Where to stay

Boutique hotels in restored shophouses, cafés and the best local food. You need a car to reach the beaches, about 30–40 minutes away.

A curved, sandy bay with gentle December swimming, a relaxed village and many family resorts. Kata Noi next door is quieter still.

A long, wide beach with mid-range hotels and space to spread out. Calmer than Patong, with fewer good restaurants.

A quiet bay with a fishing-village feel, a local Muslim community and easy access to both Patong and the north.

Eight kilometres of beach, large resorts around the Laguna lagoons and a strong Muslim community inland. Good for families who want space.

A small, upmarket bay between Bang Tao and Kamala, with villas, beach clubs and halal kitchens nearby in Cherngtalay.

The quietest southern base: a beautiful bay, a freshwater lake for evening walks and Rawai’s seafood. Popular with long-stay families.

Phuket’s busiest beach, with big hotels, malls and the Bangla Road nightlife strip. Convenient, but loud and crowded; not the best choice for families who want calm.

Long, empty beaches inside Sirinat National Park, close to the airport. Peaceful resorts; few restaurants outside them.