Phuket
Temperature
30°
Time
10:30 AM
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.
Old Town exudes an enchanting blend of colonial charm and vibrant culture that beckons travellers to step back in time. As you wander through its winding streets, you'll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of pastel-hued shophouses and ornate Sino-Portuguese architecture that whisper tales of the island's rich maritime past. The bustling markets brim with local delicacies, from fragrant Thai curries to the sweet allure of traditional desserts, while the quaint cafés and art galleries offer a delightful respite.
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 and exciting activities, making it an unforgettable day exploring 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 FantaSea is a vibrant theme park spanning 60 acres, featuring a fascinating Thai culture theatrical show. The cultural extravaganza combines magic, acrobatics, ballet, and special effects. Visitors can indulge in a grand buffet at the theme restaurant and explore the bustling shopping street.
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.
Old Town exudes an enchanting blend of colonial charm and vibrant culture that beckons travellers to step back in time. As you wander through its winding streets, you'll be greeted by a kaleidoscope of pastel-hued shophouses and ornate Sino-Portuguese architecture that whisper tales of the island's rich maritime past. The bustling markets brim with local delicacies, from fragrant Thai curries to the sweet allure of traditional desserts, while the quaint cafés and art galleries offer a delightful respite.
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's Old Town is another place with fantastic shopping opportunities. Here, visitors can explore a lovely array of local souvenirs, stylish boutiques, and unique antiques amidst the picturesque Sino-Portuguese architecture. The area is also perfect for picking up gourmet treats and artisanal products from bustling markets and street vendors.
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.
Phuket's Naka Weekend Night Market, open every Saturday and Sunday, is a vibrant hub of activity where visitors can indulge in delicious street food, find unique souvenirs, and explore a wide range of handmade products, fashion, and secondhand goods.
Central Festival 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 a vibrant night market open six days a week hosting stalls brimming with an array of tantalising street food alongside handmade crafts, clothes, and souvenirs.
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's Old Town is another place with fantastic shopping opportunities. Here, visitors can explore a lovely array of local souvenirs, stylish boutiques, and unique antiques amidst the picturesque Sino-Portuguese architecture. The area is also perfect for picking up gourmet treats and artisanal products from bustling markets and street vendors.
Phuket is one of the major tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting tourists from all over the world. The various hotels and resorts get very busy during the high season, which coincides with the dry season, from December to April, and the weather is warm and dry, with long sunny days and a clear sky. During this period, in mid-April, the famous Songkran, the Thai New Year, takes place and the whole country celebrates on the streets. The monsoon arrives in May bringing heavy rainfall until November, making this the low season for tourism. This is by far the cheapest period to visit Phuket, and also the most peaceful, as the island is not as crowded as during the high season.
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. For those looking for a hassle-free start to their holiday, airport taxis and metered taxis offer quick and direct routes to popular areas like Patong, Karon, and Kata. Alternatively, shared minivans are a cost-effective option, especially for solo travellers or small groups, though the journey may take a bit longer due to multiple drop-offs. For the more budget-conscious, public transportation options like the Phuket Smart Bus and the Airport Bus are excellent choices. The Phuket Smart Bus connects directly to major tourist spots, while the Airport Bus heads to Phuket Town. Ride-sharing services such as Grab are also available on the island. Additionally, many hotels and resorts provide their own transfer services, which can be pre-arranged for a smooth arrival experience.
Visitors to Thailand typically need a valid passport with at least six months of validity remaining, a visa (depending on their nationality), and a completed arrival/departure card, usually provided on the aeroplane or at the port of entry. Additionally, there may be specific entry requirements related to health, such as vaccinations or medical certificates, so be sure to check the latest visa requirements and entry regulations from the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate in your country through official government channels before planning your trip to Thailand.
There are several public buses in Phuket, which are bright blue, with open sides. There aren’t any real schedules, but if you see one and want to get on, just wave – there are no official bus stops. The local bus station is located on Ranong Road in Phuket Town.
Finding a taxi in Phuket is relatively easy, especially in popular tourist areas, but be aware that not all taxis are metered, so it's essential to agree on a fare before starting your journey. Ride-sharing apps like Grab are widely available and offer a more reliable and often cheaper alternative. Tourists in Phuket typically get around using a mix of taxis, ride-sharing services, and the popular local option of tuk-tuks, which are fun and offer a unique way to experience the island.
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 usually operate from 8:30am to 4:30pm on weekdays and from 9am to noon on Saturdays, remaining closed on Sundays and public holidays. They are easily recognisable by their red and white colour scheme and the prominent Thai Post logo. These post offices offer a comprehensive range of services, including domestic and international mail, Express Mail Service (EMS), registered mail, bill payments, postal savings, and money transfers.
Country code: +66 Area code: 076
Phuket is one of the major tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, attracting tourists from all over the world. The various hotels and resorts get very busy during the high season, which coincides with the dry season, from December to April, and the weather is warm and dry, with long sunny days and a clear sky. During this period, in mid-April, the famous Songkran, the Thai New Year, takes place and the whole country celebrates on the streets. The monsoon arrives in May bringing heavy rainfall until November, making this the low season for tourism. This is by far the cheapest period to visit Phuket, and also the most peaceful, as the island is not as crowded as during the high season.
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. For those looking for a hassle-free start to their holiday, airport taxis and metered taxis offer quick and direct routes to popular areas like Patong, Karon, and Kata. Alternatively, shared minivans are a cost-effective option, especially for solo travellers or small groups, though the journey may take a bit longer due to multiple drop-offs. For the more budget-conscious, public transportation options like the Phuket Smart Bus and the Airport Bus are excellent choices. The Phuket Smart Bus connects directly to major tourist spots, while the Airport Bus heads to Phuket Town. Ride-sharing services such as Grab are also available on the island. Additionally, many hotels and resorts provide their own transfer services, which can be pre-arranged for a smooth arrival experience.
