Life in Phuket can vary depending on the district where you are located. Some areas are quiet and peaceful, while others are noisy and lively. For some people, infrastructure such as shopping malls, hospitals, schools, and kindergartens is important, while nature lovers prefer places with lush greenery and fewer tourists. Read the description of each district and decide which one suits you better.
Popular districts
Phuket may be a small island, but it has everything you need for living. Depending on your preferences, you can choose an area in Phuket for vacation or long-term stay — whether quiet or lively. If you live in the center of the island, it’s easy to get around and enjoy a change of scenery. Let’s take a look at the best areas, from north to south, to help you decide which part of Phuket is best for your stay.
Bang Tao is an upscale district, ready to provide entertainment for every taste, but you need to be prepared to spend money. Here you’ll find huge hotels with leisure activities for children and adults. Among restaurants with diverse cuisines, you’ll encounter establishments recognized by the Michelin Guide. There are plenty of nightlife options here too, and during the day, you can relax in luxurious beach clubs. If you want a more peaceful vacation, you can visit walking areas in the “Laguna” resort complex, which also prides itself on its golf courses.
In the north lies the Surin area, one of the quiet and peaceful districts, ideal for families with children. You’ll have access to hospitals, shopping centers, schools, and kindergartens. Here, you can enjoy leisurely walks through parks and nature reserves, as well as explore local history through museums and temples. Along the coastline, you’ll find beautiful hotel complexes, while the hills are home to luxurious villas with panoramic views.
Just below is the Kamala area. Similar in infrastructure and atmosphere to Surin, it offers comfort for families and those who prefer a relaxed pace of life, making it one of the popular areas in Phuket for living. Accommodation is available for various budgets — from affordable guesthouses to upscale hotels and scenic villas. Entertainment options include theme parks with live shows, stylish beach clubs, and restaurants with breathtaking views.
Patong is known as Phuket’s party district. Nightclubs, bars, and parties until morning – you’ll find all this here. Accommodation can be selected according to your budget, with options ranging from inexpensive hotels to pompous resorts. The district is quite densely packed with various infrastructure: cafes and restaurants, shopping centers, night markets. You can get lost there for a long time. You can find solitude with nature on nearby beaches, and on Patong Beach, you can find many water activities.
Karon offers a mix of relaxation and activity, making it one of the most popular areas for tourists. There’s beautiful nature, a beach with the softest sand, and parks for walking. At the same time, the district doesn’t lack restaurants and nightlife venues. Accommodation can be found for any budget, and nature has allowed for the creation of beautiful villas on the hills.
The Kata area is similar to Karon: peaceful, scenic, and equipped with all the necessary tourist infrastructure. Both areas are among the best districts in Phuket for a family holiday with children. The stunning coastline and hilly landscape have made it possible to create incredible viewpoints, scenic restaurants, and hotels.
Nai Harn is a quiet district, more affordable compared to those mentioned above. Here, you can enjoy a slow-paced holiday, scenic walks, and stunning views from local viewpoints. All essential tourist infrastructure is available, and the beach offers water activities. Accommodation options vary from budget hotels to beautiful villas.
Rawai is the southernmost district with well-developed infrastructure, making it one of the best districts in Phuket for living, especially for families with children. The atmosphere is peaceful, so you’ll find more scenic cafes than nightclubs. The area boasts numerous sports facilities. Housing options include condominiums, hotels, and villas.
You can experience untouched nature in Panwa, one of the most quiet and peaceful districts. Hidden here are luxurious resorts with private beaches, offering tranquility and fewer crowds. There are plenty of restaurants and spa services, with everything a tourist needs. The area’s viewpoints fully showcase its beauty.
Chalong is often chosen for long-term stays in Phuket, making it one of the residential districts. The availability of schools, sports clubs, hospitals, and shopping centers makes it very appealing for extended living. It also offers an active dining and nightlife scene, and you can visit ancient temples. One downside — swimming isn’t possible here, but you can take boats from the pier to nearby islands.
The heart of the island is the historic Phuket Town. Its streets are perfect for strolling, with cozy cafes and museums to explore. Visitors come here to experience Phuket’s culture. You can enjoy shopping in malls and night markets or take part in various sports — there’s no shortage of things to do. Accommodation mostly consists of budget hotels, though more comfortable options are available too. With schools and hospitals nearby, it’s suitable for long-term living, though it can be quite busy and noisy.
Kathu is located in the very center of the island, without direct beach access. However, it has all the necessary infrastructure for long-term living, and children can receive quality education here. People usually choose affordable hotels and condominiums. You won’t be bored — the area has restaurants, nature reserves, sports clubs, children’s centers, and more.
Those who appreciate a calm rhythm of life should consider the Wichit district. It’s located in the center of the island and has all necessary amenities, while maintaining a quiet and cozy countryside atmosphere. Many choose Wichit for permanent residence, and it’s especially well-suited for couples and families with children.
Sakhu is another peaceful area, but located in the north of Phuket. Nature creates a serene environment, while urban dwellers want for nothing thanks to well-developed infrastructure. Sakhu is suitable for long-term living and is also an excellent place for walks and relaxation on the beach away from the hustle and bustle. Luxury vacation lovers will appreciate the private villas and premium hotels.
If you want to be in the center of activity and close to the sea, then the Ko Kaeo district will definitely suit you. Here you’ll find piers that make it convenient to travel to nearby islands. The district is also suitable for permanent residence. The presence of infrastructure such as shopping centers and educational institutions attracts families with children.
The Pa Klok district in the east can also boast of piers and accessible travel options, only with a calmer, countryside-like atmosphere. Luxurious villas and resort hotels blend harmoniously with tropical forests, making Pa Khlok an appropriate place for those who value peaceful and comfortable relaxation surrounded by nature.
Rassada is a district on the eastern coast with a pier of the same name, from which vessels quickly deliver travelers to paradise islands. Thanks to this important facility, the atmosphere here is always lively, with many tourists and constant movement. Its central location provides access to developed tourist and urban infrastructure, making the district attractive for both temporary and permanent residence.
Thep Krasatti is a district in northern Phuket, not far from the airport. There are almost no tourists here, so this place is suitable if you want to experience local color. People come here for secluded relaxation without hustle and bustle, when restaurants and entertainment are not a priority.
Mai Khao is a picturesque northern district near the airport. People come to Mai Khao beach for spectacular photos with landing planes in the background. This district is chosen for luxury holidays in hotels by the sea. Nature in Mai Khao has triumphed over civilization, but everything necessary for a full life is available.
You can experience urban life without excessive hustle and bustle in the Si Sunthon district. There are restaurants and cafes, shopping centers and hospitals. The district is located closer to the quiet northern part of the island, but echoes of urban rhythm can also be heard here. As for accommodation – there are options for any request.
The following two districts are located outside of Phuket but are nearby and perfectly suitable for travel.
Phang Nga is a province north of Phuket with incredibly beautiful nature. Here you can endlessly enjoy green forests, waterfalls, and hot springs. Phang Nga is being actively developed, so hurry to enjoy the secluded beauty before total civilization completely reaches this region.
Krabi is a province in southwest Thailand, east of Phuket. Another natural corner where human influence is just beginning to appear. Nevertheless, Krabi already has luxurious hotels and delicious restaurants. The province’s hallmarks are tropical forests, white beaches, and crystal-clear water.