I realized I never came did a blog post on all things Phuket. Before I get into my Phuket Travel Tips, let’s start with the basics:
Geography of Phuket
When you fly into Phuket, you’ll be at the northern part of Phuket. Not much around the airport, so you’ll want to find your way to a beach town. The most popular beach towns are Patong Beach, Kamala Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, and Panwa Beach. What you are seeking on your vacation will determine where you should stay.
Patong Beach
Patong Beach pronounced (“Ba-Thong”) is by far the most popular beach. Flooded with tourists and shops designed specifically for tourists, (think shops that sell inflatable pool toys and sun hats), Patong Beach is great for partying and engaging in some nightlife activities. It’s great for both adult party goers and families alike. It’s almost as if there’s a little something for everyone here. There’s plenty of shopping to be had, from the huge mall there selling chain brands to little street stalls outside. Patong Beach is a feast for the senses. There is a popular road here, called Bangla Road where you can catch the popular Ladyboys. To take a picture with them, believe me it will cost you. I paid 100 Baht PER Ladyboy that I took a pic of.
#WorthIt
The restaurants there are much more Westernized than my two previous locations: Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Honestly though, after 1 full straight week of eating nothing but Thai food, I was a little appreciative to have some pizza. Albeit the most terrible tasting pizza I’ve ever had. There are plenty of strip clubs here that are “free” to enter as long as you keep the drinks coming. Similar to in the US. I went to one just to say I went, but it was a little too weird for me. This petite girl with braces looked like she was 14 years old. So I left after a few songs and after my friend got a few dances by said girl.
As for the beach itself, it’s pretty nice. Lined with coconut stands, people wizzing by on bikes, construction workers enjoying their lunch on the side streets.
This area definitely feels alive and I recommend it for a few nights just so you can be in that central location. I’ll share with you where I stayed for a few nights: Deevana Patong Beach Resort. I’d give it 3.5 stars. GREAT location, and easy walking distance to the beach. Spotty wi-fi and every single person has their own wi fi code which I found frustrating. It was a very long password and my phone didn’t save it. I know, I know, first world problems. Overall though, it wasn’t a bad resort. Their breakfast buffet every morning was heavenly and they’re open from 6:00a-11:00a daily. So, if you’re cheap like me you can have it for both breakfast and lunch 😉
There is a free shuttle certain times at Deevana Patong Beach that takes you to Phuket Town. I really recommended heading into this town when you need something a little unique and different from the beach scene. Good restaurants around, and cool little souvenir shops. Some of the pastel-colored buildings reminded me of Old San Juan. You can easily spend a few hours here. They have cheap drinks stands along the way. 15 Baht for some fresh and semi sweet tea. Currently that’s about $0.15 USD. The blue public bus shown below is just a mere 30 Baht to take you back to the touristy area of Patong Beach when you’re ready to go. Just know that you’ll get to know your neighbor a little more than you probably care to. You’re packed in like sardines.
Overall, if you’re craving the nightlife scene and popular touristy beach town, stay at Patong Beach. You won’t regret it.
Kamala Beach
A 15-minute uphill drive from Patong Beach takes you to Kamala Beach. You’ll drive by some crazy expensive pads on Millionaire’s Mile and it will have you thinking you’re in Beverly Hills. Kamala Beach is a much sleepier town than Patong Beach. If it’s total relaxation that you desire, this beach town is perfect. I stayed at Aquamarine Resort & Villas, which I would rate a 5/5 stars. For Just $178 USD for 2 nights, I found high value in this property.
This property offers a relaxing infinity pool with a view, great food, and I think I saw maybe 10 different people the entire stay.
The hotel offers a free round trip shuttle that takes you to and from Kamala Beach. I decided to take the 11:00a shuttle and chill at the beach for a bit. This beach isn’t your white powdery sand and clear water type. It reminded me more of Luquillo Beach in Puerto Rico – water’s a bit darker in color and with so many trees around it felt shadier and cooler in the water. Below is a pic with absolutely no filter. See how the water is a little darker? It might not be for everyone but I enjoyed it. There’s also a restaurant, Charoen that serves the freshest fish. As in, you literally see the server picking up your fish from the raw bar. Seasoned so well and served with my Americanized fries I was in heaven. Also, had a fresh coconut on the beach, because why not?
So if you’re looking for relaxation away from crowds, maybe looking for more romance, I’d check out Kamala Beach. I really didn’t see too many kids here except for the Locals who brought their kid to work with them. There’s also massages right on the beach you can take advantage of but I have a strange fear of people watching me get touched in public.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is located on the west coast, between Paton and Kata and is the second favorite holiday destination (following Paton). The beach itself has excellent snorkeling for those who are interested in that activity specifically.
There are 3 main areas:
- Karon Centre – good choice for weekly market, dining, shopping, and entertainment
- Karon Beach Road – good resort areas and restaurants
- Luang Poh Chuan Road – great nightlife
Panwa Beach
There is NOTHING happening here at the southern tip of Phuket. It is great for total relaxation with no interruptions. Just big resorts here such as Pullman and Crowne Plaza. No nightlife scene if that is what you crave. Great resorts you never have to leave. You really want to make your friends jealous on social media? Stay at Amatara Wellness Resort. So Instagram-worthy!
Kata Beach
Also located on the west coast of the island, Kata Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket. There is a large white beach with an incredible blue sea, I’m talking 50 shades of Blue. Kata Beach is a great family destination and divided into 3 different areas:
- Kata Center – oldest part, active nightlife, Go Go Bars
- Kata South – new streets opened recently offering shops and foot massages, few shops and some surfers who can teach you the basic
- Kata Beach – Less crowds than Patong, lovely beach
Phi Phi Islands
Please note that I only took a day trip out to the Phi Phi Islands. If you wanted more information on specifically staying on one of the islands, please refer to Adventure In You’s very informative blog post.
I hope you are able to more easily narrow down the location in Phuket you’d like to make your vacation spot. If you have any questions, please email me at cassandra@accent-on-travel.net or write a comment below.
Thanks!
