More about hotels in Phuket
Hotels in Phuket: The Complete Guide for Malaysian Travellers
Phuket is Thailand's crown jewel and one of Southeast Asia's most celebrated holiday destinations. This mountainous island in the Andaman Sea stretches 48 kilometres from north to south and is blessed with world-class beaches, spectacular coral reefs, vibrant nightlife, rich Sino-Portuguese heritage, and a hotel scene that rivals any tropical destination on earth. For Malaysian travellers, Phuket is a dream destination that combines the accessibility of a short flight from Kuala Lumpur with the full spectrum of tropical holiday experiences — from raucous beach parties on Patong to serene sunset vistas from hilltop infinity pool villas.
Traveloka lists over 4,400 properties in Phuket, with prices starting from just RM 15 per night for budget guesthouses and climbing to RM 3,000 and above for the island's finest private pool villas. The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency; at approximately THB 1 to RM 0.13, Phuket offers outstanding value for Malaysian travellers across all accommodation tiers. Whether you are travelling solo, as a couple, or with a family, Phuket's diverse beach areas each offer a distinct character and atmosphere to match your travel style.
Best Areas to Stay in Phuket
Patong Beach
Patong is Phuket's most famous and energetic beach area, a 3-kilometre curve of sand backed by the legendary Bangla Road nightlife strip, hundreds of restaurants, shopping malls, and water sports operators. Accommodation ranges from budget guesthouses from RM 80/night to four and five-star hotels from RM 350 to RM 800/night. Patong suits party-goers, first-timers, and those wanting maximum convenience and entertainment options.
Kata & Karon Beach
South of Patong, Kata and Karon offer quieter, family-friendly beach environments with a relaxed atmosphere and still-excellent restaurant scenes. Kata in particular is popular with surfers during monsoon season and families during the dry season. Hotels range from RM 100/night for mid-range guesthouses to RM 600/night for hilltop boutique resorts with sea views. These beaches strike an excellent balance between lively and laid-back.
Surin & Kamala Beach
Surin Beach is Phuket's chic and understated beach, favoured by stylish travellers and home to the legendary Catch Beach Club. Kamala, adjacent to Surin, offers a quieter village atmosphere. This stretch of Phuket's west coast is home to some of the island's finest boutique hotels and the prestigious Trisara and Amanpuri resorts. Hotels here start from RM 250/night for mid-range properties and reach RM 3,000/night for luxury villas.
Bang Tao & Laguna Phuket
The Bang Tao and Laguna Phuket area in the north of the island encompasses a 7-kilometre beach and a self-contained resort enclave featuring six luxury hotels including Anantara, Banyan Tree, Cassia, and Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket. This is Phuket's most upscale resort corridor, with rates ranging from RM 500 to RM 2,500/night. Ideal for families and couples who want a complete resort experience away from the crowds.
Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is the cultural and heritage heart of the island, featuring beautiful Sino-Portuguese shophouse architecture, art galleries, independent cafes, and the famous Sunday Walking Street Market. Hotels here are boutique in nature, converting heritage buildings into atmospheric stays from RM 120 to RM 500/night. Old Town is ideal for culturally curious travellers and is well positioned for exploring Phuket's temple circuit and local food scene.
Hotel Prices by Star Rating in Phuket
Budget Hostels & 1-Star: From RM 15/night | Dorm beds and basic guesthouses in Phuket Town and inland areas. Best for backpackers on tight budgets.
2-Star Guesthouses: From RM 60/night | Simple fan or air-conditioned rooms with private bathrooms. Available in Patong back streets, Kata, and Phuket Town.
3-Star Hotels: From RM 120/night | Mid-range properties with swimming pools, daily breakfast, and air-conditioned rooms. Widely available across all major beach areas.
4-Star Resorts: From RM 300/night | Full-service beach resorts with spas, multiple pools, in-house dining, and water sports facilities. Available in Patong, Kata, and Bang Tao areas.
5-Star Luxury Villas & Resorts: From RM 650/night | Private pool villas, five-star spa resorts, and ultra-luxury boutique properties. Amanpuri, Trisara, Banyan Tree Phuket, and COMO Point Yamu define this tier.
Top Hotels in Phuket
Amanpuri
Amanpuri is one of the founding properties of the Aman Resorts brand, set on a private headland in Pansea Bay north of Surin Beach. Opened in 1988, this stunning collection of Thai-style pavilions and villas set among coconut palms above the Andaman Sea remains one of Asia's most coveted luxury retreats. Rates start from approximately RM 2,800/night.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Set within the Laguna Phuket resort complex in Bang Tao, Banyan Tree Phuket is famous for its private pool villas, award-winning spa, and Thai garden landscapes. One of Phuket's most celebrated luxury properties, it is especially popular for honeymoons and anniversary stays. Rates start from around RM 1,800/night.
COMO Point Yamu
Perched dramatically on the northeastern cape of Phuket overlooking Phang Nga Bay, COMO Point Yamu offers sweeping panoramic views, a stunning infinity pool, and exceptional wellness programming. The Italian architect Antonio Citterio's design is one of Phuket's finest. Rates start from approximately RM 1,500/night.
Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas
Located on Phuket's quiet northern Mai Khao Beach, Anantara Mai Khao offers sprawling private pool villas, a Lagoon pool, and a stretch of near-private beach. Its peaceful northern location is a world away from Patong's bustle. Rates start from around RM 1,400/night for a one-bedroom villa.
Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort & Spa
An excellent four-star option on the hillside above Kata Beach, Novotel Phuket Kata Avista delivers superb views, a stunning infinity pool, and reliable Accor-brand service at mid-range prices starting from approximately RM 380/night. It is a top choice for couples and families visiting Phuket on a mid-range budget.
Patong Heritage Hotel
A stylish Sino-Portuguese heritage-inspired boutique hotel in central Patong, the Patong Heritage Hotel offers a blend of design charm and central convenience at rates starting from approximately RM 300/night. Its rooftop pool and heritage-themed interiors make it one of Patong's most characterful mid-range stays.
Best Time to Visit Phuket
The best time to visit Phuket is during the dry season from November to April, when the Andaman coast receives minimal rainfall, seas are calm and crystal clear, and all beach activities, island tours, and water sports are fully operational. December to March is peak season with the most reliable sunshine and the highest hotel rates. Book well in advance for stays between Christmas and New Year as Phuket is at full capacity during this period.
The wet season from May to October brings the southwest monsoon, with heavier rainfall predominantly in the evenings and nights, and occasionally rough seas that prevent some boat trips. However, hotel rates during the wet season are 30 to 50 percent lower than peak season prices, and Phuket retains its beauty even in the rain. Many luxury resorts offer exceptional packages during low season. Malaysian travellers visiting during the school holidays in June and December should book early as both periods drive strong demand.
Getting to Phuket from Malaysia
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is one of Thailand's busiest airports and is very well connected to Kuala Lumpur. Direct flights from klia2 (AirAsia) and KLIA (Malaysia Airlines, Thai Airways) take approximately 1 hour 30 to 1 hour 45 minutes. Promotional one-way fares on AirAsia start from as low as RM 100, with typical economy return fares averaging RM 400 to RM 800. Direct flights from Penang, Kota Kinabalu, and Johor Bahru are also available seasonally.
From northern Malaysia by road and ferry, it is possible to drive to the Satun border crossing, take a short ferry to Ko Lipe, and then connect to Phuket by ferry — though this route involves multiple transfers and is better suited to adventure travellers. Most Malaysian visitors fly direct to Phuket for convenience. The airport is approximately 30 kilometres north of Patong Beach; taxis cost RM 90 to RM 130, while shared minibuses serve all major beach areas for RM 30 to RM 50 per person.
Top Attractions in Phuket
Big Buddha is Phuket's most recognisable landmark, a 45-metre white marble image of the Buddha seated on Nakkerd Hill with 360-degree panoramic views of the island. Entry is free and it is accessible by road from both Kata and Phuket Town.
Phi Phi Islands are reachable by speedboat from Phuket in 45 minutes or by ferry in 90 minutes. Koh Phi Phi Don and the spectacular Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay — immortalised in the film The Beach) are among Thailand's most iconic islands.
Phang Nga Bay is a spectacular UNESCO-worthy seascape of towering limestone karsts rising from emerald-green water, including the famous James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan). Kayaking through its sea caves and lagoons is a highlight of any Phuket visit.
Phuket Old Town is a heritage treasure of colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, Chinese shrines, local markets, and independent art spaces. The Sunday Walking Street Market on Thalang Road is the best time to visit for local food and crafts.
Bangla Road, Patong is Phuket's legendary nightlife strip — a pedestrianised street of open-air bars, nightclubs, cabaret shows, and street performers. Energetic and unapologetically vivid, it is a unique experience regardless of whether you stay late into the night.
Tips for Malaysian Travellers Visiting Phuket
Malaysian citizens do not require a visa for Thailand and are granted a 30-day tourist visa exemption on arrival. Phuket Immigration is typically fast at the airport. Carry Thai Baht cash as many beach vendors, longtail boat operators, and local markets prefer cash. ATMs are widely available in Patong, Kata, Surin, and Phuket Town. Exchange rates at licensed money changers in Patong or Phuket Town are generally more competitive than airport counters.
Phuket's road system is best navigated by scooter rental or private taxi as the island has no public bus system connecting the beaches. Grab (ride-hailing app) operates in Phuket and is a reliable and metered alternative to negotiated taxi fares. Scooter rentals cost approximately RM 35 to RM 60 per day. Be cautious of beach vendor jet ski scams where damage claims are often fabricated; always inspect hired equipment and take photos before use. Book all Phuket hotels through Traveloka in Ringgit Malaysia for guaranteed rates and easy local payment options.
