You can experience all of this in Phuket: party until dawn, relax on the beach, explore hidden temples, and stroll through the local market. Yes, the beach has reached a new level (definitely worth a visit), but you can also go further inland to the old town to learn about Phuket's past and the restaurants that serve chili and blue ginger seasoned dishes.
Best Districts to Stay in Phuket
Patong Beach
Best for nightlife, shopping & vibrant energy
- Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central: Price from AU$ 92. Steps from Bangla Road nightlife & Jungceylon Mall. Rooftop pool with ocean glimpses. Free breakfast.
- Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa: Price from AU$ 126. Clifftop luxury with private beach access. Infinity pools overlooking Patong Bay. 5-min drive to markets.
Kata/Karon Beach
Best for families, surfing & relaxed coastal vibes
- Katathani Phuket Beach Resort: Price from AU$ 202. Private stretch of Kata Noi Beach. 6 pools + kids’ club. Direct snorkeling access.
- Marina Phuket Resort: Price from AU$ 288. Hillside villas with panoramic ocean views. Steps from Karon Beach surf spots. Thai cooking classes.
Phuket Old Town
Best for heritage charm, cafes & local culture
- Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel: Price from AU$ 76. Restored Sino-Portuguese shophouse with courtyard pool. Near Sunday Walking Street market.
- The Memory at On On Hotel: Price from AU$ 67. Phuket’s oldest hotel (est. 1929). Vintage rooms with period furnishings. 2-min walk to street art lanes.
Getting to and Around Phuket
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Phuket is served by one primary international airport and one key alternative gateway. Phuket International Airport (HKT) is located approximately 30 kilometers northwest of Patong Beach and handles all international and domestic flights to the island.
Consider staying at one of these hotels near the HKT airport.
Click to find more hotels near the HKT Airport.
Find More to Match Your Travel Style
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Beachfront Thrills & Family Fun
- For water parks, kids’ clubs, and splash-tastic stays: Splash Jungle Views + Private Beach Access → Grand Mercure Phuket Patong (Price from AU$ 114)
Cliffside Luxury & Andaman Sea Glam
- Where ocean panoramas meet VIP indulgence: Infinity Pool Overlooking Limestone Karsts → Banyan Tree Phuket (Price from AU$ 444)
Heritage Chic & Old Town Soul
- For Sino-Portuguese charm and creative enclaves: 1900s Shophouse Revival + Sunday Market Hub → The Memory at On On Hotel (Price from AU$ 67)
Final Phuket Hotels Booking Tips
- Book Phuket Hotels Like a Local, secure your room 4–8 months ahead for Phuket’s busiest windows including Christmas/New Year (Dec 20–Jan 5) – Beachfront villas vanish first, and Songkran (Apr 13–15) – Water festival crowds spike prices. Don't forget to avoid Phuket King’s Cup Regatta (Dec 1–7) – Yachting elite book luxury resorts early.
- Navigate Phuket’s Quirks Smartly. Remember ferries to Phi Phi/Krabi stop by 4:00 PM; if island-hopping, budget ฿1,500+ (AU$60) for a private longtail boat return. Tuk-tuks charge ฿200–400 for short rides – use Bolt/Grab apps (Patong to Karon: ฿180 vs. tuk-tuk ฿350).
- Prioritize Transit-Friendly, Value-Focused Neighborhoods. Forget overpriced Patong beachfront or remote Cape Panwa. Station your stay near: Kata/Karon Beach – Family-friendly with songthaew routes to Old Town (฿50). Phuket Old Town – Walkable heritage streets + cheap minivans to beaches.
- You can book flights and hotels through Trip.com, and don't forget use Trip.com promo code to unlock 8% off.