Phuket Accommodation
Widely recognised for its party atmosphere, Patong Beach has much more to offer all within close proximity to accommodation. Its wide variety of markets, stalls and shops along with pristine beaches make it one of Phuket’s most popular holiday destinations. It derives its party reputation from its great nightlife, and the many bars, restaurants and nightclubs don’t disappoint. All conveniently located just a short distance from hotels and resorts, Patong accommodation ranges from budget to luxury and has something for even the most discerning traveller. Resorts are just a short stroll from the beach and generally feature onsite facilities such as gyms, spas, swimming pools and children’s facilities.
Not quite as full on as Patong, Karon Beach is next on the list of most lively Phuket beachside regions. As with most of Phuket, Karon Beach has an excellent array of shops, restaurants, lounges and bars all just metres from the soft pristine sand of the beach. But it is Karon Beach’s excellent range of budget and luxury accommodation that make it such a drawcard. With so many accommodation options to choose from, the hardest part about your Phuket holiday will be choosing where to stay! The resort accommodation in Karon Beach is especially family friendly with a huge range of kids activities and facilities.
Kata Beach is a scenic bay with a stunning natural environment only a few minutes south of Karon. A top performing holiday destination all round, it is a particular stand out for families. Kata Beach offers the best of both worlds with plenty of nightlife as well as tranquillity and space to relax. Kata Beach also enjoys a range of shops and dining options woven into the beautiful landscape.
This beach hideaway is just 15 minutes by car from Patong Beach. Less crowded with a more relaxed atmosphere, Surin Beach accommodation is perfectly suited to young travellers, couples and families. Known for its luxury boutique hotels rather than mega resorts, Surin Beach accommodation is a holiday in style! All accommodation is in close proximity to the beach which is handy as this particular Phuket destination is renowned for its swimming, snorkelling, surfing, kayaking and water sports.
This stunning beach location is home to the Laguna Phuket complex, a large resort complex featuring five luxury resorts, fantastic shopping and plenty of dining choices. Plenty of other accommodation is located on the fringes of the complex and ranges from budget to luxury and everything in between. The Bay is well-known for its restaurants similar to beach clubs that pepper the beachfront. There is plenty to see and do here including shopping, horse riding, golf, diving and snorkelling.
Mai Khao Beach is located on the northwest coast of Phuket, just a short distance from Phuket’s International Airport and Nai Yang Beach. Stretching for 11 km, the beach has very little development and is one of Phuket’s most secluded beaches. Lined with towering casuarinas, Mai Khao Beach forms part of Sirinath National Park, 10 miles of protected parkland that is populated by a range of wildlife including the Giant Ridley Sea Turtle which lays its eggs between November and February along the shores of the beach. Although peaceful, Mai Khao Beach is home to a number of attractions including the $4 M Splash Jungle Waterpark and 3,000 sqm shopping complex Turtle Village.
Nai Yang Beach is just 5 minutes’ drive south of Phuket’s International Airport and is a relaxed and slightly more secluded beach studded with casuarina trees. Home to souvenir vendors and several bars and seafood restaurants, Nai Yang Beach is a popular place for visitors and locals alike to relax and picnic in the shade. There is a reef on the north end of the beach and this as well as some parts of the beach are protected inside Sirinath National Park. There are a number of other attractions including a centre for kite surfing, Nai Yang Market (which can be an eye-opening experience for visitors!) where you can purchase everything from fresh food to CDs, DVDs, clothes, handicrafts and more.
Located a little further north of Patong, Kamala Beach is a relaxing escape from the bustle of Patong yet still handy to all of the nightlife and shopping precincts. Set on a stretch of pristine sand, Kamala is a delightful bay and fishing village with a reputation for being one of the most stunning places in Phuket. Enclosed by leafy hills, the area is not so much a tourist attraction but rather a secluded paradise that has attracted a loyal following. The smaller hotels, apartments and villas perfectly complement the private feeling of this area and offer uninterrupted views of Kamala Bay. For those who want to splash out, there are also a number of luxury villas on the headland to the south.
Cape Panwa is a peaceful escape for those who prefer a quieter, more relaxed pace. Divided by a 300 m long esplanade, the western side is right next door to the Thai Navy Headquarters and is a popular spot with fishermen and local children alike. This part of Cape Panwa is also good for swimming as the waters are calm and shallow. The south west beach is an unspoilt foreshore that has remained untouched despite extensive urbanisation is some areas. Offering picturesque views of Chalong Bay and Lone Island, this is the main cluster of hotels, villas, condos and resorts with a few quaint fishermen’s huts dotted in between for an authentic holiday experience.
Ko Racha Yai Island is located on the east coast of Phuket, just 24 km southeast of Chalong pier. Renowned for its clear blue waters, soft white sand beaches and myriad of water activities, the island is popular with divers, snorkelers and fishermen. Many day trippers venture over from Phuket to visit Batok Beach or to relax in seclusion on Siam Beach, just a few minutes’ walk over the hills.
Renowned as one of the best and most private beaches on Phuket’s west coast, Nai Thorn Beach is surrounded by pure blue water lapping onto soft silica sand. Now a private beach for the Andaman White Beach Resort, the beach was once a public space. Having been reserved exclusively for the resort’s guests, Nai Thorn is the perfect place to relax in privacy and seclusion.
Rawai is a pristine beach lined by casuarina trees and holds the reputation as Phuket’s first tourist beach. Still very popular with tourists to this day, it is the epicentre of tour launches to the surrounding islands of Phuket. With many boats, including the iconic long tails, to be seen any given day, it is also close to a variety of beachfront dining options and luxury accommodation.
Ratsada is a sheltered region surrounded by lush rolling hills nestled on the shores of beautiful Siray Bay. Just 45 minutes from the International Airport and 15 minutes from Phuket Town, Ratsada enjoys peaceful and private luxury accommodation with all the modern conveniences. Stay and soak up the atmosphere or catch the ferry from the pier over the spectacular Phi Phi Islands.
