Phuket Travel Guide
The largest island in Thailand and one of only two with its own international airport, Phuket is where many travellers begin their Thai beach holiday. The island welcomes everyone from families to solo travellers, with beaches, cultural sites, and natural wonders that have made it Thailand’s most popular island destination.
The island serves as an ideal base for exploring the Andaman Sea. Regular boats depart to Phang Nga Bay’s limestone karsts and James Bond Island, while the Phi Phi Islands offer some of Thailand’s best snorkelling spots.
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About Phuket
At 576 square kilometres, Phuket is roughly the size of Singapore but home to just 600,000 residents. While the island has a reputation for mass tourism, there are still plenty of quieter corners and authentic experiences if you know where to look.
Phuket Town, the island’s capital, is one of the most rewarding areas to explore. Its colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, quirky cafés, and vibrant murals give it a creative edge. The Sunday Walking Street Market is a weekly highlight, drawing locals and visitors for food, music, and souvenirs.
Food lovers will be in their element here. Phuket has been named a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, and the mix of Thai, Chinese, Malay, and Peranakan influences makes for incredible street eats and unique local dishes. From spicy Hokkien noodles to Muslim-style roti, the flavours are worth seeking out — ideally on a guided food tour.
Beyond food and beaches, Phuket has a rich cultural layer. Buddhist temples sit alongside Chinese shrines, while annual events like the Phuket Vegetarian Festival reflect the island’s heritage. Art galleries, boutique hotels, and Muay Thai gyms add to the cultural mix.
Beaches of Phuket
Phuket’s coastline is what attracts more visitors, it stretches for over 200km, and every beach has its own personality. Here are the main ones to know:
- Mai Khao & Nai Yang – Secluded northern beaches inside Sirinat National Park, ideal for nature lovers and long stays.
- Patong Beach – The busiest and most famous, packed with nightlife, shopping, and water sports.
- Kata Beach – Smaller and friendlier, known for its surf breaks and family appeal.
- Karon Beach – A long, wide stretch that feels less crowded, with mid-range resorts nearby.
- Kamala Beach – Quieter and more upscale, popular with families and couples.
- Surin Beach – Trendy and exclusive, with high-end resorts and beach clubs.
- Nai Harn & Ya Nui – Scenic southern beaches, great for swimming and snorkelling.
Things to Do in Phuket
From crystal-clear waters perfect for diving to cultural landmarks that tell the island’s rich history, Phuket offers activities to suit every interest and energy level. Here’s our curated selection of experiences that showcase the best of the island:
Island Hopping & Water Adventures
The waters around Phuket are home to some of Thailand’s most spectacular island destinations. Each offers unique experiences, from world-class diving sites to secluded beaches:
- Phuket: Maya, Phi Phi day tour – Speed across the Phi Phi Islands from Phuket, with snorkeling, Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, Bamboo Island, and a buffet lunch on Ko Phi Phi Don.
- Simian Island Day Tour – Beat the crowds on an early bird speedboat trip to the Similan Islands, with snorkeling, a picnic lunch, and pristine beaches.
- Racha Islands – Explore Phuket’s Coral and Racha Islands by speedboat, with snorkeling, swimming, and a delicious island lunch
- Kayak Phang Nga Bay – Paddle through Phang Nga Bay’s hidden caves and lagoons, explore limestone cliffs, and enjoy a scenic boat ride with lunch.
Culture & Heritage
- Climb up to the Big Buddha, one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks with panoramic views.
- Visit Wat Chalong, the island’s most important Buddhist temple.
- Stroll through Phuket Old Town for street art, markets, and historic architecture.
- Explore the Thai Hua Museum or Peranakan Museum for insight into the island’s mixed heritage.
Family & Entertainment
- Watch a show at Simon Cabaret or the theatrical Phuket FantaSea theme park.
- Ethical Elephant Experience – Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary to learn about conservation efforts.
- Enjoy a day at Phukut’s best water park Andamanda Water Park or take a surf lesson at Kata Beach
Nature & Outdoors
- Hike to Bang Pae or Ton Sai waterfalls in the island’s interior.
- Walk along trails in Sirinat National Park.
- Catch the sunset from Promthep Cape or enjoy the views from Karon Viewpoint.
Day Trips from Phuket
While Phuket itself could keep you busy for weeks, its strategic location in the Andaman Sea makes it an ideal launching point for exploring nearby destinations. These popular day trips offer distinct experiences from the main island:
- Phang Nga Bay – Limestone cliffs, hidden lagoons, and James Bond Island.
- Koh Yao Noi & Koh Yao Yai – Peaceful islands halfway between Phuket and Krabi.
- Krabi – Visit Railay Beach or Ao Nang for a change of scenery.
- Similan Islands – Overnight liveaboards for serious divers.
Getting to Phuket
Located 33 kilometres north of Phuket Town, Phuket International Airport (HKT) connects the island to major cities across Asia, Australia, Europe, and the Middle East. Direct flights arrive daily from Bangkok, Singapore, and other regional hubs.
Transport options from the airport:
- Private transfers: Convenient, especially for families or if you’re staying outside main tourist hubs.
- Rental cars and motorbikes: Available at the airport; ideal if you plan to explore extensively.
- Airport shuttle & public buses: Cover main destinations like Patong and Phuket Town.
Getting around Phuket
The island’s size means journeys between beaches can take 30-60 minutes. Transport options include:sure
- Tuk-tuks & Songthaews: Short trips; always negotiate and agree on fares before departing. Prices can be significantly higher than other Thai destinations.
- Grab rideshare: Available but service can be limited in some areas due to local transport regulations. Book in advance during peak times.
- Private drivers or day tours: Most reliable option for exploring; book through your hotel or licensed tour companies or ask for recommendations in our Facebook group.
- Local buses: Budget-friendly public transport running between main beaches and Phuket Town.
Note: Transport prices in Phuket are regulated by local associations and are typically higher than other Thai destinations. For peace of mind, we recommend arranging transport through your hotel or licensed operators..
Best Time to Visit
Phuket’s weather patterns fall into three distinct seasons:
- November to February: Cool and dry, ideal for beaches and sightseeing; peak season and prices are higher.
- March to April: Warm with fewer crowds; good alternative to peak season.
- May to October: Monsoon season brings heavy rain and rough seas; not ideal for beach activities. Rain usually falls in the afternoon, so mornings can still be sunny. Hotel rates are low, making it a good time to enjoy luxury resorts affordably.
While monsoon season can mean heavy rainfall, we have visited in both July and August and had sunny days with the rainfall mainly in the late afternoon. Hotel prices are a steal at this time of year, so book yourself a fancy resort and you will be happy to chill at home when it’s wet. The downside is your boat trips may be rescheduled if seas are rough, so perhaps book these just a day or two before.
Temperature and Rainfall in Phuket
Average temperatures remain stable year-round, ranging from 23-33°C (73-91°F). The wettest months are September and October, with rainfall reaching 380mm, while February sees the least rain at 20mm.
| Month | Avg. Temp. (°C) | Avg. Temp. (°F) | Avg. Rainfall (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 23 – 30 | 73 – 88 | 30 |
| February | 24 – 31 | 75 – 90 | 20 |
| March | 25 – 32 | 77 – 91 | 40 |
| April | 25 – 33 | 77 – 91 | 80 |
| May | 25 – 32 | 77 – 90 | 150 |
| June | 25 – 31 | 77 – 88 | 250 |
| July | 24 – 31 | 75 – 88 | 230 |
| August | 24 – 31 | 75 – 88 | 275 |
| September | 24 – 30 | 75 – 86 | 380 |
| October | 24 – 30 | 75 – 86 | 310 |
| November | 24 – 30 | 75 – 86 | 180 |
| December | 23 – 31 | 73 – 88 | 70 |
Where to Stay in Phuket
Choosing where to stay in Phuket depends on your ideal holiday style. Each area of the island has its own character, from bustling beach resorts to peaceful coastal hideaways. Here’s a breakdown of the main areas and recommended hotels for different budgets:
Patong Beach – Best for nightlife and first-time visitors
- Budget: Lub d Phuket Patong – Modern hostel with rooftop pool and social atmosphere
- Mid-range: Holiday Inn Resort Phuket – Family-friendly resort with multiple pools and kids’ club
- Luxury: Amari Phuket – Clifftop resort with private beach access and panoramic ocean view
Kata & Karon Beaches – Family-friendly, relaxed, and convenient
- Budget: Kata Bai D Inn – Comfortable rooms steps from Kata Beach
- Mid-range: Wyndham Grand Kalim Bay – Tropical garden setting with two pools and sea views
- Luxury: The Shore at Katathani – Adults-only villa resort with infinity pools and butler service
Kamala & Surin Beaches – Quieter, boutique, and upscale
- Mid-range: Kamala Resotel – Modern four-star hotel with diverse dining options, four minutes from the beach
- Mid-range: The Nature Phuket – Hillside resort with sea views and free beach shuttle service
- Luxury: The Surin Phuket – Exclusive cottages on a private beach with Thai-style elegance
Mai Khao & Nai Yang – Secluded, nature-rich northern beaches.
- Mid-range: Dewa Phuket Resort & Villas – Modern resort near the airport with direct beach access
- Luxury: JW Marriott Phuket – Expansive resort with 11 restaurants and three pools
- Luxury: Anantara Mai Khao – Pool villa resort beside a national park with cooking school
Phuket Town – Great for culture, food, and local life.
- Budget: The Memory at On On Hotel – Historic Sino-Portuguese building featured in “The Beach”
- Mid-range: Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel – Stylish rooms in Old Town with rooftop pool
- Luxury: Sinae Phuket – Five-star hillside resort with infinity pools and panoramic views, featuring smart-room technology
Most visitors stay 4–7 days, though two weeks gives you enough time to explore properly.
The average time travellers spend in Phuket is between three and ten days. If you are still trying to choose between Phuket and Koh Samui, Thailands other island hot spot we hope this guide has helped. Our Koh Samui guide is here.
What I Learned in Phuket
Phuket isn’t just about Patong and nightlife. The island has layers — from colourful Old Town streets to quiet northern beaches where you can feel far from the crowds.
The food is easily some of the best I’ve eaten in Thailand, and the mix of cultures makes it stand out from other islands.
- Watch weather forecasts carefully during monsoon season before booking boat trips
- Seek out Hokkien noodles and roti in Phuket Town’s local restaurants
- Exercise caution with motorbike rental – roads are steep and often slick with rain
- Visit beaches before 8am for peaceful morning walks and stunning sunrise views
It’s a place where you can go as fast or as slow as you like, whether that means island-hopping every day or lingering in a café with a bowl of noodles.
Where to go Next
Continue your holiday travels in Thailand. After Phuket, the most popular destinations are Bangkok, Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui.
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