We have collected reviews about holidays in Phuket in 2018-2019: pros and cons, travel tips, hotel prices and food. Useful information from seasoned travelers and lovers of holidays in Thailand.
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, washed by the waters of the Andaman Sea. It is extremely popular with tourists and travelers who come here for the winter: there are evergreen forests, mountains, and a comfortable climate. Vacationers are happy to enjoy the views of the endless sandy beaches and turquoise water, along the roads stretch tropical fruit trees- mangosteen, bananas, papaya and others.
In this review, we will share with you our knowledge about holidays in Phuket and useful feedback other tourists.
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General impressions of tourists about the island
What are you satisfied with? Without exception, travelers in their reviews admire the beauty of the island. There are magnificent natural reserves with exotic plants and animals, well-maintained beaches. From the point of view of cultural life, Phuket Town is interesting, where you can see several cultures at the same time - Buddhist and Chinese temples, Muslim mosques. Many, usually women, take an orchid with them as a souvenir as a reminder of a wonderful vacation.
What are you dissatisfied with? Of the shortcomings, travelers noted the underdeveloped public transport and lack of pedestrian areas. Transport runs until 18 pm, which imposes some restrictions on independent voyages of tourists, so many rent motorbikes.
If you are going to Thailand on your own, then it will come in handy - about a visa, budget flights, prices, housing and weather.
(Photo © Mike Behnken / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-ND 2.0)
Phuket hotel prices - 2019
Hotels on the island are located on the coast or a little further - in the villages. Hotels are rarely chosen closer to the center of the island, in which case you will have to drive to the beach.
Prices for accommodation in Phuket hotels depend on the category of the hotel and its location. In general, the choice of accommodation is good, there are many inexpensive options with excellent ratings and reviews from tourists.
Prices for hotels in Phuket for the 2019 season (double room):
- 1* - from 450 rubles;
- 2* - from 650 rubles;
- 3* - from 850 rubles;
- 4* - from 1200 rubles;
- 5* - from 2500 rub.
We recommend looking for hotels, apartments and villas on the popular Skyscanner Hotels service - there you can find very comfortable accommodation at any price! We also recommend that you familiarize yourself with our selection.
The best Phuket hotels according to tourist reviews
frankly negative reviews there is little about Phuket hotels, mostly tourists are satisfied with the level of service and price-quality ratio.
So, hotels Peach Blossom Resort 4 * and on Karon Beach deserve good reviews - close to the beach, there is a transfer, shops, swimming pools and more on the territory. Large clean rooms and Exotic fruits daily.
(Photo © amari.com / Amari Phuket 4*)
Food prices in Phuket - 2019
According to tourists comparing the island with the mainland of Thailand, prices are higher here, although the food is very affordable and of high quality - you can have a delicious lunch on average from 200 to 650 baht in a restaurant. You can eat in macarons much cheaper - from 30 baht per dish.
A cup of coffee will cost almost 75 baht (in a cafe for Thais - about 30 baht), a bottle of beer - 50-60 baht. Fresh and vegetables are quite cheap (cheaper than in Russia, but more expensive than in other places in Thailand). In general, our compatriots rated the local price level as quite acceptable.
Fishing is well developed on the island, here you can buy any seafood - squid, crabs, shrimps - at ridiculous prices. The cost of a meal in a fish restaurant is about 200 baht.
Those who do not like Thai food can buy ready meals in supermarkets - very decently and cheaply - or go to establishments of Russian and European cuisine. But the most budget way- eat in small cafes for local and night markets. Check out in detail to get an idea of how much to lay down for food in Thailand.
(Photo © Roving I / flickr.com)
Reviews of tourists about the weather in Phuket
The climate of the island is favorable for recreation all year round. There is no extreme heat here, the locals harvest twice a year, and travelers have the opportunity to buy tropical fruits. May is the hottest - the temperature rises above +33 ... + 35 ° С, the rainy season begins, February is the driest month.
December
In December, the weather in Phuket is often unpredictable, the heat is already subsiding, it is fresh, the waves practically do not interfere. Water +28°С, daytime +31°С.
January February
In January and February, the high season is very warm and dry: + 31 ° C during the day, the sea + 28 ° C - a wonderful time to relax on the island, however, there are too many tourists.
March - May
September - November
In September, October and November, according to reviews, it is very warm in Phuket, + 30 ... + 31 ° C during the day. Showers can be daily, but there is still a lot of sun. Swimming can be hindered by strong waves at sea.
(Photo © Lutz536 / flickr.com)
Phuket beaches: reviews of tourists
In 2019, there are not a lot of umbrellas and sunbeds on the beaches of Phuket, everywhere there is clean and soft sand, you can easily get by with a towel. There are no sea urchins here, so special shoes are not required. The entrance to the sea is usually gentle and comfortable. The most popular beaches are Patong, Karon and Kata, although vigilant tourists have found their shortcomings everywhere.
Patong
Patong will certainly appeal to those who love nightlife and entertainment: there are many clubs, cafes, and inexpensive hotels. Patong has beautiful sand - floury and silky, with sparkles. The beach itself is beautiful, but crowded and sometimes dirty, they interfere with normal rest standing boats and water scooters on the shore and constantly scurrying sellers. The water is clean, of a beautiful azure color, but closer to the rainy season it becomes cloudy, there is quite a lot of garbage. According to reviews, in Patong, on the left side of the beach, some drains with an unpleasant odor flow out, and many people no longer want to swim there at all - which is why the majority of people relax in the center of the beach and on its right side.
Karon
Very long - several kilometers - clean beach with clear water, located 20 km from Phuket Town. According to tourists, there are not very many hotels on Karon, and all of them are located across the road from the beach, the distance from the hotel on the first line to the beach is 300 m. There are more entertainment venues and cafes in the northern part of the beach, in the south it is quiet and calm, a good choice for vacationers with children.
Tri Trang
A small secluded beach near Patong - 20-30 minutes walk or 5 minutes by bike. In translation, the name of the beach means "crystal clear". There are few casual tourists here, usually the inhabitants of the Tri Trang Beach Resort have a rest on this beach. The beach is clean, wide, the water is clear, its only minus is strong low tides.
Kata
Very beautiful small sandy beach, the main attraction is the small island of Pu nearby. You can get to the beach from two sides, the center is blocked from the road by the huge territory of the hotel. The water is warm, practically without waves, a very good entry into the water. According to reviews, on Kata Beach, fishermen who lay out nets on the shore interfere with rest, sometimes a car can pass.
Kamala
Another calm and clean beach in Phuket, wide and not too crowded. The most popular is the middle part of the beach, where all water activities are available, there is a shower and a toilet. There is no nightlife here.
(Photo © Paul D "Ambra - Australia / flickr.com)
Phuket Island is one of the most popular resorts in Thailand. Every year thousands of Russian tourists come here to enjoy the sea, the sun and picturesque natural landscapes. can be called a real resort paradise, where everyone can find the vacation of their dreams. The main thing is to plan in advance exactly where to stay and what to see. Now you will understand where it is better to relax in Phuket.
Family holiday
Today, Phuket is perhaps the only resort in Thailand where the hotel infrastructure provides for holidays with small children. The menu of hotel restaurants includes a special children food, almost every hotel has mini-clubs and exciting playgrounds for kids, at the request of parents, hotel administrators are always ready to bring a baby cot to the room or find a suitable nanny. That is why Phuket is ideal for a full-fledged family holiday on the seashore.
Many Thai resorts give the impression of noisy and cramped Asian cities. Of course, most tourists quickly get used to this, but couples with children in such an environment are often not very comfortable. Of course, Phuket also has noisy party areas, but there are still quiet and peaceful places where the whole family can comfortably relax. Families will be most comfortable on the beaches and.
Phuket is considered an expensive resort compared to other Thai cities, but excursions for children are always discounted from 30 to 50 percent. Particularly popular with families with children are such wonderful places as the huge Splash Jungle water park, the Jurassic-style play area Dino Park, as well as the stunning underwater gallery with exotic fish and turtles Phuket aquarium.
For young people
Noisy youth companies from Europe, Russia and America come to Phuket. After all, it is here that the famous is located, popular due to its incendiary discos, parties and countless nightclubs. The rock bar "Timber Hut" and the dance floor with Thai national music "The Kon Thai" are especially popular.
Staying at a hotel is not always affordable for young travelers, especially in Phuket. That is why a lot of hostels have been created here, which are specially focused on youth companies. There is always an atmosphere of fun, friendly communication, a big party. Young people from different countries and continents get to know each other, exchange email addresses and Facebook pages. Thus, accommodation is cheaper than in any hotel, and you can get much more bright positive emotions. One of the most popular and largest youth hostels is called Phuket International Youth Hostel.
In Phuket, you can not only swim and sunbathe. The best conditions for active and varied recreation are created here. Diving, snorkeling, jet skis are popular during the high season from November to May. In the rainy season, high waves rise, and companies of surfers and windsurfers gather in Phuket. All year round you can bungee jump, falling down and flying 50-70 meters above the wild tropical thicket. Such extreme entertainment is called "Jungle Bungy Jump". In addition, on the island of Phuket you can learn a new and very interesting sport - wakeboarding. What is wakeboarding? Imagine surfing with acrobatic jumps and tricks. In this case, the movement does not occur with the help of waves, but thanks to a special cable, for which you need to hold on tight and maintain a delicate balance.
For pensioners
Holidays in a friendly country with a mild and warm climate, favorable for health and well-being - a great offer for any elderly person. That is why many pensioners from Europe and Russia stop in Phuket. As you know, Thai legislation allows you to get a retirement visa, according to which you can live in the land of smiles almost indefinitely.
There are many quiet and peaceful places, ideal for the elderly. It is best to stay in a hotel with a secluded private beach, where the harmony of nature is combined with high level services and developed infrastructure. This category includes such comfortable hotels as The Surin Phuket, Moevenpick Resort Bangtao, Dusit Thani Laguna.
Phuket is perfect for the elderly, because there are many professional spas here that allow you to restore vitality and maintain health for many years. Some of the best beauty and health salons in Phuket are Let's Relax and Oriental de Phuket. You should stop your choice on them, because professional certified specialists work here. It is considered the most comfortable for pensioners.
For those who love silence
Fans of a calm, measured and secluded holiday often prefer to stay in Phuket. Quiet and uncrowded beaches are still preserved here, where you can enjoy the pristine tropical nature.
You can dive into the depths of the sea with a mask, swim, sunbathe and just enjoy the silence on the beach (Naithon Beach). It is located in the north of Phuket, and civilization has not yet reached this part of the island. Of course, there are several cafes and even small hotels nearby, but here you will not find the hustle and bustle and constant crowds that are familiar to many Asian resorts. Nearby is a beautiful tropical forest and a small fishing village. An alternative to this beach is.
In the northwest of Phuket, there is a beautiful quiet Mao Kai beach. If you can still find umbrellas and sun loungers on Nai Thon, then on Mao Kai there is nothing but the sea, a strip of pure sand and coniferous trees. However, if you are looking for which beaches to relax on during the winter or spring months, then Mao Kai is only suitable for walking and sunbathing. You can swim on this beach only from May to October. The fact is that sharks appear here in November, and it is very dangerous to go into the sea.
Where is the most beautiful nature
Phuket is a resort of contrasts. There are noisy party areas and quiet reserved places. Therefore, often tourists, coming here, first visit discos, parties and large supermarkets, and then begin to seek peace and solitude in the bosom of nature. When making a plan for excursions in Phuket and its environs, you should definitely visit:
- Koh Tapu island. Gained worldwide fame thanks to the James Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun", which was filmed in these amazing places. The name "ko tapu" means "nail" in Russian. The fact is that not far from the island rises a giant rock of a bizarre shape, in which the top is larger than the base. From a distance, this miracle of nature really resembles a huge nail.
- Waterfalls. One of the most popular waterfalls on the island is called Bang Pae. Located on the territory of the picturesque Phra Thaeo Park, where Thais and foreign tourists often come to admire the lush tropical vegetation. The waterfall is an impressive sight: water streams fall down from a great height. And below is a cool clear lake where you can swim
- Sirinat National Park. Beautiful casuarina pines grow here, in the shade of which you can have a great walk even on the hottest day. In addition, the park is located on the picturesque beach of Hat Nai Yaang, where you can enjoy a secluded beach holiday
Where is cheaper to relax
Phuket is considered one of the most expensive resorts in Thailand. However, even here you can save money if you know a few simple secrets:
- Hotel prices in Phuket almost double with the onset of the rainy season. Therefore, rooms with both four and five stars will become budget and available from May to November. Of course, during the rains it is impossible to fully enjoy a beach holiday, but until September there are practically no real showers here.
- It is much cheaper to stay not in a hotel, but in a guesthouse or hostel. Fortunately, there are plenty of them in Phuket
- For long stay ideal option will become condominiums, or apartment buildings, where you can rent apartments for a period of one month to several years
- The cheapest accommodation can be found in the Muang area
Last year, once on the island, we were faced with the question - where to go to Phuket? Which area to choose? Where to stay so that the environment is exactly what we need. What is the best area in Phuket? After 7 months of living on the island, we were able to explore the main areas of Phuket and now we will briefly analyze the most popular ones to find out which area will be optimal for you.
Districts of Phuket
To decide where to go to Phuket, read the description of each area, see photos of the beaches, compare the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Let's start with the most popular destinations among our tourists. We ourselves, when we first arrived and were still inexperienced, thought that we would live on Karon or Katya
Karon - a huge beach and Russian tourists
The Karon area is almost always filled with tourists, as many vacationers have chosen this place. It is crowded, developed and not boring. There are many restaurants and bars on the right and left sides. Shops, pharmacies, stalls with excursions and everything that a tourist can need on his vacation.
There are 2 markets, one of which is on the territory of the temple. Nightlife is not as developed as in Patong, Phuket's most party area, but you won't be bored here either, because there are always a couple of places to go in the Karon ring area in the evening.
Karon beach 
Karon City
A different audience rests on Karon. All decent, inadequate did not notice. Many Russians, many European pensioners, but also many young people and even tourists with children. Although the waves in the Karon area are not at all childish. Read more about beach holidays in the article -.
Patong - noise and crowds of tourists of all nationalities
No less popular than Karon, and to be more precise, Patong is the most promoted place on the island. There are crowds of tourists and it is here that you can meet all the nationalities of the world.
The Patong area is the most developed. There is an embankment, a large shopping center, and a huge number of cafes with shopping arcades.
View of Patong
Life is in full swing even at night. After all, Patong is home to the famous Bangla Road, an analogue of Walking Street in Pattaya. It is noisy, crowded and there is always somewhere to go. Nightclubs are open until early morning. We advise all those who are looking for an incendiary youth holiday with discos and round-the-clock traffic - choose Patong, this is definitely for you.
Bangla Road
On the contrary, we would not advise this area for vacationers with children, as it is too noisy and the sea may not be very clean. By the way, swimming in Patong is best on the right side of the beach, where the water is always cleaner, even in the off-season. We swam in Patong and in general it's fine here. For more information about the beach, see the article -.
Photo of Patong beach in high season (January) 
Patong in low season (May)
Kata is another Russian district
This is where most of the Russian people, especially those who came to Phuket on a package tour. So, do not be surprised that Russian signs will periodically flash before your eyes. The area is developed, there are many bars and restaurants, there is a small Makro supermarket and several Tesco Express, several markets. The area of Kata and Karon are almost identical and differ little if not to compare the beaches.
Kata City 
Beach street on Katya
A considerable number of people prefer family holidays here, despite the fact that on Katya, as well as on Karon, the sea is not the calmest, especially for small children. The neighboring beaches, Kata Noi and Karon, are within walking distance. If you settle on the right side of Kata, then you will have to walk along a very smelly river to the beach. Yes, and the sea on the right side smells, as this river flows into it at the end of the beach. So the left side of the Kata is more preferable. For more information about the beach, see the article -.
Photos of Kata Beach
Kamala - a relaxing holiday on a beautiful beach
Kamala is a very pleasant and quiet area. Less developed than the previous one. Far fewer tourists. There are practically no Russians. But still, there is one large Big C supermarket and a medium-sized Tesco Lotus Express, which operates twice a week, shops and tents with clothes. The Kamala area is an excellent option for those who do not want to spend their holidays in the epicenter of noise and traffic, but at the same time want to be in civilization. The beach here is one of the best, which we constantly recommend to both young and old people. Read more about the beach here -.
Photo of Kamala beach 
View of Kamala 
Main road in Kamala
Bang Tao - a quiet resort, ideal for families with children
The Bang Tao area is very different from everyone else. Everything here is like in a village. Roosters and chickens walk the streets, cows graze in the meadows, small one-story houses. Bangtao is predominantly Muslim. Local people are distinguished by friendliness and goodwill. Very quiet and peaceful. Those who want only silence, birdsong and roosters in the morning will like the Bang Tao area. And, of course, who needs only a few small shops in the area. The beach is also excellent, as in Kamala. For children, there is no better beach to find, since the sea is always calm, the waves are small, there is a lot of natural shade. Read more in the article -.
Photo of the beach in Bang Tao 
Central street in Bangtao 
beach street 
Bang Tao village
Surin - considered a VIP area
It is considered an elite area, and the prices for tours here are simply off scale. This is because there is a good beach with clear water and many expensive hotels on the nearby hills. Despite the fact that the beach is cool, the sea in this area is often restless, high waves almost all year round. The infrastructure is not well developed. There is not a large selection of cafes with restaurants, just as there is no market. The contingent of tourists is mostly Europeans. I would recommend the Surin area to young couples. Read more about the beach in the article -.
Photos of Surin Beach 
Descent to Surin beach on the right side 
Streets of Surin 
Condominium in Surin
Nai Harn - the southernmost beach for a relaxing holiday
Like Surin, Nai Harn Beach has been awarded the title of not only an expensive resort, but also the most beautiful beach in all of Phuket. Assigned not by us, but we partly agree with this opinion and believe that Nai Harn beach is worthy of attention. Here is a kind of cove. There are many mothers with children, many families who have settled here for a long time. The area is poorly developed. There are no shopping centers here, not a lot of cafes and shops. Near the beach there is a Russian restaurant, periodically flashing posters with the inscription "Kvass". A good area and suitable for those who appreciate, first of all, silence and relaxation, and not the night noise under the windows. More details at the link -.
Naiharn beach 
beach street 
Nai Harn Village
Lake and condo in Nai Harn
Yanui - a tiny beach among the mountains
The Yanui area can be called a stretch, since the beach itself seems to be considered either a continuation of the Nai Harn area, or the western part of Rawai. Yanui is surrounded by greenery, with small mountains on both sides. There are only a few hotels here. Moreover, there is only one near the sea, the rest are either on the hills or closer to Rawai beach. The sea on Yanui beach is perfectly clean during the season. Many people come specifically for snorkeling. You can swim with children, as the sea is calm. But the infrastructure is almost zero. Eat only in the hotel and go nowhere. You will have to go to the Nai Harn area, which is very close and convenient, or even closer to the Rawai area. More details -.
Photo of Yanui beach in high season 
beach street 
Lots of greenery
Rawai - inaccessible beach
There is enough life in the Rawai area, although it is not quite fussy and bright. There is a good seafood market, shops and simple cafes. You can walk around those places where there is life in 10 minutes. After dark, everyone goes to bed, except for a couple of bars, and there will be no fun here. And most importantly, there is no beach! More precisely, you can’t swim, it’s shallow and dirty, a lot fishing boats. For more information about the beach, see more photos and videos in the article -.
Photo of Rawai beach 
beach street 
Chalong - bad beach, boat dock
The Chalong area has a beach that doesn't exist. On Chalong there is a pier from where boats and boats depart to the islands near Phuket. Therefore, when settling in this area, do not count on swimming, as the beach is very dirty. It is also shallow here, at low tide the water goes far, exposing the muddy bottom. But feel free to expect that there will be a shopping center nearby, cafes with low prices and tents with excursions. If you are more or less an independent traveler with your own car, then this area is acceptable. But it cannot be considered as an option for recreation. More in the article -.
Bay in Chalong 
Chalong Ring - Roundabout to Karon, Kata, Rawai Beaches and Chalong Pier
Kathu District - no sea
The Kathu area is popular with winterers and other "long-livers" in Phuket. It is far from the sea, in the very center of the island, the nearest beach from this area is Patong. The advantages of the area are that Kathu has low housing prices in any season, there are normal Thai prices in markets and cafes without tourist markups. Many locals don't speak English. Within a 10 minute drive you will find yourself in the shopping centers of Macro, Big C, Tesco and with a large selection of food and clothing. The Kathu area is not suitable for vacation or recreation, since housing is also rented there more often on a monthly basis. According to our impressions, this is the most unsuitable area for recreation. Only if you have your own transport.
Condominium Plus in Kathu
Phuket Town - no sea, no tourist life
The central district, where the whole life of the local population is concentrated. Apart from the center of the old town, Phuket Town can be called a non-tourist area. Catering is well developed here, many cafes, macaques, shops and markets for locals, well-developed public transport in the form of pink buses. There are several condominiums in the town where you can rent an apartment at a good price in any season. Main shopping centers are also located in Phuket Town.
View of Phuket Town 
But there is not a single beach in Town, so this area, if you are a tourist, will suit you only if you are not embarrassed to get to the beaches of Phuket every time not on foot, but by transport. If, then this is not the most pleasant experience. So, it’s better not to consider it without your own transport either.
Evening traffic jams in town
Brief summary of Phuket districts
While you are thinking about the question “Where to go to Phuket”, I will summarize and briefly outline the main points for each area of the island.
- The most noisy, party and developed area - Patong
- The most touristic area, with numerous restaurants and cafes - Patong, Kata and Karon
- The most family areas - Bang Tao, Kamala
- Area with luxury hotels - Surin
- The quietest and least developed area is Yanuy
- Areas where there are many Russians are Nai Harn, Karon, Kata.
- The most non-tourist areas are Phuket Town, Kathu, Chalong, Thalang
Phuket tour cost schedule
Which beach to choose in Phuket for relaxation
Which beach to choose for recreation? It all depends on how you want to relax.
- If you have fun, drink, go to bars, then definitely Patong.
- If you want peace, tranquility and solitude, then consider the options on the beaches of Bangtao, Maikao and Yanui.
- If you want something in between, choose the popular Karon, Kata or the lesser known Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn.
- For those who are going to rent a car to travel around the entire island and neighboring provinces, the Kathu and Phuket Town areas are suitable, since they are located in the center of the island, it will be convenient to get everywhere.
Phuket is considered the second most popular resort in Thailand, every year more and more tourists come to rest here. And this is not surprising, since Phuket is a truly heavenly place with azure sea, snow-white beaches and picturesque tropical landscapes. However, before flying to Phuket, you need to think through everything in advance and understand exactly where it is better to relax. Therefore, in this article I will tell you where it is better to relax in Phuket so that your trip will bring you maximum joy and vivid impressions.
If you are flying to Phuket with children, then the best place for recreation is the beaches and. In these two districts, there are a large number of family hotels where everything is provided for children (food, game rooms and playgrounds, children's beds, etc.). Such a service will make your holiday in Phuket with children as comfortable as possible. The price category of hotels here is diverse and everyone can find something for themselves. suitable option. On the shores of Karon Beach there are wonderful hotels Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort, Beyond Resort Karon, there are also more budget options Baan Karon Buri Resort and Simplitel Hotel. As for hotels on Kata Beach, the most popular hotels are Casadel Sol Hotel Phuket and Centara Kata Resort Phuket, from the more budget options Kata Silver Sand Hotel or Ibis Phuket Kata Hotel.
The entrance to the sea on the beaches of Kata and Karon is smooth and shallow, the water is clean and warm. Therefore, relaxing on these beaches with small children is very comfortable. But do not forget about the rainy season from May to October, when it is not safe to swim in the sea due to large waves.
In terms of the number of cafes, restaurants, retail shops, shops, pharmacies, massage parlors and various parties, Kata is inferior to Karon Beach. Therefore, if you want a more relaxing holiday, then I recommend choosing Kata Beach.
Recreation for youth
Where is the best place for young people to relax? As you know, young people prefer to relax actively and have fun, so especially for them in Phuket there is the most noisy and party place, as well as the famous Bangla Road. There are many shops, cafes, restaurants, bars, massage parlors, clubs and discos in the Patong area. Here you will not be bored day or night. Patong beach itself is quite clean, the sand is white, but the water is muddy. There is a huge amount of water entertainment on the beach, merchants are constantly scurrying around offering to buy souvenirs, clothes or food.
Patong has a huge amount of affordable housing, as backpackers and students love this place. For example, Patong Backpacker Hostel or Phuket International Youth Hostel. On the first coastline of Patong Beach there are expensive hotels B-Lay Tong Phuket or Phuket Graceland Resortwhere you can have a wonderful rest in Phuket.
Rest for pensioners
Senior citizens can also have a great vacation in Phuket. The beaches of Kata, Karon are ideal for them, where they combine relaxing holiday and developed infrastructure. Also, for maximum comfort, you can check into a hotel with its own beach, where each guest will receive the highest service and care. These hotels include Dusit Thani Laguna or Moevenpick Resort Bangtao.
Holidays in Phuket are perfect for retirees, because there are a large number of massage and spa salons that will allow them to improve their body and restore vitality. A stay in nature and sea air will benefit any person. Just do not forget about the safety of exposure to the sun. Always use sunscreen and wear a hat.
solitary places
Most beaches with developed infrastructure in Phuket are crowded. But there are also calm, secluded places where you can stay in silence away from civilization. These beaches include Mai Khao, Nai Thon and Nai Yang.
Mai Khao Beach is included in the national reserve of Thailand, so there are no umbrellas and sunbeds on the shore. They are prohibited there. It is on this beach that you can enjoy the untouched beauty of nature.
Where is the cheapest place to stay?
If you want to save on vacation, it is best to settle in less touristy areas and away from the sea. Accommodation in hotels is always more expensive than in a guesthouse or hostel, but the conditions there are not so comfortable. If you are going to relax in Phuket for a month or more, then it is better to rent a house or an apartment in a condominium. Their cost starts from 10,000 baht, although some manage to find cheaper. I rented one-room apartment in the Plus Condominimum 2 condominium, which is located in the center of the island in the Kathu area. I wrote about my experience of renting housing in Phuket.
Also, many tourists come to Phuket during the rainy season (from May to October) to save money, but I don’t recommend doing this, since Phuket has a very pronounced rainy season and you won’t be able to swim in the sea due to big waves. If you want to relax in Thailand during the rainy season, then go to the resorts of the Gulf of Thailand (Pattaya, Koh Chang, Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao). There, even in the rainy season, you can have a good rest on the beach.
Going on vacation to Thailand, many tourists ask themselves questions: “Where is it better in Pattaya or Phuket?”, “Where is it better to go: to Phuket or Pattaya?”. In order to answer these questions, it is worth learning a little about these two popular destinations in Thailand. Below is a comparison of these two most popular resorts in Thailand. We will look at the sights, beaches, prices, transport and tour costs to decide where it is better to relax: Phuket or Pattaya.
Phuket or Pattaya? general information
Phuket is a wonderful resort in Thailand for connoisseurs of a good holiday, with big amount luxury hotels and restaurants. Phuket is more often chosen for a more relaxed family or romantic trip. To get to Phuket, you can choose a direct flight from Russia, and you can also get domestic flights from Thailand. Is different clear sea and good environment.
Pattaya is the second most popular resort in Thailand for Russian tourists, located 147 km from Bangkok. The main thing that attracts tourists to this city is a lot of entertainment, active recreation and low prices. This popular coastal city rose to fame in the early 1980s and is still popular today. From morning to night, life in Pattaya is in full swing, during the day - on the beach, in the evening and at night - in the clubs and bars of Pattaya. In addition, Pattaya offers a huge number of hotels, condominiums and apartments for affordable prices. Pattaya is the most visited resort in Thailand by Russian tourists. The main reason is a cheap air ticket compared to other resorts in Thailand, a lot of entertainment and parties, a huge number of bars, clubs and restaurants, low prices for food, hotels and entertainment. Of the minuses, one can single out the dirty sea, crowds of Russian tourists, who are not always adequate and polite, in other words, “Tagiiel”.
Phuket or Pattaya: where is the best weather
In terms of climate, these two resorts in Thailand do not differ much from each other. The average temperature in Phuket and Pattaya differs by only a couple of degrees.
In Phuket, the average temperature is +30°C, the water temperature is +28°C. Phuket has a tropical monsoonal climate. It is warm here all year round, but two seasons: April-May and September-October are the hottest. Phuket is famous for being in the temperate zone. Phuket is never hit by typhoons or tropical storms.
In Pattaya, the average temperature is +32°C, the water temperature is +28°C. In Pattaya, the weather is hot all year round. The rainy season in Pattaya is "easier" than in Phuket. Because Pattaya is located on the mainland and not on an island.
Phuket or Pattaya: where is the best sea and beach
In Phuket, the sea and the beach are definitely better than in Pattaya. Here indeed pure water, turquoise sea and shallow White sand. For lovers of drive, outdoor activities and discos, it is recommended to go to Patong. However, the beach in Patong is considered the dirtiest in Phuket. The beach is regularly cleaned, but a large number of tourists quickly litter it. But if you move further away, the beach will look much more like a Bounty advertisement. Apart from Patong, there are many other beaches in Phuket. If you drive away from the beaten paths, you can find very quiet and secluded beaches in Phuket.
In Pattaya, the beaches are dirty, and you can’t swim in the city itself. The water in the resort is really muddy, and the central embankment is more like the shores of Sochi, and not a Thai resort. Therefore, if the main thing for you is a beach holiday, then it is better to go to Phuket. Tourists in Pattaya can also enjoy a beach holiday, but for this you need to go to the islands. For example, the nearest island, Koh Lan, can be reached in half an hour and 30 baht.
Where are the best attractions, in Phuket or Pattaya
The resort of Pattaya offers tourists a wide range of attractions. If the main thing for you is what to see, then it is better to relax in Pattaya. Here you will find extraordinary museums, majestic Khmer temples, a floating market, spectacular water parks, tropical gardens, elephant shows and a tiger zoo. It is worth noting that the prices for visiting all these attractions in Pattaya are lower than in Phuket. , . In addition, Pattaya has a rich nightlife. In 2 hours from Pattaya you can get to Bangkok, so all the sights of Bangkok are also available to tourists in Pattaya.
Phuket is famous for its sparkling temples, spectacular scenery, viewpoints, idyllic beaches and friendly locals. Phuket has something to see for almost everyone. These are parks and gardens, an aquarium, James Bond Islands, a snake farm, rafting. More affluent people come to Phuket, there are more Europeans here, and sometimes you can also meet stars.
Where is it better to relax, price comparison in Phuket and Pattaya
Phuket, of course, is a more expensive resort, ranging from airfare, lodging, to food and entertainment. The entire industry around Patong is focused exclusively on tourists. To see the real Thailand and reasonable prices, you can go, for example, to Phuket Town.
Pattaya is considered the cheapest place to visit in Thailand. It is in Pattaya that you can try cheap seafood, buy cheap excursions (from 200 baht) and use cheap tuk-tuks for 20 baht to travel around the city.
Phuket or Pattaya: where the transport system is better developed
If you prefer to use transportation, you can catch a taxi or songthaew. There are no tuk tuks in Phuket. It is not very convenient to travel by songteo, because they travel at the rates of the minibus only during the day, and in the evening at the rates of a taxi. And their routes are not very branched. Taxi prices in Phuket are high (from 600 baht). Taxi drivers never agree to cut prices. Therefore, if you have not rented a bike, you will spend a significant part of your budget on transport in Phuket.
In Pattaya, the transport system is well developed. There are several types of tuk-tuks that can easily move around the resort. All tuk-tuks in Pattaya are distinguished by colors, so they are easy to remember. Blue tuk-tuks in Pattaya run along the main streets of the city and cost 10 baht. There are white tuk-tuks in Sukhumvit (for longer distances), they cost 20 baht. Thanks to tuk-tuks, you can drive all over Pattaya literally for a penny. At night in Pattaya you can take a taxi for 200 baht.
After reading the comparison of resorts to the end, you can easily decide for yourself where it is better to relax, in Phuket or Pattaya. If you have never been to Thailand, then I recommend visiting Phuket first. In Phuket you can enjoy beautiful nature, sea and sights. There are more sea excursions in Phuket, beautiful views and clean beaches. After you fall in love with Thailand, you can already go to Pattaya. In Pattaya, you will have to go to the islands for the beautiful sea, but low prices and nightlife will alleviate this inconvenience. As the farangs say, for relaxation better fit Phuket, and for life - Pattaya.
Thank you for reading to the end. You have a bonus - a map of Pattaya attractions:
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