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.