Where To Stay In Phuket With Family – 5 Best Options
Wondering where to stay in Phuket with family?
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations, offering a huge variety of resorts, restaurants, activities, nightlife (that’s even family-friendly), and even an international airport.
While some might find it too touristy, many enjoy the relaxed, carefree vibe it offers.
Phuket is an island on Thailand’s west coast, surrounded by 32 smaller islands. Exploring these islands is a must, as well as enjoying beaches like Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach.
There are plenty of family-friendly activities to enjoy, such as visiting the Big Buddha, exploring Phuket Old Town, shopping at the Phuket Town Weekend Night Market, or taking a boat trip to Phang Nga Bay. Older visitors might also enjoy the lively nightlife at Bangla Road.
All of these things make Phuket a great holiday spot for families!
Each area comes with its own advantages and disadvantages, which will be summarized at the end of the paragraph.
At the bottom of this article, you’ll find a map highlighting all our recommended family-friendly areas to stay in Phuket, along with the city’s main attractions.
We start with an overview, which allows you to scan quickly which area might be the best option.
Now, let’s dive into our top recommendations!
The best areas in Phuket for families are Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Kamala Beach, Nai Harn & Mai Khao Beach and Surin Beach.
We advise not staying at Patong or Phuket Town as a family.
Let’s break each recommended area down in brief before we go into detail.
By tapping on the name of the recommended area, you go directly to that part of the article.
Kata Beach: Kata Beach is among the most popular spot for families, offering plenty of activities and a central location. It’s great for families who want a lot to do, but if you’re looking for something quieter, there are other options that might suit you better.
Karon Beach: Karon Beach is a quieter option than Kata Beach but still offers plenty of things to do, with a good selection of hotels and restaurants. It’s centrally located, though families often prefer Kata Beach for its added comfort and convenience.
Kamala Beach: Kamala Beach gives a more authentic, local experience with a secluded beach, perfect for those wanting to escape the busy tourist spots of Phuket.
Nai Harn & Mai Khao Beach: These beaches are ideal for those looking for a calm environment, beautiful beaches, and luxurious resorts, far from the crowds. However, renting a car is necessary to get around the island easily.
Surin Beach: For those seeking privacy and luxury, Surin Beach is perfect. It boasts the island’s most beautiful beach, though it comes with a premium price tag..
The best areas to stay in Phuket with family are:
1. Kata Beach
Without a doubt, Kata Beach is the most family-friendly area in Phuket.
While it’s a popular spot, it’s not as crowded as Patong, which is known for its lively nightlife and attracts a different type of traveler. Kata Beach offers a beautiful, calm beach that’s perfect for snorkeling and surfing. Surrounded by palm trees, the clear water makes it a great place for families to relax and enjoy the outdoors.
There are plenty of activities, restaurants, and shops in the area. Although Kata Beach has a modest nightlife scene, it’s much quieter than Patong, which makes it ideal for families and couples.
Kata Beach is located on the southwest coast of the island, close to popular attractions like the Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, and Phromthep Cape. It’s also near Chalong Pier and Rawai Pier for those wanting to explore more of the island. Most visitors book tours through agents, who provide convenient pick-up services.
Since it’s a popular destination, prices here can be a bit higher compared to other areas on the island, but there are still affordable accommodations for those on a budget.
Pros
- Most popular family-friendly area in Phuket and this reflects to an abundance of family-friendly amenities.
- Plenty of activities for young and old.
- Great central location.
- Plenty of family-friendly restaurants with (international) kids menus.
- Good beach.
Cons
- This area feels extremely touristy, which most areas in Phuket do.
- Quieter alternatives are available if you’re looking for a more peaceful stay.
Tip: If you haven’t booked your flight yet, consider flying in and out of different airports to save time.
You can arrive at Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport and fly back from Phuket International Airport.
This usually saves you an extra travel day.
2. Karon Beach
Karon Beach is another popular area in Phuket for families, offering a bit more of a quieter atmosphere than Kata Beach.
It’s also more budget-friendly compared to Kata Beach, making it one of the best options for those traveling on a somewhat stricter budget.
The beach itself is one of the longest on the island, providing plenty of space, so even though it can get busy, it never feels overcrowded.
There are many water activities available, including snorkeling, diving, surfing, and parasailing, so there’s always something to do during the day.
It also has a central location and visiting the island’s highlights or arrange some island hopping is a piece of cake.
Karon Beach attracts a mix of travelers—mostly families and couples, but also solo travelers.
It’s often referred to as Patong’s “little sister,” but without the wild nightlife that Patong is known for.
Accommodations at Karon Beach are varied, catering to all types of travelers, from budget hotels to luxurious condos.
The best part is the stunning panoramic view of the long beach.
Karon Beach is located just south of Patong Beach, meaning it’s centrally positioned on the island’s west coast, with easy access to Phuket’s main attractions.
Pros
- A bit quieter than Kata Beach but still plenty to do.
- A wide range of affordable accommodations.
- It offers a central location.
- The long beach never feels overcrowded.
Cons
- Karon Beach is less vibrant than Kata Beach, which is why many families prefer Kata.
- Fewer restaurants available compared to Kata Beach.
- Less developed than Kata Beach.
3. Kamala Beach
While Kata and Karon Beaches are more tourist-focused, Kamala Beach offers a more authentic, slower-paced vibe.
Once a fisherman’s village, Kamala still maintains its traditional charm, making it a great choice for families looking for a laid-back, peaceful spot.
This area attracts mainly older tourists and retirees who enjoy the quiet atmosphere and love to watch the world go by.
If you’re a family who enjoys spending time at the beach, exploring local restaurants, and soaking in a relaxed vibe, Kamala Beach is an excellent option.
Although it’s hard to find something completely authentic in a tourist hotspot like Phuket, Kamala Beach comes close.
The beach is surrounded by hills, giving it a more secluded feel.
Kamala Beach offers a good range of affordable accommodations, making it the most budget-friendly area on this list.
One of the best things about Kamala Beach is the lack of hawkers trying to sell you things, so you can truly relax and enjoy your time here in peace.
What most families do who stay here is to simply enjoy the authenticity and whenever they want to explore vibrant parts of the island, they simply take a short taxi ride.
Pros
- Feels authentic compared to any of the other recommended areas.
- Relatively peaceful.
- A local experience.
- Secluded beach.
Cons
- Less developed.
- Fewer things to do.
- Fewer restaurants to choose from.
4. Nai Harn & Mai Khao
These two areas are located on the north side of the island, near Phuket International Airport, far from the busy tourist spots.
Here, you’ll find luxurious hotels with access to the island’s largest beach.
Since it’s removed from the hustle and bustle, you’ll depend on the hotel facilities for activities and services.
Renting a car is essential if you want to explore the island at your own pace.
While there are a few challenges, such as being far from popular attractions and needing a car to get around, the reward is beautiful accommodations in a peaceful, tranquil setting.
This area is perfect for those looking to relax and enjoy luxury.
Families with a larger budget who value comfort and serenity will appreciate what this area has to offer.
Don’t forget to visit Mai Khao Beach – Airport Viewpoint, where you can capture a unique selfie with a plane taking off in the background.
Pros
- Ideal for those seeking comfort and peace.
- Upscale resorts that offer the ultimate holiday feeling (but some hotels are adult only)
- Beautiful, remote beach
Cons
- You’ll need to rent a car to get around, as it’s far from the island’s main attractions.
- Taxis are not always available in these parts of Phuket.
- Barely any restaurants, so you will mostly eat at your resort.
- For activities, you always have to travel half an hour to forty-five minutes in order to reach the vibrant areas.
5. Surin Beach
When it comes to luxury, Surin Beach stands out as the top choice in Phuket.
This area is definitely not for budget travelers.
Here, you’ll find high-end resorts catering to the rich and famous, set against the most beautiful beaches on the island.
Surin Beach is perfect for families seeking a high-end, trendy getaway where luxury knows no bounds.
While there aren’t many activities beyond shopping, fine dining, and visiting upscale bars, the focus here is on relaxation and exclusivity.
Families booking luxurious villas often prioritize privacy, making it an ideal destination for those looking to escape in style.
If a luxury, private holiday is what you’re after, Surin Beach is the place to be in Phuket.
Pros
Excellent for those seeking privacy
The most beautiful beach on the island.
Cons
- Only affordable for those with an amoiunt of money on their bank account that look like a phone number (and I don’t mean 911).