Guide to Beaches in Phuket - Where to Stay According to Your Travel Type
Phuket is a paradise for beach lovers, who come from all over Thailand and all over the World to bask in the sun and take in amazing views of the Andaman sea. The island is so huge that there is so much to see and do and with more than 30 beaches on the island, you’ll be spoilt for choice. The beaches vary by atmosphere, setting, facilities, accommodation type and the type of travellers they tend to attract. In this guide, BudgetAir features the top 5 beaches to stay in Phuket depending on your travel type, personality and the kind of holiday you’ll be expecting.
How to pick the right beach for yourself?
Given the wide variety of beaches available for tourists to stay and visit, how do you pick the right beach to go to? This will depend on your travel type, your personality and your expectations of the trip. Some questions to consider: Are you a budget traveller? Are you traveling with your partner and want a romantic beach getaway? Are you an avid partygoer and looking to mingle and socialize? Do you prefer a peaceful and quiet vacation? Are you looking for a luxury stay in a world-class hotel?
Once you’ve thought about those questions or discussed with your partner the expectations of the trip, you can use our guide to quickly identify which beach is best for you to stay at and start your trip planning right away.
1. Patong Beach, Phuket, Thailand - For the Partygoer
We’ll start off with the most popular beach on Phuket Island, Patong Beach. Located on the west-coast of Phuket, Patong Beach is well known for its hedonistic nightlife scene. Its claim to fame is Bangla Road, a street which is packed with bars, pubs and clubs and is known the world over as a partygoers paradise. Due to its fame, it’s also the busiest and most crowded beach in Phuket, so those who want to be in the center of it all, and within walking distance to cafes, restaurants and shopping, this is the perfect place for you to stay. At Bangla Road, there’s even a huge bar called Aussie Bar, which is at the entrance of Soi Gonzo. At the end of Soi Gonzo, you’ll see White Room Nightclub Phuket, which is a stylish and sleek place to party to the beats of famous DJs. And to top if off, Seduction Nightclub, the most popular nightclub in Phuket is located on Bangla Road as well, and is open from 10pm till 4am everyday.
2. Kata Beach, Phuket, Thailand - For Surfers, Divers, Families
Kata Beach is considered another gem of Phuket because it has a whole host of activities to offer to travelers. Adventure seekers love Kata Beach since it’s a great spot for surfing (May to November) and is a convenient location to take a dive trip out to see a reef, located somewhere between the beach and nearby Pu island. There’s a nightlife too here that caters to young travellers who come here seeking adventure, but it’s not as hectic as Patong Beach. Families that are travelling together will also find a little something for everyone here on Kata Beach. Kid-friendly facilities include mini-golf, flow-riding and even Muay Thai training. The viewpoints here offer some breathtaking views, especially during sunset. Or head to a beach bar, like After Beach Bar or a hilltop restaurant like Heaven Restaurant and Bar for stunning panoramic views to enjoy your food and drinks. Shopaholics will love visiting nearby Palm Square Phuket, where you can get your swimwear and surfwear, or head to Kata Night Market for local street food and souvenir hunting.
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3. Karon Beach, Phuket, Thailand - Resorts, Romantic Getaway
Karon Beach is the third longest stretch of sand on the island and has a host of luxury resorts that lend a more peaceful, relaxing air to the area. This is a great choice for couples who want to stay on a beach that is quieter and much less crowded and yet not that far from the action. You’ll be able to appreciate the beach here so much more since you’ll get more space to yourselves and hours will go by before you realize it. Couples can choose from the many resorts that line the beach according to their budget and you and your partner will surely have a great time chilling by the pool as well. The Karon Temple Market makes a great spot to get souvenirs. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to good food around Karon Beach, with Karon Centre hosting many of the great seafood dinners.
4. Kamala Beach, Phuket, Thailand - Retirees, Budget Travellers
Kamala Beach is a popular destinations for retirees looking to relax and unwind. Even though it’s not that far from Patong Beach, Kamala Beach maintains a peaceful vibe with a relaxed pace of life and offers travellers a variety of spa and villas to choose from. Most retirees choose to stay at quality hotels, but there are also budget accommodations in the area, making it an ideal spot for budget travellers who want to stay away from the hustle and bustle of Patong Beach. Kamala Beach is the perfect beach to laze and take it easy on the quiet sand during the day. There are also beachfront restaurants that serve up fresh seafood for affordable prices.
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5. Rawai Beach, Phuket, Thailand - Living like a local experience, Away from other tourists
If you’re the type of traveller that wants to partake in the experience of living like a local and being far from other tourists, then Rawai Beach is just the spot for you. Located at the south-eastern corner of Phuket, Rawai Beach is serene and you’ll get to see the sea gypsy village and local fisherman plying their trade. This is a good spot for those who want to go island hopping as well at nearby Coral and Racha islands as there are long-tails boats that will bring tourists out a day trips. From here, you’ll also be a short drive away from the Phuket Big Buddha and Promthep Cape, which are both key attractions and icons of Phuket. While you’re there, remember to visit the Sea Gypsies Market and dine at one of the local seafood eateries.
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