46points · on 7 of 11 lists: North Abroad, Nerd Nomads, Santorini Dave, Bren on the Road, Generation Voyage, Пхукет Инсайдер (Phuket Insider) and Сайт Винского (awd.is)
Patong is Phuket's busiest resort town, on a broad, sheltered bay about three kilometers long that is good for swimming and water sports. Bangla Road is the center of the island's nightlife, and the town also has two big shopping malls, Muay Thai stadiums with fights most nights, and hotels from budget to luxury. Young travelers come for the nightlife, and most of what you need is a short walk away.
“Patong offers the widest selection of places to eat, drink, shop, and stay.”
Santorini Dave
“Patong is the undisputed centre of tourism in Phuket.”
North Abroad
43points · on 5 of 11 lists: North Abroad, Nerd Nomads, Santorini Dave, Bren on the Road and Generation Voyage
Kata Beach is a long curve of white sand on the southwest coast, with a green island offshore and a small, walkable town behind it. The sea is good for swimming from November to April, and from June to September the swell brings out the surfers. It suits first time visitors who want restaurants, bars and activities nearby at an easygoing pace, with Patong a short drive north.
“Kata beach is the best beach in Phuket. It's a long lovely stretch of white sand.”
Bren on the Road
“The sand is very soft and fine, making it perfect for walking barefoot.”
a Google reviewer
39points · on 5 of 11 lists: North Abroad, Nerd Nomads, Santorini Dave, Bren on the Road and Generation Voyage
Karon has a three kilometer beach of soft, squeaky white sand, with palm trees between the sand and the road and the restaurants and bars across the street. The beach is wide enough that it rarely feels crowded even in high season, and its northern end is where people gather to watch the sun go down. Families do well here, with calm swimming in the dry months, a long run of family resorts, and Kata and Patong a short ride either way.
“Karon is another great choice for first-time visitors.”
Santorini Dave
“Beautiful and clean beach! All sand, nice small waves surf action.”
a Google reviewer
Google ratings from Google on 3 October 2026. Quotes are from the published lists and reviews named beside each one.
Honorable mentions
Fourth (tie), with 35 points from 6 lists.
“Bang Tao is our favorite beach in Phuket.”
Nerd Nomads
Fourth (tie), with 35 points from 7 lists.
“It's a nice, relaxed part of Phuket that has everything you'll need to be comfortable.”
Bren on the Road
The lists we counted
- North Abroad · September 2026
- Nerd Nomads · July 2024
- Santorini Dave · October 2024
- Bren on the Road · July 2026
- Generation Voyage
- Пхукет Инсайдер (Phuket Insider) · August 2026
- Voyage Tips · September 2026
- Rough Guides
- The Backpacking Family · December 2025
- Авиасейлс (Aviasales, Пассажир journal)
- Сайт Винского (awd.is)
How the points work
We read every independent published best-of list we can find for the question. Each list gives 10 points for first place, 9 for second, down to 1 for tenth, and 5 points to each place on a list with no order. Points are added up. A business must be in the top 10 of at least two lists to be ranked. Rankings are never sold. Full method.
Award badges
Each business in the top 3 can show its Phuket Ranked award on its own website, free of charge. Ask and we will send the badge and add it for you.
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