Thailand’s largest island is framed by the sparkling Andaman Sea and white sand beaches for warm weather holidays that combine culture and renowned nightlife.
Phuket provides the paradise island beaches of magazine covers. However, there’s much more to Thailand’s popular coastal playground. A day might include kayaking around soaring limestone formations, visiting Buddhist temples and dining among Chino-Portuguese architecture. Alternatively, laze by the pool with cocktails at the swim-up bars of Patong’s fabulous resorts.
Visit Phuket at any time of year for balmy beach weather. November to April is the dry, sunny season. The monsoon season generally sees quick and refreshing downpours rather than relentless rain. Time your trip with the Phuket Old Town Festival in February. For sailing fans, visit during the annual Phuket King’s Cup Regatta.
Things to do in Phuket
If you love beach hopping, Phuket is the sandy heaven of your dreams. Patong Beach is an action-packed, white sand stretch with restaurants and hotels lining the road at the back of the beach. Stretch out on the soft sand of Kata Beach, a family-friendly favourite for surfing lessons and picnicking beneath the palm trees. Neighbouring Surin, Kamala and Laem Sing beaches offer tropical jungle backdrops and rocky outcrops for snorkelling.
Stroll around Phuket Old Town and photograph brightly coloured heritage buildings from multicultural early settlers. Pop in and out of trendy coffee shops and souvenir stores, along with markets and museums such as Thai Hua Museum. You’ll see the dazzling, white Phuket Big Buddha from across the island, high on the Nakkerd Hills. Visit for awe-inspiring views of the island and the gigantic statue up-close.
Outdoor activities in Phuket
Take your pick of boat tours to stunning destinations surrounding Phuket. Phang Nga Bay’s natural limestone cliffs came to fame as a James Bond movie backdrop. See James Bond Island’s (Koh Tapu) soaring pinnacle and visit Koh Panyee water village. Kayak inside caves to explore enclosed, emerald lagoons and surreal rock formations. Snorkel and dive over coral reefs to swim with colourful parrot fish in and around the Phi Phi Islands.
Back on land, fly through the treetops with ziplines and bridge challenges at Jungle Xtreme Adventures Park. In the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, hike to waterfalls and keep a lookout for protected wildlife such as mouse deer and gibbons. You’ll find numerous 18-hole golf courses across the island to tee off in style, including the Loch Palm Golf Club and the Blue Canyon Country Club.
Dining and nightlife in Phuket
Enjoy ocean views and colourful nighttime entertainment while eating pad thai and massaman curry when you visit Phuket. Take your appetite to Patong OTOP Shopping Paradise along Patong Beach for street food, beer bars and live entertainment. Family-friendly restaurants are dotted between resorts along the entire beachfront strip. From Nai Harn to Karon and Phuket Town, walkable neighbourhoods revolve around main streets teeming with eateries.
Book tickets to a show at the iconic Simon Cabaret for singing and dancing extravaganzas. At Siam Niramit Phuket, spectacular stage shows highlight the history and culture of Thailand. Phuket is renowned for beach bars and nightclubs across the island. However, Patong’s wild, wacky and always buzzing Bangla Road is the hub of live music venues and street performers among laneways filled with go-go bars.
Getting around Phuket
Phuket International Airport is approximately an hour by airport shuttle, public bus or taxi to Patong. Many hotels arrange private airport transfers on booking. Rent a car or motorbike from the airport or a range of providers across the island.
Tuk-tuks offer a fun way to get around between neighbourhoods. Otherwise, taxis and local buses are readily available. Base your holiday in resort areas including Patong, Phuket Town, Karon, Kata and Surin to be within easy walking distance of beaches, shops and restaurants.
