There are two things that happen when you move to Phuket: you start getting up earlier than you ever did at home (because by 9am it's already too hot for vigorous outdoor exercise), and you rediscover sports you'd given up on. Tennis is one. Padel — the enclosed-court racket sport that's taken Europe and Latin America by storm over the past decade — is another, and Phuket now has a proper padel scene driven by the large contingent of European expats who grew up playing it. This guide covers both sports: where to play, what to pay, and the honest picture of each venue.
Last updated: November 2026Quick Facts: Tennis & Padel in Phuket
- Tennis court hire: 200–500 THB/hour
- Padel court hire: 1,200–2,000 THB/hour (full court)
- Tennis coaching: 800–1,500 THB/hour
- Monthly tennis membership: 2,000–5,000 THB
- Monthly padel membership: 2,500–4,000 THB
- Best time to play: 06:00–09:00 or after 17:00
- Main areas: Wichit, Bang Tao, Rawai, Kamala
Tennis Courts in Phuket: Where to Play
Phuket Tennis Club — Wichit
The Phuket Tennis Club near Wichit is one of the island's original and best-established tennis facilities. Eight hard courts (floodlit for evening play), professional Thai and international coaches available by appointment, and a membership structure that suits both short-stay and long-term residents. The club has a good expat community feel — regular social play sessions and a ladder system that helps you find players at your level. Court hire runs 300–400 THB per hour; monthly membership around 3,000–4,500 THB for unlimited court access. The coaches here are excellent — several have coached junior development players to national level.
Laguna Sports Centre — Bang Tao
The Laguna complex in Bang Tao operates a sports centre with several tennis courts alongside its golf facilities. Courts here are in good condition and bookable by non-Laguna hotel guests. The facility appeals particularly to expats living in the north of the island. A coach is on-site most mornings. Court hire is 400–500 THB per hour. Laguna also operates children's tennis programmes — popular with families in the Bangtao, Cherng Talay, and Surin areas. See the Bang Tao and Laguna area guide for more on facilities in this part of Phuket.
Kamala Sports Complex
Kamala has a municipal sports complex with two tennis courts available for public hire at very reasonable rates — 200–250 THB per hour, making it the most affordable option on the island. Courts are hard surface and in decent condition. Limited lighting for evening play, so morning sessions (before 09:00) are recommended. The complex also has badminton courts and a small gym. This facility is popular with long-term local expats who want regular play without hefty membership fees.
Resort Courts
Most large Phuket resorts have tennis courts for guests: Club Med (Kata Beach), Anantara (Mai Khao), Marriott (Bang Tao), and others. Non-guest court hire is occasionally available but typically priced at 500–800 THB per hour and usually requires advance booking. For expats, resort courts are most useful when friends or family visit — it's a good excuse to use the facilities.
Padel in Phuket: The Fast-Growing Scene
If you've played padel in Spain, Sweden, Argentina, or the UAE, you'll be delighted to know it's arrived in Phuket in a serious way. The game — played on an enclosed glass and mesh court roughly one-third the size of a tennis court, where the walls are in play — is phenomenally popular with Phuket's European community. Several dedicated padel clubs opened between 2023 and 2026, and courts are genuinely in demand, particularly on weekend mornings.
Phuket Padel Club — Bang Tao/Cherng Talay Area
The largest dedicated padel facility in Phuket has six courts in the Cherng Talay area, north of Bang Tao. Indoor and outdoor courts, professional coaching (including instructors from Spain), and an active league structure. The club runs a WhatsApp group for mixing players by level and organising pick-up games — extremely useful for new arrivals. Court hire is 1,600–1,800 THB per hour (full court for four players, so roughly 400–450 THB per person in doubles). Monthly membership from 3,000 THB. This is the hub of Phuket's padel community.
Rawai Padel
A smaller, two-court facility in Rawai catering to the south Phuket community. More intimate than the Cherng Talay club, with regular social padel evenings and a strong community of regulars from the Rawai/Nai Harn/Chalong residential area. Court hire is 1,200–1,500 THB per hour. Coaching is available from a resident coach with Spanish federation credentials. Bookings are via a dedicated app; courts fill up fast Thursday–Sunday. The Rawai and Nai Harn area guide covers other sports and activities in the south.
New Padel Facilities at Kata and Patong
Two smaller padel operations have opened in the Kata/Karon area and one near Patong as of early 2026 — the sport's growth has been rapid. These tend to be single or two-court facilities attached to sports complexes or gyms, priced at 1,200–1,600 THB per court hour. Standards vary more than at the dedicated clubs. Check current Facebook reviews before committing to a membership.
Tennis & Padel: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Tennis | Padel |
|---|---|---|
| Court hire / hour | 200–500 THB | 1,200–2,000 THB (full court) |
| Per-person cost | 200–500 THB (singles) | 300–500 THB (doubles) |
| Monthly membership | 2,000–5,000 THB | 2,500–4,000 THB |
| Coaching | 800–1,500 THB/hour | 800–1,500 THB/hour |
| Learning curve | Steeper for beginners | Accessible; easier to rally quickly |
| Social aspect | Strong club scene | Very strong; inherently doubles-based |
| Number of venues | 10+ across Phuket | 5–6 dedicated clubs (growing) |
| Best areas | Wichit, Bang Tao, Kamala | Bang Tao/Cherng Talay, Rawai |
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Getting Coaching and Lessons in Phuket
Both tennis and padel have a good coaching infrastructure in Phuket by 2026. Tennis coaching is available at most clubs with Thai professional coaches who have solid technical backgrounds. International coaches (Australian, British, American) can be found through Phuket Tennis Club and via word of mouth in expat community groups. Rates for private lessons run 800–1,200 THB per hour for Thai coaches, 1,200–1,500 THB for international coaches. Group lessons (4–6 players) are often available for 300–500 THB per person per session.
Padel coaching is still developing in Phuket but the Cherng Talay club has the best provision — certified Spanish coaches offer technique clinics and individual lessons. For beginners, a 60–90 minute padel introduction lesson (including court hire) typically costs 900–1,500 THB. Most experienced padel players in Phuket learned the sport in Europe and are happy to give informal tips — the social nature of the game means experienced players often pair with beginners during mixed-level sessions.
When to Play: Beating the Phuket Heat
This is genuinely important. Playing tennis or padel at midday in Phuket between April and October is a recipe for heat exhaustion. The practical window for outdoor sports is 06:00–09:00 and after 17:00, ideally after 17:30 when the sun drops below the tree line. Courts at most clubs are floodlit for evening play, making 18:00–21:00 the peak social hour. The indoor padel courts at the Cherng Talay facility are air-conditioned — a genuine advantage during the hot season (March–May) when even the morning slot can be brutally warm.
For other sports in Phuket, see our guides to golf in Phuket, Hash House Harriers running, and the broader Phuket lifestyle guide.
Looking for a hitting partner or want a recommendation based on where you live in Phuket? We're happy to help.
Get in Touch →Finding a Playing Partner in Phuket
New to the island and looking for someone to hit with? The most effective routes: join the Phuket Tennis Club as a member (they have an active ladder and social calendar), post in the Phuket Expat Community Facebook group specifying your level and preferred times, or simply show up to the Kamala Sports Complex on a weekend morning — there's almost always a pick-up game happening. For padel, the Phuket Padel Club's WhatsApp mixing group is the fastest way to connect with players at your level. Both sports have welcoming communities and the expat population is large enough to find regular partners within a week or two of posting.
Buying Rackets and Equipment in Phuket
Tennis and padel rackets, shoes, strings, and accessories are available from a few specialist sports shops in Phuket. The most reliable options are Big C Extra (Central Phuket area) and the sports section at Central Phuket shopping centre — both stock mid-range tennis equipment. For better racket selection, HomePro and some smaller sporting goods shops in Phuket Town carry Wilson, Head, and Babolat at prices roughly 10–20% above Bangkok retail. If you need a specific padel racket model, ordering via Lazada or Shopee and delivering to a Phuket address is often the best option for premium brands. Racket stringing services are available at Phuket Tennis Club and a couple of sports shops in Phuket Town.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I play tennis in Phuket?
Top venues: Phuket Tennis Club in Wichit (8 courts), Laguna Sports Centre in Bang Tao, Kamala Sports Complex (most affordable), and courts at major resorts. Most large condominiums in Phuket also have private tennis courts.
Is padel popular in Phuket?
Yes — padel has grown rapidly since 2023, driven by European expats who play the sport at home. Several dedicated clubs have opened, particularly in Bang Tao/Cherng Talay and Rawai. Courts book up fast on weekends.
How much does it cost to play tennis in Phuket?
Court hire runs 200–500 THB per hour. Monthly memberships cost 2,000–5,000 THB. Private coaching is 800–1,500 THB per hour depending on the coach's background.
How much does padel cost in Phuket?
Court hire (full court) runs 1,200–2,000 THB per hour, shared between four players in doubles (roughly 300–500 THB per person). Monthly memberships average 2,500–4,000 THB.
Are there padel tournaments in Phuket?
Yes — local tournaments are organised through the Phuket Padel Association and promoted via Facebook. International events have been held at Bang Tao venues. The scene is small but growing and active.
Can I find tennis coaching in Phuket?
Yes — professional coaches are available at most clubs. Rates run 800–1,200 THB per hour for Thai coaches and 1,200–1,500 THB for international coaches. Group lessons from 300–500 THB per person per session.
Related Guides
- Beach Volleyball in Phuket: Courts & Community 2026 — Another great beach sport with a welcoming expat community
- Cycling in Phuket: Routes, Clubs & Bike Rentals 2026 — Two-wheeled ways to explore the island
- Hash House Harriers Phuket — Weekly social running with a legendary community
- Phuket Expat Groups & Social Clubs — Find your wider community beyond the courts