boutique Hotel, a true museum in itself which offers beautifully designed rooms in the heart of the old town.

Learn more and book the Woo Gallery Boutique Hotel

The Belong Boutique Hotel

Note: 9,6 / 10

Budget: from 26€

Cozy, top, exceptional, here are some of the superlatives to describe this small central hotel, with large, bright rooms, all in a spotless, clean and welcoming environment.

Learn more and book the Belong Boutique Hotel

Blu Monkey Hub

Note: 8,6 / 10

Budget: from 32€

A hotel from a chain known here as having a good reputation with good value for money (I know I use this expression often!), with resolutely modern rooms and there is a swimming pool to boot.

Learn more and book Blu Monkey Hub and Hotel Phuket

The Besavana Phuket

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 42€

Hotel well located in the city center (but far enough away not to be disturbed by noise). Well maintained and comfortable room, and for this price, it obviously includes a swimming pool to relax in.

Learn more and book Besavana Phuket

Sound Gallery House

Note: 9,2 / 10

Budget: from 50€

If the lack of a swimming pool is a drawback, the hotel has the merit of being well located. The rooms are in a brand new building, an annex of a historic manor surrounded by a garden, which serves as a bar restaurant.

Learn more and book the Sound Gallery House

Courtyard by Marriott

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 83€

If you prefer hotels of a certain standard, you should not be disappointed at the Courtyard, very well located. It is beautiful, luxurious and its breakfast is exceptional quality.

Learn more and book the Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town

2- Rawai and Nai Harn beaches

These are two beaches located near the southern tip of the island, close to the famous Cape Promthèp, famous for its sunsets and its view of the islands of Ko Kaeo and Ko Man, the latter being clearly visible from Nai Harn beach.

Why sleep near Rawaï:

Rawai is a fairly quiet little tourist spot, even though more and more restaurants and hotels are setting up there. Besides, Rawai's restaurants have a pretty good reputation. This area of the island is the opposite of the hustle and bustle of Patong, offering a more relaxing atmosphere but still having enough shops to not get completely bored.

An interesting point for some perhaps, is that Rawai serves as a starting point for longtail boats (the famous "longtail", traditional Thai boats), for excursions to the surrounding islands (Ko Bon, Ko Bon, Ko He and its famous Corla Beach). You will be close to Chalong Bay, the island's main port of call for private boats (whether for a romantic getaway, speedboats or boats for diving trips).

Also note that in Rawai there are still families of the now ex-nomads of the sea, the "sea gypsy", called the Moken. They are installed on the left end of the beach (when you arrive from Chalong), on the area where the boats are parked. Along the beach, you will have restaurants and a market specializing in seafood.

Finally, I'll be honest, Rawai is definitely not the most beautiful beach in Phuket, to tell the truth, few people swim there apart from locals (and even then), and there is not even a beach at high tide, so if you are really looking for an enchanting setting, you should aim elsewhere. Eventually, less than 10 minutes from there (if you have a vehicle), you can go to the small cove of Yanui Beach, or otherwise, there is the option of going to its neighbor, the beautiful Nai Harn beach. Between the two, don't miss the viewpoint at Windmill Viewpoint.

Which hotel near Rawai

The only hotel I tested in this part of Phuket, even if it was further north towards Chalong than in Rawai itself, was the Serenity Resort & Residences Phuket, a fairly classy hotel on the seafront, which had caught my eye at the time, knowing that it was part of my job so not my choice. It has since been completely renovated and renamed Selina Serenity Rawai Phuket, and it has gained even more style, with a price that remains affordable (from €60, depending on the season of course), so it remains an excellent choice for this type of budget.

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Rawai

Charlie's Angels Hotel

Note: 8,5 / 10

Budget: from 19€

A small intimate GH (2 rooms only), located on the roadside, but less than 1 km from the beach. The rooms are simple, but particularly spacious, above a restaurant which has very good BBQ.

Learn more and book Charlie's Angels Hotel Restaurant

Cascades Resort

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 24€

A hotel described as quiet and peaceful, with swimming pool and garden. The rooms are simple but large and functional. The hotel is set back, but only 800 m from the heart of Rawai.

Learn more and book Cascades Resort

Navatara Phuket Resort

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 39€

Located slightly back from the beach (500 m), it is a clean and comfortable establishment, with a lovely swimming pool, lovely staff and apparently a good breakfast with real orange juice (and I confirm that this is rare).

Learn more and book Navatara Phuket Resort

The Title Beach Front

Note: 8,5 / 10

Budget: from 26€

Very good value for money for this hotel which is part of a brand new building complex, including restaurants, cafes and apartments, with a swimming pool and located literally opposite the beach.

Learn more and book the Title Beach Front

Namphung Resort

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 27€

A small boutique hotel with a pleasant welcome, a well-maintained swimming pool, a garden and a large room, all less than 500 m from the beach, that's pretty good for this attractive price.

Learn more and book Namphung Phuket Boutique Resort

Wyndham La Vita Phuket

Note: 8,6 / 10

Budget: from 56€

The hotel is a new complex just 500m from the beach, with its large swimming pool and water games, it is perhaps an establishment that will suit families more but in any case it is good value for money.

Learn more and book Wyndham La Vita Phuket

Why sleep near Nai Harn:

Nai Harn is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket., and even often cited among the most beautiful beaches in Asia, even if personally, I find the "title" a bit exaggerated, because I have seen much better elsewhere in Thailand and even on Phuket. That said, it is still a beautiful setting, and the beach also has a small number of shops, bars and restaurants that add a bit of life to the place without going overboard, because just like Rawai, it is a rather simple atmosphere, without fuss that awaits you. In short, the same advantages as Rawai, given its proximity, but with a large, wooded beach, there is something to drink and eat, what more could you ask for?

You even have the little beach as a bonusAo Sane, and his neighbor Kratin Beach, offering two small intimate corners if you are really looking for your little corner of paradise. For sports enthusiasts, you have a spot not far from paramotoring, Paragliding Phuket.

My choice of hotel in Nai Harn

Three hotels on the list are located almost side by side, towards the lake, and, not on purpose either, there is a small French bakery not far away ("Chez Nous". These three are for me, depending on the budget, the best options for Nai Harn.

Note that if you are OK with going a little further from the beach, you can get a superb villa (accommodating up to 6 people) with a swimming pool and everything you need from €120! For this, it is at Ya Nui Beach Villas, located between Rawai and Nai Harn where you will have to put down your suitcases, ideal if you are a large family.

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Nai Harn

Babylon Pool Villas

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 29€

The hotel is certainly a bit set back, 2.5 km from Nai Harn, but not isolated with quite a few restaurants around. It is a small price for a pleasant hotel, with garden and swimming pool and spacious rooms, including family rooms (55€).

Learn more and book the Babylon Pool Villas

The Gallery Hotel

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 46€

Built at the end of the lake (800 m from the beach), it is a modern, well-equipped hotel with welcoming staff, a large swimming pool and spacious rooms with balconies. As a bonus, it has its own mini mart.

Learn more and book The Gallery Hotel Naiharn

Sunsuri Phuket Hotel

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 93€

We are getting closer to the beach, with this interesting option for this range, it is a very beautiful resort, quiet, with the necessary services. If the budget allows it, you have superb villas with sea view and private pool.

Learn more and book Sunsuri Phuket Hotel

Naiharn Beach Resort

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 36€

A small roadside resort leading directly to Nai Harn 900m away, close to the lake. It is nicely renovated, with a small pool always welcome addition and spacious rooms, with a small terrace.

Learn more and book Naiharn Beach Resort

Wyndham Grand Nai Harn

Note: 8,8 / 10

Budget: from 74€

Another brand new hotel, which exudes luxury and serenity. It is quiet because it is set back but remains a 10-minute walk from the beach. The welcome is warm and the rooms are large and modern.

Learn more and book Wyndham Grand Nai Harn Beach

The Nai Harn

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 160€

This short list would not have been complete without the legend of this beach. Its name is explicit because it is simply the first hotel on this beach, which enjoys a royal location and maintains an excellent reputation.

Learn more and book the Nai Harn

3- Karon and Kata Beach, my first steps in Phuket!

The famous view of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon Beach.

Karon and Kata are often ranked among the top five beaches in Phuket, and it's no surprise. Karon offers a quieter vibe while the livelier Kata is a good compromise to avoid the chaos of Patong while still enjoying a beautiful beach. In terms of attractions, there's not much to do nearby, other than the famous Big Buddha which overlooks Karon Beach. For sports enthusiasts, a hiking trail provides access to it from the south of Karon.

For families, the Dino Park Mini Golf & Restaurant is a popular option, run by the Marina Phuket Resort hotel which also has another restaurant with a beautiful view of Karon Beach, the “ On The Rock", which I was able to try during my most recent stay in Phuket. Another restaurant in the north of Karon, the " On The Hill Karon Restaurant", also offers stunning views of the beach from the north. If you're looking for a bit of spirituality and haven't seen (enough) temples yet, Wat Suwan Khirikhet (or simply Wat Karon), located north of the beach, might be of interest.

Finally, it is to the south of Kata Noi that you will find the famous viewpoint called “ Karon View Point", where you can then see together the three beaches mentioned in this chapter, Karon, Kata and Kata Noi.

Why sleep in Karon:

Karon benefits from two major assets. First of all, it is one of the longest beaches in Phuket, stretching over 3 kilometers in a straight line, and then, it benefits from a greater width than other beaches. Indeed, many beaches in Phuket (and in many other islands in Thailand) are reduced to a thin strip of sand if not a beach at all at high tide. These two assets combined allow for a substantial space, knowing in addition that Karon, although appreciated for its balance in terms of decent choice of bars, restaurants and shops of all kinds, does not generally attract too many crowds.

As a result, Karon Beach is a clever mix between it's visually nice, there's plenty to do, but it's not crowded either. Moreover, it's not insignificant, it's the same one that I put down my suitcases during my very first stay in Phuket (that goes back to 2006!). At the time, the trauma of the tsunami was still quite "fresh" and I found it strange to find myself there, seeing in particular all these signs indicating the route to follow in the event of a repeat... Apart from that, despite the years, if it has certainly rebuilt the area, the large beach of Karon is still a relatively quiet beach !

Much of Karon remains undeveloped to this day, with lots of green areas. Most of the establishments along the beach are rather luxury hotels. The central part is for example dominated by the Pullman, with not much around. As a result, the atmosphere is quite relaxed, with the majority of hotels and restaurants spread over two areas, one to the south of Karon and the other to the north.

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Karon

Sala Bua Room Karon

Note: 9,4 / 10

Budget: from 25€

Slightly set back from the main road and only 500m from the beach, this is a great option for those on a budget. Small, simple rooms in an unassuming building but a golden welcome.

Learn more and book Sala Bua Room Karon

GLOW Mira Karon Beach

Note: 8,8 / 10

Budget: from 41€

The hotel is brand new, with friendly and attentive staff. The rooms are bright and modern (with family option). The pool is not very big but there and no problem, the sea is less than 300 m away!

Learn more and book GLOW Mira Karon Beach

On The Hill Karon Resort

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 49€

I mentioned its restaurant but it is also a hotel, on the hillside north of the beach. If you like peace and quiet and a beautiful sea view, then this is definitely the option for you, even if the rooms are not very charming.

Learn more and book On The Hill Karon Resort

JonoX Phuket Karon Hotel

Note: 8,8 / 10

Budget: from 26€

Located in the same area as the Glow Mira, it is a clean and well-located hotel, close to the sea, a top-notch rooftop pool and modern rooms, all with staff who care about your well-being, at this price, it's hard to do better!

Learn more and book JonoX Phuket Karon Hotel

Mellow Space Boutique

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 42€

A guesthouse 500m from the beach, located in a building with its own restaurant. The rooms are simple but spacious. A bit expensive in my opinion but it's a good option if you don't like big structures.

Learn more and book the Mellow Space Boutique Rooms

Mandarava Resort

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 80€

Beautiful luxury hotel, described as a green setting away from the city, but remaining less than a km from the beach. There are beautiful large rooms and attentive staff. Very good service for a price that remains attractive for this range.

Learn more and book Mandarava Resort

Why sleep in Kata:

Kata, located south of Karon, is actually two separate beaches. When people talk about Kata, they are usually referring to the larger of the two, officially named Kata Yai, while its smaller neighbor is called Kata noi. The latter offers roughly the same beach environment, but in a smaller space. It is also practically private because a good part of the space behind Kata Noi is occupied by a single hotel, the Katathani Phuket Beach Resort.

Kata Main Beach is actually more developed than Karon, with a more varied choice of hotels in range. Aesthetically, it already scores points, Kata being a white sand beach, often with an incredible blue sea. The view of the small island of Ko Pu in the background adds to the setting which turns out to be a good spot for taking superb photos at sunset. These elements make Kata one of the most popular destinations after Patong Beach.

But since it is smaller than Karon, it is usually more crowded and turns out to be quite lively in high season. We can also see that there are more activities around here since it is possible, for example, to go parasailing. However, Kata is less crowded than Patong, so it remains an excellent alternative to the latter. The beach is also known for being a destination of choice for families.

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Kata

Kata Leaf Resort

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 21€

If you like simplicity and friendliness and have a small budget, then this is the obvious choice. Coincidentally, the place is run by a Frenchman, and the hotel is ideally located less than 5 minutes from the beach.

Learn more and book Kata Leaf Resort

Sugar Ohana Poshtel

Note: 9,2 / 10

Budget: from 36€

Hotel on the edge of the secondary road, the location remains ideal, because close to shops and not far from the beach, with modern and comfortable rooms, it is very good value for money on Kata.

Learn more and book the Sugar Ohana Poshtel

OZO Phuket

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 76€

A comfortable hotel, ideal for families, with a large swimming pool and children's play area. The breakfast is good and very varied and in addition, it is well located, a few steps from the beautiful Kata beach.

Learn more and book OZO Phuket

Kata White Villas

Note: 9,5 / 10

Budget: from 29€

This is THE rare pearl of Kata. For this budget, you are a stone's throw from Kata beach but in a quiet area. The rooms are in small double or individual houses, with terrace and some with sea view. The staff is also lovely.

Learn more and book Kata White Villas

KK Boutique hotel

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 42€

I can see you smiling when you read the name, which obviously refers to Karon Kata, the hotel being ideally located between the two beaches. With in addition attentive staff, a rooftop swimming pool, we are still on a very good quality price.

Learn more and book KK Karon Kata Boutique hotel

Q Kata Residence

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 112€

A luxury property, with real apartments, particularly suitable for long stays and families. A very competitive rate for a location halfway between Kata and Karon (500m from each).

Learn more and book Q Kata Residence

My choice of hotel in Karon or Kata:

I put a list under each beach but I wanted to add my personal experience here. The very first hotel tested was north of Karon, I struggled to find which one it was, the Tuana The Phulin Resort, which still existed until before covid, but its management left something to be desired so it was no longer an option…

So during our most recent stay in Phuket, we wanted to stay again in this area of Phuket, but more precisely between Kata and Karon, in Aurico Kata Resort & Spa, a nice establishment with a large room, large swimming pool, not too far from the beach, for an amount of €48 in high season (beginning of February), otherwise it can go down slightly below €40, very good value for money.

4- Patong, the main beach of Phuket

Why sleep at this Phuket beach:

No introduction the sulphurous Patong and its famous street of bangla road, a sort of twin to Pattaya's Walking Street, or Bangkok's Soi Cowboy. In short, you will have understood, Patong is not what I would describe at first glance as family friendly. A paradise for Go Go bars and other places conducive to meeting up for hot nights, Patong is, after Phuket Town, the main city on the island and the most popular seaside resort in Phuket.

With a 3km long beach, Patong Beach is the most popular resort in Phuket because it has a large hotel offering, including a wide choice of cheap hotels due to the high competition. You will also find a plethora of restaurants of all kinds, massage parlors and everything you need in terms of shopping, as well as, you will have understood, a notorious nightlife. What makes it attractive to many is often what others hate. Patong has an air of "too much", too big, crowded, touristy and noisy, and yet, millions of people flock there every year like flies to honey (an expression adopted since the site that helps me to write part of these paragraphs).

It's not me who says it, but here is the opinion of a traveler: " Patong is really special, a destination for tourists, young party animals which is not my thing. A bit too much on all levels… »

That's what is said. But in summary, Patong is a bit like Bangkok, you either love it or hate it.

However, don't be fooled, there are plenty of water activities, it's lively, you don't get bored but it remains a perfectly acceptable place for families, during the day at least, because many of those who frequent Patong are night owls and above all; there are quite a few things to do around.

In terms of attractions, you have:

Two treetop adventure courses nearby, the Ziplinemax and the Flying Hanuman
A Thai boxing stadium, Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen, with fights on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays
The Simon Cabaret and its show involving what some will call drag queens but who we all know here as Ladyboys
A large shopping center to cool off in, the Jungceylon
Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, the local branch of a renowned elephant sanctuary
Wat Doi Thep Nimit Monastery, a small temple overlooking Patong Bay with a chedi inspired by the architecture of the That Phanom, a famous pagoda in northeastern Thailand.

With all this, I can mention the obvious activities like jet skiing (beware of scams, go see KO KO 7 jet ski, it has a very good reputation), parasailing (same, at Ko Ko it will be the safest), longtail rentals to explore the surroundings (the opportunity to go see isolated beaches like Haad Laem Sing), massages on the beach and of course, tasting cocktails on a deckchair.

If you have itchy feet, Patong is surrounded by pretty, very close and discreet lost corners, I'm thinking of the beach Paradise Beach (entrance fee, however, 200 Baht), or next door Tri Trang Beach, but also further south, the small Freedom Beach Cove, not easy to access, but worth the detour. Just separated by a few rocks, you also have to the north of Patong the Kalim beach, which allows you to enjoy a quieter spot while remaining close to the center of activities.

My choice of hotels for Patong beach:

I have stayed in Patong twice for work, especially because it is a central location on Phuket. I had stayed once at The Bird Cage Patong Guesthouse Hotel, a hotel that despite its central location was not that noisy, with a rather comfortable room, and above all, a low price. But the latter apparently did not survive Covid. Another time, I was at Patong Heritage, central location, rooftop pool and a very reasonable price. At the time it was really good value for money, but today I give you some more advantageous suggestions below:

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Patong

I Am O'TEL PATONG

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 12€

The minimum price is for rooms without windows but even those with balconies start at €22, making this a very good choice for this clean, modern establishment, just 5 minutes from the beach and rooftop pool!

Learn more and book I Am O'TEL PATONG

Hip Hostel Patong

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 20€

Close to the action of Bangla Road, but quiet, it's a hostel that's more geared towards young people, with rather charming rooms (there are also dormitories that can be used as family rooms) and close to the beach (10 min).

Learn more and book Hip Hostel Patong

Lemon House Bungalow

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 22€

Located away from the hustle and bustle of the center, this hotel offers large bungalows with kitchens, convenient for long stays. It is a small green setting, quite intimate, with a swimming pool, and all 20 minutes from the beach.

Learn more and book the Lemon House Bungalow

The Charm Resort Phuket

Note: 8,2 / 10

Budget: from 48€

Charming hotel located in the north of Patong, away from the hustle and bustle of the center in a completely rebuilt area. The rooms are spacious, the staff is welcoming and warm and all 100 m from the beach.

Learn more and book Charm Resort Phuket

Hotel Indigo Patong

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 100€

Luxury hotel with an unusual design, the rooms are particularly large and comfortable, the staff is helpful and the swimming pool is there. One downside, however, is not being a light sleeper for the rooms on the road side.

Learn more and book Hotel Indigo Phuket Patong

The Chic Patong

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 15€

Brand new establishment, offering excellent value for money, the rooms are modern, comfortable, welcoming and all just 5 minutes from the beach, it's hard to do better for this price.

Learn more and book The Chic Patong

Buasri Boutique Patong

Note: 8,5 / 10

Budget: from 21€

An option for those who like peace and quiet, with a small budget. It is away from the center but it is quiet, clean and cheap, with a swimming pool and large rooms, not bad for this price.

Learn more and book Buasri Boutique Patong

The Lokal Hotel Phuket

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 31€

Located just a stone's throw from the hustle and bustle of Bangla while being quiet and close to the beach, the hotel has a lovely swimming pool surrounded by vegetation. The welcome is also there, making it a good choice to be in the heart of the action.

Learn more and book The Lokal Hotel Phuket

Le Cartier Guesthouse

Note: 9,4 / 10

Budget: from 57€

If you prefer small structures but with a quality service, this is an interesting choice. The hotel is very well kept, clean, in a very quiet area at night, with spacious rooms and a caring staff.

Learn more and book the Cartier Guesthouse

Four Points Phuket

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 109€

Located next to the Charm Resort, it is also north of Patong and 100m from the beach, but in a more luxurious version, with impeccable service, varied breakfast, very nice swimming pool and comfortable room.

Learn more and book Four Points Phuket Patong

5- Kamala, the beach that is gaining popularity

Why sleep near Kamala Beach:

One of Phuket's main resorts, Kamala was originally a small Muslim fishing village. From this past, there remains a large strip of land 500 m long, used as a Muslim cemetery, on Kamala's 2 km beachfront.

This atypical configuration makes this beach one of the least developed on the island, but in fact, it is a popular holiday destination for many expats, especially, and generally, families and people who want a quieter environment than the 3 main beaches mentioned above. Kamala is a 2 km long curved beach, which in the summer has a beautiful color with shallow waters.

It can be divided into three distinct zones:

The southernmost part of the beach is very shallow, and even rather muddy and rocky. This is where the ever-present Kamala fishermen anchor their boats. Next door you have the Kamala temple and the school. This is also where most of what makes up the city of Kamala is located. So you will have local shops and a choice of cheap hotels.
Then we have the central part, from the park with a tsunami victims memorial to the Muslim cemetery. This is the part with the least construction, including inland. Unlike other beaches, Kamala does not have a road that passes directly along the beach. This allows for a more wooded, wilder seafront. There are a few hotels directly overlooking the beach, but this area of Kamala is best known for its restaurants with terraces and sea views. It is gaining popularity, but given the relaxed atmosphere, we can understand why. Besides, the relaxation trend lately is to rent the famous air beach sofas (which look like hot dogs), I saw them everywhere the last time I was there.
Finally, you have several luxury hotels with renowned beach clubs such as the Pine Beach Bar, which have set up shop on the northern end of the beach.

Among the attractions of Kamala, I will note the presence of a branch of the excellent Oasis Spa that I recommend for a somewhat timeless experience. For sports enthusiasts, know that Kamala is a famous surf spot in Phuket for its waves between the months of May and November. If you want to go on nature outings, there are two small waterfalls at the foot of the mountain behind Kamala, the Bang Wan Waterfall, nothing exceptional but the opportunity to see a bit of jungle.

To dominate the bay and see all of Kamala, there is a viewpoint to the south, the Kalim Viewpoint. You have not far north of Kamala, the beautiful Laem Sing beach, accessible by boat and from which you have a great view from the main road.

The view of Laem Sing.

Kamala is also famous for its theme park, Phuket Fantasea (see their site, available only in English), which covers a significant part of the bay. The site recently included an extension, the Carnival Magic, whose attraction lies in its luminous constructions which have earned it a nomination in the Guinness World Record as the largest LED structure in the world. On the other hand, I would like to point out that it is rather overpriced because the Carnival Magic displays an entrance price of €70 (€80 if you take the option with dinner show).

Phuket Fantasea can also be visited at night and is divided into 3 attractions. Its restaurant with international buffet, the Golden Kinnaree, the “Festival Village” which resembles a kind of night market but which turns out to be more of a buffer zone while waiting for the real show, the "Fantasy of a Kingdom" – a Las Vegas-style theatrical show focusing on Thai culture and history featuring over 150 actors and 30 elephants.

Finally, I end for this beach by mentioning its night market (well, it starts in the afternoon at 15pm), Friday, Monday and Thursday evenings, so if you have a shopping urge, now is the time! To sum up, I would say that Kamala is a nice environment for visitors who want a good beach with a bit of nightlife but who don't want the excesses of Patong.

My choice of hotel near Kamala beaches:

I have never personally slept in this area, but if I had to, here is what my selection would be based on budget:

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Kamala

Bukinn Hotel

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 23€

Small, simple, no-frills hotel with a large, comfortable room and welcoming hosts. It is located in the part that can be considered the city center, south of the beach, on the main road.

Learn more and book the Bukinn Hotel

B Happy Resort

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 26€

Located in a quiet little area, set back from the main road, in the city center area 900 m from the beach, this is a small resort with swimming pool. The owner is welcoming and the rooms are clean.

Learn more and book B Happy Resort

Kamala Beachfront

Note: 8,5 / 10

Budget: from 55€

It is one of the few hotels located on the seafront, in the area where the restaurants are concentrated. It is therefore a great location, with the added bonus of the swimming pool and small bar right on the beautiful beach.

Learn more and book the Kamala Beachfront Apartment

Sunprime Kamala Beach

Note: 8,5 / 10

Budget: from 70€

This is the main hotel complex in the central area, including several swimming pools. It is what is called an "adult only" establishment, where children under 15 are not accepted to maintain the tranquility of the place.

Learn more and book Sunprime Kamala Beach

Orchid House Kamala

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 25€

Small hotel located 30 m from the beach, even if it is the non-swimming part since it is the area next to the school south of Kamala. However, it remains very close to the interesting area and it is not expensive.

Learn more and book Orchid House Kamala Beach

Kamala Resotel

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 37€

An excellent value for money with a name that is certainly not original but which offers beautiful rooms, a modern setting with a rooftop pool, only 400 m from the beach in the southern area. This would probably be my personal choice.

Learn more and book the Kamala Resotel

Layalina Hotel

Note: 8,6 / 10

Budget: from 56€

Another hotel on the seafront, this is a charming little establishment, with a small swimming pool, located on the southern part of Kamala. The staff is attentive, the rooms are huge and breakfast is brought every morning.

Learn more and book the Layalina Hotel

InterContinental Phuket

Note: 9,2 / 10

Budget: from 300€

Located at the very north of the beach, this is the ultimate luxury. For the price, it is a classy hotel with several restaurants including the Pine Beach bar. Be careful though, the main area is actually across the road.

Learn more and book the InterContinental Phuket Resort

6- Bang Tao and Surin beaches

Bang Tao is the 2nd largest beach in Phuket, it is not really a city but a whole area occupied by some of the largest and most luxurious resorts on the island, such as the Banyan Tree that I mentioned above, but also the Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, the Angsana Phuket Resort or the prestigious SAii Laguna Phuket Resort. Its neighbor to the south, Surin, allows a wider budget choice but is the opposite, the beach is very small if we take into account the main area, because a second part further north is privatized by two hotels, Amanpuri et The surin.

Why sleep near Bang Tao:

It is hard to imagine that less than 50 years ago, Bang Tao looked like a field of ruins, these lands once containing a large quantity of tin ores, which began to be exploited in the 17th century by the English, the Dutch and then the French before the Chinese took over towards the end of the 19th.

This is why Bang Tao is now dotted with small lakes and ponds, which are actually the old holes left by the mines that were excavated. In the late 1970s, the value of tin dropped significantly, forcing the mines of Bang Tao to cease operations. The locals then looked for other sources of income. The holes now filled with water, with the proximity of the beach, were seen as the ideal place to help Phuket's booming tourism industry.

Nowadays it makes pretty lagoons.

With the stretch of sand remaining untouched, significant funds were invested to rehabilitate this vast area and transform it into a hotel complex today known as Laguna Phuket and which incorporates all the luxury hotels mentioned in the introduction. In addition to these establishments, there is a large golf course, villas for long term rentals and a small shopping complex called Boat Avenue Phuket. This is where most of the restaurants in this central section of Bang Tao are concentrated.

Today we find remains of the Chinese communities that inhabited the area with a sanctuary, the Sam Ong Hoo Shrine, even though nowadays the population is predominantly Muslim with no less than 4 mosques in the area. However, not far from the Chinese sanctuary, you have a Buddhist temple with a beautiful wooden house, the Wat Choeng Thale. Besides, it is a term that you could find in several places because it is the name of the sub-district. Choeng Thale is actually the name of the main town, Bang Tao being ultimately only the name of the beach, even if, in the town itself, there is a Buddhist temple called Wat Bang Thao.

The city center of Choeng Thale/Bang Tao is located at the very south of the beach, this is where you will have the cheapest accommodation options for this area of Phuket which has the advantage of being in the middle of the island in the north-south axis. It is also halfway between Patong and the airport. It is in this southern area that you will also have a wide choice of restaurants on the beach, with a particularly chill atmosphere in the evening. Note in passing that the city of Choeng Thale can also be used as an accommodation area to go to Surin, whose beach is only 1,5 km away. For families, you have a water park nearby, the Blue Tree Lagoon.

Bang Tao is a long beach 6 km, mostly bordered by fir trees, giving it a fairly preserved air. In its middle, you have the lagoon and the big luxury hotels and at the northern tip, the name changes since it is known as Serve Beach. This small stretch of beach is usually deserted and also bordered by a fir forest, and delimited by a river passing behind. The landscape is quite different from the rest of Phuket because this isolated space has remained wild, because Layan is part of the Sirinat National Park whose main area is directly south of the airport. This also includes the small island of Ko Kala, accessible on foot at low tide but also perfect for a short kayak trip.

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Bang Tao

Baan Fran Sim Da

Note: 9,7 / 10

Budget: from 28€

Small structure in the middle of an area set back from the beach, 1 km. It is convenient for families with the possibility of having connecting rooms and the swimming pool in the middle which is always appreciated.

Learn more and book Baan Fran Sim Da

Journey Residence

Note: 8,5 / 10

Budget: from 35€

Small family hotel 800 m from the beach (10 min walk), it is in a quiet area so a little isolated but if you like small simple structures with clean and recent rooms, it is very suitable.

Learn more and book the Journey Residence

Hilton Garden Inn

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 70€

Brand new hotel located south of the lagoon, 1 km from the beach. We appreciate the welcome and the kindness of the staff, the cleanliness as well as the two swimming pools on the roof. For this price it is rather interesting.

Learn more and book Hilton Garden Inn Phuket Bang Tao

Beach Village House CH2

Note: 8,8 / 10

Budget: from 31€

This is a private cottage and not a hotel. Local welcome guaranteed as well as its location, more in a residential area, you have to like tranquility because it is set back from the beach, not far from Baan Fran Sim Da.

Learn more and book Beach Village House CH2

Momento Bangtao Beach

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 64€

Establishment renovated following change of ownership, it is ideally located 200 m from the beach in an area with several shops nearby. The rooms are rather modern and clean.

Learn more and book Momento Bangtao Beach

Casuarina Apartment

Note: 9,1 / 10

Budget: from 253€

For this price, it is a very large apartment (300 m²) with 2 bedrooms and a private garden. Ideal for families, there is also a swimming pool available for guests. All this is less than 500 m from the beach.

Learn more and book Casuarina Shores Apartment

Why sleep at Surin Beach:

Surin has changed over the years. In the past, it was known as THE beach for its restaurants, Beach Club, jet skis and its (too) many rows of lounge chairs lined up. While some lounge chairs are still partly there, the jet skis have disappeared and the Beach Clubs have given way to street food vendors with restaurants grouped mainly at the ends of the beach and the atmosphere has calmed down considerably. It must be admitted that Surin Beach offers a special vibe.

Already, because it is quite small, less than 800 m long, it has a more intimate side. With rather fine sand and its much more natural appearance, personally, I find that it is overall a beautiful beach. This is due to its particular configuration since there is no construction on a width of 200 m all along the beach (if we ignore a skate park and a parking lot in the center).

The northern spot now offers to sit at small tables under the coconut trees and enjoy local Thai cuisine in one of the many small food stalls. Pretty good local atmosphere, even if by definition, it's quite popular during the day.

I would say that you have to go there with full knowledge of the facts, because Surin is considered a little isolated from tourist activities, so either you have to have a vehicle or look for a rather relaxed spot.

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Surin

6th Avenue Surin

Note: 8,2 / 10

Budget: from 21€

Hotel tested by myself, the place is quiet, the room is a studio with kitchenette and living room and between its location quite close to two beaches, and its swimming pool, for this price, it is rather good value for money.

Learn more and book 6th Avenue Surin Beach

AM Surin Place

Note: 8,2 / 10

Budget: from 28€

Located north of the beach, 300 m from the latter, the hotel lacks personality but has the merit of having spacious rooms, a small swimming pool and many services in the immediate vicinity (massage, vehicle rental, mini-markets, etc.) making it good value for money.

Learn more and book the AM Surin Place

Outrigger Surin

Note: 9,3 / 10

Budget: from 94€

A luxury hotel located 200 m from the beach, it is a recent change of ownership that has brought a complete overhaul of the establishment. It is rather successful, with a modest swimming pool, like the size of the hotel, a gym and impeccable service.

Learn more and book the Outrigger Surin Beach Resort

Surin Bay Inn

Note: 8,4 / 10

Budget: from 25€

Low price for a small hotel located just 200m from the beach, along the only road crossing Surin. The rooms, some with balconies, are quite simple but the welcome is warm.

Learn more and book the Surin Bay Inn

Norn Talay

Note: 8,2 / 10

Budget: from 64€

We go straight up a notch in price, but I don't really find the intermediate options interesting. This hotel was recently established at the end of the beach to the south. It has a beautiful sea view as do the two swimming pools above. The rooms, while not particularly stylish, are spacious and clean.

Learn more and book Norn Talay

Twinpalms Phuket

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 168€

This is the main resort in the heart of Surin. With its XXL rooms, its long swimming pool and its tropical garden, it is luxury in a plus plus version. Also located right in front of the sea 200 m from the beach since it is the neighbor of the Outrigger Surin Beach Resort.

Learn more and book Twinpalms Phuket

My choice of hotel towards Bang Tao and Surin:

I once slept near Surin, in an area between the south of Bang Tao and Surin itself. It was at 6th Avenue Surin Beach, which I added to the list above, it attracted me for its modern look and its rooftop pool. It is also 700 m from the south of Bang Tao beach, even if this part of Bang Tao is clearly not interesting for swimming, and it is also located 700 m from Surin. It was good value for money since I paid around €30 (it even goes down to €20 in low season).

Another reason for this choice is that we were already in Bang Tao during the first part of our stay. Since we had to change hotels and transport our luggage by scooter, I preferred to stay nearby. The hotel in Bang Tao was the luxurious Banyan Tree, in a room with a small private pool. A night at 300 € that we could not afford in normal times, but we had won a luxury stay in phuket with three nights there, plus a voucher for a Spa session at the prestigious Oasis Spa during an event organized by the TAT (Thai Tourism Organization).

7- Near the airport: for peace and quiet

Why sleep around this area of Phuket:

Apart from the obvious reason of proximity to the airport, as the title suggests, it is guaranteed to be relatively uncrowded, if that is what you are interested in. It is among the few beaches in Phuket to have remained wild and natural as 20 years ago, apart from the fact of crossing planes coming to land at the airport (a photo spot also famous for that). After that goes without saying, you will be far from the main attractions of the island; Phuket Town for example, is 30 km away.

If you are looking for a place far from civilization and isolated that is all yours, this is the place to go.

Being close to the airport is always a plus after a long journey or an early evening arrival, and being able to find a good hotel to stay in without having to drive for an hour. Being in the north also allows you to be closer to Phang Nga Bay, if you want to leave early to arrive before everyone else. Likewise if your next destination is Khao Lak, it also brings you closer.

There is a choice of 3 main beaches:

Mai Khao Beach
Nai Yang Beach
Nai Thon Beach

Mai Khao Beach:

Mai Khao Beach.

First, directly behind the airport you have nothing less than the largest beach on the island, Mai khao. So long, in fact, that when you reach the northern tip, the name changes to become Sai Kaew Beach. On the tip, not far from the Sarasin bridge connecting Phuket to the mainland, you also have a beach called Pak Phra Beach. This whole area is known to be a breeding ground for leatherback turtles, who come to lay eggs there between November and February. There is an active conservation program, with olive ridley turtles also laying eggs near Mai Khao beach, in order to protect this endangered fauna.

As the saying goes " What if luxury was space?", with its 10 km length, Mai Khao has managed to attract several high-end hotels including a JW Marriott, an Anantara and a Renaissance, all clustered in the central part of the beach.

Near this corner is an attraction that I did not know about before writing this article, Baan Ar Jor, a house dating from 1936, surrounded by a garden and recently renovated to become a restaurant renowned for its fine Thai gastronomy, and the possibility of sleeping on site (see website here, in English). You have next to the airport, a water park, the Splash Jungle Water Park, with all the necessary slides, wave pool and restaurants for a relaxing time with the family.

One of the disadvantages of Mai Khao is its muddy waters for part of the year, which are not very welcoming for swimming and which explains the unpopularity of the place and therefore its lack of development.

Nai Yang Beach:

A little further south, you have the small Nai Yang beach, near which you have a golf course. Basically, it is a miniature version of Mai Khao. The overall appearance is the same, namely, a wide sandy beach, bordered by a forest. The beach has a special feature since the entire northern part is included in the Sirinat National Park (paying area therefore).

There is a wide strip of 350 m from the seaside that remains fairly unexploited, but with a few decent hotels. Unlike Mai Khao which is a bit dead in terms of atmosphere, there is a minimum of life around Nai Yang, if only along the road leading to the airport, which passes behind 1 km from the beach. But it is especially at the seaside, in the central part, around the new Grand NaiYang Beach resort that you will find a whole series of restaurants, bars, massage parlors and mini-markets.

In summary, Nai Yang Beach is a beautiful beach, which has an "off the beaten track" side, often overlooked by new visitors to Phuket. Nai Yang remains peaceful like most beaches in the north, but is popular enough especially with travelers already familiar with the island to have its share of animation, with the advantage of being only 5 minutes from the airport, not bad anyway.

Nai Thon Beach:

You may know Nai Thon without knowing it. Indeed, you may have already seen this famous photo of an exotic wooden staircase leading to a beach, an iconic image of Phuket that often circulates on Instagram. Well, it is precisely in the south of Nai Thon that this photo was taken!

Nai Thon Beach is one of those little-known beaches on the west coast of Phuket, far from crowded areas like Patong Beach or Kata Beach. People who choose to stay here usually do so with full knowledge of the facts, in order to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of a village with just the right amount of restaurants and hotels to not feel too isolated.

Nai Thon is about 7 km away, located halfway between Nai Yang, 6 km to the north, and Bang Tao, 7 km to the south. Heading towards Bang Tao, you will find, just 2 km from Nai Thon, a “secret beach” of Phuket called Banana Beach. It is often frequented by young visitors who travel there on scooters and park along the road to enjoy this wild beach. Although it is not directly accessible from the main road and requires going down a steep path, it is certainly worth a visit for those looking for a more secluded experience.

Which hotel near the airport:

Click to see my hotel suggestions near the airport

HOTELS IN MAI KHAO

Wayla villa

Note: 9,4 / 10

Budget: from 30€

Located 15 minutes from the beach, this is a pleasant family hotel, with a warm welcome, modern and well-maintained rooms. There is also a free shuttle available to the airport.

Learn more and book the Wayla villa

Maikhao Beach GH

Note: 9,5 / 10

Budget: from 34€

Small guesthouse with only three small bungalows, 350 m from the beach, you will be in a quiet area. A bicycle is available to take you to the restaurant or the beach.

Learn more and book Maikhao Beach Guest House

Coriacea Boutique Resort

Note: 8,3 / 10

Budget: from 45€

Located just 10 minutes from the airport, this is a nice beachfront property with a pool. Good restaurant, lovely staff and very spacious rooms for a fairly reasonable price. However, it is a bit isolated with nothing around.

Learn more and book Coriacea Boutique Resort

Maikhao Home Garden

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 35€

It's a bit isolated, out of the way, and 2,4 km from the beach, so it's best to have a vehicle, but the setting is particularly pleasant, with friendly owners, a swimming pool and garden, and functional two-room bungalows.

Learn more and book Maikhao Home Garden Bungalow

Maikhao Beach Residence

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 45€

This is a fairly simple little hotel in a rural setting 400m from the beach. The rooms are spacious, the staff attentive and there is a pool to pamper yourself in the sun.

Learn more and book Maikhao Beach Residence

Melia Phuket Mai Khao

Note: 9,0 / 10

Budget: from 220€

Besides returning to the Banyan Tree, if I had to try to choose a luxury hotel, it would be this one without hesitation. It's classy, a beautiful complex, green and well maintained by the sea. Beautiful room (huge suite of 78 m²) and attentive and smiling staff.

Learn more and book Melia Phuket Mai Khao

HOTELS IN NAI YANG

Sun & Sea Nai Yang

Note: 9,6 / 10

Budget: from 25€

Family structure with a wonderful welcome thanks to the adorable manager, always ready to help. It is a good location, quiet and only 10 minutes from the beach and bars. The rooms are also comfortable.

Learn more and book Sun & Sea Nai Yang Phuket

Kokotel Nai Yang

Note: 8,8 / 10

Budget: from 34€

Kokotel is a well known chain here for their good value for money and the one in Nai Yang is no exception. The hotel is brand new, design with a beautiful rooftop pool and the beach just 200m away.

Learn more and book Kokotel Phuket Nai Yang Beach

Naiyang Seaview Place

Note: 8,6 / 10

Budget: from 48€

If you prefer establishments right on the seafront, here is an option for you. The hotel is located in the heart of the lively area with restaurants and shops nearby.

Learn more and book Naiyang Seaview Place Resort

IDeo Phuket Hotel

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 26€

Good location, 5 minutes from the beach, close to restaurants and bars. If we add the small, recent hotel side, particularly clean with rooms overlooking greenery, it is excellent value for money.

Learn more and book the Ideo Phuket Hotel

Naiyang Park Resort

Note: 8,8 / 10

Budget: from 42€

Separated from the sea only by the small road crossing Nai Yang, this resort is a small green setting, a beautiful hotel composed of magnificent spacious bungalows, very clean and attentive staff.

Learn more and book Naiyang Park Resort

Dewa Phuket

Note: 8,5 / 10

Budget: from 58€

A well-known hotel offering an excellent level of service with spacious rooms, welcoming staff and ideally located on the beach, it is very good value for money.

Learn more and book Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas

HOTELS IN NAI THON

Naithon Beach Residence

Note: 9,2 / 10

Budget: from 46€

You only have to cross the small road through the village to be on the beach, so top location, also close to several restaurants. In addition, the welcome is warm, you feel at home.

Learn more and book Naithon Beach Residence

Pak Dee At Naithon

Note: 8,7 / 10

Budget: from 55€

An option for those who like a form of independence because it is actually a series of condominiums where one building is used to rent rooms by the night. The complex is close to the beach and allows you to have rooms with balconies of a good standard.

Learn more and book Pak Dee At Naithon

Naithonburi Beach Resort

Note: 8,8 / 10

Budget: from 51€

Central location for this beautiful hotel managed by attentive staff. There are two swimming pools, one magnificent surrounded by a tropical garden and the other close to the beach. The rooms are particularly spacious.

Learn more and book Naithonburi Beach Resort

Pullman Arcadia

Note: 8,9 / 10

Budget: from 150€

The Pullman dominates the hill north of the beach. A heavenly site with lush vegetation around, a beautiful room, and a main pool with great views of the ocean, and of course easy access to the beach. The breakfast is also delicious.

Learn more and book the Pullman Arcadia

Opinions, suggestions on your favorite hotels, don't hesitate to comment!

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Roman

11/05/2015

Comments:

Duck
15/07/2015
Thank you very much for this very comprehensive article which helps me a lot to prepare our trip.
Roman
15/07/2015
Looking forward to 😉
Mona
04/11/2015
Hello, thank you very much for this article, it was very useful for us to choose our place to stay in Phuket. We arrived yesterday in Rawai and we are delighted by the tranquility of the place where we are staying and by the beach of Nai Harn. 🙂
Roman
04/11/2015
Hello !
Thank you for your message, always a pleasure to see the positive effects, and live too, have a great stay in Phuket!
Mona
06/11/2015
hihi yes I like to give my opinion hot especially when it's positive! in short as expected the weather is not great but we quickly get used to the rain and the waves ^_^ I think that no matter the weather Thailand is a pleasant country. Good luck!
Lejeune
14/12/2015
Hello, thank you for your blog. We are arriving in Phuket in February 2016. There are 4 of us. I have already been to this beautiful country 10 years ago where I visited the north, the golden triangle. We have booked our hotels. I am looking for a driver who will do all our transfers from the airport to the hotel where we change 4 times. Do you have an email address to recommend correct prices without surprises? Thank you, sincerely, LE JEUNE
Roman
14/12/2015
Hello and thank you for your comment. I don't know anyone in Phuket that I could recommend naturally, however you can see with Azurever who offers this service.
JMi
02/01/2016
Hello Romain…thank you for this very complete and extremely interesting blog for the future novice traveler that I am.
I will be in Patong on a "romantic" trip in April 2016 for a short week and I have already found the hotel where I will stay, but I am rather stuck, even hesitant, about the things to do as a priority and especially not to miss.
What would you advise me to see or do there to leave with stars in my head? ... knowing that being there only for a week, I want to optimize my time fully and we are not there to sunbathe but to discover a country and its many wonders. Thank you in advance.
Roman
04/01/2016
Hello,
For a romantic trip I wouldn't really have recommended Patong to be honest... in a week you can take an excursion to one of the surrounding islands like Koh Lon, go to Phang Nga Bay, visit the south of the island (Promthep Cape, Nai Harn beaches, Karon/Kata), further north Surin beach, see the fishing village in Rawai or that of Koh Sire and the east coast of Phuket.
In April it falls during the Thai New Year (if you are there around the 13th, 14th, 15th) so there will be people...
ali
11/01/2016
Hello Romain
Thanks again for your valuable advice.
Finally we decided to go as a family to Phuket, we were told about Karon Beach, is it good for families?
What is the best hotel for a family with 2 children aged 3 and 8?
Budget 100 euros / night
I would like to book in advance for my arrival
We will stay 15 days in Thailand
Bangkok phuket and kosh samui
Please give us a nice itinerary, it would be really cool with hotels and activities for children.
It's a bit subjective but you work miracles Romain
cordially
Roman
12/01/2016
Hello,
I don't know your dates so can't say if suitable hotels are available, but here are some examples:
On Karon Beach: Phunawa Resort (see here)
On Nai Harn: a little more expensive but great, Onyx Style Villas (see it)
I invite you to do your research on Agoda which I use very often for hotel reservations, you should find what you are looking for there (you can choose the number of people per room, filter by cost, location/beach etc.)
On the other hand, I do not intend to establish itineraries on request (except for payment if necessary...) because managing the blog alone would take up too much of my time given all the requests... I certainly work miracles (I thank you for that) but I also have limits, don't blame me.
Sincerely,
Roman
Laura
28/05/2016
Hello!
Very interesting article! I'm going to Phuket for 5 nights in October. So I'm looking for 2 different places to sleep. Even reading the article, I don't know which city to choose!
Do you recommend sleeping in Phuket town? Because I think that from Patong, I can still go there for a day without sleeping there… What do you think?
Thank you in advance! 🙂
Roman
28/05/2016
Hello,
To be honest I don't really recommend sleeping on Patong, my personal taste by the way but a quieter beach like Kata/Kuta. Phuket Town is otherwise accessible in a day, yes.
Sacha
07/09/2016
Hello, and congratulations for this complete and very interesting blog.
My partner and I are planning to come to Thailand for 15 days during the end of year period.
This is our first trip to this country, and we decided to stay in Phuket.
We are thinking of booking a hotel near Nai Yang. On the one hand to be quiet and to be able to enjoy the deserted beach and on the other hand if the desire to leave the island arises we would be close to the exit.
From what I've read, transport on the island is a bit congested at times and we wouldn't want to waste too much time on transport.
What do you think about this choice? and how many days do you think are necessary to visit the island?
Thank you in advance.
Kind regards.
Roman
09/09/2016
Hello,
Actually, 5/6 days are enough to visit the island. You can always take advantage of the remaining time to move around the surroundings, I am thinking in particular of Phan Nga Bay and Khao Sok National Park.
In Nai Yang, you will be closer to the "exit" of course, but it is a little isolated... there is really not much around and so unless you take your own transport (scooter rental being the most widespread) it risks leading you to use taxis which are often overpriced on Phuket.
I honestly find it a shame to go and explore a country so far away and choose to settle in just one place (even if it is always possible to explore around, of course) but I dare to hope that this first immersion will make you want to see more 😉
Christine
19/09/2016
Hello,
We are going to Phuket in November, thinking of staying in the Patong area (not directly in a hotel near the beach but a little further away)
What to visit in this region? Are there trips to other islands?
For transportation from the airport to the hotel, do you have any advice?
thank you in advance
Christine
Roman
19/09/2016
Hello,
Quite honestly, it depends on your interests. There are viewpoints like the Big Buddha (with a 45m statue as a bonus), the southern tip of Phrom Thep Cape, the Karon Beach viewpoint. There are of course the surrounding beaches, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin, Rawai. The city of Phuket Town with its neo-colonial buildings. If there is a temple to visit, it is Wat Chalong. Excursions to the surrounding islands are of course possible.
For transportation from the airport, no better advice than to take the official taxis, there is a small yellow stand outside on the right when exiting the airport building. These are yellow and red taxis. Expect to pay around 550 baht to reach Patong plus 100 baht airport tax.
Lahlou
14/12/2016
Hello, I really like this blog because it talks a lot about beautiful beaches.
I plan to spend 5 nights in Phuket with 2 friends, we are 3 boys of 21 years old and we would like to make the most of the beach and the sun. And at nightfall, bars and lively places. Our main points are the beach, nightlife and diving activities with a budget of 60 euros per night. What areas would you recommend? Maybe even a neighboring island would do the trick.
Roman
14/12/2016
Hello,
Given your criteria, I would say that Patong should be suitable, otherwise you can go to Koh Phi Phi which will be perfect for you I think!
clemency
19/12/2016
Hello Romain and a big thank you for all this super useful information! We are a family of 4 and I think we will try Nai Harn. Otherwise, we were thinking of going to Koh Lanta from Phuket, do you have a corner of the island to recommend? The idea is then to go to Krabi AO Nang, a good starting point to spend 2 days in the Khao Sok natural park. If you have a point of view on this itinerary, I am interested 😉 Otherwise do you also have advice on Khao Sok, should we go there in backpack mode or is it better to go through an agency (not too expensive) which will manage the hotel on site, the walks, etc.? Thank you very much Romain, your advice is precious 😉 Clémence
Roman
19/12/2016
Hello,
Well, there's not much to say about the order of visits. I haven't been to Koh Lanta yet so unfortunately I can't advise you on which beach to go...
Concretely it depends on what you want to do there, basically, it is possible to go there in "backpack" mode by taking a minivan that will go to the main "village" where most of the hotels inland are located. But since the best thing is to sleep on and explore the surroundings of the lake, the easiest thing is to take a tour, knowing that all the hotels in the village will offer them for 2500 baht per person for 2 days and 1 night.
Clemence
20/12/2016
Understood, thanks for your advice!
Jean Chris
22/12/2016
Hello and congratulations for this blog
We are traveling as a family of 5 with my wife and our 3 daughters aged 11,13, 15 and XNUMX. We have several unanswered questions for Phuket:
Can taxis take 5 people?
Are there any minibus-Van from Phuket airport? Price?
Where can we take the boats to go to the Ko Phi Phi islands? What is the fare?
Where can we take the boats to go to Phang Nga Bay? What is the fare?
What are the most beautiful islands to visit?
Can you go kayaking there?
In which part of PHUKET would it be most interesting to book considering all these things?
Thank you very much for the future answers.
Where can we go snorkeling?
Roman
23/12/2016
Hello,
If you squeeze in, then yes, taxis will normally take 5 but there are also larger taxis (Toyota Innova or Toyata Fortuner) which have more space, they generally ask for a supplement but you plus your luggage, you will never fit in a normal taxi.
There are also minivans that travel to the main beaches of Phuket. It will depend on which beach you are going to but it is probably around 1200 baht.
Boats to Koh Phi Phi can be taken from Phuket Town's main pier, Rassada Pier. Fares range from 600 to 800 Baht per person, you can book online following this link.
If by "going" to the bay you mean visiting it from Phuket, you will need to go through a local agency, who will then take care of the transfer from your hotel. If you really plan to go there and sleep there, then it is more by land. From the bus terminal, you will find a connection to Phang Nga Town for 80 baht per person.
I am not an expert in the area, but if you do not have the time and the budget, try to go to the Similans Islands. Otherwise you have the group of islands around Koh Hong which are famous.
It is possible to kayak in this area, yes.
I would say stay close to Phuket Town, but if you want to be close to a beach, Patong is the closest but not the best, so I would say Kata and possibly Rawai.
You can snorkel almost everywhere on the islands around Phuket.
jean chris
26/12/2016
Thank you very much for all these answers.
Fares for Ko Phi Phi are round trip or one way only
Is it reasonable to rent a car and is driving safe in PHUKET
Is it easy to park near the different beaches?
Thank you very much
aysel
27/12/2016
Hello,
Thank you for all this information, the agency offers me the Novotel in Kata, what do you think? Thank you
Roman
28/12/2016
Hello,
If it is the Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa, I do not know it personally but if I rely on the reviews, they are generally very good, plus Kata is a beautiful beach so rather a good choice.
Farid
09/01/2017
Hello,
Thank you for this very well-informed description.
I had one or two questions, I plan to go to Phuket at the end of February, beginning of March for two weeks, we will be 4 adults and 3 children aged 3 and 7 and we have opted to rent a villa, but to tell the truth I don't know in which area we would be best to enjoy a beautiful beach and to be close to excursions, shopping and other visits, thank you in advance for your help.
Roman
10/01/2017
Hello,
It's not easy to answer, because often the villas are further away from the beaches and I don't know your budget.... By doing a search, here is roughly what I remember:
Also see what is available on AirBnB.
Hope this helps a little.
Farid
10/01/2017
Thank you Romain,
I will consult these ads and continue my research on this site, just a note these ads are located a little everywhere in the Phuket region, I would like if it is possible for you to indicate to me the best place in terms of beach, visit and catering for a family with young children, thank you again and happy to have been able to exchange.
Roman
10/01/2017
The visits are mainly on the southern part of the island so for that, pretty much any beach will do, after I would say that with children, beaches like Nai Harn and Kata are good.
leandri
01/03/2017
Hello
We will be in Phuket from 24/04 to 29/04. We want to visit the Similan Islands and Phang Nga Bay in the north, then go south to see Kho Phi Phi Leh. Is it better to take a hotel in the first 3 days and then go down to the south afterwards, or rather find a central hotel on the island to do all our excursions?
Knowing that to move from hotel to hotel on the island, what is the best means of transport?
Thank you in advance for your answer.
Roman
01/03/2017
Hello,
If you plan on doing day trips mainly, I don't think it's essential to change hotels. If you do change, you can either take taxis or shared tuk tuks to get around.
Delphia LAPOUILLE
31/03/2017
hello again after the one in Bangkok I come here lol so here we have other ideas with our 2 children 6 and 10 years old, and there for the moment even less idea of where to stay, still the same budget max 50 euros unless hotel with water park to spend there for example 2 days at this time the max 120 euros per day, we would like to discover the markets, the excursions, for the beaches I favor khao lak, ko tao for diving, I don't have too many ideas for phuket yet do you have any nice suggestions with 2 children, both in terms of accommodation and activities?
Roman
31/03/2017
You have 3 destinations there… In this case I have never been to Khao Lak, so I can't advise on this destination… As for Tao, it's small, so no matter the place, it's not really a problem to get around, just stay maybe on the main beach (next to the port) to avoid the prohibitive transport costs on the island. And Phuket, Surin beach is not bad to be quiet. For excursions, I advise you to look at the company Two Sea Tour managed by a Frenchman, it has an excellent reputation.
Lapouille Delphia
31/03/2017
Thank you for your response, ideas for accommodation in Phuket? I'm going to Two Sea Tower right away.
Roman
31/03/2017
No more suggestions other than by doing a little research, I come across for example the Wonderful Pool Guesthouse at Kata on the beach not bad either. After the choice can vary depending on the date of your stay since by doing a search it shows me only those available on the dates that I put randomly…
Lapouille Delphia
02/04/2017
Ok thank you very much have a nice day
Nono
03/04/2017
Mental
A big thank you for your blog, it's really the most complete I've found! I'll take this opportunity to ask you a few questions if you have time.
With a friend we are going to Phuket from May 1st to May 14th. We booked a hotel for 8 nights near the airport (there was a great deal on it that's why) so we planned for the week in Phuket a lot of excursions like: Koh Phi Phi, Similan Islands, and why not James Bond Island. Then for the days when we have nothing planned we would like to visit Phuket that is to say if there are markets, pretty places, pretty beaches!
What is the best way to get around Phuket?
Also, where can we go from Tuesday 9th to Saturday 13th other than Phuket? We have a plane on Sunday.
We are really looking for beautiful landscapes, as we will have seen pretty heavenly beaches, we would like to see Thailand in another form too!
If you have any ideas.. that would be cool ahah
thanks in advance
Roman
03/04/2017
Hello,
Thanks for the compliment, it's always nice! Ideally the scooter remains the best way, in my personal opinion, the downside is that you must have your international license (you still have time to do it) and above all you must know how to drive, what's more, on the left, and Thai driving is not allowed for everyone in my opinion... so there are local tuk tuks or taxis but they are expensive... For your days between the 9th and the 13th, you can go to Khao Sok National Park for 2/3 days and the rest to Krabi.
Nani
06/04/2017
Hello Romain,
I would like to have a romantic stay in April 2018 for a week with my husband. What place can you recommend for us with a baby who should be 10 months old? We would have liked to be able to go on excursions to the nearby islands.
Thank you for your reply
Roman
06/04/2017
Hello,
If you are looking towards Phuket, you can stay near Khao Lak, then take an excursion to the Similan Islands. If Phuket is not a must, you can for example stay in the Krabi region. There are nice excursions possible, I think of Koh Krandan, Koh Ngai or Koh Mook.
Pierre Fayard
12/09/2017
Hello Romain,
Thank you for your great blog first of all, it's very good work. We are going to Phuket for 3 weeks with two friends and we would like to find not a hotel but a villa not far from the beach. I tried Airbnb but it seems overpriced, are there local agencies that rent villas (monthly if necessary) and if so, do they have websites? I didn't find anything.
Roman
12/09/2017
Hello,
I don't know what your dates of stay are, but you can find some private villas on Agoda, see for example the Bamboo Garden Villa, near Nai Harn. Otherwise a little research gives me some links like these: Rentalvillaphuket.com, or the service Home, or finally phuketbestrental.com, the latter seeming more expensive to me…
Generally speaking, in terms of price, I don't think that these links will bring you better than Airbnb because I imagine that you will be there in high season, right?
Pruvost
04/11/2017
Hello, we will be in Phuket, I am thinking of the Novotel Surin from February 23 to March 12, it will be our first time in Thailand with a 1 year old child, is this a good choice of hotel and period?
Advice is welcome
Excursion visit internal flight etc…
Thank you
Roman
04/11/2017
Hello,
Surin is a good choice of beach and the time too. To be honest I don't know what you want and I'm clearly not an expert on Phuket, but some suggestions include a trip to Khao Sok National Park, a trip to Phang Nga Bay, you can see elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: http://www.phuketelephantsanctuary.org, possibly a trip to Koh Phi Phi. After that if you have booked your hotel only in Phuket it limits the visits to day trips, which is a bit of a shame, it may be interesting to stay elsewhere, for example Khao Lak and go to the Similan Islands.
pruvost
04/11/2017
Thank you for this feedback, we would indeed like to do authentic and less touristy excursions, if from Khao Lak authenticity is there then why not
Roman
04/11/2017
Let's say that finding excursions in less touristy areas, you would have to do just that not to go on an excursion... In general, excursions are optimized for places that are used to receiving a lot of tourists and have a recognized attractiveness. Less touristy areas will be neglected because they are considered less interesting, either for reasons of distance or other. I'm thinking of Koh Lanta, a less touristy island but therefore less pretty in terms of beaches, it is less like "paradise on earth" than other islands/beaches.
Less touristy near Phuket, there are for example Koh Yai Yai and Koh Yao Noi. Khao Lak is quite popular with the French and generally well appreciated, personally I have never been there so I can't really say more...
Pascal Buno
23/02/2018
Hello Romain,
We are two couples going to Thailand and we are going to Phuket between March 29 and 31. In which neighborhood should we sleep to visit Phuket town and Patong? In addition, we want to visit Phang Nga Bay. How to get there from Phuket and where do you recommend we go to make the quiet excursion?
thank you in advance
Roman
24/02/2018
Hello,
In this case I would tend to recommend Rawai. Personally I had visited the bay by going to the source… that is to say by going to pick up a boat directly in one of the villages bordering the bay. We went there in the middle of the afternoon for a tour of about 4 hours, just me and my wife on the boat, 2000 Baht. To put it simply, plenty of agencies should be able to organize this for you on the day, see if there are any more flexible on their schedules for more peace of mind.
Sandrine
04/11/2018
Hello Romain, a friend and I are going to Phuket for 6 days. We want to spend a day on the Similian Islands, visit Phuket and then do Koh Phi Phi and the surrounding islands, Railay and Krabi. Can you tell me if it is feasible in terms of timing and what are the nicest places to stay on a small or medium budget. Thank you
Roman
04/11/2018
Hello,
Clearly it's too much, it's almost a day per place, which therefore does not take into account the transport times between each... personally over 6 days, I would choose either the Phuket, Similan, and possibly Phi Phi option, or Krabi Railay, and again possibly Phi Phi, but all would be an impossible race. As for the places, well that would already depend on the option you plan to take but personally, in addition to giving me a hand (by interposed commission) I invite you to snoop on Agoda to find your happiness!
Sandrine Margnac
04/11/2018
Thank you very much Romain for your answer. I will review my journey then. Difficult to make choices!
What is your commission and for what services?
Thank you
Roman
04/11/2018
I am an Agoda affiliate, so if you book a hotel through the link I gave you or through the search tool integrated into my site (on the right), I will receive a commission 😉
Lionel
27/12/2018
Hello Romain,
We are going to leave with my wife from 08.12.2019 to 19.12.2019 to Phuket but we don't really know where to stay... Do you have any ideas knowing that we want,
A very nice seafront hotel with swimming pool
we are looking for peace and quiet, shopping, visits, restaurants, but not necessarily “party” outings
We don't have a specific budget (max 6000 euros for 2 people for the hotel)
thank you in advance
Roman
27/12/2018
I just replied to you by email 😉 For the other readers, I would say the same thing, not easy to combine all these wishes but basically I remember the Banyan tree phuket, The Shore at Katathani south of Kata, and the Avista Grande Phuket Karon MGallery by Sofitel on Karon Beach.
Benedicte Pensec
10/01/2019
Thank you for your site, it will help me to plan a few days in April. First time in Thailand?!
jeremy the guyadec
23/02/2019
Hello Romain, I had already asked you a question about organizing my trip. Thank you again for answering it. I am coming to the last 2 stages of my 19-day trip to Thailand, which are Phuket and Bangkok (I decided to finish with Bangkok). Do you recommend taking several different accommodations depending on the stages of visits to Phuket or taking a single accommodation and traveling by scooter or other means of transport, knowing that I have a tight budget of 30 euros per day. I would like to go out a bit in the evening, go snorkeling and visit Wat Chalong and discover nice spots that love nature. That's a summary if you can advise me and thank you again for your blog which is a gold mine!
Roman
23/02/2019
Hello,
I would say that it depends on how long you stay in Phuket, if it is long enough, you can always test 2 distant areas, one in the south for example, to concentrate on the beaches in the south of the island and the city of Phuket Town, the other further north, to stay close to the airport among other things (without necessarily leaving from there by plane but to see the northern part of the island)
By scooter if you are legal yes (international license + motorcycle license). 30€ does that include the hotel? You have to go to the small guesthouses far from the beaches in this case (in Phket Town you can maybe find some).
jeremy the guyadec
23/02/2019
I'm staying 4 or 5 days there, I'm hesitating to stay longer and spend only 3 days in Bangkok instead of 4. Yes, that includes the hotel, I'm looking in Phuket town, I should find one, yes.. I'll do that then 🙂 I admit that I completely forgot about getting my international license 🙁 I only thought about it a few days ago and leaving for Japan in 3 weeks and continuing after that, the deadline is going to be too short...:/ with the French license alone, I can rent but at the risk of exposing myself to a fine? or not rent at all? thanks for your quick response
Roman
23/02/2019
The problem is not so much the fine, it's that in the event of an accident you won't be covered by insurance since you're driving illegally... so it's Russian roulette, because accidents happen faster than you think in Thailand.
jeremy the guyadec
23/02/2019
Okay, well listen, I'll try to manage without it... I'm still going to make the request, but by the time he arrives I'll have returned in my opinion, but you never know ^^ thanks Romain!
Caliouss
04/09/2019
Hello Romain,
Superb blog, more than complete. We are 2 couples in our thirties and we were planning to spend 8 days in Thailand without our children for rest, outings, beaches and excursions.
I have already been to Thailand in 2013 (Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Koh Lonta, Koh Phiphi) and I loved it.
Based on the weather and airfares it seems that Phuket is our best base…is that correct? We are going from November 8th to 18th and I have identified Phuket or Krabi as acceptable weather. What do you think?
I'm not very keen on Phuket because of its sulphurous and overly touristy side, but since the island is big, I think we can find what we're looking for there.
Do you have any nice places to recommend to us in Phuket but especially around (Kaoh Lak?) for our 8 days with nice guesthouses, bars and restaurants, and activities to do (beaches, boat trips, hikes). Finally, are there any offers to rent a house via Airbnb or should we prefer guest houses?
Thank you in advance, see you soon.
Roman
04/09/2019
Hello,
In this season, the best place for better weather is the area near Cambodia, so islands like Koh Chang, Koh Kood or Koh Mak. After if you stay on this idea of Phuket and surroundings, indeed, the island is large, prefer the north of it for more tranquility, otherwise you can simply stay near Khao Lak. For quiet beaches in Phuket, you have Paradise Beach, just south of Patong, or Haad Laem Sing, accessible by boat from Surin Beach (or a path at the end of the beach).
If you are staying near Khao Lak, I can only advise you to take a tour and possibly stay one or two nights at Ko Phra Thong, a true haven of peace.
For rentals, there should be what you need, either on airbnb or on agoda home
Backgammon
16/11/2019
Hello Romain,
we plan to stay in Thailand from 24/12 to 6/01. This is our first time there.
We will visit Bangkok from 24/27 to 12/4 (then from 01/6 to 01/XNUMX).
So we have eight days left to fit in (from 27/12 to 4/01) to visit Phuket and/or Krabi, as desired.
Do you advise us to stay in the same place for eight days, knowing that we don't like to visit at a fast pace? And in this case, would you recommend Phuket or Krabi?
Thank you in advance !
Mathieu and Jungmi
Roman
16/11/2019
Hello,
It's never easy to make a choice. Over this period I would more or less do half and half, but that's because I'm restless and not too keen on staying "stuck" in the same place for days. But doing so allows you to get a glimpse of two different areas.
Flights
07/01/2020
Hello, we are planning a trip for April 2020 with friends and children and we would like to go to the Similan Islands and spend at least one night there.
Which side of Phuket should we stay in order to be closest? And what itinerary do you recommend for 15 days while staying on the Andaman Sea side? Thank you for your help and feedback. Kind regards
Roman
17/01/2020
Hello,
Sorry for the delay in responding, I was not at home and I have accumulated a delay in emails and comments... As such, it is not possible to sleep on the Similans Islands to my knowledge, moreover, the islands being off Khao Lak, further north of Phuket, to choose a location, I would say close to Phuket airport.
In 15 days, you can go to Khao Lak, take an excursion to the Similan Islands, go to the Khao Sok National Park and its lake, see Phang Nga Bay, visit a little of the island of Phuket and its beaches, Phuket Town and its old center, maybe take an excursion to other islands like Phi Phi or Ko Racha, or the larger islands of Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi, which are less touristy.

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Phuket: Guide to choosing the ideal beach to stay at

How to target the ideal beach in Phuket?

1- Phuket Town, the charming main town of the island

Which hotel in Phuket Town:

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Phuket Town

2- Rawai and Nai Harn beaches

Which hotel near Rawai

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Rawai

My choice of hotel in Nai Harn

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Nai Harn

3- Karon and Kata Beach, my first steps in Phuket!

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Karon

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Kata

My choice of hotel in Karon or Kata:

4- Patong, the main beach of Phuket

My choice of hotels for Patong beach:

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Patong

5- Kamala, the beach that is gaining popularity

My choice of hotel near Kamala beaches:

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Kamala

6- Bang Tao and Surin beaches

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Bang Tao

Click to see my hotel suggestions in Surin

My choice of hotel towards Bang Tao and Surin:

7- Near the airport: for peace and quiet

Which hotel near the airport:

Click to see my hotel suggestions near the airport

HOTELS IN MAI KHAO

HOTELS IN NAI YANG

HOTELS IN NAI THON

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