The best beaches in Phuket are located on the island's west coast, facing the Andaman Sea. From north to south, they are Nai Yang, Ban Tao, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata, and Kata Keroh. For first-time visitors and travelers who prefer a more vibrant atmosphere, Patong Beach is highly recommended, as it offers the most convenient access to food, accommodation, transportation, and entertainment. The Patong area boasts over 200 star-rated hotels and resorts. If you prefer a quieter getaway, other beaches are available and will likely satisfy you. Alternatively, you can stay in Phuket Town, which, while lacking ocean views, offers a different kind of charm.

Star-rated hotels and resorts

Banyan Tree Phuket ★★★★★

Banyan Tree Phuket, built in 1994, is located in Bang Tao Bay in northern Phuket, facing the Andaman Sea and boasting beautiful golden beaches. Banyan Tree Phuket has won numerous travel awards, including "Best Resort in Asia" from *Asian Wall Street Magazine* and CNBC Asia, "World's Best Spa Resort" from Condé Nast Traveler, and "First-Class Resort in Asia" from *Asia Finance*.

Banyan Tree Phuket boasts 127 villas, each furnished in traditional Thai style, offering spacious living areas and comprehensive amenities. The villas feature unique views, and the rooms are constructed of wood, decorated with furniture in various styles, and equipped with king-size beds. The hotel's restaurant offers a variety of delicious dishes to satisfy diverse tastes. The resort also features 16 spa bathrooms where guests can choose from a range of packages including massages, body treatments, and beauty treatments, indulging in the resort's premium services.

Banyan Tree Phuket is located in Bang Tao Bay on the northwest coast of Phuket, just a 20-minute drive from Phuket International Airport and about a 25-minute drive from the city center.

33/27 Moo 4, Srisoonthorn Road, Cherntalay Amphur Talang, Phuket www.banyantree.com

Avista Hideaway Resort & Spa

★★★★★

Avista Paradise Resort is a secluded and luxurious oasis in Phuket, newly developed by the Avista Hotels Group in Thailand. Nestled atop a tranquil hill overlooking the picturesque Andaman Sea, it is just a two-minute drive from Patong Beach's famous entertainment and leisure area, making it the perfect choice for enjoying the charming coastal scenery of southern Thailand.

66 7 6298888 From 7900 THB/night (for reference only) 39/9 Muen Ngoen Road, Tri-trang Beach, Patong, Phuket 83150, Thailand www.avistahotelsandresorts.com

The Racha Hotel ★★★★★

Located on Racha Island, the hotel boasts stunning scenery and offers upscale service, just minutes from Batok Beach. The hotel features 85 air-conditioned rooms with iPad docking stations and minibars for guests to feel at home. Rooms include private balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms with bathtubs and showers, along with complimentary toiletries and hairdryers. A highlight of the hotel is its villa-style rooms and infinity pool. Prices start from 15,800 THB per night (for reference only). 42/12-13 Moo 5 Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83130, Thailand 66 7 6355455 www.theracha.com

Budget hotels

Phuket Capsule Room

Capsule Hotel Phuket is a trendy budget hotel located less than a 5-minute drive from Phuket Town, which features unique Sino-Portuguese style shops. The hotel offers single and dormitory rooms, each with comfortable, simply decorated rooms creating a relaxing atmosphere. There is a shared lounge and a shared kitchenette where guests can meet new friends. Children are not allowed, there is no parking, and pets are not permitted. The hotel is a 10-minute drive from Central Festival Shopping Center and Siam Niramit Cultural Theme Park, and approximately a 30-minute drive from Phuket International Airport.

7 Bangkok Road, Talad Nua, Muang, Phuket (Phuket Town)

Ananas Phuket Hostel

Pineapple Lodge Phuket offers dormitory rooms with free Wi-Fi, private lockers, towels, and air conditioning. Complimentary coffee, tea, and bread are served each morning in the common dining room. Located on Surin Road, it's a 5-minute walk from Phuket Town Bus Terminal. Smoking is prohibited in the dormitory-style rooms, and air conditioning is fully operational. Shared bathrooms are either attached to the bedrooms or located outside the rooms; hot showers are available. The common living room features a home theater system and a computer corner with internet access.

98/48, Phuket at Town Village, Surin Rd, | Talat Yai, Phuket Town,Phuket www.ananashostels.com