The first thing to decide

when you look for a place to stay on Phuket is which beach or area appeals to you. A few key factors to consider:

• The western beaches are scalloped arcs of powdery sand. The bustling tourist towns are here, and lodging options are endless. Restaurants and shops abound.


• The east coast is more sheltered and far less busy. Natural surroundings and a relaxed environment are typical of the lodging options here.


• Daytrip dive boats depart from Chalong Bay on the southeastern coast. Transfers to and from the pier are offered at no cost to divers staying in Patong, Kata, Karon, and Chalong.

The second thing to think about

is how much you can spend.Full-service resorts right on the beach carry the highest price tags, while the least expensive options are simple guesthouses some distance from the beach.

Let us know if you'd like us to help with your booking! Or click on the image below for a wide variety of lodgings at great rates.

A sample of five areas where our divers like to stay:

Bangla Road, Patong: center of island nightlife

• Phuket's largest and busiest tourist area
• The place to be if you like to party!
• Many beach activities like jet-ski, parasailing, floating play area
• Wide choice of hotels, restaurants, souvenir stalls, massage shops, and tailors
• At night Bangla Road, the main entertainment street, becomes a pedestrian mall.

Karon Beach: Dunes separate the water from the road

• Large family-oriented tourist town not known for its nightlife
• Plenty of restaurants and shopping
• Long, curving beach with clean water and few crowds
• Many resorts on the beach road and guesthouses in the back streets
• Karon Park, surrounding a lagoon, often has pick-up soccer and volleyball games

Kata Beach: Surrounded by rocky headlands

• Tourist town with two separate areas, giving each a more intimate feel
• Street vendors and places to eat easily accessible
• Lovely, medium-sized beach with the possiblilty of renting longtail boats for outings
• Laid back beach-town atmosphere without many high-rises
• Ska bar at the southern end of the beach features fire twirlers on weekends

Nai Harn Beach: An oasis of tranquility

• Set in a National Park—no town to speak of
• Just enough shops to take care of essentials
• Beautiful beach without crowds and a favorite of locals
• Several resorts at varying rates
• Al-fresco dining at tables set out under native casuarina trees

Mittrapap Beach Rawai: The quiet east coast of Phuket

• Off the beaten track, peaceful and relaxing
• Not much tourist commerce; rental cars are advised
• Wonderful views of the huge Chalong Bay area, but no swimming beach
• Beach villas, spa retreats, wellness centers, bungalow resorts all available
• Near to Chalong, the jump off point for daytrip diving