FindYourStay
🎒Backpackers

Where to Stay in Phuket

Cheapest areas, hostel districts, and budget tips

⚠️ Caution💰 Budget: THB 1500/day🚇 Good Transit☀️ Best: Jan, Feb, Dec

Best Neighborhoods for Backpackers

Ranked by relevance for backpackers visiting Phuket

1

Phuket Town

Budget

A charming historic center with Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant street art, and local markets.

culturefoodiesdigital nomadsbudget
  • +Rich cultural heritage and colonial architecture
  • +Excellent local food scene and street food
  • +More authentic Thai experience away from tourist crowds
  • -No direct beach access (requires transport)
  • -Nightlife is very subdued compared to coastal areas
🏨 The Memory at On On Hotel🏨 Dibuk Phuket🏨 Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel
2

Patong

Mid-range

The bustling heart of Phuket's nightlife and entertainment scene, centered around a busy beach.

nightlifefirst-timerssolo travelersbudget
  • +Abundant nightlife and entertainment options
  • +Wide range of accommodation and dining choices
  • +Direct access to a popular beach
  • -Can be very crowded and noisy
  • -Aggressive touts and sales pitches are common
🏨 Andakira Hotel🏨 Lub d Phuket Patong🏨 The Kee Resort & Spa
3

Karon

Mid-range

A more relaxed beach town atmosphere with a long, beautiful beach and family-friendly options.

familiescouplesbeach loversfirst-timers
  • +Longer and often less crowded beach than Patong
  • +More family-oriented atmosphere
  • +Good selection of restaurants and shops
  • -Nightlife is significantly quieter than Patong
  • -Further from Phuket Town's cultural attractions
🏨 Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket🏨 OZO Karon Phuket🏨 Thavorn Palm Beach Resort Phuket
4

Kamala

Mid-range

A laid-back beach area offering a quieter alternative to Patong, with good restaurants and family attractions.

familiescouplesbeach loversrelaxation
  • +More peaceful and less developed than Patong
  • +Beautiful, long beach suitable for swimming
  • +Good mix of local and tourist-oriented dining
  • -Limited nightlife options
  • -Can feel a bit spread out, requiring some transport
🏨 Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort🏨 InterContinental Phuket Resort🏨 Kamala Beachfront Resort - SHA Plus

Daily Budget (Budget)

THB 1500/day

Dorm bed at Lub d Phuket PatongTHB 400
Street food Pad Krapow Moo from a local stall in PatongTHB 100
Songthaew bus rides around Patong and to nearby beachesTHB 300
Relax on Patong Beach and swimTHB 0
Explore Bangla Road in the evening (window shopping)THB 0
Dinner at a simple local restaurant near your hostelTHB 200
Motorbike rental for a few hours to explore Kata Noi BeachTHB 200
Visit the Big Buddha viewpoint for sunsetTHB 0
Evening snack from a street vendorTHB 50
Enjoy a cheap Thai massageTHB 250
See all budget tiers

Hidden Gems in Phuket

Lesser-known spots the locals love

🛍️

Old Phuket Town Night Market (Weekend)

Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Phuket Old Town on a weekend evening. This market offers a fantastic array of local street food, unique handicrafts, and live music, all set against the backdrop of charming Sino Portuguese architecture.

marketPhuket Old Town
🛍️

Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market)

Dive into the authentic local experience at the Naka Market, one of Phuket's largest and most bustling weekend markets. You'll find everything from cheap clothing and souvenirs to delicious local snacks and street food delights.

marketWachira
⚠️

2 areas to be cautious about

Read our full safety guide for Phuket

More Phuket Guides

Full Phuket guideAreas to avoid👩 Solo Female Travellers💑 Couples👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Families💻 Digital Nomads✨ Luxury Travellers🎉 Nightlife Seekers