Places to stay in Phuket and Hotel Recommendations

If you have not booked hotel in Phuket yet here are a few recommendations on areas to stay and some ideas on hotels. Please note that we do not have any affiliations with any hotels in Phuket listed below.

Phuket is a great place to stay not only for scuba diving but other activities also, like surfing, kiteboarding, beaches, temples, day trips etc. The island itself is quite big and developed these days, and is over 50km in length and 20km in width. Prior to the covid-19 pandemic, Phuket was home to almost 800,000 local Thais and ex-pats, with an average of over 4,000 – 6,000 new holidaymakers arriving each day through the Phuket international airport.

Website booking agents like agoda.com have over 2,500 hotels listed for Phuket, 900 being in Patong alone. There is something for everyone’s budget from beach bungalows, backpacker hostels to large fully inclusive resorts with private beaches.

We recommend using agoda.com for the best prices in hotels.

Agoda.com – Search Here

Scuba Diving Boats in Phuket Depart From the Far South of the Island

Please note that the pier where all of the scuba dive boats depart from is at the very south of Phuket Island in Chalong. This means is there is a lot of distance between the Northern tip of the island and the Southern dive pier with travel times being anywhere from 60 – 120 minutes or more.

If your main reason for coming to Phuket is for scuba diving, island tours, and/or entertainment venues then our recommendation is to stay in the southern region of Phuket (Patong, Kata, Karon, Rawai, Nai Harn, or Chalong). The northern area of Phuket around the airport (Bang Tao, Laguna, and Mai Khao) is quite a distance from activities like scuba diving, day tours, etc.

Please also note that the free transfer only applies to the towns of Kalim, Patong, Karon, Kata, Chalong, and Rawai.

A hotel close to the pier for diving in Phuket, we have been recommending Arch 39 which is within 10-minute walk to our main office in Chalong. Phuket Paradiso and Dlux Condominium Chalong are also both within walking distance to our main office and the Chalong pier.

The towns of Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Nai Thon, Layan, Bang Tao or Surin, Phuket Town, Cape Panwa and others not mentioned in the free transfer list will incur surcharges ranging from THB 300 up to as much as THB 2,200. Please contact us if you are considering staying in these areas. Travel time from the north of the island could take between 60 min – 120 min depending on traffic.

For more specific travel times and maps please read our Phuket Travel Time Blog.

Chalong

5 min – 15 min travel time to Chalong Pier

Closest to our training center is Chalong, all of the dive boats depart the Chalong Pier, alongside our very own Aussie Divers Training Center. This location proves to be extremely convenient for diving activities, though it doesn’t offer much else in terms of attractions. It primarily serves as an expat community for scuba diving employees rather than a bustling tourist haven. The nearest beaches require a taxi ride to reach. This option is recommended solely for diving enthusiasts who prioritize an extra 15 minutes of sleep, as the pick-up time for activities is scheduled between 7:40-8 am and drop-off time between 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm.

Patong:

30 min – 60 min travel time to Chalong Pier

Patong is the hub of all activity and the most popular place for visitors and tourists to stay. Being the tourist hotspot Patong has a load of different activates, shopping and restaurant options. There is a large western shopping centre, Jungceylon, including a multi cinema and loads of restaurant options. Patong is also home to two largest Thai boxing stadiums and Phuket’s famous (or infamous) nightlife strip of Bang La Road. It is very populated and can be quite seedy in areas. The beach is not the best that Phuket has to offer. For the Patong area the pick up time is usually around 7:10-7:30am, and usually returning to this area by around 6/7pm.

Kata:

10 min – 30 min travel time to Chalong Pier

Is to the south of Patong and has less nightlife and a more family orientated. It is a bit more upmarket than Patong and has a very nice range of restaurants. Probably more expensive than Patong and have a nicer beach. Around this area pick up in the mornings is usually around 7:20-7:40am and back in the evenings around 6/7pm.

Karon:

20 min – 40 min travel time to Chalong Pier

The next town south of Phuket. A lot less vibrant and less traffic and hassle. Has a modest selection of nice hotels and restaurants. The beach is ok without being great. It is one of the few places on the island you can surf (low season only). It is a favorite of the Russian tourists. This area pick up in the mornings is usually around 7:20-7:40am and back in the evenings around 6/7pm.

Kamala

40 min – 70min travel time to Chalong Pier

Just 10 minutes north of Patong but a completely different type of beach resort. Very chilled atmosphere and close to Phuket Fantasea one of the major tourist attractions on Phuket. Plenty of restaurants and bars to choose from on both the main road and the beach area. Kamala pick up times are usually around 6:50-7:10am and return would be around 6:30-7:30pm.

Rawai

15 min – 30 min travel time to Chalong Pier

Quiet, laid back and only ten minutes from the pier, the Rawai area has become extremally popular in recent years. Plenty of decent restaurants, nice beaches and some activities. Popular with tourists, ex-pats and a mix of local Thais this area definitely has a village feel to it. There are some bars and clubs but not the place for the party crowd. 7:30-7:45am for pick up time and 5:30pm – 6:30pm.

Bang Tao

45 min – 80 min travel time to Chalong Pier

Only 15 minutes from the airport but nearly an hour from the boat departure point. Has a very nice beach and a good selection of high end restaurants as well as some great Thai food. Favoured by Russian tourists. 6:30-6:45am pick up and return would be around 7/8pm.

Cape Panwa

30min – 60min travel time to Chalong Pier

A beautiful but isolated part of the island. Plenty of luxury hotels with private beaches but you won’t find a great deal of eating options outside the hotels. A 30 minute taxi ride from Chalong Pier. 6:50-7:10am pick up time, return around 6/7pm.