Are you looking for travel tips on what to do in Phuket, Thailand?
As part of our city guides series, this week we interviewed Roger Gibson who has lived in Phuket for almost 2 years.
Roger shares with us his insider knowledge on things to do in Phuket, Thailand for those looking for the best places to eat, shop, explore, swim, and enjoy a cold beer as the sun goes down.
Take it away Roger.
Why visit Phuket?
I think Phuket is the most accessible of Thailand’s island destinations and it’s also the gateway to a great many of the world famous Thailand beaches, national parks and islands that come to mind when you think of Thailand.
Phuket island has a rich cultural history, especially in Phuket Town where I live. The locals there, they live at a more ‘traditional pace’ and there are many beautiful examples of Chinese Shrines and Temples.
You are seriously spoiled for choice for food options in Phuket with probably a greater variety of cuisines than anywhere else in Thailand, outside of Bangkok of course, from hawker stands, beach vendors, local noodle shops, great Thai and Seafood restaurants right up to the finest International Dining.
While the beaches and blue skies are a major draw, I think it is the range of activities on offer that makes Phuket such a great all round destination.
You’ve got Famous island excursions, world class snorkeling and dive trips, boat trips, Elephant Trekking, Jungle Safari, World Class Golf Courses, cooking classes, traditional Thai massage, Cabaret, go-carting, water parks, shooting ranges.
What to do in Phuket
Kalim Bay
At the northern end, this Phuket beach has become the ultra-hip place to hangout and you will find the trendiest bars and restaurants along this stretch of coastline.
Vibrant and Chaotic Phuket Night Markets
Stretch all the way along the beach road and just about every available space in-between. Browsing the colourful stalls of handmade crafts, souvenirs, clothes and dubious counterfeit items is an experience that is integral to travel in Asia and they don’t come much more full on than in Patong.
Colorful Nightlife in Phuket
Patong has an infamous reputation for it’s ‘colorful’ nightlife and everyone should experience the beer bars, discos and go-go bars of Soi Bangla (the main strip) at least once in their life.
Kata and Karon Beaches
For a more Phuket laid back scene I’d recommend Kata and Karon Beaches as some of the best beaches in Phuket.
There is still enough going on here to keep you interested and the beaches are some of the very best on the island. There are also some amazing viewpoints nearby, which you can visit by motorbike, car or Tuk Tuk.
Cherng Talay
Another area I like is Cherng Talay. It is a couple of beaches up from Patong and generally caters for a more discerning clientele in the high end resorts of Surin and Bangtao beaches, and of course the massive Laguna Complex of resorts.
Cherng Talay is a good place to rent a villa or apartment and it is a popular place with expats. The pace of life is very relaxed here and there are some great international restaurants, bars and beach clubs.
Singh Beach
If you rent a motorbike or car while you are here, I’d recommend trying to find Laem Singh Beach. It is accessible by some very steep steps and is a very laid back bay with fantastic snorkeling around the rocks on the beach and has a great, relaxed vibe.
Quiet Phuket Beaches
Ao Yon, Cape Panwa, Banana Beach, Freedom Beach, Paradise beach and some completely deserted beaches like Mai Khao and Layan Beach.
Cultural sights on Phuket
I’d say the big 3 cultural attractions on Phuket island are Wat Chalong, Phuket Old Town and Big Buddha and as they are quite close together you could easily visit them all in one day.
Big Buddha, Phuket Island
Sat on his mountaintop is always awe-inspiring, it is huge and can be spotted from most places in the south of the island. It is even more impressive from the top and there are some brilliant viewpoints all the way up the mountain, not just from the summit.
Wat Chalong
The Wat, or temple, is one of the most recognizable symbols of Thailand and Wat Chalong is a shining example. It is the largest temple in Phuket and is richly decorated with beautiful colours and countless images of Buddha and icons from Thai and Buddhist mythology.
Phuket Old Town
Is a great place to be and really gives you a glimpse of what life was like on the island 100’s of years ago when the Chinese and Europeans arrived and started mining for tin.
There are many stunning examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture and Chinese shop houses, which are still to this day operating as traditional textiles, gold and printing businesses.
Nowadays, they are also home to quaint cafes and coffee shops, clothes boutiques and some lovely restaurants, guesthouses and local bars.
Where to eat in Phuket, Thailand
Budget places to eat in Phuket
I don’t think you can do much better than Natural Restaurant in Phuket Town. It’s a rickety wooden, traditional Thai shack with an eclectic jumble of plants, waterfalls, fishponds and strange artifacts sprouting out from all corners, including fish tanks made out of old TV sets.
It has an extensive menu of Thai food, probably one of the best I have seen in Phuket and the prices are very reasonable.
Also, for breakfast in Phuket Town, head to The Gallery by Pinky for Eggs Benedict or Norwegian Eggs (Eggs Benedict with smoken salmon).
Stylish places to eat in Phuket
In Phuket Town, a restaurant called La Gaetana is great fun and completely eccentric, serving the best in Italian and International cuisine.
There are only about 5 tables in the place, which is a good job as the ‘very’ personalized service from the Italian Owner is exceptional, including him personally adding the finishing touches to desserts at your table, custom made wine decanters and shawls for the ladies if they feel a slight chill from the air conditioning.
For more fine dining experiences in Phuket, check out 18 of the best fine dining restaurants in Phuket.
Where to drink in Phuket
The Brasserie, Phuket Town
I really like the Brasserie in Phuket Town. It is owned by a Belgian Family and has an amazing selection of Belgian Beers and a really cool European vibe going on. The food there is excellent and it has a separate oyster and champagne bar, which I haven’t seen anywhere else.
Where to stay in Phuket
For places to stay in Phuket choose from the largest range of hotels, apartments, and guesthouses with our partner Booking.com. You get free cancelation on most rooms, and in most cases you only pay when you stay.
Best places for sunset in Phuket
Catch Beach Club, Surin Beach
The coolest place to enjoy a sunset cocktail with the other hipsters is Catch Beach Club on Surin Beach, where you can lounge about on comfy sofas listening to dubby beats and chilled out electronica, although it will set you back a few Thai Baht for the privilege.
After Beach Bar and Small View Point Restaurant, Kata Noi Beach
Sit next to each other on the ridge behind Kata Noi Beach and have stunning views over the Andaman sea, great seafood and a continuous stream of Bob Marley. It is easy to see why this is a popular, chilled out place to enjoy the famous Phuket sunsets.
Best Markets and shopping in Phuket
The prices at Naka Weekend Market on the outskirts of Phuket Town are generally cheaper than at the markets in Patong, but you still have to bring your best bartering skills with you. Many of the products here come from Bangkok.
Events and festivals in Phuket
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
The most bizarre experience I have ever witnessed in my life, bar none, is the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Don’t be fooled by the gentle sounding name, as this festival is more famous for its blood soaked, death defying acts than it is for it’s vegetarian food.
Spirit mediums in a state of trance cleans the soul by climbing ladders with rungs made of knives, walk barefoot across hot coals, perform brutal acts of self-mortification, piercing their bodies with hooks, skewers and various other sharp objects.
Some of the weirdest I have seen are cheeks pierced with AK 47 barrels and the long poles attached to ceiling fans.
The whole 9-day festival is accompanied by incessant rapid-fire explosions and clouds of smoke from Chinese Fire Crackers and is a full-on assault of the senses that leaves you wondering if you have in fact crossed over into a different realm along with the spirit mediums.
Songkran Festival, Phuket
One festival that you cannot miss is the Songkran Festival in April, which marks the beginning of the traditional Thai New Year. It is basically the world’s biggest water fight and is probably the most childish fun you will ever have in your life.
Loi Kratong (Festiveal of Lights)
Loi Kratong or ‘Festival of lights’ is one of the most important and traditional festivals in the Thai calendar, representing the close bond between Thai culture.
Loi means to ‘float’ and ‘kratong’ is a small lotus shaped float, traditionally made out of the trunk of a banana tree and decorated with folded banana leaves, flowers, candles and incense sticks.
It is a very beautiful and serene occasion as thousands of these small candle lit boats float gently out onto the water and fire lanterns light up the whole of the night sky.
Best side trips from Phuket
Maya Bay
Maya Bay is the most popular Island Tour from Phuket and is world famous as the location of the utopian beach in the movie The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio.
I recommend visiting in the Low Season as the bay is overrun with boats and tourists in Peak Season and loses some of it’s appeal.
Plus, in the Low Season, Maya Bay can only be accessed via the back entrance due to the heavy tides and this only adds to the adventure. The boat takes you into a small lagoon where you transfer to a canoe and paddle over to a spider web rope net attached to the side of a small rock face.
After that, you walk through a small jungle to arrive on the beach in much the same way the characters did in the movie. This way, you get to experience the same impact of this beautiful bay with its’ towering limestone cliffs as they did in the film.
Phang Nga Bay
Surrounding the north and eastern coast of Phuket, is a magical place of such breathtaking natural beauty that James Bond Villain Scaramanga opted to build his secret hideout amongst the limestone outcrops and tiny islands, in the classic film The Man With The Golden Gun.
You can visit ‘James Bond’ Island by boat and depending on your tour itinerary you can also enjoy island hopping in the stunning bay, snorkeling, lunch at a floating Muslim fishing village and sea kayaking through spectacular limestone sea caves (hongs).
Raya Island, Koh Khai and Coral Islands
There are many beautiful islands close by to Phuket, which are less than a 30 mins boat ride away.
For a group of people (and depending on your budget), I’d recommend chartering a private Longtail boat, speedboat or maybe something even grander from Chalong, Rawai or Laem Ka beach.
Agree your own itinerary with your captain, but I especially like for snorkeling, swimming and beautiful white sand beaches.
Similan Islands National Park.
The most stunning island tour I have ever been on is to the Similan Islands National Park. It takes a little longer to get to The Similan Islands than it does on some of the other island tours, about 3 hours, but it is well worth the extra journey time.
The snorkeling and dive sites in this area are amongst the Top 10 Dive sites on the entire planet and the natural rock formations and jungle scenery are spectacular.
Best time to visit Phuket
Phuket is an all year round holiday destination, but I would generally say avoid peak season in January and February as the island beaches are overcrowded and unrecognizable from the paradise you can experience the rest of the year.
Green Season from May to October is supposedly the rainy season, but it is the best time to visit Phuket as the rates are lower and the beaches are less crowded. There is usually a daily downpour late afternoon/early evening, but most of the days are actually hot and sunny.
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Getting there and away
Air Asia offer cheap regular direct flights to Phuket from a growing list of destinations including Australia, NZ, Malaysia, Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan and India. The advantage of having an International Airport in Phuket is that you no longer need to fly via Bangkok and from my experience, Air Asia is a good, reliable airline
If you need to you can book Bangkok flights as an option to get to Phuket.
Phuket Town has a main bus terminal and you can catch buses, including night buses from just about anywhere in Thailand. Boat or Ferry from Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi are a good and inexpensive option, just don’t rely on them keeping to the schedule.
Travelling around by boat on the Andaman Sea is a wonderful experience and a highly recommended means of getting around all of the stunning island destinations
Best tip for saving money on Phuket
Visit in the Rainy Season
Traditionally around April to October. Phuket Island is a much more beautiful place this time of year and you can take advantage of some great weather, fantastic hotel deals and room to breath on the islands beaches.
Get the night bus to Phuket Town from Bangkok
If you are backpacking around Asia and working to a tight budget, you can get the night bus to Phuket Town from Bangkok or where ever else you might be in Thailand and save on the cost of a nights room rental.
Hire a motorbike
For the whole of your stay and agree on a good price with the rental company. This is the best way to see the Island and from my experience, Phuket is a much safer place to travel round by bike than other parts of Asia, but always wear a helmet.
Avoid Tuk Tuks and taxis
Especially in Patong as they are extortionate. Public buses between the beaches are non-existent, although hopefully this is something they may sort out in the near future. So, at the minute, hiring a motorbike to cruise round the beaches is your best option.
If you want to see Phuket Town you can get the public bus there and back from most major beaches for about 20 or 30 Thai Baht each way.
Don’t be afraid to eat the local street food
It is inexpensive, delicious and generally speaking you shouldn’t experience any major problems with food poisoning. BBQ corn on the cob on the beach is fantastic, especially when accompanied by a fresh fruit shake and bbq chicken. Will set you back less than 120 THB.
I love Phuket because
Of the stunning natural environments on my doorstep, the beaches, islands, national parks and marine landscapes, they are some of the best in the world and not many people get the opportunity to live and work in such beautiful surroundings.
Plan Your Trip to Phuket
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BIO: To get more great Phuket related content from Roger you can follow him on various social media channels. Go follow him on Twitter, and he also writes a blog for his hotel Thavorn Beach Village and Spa which you can follow on Facebook and Google+
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Have you visited Phuket? Can you add to these what to do in Phuket tips? Please share in the comments!
Really–the Natural Restaurant in Phuket town is what you’d suggest for budget eats? Sure, they have the best lemon/mint soda in the world, but their food I find kind of expensive and a bit on the–meh?–side. For really awesome cheap food, get out of the tourist areas and get to a restaurant that has no English on the menu…and then point and hope for the best! My family loves to eat by mystery pointing! There are some excellent restaurants in the Bangkok Hospital part of town, and over near the end of Phang Nga road on Surin road.
Perfect timing. Thanks Craig. We’re flying into Phuket before we go island hopping in Thailand. We have one free day in Phuket Town so this is EXACTLY what we needed! Now the tough decision is which islands we decided to hop within 2.5 weeks!
Sorry, but I beg to differ. After having spent five days in Phuket, where it costs 10 times as much to live as elsewhere in Thailand, my wife and I were elated to leave. The entire island is a great example of what rampant overdevelopment and greed can do to destroy a natural paradise. It is relatively inexpensive to get to Phuket. Our flight in was cheap and transport to our hotel was also cheap. But getting around and departing the island without paying a hefty price is impossible. It is somewhat similar to Costa Rica. The area is set up to fleece retirees and wealthy jetsetters who use tour groups.
As the author indicated, the only way to get around is by scooter. But those things are dangerous as hell. Phuket’s roads are no place to learn if you haven’t ridden a moped before. Just a few days earlier, four Swedish teenagers died in a car accident (the cab they were in was hit by a truck). They had hired a private cab to take them somewhere, because the regular cabs charge too much. It’s a complete travesty. Buses do not run between beaches, only to and from Phuket Town. If you are at all on a budget, avoid Phuket like the plague.
We have had great luck with the buses…they all run to Phuket town, and you can catch another bus from there. We have lived here for 6 months and get around exclusively by city (pink) buses and island (blue) buses. If you were not able to stay here cheaply, you just weren’t in the right area, because we are a family of 5 and live on around $1000-$1200 American a month.
Hi Dana, Yes, I would recommend Natural Restaurant for budget food as it is a restaurant that I go to quite often when friends come to visit and everyone always enjoys the ambience, food and prices here. You are quite right though, the local restaurants do offer cheaper prices and if there is no English on the menu you can bet the food is authentic and delicious 🙂
Chris, Phuket is Thailand’s most developed ‘tourism’ island, so in some ways your points are quite valid, but it is a over generalisation to say that the “entire island” is destroyed by greed and over development. Maybe, as Dana says, you just weren’t in the right area. If you go to the main tourist areas then you will pay tourist prices, but I don’t think this is any different from any other tourist destination in the world.
I agree with Chris that if you are not used to riding a moped then Phuket is not the safest place to take a crash course. However, in the 2 years I have been riding a motorbike here I have never had a problem and from my experience it is generally safer than other parts of South East Asia, where the roads are not always in such good condition.
Gerard, for island hopping, I would generally say avoid staying on Koh Koh Phi as it is Peak Season there and you might be disappointed. Instead, maybe opt for Koh Lanta and Railay Beach (Krabi) is always a great option. You can take a day trip to Koh Phi Phi from here as well so you get the best of both worlds. Have fun 🙂
Wonderfully in depth post on Phuket with some great photographs too. I went to Phuket on the start of my travelling journey, hope to go back one day.
We stopped over in Thailand when we relocated from the UK to Australia and stayed on Phuket in Bangtao for ten days. We stayed in Patong before having children and definitely wouldn’t want to stay there with younger kids, Bangtao was much more family friendly. Perhaps teenagers would enjoy Patong but we feel it’s too hectic for little ones. We thoroughly enjoyed our resort and Bangtao beach, we also spent a day at Phuket Laguna. We’d love to go back one day. I’ve provided tips about staying in and around Bangtao in this post: http://www.mumsgone2aus.com/2011/02/20/australian-stopover-destinations-thailand-phuket/
Thanks for all the other tips you’ve provided.
Thank you for this wonderful post. I have been to Phuket a number of times, and this helps to discover some of the hidden gems that only a local would find.
Hi Sarah, thanks for sharing your Bangtao tips from a parent’s perspective 🙂
My intention was to highlight that moves have been made recently to make Patong a more family-friendly destination with magic shows, theatre etc, but I would have to agree that Bangtao would be a more family-friendly option overall, especially with younger children.
The Cherng Talay area (including Bangtao) has a much less touristy feel to it and it is very popular with expats with families as well as holiday makers looking for a quiet family holiday.
Great tips Craig! Wish I saw this 2 weeks ago but hey, I still have 1 week in Phuket. Can definitely say having a motorbike here is very handy and fun!
I love Phuket, and your amazing pictures brought back the memoirs of Phuket. I think it’s a most comprehensive guide to Phuket. Thank you.
I didn’t saw phuket yet. After seeing this photo I am planning my next holiday in phuket.
Thank you Craig. The info you provided is informative and I love your style of writing. Question though, I’m very much into the Trance / dance scene. However, after seeing footage of the Full Moon Parties etc. I’m put off by the hedonistic young moronic vibe and litter that sadly seems to go hand in hand with the whole dance scene. Are there any more chilled dance venues with good Djs away from the crowded mainstream in Phuket or the surrounding islands?
Nice general guide for Phuket Island. I disagree with Patong Beach being the best family destination, I’d think that Kata Beach is probably more family oriented, although that is just my opinion.
One more thing, live like a local and eat like a local.
Hi there,
Phuket cam be quite expensive, but there is a brand new activity that has opened in Chalong called Phuket Games Zone, that is not expensive at all.
They have 3 games on offer:
An 18 Hole Football Golf course, which takes around 1.5 hours to play. It’s only 500 Baht for the first round and 300 Baht for all subsequent rounds.
A 9 hole Disc Golf course, which takes around 40 minutes to play and is only 300 Baht for the first round and 200 Baht for all subsequent rounds.
Body Zorbing – best to Google this one if you don’t know what Body Zorbing is, but it’s a good laugh if you play with you friends – especially your boss!!
WOAH. What is up with that Vegetarian Festival? That ish is CRAY.
Great general info in this post. I call Phuket my home since 2004 and can just say that yes there is a lot of development and yes there is a lot of traffic especially during high season.
BUT there are still so many areas which are beautiful, unspoiled and full of friendly locals. It all really depends where you spent your time there.
I am going there in may with a friend can’t wait to see all these beautiful places
Phuket is a dream place, I will definitely visit all above mentioned places.
I was in Phuket 40 years ago when I rented a cabin at patong beach with a hammock and resident monkey in the tree outside and had a SURF at the beach 20 metres away. In 10 days I will go back to see the change. We will stay in the hotel with gym and lap pool, eat local food and fruit from the markets and take buses. I hope it hasn’t been taken over by a subculture of tattoed muscle-bound bozo westerners on hogs with the token tiny thai fucking machine on back hooning around bars like dicks.
Deep breaths Gazza, I am afraid you might notice a lot of what you don’t want to. Head up to Bang Tao Bay instead, far more pleasurable
Yes… I’m afraid you will have the shock of your life! If you are after beach and peace, stay on Bangtao beach, Nai Yang or Mai Khao beach… but prices are pretty high around there if you want a room near the beach, mostly luxury resorts. Anyway you should go have a look at Patong Beach and see for yourself. Great for party and a lot more easy going than Pattaya, but get ready for an overgrown hectic city!
I went Phuket last year and believe me it was fun staying there. The surrounding was awesome and the beaches were out of the world.
Thanks.
Extensive write up here, how long did you guys spend in Phuket to get all that info? While it’s cheaper to go in the rainy season, i wouldn’t suggest anyone do that.
We were there for a week, but have previously spent time there as well.
Really Nice Write up..Im planning to visit Phuket on 10 August..I was wondering how to travel in the island….and eat vegetarian..your post is really helpful!
Pleasure Vash. It’s easy to get around on the local transport and you’ll find plenty of vegetarian food. Enjoy!
So many wonderful things to do on our island!! And you covered some of my favorites; about to participate in our third vegetarian festival here, and this year we actually live in Phuket Town, right in the heart of the action!
I would so love to experience the vegetarian festival! Enjoy it. What a lovely place to live
This Vegetarian Festival happens every year around October and it’s not for the faint of heart but if you skip the processions with all the bloody piercings in some mornings you still can enjoy plenty of festivities and vegetarian food. http://www.phuket101.net/2011/03/phuket-vegetarian-festival.html
I have first visited Phuket in 2006 and I’ve decided to move in right then. I’ve been living in Phuket Town since. Phuket really is an amazing place and it amazes you even more every single day you’ve spent in here.
I’d recommend to try local Thai food whoever planning to visit Phuket. Also socialize with locals. Also expats would be useful to get some tips and recommendations. You can meet with many expats if you visit Roxy bar or Rockin’ Angels pub in Phuket Town.
There are loads of nice hotels in Phuket. But also you may consider renting a villa especially if you are visiting with large group so it will come cheaper than hotel. (http://www.superholidayvillas.com/phuket-holiday-rental-five-islands-one/).
Phuket is really special holiday destination and everyone should visit at least once. And definitely you should read this amazing article to get loads of useful information. Thank you for this great write up.
Thanks for all the tips guys!
I’m planning my trip to Phuket for June or July. I’m taking my mom. Where will be a good area thats central to stay. We’re going for shopping and touring. Any affordable guesthouses that anyone can recommend?
Hey there, thank you very much for all the information that you have posted. I am heading to Phuket next week and this has helped more than you can imagine.
🙂 🙂 🙂
Thank you for letting us know! Enjoy it
I second your recommendation for Air Asia. I’ve traveled them to various destinations around Asia (and once back to the UK when they used to do their long-haul flights) and they’re an excellent airline. Sure, what you get is minimal and you have to pay for food and drinks, but their flights are cheap so it’s worth it and they are an excellent airline.
Hey people, what a great blog! Needing advice and tips on costs of living. Coming to Phuket in August for 3 months and am wanting to know how much cash to bring etc…. Accommodation is paid for… Thanks!
Just come back from Phuket and this is what we did : http://10daysinphuket.wordpress.com/page/2/ 😉
Thailand is really one of the most wonderful place in the world. Just by looking at the pictures it just added my excitement to go there.=D
I have always been wanting to go to Phuket since I was a college student. Right now I am in Singapore working for more than a year, I still didn’t have any chance to visit the place. This September when my american friend is coming to visit Asia, she is offering me to go with her since she is traveling alone. Hopefully I can go with her that time.
Phuket overpriced overcrowded full of rats and snakes mostly outside the populated areas.
Garbage everywhere drivers are stupid don t care kids or tourists. If you die in a Phuket road accident its nothing but normal.
And a smile you get only if showing your money. Thais like only themselves never ever farangs. They can bring their money and go. A land of pharisee.
I can still remember the photos and the videos of the great tsunami… But things must have changed a lot since then.
Phuket remains one of my dream destinations.
We’ve visited Phuket this summer with friends and it was a great fun! We really enjoyed our stay, from the beaches to the restaurants, everything was just perfect. As we were 5 couples, we’ve decided to try to rent a villa and it was probably the best part of our trip. If you too you’re traveling with a group, I’d recommend you do this, and by the way this is the company we contacted: http://phuketbestrental.com/
They’ve been very helpful and contacted me by phone to know what we wanted to do so they could pick up the best location for us.
I am a Sydney blogger going to Phuket ALONE, yes ALONE for 10 days in March as I am having dental work done. If there are any Aussie bloggers in Phuket at the time I would love to meet up to eat the street food!
Your post is great ! Thanks.
I wish also to add that diving in Phuket is also a very rich activity.
You can explore all islands around Phuket but under the water this time 🙂
Similan Islands are really one of the world’s top diving destination.
Beautiful pictures and good written article you have done a good work!
Phuket is an amazing place because everyone can find what he is looking for here. Many factors are combined together here – good infrastructure, natural attractions, amazing beaches, unique location right in the center of SEA. What makes Phuket perfect place to stop for travelers.
Phuket has everything.
If you need a busy and crazy place you go to Patong, if you need a tropical escape with almost no people go to the north of Phuket. And If you need even more peace go to some islands such as Ko Yao Noi or Ko Lanta.
Hi,we are travelling in two days to thailand.staying for 5 days in Phuket.am super excited and just worried that it should’nt be raining too heavily for us to travrl around the place.
We shall head to bankok n after that back to Dubai.
A very useful read. I found that if you book a car rental in advance (a few weeks before) from the airport, it’s actually cheaper to drive to your hotel yourself if you are staying about the beaches further south than hiring a taxi.
This is what I did the last time I was in Phuket. You’ll need a phone with Google Maps though as it can be hard finding your hotel if you don’t know where it is :D.
I can totally recommend Rainy’s Tourist and Taxi services. We’ve been in Phuket Thailand many times and only used Rainy’s travel services, she speaks very good english and is friendly woman. Also this year we will definitely be using her services, which are very much cheaper than tourist offices provide. It’s so good to find someone you can trust.
Contact info: Rainy mobile: +66843073993 or +66887541237
email: [email protected]
I’ll be traveling solo and would love to boat around the islands for 1/2 day – can you give me a company who would accommodate me? I’ll be there in September
Feel great to read your blog. Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and arguably the most famous. Blue waters, sandy beaches, great food, and diving are all part of the attraction. For relaxation and adventure, you can know more about famous places in phuket by clicking here: https://www.ixigo.com/places-to-visit-see-in-phuket-lp-1139236
Hi there,
I’m traveling alone (women 35 yrs).
Is there any dangers and what shall I avoid please ?
About night time, talk with local people, rules….
Thanks
Hi Roger,
I’ll be in Phuket for 2 weeks in October (on a budget and no drivers license I might say). What do you recommend on places to stay and places to visit?
Hi, I would like to know going to Similan Islands National Park and Phang Nga Bay, is it expensive and which is the best way to travel there.
Thanks
Jennifer
Hey man, thanks for this blog post. You wonderfully describe Phuket. This blog is about why visit Phuket. Oh Jesus..the title should be like this..you must go to Phuket. There are a number of reasons you should go to Phuket. It is a shopping heaven, the nightlife is incredible, taste delicious international foods. There are Buddha temples for peace, beaches for joy and the city for rejuvenate. Beside that Phuket has many luxurious hotels and resort which add more fun to your journey. You can find all the stuff under one roof. During my last vacation, I got the chance to explore the Phuket. I went to all the places you mentioned above. I enjoyed pool party, indoor games, fun on the beaches, spa at Karma Royal Phuket. The resort was magnificent with its luxurious rooms and infrastructure and beautiful view. Phuket is wonderful as your trip was. Thanks!
Hello i am going to stay at Kamala Beach for 5days in january, can you please tell me how much aproximately cost a visit to phi phi and james bond island ? Thank you
I can’t remember how much we paid. It was several years ago now so will be a different price. Maybe do a quick google search to see what you find
Wow it turns out very much that we can do in phuket, before I only know a few things about phuket. But it seems like I should speed up to get on vacation right away! And it seems I can be satisfied culinary tour here yumm. I plan to stay at AquilaPhuket, maybe you have a complete review about this place? Some things that interest me is it said the scenery here is very beautiful and we can get the sea tour and the surrounding waterfall. Is that so? I embed the web, maybe someone also wants to come here with me
Excellent post on Phuket, and nice pics too. Just wanted to throw my 2 cents here. Phuket is not as expensive as some make it to be. Costs can be very cheap, but not in the tourist areas.
I have been traveling in and around Thailand for quite a while, and Phuket is one of the best places in all of the country. The natural beauty is worth the little in price difference.
Wow, so much to do in Phuket! Great list, need to get there at some point. Thank you very much for sharing the list.
Thanks for sharing, really useful info. I am in love with Thailand, especially Phuket island. For me the most convenient way to explore this fantastic place is definitely motorcycle. It is rather cheap and it gives you opportunity to go wherever you want. It is important to plan your trip, motorcycles are not available everywhere. Here are some routes which you can find useful: https://phuket-motorbike-rental.com/5-motorcycle-rides-through-phuket/.
Thanks for summarizing all general information about Phuket.
My absolut must see in Phuket is “Big Buddha”. We go there everytime we go to Phuket.