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 can be considered a small island, but it has everything needed for living. Depending on your preferences, you can choose a quiet or lively district, and if you live in the center of the island, you can conveniently move around and change atmospheres. Let’s walk through the districts from north to south.
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 is Surin district, suitable for families with children. Hospitals, shopping centers, schools, and kindergartens are accessible. Here you can enjoy leisurely walks through parks and nature reserves, as well as connect with history thanks to museums and temples. Beautiful hotel complexes line the coast, while luxurious villas with panoramic views sit on the hills.
Below is Kamala district. It’s similar to Surin in infrastructure and atmosphere, comfortable for families and those who enjoy a slower pace of life. Accommodation can be found for various budgets: from inexpensive hotels to excellent resorts and picturesque villas. Entertainment includes parks with show programs, upscale beach clubs, and restaurants with impressive views.
Patong is known as the sleepless 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 combines peaceful and active recreation. 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.
Kata district is similar to Karon: calm, picturesque, and with all necessary tourist infrastructure. Both districts are suitable for vacations with children. The magnificent shores and hilly terrain have allowed for incredible viewpoints, scenic restaurants, and hotels.
Nai Harn is a quiet and inexpensive district compared to those mentioned above. Here you can enjoy a leisurely vacation, walks along special routes, and beautiful views from observation decks. All tourist infrastructure will be accessible, and water activities can be found on the beach. For accommodation, there are various options, from inexpensive hotels to beautiful villas.
Rawai is the southernmost district with developed infrastructure that is suitable for permanent residence of families with children. There’s a calm atmosphere here, so among establishments, you’re more likely to find scenic cafes than nightclubs. The district can boast a large number of sports grounds. There are many accommodation options: condominiums, hotels, or villas.
You can enjoy untouched nature in the Panwa district. Luxurious resorts with private beaches are hidden here. You’ll find tranquility, as the place isn’t crowded. There are plenty of restaurants and spa services, with everything necessary for tourists. You can fully appreciate the district’s advantages from the viewpoints.
Chalong is chosen for extended stays in Phuket. The presence of schools, sports clubs, hospitals, and shopping centers strongly tempts one to stay here for a long time. Active restaurant and nightlife will also be provided, and you can visit ancient temples. One downside – swimming isn’t allowed here, but you can travel from the pier to nearby islands.
The heart of the island is the historic district of Phuket Town. It’s pleasant to walk along its streets, stopping at cafes and museums. People come here to feel the culture of Phuket. You can enjoy active shopping in shopping centers and night markets or engage in various sports – there’s plenty of leisure activities. Accommodation is mainly represented by inexpensive hotels, though more comfortable options can also be found. The presence of schools and hospitals makes the district suitable for long-term residence, but it will be quite crowded and a bit noisy.
The Kathu district is located in the very center without access to beaches. The necessary infrastructure allows for living here for a long time, and children can receive quality education. For accommodation, people choose inexpensive hotels and condominiums here. The variety of leisure activities won’t let you get bored: restaurants, nature reserves, sports clubs, children’s centers, and much 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.