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Hotel picks

Hotels in Phuket: the two we would book

A rainforest village of pool villas above Kamala and a hilltop boutique resort overlooking Patong Bay.

By Kylian Dev

In short: Keemala (Kamala, west coast of Phuket, Luxury) and Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort (Patong, on the hill above Patong Beach, Mid-range) are our two hotel picks in Phuket. Each address below lists its official name and website, its facilities as published by the property, a map and practical tips.

LuxuryKamala, west coast of Phuket

Keemala

Photos: Keemala — official website. Tap a photo to enlarge.

Tent pool villas, clay cottages and tree houses under the rainforest canopy, moments from Kamala’s shore.

  • Private pools
  • Mala Restaurant
  • Mala Bar
  • Cha-La Pool Bar
See pricesOfficial website

Why we picked it

What convinced us is how little it resembles a standard Phuket resort: villas built as tents, clay cottages, tree houses and bird’s nests, connected by winding paths, with staff and owners who are natives of Phuket, according to the resort. We would book it for a couple’s stay where the pool villa is the point, with a spa day and a cooking class as the only plans.

Best for

  • Couples
  • Honeymooners
  • Wellness travellers
  • Clay pool cottages, tent pool villas, tree pool houses and bird’s nest pool villas, linked by jungle paths
  • The Enchanted Garden, harvested daily for the kitchen, and a pool bar beside a waterfall
  • Mala Spa, a culinary academy and holistic retreats on site

What the hotel offers

As listed on the property’s official website.

  • Private poolsIn the pool cottages, villas and houses
  • Mala RestaurantSeasonal ingredients from the Enchanted Garden
  • Mala BarCocktails, wine and coffee, 11:00–23:00
  • Cha-La Pool BarBy a waterfall, 10:00–18:00
  • In-villa dining
  • Mala SpaTreatments and spa sanctuary villas
  • Culinary AcademyCooking classes in the Enchanted Garden
  • Holistic retreatsWellness programmes and holistic lifestyle
  • Enchanted GardenHerbs, fruit and flowers grown for the kitchen
  • Near the shoreMoments from Kamala’s beach
Mid-rangePatong, on the hill above Patong Beach

Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort

Photos: Baan Yin Dee Boutique Resort — official website. Tap a photo to enlarge.

Thai-style suites with sea-view balconies, tiered infinity pools and sunset views over Patong Bay.

  • Swimming pools
  • Jacuzzi
  • RICE Restaurant
  • Thai massage
See pricesOfficial website

Why we picked it

We would book it for the view and the boutique scale: 21 suites on a hill, each with a balcony over the Andaman Sea, tiered pools for the sunset and a complimentary ride down to Patong Beach when you want the town. It suits travellers who want a quiet base with Patong close by.

Best for

  • Couples
  • Families (children’s pool and a family suite)
  • Travellers who want views and Patong close by
  • Classical Boran Thai architecture and a bird’s-eye view over Patong Beach
  • Two adult swimming pools, a children’s pool and a jacuzzi for up to 12 people
  • Free transportation to Patong Beach, and Patong town only ten minutes away

What the hotel offers

As listed on the property’s official website.

  • Swimming poolsTwo adult pools and a children’s pool
  • JacuzziFor up to 12 people
  • RICE RestaurantThai and western cuisine with a view of Patong Bay
  • Thai massageTraditional Thai massage
  • Free transportationTo Patong Beach
  • Airport transportation
  • Internet accessInternet and email access
  • Tours deskTours, travel and sightseeing
  • Parking
  • Children’s poolAnd a two-bedroom family suite with sea view
  • Sea-view balconiesEvery suite has a private balcony over the Andaman Sea

Choosing between the two

Kamala rainforest or Patong hilltop: how to choose

Phuket is large, so the first choice is the coast; the second is the mood.

Kamala: a secluded jungle resort

Keemala sits in Kamala on the west coast, close to Patong and Surin Beach, with villas hidden along jungle paths and a spa, restaurants and cooking classes inside the grounds. Choose it for a private, special-occasion stay.

Patong: a hilltop view with the town close by

Baan Yin Dee is a 21-suite boutique resort on the hill above Patong Beach, ten minutes from the town, with a complimentary ride down to the beach. Choose it for views, pools and Patong within reach.

Not sure which beach to pick? Our where to stay guide compares Phuket’s resort areas, and the complete Phuket travel guide covers beaches, islands and the best months.

Where to stay in PhuketComplete Phuket travel guide

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Hotels in Phuket: the questions we hear most.

Which part of Phuket is best for a hotel stay?

Kamala, on the west coast, is quieter and close to Patong and Surin Beach: that is where Keemala sits. Patong is livelier, and Baan Yin Dee stands on the hill above Patong Beach, ten minutes from the town, with free transportation to the beach. Our where to stay guide compares every area.

Read where to stay in Phuket
How far ahead should I book a hotel in Phuket?

Book as soon as your dates are fixed if you travel between November and April, the dry season, or around Christmas and New Year, and if you want a pool villa or a sea-view suite. Use the See prices button of each hotel for live availability.

When are high season and low season in Phuket?

November to April is the dry season on the west coast. From May to October the sea is rougher and many beaches fly red flags on some days. Rates change with the season and the room category, which is why we show categories rather than prices.

See the month-by-month weather in Phuket
How do I get from Phuket airport to my hotel?

Baan Yin Dee offers an airport transportation service. For Keemala in Kamala, ask the resort to arrange your transfer when you book. Our Phuket airport guide explains the taxi, minibus and transfer options.

Phuket airport guide
Do I need a scooter or a taxi to get around?

Keemala’s villas, restaurant, bars, spa and gardens are all inside the resort’s jungle grounds. Baan Yin Dee provides free transportation to Patong Beach and has a tours and travel desk for excursions.

Which hotel suits families?

Baan Yin Dee has a children’s pool, a jacuzzi and a two-bedroom family suite with sea view. Keemala is built around private pool villas and suits couples and travellers looking for privacy.

Can I book these hotels directly?

Yes. The See prices button under Keemala opens the resort’s official website. For Baan Yin Dee it opens Trip.com, one of our booking partners. Both open in a new tab.

More hotel picks

Our hotel picks in other Thai destinations.

These are editorial picks: we have not been paid for them and we do not claim a stay we did not make. Booking links to Trip.com are partner links.