Chalong is a central hub on Phuket’s southeast coast, known for its marina, iconic temples, and easy access to both Rawai and Kata. While it’s not a beach destination itself, Chalong is the island’s gateway to diving trips, island hopping, and cultural highlights like Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha. It’s a practical, local area that appeals to long-stay visitors, sailors, and anyone looking for a base with good connections.
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Phuket Town (also called Phuket City) is the cultural heart of the island. Forget beaches for a moment — here you’ll find colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, night markets, art galleries, and a thriving café scene. It’s where tradition meets creativity, making it one of the most interesting places to live or explore on Phuket.
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Rawai and Nai Harn sit at Phuket’s southern tip, where things slow down and life feels more local. This is where many long-term expats and digital nomads settle, thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, affordable villas, and community vibe. Nai Harn’s beach is one of the island’s most beautiful, while Rawai is a working fishing village that’s become a hub for cafés, gyms, and co-living spaces.
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Kata and Karon are two of Phuket’s most popular beaches, offering a more relaxed alternative to Patong while still having plenty of restaurants, bars, and things to do. Kata is known for its surf scene and cozy village feel, while Karon is broader, quieter, and family-friendly. Together, they’re the sweet spot for travelers who want the fun without the chaos.
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Kamala and Surin sit between the chaos of Patong and the luxury sprawl of Bang Tao. They strike a middle ground: peaceful beaches, boutique hotels, and a slower pace than Patong, but with more character and nightlife than Bang Tao. If you want calm days, good food, and easy access to the rest of Phuket, Kamala and Surin deliver.
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Bang Tao and Cherng Talay form one of Phuket’s most stylish and comfortable areas. Stretching along a long, quiet beach, this area blends high-end resorts with an ever-growing expat community. It’s not about chaos or neon lights — it’s about beach clubs, brunches, villas, and a slower pace of life.
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Patong is the beating heart of Phuket. Known worldwide for its nightlife, neon lights, and beach parties, it’s chaotic, loud, and crowded — but also incredibly convenient. If you’re coming to Phuket for the first time, Patong is the easiest place to get your bearings. Love it or hate it, it’s unforgettable.
Motorbikes are one of the most popular ways to get around Phuket. They are cheap, flexible, and allow you to explore the island at your own pace. At the same time, they also come with risks that should not be underestimated. This guide covers everything you need to know before renting and riding a motorbike in Phuket.
If it’s your first time in Bangkok, this is the guide you need to confidently get around using public transport. Many of these tips also apply to other large cities across Asia.
I’ll say it up front — I don’t generally recommend tuk-tuks. They’re uncomfortable, more expensive relative to value, lack air conditioning, and leave you exposed to pollution, rain, and traffic hazards. In some cases, drivers might detour you to tailors or massage parlors rather than take you directly. That said — if it’s your first time in Bangkok, take a short tuk-tuk ride for the experience, snap a few photos, and then switch to more efficient transport.
Taxis are useful when you have heavy luggage or travel late, but they come with caveats.
Do’s and Don’ts:
Perfect for short trips or navigating past gridlocked traffic. Only use it when you are comfortable on a motorbike.
Buses are the lowest-cost option, but also the most unpredictable. Routes change, no fixed schedule, and you share road congestion like any other vehicle. If you travel with a local who knows which buses to take, they can be useful and interesting. For route maps and schedules, local transport sites or Bangkok’s municipal apps are your best bet.
Bangkok’s waterways remain part of its transport fabric, especially along the Chao Phraya River and canals (khlongs).
These are your best bets for speed, reliability, and avoiding traffic.
The Airport Rail Link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport to downtown Bangkok, linking with other rail services. It remains a fast option if you’re traveling light. (Bangkok Tourism Guide)
When exploring Bangkok as a guest of The Life Nomadic, here’s how I suggest approaching transport:
Arriving in Phuket can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to transportation. The airport is nearly an hour away from the island’s most popular beaches, and the options — from private cars to public buses — can be confusing for first-time visitors.
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