Phuket, the island destination in Thailand drawing the most tourists, offer a plethora of beaches, coves and bays. Deciding where on the island to book your hotel accommodation is an important step to a memorable holiday. Some like it secluded, peaceful and tranquil, some like the buzz of a busy holiday atmosphere and some like it somewhere in-between.
In this article we will give an abbreviated overview of the best and most popular Phuket beach destinations, what you can expect from the location and point you in the direction of some great hotels in each area.
Patong is without a doubt the centre of all activity in Phuket. It is alive with people, a congregation of restaurants, bars, pubs, shopping opportunity, water sports abound and even a large shopping mall, making it popular with those who likes an electric holiday atmosphere. A vibrant nightlife with an assortment of clubs and discotheques sees that the nocturnally inclined also have a blast of a time.
Patong is home to a large selection of hotels and sees some fine luxury accommodation options to more budget savvy and everything in-between.
If you would like to be close to all the action but not directly in it and out of earshot of any noise, try the 4 star Amari Coral Beach Resort, located in the southern most corner of Patong on its own private beach. La Flora Resort is another 5 star resident of Patong right in the centre of the beach. This stylish establishment offer accommodation for anything from single travelers to two bedroom villas for family vacationers. The brand new very hip and funky 4 star B-Lay Tong resort also needs to be mentioned. This Phuket resort is located to the upmarket northern end of Patong.
Pure white sand that glitters, Karon is the 2nd biggest of the primary Phuket tourist beaches. It is located just south, a 5 minute tuk tuk ride, from the glittering lights of Patong. Long and wide, it is debatable if Karon is not maybe the most sought after of all Phuket beaches. Many hotels line the road that runs parallel to the beach, but very little if any development has taken place on the beach. To the northern end of this beach several restaurants, bars and other commercial activity is centered. Probably the most upscale Phuket beach area, Karon is home to highly recommended hotel names the 5 star Movenpick Resort & Spa, Centara Karon Resort, Centara Villas Phuket and the Hilton Phuket Arcadia. Just recently the brand new 5 star Centara Grand Beach Resort opened its doors to the northern end of Karon. This Phuket hotel is in fact located directly on the beach and every room offers sea views.
Kata Beach is the smallest of the primary tourist beaches. White sands, crystal clear waters and Phuket hotels and resorts right on the beach. If you do not wish to have a road between your hotel and the beach, Kata is probably where you will find your choice of Phuket accommodation. All structures bordering Kata is low rise so views are unobstructed and set to stay this. A beautiful beach and area in general, Kata is a great choice, perfect for swimming and plays hosts to names like the luxury Mom Tri's Boathouse boutique hotel, Centara Kata Resort and the popular 4 star Andaman Cannacia Resort & Spa. All of which is recommended places of stay.
Surin Beach is home to several high-end 5 star hotels & resorts and is aptly referred to as millionaire's row. The beach is beautiful and the sand a fine white powder. These luxury establishments have also given rise to some top notch restaurants and wine bars. Suggest for discerning travelers, Surin will be a good choice. Names like The Surin Hotel (Formerly The Chedi Phuket Hotel) and Manathai Resort has made Surin their home.
Kamala Beach is located just north of lively Patong with its glittering lights and feverish nightlife. Kamala calls to those who like it quieter while still within easy reach of Patong. The southern end of the beach gets busier during high and peak season. Here, a range of restaurants and bars can also be found. However, simply head for the northern end all year round to find peace and quiet. Kamala is of course also home to one of the biggest Phuket attractions, The Phuket FantaSea. Kamala is home to, amongst others, the luxury Cape Sienna Hotel & Villas.
Bang Tao is an enormous 8 kilometer stretch of beach. The southern end of this beach offers a range of some nice mid range hotels while the north is occupied by the ultr luxury Laguna hotel complex. Just a little inland is a small market and the village of Cherng Talay. The predominantly Muslim community makes a living from fishing as they have been for generations. In Bang Tao you will spend most of your time on the beach, utilizing resorts facilities and activities or rent a jeep to check out neighbouring beaches. Not busy, not quiet and very little if any night life.
Mai Khao Beach is at almost 10 kilometers, the longest beach in Phuket. Situated at the northern tip of Phuket, this area has seen limited development and construction. If you don't like to share a beach with too many other tourists, Mai Khao is your place. This is an area to get away from it all and spend your time in quiet and tranquil seclusion, though the nearby location of the airport does bring some air traffic noise every now and then. Sala Phuket Resort and Spa and Anantara Phuket Resort and Spa are two quality resorts in Mai Khao that deserves a closer look. Be careful when swimming here May to October with strong under currents and a steep slope into the ocean making things hazardous.
Just south of Mai Khao is Nai Yang beach, home to the fabulous Indigo Pearl Resort. Once again, commercial development is limited. The setting is lovely and tranquil and like Mai Khao, it is removed from any major activity and Patong is an approximate 45 minute drive away. A good choice to spend a few days in blissful seclusion, recuperate and then head for a more active environment.
Well then, this should help you make a more informed decision before booking Phuket hotels. Alternatively, should you need more information or suggestions for the best hotels and accommodation options for your unique requirements, contact our friendly and helpful team. We will be happy to assist.
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