Phuket Travel Guide, Thailand

If you are planning things to do in Phuket, begin by picking a coast and a pace. It is Thailand’s largest island, about 48 km long and 21 km wide at its widest, in the Andaman Sea off the west coast of the mainland. Two short bridges link it to the mainland in Phang Nga province.

Historically the island sat on a major trade route between India and China, and its wealth came first from tin and rubber. Tourism is now its primary source of income, and more than 100,000 foreigners are estimated to have settled there.

The island offers a wide range of beach areas. Patong is the largest and most popular resort, known for nightlife, while Mai Khao is quiet and far from it all and Surin is an up-and-coming upmarket destination. Boats from Chalong Bay and Rawai reach smaller islands for snorkelling. It is well set up for visitors, with plenty of hotels, restaurants and tours, though crowds and traffic can be heavy in peak season.

Beaches

Each beach has its own character, from lively Patong to the quieter stretches of Karon and Mai Khao. Allow a half day per beach. Check the sea conditions and flag warnings, particularly in the wet season, when currents can be strong and swimming is unsafe.

Phuket Town and the Old Town

Phuket Town is the administrative centre and has older streets with colourful buildings and cafes, a contrast to the beach resorts. Allow two to three hours. It is the cheapest area for accommodation, and a good place to eat local food.

Island boat trips

Boats from Chalong Bay and Rawai go to nearby islands for snorkelling and swimming. Options include Ko Bon, Ko Hae and others. Plan a half or full day, check the weather and operator safety standards, and bring sun protection.

Phang Nga Bay

The bay north of the island has limestone cliffs and islets, visited on boat tours or by sea canoe. Allow a full day. Book through a licensed operator, check what is included in the price, and carry a rain jacket.

Phuket Aquarium at Cape Panwa

The aquarium at Cape Panwa is an attraction. It suits families and takes one to two hours. Check opening hours and ticket prices, and combine it with a seafront meal in the area.

Temples and viewpoints

The island has Buddhist temples and viewpoints over the coast. Allow an hour or two for each, dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees at temples, and remove your shoes where asked.

Nightlife in Patong

Patong is known for its nightlife, with bars, clubs and street entertainment. Go with a plan, keep an eye on your belongings, agree prices before using taxis and tuk-tuks, and take care with alcohol and water activities.

Phuket has a tropical climate with two main seasons. The dry season runs roughly from November to April and brings the best beach weather. The wetter southwest monsoon from about May to October brings more rain, rougher seas and, on west-coast beaches, strong currents.

Some boat trips and services are reduced in the wet season, and sea conditions can limit swimming, so check forecasts and heed beach warning flags.

Most visitors arrive at Phuket International Airport in the north of the island, which has flights from Bangkok and other Thai cities and many international routes. Taxis, shuttles and buses link it with the beaches and Phuket Town, usually within 45 to 90 minutes depending on destination and traffic. Agree fares in advance or use a pre-booked service. Official warnings for Thailand focus on the far south and the Cambodian border rather than Phuket, but check current official travel advice before you go.

By road, the island is reached over the bridges from the mainland, and long-distance buses run from Bangkok and other cities, though the journey is long. Many people also arrive by ferry or boat from islands such as Koh Phi Phi.

Getting around the island can be slow and costly. Options include metered or app-based taxis, tuk-tuks, local songthaews, scooter hire and rental cars. Scooters are risky, particularly for inexperienced riders, so if you hire one, wear a helmet and check the terms of your insurance.

Patong suits travellers who want nightlife, restaurants and a wide range of hotels at all prices, but it is busy and noisy. Karon and Kata are calmer, with long beaches and a family-friendly atmosphere, and suit couples and families who want a more relaxed stay.

Mai Khao and the northern beaches are quiet, with posh resorts and village life, and suit people who want peace and are happy to travel for meals. Surin is more upmarket, with beach clubs and restaurants.

Phuket Town has the cheapest accommodation, and suits budget travellers and culture-minded visitors, though it is not on the beach. Rawai and Chalong are convenient for island boat trips. Book early for December to February, and check transport time from the airport.

Three days lets you enjoy a couple of beaches, one boat trip and an evening in the Old Town. Five days is more relaxed and allows a Phang Nga Bay trip as well. If you only have a weekend, pick one beach area and one excursion.

1. Day 1: Settle into your beach area, swim and watch the sunset.
2. Day 2: A boat trip to nearby islands for snorkelling, from Chalong Bay or Rawai.
3. Day 3: Phuket Town in the morning, then a different beach or a viewpoint in the afternoon.

Krabi

The mainland province to the east has limestone cliffs, beaches and islands, reached by road or by boat across Phang Nga Bay. It works as a long day trip but is better with an overnight stay.

Khao Lak

A quieter coastal area north of the island, with long beaches and a more relaxed feel. It can be visited as a day trip by road, or as an alternative base for a longer stay.

Koh Lipe

A small island far to the south, known for its beaches and clear water. It is too far for a day trip and is better reached as part of a longer itinerary, with seasonal boat services.

Koh Samui

An island in the Gulf of Thailand on the opposite coast, reached by flight or a long journey overland and ferry. It is a separate trip rather than a day excursion, with a different season of best weather.