Phuket is an amazingly hot destination in Thailand for all beach bums out there, but did you know there’s more to this holiday destination than this? Phuket Old Town completely contrasts the rest of the island by giving the opportunity to explore its colonial houses and local markets. You’ll find lots of entertainment, food and cafes in Phuket Old Town, where you can treat yourself to some amazing awakening-brews, sweet treats, and much more!
I know I told you about what to do in Phuket Old Town in this dedicated article – Phuket Old Town, Thailand – Quick Travel Guide – but today I want to tell you everything about the best coffee in Phuket!
You may already know I’m a sucker for cosy, Instagrammable cafes that serve a good cup of brewed goodness (or a cup of matcha or tea for me, please!), so I just couldn’t help myself not to make a top list for Phuket Old Town as well.
Are you ready to read all about the best cafes in Phuket Town?
3 Best cafes in Phuket Old Town – GATW approved!
All the coffee shops below tick all the important aspects for me: pretty aesthetics, good menu and excellent serving. These are my top 3 Phuket cafe choices, but below you can find an extra list of options in case you need it/have more time on your hands:
1 – Annytime Dessert and Tea Cafe
Annytime is such a stunningly good cafe in Phuket! With pink walls in a shade of blush, extravagant flower arrangements and prettily presented cakes and drinks to match, Annytime’s aesthetics are totally on point.
Not only have they set up a number of picture-perfect spots (both inside and outside) to get snap-happy, but their cakes and desserts are irresistibly indulgent for those with a sweet tooth. The menu includes the likes of triple chocolate pancakes, pink peach ice teas, liquid centred lava cakes and a wide range of bubble tea options. The menu is quite specific to deserts, but honestly, they are seriously good at what they serve up!
USEFUL INFO:
OPENING HOURS: Daily: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
ADDRESS: เลขที่ 2/22 Dibuk Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000. Find it on Google Maps here.
If you love food as much as you love your cup of coffee, this one’s definitely for you! Gallery Cafe is right in the centre of Phuket Old Town, at the end of the main Art Street. The café highlights both European and Thai dishes made by a Thai chef with experience working in the competitive culinary scene of London – how awesome is that?!
The menu is extensive and offers a ton of different options for breakfast and lunch, from smoothie bowls to burgers to roast Sunday dinners (huge servings, by the way!). I recommend the vegan cakes and the coffee – needless to say that both are pretty amazing.
USEFUL INFO:
OPENING HOURS:
Tuesday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Closed on Mondays
ADDRESS: 19 Yaowarat Rd, ตำบล ตลาดใหญ่ Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000. Find it on Google Maps here.
The Tent easily qualifies as Phuket’s comfiest café. This breakfast and brunch spot welcomes you with pillow seating inside tipi tents set up around low coffee tables. And I think that’s soooo cute! But if sitting in a tipi isn’t your thing, they also have normal tables to choose from.
It may be a novelty idea, but the decor is so cute and inviting and the menu is filled with great international choices. The smoothie bowls are super refreshing, with lots of toppings and they also serve a number of local Thai dishes and the worldwide favourite, avocado toast.
The staff were super lovely and the food was good, so I can confidently say that The Tent was by far my favourite Phuket town cafe!
USEFUL INFO:
OPENING HOURS:
Daily: 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM
Closed on Wednesdays
ADDRESS: 16 Thepkrasatree Rd, ตำบล ตลาดใหญ่ Mueang, Phuket 83000. Find it on Google Maps here.
In case you have more time to explore and you’re in need of more amazing coffee in your cup, you can browse the list below which includes some other excellent choices for coffee shops in Phuket Town – plus some pretty stunning Instagrammable spots as well! In all honesty, I didn’t get to try them out, but I’ve only heard good things about the following places:
Feelsion Cafe – in case you’re a fan of vintage items, Instagrammable desserts and quirky decor, Feelsion Cafe (not Feelston) is for you! They have different rooms, large enough to fit plenty of people and some perky decorations such as skeletons, statues, lots of plants and more. It looks stunning, really!
Delico Decoration Coffee & Dessert – an excellent combo of good coffee and superb interior decor, Delico offers endless corners fit for your Instagram pictures. Gorgeous is a serious understatement.
Thailand #31 – one of the best things about this place is that they only use products and ingredients from local farmers – how awesome is that? Plus, the decor is also extremely nice!
Endless Summer Coffee Shop – if you fancy a place where you can both drink some coffee and shop for clothes and accessories as well!
Bookhemian – this cosy cafe-mini-bookshop combo is a perfect choice if you want to spend a couple of hours relaxing and reading. Yes, you can also buy the books or even catch a movie on the second floor!
Rush Coffee – cups of good brews and bags of roasted beans is what you can get here, as well as some freshly baked foods. Ah, and you’ll surely be pleased by the dark blue facade and the crazy scent of fresh beans. Some people even say that here you can find the best coffee in Phuket Old Town, but there’s only one way to find out, right?
Eleven Two & Co. – this one’s a true oasis of relaxation. They have a cosy, sunny backyard where you can unwind, delicious Asian-Western dishes to choose from and, of course, very good coffee.
This was my complete list of comfy, cute spots to drink your coffee in Phuket Old Town! In case you were searching for the best coffee shop in Phuket for your upcoming trip, I’m absolutely convinced you’ll find it in one of my lists above – I included 3 amazing cafes that I tested myself with a bonus list of 7 spots that I didn’t get to visit, but are pretty popular and have excellent reviews.
And in case you need more help with your upcoming trip to Phuket, I recommend clicking here to read all my posts about Phuket. And here you can find all my articles and stories about Thailand!
xoxo,
Melissa
Want to know more about travelling to Phuket Old Town?
Check out all my Phuket Old Town Travel Guides here.
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13 Best Beaches in Phuket, Thailand + The Best Beach Resorts
Phuket is renowned for being one of the greatest beach destinations ever – not just in Thailand, but in the entire world! Phuket is known for its amazing white sands, beautiful palm trees, clear, glittering seas and lively towns, making it the tourist hot spot it has become today.
In case you’re planning a vacation in Phuket soon, you must be searching for the best beaches to spend your day getting that perfect tan, swimming, snorkelling or simply sipping from your cocktail. No worries, I got you! In this article, I’m taking you through 13 of my favourite beaches that Phuket has to offer. I wanted to limit the list to just 5 beaches at first, but I quickly realised there are SO many amazing strips of sand with perfect water in Phuket, that it would’ve been a shame to not share truly the best ones with you all.
Moreover, I’ve also given you my recommendations for the best Phuket resorts that have their own private beach (perfect for a honeymoon, for example) and the best spots in Phuket to watch the sunset. Are you ready?!
Disclaimer: I take no responsibility for any irrational flights spontaneously booked to Thailand after reading this post! 😉
Best beaches in Phuket Thailand by interest and type of traveller
Okay, before proceeding to my (rather) long list of beaches in Phuket, I want to help you decide on the best one for you. And it’s simple: it all depends on what you’re looking for! Sure, all 13 beaches below are simply gorgeous, but some are better for snorkelling, for example, while others are more laid-back or family friendly. In order to help you choose, I have created the customised list below:
Best beach in Phuket for couples: Nai Thon Beach or Mai Khao
Best beach in Phuket for families: Kamala Beach
Best beach in Phuket for swimming: Kata Beach Phuket
Best beach in Phuket for snorkelling: Ao Sane Beach or Ya Nui
Best beach in Phuket for nightlife and beach clubs: Patong Beach
The most popular beach in Phuket: Patong Beach
Best hidden beach in Phuket: Laem Singh
A couple of things to know before
Which side of Phuket has the best beaches?
You have two easy choices here: either the Southern or the West Coast. The East Coast is lush and full of forests, so it’s not really considered the beach destination. But the good thing about the South and West Coast is that most of the great beaches are located close to each other, so in case you want to tick more than a couple of spots off your list, you’ll be able to do so in Phuket.
In order to clearly visualise what I’m talking about, I recommend checking out the Phuket map below which indicates where each of the beaches I’ll be talking about is located:
Where can you swim in Phuket?
You might think that all beaches in Phuket are perfect for swimming. Well, that’s not exactly accurate. Some beaches can become dangerous for swimming, especially during low season, because of rough currents or jellyfish – Banana Beach is just an example and sometimes even Karon Beach. Other than this, most of the beaches I’ll be mentioning below are safe to swim in. Remember that it all depends on the weather and the time of the year you decide to visit, so I recommend checking the updated info for each of the beaches you want to visit beforehand.
13 Best Beaches in Phuket, Thailand
Now enough with the boring information, let’s find out about the best beaches in Phuket!
1 – Kata Beach (Kata Noi & Kata Yai)
Although most articles on the web are talking about Kata and Kata Noi Beach as two different spots, I’ll be including them in one big recommendation. Why? Because Kata Beach (also known as Kata Yai) and Kata Noi are extremely close to each other and very similar too, so whichever one you choose, you’ll be good. Just note that Kata Noi Beach is a bit less crowded and a bit harder to reach.
Kata Beach is situated nearby the touristic towns of Patong and Karon. With a 1.5 km-long stretch of sand, this beach has all the facilities and activities you’d find in Patong, but with the benefit of also having a bit fewer tourists (with an emphasis on ‘a bit’ – it’s still super popular!). This is a great place to come and soak up the sun, it’s excellent for swimming and it’s a great beach for families as well. There are also multiple shops and eateries here, as well as some cool bars. Kata Beach always seems to be busy, but never overcrowded!
Soft white sand, clear waters and a quiet atmosphere – Freedom Beach is definitely one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket! But there’s one thing to note, though… When it comes to Freedom Beach, part of the fun comes down to the difficulty of getting there! You only have two options: hiking down from the top of the hill or getting there by boat.
From the closest road, there is a 15-20 min steep downhill hike to access this paradisiac strip of sand. Personally, I loved it; a little bit of adventure always adds to the experience! But if you aren’t the active type I need to warn you; this hike will make you weak at the knees (literally, not just from the view!) and leave you cursing your flip flops and wishing for trainers. Is it worth it, though? Definitely yes!
Really hate the thought of that hike? You can also get to Freedom Beach via long tail boats from Patong Town, Kata, Karon or Kamala Beach, but only during the high season (December to June). We hiked there and them jumped on a boat back to town, which was also a lot of fun!
When you finally arrive, you’ll find that this so-called ‘hidden beach’ is Phuket’s worst kept secret. Long-tail boats are lined up near the shore, ready to ferry visitors back to the town of Patong. Small stalls are set up under the shade of palm trees selling coconuts, soft drinks and water. Even though the beach isn’t overcrowded, it also isn’t empty (well, at least there are no loud jet skis…). The secret of this pretty little bay is out and it’s clear as to why. With incredibly soft white sand and crystal-clear blue waters, Freedom Beach may no longer be hidden, but it’s definitely still a gem!
BEST HOTEL ON FREEDOM BEACH:There is no overnight accommodation directly on the beach. The closest hotel is Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong, less than 1 km away.
BEST RESTAURANT ON FREEDOM BEACH:There’s a small restaurant serving Thai food on the northern end, but it’s a gamble on whether it’s open or closed depending on season/year.
3 – Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the longest and one of the most popular Phuket beaches! Because of this, the entire 2.5 km long stretch of white sand is very crowded and noisy most of the time, but it’s still an excellent place to enjoy the bustling nightlife of the West coast. Plus, it’s right near Patong Town where you’ll find countless restaurants, shops, massage parlours and hotels, so you’ll have everything you need nearby. And the beach is full of water sports as well!
BEST HOTEL ON PATONG BEACH: There are tons of accommodations to choose from in Patong Town, but only a handful of them are actually onthe beach. Out of them all, I recommend Amari Phuket.
Karon is the second biggest beach strip in Phuket and among the most popular tourist spots! And the reason is pretty clear: fine sand, incredible blue waters and lots of activities to be done here: shopping, dining and a little bit of clubbing as well. During the high season, of course. Karon Beach is lined with beautiful trees for some well-deserved shade and it even has volleyball nets and more than enough restaurant options to choose from. The water is perfect for swimming in the high season, but it can get dangerous in the low season because of strong currents, so beware!
Situated at the southern end of Phuket is the laid-back Nai Harn Beach. And trust me, this one’s not like Patong or Kata. Nai Harn is more popular with locals and expats than tourists, but it still makes my list due to its pure white sand coupled with its crystal-clear waters.
Nai Harn is generally pretty chilled and doesn’t get overly busy, so you can enjoy it and its surroundings at your leisure – which is a great plus considering you’re in one of the most popular beach destinations in the world! This is probably why Nai Harn is considered to be the best beach on Phuket by so many. Although… yes, it does get busier with tourists from December to April.
Surin Beach was once one of the top spots for renting lounges, sipping drinks in the numerous bars, eating and, of course, shopping from the countless vendor stalls. It was vivid, crowded and there was always something happening around. Not anymore! Nowadays, Surin is a natural beach, with all the amenities GONE. Everything changed after a dispute with the government, which made most shops and restaurants get demolished in no time.
But! This makes it even better, trust me. Maybe one of the most unique Phuket beaches, if you ask me. Surin Beach is now wild and pristine, lined with beautiful trees and some amazing resorts to choose from. You won’t go there for entertainment anymore, but for relaxation and admiring raw nature. Which is totally worth it!
BEST RESTAURANT ON SURIN BEACH: Most beachfront eateries are now completely gone, but there’s still a good one left – Patcharin Seafood. You can also find food vendors just behind the line of trees if you’re craving some cheap Thai food.
7 – Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach (also written Bangtao) is located right between Patong and the airport and it’s a gorgeous, long strip of white sand (one of the longest, actually). There wasn’t much going on around here in the past, but Bang Tao became a vivid, laid-back place and one of the top beaches in Phuket Island over recent years. You’ll find anything you need here, from cool beach clubs to world-class restaurants and some unforgettable hotels as well. Although it may not be as beautiful as Surin Beach, it’s full of good amenities and activities (including a water park!) and, best of all, it’s not that crowded. Cha-ching!
BEST RESTAURANT ON BANG TAO BEACH: There are numerous small, traditional food stalls on the beach serving Thai food while you’re seated on a bamboo chair. For a more elegant experience, I recommend Palm Seaside Restaurant.
8 – Ya Nui Beach
Ya Nui Beach (nearby Nai Harn Beach) is a tiny, charming bay tucked into a cove in the south of Phuket. At first, it looks like the picture-perfect image of a secret beach, but don’t be under any illusions! Word is out and this place can get very busy at times. Don’t let that put you off though. Golden sands, crystal clear blue waters, thatch-roofed restaurants serving local Thai food; just a few of the reasons you should add it to your list.
Although small, Ya Nui is just perfect for diving and snorkelling!
BEST HOTEL ON YA NUI BEACH: There are no hotels directly on the beach; I recommend Ya Nui Resort which offers a free shuttle to Ya Nui Beach.
Kamala Beach, located right between Patong and Surin, is a charming, laid-back option if you want to stay away from the tourist crowds. You won’t find any water sport options or big parties here, making Kamala the perfect choice for a relaxed holiday. It’s also one of the cleanest Phuket beaches! After a full day of relaxing in a hammock, you can go to Kamala Town nearby where you’ll find cute cafes and some very good restaurants. No worries, there are some amazing beachfront eateries and the sunset here is pretty incredible!
“Paradise Beach”… I guess the name says it all, right? And yes, I can confirm – the sand is golden and soft, the waters are pretty much perfect and the tall palm trees make the entire setting look heavenly! Paradise Beach, located only 10 minutes from Patong, is a rather small and remote cove (150m long) and was once a secret beach. Now, the beach has transformed into a luxurious beach club called Paradise Beach Club, a traveller’s dream. Other than this, the beach is also perfect for some snorkelling as well, as there’s a gorgeous coral reef only 100m offshore.
Paradise Beach Club offers plenty of options for bars and restaurants and you can rent beach chairs as well. And if you’re interested in the Koh-Phangan-type of parties… search no more, the full moon party organised here is for you!
NOTE: Just remember that you need to pay an entrance fee of 200 baht (6.40 US$) to access the beach and all its facilities and that the beach is open from 9 AM to 6 PM.
BEST HOTEL ON PARADISE BEACH: There are no hotels on the beach except for Paradise Beach Club’s only accommodation, which is a hostel – Paradise Beach Backpackers. Alternatively, I recommend staying at a hotel nearby. Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa is fabulous and it’s only 1 km away. BEST RESTAURANT ON PARADISE BEACH: There are plenty of good restaurants at Paradise Beach Club to choose from.
11 – Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon Beach is located only 10 minutes from the airport and I think it’s one of the most underrated beaches on the entire island! It’s beautiful, it’s pristine and it’s the very definition of relaxation. There aren’t a lot of things to do on the beach except swimming and sunbathing, but a short walk away you’ll find Nai Thon village with local eateries and shops. You’ll also find the Phuket Elephant Jungle Sanctuary.
In short, let’s enjoy the peace of Nai Thon Beach while we can, my friends!
Gorgeous sandy beach with lush green trees and a perfect place for relaxation. The fact that you’ll feel like you have the entire place to yourself is one of the best things about Laem Singh Beach!
Laem Singh was, sadly, closed in April 2017 after being one of the most loved Phuket beaches ever. It is said that the owner decided to ban everyone from entering his beach. The beach remained closed until the end of 2017 when it was sold to a new owner. But people found a way to fix the situation – since 2018 you can get to Laem Singh Beach by sea if you take the small orange boat from Surin Beach (100 baht/person). So, luckily for us travellers, the beach is now accessible again!
BEST RESTAURANT ON LAEM SINGH BEACH: Although there aren’t many amenities (read: at all) on this beach, you can find one cute restaurant on the rocks – it looks like a terrace made of wood with red umbrellas and the food is really nice!
13 – Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach is one of the longest in Phuket and, surprisingly enough, it’s still very pristine and laid-back… almost untouched! The water is calm and the beach is much emptier than many of the other popular beaches further south on the island – there aren’t even beach chairs and umbrellas yet, but you can find a couple of newly built hotels instead.
By the way, Mai Khao Beach stretches right past the airport and is known for its popular photo-op location where you can stand just in front of the runway as the planes land and take off right over your head. Cool, right?
TOP PHOTO TIP: Make sure you check the flight schedules to see when planes are set to take off / land. This will save you some time and stop you from waiting around for ages in the sun.
BEST RESTAURANT ON MAI KHAO BEACH: Kin Dee Restaurant. There are also around 10 bamboo-style eateries serving Thai food on the northern end of the beach.
Other notable beaches in Phuket worth mentioning
It’s not that the beaches below are not worth it, but my list above was already getting pretty long so I had to make some kind of differentiation! Here are some extra beautiful beaches for you to check out:
Ao Sane – Nearby Nai Harn Beach and a TOP spot for snorkelling! For once, this is actually a secret beach in Phuket, without any jet skis or noisy tourists.
Pansea – North of Surin Beach, this hidden gem can be reached by boat from Surin or Bang Tao. Alternatively, you can reach it by walking if you take the steep path that separates Surin from Pansea.
Nai Yang – Right near Mai Khao Beach and Sirinath National Park. There are a couple of luxury resorts here, as well as some restaurants, but aside from these, the beach is still untouched.
Rawai – not really your go-to place for swimming, but rather for snapping some pictures and getting a gorgeous view of the other beaches and nearby islands. It’s also the best spot for island hopping to the best beaches near Phuket such as Banana Beach (see the next section)
Panwa / Khao Kat Beach – this is one of the few beaches on the East coast worth mentioning. Although you can’t swim here, you can still visit it if you want to discover a pristine, wild beach and a few luxury villas as well!
I know you might be wondering why I didn’t mention the famous Banana Beach here?! Well, there’s a simple reason behind it: because Banana Beach is not actually in Phuket, but rather close by. So I included it on my list of beautiful beaches that are not TECHNICALLY in Phuket:
Banana Beach – This is a superb hidden gem that can be reached by a long-tail boat from Rawai Beach. Once there, you can snorkel, kayak and even do some parasailing!
Railay Beach – This beach in Krabi Province is simply superb with limestone cliffs and it’s an ideal spot for rock climbers.
Phra Nang Cave Beach – This one’s near Railay Beach and it hosts an AWESOME cave and calm waters, perfect for swimming and climbing as well.
BONUS #1: 10 Best Phuket resorts with private beach
I’ll keep this bonus section short and sweet with some of the best beach resorts in Phuket that offer an excellent service and that have their own private beach reserved for their customers only:
If you’re dreaming of admiring the sunset from a perfect location in Phuket, the list below includes the best bars and places to do so! And trust me, although it may sound a bit boring, seeing the sunset in Phuket is something truly special and unforgettable! Do you have your pens ready? Here goes:
Promthep Cape – this is the southernmost point of Phuket and definitely THE most popular place to watch the sunset!
Baba Nest – spectacular 360 bar belonging to Sri Panwa Resort. You cannot enter without a reservation, so make sure you make one several days in advance;
The Boathouse Phuket – beautiful spot where you can admire the sunset while you’re sipping on a signature cocktail;
Big Buddha – 45m tall Buddha statue with incredible views of Kata and Karon beaches drenched in the sunset light;
Kata Rocks – gorgeous hotel on Kata. Seeing the sunset from their infinity pool is an amazing experience;
Little Tiger – near Marriott Resort on Patong Beach, this is kind of a hidden gem that also serves some yummy dishes.
This was my COMPLETE list of the best beaches in Phuket for all types of travellers! Regardless if you’re a couple looking for a romantic getaway on the island or a family looking for calm waters where the little ones can splash around, rest assured that you’ll find something in my list above. Plus, I have also given you my hand-picked recommendations for the best beach resorts and the best sunset bars in all of Phuket. What more can you wish for
Excited to read more about the gorgeous island of Phuket? Click here to find all my articles about this unique island destination in Thailand.
xoxo,
Melissa
Want to know more about travelling to Phuket, Thailand?
Need to book your flights? Head over to Skyscanner!
Time to book a tour around Phuket? Head over here.
Did you not get travel insurance??? Get it – it’s not a hassle you want to risk!
Don’t forget to download my nifty Google Maps Guide for your trip to Phuket so you don’t miss a thing!
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Phuket Old Town, Thailand – Quick Travel Guide
The region of Phuket in Thailand is one of the most famous destinations in the world, with over 3 million tourists visiting each year! In case you’re planning a visit here and you want to enjoy more than just the beaches, then this Phuket Old Town guide is here to help!
In the following post, I will tell you everything you need to know about the best attractions, excellent hotels, where to eat – and more!
All about Phuket Town
While most travellers are aiming for those superb beaches and white sand, which are oh-so-Thailand, I’d dare to say that Phuket Old Town is a hidden gem. Yes, it’s true, the southern islands of Phuket provide some of the most beautiful beaches in the world and a party scene that people literally fly across the world to experience. However, Phuket Old Town is slightly different to that – it’s basically the cultural centre of Phuket, with a focus on art and architecture. And let’s not forget about those pretty colourful houses!
By the way, here’s a Phuket Old Town map, so you can better understand its location on the island:
But why should you add it to your itinerary, though?
The answer is simple: easy island access! Phuket is a big island and it can be hard to know which area is the best place to stay. If you’re planning on doing a lot of day trips across to the paradise islands off the east coast, staying in Phuket Old Town is a no-brainer. Located 10 minutes by car from the main port, staying in Phuket Old Town can save you up to an hour of driving time just to reach the port.
This was a major deciding factor for us, as we didn’t want to spend so much time travelling and also, taxis in Phuket are expensive! You can find operators in Phuket Old Town providing both private and tour group island expeditions to Koh Phi Phi or James Bond Island, along with other islands.
Plus, it’s a great place if you want to experience a dose of Thailand’s history and culture – thigs you (unfortunately) won’t get to experience while you’re on the beach, with a cocktail in your hand.
Phuket Old Town – 6 Things to do
This place MAY be small, but it’s full of wonderful things to explore! Scroll down to find my recommended list of Phuket attractions you shouldn’t miss while you’re there. And the best part is that, if you only have a short time in this part of Thailand, you can easily squeeze all these in one day:
1 – Wander around on Soi Romanee Street
Let’s start our adventure by taking a relaxing walk, shall we? Soi Romanee (or Soi Romance) is the oldest street in Phuket Old Town and one of the prettiest spots for a walk and some pictures. Soi Romanee Street is famed for its colourful Sino-Portuguese houses, now home to restaurants, shops and cafes. Tourists come to marvel at the pretty pastel colours of the architecture, which date back to the early 1900s. There are also some beautiful murals to be found here and there along the streets of the Old Town.
Other notable streets to take a walk on are Thalang Road and Phangnga Road. No worries, Phuket Old Town is quite small, so you CAN be done walking around it in about an hour – it would be hard to miss all those beautiful buildings, trust me.
FUN FACT: The word “Romanee” means “adorable” or “beautiful” in Thai, which perfectly describes this street! But there’s another explanation for this – in the old times, this street used to be the city’s red-light district, so the word used to describe the pretty ladies found here.
I mentioned before that Phuket Old Town has a rich history and heritage – and this can be seen everywhere you look. But here are some great places to explore if you want to properly learn about the island’s history:
Chinapracha House – a beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese house from 1903. The ceramic floor is simply superb! Entrance fee is 150 Baht (5 US$);
Thai Hua Museum – a nice Colonial-style museum where you can find out more about the Thai-Chinese mix of heritages to be found in Phuket. Entrance fee is 200 Baht (6.60 US$);
Ruamsahary Printing House – it is said to be the oldest printing house in Phuket and the best place to find all about this craftsmanship;
Thavorn Museum – located in the same place as Thavorn Hotel, this one has a rather odd (you’ve been warned!) showcase of local objects such as super old typewriters, ironing stations, decorations and more. Entrance fee is 30 Baht (1 US$);
3 – Admire some temples and shrines
Phuket Old Town has some wonderful shrines and temples as well, as religion has immense importance here as well as in the rest of Thailand. Here are some notable religious sites to explore while you’re around:
Shrine of The Serene Light – beautiful, colourful shrine and probably one of the most popular ones in the city. No entrance fee;
Wat Mongkol Nimit – a superb gold-roofed temple. Make sure you visit its garden as well. Entrance is free;
Jui Tui Shrine – another beautiful, small shrine, located only 10 minutes away by foot from the centre;
4 – Go shopping in one of the numerous markets
Shopping for trinkets and indulging in street food is probably one of the best things to do in Old Phuket Town, that’s for sure. Phuket Old Town is an amazing place to buy locally crafted jewellery, ceramics and even books – especially on the main road, but not only. There are many options to choose from, depending on what you’re looking for:
Phuket Town Night Market / Sunday Walking Street Market – every Sunday, Thalang Road in the centre of Phuket Old Town becomes completely pedestrianised as the Phuket Old Town Night Market is set up from 4 to 10 PM. Here you will find amazing street food options, local produce, live music entertainment and small souvenir stalls. My advice is to come here for the food! We tried a couple of dishes across a few different stalls and loved each and every one of them.
Amulet Market– located on Ratsada Road, this one is a small stretch of stalls selling blessed trinkets, Buddhist figures and amulets. The amulets are blessed by monks and are said to bring the owner certain attributes that they may be searching for – whether it be protection, good fortune, love or health. Even if this isn’t something you believe in, it’s such an interesting cultural experience! The stall owners that I met happily shared their knowledge and beliefs, always asking questions to help the customer find the amulet that best fit their needs;
Indy Market – a colourful, nice market open on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. There are even live performances here from time to time!
The Oasis Thalang (formerly Vanich Walking Street) – an indoor passageway where you can buy food, clothes and more. The walls are all covered in street art, so it’s a pretty sight regardless if you want to buy something or not!
China Inn – this place is also a restaurant (with amazing pork, actually, so I’m recommending it down below in the “restaurants” section!) but also a shop that sells vintage furniture;
Southwind Books – if you’re looking for some second-hand books.
5 – Relax in one of the cool cafes
Wondering what to do in Phuket Old Town on a rainy day? I got you! Phuket Old Town has a growing coffee culture – and I’m all for it! Believe it or not, you’ll find some of the cutest cafes and brunch spots in this part of the island. Sipping a coffee in a cafe is a great way to start your day, or you can even get some work done or catch up on your social media, as all cafes here have 5G Wi-Fi connection!
If you’ll only visit one viewpoint during your Thailand trip, let it be this one! Khao Rang Hill offers an amazing view over the entire Phuket Town from the viewing platform. I recommend going there at sunset for the most incredible pictures! And, as a bonus, you can also have dinner with a view here in one of the 3 on-site restaurants. If you decide to walk, it will take you less than one hour to reach the viewing platform on top from the centre of the city. You can also get there by car.
Best Old Phuket Town tours
In case you want to visit (almost) everything in my guide with a guide, I definitely recommend joining an Old Town Phuket tour. There are quite some options available out there, but here I collected some hand-picked recommendations:
In case you’re wondering where to stay in the heart of this wonderful little town, I got you! I have selected some excellent accommodation options for you and grouped them by budget for your convenience:
BUDGET:Memory at On On Hotel – let me tell you some things about this rather famous Phuket Old Town hotel, may I? This accommodation became popular ever since it appeared in the opening of The Beach movie (Leonardo DiCaprio fans will know about this!). It’s not bursting with luxury; in fact, it’s a very good place to stay if you’re looking for an affordable hotel. Plus, it’s the oldest hotel in town, dating from 1929!
Of course, no visit to Phuket Old Town is complete without indulging in some authentic Thai food and desserts, am I right? And, luckily for us travellers, this place in the world is not short on amazing eateries. Here are some of the best ones I can recommend:
Blue Elephant – This amazing restaurant is located at Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion and it’s a great place to try some (quite Royal!) Thai cuisine. I recommend the set menu for lunch. If you have some time on your hands and a desire to learn how to make traditional Thai dishes, I recommend booking a cooking class there as well. You can secure your spot online here.
Tunk-Ka Cafe – if you want to enjoy some Thai food with a view over the city;
China Inn – braised pork and some vintage furniture, anyone?
One Chun – Michelin-awarded place – excellent for crab dishes and traditional Thai dishes in general that will make you fall in love;
Keng-Tin – an 80-years-old sweet shop with lots of Thai delicacies such as pastries and cookies;
Torry’s Ice Cream – in case you want to end the day with some avocado ice cream;
This was my complete guide on Phuket Old Town and all its cultural and historical gems! In this article, I have told you everything you need to know about this often-times overlooked gem of Thailand – such as the 6 best things to do, which markets to visit, which tours to take, where to stay, where to eat and everything in-between!
In case you’re planning to visit more of Thailand, I recommend clicking here to read all about my adventures in this amazing Asian country!
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Where to Stay in Phuket – 7 Best Areas & Hotels
Are you travelling to Phuket soon? If the answer is yes, then get ready for some world-class relaxation and unforgettable days of laying on the beach! In case you’re wondering where to stay in Phuket, Thailand, this complete guide is here to help you. I have selected the 7 best areas to stay in Phuket, together with my hand-picked hotel recommendations for each. Scroll down to find everything you need to know!
Phuket is one of the most popular tourist destinations in all of Asia, with over 9 million visitors flying in each year, and it’s easy to see why! This tropical Thai island offers a tranquil reprieve from the hustle and bustle of busy Bangkok and it’s famous for its clear blue waters, paradisiac settings and luxury accommodations.
I mean, who doesn’t want relaxing island vibes, great restaurants and stunning weather that any beach lover would dream of? Find my list of the best places to stay in Phuket Town (spoiler alert: expect MANY beaches!), along with my top picks for hotels in each location!
Best of Phuket – Where to stay for first timers
Before jumping right into it, here’s a short round-up of my selection of areas in Phuket, so you can easily choose the best one for you:
Karon Beach – Where to stay in Phuket for the first time
Patong Beach – Where to stay in Phuket for nightlife
Okay, now let’s dive (hehe!) right into it and find more details about the 7 best areas to stay in Phuket, as well as the best accommodation options for each (expect lots of beach resort options!), broken down by budget:
Karon Beach
With one of the longest beaches on the island, you just can’t go wrong with 5 kilometres of pristine white sand! Karon is perfect if you’re looking for a beach holiday, as the area offers lots of water activities like kayaking, water skiing, banana boat rides, wakeboarding, windsurfing, jet skiing and parasailing.
Karon is much quieter than its crazy, party town neighbour, Patong – but you’ll still find that there is a lot to do in the Karon area, with many restaurants and bars. I personally prefer Karon to Patong (below in this list), as I like to get away from all the madness and stay somewhere a bit more chill, with plenty of beach resort options. Plus, it’s only a short ride to Patong’s party scene – so why not enjoy the best of both worlds?
Where to stay in Karon Beach
MY TOP PICK:Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort– If you want to be right on the beachfront of Karon, with a private secluded, quiet beach at your disposal, this is your choice!
When speaking of Phuket, Patong is undeniably THE most popular spot for tourists around! It’s the best place to find hundreds of shops, restaurants, bars and the craziest nightlife on the island. So, if you like to be in the centre of the party, this is the perfect place for you to stay in Phuket!
Listen to me when I say that Patong is NOT the location you are looking for if you’re hoping for a relaxing holiday. Patong is known for its wild side. Think neon lights, blaring music, clubs advertising some weird, kinky ping-pong ball show (don’t even ask), street stalls selling spiders and scorpions to eat, ladyboy cabaret shows, beach clubs and Muay Thai boxing competitions. What I am trying to say is, there is a lot going on in Patong! It’s loud and lively and a complete shock to the senses – but if you’re ready to be immersed into the madness, Patong is the rabbit hole you’ve been looking for!
Where to stay in Patong Beach
MY TOP PICK:Amari Phuket – This 5-star resort in Patong is a superb place to stay if you want to relax and enjoy not one, but two outdoor swimming pools, a private beach, a wonderful spa and free shuttle to Kata Beach. Why choose when you can relax all over Phuket, am I right?
If you want some peace and quiet during your trip, the resort heaven of Mai Khao beach is THE place to be! This beach is considered to be the longest beach in Phuket and it’s home to a lot of the island’s nature parks and luxury accommodations.
Tourists don’t tend to bother visiting Mai Khao unless they are staying at one of the resorts in the area, as it is so much further north than the other tourist places on the island. This spot is also popular for plane watching because it sits at the tip of Phuket Airport’s runway. You’ll catch people standing at the edge of the runway, waiting for planes to land to feel a rush and get a close-up snap with the belly of a plane.
Where to stay in Mai Khao Beach
MY TOP PICK:SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort – This superb 5-star resort boasts a lush garden, a beach club, two beachfront pools (how awesome is that?!), gorgeous rooms and a resort spa as well. Just picture a vacation during which you sip on cocktails on the beach and then you relax in one of the beachfront massage terraces.
If you want to explore a town filled with colonial heritage and culture, then Phuket Town is an excellent area to stay for you! This part of Phuket may not be directly on the beach, but it’s filled with many great spots and you’ll find that its location is a great base if you are hoping to explore the smaller islands off the east coast. Old Phuket Town itself is very pretty to visit! It feels like a colonial Portuguese village, with small, colourful shops, cute coffee spots and traditional Thai restaurants hidden within its colourful streets.
TIP: Koh Phi Phi, Maya Bay and Phang Nga Bay are the most popular island day trips that you can take from Phuket Town. Personally, I would recommend checking out the smaller boat trips to some of the more secluded islands and enjoy them all for yourself. Either way, Phuket Old Town is the perfect base for daily island trips as it is situated close to the harbour!
Where to stay in Old Town Phuket
MY TOP PICK:Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel – This is one of the best places in Phuket Town for travellers who want to do some sightseeing rather than just lay on the beach all day! This colonial accommodation has beautiful rooms, free Wi-Fi and it also offers an airport shuttle. Plus, Patong Beach is only 20 minutes away by shuttle!
Sure, Phuket by itself is a luxurious destination full of 5-star resorts and hotels, but Bangtao Beach (also spelt Bang Tao Beach) is the ultimate area for complete splurging! Because Bangtao Beach is a lesser-known part of Phuket, compared to Patong, for example, you’ll find a lot more peace and quiet here and a laid-back atmosphere. You can also prepare your heart for a long strip of white sand beach, high-end villas with swimming pool and sea views, and crystal clear waters.
This is one of those great places to stay if you’re not planning on exploring too much, but you’d rather spend your days lazing at a luxurious resort, in complete relaxation.
Where to stay in Bangtao Beach
MY TOP PICK:Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort – This gorgeous beach resort in Phuket is one of your best options if you want to stay in Bang Tao Beach. The accommodation has an outdoor pool, a spa, a fitness centre and plenty of dining options. The best part is that you’ll only be 20 minutes away from Patong and 25 from Phuket Town!
Kamala Beach on the West Coast is the place to go for lots of family-friendly hotels and resorts (and some peace and quiet). In case you want to party as well, no worries, as you’ll only be 20 minutes away by car (or tuk-tuk) from Patong Beach, the clubbing heart of Phuket.
There are also plenty of places to eat and grab a cocktail around the area, within walking distance from the beach, so you can rest assured that you won’t get bored while in Kamala!
Where to stay in Kamala Beach
MY TOP PICK:Keemala – Now this is one of the best places to stay if you’re looking for a special experience! Unlike other beach resorts in Phuket, this accommodation offers clay cottages surrounded by nature in the forest, each of them with its own private pool. In short, this 5-star hotel is stunning, with gorgeous views, free Wi-Fi and more. Recommended for an unforgettable vacation in Phuket!
Speaking of beautiful beaches in Phuket… here’s another good option for you! Karon and Kata are equally awesome parts of Phuket, so it may be hard to choose! I feel like if you want to visit Phuket for water sports and adventure, either one will be a good option and you’ll be fully satisfied! Kata Beach, divided into Kata Noi and Kata Yai) is located right next to Karon. It’s a bit smaller, a bit quieter, but still offers a lot of things to do!
The night scene here isn’t very lively, so you can expect some serenity and lots of relaxation during your stay.
Where to stay in Kata Beach
MY TOP PICK: The Shore At Katathani – If you’re looking for some good mood, good food and complete relaxation, here’s your place in Phuket! This 5-star adults-only resort is right on the beachfront and you can choose from villas with private pools, sea views and more. They also teach yoga lessons and aqua aerobics on-site!
Okay, that’s me done! Here’s my complete guide on Phuket accommodations! In this post, I have discussed the best areas for all types of travellers and I have also given you my hand-picked recommendations for splurgin’ resorts, mid-range hotels and budget ones as well.
Regardless if you’re going to choose the vibrant Patong Beach, fun Karon, family-friendly Kamala or culture-rich Phuket Town, I’m sure you’ll have a great time on your travels!
If you want to read more about the best things to do in Thailand and my adventures in this wonderful country, I recommend heading over to this section here.