While the US has Miami, Spain has Ibiza, and Greece has Mykonos, Thailand has Phuket as its paradise-like 'party capital.' Think about how glorious this place is: a bustling nightlife hub surrounded by white sandy beaches and crystal blue waters. You won't find a place like this anywhere else! And that's why so many people, when they travel to Thailand, going to Phuket is an absolute must. Many have even gone so far as to relocate here themselves. Whichever of the two you're planning, it'd be better if you knew more about the neighborhoods here.
Phuket Town
First up, let's start with Phuket Town. Obviously the capital district of the island, this is probably the most urban area on this list. In fact, it's probably easy to mistake this as a
neighborhood in Bangkok even! As it's also known as 'Old Town,' it reeks of traditional Thai culture but contrasted so beautifully with Western-style architecture. Most of them house boutiques, coffee shops, museums, art galleries, and the like. There's a lot to do here, unlike in other places where swimming in the sea is the highlight. Of course, there are also those infamous red-light districts as well.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Surin
Though it's a coastal village, Surin is far from a rural town you'd expect in such a place. How so? This district has become, over the years, a haven for the rich and famous. It's even earned the moniker 'Millionaire's Row.' Lavish hotels, five-star resorts, and
luxury apartments reign supreme here. Just like how the likes of
Mykonos and Ibiza has become the playground for them, so many of the most first-class have set up their own vacation homes here. It's probably because of the stunning beach by the sea!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Rawai
For years, when people went to Phuket, they went to Rawai Beach. It was one of the first that was open to the public, eventually becoming the famous tourist destination that it is now. It also used to be quite remote, with little to no commercial spaces to begin with. Now, however, it's completely different. So many resorts, hotels, spas, and more have set up shop here. Not to mention the nightlife districts as well. Over time, it became as commercialized as the rest of them, but its natural beauty has remained the same.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Patong
Today, when people think of visiting Phuket, Patong Beach is probably what comes to mind. Next to Phuket Town, this area is the second-busiest on the island as its nightlife hub. Lively bars that stay open until the early hours of the next morning, go-go bars with all sorts of debauchery, and countless parties where people go absolutely berserk! If you thought Miami and Ibiza can go hard, wait until you get to visit this place!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Mai Khao
While Phuket has become an extremely popular tourist destination, there are some parts that remain, even for a little bit, untouched and remote. Mai Khao Beach is one of them. Though there are some small-time resorts and humble hotels here and there, the place is practically a ghost town. And those lucky enough to get to spend time here wouldn't have it any other way. Because there aren't a lot of people here, the sands are the whitest, the waters are their clearest, and you can really be at peace in this part of the island!
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Kata
Kata Beach is perhaps, the friendliest to tourists in Phuket. How so? It's a healthy mix of a peaceful atmosphere with a little fun on the side. Sure, it can get lively at times, but it's not like in other areas where partying is the name of the game. Many visitors, especially those with kids, can still easily have a more relaxed stay on the island. There are certain spots that are more private than others, as well as a fair share of souvenir shops, boutiques, and the like.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Karon
Remember that Thailand is a Buddhist country through and through. Even in the very urban capital city of Bangkok, Buddhist temples are some of the highlights. A few are must-visits when you have
a free day in Bangkok all to yourself. So what does that have to do with Phuket? Well, in the Karon area of the island, there are also Buddhist temps you can visit. Though not as elaborate and as grandiose as
those in Bangkok, they're a nice change of pace from going to the beach all the time.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Bangtao
As the second-largest coastline in Phuket, it's to be expected that Bangtao beach is one of the more crowded areas on this list. It's also one of the friendliest to families too. With a myriad of resorts, hotels, and beach clubs on offer, it has all the modern-day luxuries and conveniences an exotic and slightly remote island can ask for. Not to mention, of course, stunning shorelines that boast white sands, crystal clear waters, and beautiful palm trees to complete that paradise-like tropical appeal.
Source: Wikimedia Commons
In many ways, Phuket is the ultimate paradise destination in Asia. Some might even argue that it's the best in the entire world too! And these amazing neighborhoods within this beautiful island stand testament to that!
