The best areas of Phuket for renting accommodation in 2025

When choosing an area on the island, you are essentially choosing the rhythm of your entire trip. Do you want parties and shopping centres, or peace and quiet, greenery and scenic cafés? In some places, schools and healthcare are more important, while in others, proximity to surfing is key. Below are seven locations where it will be comfortable to live for a week’s holiday or a long winter break in 2025.

Patong: maximum events per square kilometre

Infrastructure. Long shopping streets, a market, Jungceylon shopping centre, endless cafés and 7-Eleven stores, currency exchange offices and banks on every corner.
Medical care. Patong Hospital for emergencies, dozens of private clinics and dental clinics nearby; 20-30 minutes to the city’s largest hospitals.
Entertainment. The heart of nightlife is Bangla Road with clubs, bars and shows, and water activities on the beach.
Coworking spaces. BeMyGuest, Denz Phuket coworking café and hotel/hostel areas are convenient places to work.
Transport. On foot, by bike, taxi or Smart Bus along the west coast; the airport and southern beaches can be reached in just over an hour.
Who it suits. Young people who want to live ‘in the centre of events.’

Karon: wide beach and relaxed pace

Infrastructure. Promenade with restaurants, Karon Plaza market, ATMs and chain stores.
Medical facilities. Private clinics and pharmacies within walking distance; city hospitals are about half an hour away.
Entertainment. Moderate: bars with live music, gastronomy, Karon Viewpoint and Windmill nearby.
Coworking spaces. Small spaces in hotels and cafes; full-fledged ones in Patong or Chalong.
Transport. Local bus between Karon, Kata and Patong, convenient by bike.
Who it’s for. Families and those seeking a balance between tranquillity and infrastructure.

Kata: the golden mean and an active beach day

Infrastructure. Compact centre, markets, coffee shops, rentals.
Medicine. Private medical centres and dentists; large hospitals in the city.
Entertainment. Surfing during the wave season, snorkelling in winter, unpretentious evening bars.
Coworking spaces. Fin Hostel with a coworking area, cafes with fast internet.
Transport. Bus connections to Karon and Patong, bikes solve everything.
Who it’s for. Fans of active beach days with comfortable evenings.

Kamala and Surin: tranquillity, spectacular sunsets and style

Infrastructure. Kamala has a supermarket, market and cafés along the seafront; Surin has a compact selection of amenities by the beach, with Bang Tao offering more extensive services nearby.
Medical facilities. There are small clinics on site, with hospitals in Patong and the city for more complex cases.
Entertainment. Quiet beaches, Phuket FantaSea show park in Kamala, and tranquillity and aesthetics in Surin; for parties, it’s easy to go to Patong.
Co-working spaces. Kamala Co-Working, fast internet in many villas; nearby is the Cherng Thale space.
Transport. Coastal road, Smart Bus, but infrequent; more convenient by bike or car.
Who it suits. Those who appreciate peace and quiet, beautiful views and proximity to more ‘lively’ neighbours.

Bang Tao (Laguna): prestige, space and service

Infrastructure. Laguna Phuket complex with hotels, spa and golf, Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket shopping areas, Villa Market supermarket, high-end restaurants.
Medical care. Laguna Wellness Clinic, Thalang Hospital nearby; 30-40 minutes to the city’s flagship hospitals.
Entertainment. Catch and Xana beach clubs, concerts and parties, family activities at hotels.
Coworking spaces. HOMA Cherngtalay coliving spaces with work areas, cafes with fast Wi-Fi; nearby Regus business centre at Royal Phuket Marina.
Transport. The area stretches along the beach, so it makes sense to have a bike or car; it takes about half an hour to get to the airport.
Who it’s for. Families and those who choose a high level of service and a quiet, prestigious holiday.

Rawai and Nai Harn: southern seclusion and life ‘like the locals’

Infrastructure. Seafood market, supermarkets in Chalong, cosy cafes and restaurants with views in the hills; in Nai Harn — beach, lake, benches by the park.
Medical care. International clinics and dentists in Rawai and Chalong, large hospitals in the city.
Entertainment. Nai Harn, Yanui and Ao San beaches, dive centres and fishing from the pier; intimate and atmospheric nights.
Coworking spaces. Let’s Work with a sea view, The Project and Grind Time in Rawai/Chalong, affordable Nai Harn Space.
Transport. A personal bike or car makes life much easier; just over an hour to the airport.
Who it suits. For long-term rentals, remote work, and a quiet family life.

Phuket Town: urban comfort without the beach

Infrastructure. Administrative centre with Central Festival/Floresta malls, night markets, museums, banks, schools, and parks.
Medical care. The island’s main hospitals and specialists are concentrated here.
Entertainment. A historic centre with street art, bars and clubs for locals, festivals and concerts.
Coworking spaces. HUB-format spaces, co-living spaces with coworking areas, and many laptop-friendly cafes.
Transport. Bus lines connect the city with the beaches; within Town itself, it is better to use a taxi or your own transport. You can rent a car quickly and conveniently with the Holy Cow Phuket service.
Who it is suitable for. For economical long-term rentals, study and work, if relaxing on the beach is not a priority.

Chalong: the choice of long-term residents

Infrastructure. A quiet area without beaches, but with a wide range of amenities: supermarkets, cafes, restaurants, schools, kindergartens, clinics and hospitals, including international ones; convenient access to all parts of the south of the island, the airport and Phuket Town.
Entertainment. Known for its sports street (Soi Taied) with fitness centres and Muay Thai camps; nearby is a pier for excursions to the islands; also easy access to iconic temples such as Wat Chalong.
Who it’s for. An excellent choice for families, expats and those planning a long-term stay — comfort, developed infrastructure and a diverse selection of properties.

Nai Yang: a secluded and quiet area near the airport

Infrastructure. A peaceful, less touristy beach surrounded by natural areas — minimal development and a laid-back atmosphere.
Proximity to the airport. This vast sandy strip is just a few minutes’ drive from Phuket International Airport, making the area particularly convenient for arrivals and departures.
Atmosphere. A quiet and beautiful place — ideal for those seeking peace, privacy and nature near the beach.

Mai Khao: wild nature and seclusion near the airport

Infrastructure. This is an almost untouched stretch of coastline — a long (about 11 km) beach within the boundaries of a national park, with minimal development.
Proximity to the airport. It is very close to Phuket Airport, which is convenient for short trips.
Atmosphere. Designed for those who appreciate natural silence, privacy and open spaces — no crowds, no noisy entertainment, just nature and tranquillity.

Quick choice of area

• With children: Bang Tao, Karon, Kamala.
  For young people and parties: Patong, or alternatively Kata, close to the surf.
  For a peaceful holiday: Kamala, Surin, Nai Harn.
  For long-term rentals and remote working: Rawai/Nai Harn, Phuket Town, Chalong (Bang Tao).

FAQ

Where is the most convenient place to live without renting a motorbike?
Patong, Karon and Kata: densely built-up areas, everything is nearby, and there is a bus service connecting the beaches. In Bang Tao and in the south, it is better to have your own transport.

Which area should you choose for wintering with a child?
Bang Tao and Kamala, thanks to their peaceful environment, proximity to schools and family infrastructure. Karon is suitable if a wide beach and moderate activity are important.

What if you need cultural leisure activities and medical facilities within walking distance?
Phuket Town: museums, markets, festivals, key hospitals and a variety of services. You will have to drive to the sea, but living there is convenient.

Where is the nightlife most intense?
Patong: Bangla Road, clubs, shows and parties until dawn. Kata and Karon offer a gentler alternative close to Patong.

Which area is the most ‘quiet’ by the sea?
Surin and Nai Harn: little noise, beautiful sunsets, intimate bars and cafes with views. For complete seclusion, consider the outskirts of Rawai.