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Phuket
Connected to the mainland by a bridge, Phuket is a popular spot in Thailand, famous for its gorgeous beaches and lively nightlife. There are plenty of activities for all types of travellers, like visiting temples, enjoying water sports, and checking out wildlife parks.
The island has amazing restaurants and relaxing wellness spas, perfect for unwinding and enjoying great food. Whether you're looking for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Phuket has something for everyone.
This travel guide shows the island's beautiful landscapes and must-see landmarks. You can try island-hopping, take sunset cruises, and savour delicious Thai cuisine and of course, snorkelling.
Definitely the place to be if you're looking for a lively atmosphere! It's famous for its nightlife, numerous water sports, and a wide range of restaurants, bars, and shops located right along the shore. People love hanging out there, not just for sunbathing during the day but also for all the fun and excitement that happens at night. Plus, the sandy beach goes on for quite a stretch, making it perfect for relaxing or partying!
It's not as crowded or noisy as Patong Beach, but it still has plenty of things to do and see. You can try some delicious local and international cuisine, or join in the fun of water sports like surfing, kayaking, or parasailing. Or, if you prefer, you can just lounge about with a pint and soak up the sun. Karon Beach is a great choice for families and couples who want to enjoy a peaceful and pleasant holiday.
Kata Beach is divided into two parts: Kata Yai and Kata Noi. Both are located on the west coast of Phuket and have great views of the Andaman Sea.
Kata Noi is smaller and more secluded, making it ideal for those who want to relax and appreciate the natural beauty without the crowds.
Kata Yai is larger and more lively, with hotels, restaurants and shops along the beachfront.
Kamala Beach is a perfect spot for families looking for a chilled-out holiday. It’s not a huge beach with a calm vibe and soft sand. You can soak up the sun, take a dip in the clear water, and enjoy the gentle waves. There are still plenty of restaurants along the shore serving up fresh seafood and drinks, so you’ll always have something to eat. Plus, there are hotels nearby. It also has a tsunami memorial next to the beach to pay your respects.
This might be just what you need. This beach is tucked away in a quieter part of the island. You can mingle with the friendly locals and the laid-back tourists who come here to escape the crowds. The beach has clear waves that are perfect for swimming or surfing, and a vibe that will make you feel at ease.
A 300-meter-long stretch of white beach near Patong, surrounded by hills covered with dense vegetation. It is one of Phuket's most beautiful beaches, with wonderfully smooth white sand and brilliant blue waters. There are coral reefs and vivid fish in the water, making it ideal for snorkelling. It is, however, difficult to reach, since you must either take a long-tail boat from Patong or climb through a steep and rocky path. If you wish to visit Freedom Beach, you should be prepared to pay a 200 baht entrance fee per person. At the beach, you may also enjoy beach football, volleyball, and some food and drinks.
Looking for another great place to chill and relax, you can't go wrong with Bang Tao Beach. It's one of the longest beaches in Phuket, with soft sand and clear water. You can also have some fun with the water sports available, like kayaking, jet skiing, and windsurfing. Or you can just lounge on a sunbed and sip cocktails (yeah, I keep mentioning the drinks), you don't have to drink, of course. Bang Tao Beach has some of the most luxurious resorts in Phuket, so you can pamper yourself with spa treatments, fine dining, and amazing views.
Surin Beach is a beautiful spot for swimming and snorkelling, attracting both locals and tourists.
Paradise Beach is 8 minutes from Patong Beach, with stunning scenery and clear waters.
while Ao Sane Beach is a rocky, hidden gem with colourful marine life.
Laem Singh Beach is a small beach located between Kamala Beach and Surin Beach.
Yanui Beach is a peaceful cove with clear waters, coral reefs, and marine life.
The Old Town
Old Town Phuket is at the heart of the island’s history and culture. It’s where you can see the influence of the Chinese, Portuguese, and Malay traders who have come through Phuket over the years. You'll find colourful colonial mansions, museums, shrines, cafes, and markets that show off Phuket's migration heritage.
Fun fact: the name “Phuket” comes from the Malay word “bukit,” meaning “hill.”
Here are some great things to do in Old Town:
1. Stroll around and check out the street art: The walls are filled with amazing graffiti that shares the stories of Phuket's people. Plus, the architecture is very European.
2. Try out the international food and shopping: There are tons of restaurants, cafes, and markets. Don’t miss out on mee hokkien (noodles with pork and seafood), oh-aew (shaved ice with jelly), and sweet roti (pancakes with banana and chocolate). The markets are also a great spot to pick up souvenirs and handicrafts.
Phuket has more than 30 Buddhist temples.
Here are some of the most popular:
Wat Chalong is Phuket's largest and most visited temple. It is well-known for its pagoda, which has a bone fragment of the Buddha. Many residents visit here to pray and make offerings to the revered monks who reside here.
Phuket Big Buddha: This is a massive white marble Buddha monument that rests atop a hill overlooking Phuket (in the picture). It is 45 metres tall and can be viewed from many locations in Phuket. It is a symbol of peace and harmony, and many visitors come to appreciate the panoramic views.
Wat Phra Thong: This temple has a unique mythology associated with it. A youngster is believed to have discovered a golden Buddha statue hidden in the earth, but when he attempted to pull it up, he died of an unknown fever. The statue was half-buried and has become a religious object. The temple was erected around it and is now one of Phuket's oldest.
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PLANE LANDS NEAR BEACH Mai Khao Phuket
Phuket has a little bit of everything for everyone!
Including:
Flying Hanuman (zip-lining)
Jungle Bungy Jump (bungee jumping)
Phuket ATV Adventure (ATV riding)
Phuket Rafting (white water rafting)
Oasis Spa (spa treatments)
Yoga Republic (yoga)
Atmanjai Wellness Spa (meditation)
and Phuket Thai Cooking Academy (cooking lessons) are all great places to unwind.
This page has a tour section. Click on the link to see all tours available:
Some more ideas
Phuket Art Village (art workshop)
Siam Niramit (Thai cultural show)
Bangla Boxing Stadium (Thai boxing exhibition) are a cultural highlights.
Splash Jungle Water Park (water park)
Jump Street Phuket (trampoline park)
Escape Break Phuket (escape room)
and Patong Go-Kart Speedway (go-karting) is a fun place to visit.
Heres the link again:
Which was established in 1934, is housed in a two-story Sino-Portuguese building that used to function as the sole school for the Hokkien Chinese language in the province (what a mix!). It is situated on Thanon Krabi, in the Talat Nuea sub-district. The lower floors of the museum offer a glimpse into the history and culture of Hokkien Chinese migrants in Phuket, including their customs, beliefs, and traditions. It's a nice visit showing off Phuket's reputation of being very multicultural throughout history.
You definitely don’t want to skip out on the stunning islands nearby! You can chill in Phuket and join one of the island-hopping tours, or you could grab a boat straight to Phi Phi Islands and kick off your adventures from there.
Plus, you can explore hidden lagoons, lie on the soft sandy beaches, and even do some snorkelling to see the colourful fish. Each island has its own vibe. Don’t forget to snap some pics to remember the trip—you’ll want to relive those epic moments later!
TRANSPORT
There are several ways to get to Phuket:
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By Air: Phuket International Airport is the main airport on the island, with direct flights from many international destinations including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as domestic flights from Bangkok and other Thai cities.
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By Road: Phuket is connected to the mainland by a bridge, so it's possible to drive or take a bus from Bangkok or other cities in Thailand. There are also bus services from nearby destinations such as Krabi and Phang Nga.
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By Rail: There is no direct rail link to Phuket, but it's possible to take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and then transfer to a bus or ferry to reach Phuket.
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By Ferry: It's possible to take a ferry from nearby islands such as Phi Phi Island, Krabi, and Phang Nga Bay to reach Phuket. There are also ferry services from Phuket to other popular destinations such as Koh Samui and Koh Phangan.
Use the Asian Public Transport link below to see and order your transport
Once you are in Phuket, there are several transportation options to get around:
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Taxis: Taxis are available in most areas of Phuket, but it's important to negotiate the fare before getting in.
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Tuk-tuks: These are small, open-air vehicles that are popular for short trips around town.
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Motorbikes and Car Rentals: There are several rental companies in Phuket that offer motorbikes and cars for rent. However, it's important to have a valid driver's license and insurance.
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Songthaews: These are shared minibuses that operate on fixed routes and are a cheap way to get around.
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Grab and Bolt: Just like Uber, these ride-hailing apps operate in Phuket and are a convenient way to get around.
You might want to rent a car at the airport to explore the island at your own pace. There are many car rental companies at Phuket International Airport, offering a variety of vehicles and prices. You can book your car online in advance or upon arrival, depending on your preference and availability.
ACCOMMODATION
I'm going to separate the best places depending on whether you're a couple, a family or a singleton.
First off Couples
Nai Thon Beach: Perfect for a quiet and romantic getaway with beautiful beaches and clear waters.
Mai Khao Beach: Offers privacy and tranquillity on expansive sandy shores.
Surin Beach: Ideal for couples seeking a mix of serenity and nightlife, with luxurious resorts and trendy clubs.
Kata Beach: Peaceful and laid-back, great for beach relaxation and access to dining options.
Kamala Beach: Tranquil alternative to Patong Beach with a fishing village charm and premium accommodations.
Karon Beach: A balanced option with a large, beautiful beach, water sports, and dining opportunities.
Patong Beach is Phuket's most vibrant destination, known for its vibrant nightlife, shopping, and entertainment. Ideal for couples looking for vitality, crowded streets, and a variety of activities.
Where should families stay?
Kata Beach: Popular with families due to the variety of activities available, though quieter options exist for those wanting peace.
Karon Beach: Quieter than Kata, with activities, hotels, and a central position, yet families frequently prefer Kata for greater comfort.
Kamala Beach: This authentic and quiet beach offers a local respite from Phuket's mass tourism.
Nai Harn & Mai Khao Beach: A Serene place away from tourist hotspots with a lovely beach and luxurious resorts; car rental is recommended for simple exploration.
Surin Beach: Private and luxurious, with the island's best beach, but at a high price.
Singles
The ideal region for singles to stay in Phuket is determined by your preferences.
Stay in Patong if you want to meet people and be near the action. This is a party area!
Consider Kamala, Nai Harn, and Bangtao Beach South if you like to avoid busy beaches! More relaxed getaway
If you want to meet travellers, consider staying at a hostel.
TOURS
There are many tours available in Phuket to suit all kinds of interests and budgets. Here are some popular tour options:
Island-hopping Tours: Phuket is surrounded by many beautiful islands such as Phi Phi Island, James Bond Island, and Coral Island. Island-hopping tours allow you to explore these islands, snorkel, swim and relax on the beach.
Snorkelling and Diving Tours: The waters around Phuket are teeming with marine life, making it a popular destination for snorkelling and diving tours. These tours take you to the best snorkelling and diving spots around the island.
Jungle and Elephant Trekking Tours: Phuket has many lush jungles and forested areas, and jungle trekking tours allow you to explore these areas while learning about the flora and fauna. Elephant trekking tours offer a unique way to explore the jungle, riding on the back of an elephant.
Sunset and Dinner Cruises: Watching the sunset over the Andaman Sea is a magical experience, and there are many sunset and dinner cruises available in Phuket. These tours allow you to enjoy the stunning scenery while enjoying a delicious meal.
Food Tours: Thai food is world-renowned for its delicious flavours and unique spices. Food tours in Phuket take you to the best local restaurants and street food vendors, allowing you to sample a variety of dishes.
Browse through the options below!
Phuket
Phi Phi Islands
Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular tourist destinations, and for good reason. It boasts magnificent beaches, a rich culture, great food, and an array of activities. Phuket has something for everyone, whether you want to relax on the sand, explore the underwater world, or party all night. However, Phuket is not the only site in the region worth visiting. The islands provide breathtaking scenery.
- Koh Phi Phi: This island group is well-known for having appeared in the film The Beach, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and even more exciting James Bond Island is a popular tourist destination in Thailand, famous for its appearance in the 1974 movie The Man with the Golden Gun.
Phi Phi islands are known for their beautiful turquoise sea, white sand beaches, and stunning limestone cliffs. Take a boat tour around the islands, snorkel or dive with the colourful fish, or trek to the viewpoint for a panoramic view.
Hua Hin
Chumphon
Ranong
Khao Lak - Koh Surin - Similan Islands
Phuket - Koh Phi Phi
Starting in Hua Hin, a popular beach town known for its stunning beaches, upscale resorts, and traditional Thai architecture, the tour will take you to Ranong, a province in southern Thailand known for its hot springs, waterfalls, and lush jungle landscapes.
Next, you'll explore the stunning beauty of Khao Lak and the nearby Koh Surin and Similan Islands. With crystal-clear waters, lush coral reefs, and abundant marine life, this area is a paradise for snorkelling and diving enthusiasts.
Your journey will then take you to Phuket, Thailand's largest island, where you can experience a mix of beautiful beaches, delicious street food, and vibrant nightlife. Finally, you'll head to Koh Phi Phi, a breathtaking archipelago known for its stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Throughout this tour, you'll have the opportunity to experience the best of Thailand's coastal destinations and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Klook is a great website for Phuket.
explore a city, go on land or sea adventures, or even learn a new set of skills.
NEARBY
Krabi is a very popular destination in Thailand, famous for its stunning natural scenery. It has many beautiful beaches, islands, and mountains that attract visitors from all over the world. Krabi offers snorkelling, kayaking, rock climbing, and hiking. You can enjoy the beauty of nature and relax in a tropical paradise.
