The island of Phuket, Thailand’s largest and one of the top beach destinations, has much to offer the 10 million annual visitors who visit it yearly.
Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Asia and once you visit you will easily be able to see why. Expect beautiful beaches, amazing resorts, elephant sanctuaries, temples, markets, and lots of activities for every type of traveller.
Phuket isn’t one of the cheapest places to visit in Thailand, also not the most authentic, it is very developed and a popular location for luxury and package holidays. But there are still ways to visit on a backpackers budget, and also get off the beaten track away from the crowds.
View my top tips for visiting Phuket and get ready for an amazing trip.
Getting to Phuket
Getting to Phuket is very easy. If you are arriving from overseas, there is Phuket International Airport with connections to a number of airports around the world. You can fly direct to Phuket from places like Bangkok, Singapore, London, Sydney, Dubai, Istanbul and many others. From Bangkok, there are bus and train connections, whilst the other islands are connected by a ferry service. For the cheapest prices and to compare fares check out flights on Skyscanner.
How to get from Phuket Airport to Accommodation
Phuket Airport is one of the busiest outside Bangkok. You can get a cab, mini-bus or public bus to your destination. Average taxi fares from the airport are a little more costly than the other airports – around 400 baht to Phuket (30 minute journey), 550 baht to Patong (40 minute journey) and 650 baht to Kata/Karon (around a one hour journey).
Where to Stay in Phuket
These are some of the best areas to stay in Phuket:
• Phuket Town – Ideal for first time visits.
• Karon – Perfect for budget backpackers.
• Patong – Where to stay for bars, clubs and nightlife.
• Kata – My personal favourite – a very relaxed and beautiful destination. Check out my guide to the best hotel in Kata beach).
• Kamala – Ideal for families with children.
For the best hotel rates and deals I use Booking.com.
Attractions & Top Things to Do in Phuket
While Phuket has some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand there are many other attractions that should be on your do list.
If you want to escape the tourist resorts, and I highly recommend you do, check out sightseeing tours on GetYourGuide or Viator.
These are some of the things you really shouldn’t miss when visiting Phuket:
- A Phang Nga Bay cruise is a day long trip beginning with a trip on an air conditioned bus from your Phuket accommodation to the jetty. After boarding a traditional Chinese junk you will cruise through the idyllic bay, visit James Bond Island and enjoy a traditional Thai buffet. A bus ride back to the hotel completes the trip.
- A 4-hour tour of Old Town Phuket begins with an air-conditioned ride among the many beautiful beaches, with stops at the Karon lookout and a visit to the sacred temple Wat Chalong. Many nationalities live in this community and there are many shrines and temples of Buddhist and Chinese origin.
- The Simon Cabaret Show occurs daily at 7:30 and 9:30 in the evening featuring glamorous performers, hi-tech lighting and sound and unique costumes. The show has been selling out since 1991.
- Containing 135 tons of Burmese marble and standing 45 meters high, the Big Buddha in Phuket offers an amazing view for tourists as well as views of Phang Nga Bay. A private minivan will transport you from your hotel on this tour.
- For luxury and pampering check out how to treat yourself to a relaxing day in Phuket.
- Voted the second best tour in Phuket the Fantasea show features a great combination of Thai culture and theatrics. The largest buffet in Asia, seating 4000 people, combined with great shopping adds to this must see event. Covering over 140 acres this theme park contains a carnival style village featuring games and amusement.
- A 12-hour tour that begins after lunch and has you kayaking in the limestone caves of Phang Nga Bay is not to be missed. A Thai seafood dinner is served at sunset and then the fun begins with night kayaking using natural lighting sources as your guide.
- The golfer on vacation need not miss playing 18 holes at Blue Canyon. Built as one with its surroundings this golf course features lush fairways and greens and beautiful scenery including the mountains of Phang Nga in the background. While you golf your family can enjoy two swimming pools and the world renowned spa.
- Six different combinations of the Phang Nga Discovery Tour are available. Featuring whitewater rafting, elephant trekking, ATV riding and swimming, there is something for everyone in this tour package.
- The Elephant Hills Safari Overnight Tour combines African safari camping with the jungle environment of Thailand. Instead of your Phuket accommodation, sleep in custom-made tents in the rain forest of south Thailand. Many different activities are offered, including canoe trips and elephant trekking.
- The Phi Phi Islands speedboat tour is a favorite. Jet out to Phi Phi – one of the islands you shouldn’t miss in Thailand, before the crowds and snorkel in strikingly clear waters, mingle with the monkeys in Monkey Bay and enjoy a fabulous lunch buffet on the island itself.