Living on an island is a dream for many, and in Phuket, dreams become reality. Here, you’ll find apartments to suit every need: from small budget studios for one person or a couple to luxurious penthouses with prices that reach the sky. In this material we’ll tell you how to rent apartments in Phuket for a month or for a long term to make your stay on the island comfortable and safe.
Types of Rental Contracts
The longer the contract, the lower the rental price.
- 1 month – for an extended vacation
- 3 months – for a long vacation or winter stay
- 6 months – for long-term or permanent residence
- 1 year – for permanent residence
We’ve selected the top 3 companies for apartments rental. Fill out the form, and we’ll forward your request — they’ll contact you to provide details on the terms and pricing.
To find the most advantageous option for long-term apartment rental in Phuket and have the opportunity to choose from many good apartments rather than settling for what’s left, it’s better to book accommodation in advance – several months ahead.
Consider the seasonality in Phuket: during the high season (November to April), prices are 2–3 times higher than in the low season (May to October).
If you’re considering villas, check out our article on Villas Rental.
Which Area to Rent Apartments In
Before renting accommodation, determine the purpose of your stay in Phuket. This will help you choose the right area.
For an Extended Vacation or Winter Stay (Contract up to 3 Months)
If beach relaxation is your priority, choose areas within walking distance to the sea and beaches, especially on the west coast.
Patong is favored by party lovers thanks to the island’s main entertainment street, Bangla Road. It can be quite noisy, so for longer stays, it’s best to look for accommodation on the quiet outskirts of the area. But here you’ll find everything for fun: plenty of bars, restaurants, nightclubs, and massage parlors.
Karon and Kata offer a wide selection of housing along scenic mountains and beautiful beaches with clean sand. These areas have a beachfront promenade perfect for evening walks. Karon also has a park and the Wat Karon temple, which hosts a night market on its grounds.
Nai Harn and Rawai are quieter areas with all the essentials for living, though apartments are somewhat farther from the beaches. Nai Harn also has a picturesque lake, ideal for evening strolls. In Nai Harn, there is the “Windmill” viewpoint, and in Rawai – Promthep Cape.
Surin and Kamala are northern areas of Phuket with a much calmer atmosphere and fewer tourists. Surin is considered an elite area with luxurious resorts, offering various water activities like fishing and surfing. Kamala is suited for those who enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, with a long beach, shaded areas, open spaces, and a tranquil ambiance. By the way, the Carnival Magic theme park with shows is also located there.
Bang Tao is a trendy area where you can rent comfortable housing. It stands out with the “Laguna” residential area, which has walking paths, bike trails, a golf course, and a network of canals and lakes. The entire infrastructure is accessible to condominium residents.
For Long-Term Stays with Family and Children (Contract of 6 Months or More)
If you’re moving to the island for a long-term stay with family and children, well-developed infrastructure will be more important than proximity to entertainment and beaches. Choose areas with large supermarkets, kindergartens, schools, bank offices, and hospitals. Suitable areas include Rawai, Nai Harn, and Bang Tao, as described above, as well as:
Chalong. This area has minimal tourist infrastructure but everything needed for long-term living. Chalong also has popular Phuket attractions like the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong temple, elephant sanctuaries, and Muay Thai training centers.
Kathu. Located in the central part of the island, this area has a well-developed tourist infrastructure and also includes international schools and large shopping and entertainment centers.
Phuket Town. Densely populated area with a developed infrastructure. Most educational institutions, banks, offices, and hospitals are located here. There’s also Phuket Old Town, numerous museums and historic buildings like the Chinpracha House, as well as the Aquaria aquarium.
How to Safely Rent Property in Phuket
When searching for apartments, first check the source you’re using. Rental ads are posted on websites, tourist chats, and social media groups. Although a source may seem reliable, it could actually be a scam. Fraudsters skillfully create fake websites with apartment photos, communicate convincingly, send videos, and then disappear after receiving a deposit.
You won’t encounter scammers if you work directly with a realtor in Phuket, but this option is best suited for those already on the island who can view apartments in person. If you’re searching for accommodation in advance, use our recommended services and rest assured about your safety.
We’ve selected the top 3 companies for apartments rental. Fill out the form, and we’ll forward your request — they’ll contact you to provide details on the terms and pricing.
Issues with landlords can also arise when making a deposit and advance payment. Some unscrupulous landlords may try to find reasons not to return the deposit upon checkout. Avoid unpleasant situations by choosing reliable sources for apartment rentals.
What to do if you have problems with your landlord:
- Act quickly, but stay calm and be mindful of local customs. Don’t panic or argue emotionally — in Thailand, “face culture” (saving face) is very important.
- Explain the problem preferably in writing. Ask for a specific deadline to resolve it. Example: “Please arrange for a technician to come by tomorrow before 3:00 PM, otherwise I will have to contact the administration / agency.”
- If there is no response, use other channels: contact the agents through whom you rented the apartment. As a last resort, you can mention contacting the Tourist Police. They may not always take direct action, but often even a phone call from them can resolve the issue.
To avoid problems (especially with getting your deposit back): take videos when moving in and moving out (including water and electricity meters), ask for a receipt or contract, and keep all correspondence, payment receipts, and other documents.
Since Phuket is an exotic island, insects and reptiles sometimes enter homes. If you want to avoid unexpected encounters, we recommend renting apartments rather than villas. In resort areas and multi-story buildings, wildlife is much less common.
We hope that with our recommendations, you’ll find the perfect accommodation where you’ll feel comfortable and safe.
If you decide to purchase an apartment in Phuket, read our article explaining the buying process, along with our recommended companies that can assist with this.