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Ultimate Guide to Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and diverse attractions.
Whether you’re seeking relaxation on pristine shores, exploring rich cultural heritage, indulging in mouthwatering cuisine, or seeking thrilling adventures, Phuket has something to offer for every type of traveller.
In this guide, we will provide you with essential information and recommendations to make the most of your visit to Phuket. Read on and explore this captivating destination!
Time Zone
Indochina Time (GMT+7)
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Phuket is during the dry season, which typically runs from December to March. This period offers pleasant weather with low humidity, clear skies, and comfortable temperatures.
It’s ideal for enjoying the island’s beaches, water activities, and outdoor adventures. The peak tourist season falls between December and February, so expect larger crowds and higher prices during this time.
If you prefer fewer tourists and lower rates, consider visiting in the shoulder months of November and April.
However, do note that Phuket can still be enjoyed throughout the year, as even the rainy season, May to October, has its own charm with occasional showers and lush green landscapes.
Things to Know
Whether you’re a beach enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or someone intrigued by Thai cuisine and local traditions, understanding key aspects of Phuket will help you make the most of your trip.
Currency: Thai Baht
(Check the current exchange rate)
Language: Thai
Calling Code: +66-76
Payment: Carry cash in smaller denominations for convenience, although credit cards are widely accepted in most tourist areas. ATMs are easily accessible throughout Phuket.
Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Thailand, but it’s appreciated for exceptional service. Check if a service charge is included in your bill before tipping, and round up taxi fares or leave small change as a gesture of appreciation.
Local Customs: Respect Thai customs and traditions. Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites, remove shoes before entering temples or homes, and be mindful of local customs and etiquette.
How to Get Around
When it comes to getting around in Phuket, there are several transportation options available:
Taxis: Taxis are widely available in Phuket, particularly in tourist areas. You can find them at designated taxi stands, near hotels, or hail them on the street.
Make sure the metre is running or agree on a price before starting the journey.
Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks are three-wheeled vehicles that operate as shared or private transport. Negotiate the price before getting in, as they often don’t use metres.
Songthaews: These are converted pickup trucks with covered seating in the back. They operate as shared mini buses along designated routes.
Songthaews are a cost-effective option for getting around, but they may not follow fixed schedules.
Motorbike Rental: Renting a scooter or motorbike is a popular way to explore Phuket independently. Many rental shops are available throughout the island.
However, renting a scooter in Phuket requires some considerations:
- Choose a reputable rental shop and inspect the scooter before renting. Look for signs of damage or any mechanical issues.
- Ensure you have a valid international driver’s permit specifically for motorcycles. Plus, check if your travel insurance covers motorbike accidents.
- Familiarise yourself with local traffic rules and road conditions.
- Always wear a helmet and appropriate protective gear. Be cautious of other vehicles and watch out for pedestrians.
- Fuel stations are widely available on the island. Most rental scooters operate on gasoline, so make sure to refuel when necessary.
Where to Stay in Phuket
Phuket Sunny Hostel
Address: 22-24 Dibuk Rd, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Phone: +66924265861
Pricing: ฿ (Rates start at 500 THB per night)
Phuket Sunny Hostel is the perfect spot for budget travellers! It’s right smack in the centre of Phuket Town, making it super convenient to explore the area without breaking the bank.
They’ve got dormitory-style rooms, so you can meet other cool backpackers and share some awesome travel stories.
But here’s the best part: Phuket Sunny Hostel is just a stone’s throw away from bustling markets, shops, and tasty eateries.
Lub d Phuket Patong
Address: 5/5 Patong, Sawatdirak Road, Kathu Subdistrict, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Phone: +6676530100
Pricing: ฿ (Rates start at 800 THB per night)
Lub d Phuket Patong offers all kinds of rooms to suit our preferences, whether you want some privacy in a private room or you’re up for the adventure of staying in a shared dormitory.
But wait, it gets even better. They’ve got a rooftop swimming pool where you can soak up the sun and take a refreshing dip.
Plus, it has a bar, café, and communal kitchen for socialising. The prime location near Bangla Road and Patong Beach is what makes it even better.
Beyond Resort Kata
Address: 1 Soi Pakbang, Karon, Amphur Muang Phuket 83100, Thailand
Phone: +6676360300
Pricing: ฿฿ (Rates start at 2,500 THB per night)
Beyond Resort Kata is a beachfront resort situated in the charming Kata Beach area. It offers a range of accommodation options, including rooms and suites with modern amenities and stunning views.
Our favourite part is it features a pool, spa, fitness centre, and multiple dining options–talk about convenience!
Plus, its prime location allows guests to enjoy direct access to the beach, while also being within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
The Shore at Katathani
Address: 18 Kata Noi Rd, Karon, Maung, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Phone: +6676318350
Pricing: ฿฿฿ (Rates start at 13,500 THB per night)
The Shore at Katathani is a luxurious beachfront resort located in the Kata Noi area. With private villas, stunning ocean views, and a tranquil atmosphere, this resort is all about privacy and relaxation.
You can indulge in spa treatments, enjoy gourmet dining options, and take advantage of personalised services. Plus, the stunning infinity pool and direct access to the pristine beach add to its allure.
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort
Address: 168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4 Cherngtalay, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
Phone: +6676317200
Pricing: ฿฿฿ (Rates start at 9,800 THB per night)
Anantara Layan Phuket Resort is a five-star resort nestled on the picturesque Layan Beach. It offers luxurious accommodation options, including rooms, suites, and private pool villas, all designed with elegant Thai-inspired décor.
We’re particularly impressed that it features a spa, fitness centre, multiple dining outlets, and a kids’ club.
Plus, you’ll conveniently be located near popular attractions like Patong and Phuket Old Town. It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure!
Where to Eat in Phuket
No. 6 Restaurant & Bar
Address: 69 Soi Prabaramee 3, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Operating Hours: Daily 24 hours
Pricing: ฿
Category: Thai food restaurant
No. 6 Restaurant & Bar is a popular dining spot located in the heart of Phuket Old Town. It offers a charming ambiance and features Thai dishes, prepared with fresh ingredients and artistic presentation.
From flavorful curries and stir-fries to delicious seafood and grilled meats, No. 6 offers a delightful culinary experience.
You can choose to enjoy their meals in a cosy indoor setting or opt for outdoor seating to soak up the vibrant atmosphere of the town.
Bang Mud Floating Restaurant
Address: Thailand, Phuket, 73 Laem Hin Road, Ko Maprao, Phuket Town
Operating Hours: Daily 10AM to 8PM
Pricing: ฿฿
Category: Seafood
The Bang Mud Floating Restaurant is a unique dining experience in Phuket, Thailand. It’s situated on a ramp, allowing guests to enjoy delicious seafood while taking in the picturesque views of the sea.
They’ve got everything from grilled fish to juicy prawns and delicious crabs. It’s the perfect place for a romantic dinner or a fun gathering with friends.
Trust me, this unique dining experience will leave you with unforgettable memories on the peaceful waters of Phuket.
Baan Rim Pa
Address: 249/4 Prabaramee Road, Kalim, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Operating Hours: Daily 12PM to 11PM
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Category: Thai food restaurant
Baan Rim Pa is a renowned restaurant in Phuket, offering an exquisite dining experience with stunning views of the Andaman Sea.
It specialises in authentic Thai cuisine, featuring a blend of traditional flavours and innovative presentations.
They offer dishes like green curry, pad Thai, and crispy duck, all prepared with the finest ingredients and meticulous attention to detail–talk about presentation!
Surf & Turf by Soul Kitchen
Address: 115 Phangnga Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday- 6AM to 10PM; Sunday-Closed
Pricing: ฿฿
Category: International food restaurant
Surf and Turf restaurant by Soul Kitchen is a trendy dining establishment offering a comfortable and stylish experience in the heart of Phuket’s old town.
It offers succulent beef cooked to perfection, alongside a variety of fresh seafood options, including scallops, prawns, and lobster.
Blue Elephant Restaurant
Address: Krabi Road 96, Talat Nuea, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Operating Hours: Daily 11:30 AM to 9:30 PM
Pricing: ฿฿฿
Category: Thai food restaurant
Blue Elephant Restaurant is a culinary institution in Phuket, known for its authentic Thai cuisine and elegant setting.
Its menu showcases traditional Thai dishes, prepared with a focus on preserving the original flavours and cooking techniques.
You have to try their classics like Tom Yum Goong, Green Curry, and Mango Sticky Rice! They have that perfect balance of spicy, sour, and flavorful that will have your taste buds doing a happy dance.
What to Do in Phuket
Visit the Big Buddha
A visit to the Big Buddha is a must-do when in Phuket. This iconic landmark sits atop Nakkerd Hill and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the island.
Prepare to have your mind blown by the massive 45-metre-tall statue. It’s seriously impressive, and you’ll feel like an ant standing next to it.
But that’s not all! They’ve got all these smaller statues, meditation areas, and even a rad museum to check out.
Explore Old Phuket Town
You have to check out Old Phuket Town when you’re in town! The buildings there have this cool Sino-Portuguese style that’s been preserved so well, and the street art is just mind-blowing!
You’ll also find all sorts of unique handicrafts and souvenirs in the local shops. There are also these cute little cafes, trendy art galleries, and street food stalls where you can stuff your face with all the tasty treats.
And guess what? On Sundays, they have this epic Walking Street Market where you can feast on local cuisine and score some awesome finds.
Relax on the beaches
You’ve got some epic choices when it comes to beaches in Phuket.
Patong Beach, Surin Beach, and Karon Beach are popular choices, offering a range of facilities and beachside restaurants. For a more secluded experience, consider visiting the hidden gems like Freedom Beach or Paradise Beach.
Oh, and if you’re up for some adventure, it also offers awesome water activities! Snorkelling, kayaking, you name it!
Go on a jungle trek or ziplining adventure
Exploring Phuket’s lush jungles is gonna be an adrenaline-fueled adventure like no other! You can trek through the jungle, explore hidden waterfalls, and who knows what kind of amazing wildlife you’ll come across.
And if that’s not enough, how about soaring through the treetops on an epic zip lining experience? Trust me, when you’re flying through that forest, you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world!
Enjoy water sports like snorkelling and diving
If you’re into water sports, Phuket is the place to be! I’m talking about snorkelling and diving in those crystal-clear waters and getting up close and personal with the stunning underwater world.
Popular snorkelling and diving spots in Phuket include Racha Yai Island, Phi Phi Islands, and Similan Islands. And don’t worry if you’re new to diving, they’ve got options for all skill levels.
Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
For an ethical and enriching experience, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. This sanctuary provides a safe and natural environment for rescued elephants.
You can learn about the gentle giants, observe their behaviour, and participate in activities like feeding and bathing them. The sanctuary promotes responsible tourism and educates visitors about elephant conservation and welfare.
Go on a short hike to visit famous viewpoints
Phuket boasts stunning viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramas of the island’s landscapes.
Popular viewpoints include Promthep Cape, Karon Viewpoint, and Windmill Viewpoint. You get to enjoy the scenic beauty of Phuket from above, with sweeping vistas of the coastline, lush hills, and sparkling waters.
Explore the Islands around Phuket
Phuket is surrounded by a cluster of beautiful islands that are worth exploring. Taking a boat tour or hiring a private longtail boat to visit islands like Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, and Similan Islands is an experience we could not get over with.
Each island has its unique charm, making island hopping an unforgettable experience.
Explore the local culture
Phuket isn’t just about those stunning beaches. It has a rich cultural scene that’s worth exploring!
They’ve got temples, Thai entertainment and delicious local cuisine. And hey, keep an eye out for our awesome local festivals too!
They’re a blast and a great way to experience our traditions up close. Trust me, I can tell you that Phuket’s cultural scene is something you won’t want to miss!
Enjoy the nightlife
Phuket’s nightlife is renowned for its vibrant energy and entertainment options. Patong Beach, in particular, is famous for its lively nightlife scene.
You can check out the vibrant Bangla Road with its bars, clubs, and neon lights, offering a mix of music, dancing, and entertainment.
Our favourite part is whether you prefer a relaxing drink by the beach or a lively party atmosphere, Phuket’s nightlife has something for everyone.
Where to Shop in Phuket
Central Phuket
Operating Hours: Daily 10AM to 10PM
Central Festival Phuket is the largest shopping mall on the island, located in Phuket Town.
This multi-level complex houses a vast selection of shops, including local and international brands, fashion boutiques, electronics stores, beauty and cosmetic outlets, and more.
The mall also features a food court, restaurants, a cinema, and entertainment zones, ensuring a comprehensive shopping and leisure experience.
Jungceylon Shopping Mall
Operating Hours: Daily 11AM to 10PM
Jungceylon Shopping Mall is situated in the heart of Patong Beach, offering a mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment. With numerous retail outlets, fashion boutiques, jewellery stores, and souvenir shops, Jungceylon has something for every shopper.
The mall also houses a wide range of restaurants, cafes, and a multiplex cinema. After shopping, you can enjoy live performances at the mall’s cultural centre or indulge in a relaxing spa treatment.
Phuket Weekend Night Market
Operating Hours: Saturday and Sunday- 4PM to 10PM
Phuket Weekend Night Market is a vibrant and bustling market that comes alive on Saturday and Sunday evenings. It offers a fantastic opportunity to experience the local culture and indulge in street food and shopping.
The best is it’s packed with stalls selling a wide variety of goods, including clothing, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, and electronics.
While there, we enjoyed exploring the maze of stalls, sampling delicious Thai street food, and immersing ourselves in the lively atmosphere of this popular night market.
Kata Night Market
Operating Hours: Daily 2PM to 11PM
Kata Night Market is a lively market located in Kata Beach, attracting locals and tourists alike. There are also live music performances, creating a vibrant and entertaining atmosphere.
It offers a range of stalls selling clothing, accessories, toys, and souvenirs at affordable prices. You can also sample an array of delicious street food, from grilled seafood and Thai delicacies to international snacks.
Banzaan Fresh Market
Operating Hours: Daily 6AM to 12AM
Banzaan Fresh Market is a bustling local market situated in Patong. It’s a great place to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and experience the vibrant colours and aromas of fresh produce.
It’s known for its wide selection of fruits, vegetables, meats, seafood, and spices– which is something we find impressive. You can also find stalls offering freshly prepared Thai dishes, snacks, and desserts.
Which Beaches to Visit on Phuket
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Phuket, offering a vibrant and energetic atmosphere. It boasts a wide stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters.
Plus, it’s known for its water sports activities, including jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.
We enjoyed that it’s also lined with beach clubs, bars, restaurants, and shops, making it a popular destination for those seeking both beach relaxation and vibrant nightlife.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is a picturesque and family-friendly beach located on the west coast of Phuket. It offers a more laid-back and relaxed ambiance compared to Patong Beach.
It’s known for its clear turquoise waters, soft white sand, and gentle waves, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is the second-largest beach in Phuket, offering a tranquil and scenic retreat. With its long stretch of soft sand and calm waters, we consider it as an ideal setting for relaxation.
It’s less crowded compared to Patong Beach, making it a popular choice for those seeking a quieter beach experience.
Plus, it’s also a home to a variety of restaurants, resorts, and beachfront bars, where you can enjoy stunning sunsets while sipping on a refreshing drink.
Surin Beach
Surin Beach is a beautiful and serene beach known for its clear turquoise waters and pristine white sand. It’s surrounded by lush green hills and swaying palm trees, creating a picturesque backdrop.
The area is dotted with high-end resorts, beach clubs, and upscale restaurants, offering a sophisticated and tranquil setting for relaxation and indulgence.
Kamala Beach
Kamala Beach is a charming and laid-back beach situated north of Patong. It features a wide stretch of golden sand, inviting turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere.
It’s an ideal destination for families and those seeking a more peaceful beach experience. You can find beachfront restaurants, cafes, and bars offering a variety of cuisines, including fresh seafood.
Kamala Beach also hosts a weekly night market where you can sample local food and shop for souvenirs.
What to Expect from Phuket Weather
Phuket enjoys a tropical climate, characterised by warm temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. Here’s what you can expect from Phuket’s weather:
Dry Season (December to March): The dry season is considered the best time to visit Phuket. During this period, you can expect sunny days, minimal rainfall, and lower humidity levels.
December to February is particularly popular, with cooler temperatures and calm seas, making it perfect for outdoor activities, water sports, and exploring the beaches.
Wet Season (June to October): The wet season in Phuket is characterised by occasional heavy rainfall and higher humidity. However, it’s important to note that rainfall patterns can be unpredictable, and it often doesn’t rain continuously throughout the day.
While the rainfall can limit some outdoor activities, it also brings lush greenery to the island and offers a more tranquil and less crowded atmosphere.
Monsoon Season (mid-May to October): The monsoon season in Phuket falls between mid-May and October, with September being the wettest month.
During this period, there can be heavy downpours and occasional thunderstorms. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast and plan indoor activities or visit attractions that are less affected by rain.
It’s worth noting that some water activities, such as snorkelling and diving, may be affected by rough seas and reduced visibility during the monsoon season.
Overall, Phuket can be enjoyed year-round, as even during the wet season, there are plenty of indoor activities, cultural sites to explore, and lush landscapes to admire.
