Phuket has plenty of places to stay, from top-class resorts and luxurious villas to beach-side bungalows and home-stays. The busiest time of year is high season which starts in November and goes through to March/April. The months in-between are quieter and accommodation costs are often discounted.
The West Coast
The majority of tourists stay in the busy resorts of Patong, Kata and Karon, as they are set up for holidaymakers with a surplus of restaurants and bars, activities, shopping and nightlife. You either love or hate Patong – it’s seedy, noisy and expensive, or lively, exciting and cheap. Karon and Kata are quieter versions and more family-orientated.
The Southern Beaches
There are some very nice areas to stay in other parts of the island too. Rawai is peaceful and just minutes away from the beautiful Nai Harn Beach and Rawai Beach with plenty of attractions of its own.Then there is Phuket Town, small enough to explore on foot and interesting due to the historical part of the city, inspiring architecture, and delicious local dishes.
Where you decide to stay depends on what you want to see and do whilst here. If the plan is to go clubbing every night, hang out at the bars and go shopping, then choose Patong. If you are bringing the family then Kata might suit your needs better.
If you prefer to meet the locals then choose Rawai. Located right at the southern-most tip of the island the atmosphere is laid back. Rawai Beach in the evening is one of the best places to eat fresh seafood and its location makes it cool and fresh. This is also one of the main places from where to get a speed boat or long-tail boat for Phuket boat trips.
Transport around Phuket
Phuket is actually the largest island in Thailand and can be difficult to get around. There is no public transport as such, only small pick-ups acting as buses that run a set route from the main beaches to Phuket Town and back.
Generally the facilities in the beach areas of Kata and Patong are close enough to walk around and that’s why they are popular with tourists. Staying in Rawai and Nai Harn you’ll need some kind of transport if you want to go further, such as a bicycle or motorbike, although many people are happy to walk. The only other option is to get a taxi.
La Moet offers local boat tours and private charters around Phuket’s coastline. We sail to Koh Bon and Koh Racha and out to all the best snorkelling spots
