Phuket is one of those daydream destinations to transport yourself to on your daily commute; perfect white, sandy beaches which stretch on until you reach sharp limestone cliffs, and you’ve lush tropical jungle on one side and the famously bright turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea on the other side. Relax, dive, snorkel, explore the jungle, island hop, drink well, eat well and be well looked after. That’s Phuket Island for you. Our Guru’s recommendations for the best places to stay in Phuket are a fairly luxurious collection, with a plethora of upscale beach hotels, but there are still a couple of really good value options — so the dream is open to everyone!

Some of our Phuket collections:

• Top Resorts in Phuket
• Best Beach Resorts in Phuket

Just back from the coast, Phuket Town is significantly cheaper than staying in one of the beach resorts. This city is a real historic melting pot, with people and influence from China, Portugal, India and the Arabian Peninsula helping to build this place up - when it was just an island of tin mines and rubber plantations - before the tourist dollar arrived. As well as uncovering Phuket’s cultural side, and having your pick of the textiles shops and markets, if you’re exploring Phuket Town you might also be interested in visiting some of the city’s many shrines, strolling past some of the beautifully grand old Sino-Portuguese buildings and popping round a couple of museums.

What not to Miss

• Phuket is the kind of place where you can pack in a lot of adventure, or do very little. Go sailing or jet-skiing, try parasailing, or diving, snorkelling or free diving, kite-surfing, canoeing or deep sea fishing.
• The island’s spectacular coastline is well worth seeing, and you can do it under your own steam or someone else’s. Phuket isn’t the only island in these parts and it’s definitely worth visiting some of the others.
• If you fancy a bit of sightseeing beyond the beautiful beaches and the hilly interior with its dramatic roads, then there’s a fair bit to choose from, including an aquarium, a crocodile farm, a butterfly garden and Wat Prathong with its half buried golden Buddha.

The best places to stay in Phuket are always busy destinations, so don't leave your booking till the last minute....you might well be disappointed!

The Best Places to Stay in Phuket

Best Beach Resorts

• The Nai Harn is a Phuket stalwart which has just undergone a renovation. Now the 130 room property has a Mediterranean feel with stylish rooms and open views. There are great family rooms and you’re just two minutes from the beach.
• Kata Rocks has fantastic sea views from its luxurious rooms and villas, and chic, contemporary decor. Small and secluded there’s a Mediterranean restaurant on site and access to a chaser yacht.
• SALA Phuket is located right on Mai Khao beach. As well as a selection of luxurious rooms and villas, you can expect three pools, superb food and an award winning spa.

For luxury

• Amanpuri, an Aman spa resort, offers a haven of tranquility with private villas, private pools and a choice of five restaurants. This is a relaxingly low-tech resort with plenty of activities and spa treatments on offer if you need help filling your time.
• Paresa Resort is a secluded, jungle property offering pared back luxury. Villas boast stunning views through floor to ceiling glass walls, and are decorated with natural wood for example. Some also have a private pool, and all have spa baths. The menu is Mediterranean.

For Honeymooners

• Keemala’s accommodation is in ‘birds nest villas’ arranged within the treetops. Each ‘nest’ has a canopied bed, a huge egg-like bathtub and a private pool. There are just 38 ‘nests’ and two restaurants serving food which is largely grown on site.

For Families

• Sri Panwa is a chic collection of glass-fronted villas filled with every modern comfort and offering spectacular sea views. There are just 59 rooms/villas and you’ll have just the right facilities, including a private assistant for your kids if that would help you relax and enjoy yourself.

For Great Value

• Twinpalms is a chic resort with 97 rooms, a gorgeous pool, a spoiling spa and beach butlers! Lively Surin beach with its white sand is just steps from the property and the contemporary style is unfussy. Rooms start from around £105 per night.
• The Slate is a fabulous five star property that won't break the bank. It offers slick rooms, suites and villas, excellent food and pampering spa and prices start from as litle as £115 per night!
• The Indigo Pearl is an easy-going resort with 177 rooms, a choice of restaurants, a simply gorgeous infinity pool and clever, tropical landscaping. You’re close to a public beach and there’s a seemingly endless list of activities going on to suit all ages - including its own dive school. If you want to up-scale you can have private pretty much everything too!
• £150 per night isn’t inexpensive, but the Como Point Yamu is a great value option if you want to treat yourself to a proper Phuket experience. With an enviable position overlooking the Andaman Sea, two excellent restaurants, an award-winning spa, rooftop infinity pool and daily menu of sporting and cultural activities, this is classic Phuket.

For a self-catering apartment

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, booking.com.

Travel Information

• Want to fly to Phuket?

• Phuket Airport is 30kms to the north of Phuket Town, about 30 to 45minutes by taxi, or an hour and 20 minutes by bus - but traffic is often bad. It’s only loosely connected to the UK and Europe, most visitors will need to travel via Bangkok. Phuket is known for having relatively expensive taxi prices and very limited public transport.
• If you’re thinking about hiring a car we recommend checking what our online partners, Rentalcars have to offer.
• The peak time for visiting Phuket is between November and February when it’s cool and dry, after than it gets quite hot until about May then the monsoon season starts.

Still not sure?

• Browse our list of the best places to stay in Phuket,,
• or expand your search to include the best places to stay in Krabi or Khao Lak,
• or contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Phuket