Phuket
Temperature
30°
Time
5:00 PM
Phuket
Surrounded by clear blue water, Phuket has all the right ingredients for an unforgettable tropical vacation: its palm-fringed beaches are of soft, clean sand, it has a vibrant nightlife, and you can enjoy the most wide-ranging cuisine – you name it, you can eat it in Phuket. For several years, Phuket has topped travel charts as a holiday paradise – and not without a reason – as the island is a spectacular destination. Add to this the most welcoming people in the world and you can see why travellers love it here.Find your trip
Phuket is known for its breathtaking white-sand beaches, but this Thai island is also bursting with culture and history. Join this Phuket City Tour for a chance to experience the island's natural beauty and culture. See top attractions like the gigantic Big Buddha statue and the sacred Wat Chalong temple. Then, visit a cashew nut factory and stop for photos at Karon Viewpoint.
As you wander through the streets of Phuket's Old Town, you’ll come across rows of pastel-hued shophouses and ornate Sino-Portuguese facades that still hint at the island’s trading past. Some are family homes, others have been converted into cafés, guesthouses, or small museums. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours just walking, peering at tiled walls, old shop signs, and shrines tucked into corners. There’s everyday life mixed with the tourist scene: morning markets with fruit and noodles, long-standing noodle shops, and new coffee spots side by side. On Sundays, Thalang Road turns into the Lard Yai market from late afternoon, with food stalls, music, and crafts filling the street.
Phuket and beaches go hand in hand; whether it’s surfing, people-watching, or just sinking into quiet sand, there’s a stretch of coastline for every mood. Freedom Beach stays quiet for a reason: it’s tucked behind the jungle and can be reached either by longtail boat or by a steep trail for those willing to hike. The effort pays off with soft sand, clear water, and almost no facilities. Kata Beach has more going on, with surf lessons, cafés, and plenty of space, while Kata Noi, just around the corner, is calmer and more relaxed. Patong Beach is the opposite end of the spectrum: long, busy, and lined with bars, shops, and nightlife. Somewhere in between, Karon, Nai Harn, and Surin offer long stretches of sand without the chaos, still with enough restaurants and sunbeds if needed.
Explore the heavenly Phi Phi archipelago, including Maya Bay from the Leonardo DiCaprio film 'The Beach', on this memorable speedboat trip from Phuket. Once at the archipelago, swim over the coral reefs of Pileh Lagoon, snorkel at Bamboo Island, see the monkeys at Monkey Beach, and then visit the breathtaking Maya Bay.
Experience the highlights of Phang Nga Bay on a thrilling full-day cruise from Phuket. Paddle around the stunning Panak and Hong islands on a canoe, marvel at the iconic James Bond Island, and enjoy a refreshing swim at the serene Lawa Island. This action-packed adventure combines natural beauty with exciting activities, making it an unforgettable day of exploration in one of Thailand's most picturesque regions.
Spend a unique and fun morning in good company at the Lake Phuket Elephant Nursery, a serene forest sanctuary for elephants in northern Phuket. Once there, you'll get a chance to take an Elephant Care Class, stroll through the forest alongside these gentle giants, and take part in a Thai cooking class followed by a delicious lunch.
Experience the flavours of Thailand firsthand with a small-group cooking class in Phuket, where you'll learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes just like a local. This immersive culinary adventure offers hands-on instruction, allowing you to master traditional recipes and techniques. Perfect for food enthusiasts, this class not only teaches you how to cook but also provides insights into Thai culture and cuisine.
Perched atop a forested hill, Monkey Hill Viewpoint, as the name implies, is home to roaming monkeys and also features an observation platform offering panoramic views. Visitors should exercise caution around the wild monkeys. Officials advise against feeding them, as it can provoke aggressive behaviour.
Phuket is known for its breathtaking white-sand beaches, but this Thai island is also bursting with culture and history. Join this Phuket City Tour for a chance to experience the island's natural beauty and culture. See top attractions like the gigantic Big Buddha statue and the sacred Wat Chalong temple. Then, visit a cashew nut factory and stop for photos at Karon Viewpoint.
As you wander through the streets of Phuket's Old Town, you’ll come across rows of pastel-hued shophouses and ornate Sino-Portuguese facades that still hint at the island’s trading past. Some are family homes, others have been converted into cafés, guesthouses, or small museums. It’s the kind of place where you can spend a few hours just walking, peering at tiled walls, old shop signs, and shrines tucked into corners. There’s everyday life mixed with the tourist scene: morning markets with fruit and noodles, long-standing noodle shops, and new coffee spots side by side. On Sundays, Thalang Road turns into the Lard Yai market from late afternoon, with food stalls, music, and crafts filling the street.
Phuket's Old Town is another place with fantastic shopping opportunities. Here, visitors can explore an array of local souvenirs, stylish boutiques, and one-of-a-kind antiques amidst the picturesque Sino-Portuguese architecture. The area is also perfect for picking up gourmet treats and artisanal products from local markets and street vendors.
Diagonally opposite Bangla Road, the Jungceylon Shopping Complex, has radically changed the face of shopping in Patong. The sprawling mall combines modern architecture with a touch of local charm, creating a dynamic environment where shoppers can explore a wide range of international and Thai brands, savour delicious cuisine from around the globe, catch the latest blockbuster at its state-of-the-art cinema, or unleash your inner child at the trampoline park.
When in Phuket, consider picking up some exquisite jewellery for yourself or a loved one back home since the region is renowned for its locally-produced cultured pearls from Naka Noi island. For a unique experience, why not take a tour of Naka Noi Island? These daily excursions provide an insightful look into the art of pearl-making, complete with a pearl demonstration and the chance to buy pearls at discounted prices.
Open every Saturday and Sunday, Phuket’s Naka Weekend Market is a bustling spot for street food, souvenirs, and local crafts. Stalls spill over with handmade goods, fashion, and batik sarongs, while noodle and satay cafés keep hungry visitors fuelled as they explore the sprawling market.
Central Phuket is a modern, air-conditioned shopping mall located just outside Phuket Town. This three-story retail complex offers a wide range of shopping options, from popular international brands to local boutiques. Visitors can enjoy a diverse selection of dining experiences, ranging from casual eateries to upscale restaurants, and catch the latest films at the state-of-the-art cinema.
Chillva Market is an informal night market open six days a week, which hosts stalls brimming with an array of tantalising street food alongside handmade crafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
Phuket's Old Town is another place with fantastic shopping opportunities. Here, visitors can explore an array of local souvenirs, stylish boutiques, and one-of-a-kind antiques amidst the picturesque Sino-Portuguese architecture. The area is also perfect for picking up gourmet treats and artisanal products from local markets and street vendors.
Diagonally opposite Bangla Road, the Jungceylon Shopping Complex, has radically changed the face of shopping in Patong. The sprawling mall combines modern architecture with a touch of local charm, creating a dynamic environment where shoppers can explore a wide range of international and Thai brands, savour delicious cuisine from around the globe, catch the latest blockbuster at its state-of-the-art cinema, or unleash your inner child at the trampoline park.
Phuket is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons. The dry season, from November to March, brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and plenty of sunshine — perfect for beaches, island hopping, and festivals. The monsoon season, from May to October, sees heavier rain and higher humidity. It’s quieter and often cheaper, and the island’s landscapes are at their greenest. Seas are good for surfing, though some tours and activities may be limited by the weather. Festivals & Events worth planning around: - Songkran (Thai New Year) – April: Water fights, parades, and cultural ceremonies. - Vegetarian Festival – Late September to Early October: Ritual processions and a vegetarian diet are observed by locals. - Phuket King's Cup Regatta – December: Asia’s largest sailing event, drawing enthusiasts worldwide. - Phuket Bike Week – April: Motorcycle parades, exhibitions, and live entertainment.
Phuket International Airport serves as the gateway to the island’s stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, and there are several convenient ways to reach your destination from the airport. Taxis and Grab cars are the quickest and most reliable option, while shared minibuses offer a cheaper, hotel-drop alternative. Budget travellers can hop on the airport bus to Phuket Town or the Phuket Smart Bus, which runs along the west coast to Patong, Karon, and Kata.
Visitors to Thailand typically need a passport with at least six months’ validity, a visa depending on their nationality, and a completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which must be submitted within three days before arrival. Citizens of over 90 countries can enter visa-free for 30–60 days, while others may apply online for an e-Visa or obtain a Visa on Arrival for shorter stays. As requirements can change, always confirm the latest rules with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before travelling.
Getting around Phuket is fairly straightforward, especially in the main tourist areas. Taxis are easy to find, but not all of them use meters, so it’s best to agree on a fare before you set off. Grab, the ride-sharing app, is widely available and usually a more reliable and sometimes cheaper option than regular taxis. For shorter trips, tuk-tuks offer a fun, local experience, though fares should also be agreed on in advance. Songthaews, the shared minibuses running on set routes, are a cheap and practical way to hop between towns and beaches if you don’t mind a bit of local-style travel. For more flexibility, renting a motorbike is popular — it lets you explore quieter beaches and inland spots, but traffic can get tricky, so take care and wear a helmet.
In Phuket, there are several pharmacy chains where you can purchase a wide range of medications and health-related products. Some of the most well-known are Boots and Watsons. These pharmacies are typically located in shopping malls, busy streets, and tourist areas, making them easily accessible for visitors.
Phuket’s post offices are easy to spot with their red-and-white colour scheme and the Thailand Post logo. Most are open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12 pm on Saturdays, closing on Sundays and public holidays. Some central branches stay open a little later during the week. Services cover everything you’d expect: domestic and international mail, Express Mail Service (EMS), registered mail, bill payments, postal savings, and money transfers.
Country code: +66 Area code: 76
Thailand runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. Plugs can vary: you’ll see Type C (two round pins like in Europe), Type A and B (flat pins, like in the U.S.), and Type O (three round pins in a triangular layout).
Phuket is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons. The dry season, from November to March, brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and plenty of sunshine — perfect for beaches, island hopping, and festivals. The monsoon season, from May to October, sees heavier rain and higher humidity. It’s quieter and often cheaper, and the island’s landscapes are at their greenest. Seas are good for surfing, though some tours and activities may be limited by the weather. Festivals & Events worth planning around: - Songkran (Thai New Year) – April: Water fights, parades, and cultural ceremonies. - Vegetarian Festival – Late September to Early October: Ritual processions and a vegetarian diet are observed by locals. - Phuket King's Cup Regatta – December: Asia’s largest sailing event, drawing enthusiasts worldwide. - Phuket Bike Week – April: Motorcycle parades, exhibitions, and live entertainment.
Phuket International Airport serves as the gateway to the island’s stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, and there are several convenient ways to reach your destination from the airport. Taxis and Grab cars are the quickest and most reliable option, while shared minibuses offer a cheaper, hotel-drop alternative. Budget travellers can hop on the airport bus to Phuket Town or the Phuket Smart Bus, which runs along the west coast to Patong, Karon, and Kata.
