The Best Family-Friendly Hotels in Thailand: Phuket Edition

We thought a tropical paradise where family fun meets beautiful beaches was only a dream, but going to Phuket with our toddler, Jere, and infant, Kay, fulfilled that dream holiday.

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Whether you seek beachfront resorts with water parks or luxurious villas surrounded by lush gardens, this island has the perfect space for you.

We've created this guide to the best accommodations in Phuket to help you pick the right place to call home during your trip.

Where to Stay in Phuket: Best Neighbourhoods for Families

Patong

We stayed in Patong, which is famously known as Phuket's party hub, but it proved to be a great choice for us.

Being by the beach was a highlight, and the proximity to a mall offered us various delicious dining options, making it easy to enjoy quality time together.

Despite its lively nightlife, this neighbourhood's amenities and beachfront location made it an excellent base for families like ours.

Best For: Foodies, shoppers, nightlife enthusiasts

Downside: Sleazy environment that may be uncomfortable for some visitors, noisy, prone to scams

Nearby Attractions: Patong Beach, Kalim Beach, Malin Plaza, Banzaan Fresh Market

Kata

Kata perfectly blends family-friendly amenities and a laid-back atmosphere ideal for tourists with children.

This charming neighbourhood boasts a wide range of kid-friendly restaurants, convenient stores, and entertainment options tailored for all ages, ensuring you have everything you need within easy reach.

The area's well-designed layout, with spacious green areas and safe pathways, allows children to explore freely while parents enjoy peace of mind.

Best For: Beach lovers, surf enthusiasts, families seeking beachfront accommodations or restaurants

Downside: Often crowded even during off-peak season, pollution, Russian culture dominates more than authentic Thai culture

Nearby Attractions: Kata Beach, Kata Night Market, Dino Park

Kamala

If you seek a relaxed atmosphere surrounded by many family-friendly amenities, you can stay in Kamala.

This tranquil neighbourhood boasts parks, playgrounds, and sports clubs, appealing to families with kids.

The area's diverse accommodation options— ranging from condos to beachfront villas, coupled with its proximity to high-end restaurants and supermarkets, create a comfortable and convenient environment for tourists.

Best For: Couples seeking a quiet getaway, families with young kids

Downside: Lack of modern amenities, few pedestrian infrastructure

Nearby Attractions: Kamala Beach, Phuket FantaSea, Carnival Magic

Bang Tao

This prestigious area in northwest Phuket is known for its luxury resorts, high-end golf clubs, and well-developed infrastructure.

The neighbourhood provides a balance of tranquillity and convenience, featuring numerous family-friendly amenities, including shopping centres and a wide range of dining options.

Bang Tao's combination of upscale accommodations, diverse activities, and a relaxed vibe makes it an ideal base for exploring Phuket.

Best For: Luxury seekers, water sports enthusiasts

Downside: Stinging sea creatures can cause discomfort for swimmers, traffic congestion, expensive beach clubs

Nearby Attractions: Bang Tao Beach, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Surin Beach

Karon

Karon features numerous family-oriented resorts, eateries, and shops, offering ample entertainment without the overwhelming crowds of busier Phuket locales.

The area's relaxed ambience, combined with its array of kid-friendly facilities and activities, creates an ideal setting for families seeking both tranquillity and engaging experiences during their vacation.

Best For: Cultural explorers, nature lovers

Downside: Noticeable overconsumption of cannabis, improper sewage handling, some accommodations lack modern facilities

Nearby Attractions: Karon Beach, Wat Karon, Phuket Big Buddha

Rawai/Nai Harn

Rawai/Nai Harn provides a more authentic Thai experience away from the bustling tourist crowds.

This serene neighbourhood boasts a relaxed setting, with a mix of ex-pats and locals, creating a welcoming environment for tourists.

The area is home to numerous family-oriented accommodations, including luxury pool villas and resorts with extensive kids' facilities.

Best For: Tourists seeking a quiet beach retreat, outdoor enthusiasts, families seeking a more authentic Thai experience

Downside: Somewhat isolated, beaches can be hazardous during the rainy season

Nearby Attractions: Nai Harn Beach, Promthep Cape, Yanui Beach

Why We Chose to Stay in a Hotel in Phuket

During our Phuket trip, we stayed in Grand Mercure Phuket Patong.

This luxury resort is a serene hideaway located within walking distance of Patong's vibrant nightlife and the Andaman Sea, offering a tranquil retreat amidst the bustling area.

Grand Mercure features over 300 rooms, including family-friendly options like Superior Suites and Two Bedroom Pool Villas, ideal for families with kids.

The multiple pools and proximity to the beach made it the perfect base for us, especially because we went to Phuket for its beaches and entertainment options.

The resort's friendly staff and well-organised facilities gave us a comfortable stay, while its location near Bangla Road provided us with easy access to dining and shopping options.

We highly recommend Grand Mercure Phuket Patong for families with kids due to its blend of tranquility, amenities, and convenient location.

The Best Phuket Hotels for Families

We've narrowed down the best hotels in Phuket's family-friendly neighbourhoods to help you decide on the right accommodation for your family.

Patong Hotels

  • Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach: Offers a sprawling family-friendly environment with multiple pools, including a baby pool and a shallow kids' pool with a slide.

  • Holiday Inn Resort Phuket: Provides spacious rooms, a colorful kids' club, and several pools.

  • Novotel Phuket Vintage Park: Features a huge outdoor pool with a swim-up bar, a kids' pool area, and a free kids' club.

  • Amari Phuket: Boasts a peaceful family-friendly setting with a colorful kids' club and beautiful ocean views.

  • The Marina Phuket Hotel: Ensures a relaxing stay near Patong Beach with its vibrant rooftop pool, kids' pool, and family-friendly amenities.

Kata Hotels

Kamala Hotels

  • Sunwing Kamala Beach: Beachfront resort with multiple swimming pools with water slides, a kids' club with all-day activities, and spacious family rooms.

  • InterContinental Phuket Resort: Boasts a garden, restaurant, bar, and beachfront location.

  • Hyatt Regency Phuket: Offers Camp Hyatt kids' club, exciting activities for various age groups, and a marine-themed play area next to the seafront infinity pool.

  • Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa: Features a private beach, mini petting zoo, and a lagoon-style pool.

  • Keemala: Luxurious resort offering unique villa accommodations with private pools.

Bang Tao Hotels

Karon Hotels

Rawai/Nai Harn Hotels

Things to Consider When Choosing Accommodation in Phuket

Beach Access

The island's stunning beaches are its main attraction, so consider popular hotels with direct beach access or within walking distance to maximise your time on the sand and in the crystal-clear Andaman Sea.

Seasonal Timing

Visit during the low season, which is from May to October, for significantly reduced prices, but be prepared for occasional rain showers.

This can be an excellent way to experience the exceptional service of the best luxury hotels in Phuket at a fraction of the cost.

Location

Decide between the bustling atmosphere of areas like Patong Beach or the tranquil settings of Nai Harn, as each area of Phuket offers a distinct vibe and experience.

Family-Friendly Amenities

When visiting Phuket with children, look for resorts with kids' clubs, family rooms, and child-friendly pools to ensure a comfortable and entertaining stay for the whole family.

Water Sports Accessibility

For surf enthusiasts, it's best to pick accommodations near Kalim Beach during the low season between April and November to catch some of Phuket's best waves and even international surf competitions.

Wrapping Up

Our recommendations provide a glimpse into the unique flavours of Thai hospitality.

From beachfront havens to luxurious retreats tucked in serene neighbourhoods— we hope this carefully curated guide uncovers the perfect spots for your family's tropical getaway!

Which neighbourhoods in Phuket would you recommend for families with kids? What factors do you consider and amenities do you look for when choosing hotels or resorts? Please feel free to share your insights in the comments below!

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