StayAreasWhere to stay in Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's biggest island, and its west coast is a string of beaches, each with its own character. Stay in Patong for nightlife and the busiest beach; in Kata or Karon for family-friendly sand with a calmer feel; in Kamala or Bang Tao for upmarket resorts and space; or in Phuket Old Town for Sino-Portuguese streets, food and value away from the beach. Or head further afield to Khao Lak, Ao Nang or the Phi Phi Islands. November to April is dry and busiest; May to October brings rain and big waves on the west coast, but far lower prices. There's little public transport, so expect to use taxis, Grab or a scooter.
9 neighbourhoods compared · Typical mid-range hotel ~$120/night · Prices updated Oct 2026
Our recommendations
Best for a first visitPatong~$110/night · Nightlife, shopping & the busiest beach
Also consider Karon
Best nightlifePhi Phi Islands~$120/night · Maya Bay & island nights
Also consider Patong
Best foodPhuket Old Town~$60/night · Sino-Portuguese streets & food
Best for familiesKata~$130/night · Family beaches & surfing
Also consider Bang Tao & Laguna, Khao Lak
Best valueAo Nang~$100/night · Limestone cliffs & island hopping
Also consider Phuket Old Town, Patong
Best upscale stayKhao Lak~$120/night · Quiet beaches & the Similan Islands
Also consider Kata, Phi Phi Islands
Compare Phuket neighbourhoods
Pick what matters to you and we'll rank the areas.
| Area | Best for | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Patong | ~$110 | Nightlife, Budget | ||||
 Karon | ~$120 | Families, First visit | ||||
 Kata | ~$130 | Families, Upscale | ||||
 Kamala | ~$140 | Upscale, Families | ||||
 Bang Tao & Laguna | ~$160 | Upscale, Families | ||||
 Phuket Old Town | ~$60 | Budget | ||||
 Khao Lak | ~$120 | Families, Upscale | ||||
 Ao Nang | ~$100 | Budget, Families | ||||
 Phi Phi Islands | ~$120 | Nightlife, Upscale |
Typical mid-range double room per night, not live prices · Updated Oct 2026 · How we rate areas
Phuket neighbourhoods on the map
Beach resorts near Phuket
Beyond the island, Khao Lak's quiet beaches lie two hours north, and Ao Nang and the Phi Phi Islands sit across Phang Nga Bay, reached by ferry, speedboat or a long drive round the bay.
| Resort | Best for | From the airport | To Phuket Old Town | Mid-range |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Khao LakQuiet beaches & the Similan Islands | Families · Upscale | ~90 min | ~120 min | ~$120 |
| Ao NangLimestone cliffs & island hopping | Budget · Families | ~30 min | ~160 min | ~$100 |
| Phi Phi IslandsMaya Bay & island nights | Nightlife · Upscale | ~150 min | ~120 min | ~$120 |
Typical hotel prices in Phuket
A typical mid-range double costs about $120 a night across the areas we cover. Budget hotels start around $50; luxury hotels average $320.
Bang Tao & Laguna, Kamala cost the most. Phuket Old Town, Ao Nang are the cheapest, around $100 a night less than Bang Tao & Laguna.
These are typical rates outside peak events, not live prices. Updated Oct 2026.
| Area | Budget | Mid-range | Luxury |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phuket Old Town | ~$30 | ~$60 | ~$120 |
| Ao Nang | ~$40 | ~$100 | ~$250 |
| Patong | ~$40 | ~$110 | ~$280 |
| Karon | ~$50 | ~$120 | ~$300 |
| Khao Lak | ~$50 | ~$120 | ~$300 |
| Phi Phi Islands | ~$50 | ~$120 | ~$350 |
| Kata | ~$50 | ~$130 | ~$400 |
| Kamala | ~$60 | ~$140 | ~$450 |
| Bang Tao & Laguna | ~$70 | ~$160 | ~$450 |
Phuket FAQs
What is the best area to stay in Phuket for first-time visitors?
Patong, followed by Karon. Phuket's party town, with a long, busy beach, Bangla Road's bars and clubs, malls, markets and the widest choice of hotels on the island.
How much does a hotel in Phuket cost per night?
Across the areas we cover, a typical mid-range double costs about $120 a night, from around $50 for budget hotels to $320 for luxury. Phuket Old Town (~$60) is the cheapest area and Bang Tao & Laguna (~$160) the most expensive. These are typical rates, not live prices.
Where should I stay in Phuket on a budget?
Ao Nang, followed by Phuket Old Town, Patong.
Which Phuket neighbourhood is best for nightlife?
Phi Phi Islands, followed by Patong.
Where is the best area to stay in Phuket with kids?
Kata, followed by Bang Tao & Laguna, Khao Lak.
Which area is quickest to reach from Phuket International Airport (HKT)?
Bang Tao & Laguna: about 25 minutes (taxi or Grab from HKT). Ao Nang is next at about 30 minutes.