In Phuket, it is hard to find places where there are no tourists. They usually prefer to settle closer to the beach to save money on car rentals. Those who come for wintering choose areas such as Thalang, Chentale or those closer to the center.
I will tell you about the non-tourist places in Phuket where there will be a minimum of travelers.
Katu
Very nice neighborhood with lots of housing options. From here you can get to any beach in just 20 minutes. There are large shopping centers nearby: Macro, Central Festival, Central Floresta, Index, Bixi, Tesco Lotus.
It is important not to confuse Katu with the Kata area. Kata is the beach and district of the same name, while Katu is the center of the south of Phuket.
Panwa
Among the unpopular places, Panwa can be singled out. There are only a few beaches on Panwa that are suitable for swimming. For example, Ao Yon beach, where even in low season, during a strong storm, there are never waves. Therefore, it is better to go there.
The rest of the beaches on Panwa are not very suitable for swimming as it is the east coast where there is a lot of coral.
Phuket Town
Foreigners like to settle here. The neighborhood is full of restaurants and cafes representing different cuisines of the world. Every weekend, Thalang Road is closed off and on Friday and Saturday nights, one part of the street becomes a place for musicians and folk art and the other for street food.
It’s an interesting place that would be great to walk around.
The only problem is parking. When driving out, you need to understand and read the signs. Parking may be allowed from two to four on one side and from four to six on the other. Or it can be limited to days of the week.
There is a lot of one-way traffic, so you need to be smart about using Google Maps and look at the warning signs and curb coloring
Mai Kao
Another area is Mai Khao, which is near the airport. The sea there is not suitable for swimming because of the depth, and there are no rescue services. The beach is very big, beautiful and practically deserted. If you want to make photo shoots in the style of “bounty” advertising, you can go to Mai Khao and walk there.
Here is Mai Khao beach condo – a large condo with nice apartments, pools, restaurant, its own cafe and stores.
Knighton
The neighborhood is located on the very edge of the island. It is a quiet and cozy place, not like other areas of Phuket. It is easy to find accommodation in Knighton, with condominiums, villas, apartments and penthouses for rent.
In Knighton, there is a small and cozy beach called Banana Beach. It is mostly inhabited by people who have either bought a home or rent there.
In the eastern part of Phuket, where Phuket Town is located, the sea is not suitable for swimming because of the muddy bottom and coves. There are a few beaches in Ao Por, but it’s a long drive. Mostly premium villas are located there as the views are stunning. You can visit Supalai Resort Spa and the spa treatments it offers.
In the west of the island, north of Central Festival, there are fewer tourists, but it is a long drive to the sea. For example, Bang Tao Beach can hardly be called a non-tourist place, but the prices for accommodation, food and restaurants are much higher than on the others
Laguna
The most prestigious neighborhood is Laguna. Housing here is very expensive, there are golf courses, a hiking park and the Blue Tree amusement center. There are many swimming pools and fountains where you can go down on a cable, jump off a cliff and go kayaking.
It’s a fun place to spend more than one day with the whole family.
Beaches
There are no obvious “non-touristy” beach spots in Phuket. There are about 50 clearly marked, including the wildest ones. These are fun for experienced travelers who want to explore the island.
Kamala beach is a Muslim area. The area is picturesque, beyond the pass will be Surin beach, then Bang Tao. The whole west coast is a lot of recreation areas.
Layan Beach is a bit quieter, with less entertainment. Bang Tao Beach is home to iconic cafes and clubs such as Catch and Dream.
A very atmospheric place in Naiharn district is Yanui beach. This place is called Rawai, and it is catering to foreigners. The cuisine there is authentic and varied: Central Asian, Italian, French – whatever you like. In an Italian restaurant, an Italian will be the host, in a French restaurant, a Frenchman. Everything is done exactly as it should be.
Phuket is not just about beach vacations. For some, shopping can be fun – Central Festival and Central Floresta are full of brand name boutiques.
Travel Tips
- Respect local traditions. Familiarize yourself with Thailand’s cultural norms and customs. For example, you should remove your shoes and dress modestly in temples. It is best not to be defiant or disrespectful of local traditions.
- Be careful with street food. Don’t be afraid to try delicacies in street cafes, but choose establishments with a good reputation and a large number of customers. Avoid buying food from vendors who do not follow sanitary standards.
- Use tuk-tuks. Tuk-tuks are a convenient and inexpensive way to get around Patong and avoid traffic jams. Do not accept a ride without first agreeing on a price.
- Be careful with personal belongings on the beach and in public places. Use luggage locks at hotels. Do not leave valuables unattended, especially at the beach.
- To avoid digestive problems, drink only bottled water.
- Respect the natural environment. Clean up after yourself and try to minimize your negative impact on nature while on vacation. Do not leave plastic waste on the beach or in the jungle.
- Learn some simple Thai phrases such as “thank you” (khob khun) and “hello” (sawasdee). This will help you establish a rapport with the locals. Don’t ignore the opportunity to socialize – it will create a more positive impression of your stay.
- Be careful with alcohol. Enjoy local cocktails and drinks, but do so responsibly. Do not abuse them, especially if you plan to travel the streets at night.
- Learn water safety rules before engaging in water sports and use protective equipment. Do not ignore warnings about unsafe conditions for swimming or water activities.
- Patong is known for its vibrant nightlife. Enjoy it, but watch your behavior and avoid conflicts. Do not get involved in fights or provocations, as this can lead to serious consequences.
