Enrolled for your language course? Check.
Paid your deposit? Check.
Flights booked? Check.
Accommodation? Hmmm.
One topic that frequently comes up in conversation with students who are planning to study in Patong is where to stay. Patong Beach is one of Thailand’s main international tourist destinations, people come here from all over the world, all year round. Being such a tourism hot spot, you will find it is packed with every imaginable type of accommodation – from backpacker hostels, guesthouses, budget hotels to 5 star resorts. Needless to say, you can rest assured that you will always be able to find a room in Patong.
If you’re planning to stay for more than just a week, we recommend not booking your accommodation in advance of your arrival. Bear in mind that many guesthouses and budget hotels don’t have websites so you’ll find you have a lot more options once you get here. Perhaps you could book your first couple of nights somewhere else and once you arrive, spend your first day or two having a look around and checking out rooms to make sure you get exactly what you want – at the best price.
Prices vary greatly depending on the time of year and the type of accommodation. If you’ll be staying for a month or more, make sure you ask them if they can provide you with a cheaper rate for a longer stay.
Of course, you may not want to stay in Patong. Phuket has plenty of other areas you can stay – Kamala, Karon, Kata and Kathu are all 15-20 minutes drive from Patong. Unfortunately, Phuket doesn’t have a public transport system so if you do choose to stay at another part of the island, make sure you have your own way of getting to school.
We have a list of hotels and guesthouses all within walking distance of the school if you prefer to stay close by. Websites like WOTIF can provide great deals on Phuket hotels and Hostelworld not only has a good range of budget accommodation, you can also see up to date reviews and ratings of each place.
So if you’re worried about finding a room in Patong, relax. You’re sure to find exactly what you need once you get here.