Phuket

Why visit Phuket?

Phuket may be famous for its beaches and its nightlife – but the island is steeped in a rich cultural tradition, too. Wandering the Old Quarter, getting lost in a maze of alleyways lined with colorful colonial buildings and street art, is one of the most rewarding things to do in Phuket.

Visitors to Phuket can also enjoy some of its signature dishes: whether it’s salty or spicy street food sizzling in woks or a rich, hearty Thai curry soaked up with circles of roti…snacks like sweet banana pancakes and mango sticky rice or, for the adventurous, an assortment of fried insects, street food in Phuket may be what keeps tourists staying even longer.

Phuket’s markets are as colorful and varied as its cuisine: by no means peaceful, but haggling for handicrafts and souvenirs is all part of the fun. The Sunday Walking Street Market on Thalang Road is a particularly fun experience for its vibrant atmosphere, varied dishes and locally crafted souvenirs. And if the bartering gets too much, remember those idyllic beaches are waiting to flop upon for some R ‘n’ R!

With a custom-made tour to Phuket, we can help you track down the best places to stay and eat, plus the best things to do in Phuket…beyond the beaches (though we won’t miss them, either!), bringing you the best the island has to offer.

Top things to do in Phuket

• Snorkelling & Scuba Diving: Phuket rivals Koh Tao for its amazing diving and snorkelling spots, plus its trusted dive operators. Booking a boat tour off Phuket or snorkelling directly off the beach is a perfect way to see its varied marine life.
• Shopping: Though it may not have the modern shopping malls of Koh Samui, Phuket’s got everything you could want in its lively markets. Patong, the vibrant wast-coast beach resort town, is great for clothes, souvenirs and handicrafts.
• Sun-Worshipping: Don’t forget to relax in the midst of all that activity! Kata Beach, to the south, and Kamala Beach, to the north are laid back, peaceful and very, very beautiful.
• Phuket Big Buddha: Big by name, big by nature, this 45-metre white marble statue offers amazing views of surrounding bays and beaches.
• Food Tours: An acclaimed UNESCO City of Gastronomy, Phuket city holds a variety of specialities to enjoy – and you can sample all of its flavours, from Southern Thai and Chinese to Peranakan, as part of a food tour.
• Get Fit: Fitness Street in Patong Beach includes state-of-the-art gyms, health food stores, trainers and group classes for travellers looking to work up a sweat, without the parties and booze.

When to visit – and how to get there

Phuket weather can most definitely determine the kind of holiday you have! If you plan on spending lots of time on the beach, or enjoying some snorkelling/diving, it’s best to avoid May to October, as the wet season and the south-west monsoon can mean plenty of rain and high humidity.

The best time to visit is probably from November to March, when Phuket weather is a lot more favourable. Days are mostly sunny and dry – and although it’s the north-east monsoon season, luckily the mainland blocks the rains, leaving cool breezes and blue skies over Phuket island. Expect pleasant temperatures of 24℃ – 32℃ and low humidity. Ahhh, bliss.

Getting to Phuket is pretty straightforward: yet another reason to visit this beach haven. Phuket International Airport (HKT) lies to the north of the island – so it’s just a quick hop over from the island of Koh Samui, the mainland at Bangkok or Chiang Mai, or elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

If coming from Krabi Province, Phuket is a short ferry ride away – and there are plenty of connecting routes to nearby islands like Phi Phi and Koh Yao.

Pack up for Phuket

With over 30 beaches, crystal-clear waters, tasty food and plenty of entertainment options, it’s no wonder that Phuket is one of Thailand’s top beach resort destinations. There are hundreds of hotels, hostels and resorts to choose from – and we’ve built relationships with the very best.

Once we get to know your preferences, and your budget, we can set you up with Phuket accommodation that’s perfect for your needs. Whether you want to be in the heart of the Old Quarter or chilling out on the beach, we’ll find you the right base for your trip to Phuket. Our travel assistants can also organise your journey here, your pick-up from the ferry or airport, and guide you on a Phuket island tour so you don’t miss a thing.

Ready to pack your bags yet?!

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