Phuket, surrounded by clear blue waters, offers everything for an unforgettable tropical getaway. Its palm-fringed beaches boast soft, pristine sand, while the vibrant nightlife pulses with energy. The island's diverse culinary scene means you can indulge in any dish you crave. Year after year, Phuket tops the travel charts as a holiday paradise—and with good reason. The island's stunning beauty, combined with the warmth of its people, makes it a destination travellers can't help but fall in love with.
Phuket and its surrounding islands are some of the most beautiful and intriguing in the world. Majestic limestone cliffs rise dramatically from the sea, and probably the most famous of these was used as a location for one of the James Bond films. It’s now known as 'James Bond Island', but its real name is Phang-nga.
Located off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is roughly the size of Singapore. The island's main town is Phuket Town, but many visitors prefer to stay in the beach resorts of Surin, Kathu, Karon, and the bustling Patong. Travelling from Phuket Town to Patong takes about 20 minutes. Phuket Town hosts government offices, major business hotels, and department stores, while the beach resorts cater to holidaymakers seeking sun, sand, and relaxation.
Phuket offers an interesting blend of cultural richness and natural beauty, perfect for any traveller.
Embark on island-hopping adventures, taking in the stunning scenery of neighbouring isles, or immerse yourself in local culture by taking part in a Thai cooking class. Luxurious spas offer rejuvenating treatments, providing a blissful escape from everyday stress. Visit serene temples to experience the spiritual side of Phuket, or kayak through breathtaking seascapes for an adventurous twist. Ethical tourism is encouraged with sanctuaries for rescued elephants, allowing visitors to support and learn about wildlife conservation. Pristine beaches provide ideal spots for sunbathing, swimming, and surfing, ensuring a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha & Wat Chalong
Old Phuket Town
Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip
Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island
Elephant Sanctuary
Thai Cooking Class
Monkey Hill Viewpoint
Phuket FantaSea
Splash Jungle Water Park
Golf
Phuket Seashell Museum
Phuket Aquarium
Thai cuisine has become one of the country’s biggest exports. Naturally, nothing can compare to the real thing. Why not sample a bowl of Tom Yum (spicy prawn soup), the classic Pad Thai, or perhaps Gaeng Phed Ped Yang' (roast duck in red curry) is more to your liking?
Bangla Night Market
Silk Restaurant & Bar
Pomodoro Pizza Restaurant
Royal Kitchen
Kan Eang 2
Na Rimtang
Plum Prime Steakhouse
All the resorts from Surin to Chalong Bay have a beachfront road packed with cafés and simple eating places. Some are part of a hotel; some are just simple eateries on the roadside. Too numerous to mention, just have a stroll and see what appeals to your taste buds.
Samero’s Icecream Paradise
A Spoonful of Sugar
UnforgetTable
Rose Espresso Cafe
The Coffee Club - Jungceylon
Equally, the bars of Patong run into the hundreds. The main bar areas are gathered around Bangla Square and Bangla Road. The road is traffic-free in the evening so you can wander along without the worries of the motorbikes. Off Bangla Road are some "Soi", which are lanes, but again without traffic. In these Sois, such as Soi Eric, Soi Cayote, Soi Gonzo, and Soi Easy there are even more bars.
Below are some of the best bars and nightclubs in Phuket, Thailand:
Patong Beach Nightlife
New York - Live Music Bar
Illuzion Phuket
Thai Boxing
The Fool Speakeasy
The Library Phuket
Phuket's shopping scene offers a wealth of treasures that reflect the island's vibrant culture and craftsmanship. Wander through its bustling markets and sophisticated boutiques to uncover a range of unique items, from luxurious Thai silk and lustrous pearls to colourful sarongs and intricate local handicrafts.
Whether you're exploring the lively streets of Patong or the more serene locales of Old Phuket Town, the island's shopping experience promises to be as enchanting and diverse as its landscapes.
Jungceylon
Phuket's Old Town
Jewellery
Naka Weekend Market
Central Festival Phuket
Chillva Market
Best Time to Visit
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.
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Phuket International Airport (HKT)
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.
Address: Phuket International Airport
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Phone: +66 76 351 122
Website: https://phuket.airportthai.co.th
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Passport/Visa
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.
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Website: www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa-services
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Public Transport
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.
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Taxi
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.
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Pharmacy
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.
Address: Boots Central Patong - 70/3 Bangla Roadd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket
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Post
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.
Address: Phuket Post Office - 10 Montri Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
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Phone: +66 76 211 010
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Telephone
Country code: +66
Area code: 076
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Electricity
In Thailand, the most common types of power sockets are Type A and B, which feature flat parallel pins and are familiar to those from the US and Canada, and Type C, which has two round pins and is widely used across Europe. Unique to the country is the Type O socket, boasting two round pins and a grounding pin, distinguished by its slightly thicker and wider pins.
The standard voltage in Thailand is 220V with a frequency of 50Hz.
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