Phuket is Thailand’s largest province and a popular tourist destination. It is one of the best places to explore the culture, lifestyle and nature of Southeast Asia. Phuket is suitable for short vacations and also as a region for relocation.
The island is divided into three large districts, which include 17 settlements and 103 villages. Life on Phuket varies from place to place and depends largely on tourist popularity – this is important to consider when choosing where to vacation.
I tell you where is the best place to live in Phuket and what are the unique regions of the island.
Phuket districts in Thailand
The island is located in the south of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It has an international airport.
The area of Phuket is a little smaller than Singapore, but it has everything for a comfortable vacation: a long coastline with clean beaches, hotels of different levels, cultural attractions, and a vibrant nightlife.
The province consists of three large parts:
- Thalang is north;
- Mueang Phuket is the capital city in the southwestern part;
- Katu is the center and west coast.
The areas are divided into settlements, sometimes radically different from each other in terms of rhythm of life and atmosphere. The west and south coasts have more entertainment and tourist infrastructure.
The traffic is heavy, so take care of insurance in advance. Many tourists prefer to choose a place to live before visiting this picturesque island. Here’s a look at the best places to live in Phuket.
Metropolitan area
It is an area on the southern and southeastern part of Phuket. The administrative division includes the towns of Phuket, Karon, Rawai and Wichit, and eight districts with Chalong and Ko Khao.
The capital city of Phuket is the right place to go for relaxation, tourism and exploring the culture and history of Thailand.
Karon
It used to be a small fishing village. Today there are dozens of hotels, restaurants, bars and stores in the area. Here you can order Thai and European cuisine, enjoy live music and dancing, and visit nightclubs.
The area has plenty of options for where to stay, with most hotels ranging from three to five stars and located along the shoreline on Patak Rd. East. In the alleys in the private sector, inexpensive gesthouses are offered.
Kata Noi
This is a small and cozy beach in Phuket, located in the bay between Kata Yai and Karon. It attracts tourists with its calm atmosphere, clean sand and clear water.
The length of the beach is about 700 meters, and the width is from 40 to 50. The entrance to the sea is gentle, the depth increases gradually, which is good for resting with a child. The bottom is sandy, without stones and algae.
During the monsoon season, which lasts from May to October-November, Kata Noi experiences high waves and choppy currents, during which time swimming is advised with caution.
Surfing equipment can be rented here, and there are showers, changing rooms and toilets. There are several cafes and restaurants on the territory.
Kata Noi has small villas and expensive accommodation options such as Shore At Katathani. You can get there by shuttle bus from Phuket Town.
Rawai
The area is located in the southern part of the island and stretches for two kilometers. The beach area is sandy, but the coast is not used for swimming: it is a pier and a place for walking. Interestingly, the first tourist beach of Phuket used to be located here.
People come here for a relaxing vacation by the sea, and there are many photographers in the area: the local scenery looks spectacular.
There are numerous cafes along the coast offering seafood specialties. Prices are lower than in other places on the island. There are also massage parlors and beachside bars. The main hangout spot, Friendship Beach, is open daily until 2am.
Even in the low season, the coast is practically windless: it is protected by a cape and islands. There is a wide range of accommodation nearby: apartments, villas and hotels of different levels.
Katu
The Katu area of Phuket is a resort on the west coast of the Andaman Sea. It is also home to the island’s other hotspots, Patong and Kamala.
Katu is suitable for a vacation for those who are looking for noisy entertainment and want to appreciate the nightlife in Thailand.
Patong
Patong district in Phuket is one of the most famous and popular tourist destinations in Thailand. It is located in the west of the island and covers about 7 km2. In Thai “Patong” means “banana forest”. Today, due to dense construction, bananas no longer grow here.
Patong is famous for its hotels, stores, nightclubs and bars, most of which are on Bangla Road. There are two Thai boxing rings in town, and the Jungle Ceylon shopping center has a movie theater showing new releases in English.
Patong has several hundred accommodation options to suit every budget, from five-star hotels to hostel beds. I recommend choosing accommodation away from the busy streets, which are noisy both day and night. Many hotels have their own bar, pool and restaurant, so you can save money on food.
The sea near the coastline is shallow and suitable for swimming and water sports. It is crowded and noisy at the peak of the season.
There are many attractions in the Patong area, including the Suwan Khiri Wong Buddhist Temple, Patong Boxing Stadium and the verdant Loma Park.
There are disadvantages as well. Recently, beach recreation in this area is becoming less and less popular due to pollution. In addition, in high season the beach is heavily overloaded with vacationers.
Kamala
In contrast to bustling Patong, Kamala is a quiet neighborhood suitable for a relaxing coastal experience. The 1.5km beach is located in the northern part of Phuket, between Patong and Surin.
The tourist infrastructure is underdeveloped, but there are several star hotels with everything you need for a vacation. Most of the places to stay are located on Rim Haad Street.
Kamala is a great place to experience Thailand’s natural beauty. Diving and snorkeling equipment rentals are available, and the beach has many shallow waters with beautiful reefs. On Khao Phonthurat Hill, there is a natural observation deck that offers one of the most breathtaking views in all of Phuket.
There are cafes, restaurants and food stalls in Kamala, especially near the beach. You can buy snacks, ice cream and cold drinks throughout the day.
Entertainment options are few, with only two major sites: the Buddhist temple in the south of the region and the Phuket FantaSea theme park with rides.
Thalang
Thalang Island is located in the north of Phuket. It was originally a sparsely populated area whose inhabitants practiced agriculture. The farming heritage has survived, Thalang is still sparsely urbanized and heterogeneous, with all tourist infrastructure located in Laguna, Bang Tao and Surin.
Thalang will suit those looking for the best place to go in Phuket for a measured vacation, but with quality service.
Laguna
The neighborhood is inextricably linked to the Laguna Phuket resort complex, which has been developed by private investors since 1980 and has become a symbol of luxury living in Phuket.
This place is in the central part of the island, in Cherng Talei Tambon. It is bordered by Bang Tao Beach to the west and Line and Leimpang to the north.
The territory is well-maintained, there is no car traffic on the roads, so you can walk with a stroller. There is a spacious golf club, tennis courts and bicycle rentals.
Housing in the area is more expensive than in neighboring areas. Local eateries offer food from around the world. On the main street is the Porto de Phuket complex with a wide range of entertainment, boutiques and jewelry stores. Groceries and snacks can be bought at 7eleven outlets.
Laguna is suitable for those looking for European service surrounded by Asian nature. This is where the country’s most prestigious hotels are located: Dusit Thani, Banyan Tree and Angsana Laguna.
Bang Tao
This eight-kilometer-long beach is located on Phuket’s northwest coast, just 20 minutes from the airport. It’s popular with families, groups and couples, and has something to suit every taste.
In terms of infrastructure, the southern part of the district is more developed. There are numerous massage parlors, cafes and restaurants offering local and European cuisine. There are more such establishments along Lagoon Road.
Lodging is mainly represented by hotels with four or five stars, but if you have a limited budget, you can always find a small room in a guesthouse. The price is significantly lower for long-term rentals.
Which area of Phuket to choose for a vacation
When choosing an island destination, consider two things: personal preference and budget.
For those looking for a noisy beach vacation with parties and inexpensive bars, almost any resort in the Capital District and, of course, Patong will do.
Romantic vacation by the sea and vacation with children is better to spend in Kamala or Bang Tao.
The lagoon and the northern part of the island is the best place for tourists looking for European service and a relaxed life by the sea. It is also one of the most promising areas of the country for real estate investment.
Travel Tips
1. Go for private villas and hotels with two to three stars. The infrastructure and amenities offered by more expensive options are within walking distance: Phuket resorts are very densely developed.
2. When choosing your vacation time, take seasonality into account. From about July to the end of September, the country experiences tropical rains and high waves at sea.
3. The best way to eat on the island is self-cooking. Food is cheap in Phuket, but it should be carefully inspected before buying: due to the warm climate, it spoils quickly.
4. You may not be able to pay with a bank card everywhere, so carry some cash with you. It is better to take dollars: they can be easily exchanged for baht at local exchange offices.
