Located in the south west of Thailand, in the Andaman Sea, around 540 miles to the south of Bangkok, Phuket is the largest, most established and most popular island resort in Thailand, and welcomes more foreign tourists each year than any of the other islands. Nicknamed the Pearl of the South, the island of Phuket boasts some beautiful beaches, as well as tracts of tropical inland rainforest, mountains (in fact 70% of Phuket is covered with mountains) rocky cliffs and and broad bays as well as a fantastic range of accommodation options ranging from backpacker style beach accommodation to luxury spa hotels. The weather in Phuket is warm year round, and the waters of the Andaman Sea are excellent for diving, as well as other watersports. Away from the beaches though, there is still plenty to do – there are world standard championship golf courses on which to test your skills, tropical forests to explore, numerous off shore islands to visit, and stunning bays to cruise around. The most popular resorts on Phuket are Patong, Kata and Karon, where the busiest beaches are also to be found. If you drive to more remote beaches, you will be rewarded with some peace and quiet not to be found on the bustling shores of Hat Patong.

Although most visitors to Phuket are looking for a relaxing beach break in combination with shopping and perhaps some nightlife, there is also much more to the island than simply sun worshipping and retail therapy. Beyond the beach, visit Phuket Town, where you will find some fascinating architecture which tells the story of the Portuguese, Chinese, Indian, Arab and Malay influences that over the years have come to bear on Phuket; the town is also home to some great restaurants serving the speciality spicy dishes of the region.

As with so many other destinations in Thailand, shopping is a pleasure in Phuket, be it in the tourist markets of Patong, or in the shops of Phuket town.

Phuket boasts a lively night life, with Patong at its hub. Here you will find countless bars, pubs and nightclubs, as well as some of the infamous “girly bars” for which the resort has become known. There are beach bars throughout the island, and the other resorts also have their own share of nightlife, but nothing compares to a night out in Patong!

Of course, wherever you are in Thailand, eating out is nothing short of a pleasure and Phuket is no exception. Larger hotels offer a wide range of international cuisines, but the local cuisine can be sampled all over the island – try out the street stalls and local restaurants and taste the wonderful fresh seafood, especially lobster, for which Phuket is known.

WHEN TO GO TO PHUKET
Phuket has two distinct seasons; the rainy season falls between May and October and the hot season between November and April, with the wettest months being September and October. The best time to visit is between November and February.

Getting To Phuket

Phuket is easily accessed by air from Bangkok, with several domestic airlines operating flights on the route. Phuket Air operates daily flights between the two, a journey of just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Bangkok Airways offers daily flights between Pattaya and Samui and Phuket. There are also flights on Thai Airways International, which link Phuket with Bangkok, Surat Thani, Narathiwat Province and Hat Yai. Other airlines operating flights to Phuket include One to Go by Orient Thai from Bangkok, Air Asia and Nok Air, also from Bangkok, and Destination Air which provides first class sea plane transfers to various hotels and resorts in the Andaman Sea, including Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi. If you are planning to either start or end your Thailand holiday in Phuket, then there are several direct flights between the island and various international destinations including Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Singapore, Hong Kong and even Sydney. Airlines operating these routes include Singapore Airlines, Silk Air, Malaysia Airlines, and Dragon Air.

Phuket’s international airport is around 20 miles north of Phuket Town, and journey by taxi that costs around 400 baht (100-200 more for transfers to the beach resorts).

It is also relatively easy to get to Phuket by bus – there are regular services of varying classes (including VIP, air conditioned and non air-conditioned) operating between Phuket and the neighbouring provinces of Krabi, Surat Thani (for Koh Samui), and Trang, amongst others.

Getting Around Phuket

There is a local bus service linking Phuket Town with the major resorts on Phuket, but the best way of getting around the resort areas of Phuket is by tuk tuk (motorcycle taxi) or sawngthaew It is also possible to hire a car or motorbike on the island and there are numerous rental outlets dotted throughout the resorts.

Top Ten Things to See and Do in Phuket

1. Beaches and Islands
Of course most visitors to Phuket have come for the beaches and certainly there are plenty to choose from on the mainland of the island, as well as numerous off shore islands. Here is just a selection of our favourite beaches, from bustling resort beaches to more idyllic deserted island retreats:
Patong Beach is the best known beach on the island of Phuket and is the centre of the the island’s sometimes raucous nightlife. There are plenty of restaurants, bars and clubs that come alive at night, and during the day it isn’t much quieter – don’t come here expecting an authentic Thai experience – Western fast food and coffee joints abound. The beach itself is around a mile of golden sand with plenty of water sports on offer as well as Thai masseuses and beach vendors. Swimming is generally safe year round but waves can be bigger during the South West monsoon season between May and October. Kata Beach (comprised of Kata Noi or Small Kata, and Kata Yai, or Big Kata), is located around 10 miles from Phuket City, and is a favourite for snorkelling, as there is abundant sea life as well as some beautiful coral. There are numerous beach activities on offer on both of the beaches, and there is also plenty of accommodation bordering on the beaches, ranging from budget backpacker hostels to luxury five star hotels. Kata Noi is popular with surfers during the monsoon season (May to October); 
not far up the coast from Kata is Hat Nai Han, a stunning beach boasting pristine white sands and turquoise waters. There are also two lagoons, which are surrounded by a wide range of tropical plants, including rubber trees, making this a beautiful place to stay – and it is a lot less developed than some of the neighbouring beach areas, making it the ideal place for a relaxing, peaceful holiday. Visitors should be aware that swimming is not recommended between May and October; 
Hat Karon is the one of the liveliest and most popular beaches on Phuket though is less hectic than Patong Beach, and is just ten miles from the city. There are numerous hotels and shopping arcades close to the beach, and plenty of entertainment, both during the day and the night. The beach itself is stunning, with over a mile of white sand, where watersports are popular; 
Hat Kamala is a bit further from the main town, some 15 miles distant, and is a relatively secluded beach that is popular with those looking for complete relaxation and an “away from it all” holiday. There is an enclosed bay and the resort itself is really no more than just a fishing village and arguably one of the most scenic places in Phuket. 
Bang Tao Beach in the laguna area of Phuket’s north, is an area of contrasts – luxury hotels and many locals going about daily life co-exist. Visitors to this part of Phuket tend to be hotel based as there are so many facilities in the numerous high class hotels here. There is a golf course, and numerous other activities laid on for guests of the six luxury hotels that make up the Laguna Phuket Resort, one of the largest resort complexes in all Asia. Facilities include horseriding, watersports, rock climbing, and elephant rides. 
Going further afield than Phuket itself, there are stunning beaches on the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Khao Lak, as well as on the mainland coast of Krabi (see below).

2. Temples
In Thailand, you are never very far from a temple, and Phuket is no exception. There are numerous temples to visit in between visits to the beach – here is just a taste of some of the best known temples on the island: 
Wat Chalong or Wat Chaitararam to give it its official name, has played an important part in Phuket’s history, and there are numerous stories that surround the temple, including ones of the healing role played by the temple in the battles between Chinese secret societies in the 19th Century. The temple is arguably the most important on Phuket; 
Wat Prathong (or Wat Pra Phud) is known throughout Phuket for the half buried golden statue of the Buddha, or Luang Poh Prathong, that can be found in the temple grounds. The temple, built in the 1750s, whose name literally translates as Temple of the Protruding Buddha, is not the largest on the island but is still worth a visit, and there is a museum in the grounds which houses a variety of historical items, as well as a reclining gilded Buddha; 
on Karon Beach, and unique as it is the only temple in this setting, is Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, worth a visit as it very attractive – the main building of the temple complex features images telling the story of Buddha’s life, including his “Ten Lives”, and his struggle with evil before his enlightenment; 
Wat Phranang Sang, or Temple built by a queen, is Phuket’s oldest temple and the interior features murals of the Buddha’s life as well as significant historical events. There is also a large reclining Buddha, and the largest tin Buddha heads in the whole world. 

3. National Parks
Phuket is not just about beautiful beaches and a bustling nightlife – there are still tracts of virgin rainforest to be explored. The Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, in the north of Phuket is a great place for walking – from leisurely strolls by the famous Tonsai waterfall to the five mile trek right through the park between Tonsai and the bang Pae waterfall. It is advisable to take a park guide with you if you are embarking on the 4 mile trek, although guides are available no matter which route you are planning to take, and they will help you get the most out of the park, helping you spot the wide variety of wildlife. An entrance fee of 400 baht is payable on entry. The Sirinath National Park encompasses a vast area stretching west from the international airport and all the way up to the northern coast, and incorporates beaches and a mangrove forest – there is an 800m wooden walkway and nature trail running through the park, and the whole park is well signposted with information about the native flora and fauna. 

4. Phuket Town
Of course, the beaches of Phuket are the main attraction of this island resort, but visitors would be wise to take some time to explore the capital city of the island, Phuket Town, which is so often overlooked by visitors. The town boasts some fascinating architecture with Portuguese and Chinese influences, as well as a plethora of shops, markets, restaurants and bars

5. Wildlife Attractions
Take a break from the beach and head to one of Phuket’s numerous wildlife attractions to see native species in a protected environment. Phuket Zoo, near Chalong, is home to a wide variety of animals, including monitor lizards and tropical birds and butterflies. There are also numerous shows on throughout the day, the stars of which include monkeys, snakes, elephants and crocodiles. The zoo is open daily between 8.30am and 6pm. Snake shows are popular throughout Thailand, as it provides a safe way of seeing some of the 50 native species that can be found in the country. See the spitting vipers and King Cobras from a safe distance at various locations around Phuket including the Andaman Cobra Show just north of Chalong Circle, or at the Phuket Shooting Range in Chalong. There is also a small snake farm close to Simon Cabaret, south of Patong. The Phuket Aquarium has recently undergone a huge refit and is now a major attraction on the island. There is a 10 metre long glass tunnel giving great views of the inhabitants of the tanks.

6. Cabaret
Phuket is home to a number of cabaret shows, perhaps the most well known of which are Simon Cabaret and Phuket Fantasea. Simon Cabaret is a fantastic transvestite extravaganza featuring glitzy costumes you would expect from Las Vegas rather than Phuket! The show lasts around 1 ½ hours. Phuket Fantasea is a theme park complex spread out over an area of 140 acres on Kamala Beach a mile or so north of the resort of Patong. It is a relatively new addition to the resort’s night time entertainment options. It purports to be the best evening entertainment on the island. It showcases many of Thailand’s traditions and its exotic heritage through the medium of technology – the evening show lasts four hours and is well worth a visit – tickets include entry to the show and dinner too. 

7. Action and Adventure
For those looking for a bit more action than the gentle stroll from hotel to beach and back again, there are plenty of options available. The larger beaches all have a range of water-sports on offer, including windsurfing, jetski-ing, parasailing and many more. Also on offer in Phuket are elephant trekking, bungy jumping, mountain biking, rock climbing, abseiling, and ATV riding.

8. Museums
Holidaymakers in Phuket may not immediately think of spending time visiting museums but there are a couple that are worth a mention. The Thalang National Museum is located just north of Phuket City and contains numerous artefacts and relating to the long history of Phuket, with particular reference to the Battle of Thalang, when the Two Heroines who are celebrated in the nearby monument defended their home island from the invading Burmese in the 18th Century. Other displays relate to the tin mining history on Phuket, as well as exhibits about daily life and the celebrated Chinese heritage of the island. The museum is open every day from 8.30am til 4pm except public holidays. The Phuket Sea Shell Museum is a fascinating museum in Rawai, just south of Chalong Bay, which contains some of the world’s most valuable seashells. One of the most important exhibits is the largest golden pearl in the world, as well as a shell that ways a staggering 250kg. The museum is open daily from 8am til 6pm.

9. Diving
Diving is also popular in Phuket, reputed to be amongst the top ten dive sites in the world, and the Andaman Sea is home to some of the best dive sites in Asia. Divers might also be interested to go out on the Phuket Submarine, that operates five dives each day, taking 48 divers out into the waters to the south east of Phuket.

10. Golf
Golf is another popular sport in Phuket and there are four golf courses on the island, including the Blue Canyon Country Club, which has won several international awards, the Laguna Phuket Golf Club, located within the resort complex, Mission Hills Golf Club, located in amongst mangroves and rubber plantations.

Beyond Phuket

Koh Phi Phi
A popular trip from Phuket is to the Phi Phi Islands, six small but stunning islands that rise from the sea, covered in jungle and fringed with pristine beaches. The islands offer a laid back atmosphere – in fact one of the islands, Phi Phi Lei, is uninhabited and the other Phi Phi Don has no roads. Access to the islands is by ferry, speedboat or seaplane – the ferry takes around two hours from Phuket, and the terminal is just an hour’s drive from Phuket International Airport. There are two ferries a day to and from Phuket, usually leaving around 9-10am and around 2pm. Private speedboats are also popular as you can charter your boat to leave when you want to and to go directly to your choice of accommodation. It is not advisable to travel by speedboat during September and October when the sea can be rather rough. A seaplane service to Koh Phi Phi started in 2007 meaning you can now fly direct from either Phuket or Patong to Phi Phi – and get some amazing views on the way.
There are numerous activities to keep you busy during your stay in the Phi Phi Islands – diving and snorkelling, canoeing or rock climbing, or just exploring the coast, there won’t be a dull moment! Of course, the beaches in Phi Phi are a massive draw, and there are some truly spectacular beaches here – some of the most popular include Loh Dalum Bay, an enclosed bay with beautifully warm water, soft white sand, and a range of water-sports, including wakeboarding and parasailing. There are few waves here so sea kayaking is also very popular, as is snorkelling. Another popular beach is Long Beach, which boasts perhaps the softest and whitest sand of all the beaches on the islands. It is located on an island just a five minute longtail boat ride from Tonsai Village (you can walk it during the day, but the walk is over rocks between different beaches and up jungle tracks so not advisable during the night!) Accommodation on Long Beach is generally in beach front bungalows, some of which are basic, others belong to top end high class resorts. Kayaking and snorkelling are popular activities on Long Beach.

There are a number of tour operators offering short breaks to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket, usually including transfers, a couple of nights accommodation, sightseeing trips and some meals. 

Kho Yao Islands
In the middle of Phang Nga Bay are the large islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, halfway between Phuket and the mainland of Krabi. These islands are developing swiftly but nonetheless are significantly quieter than the more popular destinations of Phuket and Krabi. Activities on the islands include swimming, snorkelling, hiking, kayaking and the eco-friendly homestay programmes offered by local residents for which the islands are become known. The residents of these islands welcome visitors warmly but nonetheless want to preserve their traditional ways of life and so it is important that visitors respect the local culture – dress modestly and don’t drink alcohol outside of the tourist resorts and restaurants. The beaches are generally to be founds on the east coast of the island, whilst the west coast is home to rice fields.
You can get to the Koh Yao islands by long tail boat ferry from Phuket, a one hour journey that costs 50 baht. There are three departures a day. The islands are a convenient stopping off point if you are travelling between Phuket and Krabi, and there are a variety of beach bungalow and resorts on Yao Noi.

Similans and Surin Islands
These two island groups are home to some of the best dive sites in Southern Thailand. Located around 60 miles north west of Phuket (an 8 hour slow boat ride, or a 90 minute speed boat ride from the coast of Phang Nga), the Similans Islands are nine granite islands rising out of the ocean, boasting some of the best beaches, clearest waters, and over 20 different chartered dive sites. Visibility is good in the area, averaging up to 25 metres, but often in excess of 40 metres. The islands are busiest between December and March when visibility it at its best. The group of islands were declared a marine national park in 1982, and so has not been over-developed.
The Surin Islands, about 40 miles off the coast of Phang Nga province, are also popular with divers, and also with hikers as the islands form part of a designated national park.
On the east coast of the islands are some hard coral gardens, but all over the island group you will find a host of tropical fish, as well as whale sharks, leopard sharks and rays. Even if you are not lucky enough to see all of the above, you can still enjoy the stunning beaches, magnificent coral, and amazing underwater granite rock formations.
Some 12 miles or so north of the Similans is Koh Bon, one of the best places in the Andaman Sea to see manta rays, as well as leapord sharks. 

Khao Lak
Khao Lak is located on the mainland, in the province of Phang Nga, north of Phuket. It is relatively new to the tourist map, but is well worth a visit as it comprises so many different attractions – national parks, beaches, mountains, forests and rivers, and there are numerous activities in all of these landscapes, including elephant trekking, rafting, hiking and kayaking.
But don’t feel you have to be energetic all the time – the beaches here are perfect for a relaxing break. Khao Lak Beach is the southernmost beach of the resort, and is fringed with trees making it a wonderful shady spot on a hot day. Nang Thong Beach is a lot more lively in relative terms, but it is still far from being crowded! There are a number of hotels along the beach, with restaurants and bars. Some of the more popular beaches include Bang Niang Beach, Khuk Khak Beach, and Pakweeb Beach. 

Khao Sok National Park
Llocated to the east of Khao Lak and just a 90 minute journey from Phuket, Khao Sok National Park is part of the biggest rainforest area in the South of Thailand, and is home to a number of great attractions, as well as plenty of flora and fauna that flourish in this intact jungle environment. The best ways to explore the jungle are either from the back of an elephant, or in a canoe heading down the Sok River, which cuts through the jungle. 

Krabi
See separate entry on Krabi.