Thailand forum

Was just in Phuket a coupla days ago & took a quick spin through Kata and Karon (though stayed in Phuket Town ). Glorious beaches at the moment, very calm waters etc, but busy, crazy busy, especially with Russian groups.

Difficult to give particular recommendations as you don't give any idea what sort of price accommodation you're after, but if I had to choose between Kata and Karon, I'd probably opt for the northern end of Kata, but a good way back off the beach to keep the price down.

Agree with Krabiman on transport, hire a motorbike (assumming you can ride one!) for getting around - the public transport is a joke.

Crazy busy!

I found Phuket Town boring and went back to the beaches after 1 day.

It's a bit of a trade off between night life, beaches and peace and quiet, I'm afraid. If you want to stay somewhere that has a taste of the nightlife, but isn't "crazy busy" like Patong ... maybe Nai Harn down south is the way to go.

Kata and Karon have beaches that look like desktop backgrounds, especially around sunset, and also have the advantage of not being Patong. As someone who's bummed his way around just about every beach town in Phuket, I'd have to say you're best bet is to head to those areas and take a look around the back streets. Quieter and cheaper than the main roads running past the water. That's assuming you're on a budget.

Phuket Town is generally cheaper accommodation-wise than the rest of the island, but as Krabiman points out, it's not exactly close to the action beach or bar-wise. Absolutely rent a bike if you're comfortable riding one. Taxi and tuk tuk transportation is one of the great rip-offs of Phuket. One ride will cost more than a 24 hour motorbike rental most of the time.

If you do end up in Patong, watch yourself in the water. There's a lot of tetanus to go round if you tread in the wrong spot. It's more toilet than beach now.

And let's say I'm staying in Kata or Karon and I want to go out in Patong at night, is this doable? Taxis would do it at night?

Thanks again

I agree with Krabiman. Do not even attempt to take a taxi at night time as they will charge you up to 500 baht. They do this to locals aswell. 

I have only been in Phuket a few weeks, but I find Phuket Town to be quite quaint. People are telling me that I caught it on a good night, but Soi Romanee in Phuket Town has awesome little pubs with live music. 

If you are looking to party somewhere but avoid taking taxis, it wouldn't be a bad idea to head to Phi Phi if you have the time. If you stay in Phuket Town, you can book a roundtrip boat for 300 baht to Phi Phi. A steal! Though, Phi Phi is probably just as crazy busy as Phuket. No worries about getting a taxi home from a good night out though!