One island, three experiences: Discovering different sides of Phuket
Phuket may be one island, but the experience can be very different depending on where you choose to stay.
SHAH SHAMSHIRI
AS the year-end holiday season approaches, many people are already looking for destinations to escape to. For those who want a change of scenery and a chance to cross borders without travelling too far, Thailand is always a good idea. And when it comes to tropical island escapes, Phuket has long been a favourite among Malaysian travellers.
With its beautiful beaches, laid-back island atmosphere, vibrant nightlife and delicious food, Phuket offers something for almost everyone. Whether you prefer spending your days lounging by the sea, exploring shopping streets, enjoying a lively night out or simply relaxing at a beautiful resort, the island has plenty to offer.
However, Phuket is a relatively large island, and not every area offers the same holiday experience. Where you choose to stay can make a big difference to the kind of getaway you enjoy.
From the bustling tourist hub of Patong to the more exclusive Laguna enclave and the quieter surroundings of Chalong Bay, here are three different areas of Phuket worth considering when planning your next holiday.
1. Patong Beach – For those who love being in the heart of the action
If this is your first visit to Phuket or you simply enjoy having everything within easy reach, Patong Beach is probably the best place to start.
Widely regarded as the island's main tourist hub, Patong is where much of Phuket's energy comes together. Its famous beach is a major attraction, drawing visitors who want to enjoy the sun, sea and various watersport activities. Along the beachfront and surrounding streets, there is always something happening, from beachside cafes and restaurants to souvenir shops, boutiques and shopping outlets.
The area is also home to Jungceylon, one of Phuket's best-known shopping malls, where visitors can spend hours browsing the shops, enjoying a meal or escaping the tropical heat.
And when the sun goes down, Patong takes on a different personality. The famous Bangla Road is just around the corner, offering a lively nightlife scene filled with bars, entertainment venues and music for those who enjoy staying out late.
For accommodation, Impiana Resort Patong Phuket is an excellent choice for travellers who want to be right in the middle of everything.
The beachfront property is situated along Patong's main stretch, with the beach literally in front of the hotel and the lively streets of Patong just steps away. Jungceylon Mall is also within walking distance, making it convenient for guests who enjoy shopping and dining without having to travel far.
Another consideration for Malaysian Muslim travellers is its Muslim-friendly dining arrangement. The resort does not serve pork, while its meat and poultry are halal-certified.
With its convenient location, beach access and comfortable accommodation, Impiana Resort Patong is particularly suitable for a short Phuket getaway where you want to make the most of your time on the island.
2. Laguna – For an exclusive and more luxurious beach holiday
If the busy streets of Patong are not quite your idea of a holiday, consider heading to Laguna, an area that offers a more exclusive and upscale resort experience.
Located along Phuket's central west coast in the Cherngtalay area, Laguna Phuket is a massive integrated resort and residential community spanning approximately 1,000 acres. Set around a three-kilometre stretch of Bang Tao Beach, the development features luxury hotels, residences, restaurants, recreational facilities and lush tropical surroundings.
The atmosphere here is noticeably different from Patong. Instead of bustling streets and busy nightlife, visitors can expect a more relaxed setting, beautiful beachfront properties and a sense of privacy that makes it ideal for those looking to slow down.
One property worth considering is Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, a five-star beachfront resort that offers a special holiday experience, particularly for families.
The expansive property sits along Bang Tao Beach, giving guests direct access to the sand and sea. Its spacious setting, family-friendly accommodation and range of facilities make it suitable for couples, families and even multigenerational holidays.
There is plenty to enjoy within the resort itself, from relaxing by the beach to taking part in family activities and enjoying its dining options. For Muslim travellers, the resort offers pork-free and Muslim-friendly dining choices, with suitable dietary arrangements available at selected restaurants. Guests with specific halal requirements should check directly with the resort before dining.
Another interesting attraction is the Laguna Lifestyle Weekend Night Market, held at Laguna Grove on Saturdays and Sundays. Located within the wider Laguna community, the market offers a pleasant evening outing where visitors can browse local handicrafts, pick up souvenirs and sample street food.
Despite its secluded atmosphere, Laguna is still relatively convenient for travellers arriving by air, with Phuket International Airport within a manageable driving distance.
For those who prefer a more refined holiday experience with beautiful beachfront surroundings, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket offers a lovely place to unwind.
3. Chalong Bay – For a quieter resort escape with easy access to local attractions
For travellers who want to stay away from the crowds of Patong but still enjoy the convenience of exploring Phuket, Chalong Bay is another area worth considering.
Located along the island's southeast coast, Chalong is known as one of Phuket's main boating and marine activity hubs. It has a more laid-back atmosphere compared with the island's busier tourist districts, making it an appealing option for visitors who prefer a quieter base.
While Chalong is further from Patong and Phuket International Airport, it offers a different perspective of the island. It is also within driving distance of Phuket Old Town, where visitors can discover the island's heritage through its colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, historic buildings, quaint cafes and charming streets.
For accommodation, the newly opened Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Chalong Bay Resort is a property worth checking out.
Opened in March 2026, the resort occupies a large piece of land with beautiful surroundings, offering a fresh and spacious environment for guests. Its impressive swimming pools are among the highlights, particularly the sunken sofas within the pool, which provide a unique spot to lounge and make for some Instagram-worthy holiday photographs.
The resort also offers spacious rooms and family-friendly facilities, including a children's play area and kids' pool, making it suitable for families looking for a comfortable resort stay.
Food is another consideration, particularly for Muslim travellers. The resort sources all its meat and poultry from halal suppliers, providing an added level of reassurance when choosing meals during their stay.
Despite its quieter setting, guests do not have to venture too far for shopping and dining. A commercial area with shops, restaurants and a large shopping mall is just a few minutes' drive away.
For those who prefer spending more time enjoying resort facilities while having the option to explore Phuket's cultural attractions, Chalong Bay offers a pleasant balance.
Phuket may be one island, but the experience can be very different depending on where you choose to stay.
Patong is ideal for travellers who enjoy lively beaches, shopping, dining and nightlife. Laguna offers a more exclusive and luxurious beachfront escape, while Chalong Bay is a good alternative for those seeking a quieter resort environment with convenient access to local attractions.
Ultimately, there is no single best area to stay in Phuket. It all comes down to the kind of holiday you have in mind.
Whether you want to be in the middle of the action, enjoy a little luxury or simply slow down and recharge, Phuket has a corner of the island waiting to welcome you.
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