To prepare for your next stay in Thailand, you want to know if Phuket is dangerous, if there are neighborhoods to avoid and where is the best place to stay?
Indeed, Phuket being the largest island in Thailand, it is better to learn about the places to avoid when choosing your hotel. However, choosing the best place to stay in Phuket is the guarantee of a successful stay in Thailand.
This is the purpose of this article on the safety of Phuket neighborhoods. In addition to some useful advice, you will find the map of Phuket neighborhoods to better identify the best areas to stay.
Sources of this article: Economic studies available on the Web, statistics and rankings on crimes and misdemeanors, press articles and information on the international media.
Is Phuket dangerous?
NOT, in fact Thailand as a whole is considered to be a safe country even though the country has changed in recent years in some areas (See Thailand ranked among 20 most dangerous countries in the world).
See also the recommendations for 2024 from the French Government on France Diplomacy.
On the other hand, if we consider the figures of Numbeo world ranking, Phuket, with a crime index of 42.09 is less criminal than cities like Paris, Rome, London, Miami ou Cancun.
However, this same ranking also indicates that Phuket's crime rate has been increasing over the past 3 years. This is confirmed by the press article from the newspaper Phuket.fr: Worried about the increase in crime, the Phuket Police are launching a new campaign.
On the other hand, one can wonder if this increase in the crime rate affects tourism or simply territorial, political, terrorist conflicts or trafficking of all kinds?
Is Phuket Safe for Tourists?
YES the island of Phuket is safe for tourists but on condition that you remain cautious as on all very touristy sites.
In fact, tourists who stay on the island of Phuket do not risk their lives as in some places of Rio de Janeiro or Mexico.
But, just like at Bangkok, if tourists do not respect certain precautionary measures, they expose themselves to the risk of theft, scams, assaults or street harassment, especially for women traveling alone. See the press article: Killed for 7 euros, the confessions of the killer of the Swiss woman in Phuket, Thailand
On the other hand, the risk of insecurity in Phuket will depend on the geographical location. Indeed, there are still some areas to avoid in Phuket.
In addition, it is necessary to differentiate the island of Ko Phuket which has the same name as the town of Phuket which is the capital of the island.
Phuket neighborhood map
As Wikipedia states, Phuket is divided into 3 constituencies (themselves subdivided into 17 municipalities and 103 villages): Mueang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang.
And for the capital, here are the main ones central areas of Phuket : https://goo.gl/maps/5GP7urCaiGsQHswY9
Dangerous neighborhoods in Phuket?
There is no such thing as a truly dangerous area for tourists in Phuket. But there are some places more isolated than others that are less secure. As everywhere in the world, poor neighborhoods with a lot of unemployment and social misery are places where drugs and trafficking are gradually taking hold. Without being very dangerous neighborhoods, they are still places to be avoided for tourists.
Areas to avoid in Phuket
The Thaiger newspaper (Phuket officials identify risky tourist spot) indicates that Thai authorities have identified the 6 least safe areas for tourists in Phuket.
By clicking on the links below, you can geolocate these 6 areas to avoid in Phuket :
- the Pru Mai Khao forest to the north of the island and to the north of a deserted beach,
- The beaches banana beach et Naithon Beach,
- the panoramic viewpoint of Bang Thao mountain,
- the waterfall Wang Khee On,
- the mangrove Khlong Mudong which is an uninhabited area,
- the waterfall Namtok Ton Ao Yon,
These 6 areas of Phuket should be avoided by tourists due to the lack of video surveillance and their isolation. See also the article: Phuket Authorities Identify 6 Risk Areas After Tourist Killed
Neighborhoods to avoid in Phuket: Patong Red Light District
Just like at Amsterdam or to Bangkok, there is a red light district in Phuket. It is located in Patong. It runs along and surrounds Bangla Street and has many lively spots at night with bars, clubs and unsavory spots. This is where tourists go to party, meet prostitutes, consume alcohol, drugs… In fact, it is the red light district of Phuket where it is not recommended to choose a hotel. .
To avoid choosing your hotel in this infamous area, here is the map of Patong's red light district: Bangla Road
Best neighborhoods in Phuket
Impossible to name the most beautiful or the best areas of Phuket Town. Indeed, the city's districts are all very different and have their own identity. But for a seaside stay on the island of Phuket, it is better to choose your hotel outside Phuket town.
So, I'm just going to tell you the most popular places in Phuket to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches.
Best places to stay in Phuket
It's hard to choose the best place to stay in Phuket because the island has many beaches and more than 1 hotels!
For those who want to enjoy a beautiful beach but crowded and very lively with its music bars, its restaurants, its shops, Patong beach is the busiest in Phuket. There are hotel complexes with the best value for money.
See for example the Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach :
But, according to my own tastes, the most beautiful places to stay in Phuket are located on the 2 most beautiful, less touristy beaches on the island:
Prettiest beach in Phuket: Kata Beach
Kata beach is Phuket’s postcard beach. This white sand beach with turquoise waters is located on the southwest coast of Phuket. It is a magnificent paradise beach, quite confidential, is quiet and ideal for swimming. See where is this area located
There are some of the most beautiful Resorts in Phuket like le Beyond Resort Kata or Boathouse Phuket.
Best beach in Phuket: Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach is the most beautiful and luxurious beach in Phuket. It is on this beach that we find the most chic and expensive hotels in Phuket.
In Bang Tao Bay, the beaches are heavenly, long and more deserted than the more popular beaches of Phuket. But it is also a lively area with many night markets, restaurants and lively clubs. See where is Bang Tao Beach
Far from the areas to avoid in Phuket, this is a hotel very well located on Bang Tao beach and right next to good restaurants, shops, bars and the small village of Bangtao.
