If you are planning a solo trip to Phuket, below I’ve included the best areas to stay in Phuket and recommended accommodations in each area to help you decide where to stay in Phuket
It’s no surprise that Thailand is one of the top tourist destinations and a hot favourite for solo travellers. The raw natural beauty, pristine beaches, exquisite islands, tropical weather, rich culture and above all, an unbeatably low cost of travel makes Thailand an ideal destination for women travelling alone.
If you’re unsure where to go in Thailand, you’ve probably heard of Phuket. Phuket is one of the most touristy destinations in Thailand. It is known for the happening night streets and bars, adventure activities and nearby exotic islands, such as James Bond island.
As a solo female traveller, you may be unsure whether to go solo to Phuket, because of the party scene. However, it is as safe as any other tourist-friendly destination and there are other sides to this island.
Phuket has a variety of accommodation options from budget hostels to exotic resorts (which are more on the pricier side), so you can choose whatever fits your budget. To meet others, you may prefer to stay in hostels as they are the more sociable option. But, if you want to remain secluded and can afford a private room at a resort, then there are plenty of places on the island to treat yourself.
If you're unsure where is the best place to stay in Phuket for solo travellers, I've included each area below and recommended accommodations to help you decide. Happy planning!
Solo Trip To Phuket
is Phuket safe for solo female travellers? Yes, as there are many tourists here. For Phuket solo travel, Patpong in Phuket is probably the liveliest area but if you want somewhere quieter choose Karon Beach which is close enough to venture into the hot spots at night. As with anywhere be careful at night and don't walk around in the dark.
Phuket Town
Where To Stay in Phuket Thailand
1. Phuket Town – History Solo
The capital of Phuket is Phuket Town. Phuket Town is also the centre of the Phuket province. Historical charms are rooted deeply in this town so expect temples, shrines and museums, and a brightly painted Old Town.
Thalang Road in the Old Town is adorned with colourful Sino-Portuguese-styled structures and houses, especially the picturesque Soi Romance Alley. There are also restaurants, cafes, souvenir stores, and handicraft shops to venture into. If you want to learn more about Phuket’s long-standing history, pay a visit to the Thai Hua Museum. This colonial house was once a Chinese school.
Each Saturday, Phuket Old Town holds a walking street market where the streets get filled with vendors, food stalls, and even local performers as tourists and locals alike crowd the strip. Phuket Town is one of the best areas to stay in Phuket for history lovers.
Where To Stay in Phuket Town
If you’re unsure where to stay in Phuket Town, these accommodations have been recommended by solo female travellers. I’ve included a budget, comfort and more luxurious option depending on your budget.
$ – Baan Sutra Guesthouse – This 2-star guest house is in Phuket Old Town in a great location near to restaurants and a short walk to the bus station. The staff are really helpful and friendly too. Prices from £23/$28 p/n for a standard double room. * Click here to check availability
$$ – The Memory at On On Hotel – Also located in Phuket Old Town, you are close to restaurants and cafes. The hotel is colourful with a charm but take ear plugs if you are a light sleeper. Prices from £42/$51 p/n for a deluxe double room. * Click here to check availability
$$$ – The Village Coconut Island Beach Resort – This 5-star beach resort has a beautiful interior and even has its own private beach. Most rooms of hot tubs and pools. Prices from £83/$100 p/n for a deluxe twin suite. * Click here to check availability
Best areas to stay in Phuket
2. Patong – Party Solo
Patong is said to be the most popular destination in Phuket. The streets are busy and alive with tourists making it easy to meet others. Patong is renowned for its active and wild nightlife. It has a 3-kilometer-long beach with a variety of hotels and restaurants. If you’re wanting to experience fun in Phuket then Patong is one of the best areas in Phuket to do it.
If you choose your accommodation on the main Patong beach and close to Bangla Road, you will find all the main shopping and food attractions close by as Bangla Road is the centre of the entertainment in Phuket.
You’ll never really run out of things to do when you’re in Patong especially if you’re coming here to party. There are shows and glamorous performances and theatres like the Simon Cabaret which hosts Thailand’s most famous ladyboy show.
Aside from spending time in bars, clubs, and restaurants, there are beaches; Freedom beach and Paradise beach where you can relax and sunbathe along the busy coast. If you do meet others, there are golf courses and go-kart circuits in Patong too.
Where to Stay in Patong
$ – La Piccola Patong – This 2-star hotel is an ideal place to escape the crowds. Quiet at night with friendly staff and places to eat nearby, it’s a great choice if you’re on a budget. Prices from £30/$37 per night for a standard king room. * Click here to check availability
$$ – Hotel Clover Patong Phuket – This 4 star hotel has a rooftop swimming pool with fabulous views. There’s a bar, a gym, a shared lounge and a garden. Plus reception is open 24 hours. Prices from £53/$65 per night for a superior room with a balcony. * Click here to check availability
Karon Beach
3. Karon – Budget Solo, Ocean Solo
Karon beach is where I stayed in Phuket. Karon Beach has one of the longest beaches in Phuket so expect 5 kms of stunning white sandy shores. This area isn’t as crowded as Patong, although the southern part of it tends to be more active than the northern end. Nevertheless, you’ll be able to find a quiet spot to enjoy the sandy beach. This is the place to stay if you love the ocean as you can try kayaking, waterskiing, and wakeboarding in Karon.
If you prefer to be active on land, both Karon park and Khlong Bangla Park are ideal for an afternoon stroll or a run, and if you want to see a stunning sunset, drop by the Coast Beach Club.
Plus, if you’re there in the right season, you may also be able to witness the turtles laying their eggs by the shore at night.
There are many places to eat here and you can find both local and international dishes. Head to Karon Temple Night Market for street food and fresh tropical fruit stalls. Karon Beach is also budget-friendly compared to the other towns in Phuket.
Where To Stay in Karon Beach
$ – Fishtail Hostel Phuket – If you’re looking for a budget option, this hostel with a friendly vibe is a short walk from Karon beach. It has a female dorm and curtains around the bed so you still have your privacy too. Prices from £10/$12 p/n for a bed in an 8-bed dorm. * Click here to check availability
$$ – JonoX Phuket Karon Hotel – This stylish modern 4-star hotel is located in Karon Beach with a lovely rooftop pool. The staff are friendly and there are various food options nearby. Prices start from £61/$75 p/n for a ‘Recharge’ room. * Click here to check availability
$$$ – Mandarava Resort and Spa – This gorgeous 5-star beach property has fantastic facilities and even has a shuttle to get around the resort. Stay in a garden view room or have your very own villa in this tropical paradise. Prices from £82/$100 p/n for a superior double with a garden view. * Click here to check availability
Surin Beach
4. Surin Beach – Culture Solo, Luxury Solo
Surin Beach is located on the west coast of the island of Phuket, in the southern part of Thailand. It's one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in Phuket, known for its crystal-clear waters, powdery white sand, and stunning sunsets.
Surin Beach is a relatively small beach, only about 800 meters long, but it's incredibly picturesque. The clear blue water and soft sand make it an ideal spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing in the sun. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills, giving it a secluded and peaceful feel despite its popularity.
Surin is a highly exclusive area in Phuket. Called the ‘Millionaire’s Row,’ this tropical paradise is quieter and more relaxing with a laid back atmosphere.
There are plenty of amenities available at Surin Beach, including beach chairs and umbrellas for rent, as well as several bars and restaurants along the beachfront. You can also find plenty of vendors selling souvenirs and snacks, as well as massage services available right on the beach.
One of the unique features of Surin Beach is the surf break, which makes it a popular destination for surfers. During the surfing season, which runs from May to October, you'll see surfers of all levels taking advantage of the waves.
While Surin Beach is undoubtedly beautiful, it's important to note that it can get quite crowded, especially during peak season. If you're looking for a quieter beach experience, it's best to visit early in the morning or later in the afternoon when the crowds have thinned out.
Hotels in Surin Thailand
$ – Surin Bay Inn – Located a few minutes from the beach, this 2-star hotel has a great restaurant, clean rooms and friendly staff. Rooms come with a fridge and breakfast is included too! Prices from £29/$35 p/n for a standard double room. * Click here to check availability
$$ – Pen Villa Hotel – This 3-star hotel is in a lovely location with a cozy feel and spacious rooms. The owners are wonderful and will make you feel right at home, plus there are lots of restaurants nearby and the a terrace bar too. Prices from £39/$48 p/n for a standard double room. * Click here to check availability
Bang Tao
5. Bang Tao – Active Solo, Spa & Wellness Solo
Bang Tao is another fantastic beach destination in Phuket. Bang Tao has one of the island’s longest beaches as well as freshwater lagoons, canals, and lakes. You don’t have to worry about crossing them though as there are free ferries or boats you can ride on.
The southern part of Bang Tao is buzzing with activities compared to the north which is quieter and more simple. The well known Laguna Phuket Complex provides not just restaurants, bars, hotels, and shops, but also spas and a huge golf course.
If you’re craving more fun, you can go snorkelling, surfing, kayaking, canoeing, cycling or even horseback riding. Most of the hotels have sun loungers for their guests but there are also some you can rent out. Or choose to hang out in one of the beach clubs in Bang Tao and either chill or join in with others who are partying. There’s also a night market where you can roam around, try Thai cuisine and get yourself a souvenir.
Bang Tao Hotels
$ – Andaman Seaside Resort – This 3-star resort is popular with couples and families but it’s in a good location if you’re looking to stay two minutes from the beach. You’ll find restaurants and shops nearby and the rooms come with a balcony and your very own sun lounger. Prices from £25/$30 p/n for a luxe poolside villa. * Click here to check availability
$$ – Baan Fran Sim Da – This 2-star resort has spacious rooms that come with a terrace, a microwave and a fridge. The staff are really friendly and it’s just a short walk to the beach. Prices from £32/$39 p/n for a standard king room. * Click here to check availability
$$$ – Dusit Thani Laguna – Offering world-class service, this 5 star resort complex is one of the nicest Bang Tao beach hotels. With Thai-style rooms, it has its own outdoor pizza oven and several different places to dine. You can listen to live music in the Horizon Lounge, try a Thai cookery lesson or spend a day doing watersports. Prices from £93/$114 p/n for a deluxe double room with a Seaview. * Click here to check availability
Kata Beach
6. Kata – Ocean Solo, Party Solo
Kata is more of a family-friendly holiday destination in Phuket so it may not be your first choice as a solo traveller. If you do decide to stay here you can expect vibrant nightlife (although not as frenzied as in Patong), a night market, beachfront resorts, restaurants, spas, bars and cafes.
The beach area is picture-perfect and relatively tranquil. Kata is mainly divided into the big Kata Yai beach and the small Kata Noi beach. Both of these are excellent places to chill with striking beach views and palm trees lining the beach area.
Island hopping Phuket is the activity to do here. From Kata, there are smaller and charming islands that you can go and explore. There’s also the Kata Beach House Reef, a prime area for diving and snorkeling where you explore the underwater world and reef. If you do stay here, don’t miss climbing the Karon Viewpoint.
Despite its current name, it’s actually nearer to Kata, just south of Kata Noi. But obviously, you can also go there from Karon. Nonetheless, the viewpoint will give you a breathtaking panoramic view of Phuket and the Andaman sea.
Recommended Hotels in Kata
$ – Sugar Marina Resort FASHION – This 4-star resort is in a great location just 5 minutes to the beach and reachable by bus from the airport. It’s a beautiful hotel with balconies and a restaurant serving Thai, international and seafood. Prices from £33/$40 p/n for a deluxe double. * Click here to check availability
$$ – The Orchid House – This 2-star guest house is a short walk to both Kata and Karon beaches. Although it isn’t a modern hotel, it is clean and comfortable and there are restaurants nearby. Prices from £36/$44 p/n for a standard room. * Click here to check availability
Mai Khao
7. Mai Khao – Wildlife Solo
Mai Khao is situated on the northern tip of the island and has the longest beach in Phuket, spanning 11 kilometres. As part of Sirinath National Park, Mai Khao remains relatively undeveloped retaining its natural beauty. Although it has white sand and blue waters it isn’t really a place for swimming but you can go camping here if you feel comfortable doing this alone.
There’s a Splash Jungle Water Park where you can go and cool off or try the wakeboarding park in Mai Khao and test your balance skills. This is one of the beaches on the island that welcomes turtles when they nest. If you visit here during the Songkran festival in April you may even get to see turtles being released!
If you’re looking to stay near the airport, Mai Khao is close to Phuket International Airport meaning that you don’t have to travel far to catch your flight. You can also indulge in a bit of plane spotting here too and join the bystanders as they stray close to the beach as it lands at the nearby airport. It’s meant to be strangely exhilarating.
Where To Stay in Mai Khao
$ – Maikhao Beach Residence – This family-run 3 star beach residence is located in Mai Khao Beach. Clean and quiet, it’s close to the airport and also the Soi Dog Foundation, perfect for dog lovers. Prices from £43/$52 p/n for a studio. * Click here to check availability
$$ – Phuket Airport Hotel – This 3 star hotel is conveniently located next to the airport and offers 24-hour airport transfers. You can take a splash in the outdoor pool before your flight and enjoy a last-minute Thai massage. Prices from £45/$55 p/n for a superior double room. * Click here to check availability
$$$ – Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa – This gorgeous 5-star resort is the perfect place to treat yourself. With 5 restaurants and running and biking tracks, you can choose to be active or just chill out and get pampered. Prices from £130/$159 p/n for a deluxe room. * Click here to check availablity
Phuket Tours
From island hopping to trekking in the jungle to adventure tourism to cultural sightseeing – Phuket has so much to offer that you might not be able to do it all on a single trip. I’ve included the most popular tours for solos below.
Phang Nga Bay Tours: Phang Nga Bay is one of the most popular attractions in Phuket. It's known for its stunning limestone cliffs, emerald-green waters, and hidden lagoons. Visitors can take one of the Phuket boat trips for a tour of the bay, which typically includes a visit to James Bond Island, named after its appearance in the movie “The Man with the Golden Gun.” I took a day trip to James Bond Island which was like something out of another world. * Check all James Bond Island tours & prices
Phi Phi Islands Tours: Phuket is surrounded by many beautiful islands, and island-hopping tours are a great way to explore them. The Phi Phi Islands are a popular destination in Phuket. These islands are known for their crystal-clear waters, white sand beaches, and stunning natural scenery. You can take one of the Phuket boat tours of the islands which often includes stops at Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach. * Check all Phi Phi Islands tours & prices
Elephant Sanctuary Tours: Phuket is home to several elephant sanctuaries where visitors can learn about these gentle giants and even interact with them. These tours usually involve feeding and bathing the elephants and can be a great way to get up close and personal with these majestic animals. * Check price and availability
Phuket City Tours: For those who want to learn more about Phuket's culture and history, taking a Phuket city tour is a great option. With your Phuket tour guide, these tours typically include visits to temples, markets, and other cultural attractions around Phuket Town. * Check price and availability
Phuket Adventure Tours: Phuket also has plenty of adventure tours available for thrill-seekers. These tours include activities such as zip-lining, ATV riding, and white-water rafting. * Check price and availability
There is so much to do in Phuket. For all other Phuket excursions and Phuket day trips, click on this link. * Check all Phuket tours and availability
I hope that I've inspired you to visit Phuket. It's a great island with lots to see and do, no matter what type of solo you are. Whether you're just looking to stay for a few nights or for the whole of your Thailand itinerary.
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