Why visit Phuket
Some of Southeast Asia's most famous beaches ring the island - Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi and Mai Khao among them - while Laem Phromthep Viewpoint counts among Thailand's best places to watch the sunset. Phuket is large enough that where you base yourself genuinely changes the trip: Patong for nightlife, Kata or Kamala if travelling with family, or the resort belt near Mai Khao for distance from the crowds.
Beyond the beaches, Old Phuket Town offers 19th-century Sino-Portuguese shophouses, art cafes and an old quarter easy enough to walk that it fits neatly as a half-day cultural detour from an otherwise beach-focused stay. Dining spans the same spectrum, from street-food stalls up to fine dining, so a trip of any given length can be run on very different budgets.
What sets Phuket apart from Thailand's other islands is how easy it is to reach and to leave: the airport handles both international and domestic flights, the drive from town to Patong takes about 40 minutes, and Rassada Pier, roughly 4 km southeast of Phuket Town, sends regular ferries on to Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Krabi - which explains why so many multi-island trips start here.
Things to see and do
Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
A full-day longtail or speedboat trip through limestone karsts.
Phi Phi Islands
Day trip by speedboat for beaches and snorkelling off Phuket.
Big Buddha Phuket
Hilltop viewpoint and one of the island's most-visited landmarks.
Old Phuket Town
Sino-Portuguese architecture, cafes and evening night markets.
Phuket FantaSea
Cultural theme park and evening show, popular with families.
Bangla Road
Patong's main nightlife strip for anyone who wants Phuket after dark.
If your stay runs longer, consider filling an evening or two with Wat Chalong, Siam Niramit Phuket, the Trickeye Museum, or a cabaret show such as Simon Star.
Good to know
| Details | |
|---|---|
| Best time to visit | November to February; hot March-May, monsoon May-October |
| Getting there | Phuket International Airport — domestic and international flights |
| Getting around | Phuket Town to Patong Beach, approx. 40 minutes by road |
| Onward islands | Rassada Pier ferries to Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and Krabi |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
Trips that include Phuket
5D/4N Phuket (2N) & Krabi (2N)
Two islands in one trip, connected by road and ferry.
7D/6N Phuket & Krabi Highlights
A longer version covering both islands' signature sights.
Want a city or a second beach alongside the island? Phuket combines well with Bangkok, Pattaya or Koh Samui within the same trip.