Phuket Travel Guide: Where to Stay, Eat & Best Beaches
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, located in the Andaman Sea on the country’s southwest coast, and it’s one of Southeast Asia’s most popular tropical destinations. Known for its beautiful beaches, lively nightlife, and growing food scene, Phuket attracts every type of traveller – from backpackers and families to luxury holidaymakers and digital nomads.
But there’s much more to the island than crowded party zones and resort strips. In this Phuket travel guide, we’ll show you a different side of the island, including why Phuket Town is worth visiting, beaches for different travel styles, cultural highlights like Wat Chalong, honest food experiences, and areas that are actually worth staying in.
If you’re planning your first trip or returning and want to explore beyond the usual tourist spots, this guide will help you decide what to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Phuket for a more memorable experience.
Phuket Town – A Place Many Travellers Miss
Many travellers overlook Phuket Town because it lies away from the beaches, choosing instead to stay along the coast. Yet spending time here reveals a calmer and more local side of the island, one that often becomes a surprising highlight of the trip.
We found Phuket Town well worth visiting for at least one or two nights. Colourful Old Town streets invite slow wandering, with cosy cafés, relaxed restaurants and small bars creating an atmosphere that feels welcoming rather than hectic. Small temples hidden between streets add quiet moments of discovery, while places like the famous Blue Elephant cooking school offer travellers a chance to experience Thai culture through food.
Shopping is another pleasant surprise. Many shops and markets offer competitive prices, often cheaper than in Phuket’s beach towns and sometimes even better than in other popular parts of Thailand.
Phuket Town may not offer beachfront views, but it provides something equally rewarding – a chance to slow down and experience everyday island life before heading back to the coast.
Where to Stay in Phuket Town
A comfortable and good-value option in Phuket Town is Pattra Mansion by AKSARA Collection, a simple but welcoming stay that works perfectly for a short visit while exploring the town.
One of the highlights here is the generously sized swimming pool with refreshingly cool water – something seasoned Thailand travellers will appreciate. Many hotel pools across the country can feel almost as warm as the air outside, making them less inviting in the heat, so having a properly refreshing pool becomes a small but important luxury after a day of exploring.
The hotel also has a small coffee shop on site, ideal for an easy morning start before heading into town. Its location allows you to reach Phuket Old Town quickly while still enjoying a quieter environment away from traffic and crowds.
What makes this stay especially appealing is the value for money. Rooms are comfortable and practical, and prices can start around £16 ($21) per night, making it one of the best affordable options in the area without sacrificing comfort. You can book it here.
For travellers looking for a convenient base to explore Phuket Town without paying resort prices, this is a stay that offers both comfort and practicality.
Where & What to Eat in Phuket Town
A memorable meal in Phuket Town was at Kaeng Liang Restaurant, a relaxed local spot serving comforting southern Thai dishes.
This is a great place to try Phuket’s famous black pork, a local speciality slowly braised in a rich, savoury sauce with garlic, soy, pepper, and spices until the meat becomes incredibly tender and full of flavour. Adrian tried it and declared it one of his favourite meals on the island.
If, like me, you don’t eat pork, their mango sticky rice is a perfect alternative – sweet ripe mango served with coconut sticky rice, simple and delicious after a warm evening wandering through town.
Sometimes the most memorable meals come from unassuming local restaurants, and this was definitely one of those moments.
Kaeng Liang restaurant is located here.
Bangtao & Muay Thai Training
Bangtao, on Phuket’s west coast, isn’t just about beaches – it’s also a great place to immerse yourself in fitness and martial arts. The area has become a hub for travellers looking to train in Muay Thai, MMA, BJJ, and other disciplines during their trip. One of the best-rated camps here is Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA, offering classes for all levels and a welcoming training environment.
Training Options & Prices
A day pass costs ฿900 (around £20 / €23 / $28) and is a great option if you simply want to try a class or experience Muay Thai training during your trip.
Travellers staying longer can choose an all-access weekly pass for around ฿5,000 (approximately £110 / €130 / $155), giving unlimited access to classes and making it easy to combine training with beach time and exploring the island.
For those planning a longer stay or focusing more seriously on training, a one-month all-access pass costs about ฿16,500 (roughly £370 / €435 / $520), allowing full access to Muay Thai, fitness, and martial arts classes throughout the month.
Prices can change over time, so below we’ve added links to the official price list – always check them before booking: https://bangtaomuaythai.com/prices
The Lazy Coconut Phuket – Honest Review & Pricing Reality
Not every stop becomes a highlight, even when expectations are high.
We discovered The Lazy Coconut while planning our Phuket trip through guides and social media recommendations. Photos of coconut drinks and pool views made me excited to visit.
Arriving there felt surprisingly underwhelming. Despite its popularity online, the café was completely empty during our visit, and the atmosphere felt less inviting than expected. The place itself looks nice, and the swimming pool area is attractive, yet the overall experience quickly became disappointing.
What surprised us most was the seating policy. You don’t only pay for food or drinks, but also for where you sit. The more comfortable the seating, the higher the charge. Even simple wooden seats near the bar require an extra payment, which felt unnecessarily excessive.
Food and drink prices are already much higher than in many cafés around Phuket. The total cost felt difficult to justify compared with local restaurants offering better value.
Some travellers may still enjoy the setting, so we’ll leave a photo of the price list for you to decide if the experience is worth it.
Often, the simplest places create the best travel memories.
The current price list and menu for The Lazy Coconut Phuket are available here.
Best Beaches in Phuket – Finding the Right Vibe for Your Trip
Phuket’s beaches each offer a different atmosphere, so choosing the right one can shape your island experience.
Yanui Beach – Small, Quiet & Local
Yanui Beach is one of Phuket’s smallest beaches, tucked between hills in the island’s south. Its sheltered bay keeps the water calm, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling. The beach feels peaceful, especially in the early morning and late afternoon, and sunsets here are particularly beautiful.
Why visit: calm water ideal for swimming, relaxed atmosphere, good snorkelling, beautiful sunset views, fewer crowds than larger Phuket beaches.
What to keep in mind: small beach size, limited facilities nearby, and parking can become busy at peak times.
Best for: travellers looking for quiet beaches in Phuket, couples, snorkelling lovers, and visitors wanting to escape busy tourist spots.
Usethis map to easily find Yanui Beach, one of the best quiet beaches in southern Phuket.
Patong Beach – Phuket’s Party Hub
Patong Beach is Phuket’s busiest and most famous beach, offering water sports, shopping, and nightlife all in one place. The beach stays lively during the day, while nearby Bangla Road becomes the island’s nightlife centre after sunset.
Why visit: vibrant atmosphere, wide choice of hotels and restaurants, water sports activities, and easy access to nightlife and shopping.
What to keep in mind: crowds, noise, higher tourist prices, and a less relaxing environment compared to quieter beaches.
Best for: travellers seeking nightlife in Phuket, party lovers, and visitors wanting entertainment and social energy.
This map shows Patong Beach’s location, Phuket’s main nightlife and entertainment beach area.
Kamala Beach – Relaxed & Easygoing
Kamala Beach offers a calmer alternative while still providing restaurants and accommodation options. The beach is spacious, and evenings remain peaceful, perfect for sunset walks and relaxed dinners.
Why visit: quieter beach atmosphere, family-friendly environment, relaxing evenings, and good restaurant choices nearby.
What to keep in mind: limited nightlife and fewer activities compared to busier beaches like Patong.
Best for: families, couples, and travellers seeking a relaxed Phuket beach without feeling isolated.
Island weather isn’t always postcard-perfect. Cloudy or rainy moments become a gentle reminder to slow down – perhaps linger in a small café, enjoy a long lunch, or discover new local flavours while waiting for the sun to return.
Use this map to locate Kamala Beach, a relaxed and family-friendly beach in Phuket.
Where to Stay in Kamala Beach
A comfortable option near the shore is Calm Kamala Phuket, a relaxed stay within easy walking distance of Kamala Beach. Rooms are modern and comfortable after long beach days or island exploring, and the hotel features a pleasant swimming pool perfect for cooling down in the afternoon heat. Its location makes beach walks, restaurants, and cafés easily reachable without needing transport.
👉 Check availability at Calm Kamala Phuket
Surin Beach – Scenic & Stylish
Surin Beach is one of the most scenic beaches in Phuket, known for clear water and a beautiful natural setting. It attracts visitors looking for peaceful beach time away from party zones.
Why visit: clear water, scenic surroundings, and a quieter atmosphere than Phuket’s main tourist beaches.
What to keep in mind: fewer facilities and restaurants nearby, and waves can be strong during certain seasons.
Best for: travellers looking for beautiful beaches in Phuket without nightlife crowds and those wanting peaceful beach days.
Where to Stay in Surin Beach
During our stay near Surin Beach, we enjoyed Norn Talay Surin Beach Phuket, a peaceful hotel overlooking the coast. The property offers a lovely swimming pool, ideal for relaxed afternoons between beach visits, and the location allows easy walking access to Surin Beach as well as nearby cafés and restaurants.
👉 Check availability at Norn Talay Surin Beach Phuket
Wat Chalong Temple
Wat Chalong is Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple and is well worth visiting to better understand the island’s culture and traditions.
Despite being one of Phuket’s most visited landmarks, the complex often feels peaceful. Colourful temple buildings, detailed statues, and decorated pagodas invite visitors to walk slowly and observe daily religious life. Locals regularly come here to pray and make offerings, offering travellers a glimpse into living spiritual traditions.
The main pagoda, Chedi Phra Mahathat, is said to hold a fragment of Buddha’s bone. Visitors can climb to the upper levels, where balconies offer open views across the surrounding area. Inside, paintings tell stories from Buddha’s life, adding cultural meaning beyond simple sightseeing.
The temple grounds are spacious, allowing quiet walks between shrines, gardens, and smaller prayer halls. Visiting in the morning helps avoid tour crowds and lets you experience the temple at a calmer pace. As with all temples in Thailand, modest clothing is recommended, with shoulders and knees covered.
Wat Chalong also holds a special place in our hearts. One day, after a simple and intimate ceremony, this peaceful corner of Phuket became the place where we got married, making every visit here especially meaningful.
Day Trips from Phuket – Boat Adventures & Island Escapes
Some of Phuket’s most beautiful scenery lies beyond the island, making boat trips one of the most rewarding day experiences.
Phi Phi Islands
Trips to the Phi Phi Islands are among the most popular excursions from Phuket, taking visitors to dramatic limestone cliffs, turquoise lagoons, and famous beaches. Stops usually include snorkelling, swimming, and scenic viewpoints.
If you’re wondering whether visiting Phi Phi is really worth it, you can see what to expect in our Krabi travel guide, including a visit to Phi Phi Islands.
Phang Nga Bay
Another unforgettable route leads through Phang Nga Bay, known for limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and sea caves. Many tours include kayaking and stops at small islands along the way.
For a quieter experience, travellers sometimes choose private long-tail boat tours with locals. You can see what this experience looks like in our guide to private long-tail boat trips around Koh Yao Yai and Phang Nga Bay.
Other Popular Activities from Phuket
Beyond island hopping, travellers also enjoy visiting ethical elephant sanctuaries, ATV jungle tours, viewpoint excursions, snorkelling trips, and nearby islands like Koh Yao Noi for a more local atmosphere.
Booking activities through platforms like GetYourGuide also makes planning easier, as tours usually include hotel pickup options, verified reviews, clear pricing, and free cancellation on many activities. It also allows you to compare experiences and secure spots during busy travel seasons.
Island and adventure trips often become the highlight of a Phuket visit, adding variety beyond beach days.
👉 Explore and book Phuket boat trips and island tours below
Phuket Travel Guide – Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, Phuket offers beaches, culture, island trips, and food experiences suitable for both relaxed and active travellers.
It depends on your travel style. Patong suits nightlife lovers, while Kamala, Surin, or Phuket Town offer calmer stays.
Three to five days allow time for beaches, island trips, local food, and cultural visits without rushing your schedule.
The best weather usually runs from November to April, with sunny days and calmer seas for beach activities.
Not all beaches are busy. Places like Yanui, Surin, or Kamala often feel calmer than Patong Beach.
Popular trips include Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay, Coral Island, and snorkelling or kayaking tours around nearby islands.
Costs vary by area. Phuket has budget options, but popular tourist zones and activities can be more expensive.
Exploring More of Thailand After Phuket
If Phuket has shown you Thailand’s beaches and island scenery, there is still much more to explore.
Continue north with our Chiang Mai travel guide, where mountains, temples, night markets, and cafés offer a different Thai experience. Nearby, our Chiang Rai travel guide reveals unusual temples and peaceful countryside unlike anywhere else in Thailand. If island scenery captured your heart, explore our Krabi travel guide covering Ao Nang, Railay Beach, and the Phi Phi Islands. For a quieter island escape, our Koh Yao Yai travel guide shows peaceful beaches, villages, and long-tail boat trips. Back in the capital, discover unusual things to do in Bangkok for body, mind, and spirit beyond busy tourist routes. If time allows, our day trips from Bangkok guide shows how to explore markets independently without expensive tours.
Continuing Your Journey Across Asia
If Thailand inspires you further, Asia offers endless possibilities for your next adventure. In China, our Shanghai travel guide blends futuristic skylines with historic neighbourhoods and quiet water towns. Our guide on visiting the Great Wall from Beijing independently helps travellers explore while avoiding large crowds. In Japan, discover contrasts between vibrant modern Tokyo and tropical island life in Okinawa’s Naha. Further west, Turkey offers experiences where continents meet through culture, cuisine, and unforgettable landscapes. Start with our Istanbul weekend guide, exploring mosques, bazaars, and rooftop views above the Bosphorus. Continue with our Cappadocia travel guide, discovering cave hotels, colourful valleys, and unforgettable sunrise balloon landscapes.