travel to phuket

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Jade-hued waves concealing rainbows of fish wash white-gold beaches wrapped in Phuketian heritage: Phuket (ภูเก็ต), Thailand's dazzling largest island, is so diverse you may never want to leave.

Attractions

Must-see attractions.

Hat Bang Thao

Beautiful 8km-long Hat Bang Thao is one of the longest, dreamiest beaches on Phuket. This slice of pearlescent sand is just asking for you to laze around…

Soi Romanee

Phuket Town

Branching off Th Thalang, in the heart of the Old Town, this small, vibrant street flaunts some of Phuket's most gorgeously revamped Sino-Portuguese…

High atop the Nakkerd Hills, northwest of Chalong Circle, and visible from half the island, the 45m-high, Burmese-alabaster Big Buddha sits grandly on…

Laem Phromthep

Come here to the island’s southernmost point to see the glittering Andaman Sea wrapped around Phuket. The cape is crowned by a mod lighthouse shaped like…

Hat Nai Harn

Ask a Phuketian or a local expat for their favourite island beach and many will choose Hat Nai Harn. A beautifully curved golden-white crescent with…

Phuket Thaihua Museum

Founded in 1934 and formerly a Chinese-language school, this flashy museum is filled with photos, videos and English-language exhibits on Phuket’s history…

Chinpracha House

Built in 1903 with tin-mining riches, this beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese mansion should make any antique- or architecture-lover's must-visit list…

Jui Tui Shrine

One of the island's most important Chinese shrines, this red-washed, elevated complex is dedicated to Tean Hu Huan Soy, god of performers and dancers. It…

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Phuket

The BEST PHUKET ITINERARY in Existence (2024 • UPDATED)

It is a mark of impressive self-control to resist the urge to make a bad Phuket pun. They’re not even half as funny as you initially think, and probably about a tenth as clever.

But Phuket, life is short, and it does wonders for publicity…

Beautiful beaches, night markets, big buddhas and questionable (or seriously legit) Thai cooking classes are all up for grabs. But how to fit in all this wondrousness in such a short time?

The answer is in hand with my top-tier Phuket Itinerary , written for the purposes of indulging your island hopping, street food chopping, Bang Tao Beach loving appetites. These three days may well be some of the most enjoyable of the year, decade, century… etc.

Let’s see what we can do in Phuket!

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A Little Bit About this 3-Day Phuket Itinerary

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Are you an edgy cool person intent on backpacking through Thailand ? Do you feel existential dread from the prospect of an unscripted day?

Then come on through! I am about to uncover some of the best things to do in Phuket , from delicious local dishes and beautiful Islands to authentic Thai culture…

This 3-day Phuket itinerary is set up to be busy, so don’t worry if you feel you can fit everything in! There’s an unreasonable amount to do here, and just taking part in some of it will give you a real feel for the place.

Your Phuket trip is (as always) up to you, so take what you fancy, drop what you don’t, and hopefully, you’ll have a baseline for your perfect personalised itinerary. Taking the time to visit Phuket and its top attractions will be an unreal addition to your Thai adventure!

3-day Phuket Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Phuket Old Town | Wat Chalong Temple | The Big Buddha | Kata Noi Beach | Prompthep Cape | Laem Hin Pier
• Day 2: Bang Pae Waterfall | Sirinat National Park | Bang Tao Beach | The Banzaan Market | Paradise Beach | Bangla Road
• Day 3: Patong Beach | Phang Nga Bay | Koh Panyi | James Bond Island

Before you head off on your travels, it’s worth getting to grips with where to stay in Phuket . Not only will this drastically improve the odds of your SO liking you, but it will also give you a good idea of what is up in this awesome Thai playground.

Phuket City (or Phuket Town) is Phuket’s capital and is the largest city for miles. If you enjoy learning about history and culture, Phuket City is the place to be. It has ok parties too.

Patong is the most popular tourist destination in the province of Phuket. With picture-perfect coastal views, stunning white sand beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful scenic surroundings, I can see why! If you’re searching for Phuket nightlife, Patong is where you want to be.

Karon beach is found on the west coast of Phuket island and is the second-largest tourist beach. Karon is just the place if you’re looking for out-of-this-world views, inviting turquoise waters and long stretches of white sand shores!

Staying with locals in Phuket  through a homestay is another awesome (and cheap) accommodation option, and it comes with a much more authentic feeling.

Best Hostel in Phuket- Lub D Phuket Patong

This magnificent Phuket Hostel was Voted in 2017 as the “Best New Hostel” in the world, and it must be seen to be believed. Take a dip in the see-through outdoor swimming pool, sunbathe on the huge terrace and treat yourself to a few delicious cocktails or beers. This is a place with vibe and friendliness oozing from the walls! Meet other travelers and enjoy the fun and relaxation of the space. If you’re looking for the beach, then it’s only 2 minutes away! If you want to hit the nightclubs & bars on Bangla road then you only have 5 minutes to walk.

Best Airbnb in Phuket: Luxury Room & Rooftop Pool with Phuket City Views

Enjoy amazing views and modern amenities in this luxury condo in Phuket Town. Located on the 11th floor, this contemporary condo offers guests a king-sized bed, colourful décor, and comfortable living space.

With free wifi, two swimming pools and a fitness centre, you won’t find a better Airbnb in Phuket.

Best Budget Hotel in Phuket – U Sabai Living Hotel

This Budget pick is constantly surprising punters with its spacious rooms, cleanliness, and great location. Phuket international airport is 40 minutes away by car, whilst the famous Patong beach is just a 15-minute walk. Traditional Thai massages are on offer, and each room has a private bathroom. Snorkelling and sightseeing tours can be arranged from the front desk, and the on-site restaurant offers a mix of great Thai and western dishes.

Best Luxury Hotel in Phuket – Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa

One of the best luxury resorts going, this family-friendly resort offers guests access to 3 swimming pools, 8 dining options and a private beach. There is a fitness centre, two whirlpool pools, and of course, a great massage centre. One of the bars even offers guests the opportunity to swim up to it. There are loads of activities for kids on offer too, which makes it super great for family vacations, as well as romantic getaways. If you’re looking to be pampered, look no further.

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We recommend BookRetreats as your one stop-shop to finding specialised retreats focussed on everything from Yoga to fitness, plant medicine and how to be a better writer. Unplug, de-stress, and recharge.

Ok, without further ado, I present to you my epic, super fun, mostly well-thought-out Phuket Itinerary…

…Enjoy!

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We got you. For reals.

Phuket Old Town | Wat Chalong Temple | The Big Buddha | Kata Noi Beach | Prompthep Cape | Laem Hin Pier

In and around Phuket, day 1 is all about getting to know your immediate surroundings. Then, we move down to southern Phuket, before returning to the city for a seaside dinner. Phuket city accommodation is preferred here!

8:00 am – Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is a must-see place in Phuket and provides you with different shapes and sizes of old Sino-Portuguese splendors, plenty of funky shops, and boutique cafes! Explore and find some of the most unlikely places that will surprise and delight at the same time.

Phuket Old Town is the heart of Phuket’s island and also happens to be the capital. This town is far from ordinary, and offers so much more than you might think! Grab breakfast, and get ready for an awesome day.

Phuket Town displays attractive and aesthetic buildings that date back to the 1800s. There is a unique blend of colonial and Chinese architecture, joint with a tangible quaintness. This makes for a fascinating and eye-opening morning spent sauntering around Phuket’s Old Town. Expect the unexpected and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures !

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? 1.5 hours
• Getting there – Either you’re staying nearby, or you can taxi or bus. Phuket city is the centre so it’s not hard to get to!

11:00 am – Wat Chalong Temple

This gorgeous temple showcases the brilliance of Phuket’s architectural creativity as well as the rich cultural history of religion on this island. Wat Chalong Temple is formally known as Wat Chaiyathararam and is a huge part of Phuket’s heritage!

Wat Chalong is the largest, most revered and most visited Buddhist temple in the whole of Phuket island. This temple was built at the beginning of the 19th century and is definitely at the top of our must-see places in Phuket.

You will see that the tallest building on the grounds of this stunning temple is the 60-meter tall stupa that shelters a magnificent bone fragment of the Lord Buddha. The walls and ceilings of the temple are adorned with beautiful and spiritually significant paintings that retrace the story of Buddha’s legendary life. Each of the three floors and also full of large donated golden statues.

• Cost – Free, but donations are appreciated
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour or less
• Getting there – Grabbing a taxi or bus from Phuket is relatively easy. It’s well-known so you shouldn’t have problems getting there!

12:30 pm – Phuket Big Buddha

The Phuket Big Buddha , otherwise known as The Great Buddha of Phuket, is a nobly seated Maravijaya Buddha statue in the south of Phuket island. The formal and official name is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri, shortened to Ming Mongkol Buddha. Find this marvelous statue sitting atop Nakkerd Hill.

The Big Buddha is a 45-meter-tall white statue made entirely out of marble and is visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket as it protrudes the skies. Visiting this outstanding landmark is at the top of most must-do-in-Phuket lists and we can easily understand why! This is a monument that pays homage to the spiritual history of Phuket and it is a sobering experience to go and see it! The views from this mountain also happen to be breathtaking.

Mostly built on people’s donation in 2004, The Big Buddha Phuket is actually still under construction. If you feel like doing something to help to finish the broad base of the Buddha, you can sponsor a piece of white marble!

Make sure that you get there before it closes at 7pm!

• How long should I stay here? 1.5 to 2 hours (with lunch!)
• Getting there – Taxi, it’s about a 20-minute drive from Wat Chalong. It’s a 6km walk, but up a hill and in the day might not be the best idea.

2:30 pm – Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Phuket. The white sands, gorgeous watercolour, and rising cliffs make this a top place to relax for the afternoon! The area gets waves good enough for surfers between May and October and is both pet and nudist-friendly. Kata Noi Beach is perched on the West Coast of Phuket, not too far from the Big Buddha.

Kata Noi is about 700 metres long, which means that if you’re looking for a bit of space, there is certainly that. There are also a load of activities to take part in; banana boating jet skiing and snorkelling are all possible past times here.

Hiking up to the nearby Karon viewpoint is a great way to put the beach into perspective. Enjoy some top-class views, and get familiar with some Thai jungle scenery!

• Cost – Free (it’s a beach!)
• How long should I stay here? around 3 hours. Get comfy!
• Getting there – It’s half an hour’s drive again from the Phuket Big Buddha. Grab a taxi if you can!

6 pm – Prompthep Cape

If you’re looking for a gorgeous sunset to finish the day off, then I have properly nailed this itinerary. The sunsets at Prompthep Cape are spectacular, but sadly this draws a pretty formidable tourist crowd. You can get a people-free shot by walking to the end of the Cape, but this isn’t an easy walk!

It’s at this point in the day when I start recommending alcohol. Bukito by Promthep Restaurant can offer dinner and drinks, but I’d recommend just going for a beverage or two – I’ve got a great dinner spot lined up for later. The Promthep lighthouse (also a small museum) is worth taking a look at, but it’s not worth staying much longer. Grab a photo, enjoy the sun setting, and get out of there!

People-watching here is excellent, since everyone is just waiting for a sunset photo.

• Getting there – Sorry to say it’s another Taxi or drive from kata Noi beach. Takes about 20 minutes.

8 pm – Laem Hin Pier

This is our evening endpoint. Located just north of Phuket City, you jump on a free shuttle boat which will take you out to a pier filled with some of the best local seafood places on the island.

Laem Hin is a vast wooden construction, but can still get reasonably busy. The seafood here is just amazing, so it’s understandable. It’s also cheap! So if you’re here with a family you can really go for the banquet experience.

After a long day, you’ll be ready to relax, so grab a beer or two, then head back to your Phuket Town accommodation for a good night’s rest. You’re going to need it!

• Cost – Pay for what you buy (<$10)
• How long should I stay here? around 2 hours
• Getting there – Long drive back to Phuket town (just under an hour). Then take the ferry shuttle over to the restaurant.

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Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Bang Pae Waterfall | Sirinat National Park | Bang Tao Beach | The Banzaan Market | Paradise Beach | Bangla Road

Day 2 is all about tripping, specifically day tripping, and getting out into the furthest reaches of North and Eastern Phuket. Staying near Patong beach will allow you to make the most of this day.

8:30 am – Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae waterfall is one of the top three best-known waterfalls in Phuket, perhaps four if you include a tiny one in Layan Bay, but only three are significant: Bang Pae, Kathu Waterfall and Tonsai Waterfall.

This is a must-see waterfall and getting there is an absolute adventure! Travel through the dense rainforests of Phuket, and see indigenous birds in their natural habitat. The waterfall is on part of a National Park which means you will also see some of the most spectacular jungle fauna!

Bang Pae waterfall is breathtaking and remarkably easy to reach. Take a stroll and see Thai teens and families playing in the stream as you walk up the hill. Visiting a waterfall is a wonderful way to spend a day during your weekend in Phuket, as this is when it is most busy and attracts the locals.

Grab a quick hotel/ hostel breakfast before embarking on this early-morning adventure!

• Cost – The entrance fee is THB 200 ($6,34) for the national park, and then you will pay either a THB 20 (63c) parking fee for a motorbike or THB 30 (95c) for a car.
• How long should I stay here? 2 to 3 hours
• Getting there – Worth hiring a taxi man for the day if I’m honest, but you can bike it too! It’s a 40-minute journey from Phuket Town

11:30 am – Sirinat National Park

The picturesque Sirinat National Park is found on the northwestern coast of Phuket Island.

There is such an atmosphere of peacefulness and so many new types of vegetation and wildlife for you to stumble across! Sirinat National Park stretches over a large amount of pine-fringed beaches, including Nai Thon, Nai Yang, and Mai Khao Beach.

Mai Khao Beach is famous for being the exotic home of nesting sea turtles, such as the leatherbacks and hawksbills! You can also explore tropical coral reefs that are clustered in the clear waters offshore and escape into massive mangrove forests in Sai Kaew Beach.

This is a truly amazing place to be, but it is rural. Pack some snacks for your day before you arrive. Lunch isn’t until later!

• Cost – The entrance fee is THB 200 ($6,34) per adult and THB 100 ($3,17) per child.
• Getting there – Sirinat National Park isn’t far from the Bang Pae Waterfall. Hop in your car, you’ll be there in 20 minutes!

Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for the birdlife, many famous and rare birds can be sighted within the canopies of Sirinat National Park! One of the most popular is the Kingfisher.

2 pm – Bang Tao Beach

If you fancy a slice of the untouched, then Bang Tao beach is for you! An amazingly quiet, pristine beach, it is a great place to doze away the hours of the early afternoon. You’ll need to – things heat up later.

Bang Tao beach is one of the longest beaches on Phuket island. It is relatively uncluttered, and much more peaceful than many of the other beaches in Phuket. There are great fancy restaurants at hotels, but there are some midrange and cheaper places too. Stop off for a relaxing lunch to rejuvenate. Since the beach is so long, I’d recommend heading for the Southern section. There are more places to eat, and it makes the next section of your journey shorter.

Sit back, relax, grab some lunch, and then spread out the beach towel for a little early afternoon sunbathing.

• Cost – Free!
• How long should I stay here? About 2 hours
• Getting there – Just head due south down the coast, it’s on the way to Patong beach. Takes around half an hour.

4:30 pm – The Banzaan Market

Get swept into the energetic and vibrant mass energy here and explore a new way of shopping. The Banzaan Market is a modern-looking Thai fresh market found on Sai Kor Road, behind the Jungceylon.

Take the time to check into your Patong beach accommodation, and then head back out to the Banzaan market!

You will basically come across all kinds of produce and crafts that you could expect at any other street market, but the Banzaan Market is hosted in a much more pleasant envious mentioned and is famous for being so well organized.

The locals go all out to showcase their best products, and you will be amazed at the bargains you can hunt for! This is a cultural way to end the last of your 2 days in Phuket!

• Cost – Entrance is free
• How long should I stay here? About 1 hour
• Getting there – Short taxi (or walk), after a half-hour drive from Bang Tao beach.

6 pm – Paradise Beach

The drinks are delicious, but the food is even better. Choose from their vast range of both Indian and Thai cuisine! We suggest going wild here and trying as many different dishes as you can!

Welcome to paradise! This magnificent and rather private beach is less than 200m in length and hosts a little rocky headland that kind of makes it two beaches if you want to get technical. Paradise Beach is a cosy and tiny cove near Patong and is famous for having lush and calm waters that feature a soft seabed mostly throughout the year.

Sunbathe or stroll the pristine white sand and be shaded by nodding palm trees, you will feel as if you are part of a photo shoot for a holiday brochure! Laze and allow yourself to emerge into the peaceful, picturesque environment that Paradise Beach provides.

Being the home of Paradise Beach Club, this magical cove even has a great choice of facilities, including upbeat restaurants, bars, sea kayaks, beach chairs and so much more. You can even get your party on and join one of Phuket’s only Koh Phangan-style beach parties !

I’d recommend grabbing dinner here, before heading back to Patong to experience the night life.

• Cost – The entrance fee is THB 200 ($6,34) per person.
• How long should I stay here? Around 2 hours
• Getting there – Paradise beach is about 20 minutes from the Banzaan Market, on the West coast.

10 pm – Bangla Road

Bangla Road in Patong is notoriously named for its highly energetic and lively nightlife! Bangla Road is a  must-visit while you’re in Phuket and you will find the experience to be unforgettable. The nightlife is at the top of its game and offers more clubs than anywhere else in Phuket! Bangla Road is also packed with a ridiculous amount of vibrantly lit bars, go-go bars, girly bars, and relaxed ex-pat bars – think lots of drinks, bizarre spectacles and music!

As the sun goes down, Bangla road becomes closed off to traffic, making it a wonderful space for easy pub-hopping! The neon lights and bars start to come alive and the music from all the bars starts to intertwine with each other.

Have a noisy, fun and energetic night out in this famous street and have a night that will open your eyes to a whole new world! This road in itself is an experience to be had and it can feel like you’re headed into a fantasy land. There are many side roads (called Soi’s in Thai) that lead off from Bangla Road. Here you will find even more bars, as well as mini clubs.

• How long should I stay here? All night, all day who knows? Tomorrow does happen at some point though so try and get a little sleep xx
• Getting there – Back to the hotel from Paradise beach (car/taxi 20 minutes), then walk out to the town from your hotel!

Insider Tip: When partying the night away, expect to be hit on by a few ‘women of the night’ and even ‘men of the night’ as Bangala Road is also the sex capital of Phuket. I would strongly recommend that you turn them down, as not all of it is hugely ethical.

Lub D Phuket Patong

Lub D Phuket Patong Is one of the most EPIC hostels in Phuket! This magnificent Hostel was Voted in 2017 as the “Best New Hostel” in the world, and it must be seen to be believed.

• Large see-through swimming pool

Patong Beach | Phang Nga Bay | Koh Panyi | James Bond Island

Day 3 is when we ditch the land and look seawards. Think island hopping, but better because I’m in charge…

Accommodation is up to you here, but staying near Phang Nga Bay might be easiest!

9 am – Patong Beach

A lazy morning is probably not just desired but needed after the previous evening’s revelry. Take an easy stroll down to the beach for a morning swim to wake you up. Grab some street food or breakfast too!

An army marches on its stomach, and there is still lots to do today! Rent a beach chair, drool on the sand a little, but ready yourself! If you’re feeling refreshed already, there is paragliding, jet skiing, and other beachy activities to get you pumped.

Take advantage of a beach massage if you really want to get the ball rolling, and there are always people who will sell you a smoothie by the side of the road. Try one! Patong beach is very much a love-or-hate thing. It is busy but super beautiful. If you don’t mind other people, then you should have a great time.

• Getting there – Short taxi, or walk from your Patong Beach accommodation.

12:00 am – Phang Nga Bay

Okay, this is where a visit to Phuket (although already brilliant) becomes truly legendary. Phang Nga Bay itself is made up of hundreds of different points of interest, and choosing which ones to do is entirely up to you!

I’ve included Koh Panyi and James Bond Island on the itinerary list because they are must-haves, but get exploring and you’ll have an awesome time here!

The cave of the reclining Buddha is a great place to start before heading over to Koh Panyi for some lunch. After James Bond Island, think about heading to Laem Haad Beach, Koh Panak, Koh Hong, Kudu Yai or the Koh Yao Islands. Since Phang Nga Bay has so much to do, and it’s relatively spaced apart, it’s worth getting either a private tour boat or joining one with others. There’s so much to see, and it’s not worth missing out on!

• Cost – 200 Baht ($6) for entrance, plus boat costs
• How long should I stay here? All day, but try the reclining Buddha first (around 1 hour)
• Getting there – Sadly, transfer over to Phang Nga from Patong takes around 2 hours. It is super worth it though! Hotels will often offer tours of Phang Nga bay, or you can join a private one!

1:30 pm – Koh Panyi

This fishing village is almost entirely built on stilts. There is brilliant seafood, which makes it a great lunchtime stop, but people know about it (so it can get crowded too). It’s up to you if you want to luncheon here, but sitting down and taking an easy lunch can be a great way to ease the effects of the two-hour drive in the morning.

It’s a pretty crazy village, and the natural scenery surrounding it is absolutely stunning. There is even a mosque on the island, which is worth having a look at. However, aside from walking the town and trying the seafood, there is not much else to do. Enjoy the environment and prepare for bigger and better things!

• Cost – To hire a private boat to the island it’s 1500 Baht (around $40). There are regular ferries which are much cheaper.
• How long should I stay here? under 2 hours
• Getting there – You can catch a longtail boat from Surakul pier, which takes around 20 minutes.

3:00 pm – James Bond Island

The famous James Bond Island (or Khao Phing Kan) gathered a lot of international interest, and now gets swarmed with tourists…

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it! It is a stunning place to be, and the cute coves and beaches make a visit very enjoyable. There are some interesting things to buy too, as vendors inevitably follow the tourist crowd.

James Bond island gets mixed reviews since many people go there. Like the Colosseum or Eiffel tower, people just want a money shot before clearing off. However, it is super pretty, and it’s worth going if you’re in the area anyway.

After you’ve enjoyed this tourist trap, I’d recommend chilling at a more relaxed beach until the bay closes at six, or going back to your hotel. If you fancy something active, there is a great range of outdoorsy ways you can explore the magical environment of Phang Nga Bay!

• Cost – Boats can range between 400 and 2000 Baht (for a private)
• How long should I stay here? an hour or less
• Getting there – Boat from Koh Panyi

If you have the time, here are some things that you might want to squeeze in. Alternatively, substitute (or add in) some of these amazing gems to give your trip a distinctly “you” factor…

Koh Racha, AKA Raya Island, is an island about 20 km south of Phuket. There aren’t any roads or cars, which makes this a haven for naturists. Lots of swimming, snorkelling and beaching is clearly on the cards.

Whilst you can certainly cover most of Raya Island in a single-day trip, if you really want to get a handle on this island, then I’d suggest staying over. There are some really really nice resorts, hotels and hostels that will have everything you need for a great stay.

The amazing Patok beach is a great place to sunbathe, and there are plenty of other things to take part in on the island. Fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing could form part of a top-class day.

• How long should I stay here? All day?
• Getting there – 30 minute speedboat from Phuket

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands were popularised by Leonardo Dicaprio and his pretty face. After he had been there, suddenly everyone else wanted to be there too, and it quickly became a tourist hotspot.

There are several islands in the Phi Phi archipelago, including the main island of Phi Phi Don. Bamboo Island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, pristine natural state, and amazing snorkelling and diving. Ko Yung (Mosquito Island) is similar but slightly larger. Both these islands are uninhabited.

If you’re looking for some truly unbelievable beaches and marine life, then the Phi Phi Islands are a top destination for you.

• How long should I stay here? Worth spending a night here. Lots to do!
• Getting there – Boat from Phuket City

Phuket Simon Cabaret

Experience something that you have never seen before with this intimate theater extravaganza! The show is a must-see attraction during your travels in Phuket! Witness an extravagant cabaret show with dancers in sparkly attire and even sparklier headdresses.

One of the oddest aspects that makes this show unusual is that it is probably the biggest “transvestite” cabaret show to be found in Phuket. This show features a spectacular musical floor show being performed by the world-famous “ladyboys” of Simon Cabaret.

See for yourself! You will be surprised how elaborate the costumes and makeup are, and how hard it becomes to tell the difference! Stunning costumes, bright lights, an excellent sound system, and expensive decorative sets are all part of this theatrical event that is not to be missed!

One of the coolest things to do in Phuket is to have a glamorous night out at the Simon Cabaret Show. See a variety of acts by dazzling men dressed as beautiful women complete with eye-catching costumes!

• Cost – Tickets are THB 600 ($18,83).
• How long should I stay here? 2 hours
• Getting there – Taxi, or walk in Phuket City

Phuket Sunday Night Market

The Phuket Sunday Market is known for having a hugely varied selection of curios and secondhand items on sale in a bustling market atmosphere! This is very different from the usual local markets where you can find copied T-shirts and cheap jeans. Hosted from the starting point at Thepkasattri Road and stretching all along the streets to Phuket Road.

All of the old Sino-Portuguese houses along Thalang road are brightly lit with ever-changing colours that add an extra spark to the festive mood created by this one-of-a-kind market! This beautiful historical street is very proud to be the first road on the entire island that is completely free of any large and ugly electric cables hanging around looking like a gigantic mess.

The market is an opportunity for you to try one of the Phuket specialities and explore your boundaries with cuisine! You can find a good mix of sweets and snacks to nibble as you walk. One of the most strange things is the horseshoe crab salad, which is not for the light-hearted!

• How long should I stay here? No more than an hour or two. The market is open from 4 pm til 9 pm
• Getting there – Taxi or walk

Phuket has a welcoming, warm and tropical climate. The beautiful temperatures are wayyy hotter than they are cold, and even when it’s cold, it’s really still quite humid.

The extremely rainy Monsoon season begins mid-May and goes on till October, but don’t let this deter you. This is when Phuket is quiet, so you can experience a more authentic cultural side of the places you visit. It’s the perfect time to visit Phuket’s museums too.

Phuket’s high tourist season is from November to February. During this time, the days are sunny and you won’t have a drop of rain! Making it perfect for lazy afternoons, sightseeing, hiking and water sports.

When getting from place to place in Phuket, there are several options to consider. Tuk-tuks are found everywhere in Thailand, so you will easily be able to hire one at any given time to get you from A  to B. Be sure your driver understands where you want to go and check for an authentic license before you accept your ride!

Hiring out a bike is an excellent option when travelling in Phuket, and is ideal for couples or solo travellers. There are many businesses that hire out bikes, and most hotels offer this service or will know a company.

Taxis are found easily, so hiring one is a good option and the prices are usually very reasonable! The locals are very used to tourists visiting Phuket, and can share some knowledge with you on the coolest places.

Walking in Phuket is beautiful, each place is pumping with vibrancy and culture! Meet the locals, find new spots and enjoy the street food. A lot of places in Phuket are easy to walk to, and it is well worth taking a stroll in some of the more culturally rich and scenic areas.

Packing for a tropical climate is the easiest packing you can do – couple of shorts and a t-shirt, and you’re good to go. Packing for thailand is usually straightforward.

The vast majority of the time, Phuket is a very safe place to visit, but it is good to know a few safety tips too. Be sure to keep your wits about you when dealing with locals after a few drinks, as things can get ugly if you lose your cool and start shouting or behaving like an ass. For the ladies, don’t drink alone or walk the streets at night by yourself, and watch out for drink spiking.

There are also some safety precautions to heed when swimming in the famous ocean waters of Phuket. Although Phuket’s main beaches are now well-staffed with lifeguards, there are still a number of drownings that occur each year. When the beaches are lined with red flags, these are a warning of strong waves and undertow.

Other safety measures would be simple things like, wearing a helmet if you rent a motorbike in Phuket, driving cautiously and never driving drunk as Phuket has the highest rate of car accidents in Thailand.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Phuket

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here’s what people usually ask us when they plan their Phuket itinerary.

Is a Trip to Phuket a Good Idea?

Probably one of the best you’ve had I’d say. Phuket is magical in every capacity, and taking the time to visit Phuket will boost your Thailand trip into the stratosphere. Not only is it relatively cheap, but it’s super beautiful too!

How long should I spend in Thailand, Phuket Island?

Ideally, you should spend around a week getting to know Phuket, but anything 3 days or above is great too. There is so much to do here, and it’s easiest to get fully comfortable here if you spend a little longer.

What are some awesome free things to do in Phuket?

There are heaps to do for free. Explore the fascinating streets of Phuket Old Town before hitting up one of the many beaches.

What are the best Phuket things to do at night?

Bangla Road is the epicentre of the nightlife scene in Phuket. Alternatively, try the Phuket Sunday Night Market if you want a different vibe.

Phuket is not only a beautiful paradise of long-stretching beaches but also a hub of cultural experiences and friendly locals just waiting to share their stories with you! Embark on the adventure of a lifetime and enjoy moments that take your breath away.

It doesn’t matter how many days in Phuket you spend, you are bound to take something back from the experience. Laze around and allow these lifelong memories to soak in, as you will fall in love with everything about the astounding and magical island!

With our Phuket travel guide, you will have the most amazing time of your life in this mesmerizing part of Thailand as each moment will be full of new experiences and wonderment!

Made it this far? You get 15% OFF to book a place to stay ! Offer valid exclusively for Broke Backpackers 😉

Clair Cathryn

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It’s my second time in Phuket, and I love it! I haven’t visited the Elephant Sanctuary and the Big Buddha yet. Thanks for the tips!

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How to Plan a Trip to Phuket 2024 (7 Things You Need to Know)

• 1. How Long to Stay in Phuket

2. The Best Things to Do in Phuket

3. the best time to visit phuket, 4. how to get to phuket, 5. where to stay in phuket, 6. meals in phuket, 7. need a visa or no need to get a visa.

Phuket enjoys the reputation of being the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea". It is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most popular beach destinations in the world, with fine beaches, glittering seas, white sands, nodding palm trees, lively towns, and high-end seaside resorts.

1. How Long to Stay in Phuket: At Least 3 Days

A visit to Phuket usually takes 3 to 7 days, and you can plan a trip of suitable length according to your preferences.

It takes at least 3 days to explore Phuket, and spending 4 days there is the most popular choice.

Covering an area of about 540 sq km (200 sq mi), Phuket and its surrounding regions offer a variety of activities for families, groups of friends, and couples.

• Day 1: explore beaches freely
• Day 2: take a trip to Phi Phi Island
• Day 3: visit Phuket's Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
• Day 4: discover Phuket town

If you have a flexible schedule and enjoy your stay in Phuket, you can extend your stay from 5 to 7 days.

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Indulge in Leisurely Beach Time

Most beaches in Phuket lie along the western coast. Surin Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach are recommended for their quiet, non-touristy vibe and are more suitable for a leisurely holiday.

Explore Phuket's Big Buddha and Wat Chalong

These two sacred Buddhist sites are very close to each other. Located on a hill, the glistening white Big Buddha is 45 m (140 feet) tall and can be spotted from Karon Beach. Wat Chalong is the biggest Buddhist temple in Phuket and is known for its unique building style.

Take a Trip to Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi stands out among more than 30 outlying islands around Phuket for its soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, natural rock caves, and the untainted tropical scenery, making it one of the most popular beach destinations in recent years.

Wander about in Phuket Town

Many visitors head straight to the beaches, so Phuket town is often forgotten. You can walk around the Old Town, which is rich in history and culture.

Explore the historical buildings and mansions built in the colonial style, wander into a temple or museum, visit the weekend market, and relax in a quaint cafe when tired.

Go Island Hopping

There are more than 30 islands around Phuket. The most popular contenders for island hopping are Phi Phi Island, the Similan Islands, Racha Yai Island, and Coral Island.

Take the Phang Nga Bay Cruise

Phang Nga Bay is considered to be the most beautiful location in Phuket and its surrounding areas. You can cruise through the dramatic limestone islands and occasionally stop to enjoy the quiet beaches.

Join a Thai Cooking Class

This is a great choice for those who love the exotic flavors of authentic Thai food and want to learn its secrets. A market tour to choose fresh and natural ingredients is included.

Savor Phuket's Night Markets

Night markets in Phuket are always fun, intense, colorful, surprising, and fascinating, with a variety of local merchandise available at a bargain as well as mouth-watering local delicacies. Naka Market, Lard Yai, and Chillva Market are recommended.

November to April is the best time to visit Phuket . This period is the dry season in Phuket and the weather is very pleasant. You can sunbathe in the warm sunshine and enjoy various water sports in the sea. This period is also the high season. If you plan to travel during this time, please avoid popular spots such as Patong Beach.

May to October is the rainy season and also the off-season for travel. If you plan to travel in this period, you may miss water sports such as scuba diving due to the rain. However, it is a good time to take advantage of quiet beaches and cost-effective rooms.

Phuket has an airport, Phuket International Airport (HKT). The best way to get to Phuket is taking a flight.

Sydney, Melbourne, Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Siem Reap, Beijing, Moscow, and Seoul have direct flights to Phuket.

In Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Koh Samui have direct flights to Phuket.

Phuket airport lies in the north of Phuket. From the airport, it takes about 30 minutes to Surin Beach, 50 minutes to Patong Beach, one hour to Karon Beach, and 40 minutes to Phuket town by road.

Learn more on How to Get to and around Phuket .

Tourism in Phuket is well developed, and you can expect accommodation of a good standard. From economy hotels to luxury villas, located in beach areas to the town, you can easily find one to suit your requirements.

Most hotels are clustered around Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach.

If you enjoy partying and are looking for a lively vibe , you can consider booking a hotel in the Patong Beach area. Patong Beach is the heart of Phuket and offers a colorful nightlife and a variety of bars, restaurants, and shopping options.

If you prefer a quiet vibe, you may like to choose a hotel on Karon Beach or Surin Beach.

Here are our recommended hotels on these beaches for your reference:

• Arinara Bangtao Beach Resort (Bangtao Beach)
• Twinpalms Phuket Resort (Surin Beach)
• Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (Karon Beach)
• Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach (Patong Beach)
• Burasari Resort (Patong Beach)

Thai dishes feature sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavor profiles. Different regions of Thailand have slightly different preferences. Phuket is located in the south of Thailand. The dishes there are slightly spicier than in other regions.

Phuket is rich in lobster, oysters, squid, and other seafood. Seafood dishes cooked in the Thai style tend to have a unique taste profile. The most popular seafood restaurants and stalls can be found in Patong Beach . Karon Beach also has a seafood street that attracts visitors all around.

Another feature of Phuket's dishes is that they are cooked with coconut milk. Mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, chicken, and galangal are cooked in coconut milk, offering a special flavor.

Besides restaurants, night markets are the best place to explore local delicacies and immerse yourself in the local community.

Don't worry if you can't get used to the Thai style. You will find more international cuisine there — Western, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Turkish, Chinese, etc.

Passport holders from 57 countries are exempt from obtaining a visa to visit Thailand.

If you hold a passport from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, or 46 other countries, you can visit Phuket without applying for a visa .

Explore Phuket with Us

We welcome the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Thailand. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodation, and activities that best suit your requirements.

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Travelers guide to the amazing island of Phuket, find the best things to do, places to go, travel tips and advice.

Phuket Travel Guide Contents

Places To Go | Things To Do | Hotels & Resorts | Tours | Weather & When To Go | Getting There & Around | See & Do | Where To Stay | Day Trips & Excursions | Typical Costs | Money Saving Tips | Safety Tips | Recommended Resources | Transport | Travel Blog

Welcome to Thailand Travel Hub’s complete guide to Phuket, Thailand’s world-famous tropical paradise which attracts millions of tourists every year, and for good reason. Located on Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman sea, this incredible destination offers something for everyone, whether you want to relax on a secluded white sand beach, shop till you drop in a modern mall or Thai night market, or even indulge in the infamously hedonistic nightlife of Patong. With fantastic weather, delicious food, stunning beaches and friendly locals, a trip to Phuket is an experience not to be forgotten.

Discover the best hotels and resorts, the best beaches, the best activities and the best places to shop and eat on the island, along with our essential travel tips and advice, travel resources and booking information, all here in one place. Phuket has a vast array of accommodation options, with everything from the most basic hostel dorms to five-star ultra-luxury spa resorts, here you can find all the key information which you need to ensure that you choose the place that’s best suited to you. Wherever you choose to stay, Phuket is a great choice and you can look forward to an amazing holiday experience surrounded by lush tropical vegetation and crystal clear azure waters.

Places To Go View All

Wat Chalong

• Add to favorites

Kata Noi Beach

Sirinat National Park

The Big Buddha

Things To Do View All

Merlin Divers Phuket

Smile Bar & Restaurant

Blue Tree Phuket

Patong Boxing Stadium

Hotels & Resorts View All

Baan Laimai Beach Resort

Price ฿2000 - ฿6000

The Yorkshire Hotel

Price ฿800 - ฿3500

Safari Beach Hotel

Amari Phuket

Price ฿ 5000 - ฿ 13000

Tours & Activities View All

Pawara: Thailand Liveaboard Diving Trip

Tour Destination Similan - Koh Bon - Koh Tachai - Richelieu Rock (Tablamu Pier - Tablamu Pier)

Price $142 / Day

Phuket: James Bond and Hong Island Luxury Sunset Cruise

Price Now Just $120.18

Phuket: Phi Phi, Maya, Bamboo, and Maiton Island Day Trip

Price Now Just $91.55

Ferry Transfer Between Phuket and Koh Phi Phi

Price ฿300 / $9.86

Phuket Travel Guide Map

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Weather & When to Go to Phuket

Like the rest of Thailand, Phuket has three seasons; "cool", "hot", and "wet" (the monsoon season). But don't be deceived, the cool season is actually still hot, so a better description would be "hot", "very hot", and "monsoon". The best time to visit is undoubtedly between November and April when you will find that the conditions are optimal for enjoying the beaches and engaging in water-sports or boating activities, with a good amount of sun and minimal rain.

The cool season is November to February when you can expect average daily temperatures of 25°C. This is followed by the hot season from March to May, when you can expect temperatures of around 30°C, and the rest of the year, June-October is the monsoon season when you can expect temperatures of around 28°C. During the monsoon season, the rain can be torrential, heavy enough to make driving very hazardous, and it can stop and start very quickly. Despite this, visiting during the rainy season can still be fun as you will find fewer tourists and should be able to secure a better deal for your accommodation – but just make sure any plans you have are flexible to allow for the downpours.

How To Get To Phuket

Phuket is connected via two road bridges to the mainland in the Phang Nga Provence, although there are also speedboat transfers from Ko Hae, Ko Phi Phi and Krabi. If you’re traveling from Bangkok to Phuket , there are several transport options from flights leaving Don Mueang or Suvarnabhumi Airports, VIP buses from the southern bus terminal or Khao San Road, or a combination of train and bus from Bangkok's Hualampong train station.

Getting to Phuket by Plane – Flying is the easiest way to get to Phuket, with most travelers stopping at Bangkok before arriving at Phuket International Airport, although there are also many charter flights which fly direct from some international airports (especially in the high season). Budget flights from Bangkok start at around 700 baht ($23) each way but can cost considerably more if you book them last minute. Flights take around 1 hour and 15 minutes. A good tip is to fly from the older, domestic airport called Don Mueang (DMK) as the fares will almost certainly be lower.

Getting to Phuket by Bus – Buses depart from both of Bangkok's bus terminals and arrive in Phuket around 13 hours later, costing you 600-1000 baht ($20-$33) per person. There are also numerous private tour buses which can be booked at hotels and travel agents in the capital which may be more comfortable but don't count on it. If you travel by bus never leave your valuables in any stowed luggage, things can and do sometimes go missing.

Getting to Phuket by Train – It is possible to go as far as Surat Thani by train, and then continue your journey to Phuket by bus, but this will take a long time and cost more than a budget air ticket so is not a great choice, but if you want to travel last minute and haven’t booked flights it could be an option. Trains depart Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station and arrive at Surat Thani 9-12 hours later at a cost of around 500 to 1500 baht ($16.50-$49) each way.

TTH Recommendation: There are many methods of transport you can take to get to Phuket and surrounding area, including Taxis, Minivans, Buses, Ferries and Flights . All can be booked in advanced and conveniently online. We highly recommend 12Go Asia , they have an easy-to-use booking system and helpful staff if you have any questions or queries with your bookings.

Check Transport Routes and Book Tickets on 12Go Asia

Getting Around Phuket

Once you've arrived on the island, there are many ways to get around. Phuket has a decent number of tuk-tuks, which look a little different to the tuk-tuks in the capital, the ones here are a little bigger and painted red. Be warned, though, for many years now, visitors and locals alike have complained about the prices which they charge, and it has been suggested that the drivers collude to keep the prices high – try to avoid using them where possible.

Taxi - Metered, air-conditioned taxis are a much better bet, however, they can be difficult to find and the driver may, as usual for Thailand, refuse to use the meter. If he does so, refuse the taxi and look for another as you will invariably end up paying at least double what the meter would have charged. There are public buses on the island which are good value, however, the network is radial with Phuket Town at the center meaning to go from one beach to another would require two buses and take longer than you would imagine.

Songthaew - Songthaews are the best compromise for most travelers, being cheap, convenient and safe. They are a little smaller than the ones you would see in Bangkok or Chiang Mai, but they work on the same principle. Songthaew's run from Ranong Road in Phuket Town and on to Phuket's most popular destinations such as Chalong, Kamala, Kata, Karon, Makham Bay, Nai Harn, Nai Yang, Patong, Rawai, Surin and Thalang. Songthaew's do not have any bus stops, to get on just flag one down, then to get off, just ring the bell, your fare will be 15-40 baht ($0.49-$1.30) depending on distance. Fares start from 15 baht and a typical journey to Phuket Town from one of the main beach towns will cost around 30 baht. Songthaew's always return to their origin at Ranong Road in Phuket Town, so unfortunately you can't get a Songthaew from beach to beach. Songthaew's run from 7am to 6pm.

Motorbike - By far the most convenient way to get around is to hire a motorcycle. For 300 baht ($10) a day, you can go as far as you want and explore the island at your leisure. 60 baht ($2) will get you a full tank of gas, which will seem to last forever. A few key points though; only get a bike if you have a motorcycle license and are a confident rider as some of the roads can be treacherous. Always wear a helmet and never drink and drive, even if others appear to be doing it.

Airport Bus - An Airport Bus runs from Phuket International Airport to Phuket Town Bus Terminal, which leaves every hour starting at 7.30am to 9.30pm from outside the arrivals hall in the domestic terminal. You will need to look out for the orange bus, the fare is 100 baht. When you exit the arrivals hall just turn left to reach the pickup point. If you are going to Thalang, Kamala Beach, Surin Beach, Bang Tao Beach, Por Bay you can get off at Horoines Monument for a connecting bus. If your going to Patong Beach, Kata Beach, Karon Beach or Rassada Pier you will need to get a connecting bus at the Phuket Bus Terminal.

Where To Stay In Phuket

Patong is the biggest and most developed part of the island, and for many people, it will be the best place to stay. It has a huge choice of accommodation, hundreds upon hundreds of restaurants, bars, pubs and by far the best nightlife options. It is also home to some of the island's best shopping, including the JungCeylon mall and many night-markets and small shops. Patong is fairly large, and a bit too big to be able to comfortably cover on foot, so hiring a motorcycle would be advised. The downside is that it is packed with tourists, especially on the beach, and can be quite noisy at night time.

Karon is a little more relaxed than Patong and noticeably smaller, but still has a lot of choice and variety with many restaurants and bars, and the nightlife is more subdued. The beach is not so packed and cleaner as a result, making Karon a great compromise for most travelers with the nightlife options of Patong still only 15-20 minutes away. It is a better choice for families as some of the Patong entertainment options are not quite family-friendly (with lady-boys and young girls walking around in bikinis in the evenings).

Kamala is smaller and quieter than Karon and can be covered on foot fairly easily. It is more relaxing and has a laid-back village feel to it, the northern end is the quietest, with most amenities being found on the Beach Road at the southern end. Kamala has a fantastic beach, which is quieter and cleaner than either at Karon or Patong, with noticeably fewer tourists. Kamala is only 15 minutes north of Patong, so if you want a more chilled holiday but still want to be within easy reach of extensive shopping and nightlife options, Kamala could be the place for you.

Kata consists of two beaches, Kata Yai (big Kata) and Kata Noi (small Kata), both of which are beautiful with clean, clear waters and white sands. Kata has many accommodation options and plenty of restaurants, bars and shopping options and all the amenities you could need during your holiday. There are also some lively nightlife spots, but nothing as in your face as Patong, which when combined with the great beaches makes this a popular choice for families. Kata could neither be described as quiet nor busy, but a happy compromise with some great value hotels.

Surin is a more upmarket destination with luxury, private resorts, with prices to match. A popular getaway for celebrities, the town itself has little to offer, with most amenities being provided inside the resorts themselves. There are a few high-end restaurants and cocktail bars attached to some of the resorts which are open to the public, where you can try some exquisite food from international chefs. Surin beach is very quiet but stunningly clean and beautiful, a welcome change if you want some peace and quiet.

Phuket Town

Phuket Town is very different to other destinations on the island, and although it doesn't have a nice beach, there is still plenty to see and do. It is a fully functioning Thai town and looks like many provincial towns around the country, and as such, you can see monks walking the streets in the early morning and Thai people going about their business during the day. Cheap accommodation is abundant, and the town is peppered with great restaurants, bars and attractions with plenty to see and do in the evenings. Great for backpackers on a budget.

TTH Recommendation: There are lot's of fantastic accommodation options available in Phuket, from budget hostels, guest houses, beach bungalows, hotels and high end resorts. It's always best to book online before you go, we recommend Agoda.com and Booking.com . Both companies offer excellent customer service and good cancellation policies just in case you change your mind or your travel arrangement change. You can also check out all the customer reviews and experiences before you make your booking!

Check Out Our Top 16 Best Places To Stay In Phuket

Best Things to See & What to Do in Phuket

Discover Phuket's Beautiful Beaches

Phuket is home to some spectacular beaches with perfect white sands and crystal clear warm waters, but Patong beach, in particular, can get quite crowded and busy during the high season. But don't worry as Phuket has more than 30 beaches, with some very secluded and serene places if that is more your speed. Different beaches will have a different feel, with different types of sand, scenery, varying numbers of tourists and different local amenities, so take the time to find out which one you’d prefer.

Some beaches will, unfortunately, be thronged with tourists in addition to hawkers hassling you every five minutes to buy sunglasses, fresh coconuts, or to get a massage, whilst on the other hand, it is also possible to find secluded, quiet beaches with less than a dozen people on them. Some of the more up-market resorts even have private beaches, so that may be something to consider if your budget can stretch to it. But in short, Phuket is famous for its beaches and whichever one you choose you will be sure to enjoy yourself.

There are some truly stunning beaches in Phuket . In Kata for example there’s the gorgeous Kata Noi, which retains a slightly rustic ambience with far less crowds than its lively neighbour Kata Beach, while in Surin, you’ll find the curvaceous Laem Singh Beach – which is surrounded by thick rickets of forest and the most beautiful aquamarine waters.

Scenic Nai Thon Beach is one of our favourites though. A part of the Sirinat National Park – meaning that in terms of development, it’s been almost entirely left alone.

Kamala Beach is another pretty beach that has retained some of its original charm and has a lovely fishing village attached to it with a few restaurants and bars. Stick to the north side of the beach if you want to avoid the crowds.

The more popular beaches include Freedom Beach in Patong, Karon Beach and the once secret Banana Beach – which despite efforts to keep it cloaked in mystery is now a constant on the tourist trail.

Diving & Snorkeling Around Phuket

The surrounding waters of Phuket offer some the best diving sites in the world, such as the world renowned Similan Islands, Surin Islands, Richelieu Rock and Koh Tachai to the North and dive sites such as the King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, Racha Yai, Racha Noi and Phi Phi Islands to the south. Checkout our article on the best dive sites in Phuket to find out more.

Phuket hosts some of the best diving experiences and marine life in the world, which keeps divers from all over the world coming back time and time again. There are an extraordinary amount of fish species, including angelfish, lionfish, scorpionfish and trumpetfish, as well as manta rays, seahorses and of course sharks. Whale shark, reef sharks and leopard sharks are all commonly spotted. You can also expect to experience some amazing coral reefs, shipwrecks, sea caves, pinnacles, shelves and swim-through's.

Whether you are an advanced diver or a complete beginner, Phuket is an excellent place to enjoy a spot of scuba diving. Scuba diving in Thailand is an absolute bargain with single dives available from as little as 1500 baht ($45) or a complete PADI open water dive course from as little as 8500 baht ($280). With the prices being so low here in Thailand, it offers a great opportunity to get your scuba diving certificates completed.

There are numerous dive shops to choose from, so feel free to shop around for the best deal. Phuket is a fantastic place for divers with many excellent dive sites featuring extensive coral formations and an abundance of aquatic wildlife. There is a choice of basic or more advanced dives, with an interesting wreck site to be explored in Racha Yai, make sure to discuss with your dive shop if that is something that you might be interested in. Most of the dive centres offer packages with a 3-dive deal going for around 3500-4000 baht ($115-$132) but note that many charge for extras such as equipment hire and insurance.

Explore Phuket Island & Beyond

Phuket is a huge island and you’ll need to allow several days to explore and visit the top attractions. But don’t forget to allocate a few days to visit the Phi Phi islands and Phang-Nga bay, which are a must if you can spare the time. And then there are the Similan islands, plus many other tiny islands dotted about where you can spend a whole day visiting and doing some swimming or snorkelling, there’s a lot more in the area than just Phuket island itself.

Phang-Nga Bay is an unforgettable experience with dramatic limestone formations seeming to rise out of the sea. It is a fantastic photo opportunity and James Bond fans may remember the scenery from "The Man with the Golden Gun".

The Phi Phi islands are just as spectacular and are worth an entire day of your time. Once touted as the most beautiful islands in the world, they were hit hard by the 2004 tsunami which wiped out practically all of their infrastructure, but it has now been rebuilt and the islands welcome many visitors daily.

Visit Phuket's Stunning Temples

Phuket is home to many Thai temples (29 in fact), known as wats, and also some Chinese shrines (known as Taoist temples). These temples are intricately constructed and incredibly ornate, they are fascinating and relaxing places to visit whilst a trip to some of the more important ones should be on every visitor's agenda. Remember that Thailand is a deeply religious country, with around 95% of the citizens being practising Buddhists, and as such these temples are working places of worship, meaning you will have to be quiet when visiting, take off your shoes, and ensure that shoulders and knees are covered to avoid offending the locals.

Wat Chalong is the biggest and most important temple on the island, it is a beautifully elaborate and colourful temple which features lots of gilding and the traditional multi-layered roof, and inside you will see handmade antique hardwood furniture, Thai porcelain and many large golden Buddha statues. On the walls are depictions of Buddha's life story, you could easily spend an hour at this temple alone, make sure you don't miss it.

Experience The Buzzing Nightlife In Phuket

If you want to find the best nightlife on the island, Patong is the place to go. Whether you fancy listening to some live music, seeing a comedy show, relaxing in a sports bar or going to a cabaret, Patong has got all bases covered. And of course, if you're looking for something a little more raucous, there are nightclubs and a string of go-go bars and lady bars. But don’t panic if you’re not staying in Patong, because all but the quietest locations on the island will have some nightlife, but may well be notably more sedate and family-friendly.

There are numerous bars around the island where you can stop for a cold beer and a game of pool, with many showing sports on large screen TVs. Numerous bars will have flags outside indicating to passers-by what types of food and drink they serve, you’ll see many Scandinavian bars and British-style pubs where you can find a taste of home in the evening if you’ve had enough Thai food or just fancy something a little less exotic.

Indulge In The Amazing Cuisine Of Phuket

Food is incredibly important in Thai culture , and indeed you’ll find plenty of great restaurants on the island to sample some of the country’s famous cuisine. And as food is such great value in Thailand, make sure to treat yourself at least once by visiting one of the island’s best restaurants such as the Siam Supper Club or the Blue Elephant. There are numerous cookery classes on the island too, which are great fun and can reveal the secrets of how to make that delicious Pad Thai or green curry which you can whip up once back at home to impress your friends and family.

But Phuket doesn't just offer Thai food, of course. There is an abundance of cuisines from around the world, with everything from authentic Italian pizza, fish and chips, Chinese food, Indian curries and Turkish kebabs to Korean BBQ, Russian and even Armenian food. Whatever you fancy, you can find it here. Just don't forget to try the street-food; from noodle soups to tacos, Thai desserts, pancakes or waffles, the street-food on Phuket is very cheap and delicious.

Tours, Day Trips & Excursions In Phuket

There are numerous day trips and excursions available in Phuket, and these can be booked quickly and easily from either your hotel or the nearest travel agent. Booking a trip or tour is a great way to enjoy a stress-free day out, and in most cases will cost a lot less than you may have thought. Day trips and activities are a fantastic choice for when you've spent too long lying on the beach and are a fascinating way to experience a bit of the local culture whilst having the chance to meet other like-minded people.

Boat Trips - You can book all kinds of boat trips, either around the island or to other small islands in the vicinity, which can include snorkeling, fishing, beach hopping or just sightseeing. You can book a private boat or one shared with other guests, depending on your budget. Many will include a buffet lunch and complimentary drinks. A popular full-day tour is one that takes in the Phi Phi Islands, the famous Maya Beach and the Coral Island, with prices around 3000-4000 baht ($100-$133).

Phuket Sightseeing Tours - You can also book minibus tours of the island, which will show you the most dramatic and beautiful highlights of Phuket, and stop to enjoy the most spectacular viewpoints for some fantastic photo opportunities. You could even combine your sightseeing tour with half-day trips to the elephant sanctuary, or include the mangrove jungle and hidden beach tour (which involves driving quad bikes), almost all the packages can be tailored to your needs with little added expense.

Thai Cooking Tours - There are also half-day food tours where you will be guided around some of the best spots on the island to try tasty local specialties such as Burmese curries, Hokkien noodles, zesty grilled satays and many other tasty morsels, and you will be shown around some of the local food markets which you may otherwise have missed. There are also many Thai cooking classes which last for 3-4 hours and start at about 1500 baht ($49) per person. Then there is the amazing cocktail workshop at the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery for 1700 baht ($56), an experience not to be missed.

Khao Sok National Park Tours - For those willing to go a little further onto the mainland, there are jungle tours of the incredible Khao Sok National Park, where you can see ancient rainforest, stunning scenery with dramatic limestone cliffs, and an abundance of local wildlife including elephants, tigers, monkeys, deer, tapir, wild boar and hundred of tropical bird species.

TTH Recommendation: You'll find travel agents and tour companies absolutely everywhere in Phuket, whether you are staying in Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata, Surin or Phuket Town. However if you want to plan ahead, you can conveniently book online with Get Your Guide and Viator . Both companies offer excellent customer service and have excellent customer reviews. Another reason to booking online is you can look at customer reviews and experiences before you make your booking! Get Your Guide and Viator have a good cancellation/refund policy, in case your travel arrangements happen to change.

Check The Best Phuket Tours & Activities On Get Your Guide

Prices, Expenses & Typical Costs In Phuket

Accommodation - Phuket is a little more expensive than many other places in Thailand, but despite that, you can still find hostel beds from as little as 130 baht ($4.30) per night in the low season. At the other end of the scale, there are a few resorts where you can drop 152,000 baht ($5000) per night. Good quality, comfortable boutique-style guesthouses are usually in the 1000-2000 baht ($33-$66) range, with family rooms for a family of 4 at around 1500-3000 baht ($49-$100) per night.

Transportation - Transportation is noticeably more expensive in Phuket than on the mainland. Motorbike rentals start at 250 baht ($8.23) per day and can save you a fortune if you are a competent rider. Tuk-tuks are expensive, with short trips within the same area at around 200-300 baht ($6.50-$10), and a trip from the airport to Patong or vice-versa can be over 1000 baht ($33), however, prices can usually be negotiated. Metered taxis are a bit cheaper (if they use the meter that is). Songtaews are a great compromise at 25-40 baht ($0.80-$1.33) per person.

Food and Drink - Don't disregard the roadside food vendors, they offer the best value and their food can be just as good if not better than many restaurants. Expect to pay 40 baht ($1.33) for a plate of food or a bowl of noodles, many will provide drinking water free or have sodas for 15 baht ($0.50). In a local-style restaurant, a Thai meal with rice will usually be under 100 baht ($3.33), Western food is more expensive. Expect to pay 150 baht ($4.94) for a full English breakfast, 150-200 baht ($4.94-$6.58) for that familiar fast food meal such as KFC or McDonalds, and with imported food such as Australian steaks, the sky is the limit. Seafood, however, is great value and will almost certainly be much cheaper than in your home country, so make the most of it!

Alcohol is expensive by Thai standards, a 620ml beer will be 65 baht ($2.14) in 7-Eleven and 70-150 baht ($2.30-$4.94) in a bar or restaurant. Cocktails start at 150 baht ($4.94) but can be as much as 600 baht ($20) in upmarket places, and imported wine, being heavily taxed, usually starts around 1000 baht ($33) per bottle. There are locally produced wines at much lower prices, but don't expect too much from them.

Recommended Budgets - Budget backpacker staying in a shared dorm, no alcohol: $25-$30 per day per person. Young traveler in boutique guesthouse with some attractions and nightlife: $70-$80 per day per person. Party animal budget staying at Patong guesthouse or hotel: $120-$140 per day per person. Family of four with guesthouse or resort, attractions, taxi/tuk-tuk transport and restaurant meals: $240-$300 per day per family. Luxury traveler, 5-star hotel, taxis, cocktails and evening entertainment: $320 and up per day per person.

Phuket Money Saving Tips

Avoid expensive taxis - Avoid expensive taxis and tuk-tuks and try to stick to the songtaews wherever possible. It's very easy to fritter away $30 a day on tuk-tuks if you're not careful and on a two-week vacation that can add up. If you're staying in a built-up area such as Patong or Karon, you will find that many places are with 10-15 minutes walk anyway.

Be careful of the hawkers - A lot of the stuff they sell is junk. But if you really want something go and buy it at the night market for half as much! Don't be surprised if that hand-carved item stains all your clothes in your suitcase because it was covered in boot polish, not paint.

Eat street food and at local restaurants - Western-style restaurants charge a premium and usually don't offer anything more than the cheap local restaurants. Try to stick to smaller, basic places and street food stalls and you will save a fortune, you can eat five street food meals for the price of one large McDonalds meal! Look for where the locals are eating, a busy restaurant is always a good sign in Phuket. Most Western food is done badly in Thailand, remember that when ordering.

Don't buy your currency in your home country - You will get 10-15% more by changing it once inside Thailand. Even at the airport in Phuket, you will get a much better rate than back home, but they are very picky about torn or defaced bills, so check them before arriving. SuperRich in Phuket Town often has very good rates.

Don't be scared to offer less - Thais respect a decent haggler! You can haggle with tuk-tuk drivers and at markets, but not in shops or restaurants. Don't come in so low that you insult the vendor, about 50% or a little more is a good place to start proceedings. Many Phuket vendors are aware that prices are cheap for westerners and will try and raise their prices accordingly.

Don’t drop your cigarette butts - If you are a smoker, always ensure that you dispose of your cigarette butt responsibly. Throwing it on the street or even down a drain is not allowed and if spotted you could be charged a 2000 baht ($65) fine. Try to find an ashtray if possible.

Ask for a discount at your hotel - If you are planning on staying several nights at the same hotel or guesthouse, and you haven’t booked and paid in advance, ask for a discount. More often than not you may be given a token amount such as 100 baht ($3.28) per night deduction, but you will then be asked to pay upfront. Most places will charge a deposit of 1000 baht for the key or key-card, so don’t lose it, and don’t forget to reclaim your deposit upon departure.

ATMs charges are very steep - Try to avoid using your foreign debit card in a Thai ATM as the charges are sky-high. There is a 220 baht ($7.25) charge on foreign card transactions which cannot be avoided, plus your bank back home will add on their foreign withdrawal fee and may also use an unfavorable exchange rate meaning that you could lose $25-$30 per withdrawal. For budget travelers this could easily be a day's budget lost so look at other options before traveling. Some banks offer debit cards with no foreign transaction fee (but you'll still pay the 220 baht each time), plus there are international money cards which can be preloaded with funds. Failing that, you should either bring as much cash with you as you feel comfortable with or make use of travelers cheques.

Beaches are free - If you find yourself short of funds, spend a day on the beach and eat street-food, the beaches are free and 2 street-food meals will cost as little as 80 baht ($2.65).

Look for happy hour deals and food vouchers - Many, if not most bars will have some kind of promotion or happy hour. This can range from 50% off deals to buy two beers get one free, or even a free beer with certain meals. If you’re a fast food fan, all the big chains in Thailand produce money off vouchers and coupons which can be picked up in various shopping malls, or you can download their online app to get free meals and discounts.

Is It Safe to Travel Around Phuket?

Phuket, like most parts of Thailand, is very safe, and certainly much safer than somewhere like London or Paris, for example. However, as it is arguably Thailand's most upmarket destination attracting tourists with money to spare, basic precautions should still be taken to protect yourself from opportunists. Bear in mind that many Thai people in the service industry earn under $10 per day, so be careful about flashing large wads of cash in your wallet, leave any valuable jeweler at home, and place expensive belongings in the hotel safe before venturing out. You are extremely unlikely to be the victim of violent crime, but petty theft and scams still take place.

Be very careful on the roads - Like many places in Thailand, your biggest danger is likely to be the roads and the traffic, especially if you are renting a vehicle. Some of the roads on Phuket can be very steep, winding and poorly maintained and as such, don’t attempt to drive yourself unless you are confident that you can do so safely. Take care when crossing the road, Thai drivers are not the most diligent in the world, and drunk-driving is unfortunately commonplace.

Keep your wits about you - Particularly in Patong at night, visitors should be aware of their surroundings and possessions. If someone tries to say that they know you from your hotel, it will be a scam. If a lady-boy puts her arms around you and kisses you on the cheek, check to see if your wallet, watch and necklace are still there immediately.

What what you drink - Drink-spiking can happen, so don't let your drink out of your sight where possible. Don't trust people who approach you out of the blue, and don't be tempted by offers to go somewhere you aren't comfortable with. If you are visibly intoxicated, you will be more likely to attract the attention of thieves and scammers so take care when enjoying the nightlife.

Stay away from trouble - If you witness an altercation involving a Thai person, under no circumstances should you get involved as you are very likely to end up being assaulted, blamed for something or possibly both. The best advice is to get as far away from the situation as you can.

Watch out for creepy-crawlies - Other wildlife will include numerous lizards (both inside and outside), spiders, scorpions, snakes, mosquitoes, hornets and the dreaded giant centipede, which the Thais call “da-karb”. Most are harmless unless provoked. If you find something nasty in your bedroom, ask a Thai for assistance, they will know immediately whether it is dangerous or not.

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Phuket Travel Guide: The Best Beaches & Secret Tips

Phuket is mass tourism at its finest. No need to sugar coat anything here because it’s become common knowledge that many parts of Phuket is not as paradise-like as you would imagine Thailand to be. Unfortunately, this is something you experience quite early on and cannot really escape – at the latest, you’ll see what we mean when you walk through the streets of Patong (the hotspot on Phuket).

Although Phuket is notorious in some places for its headache-inducing tourism, there are also some beautiful lesser-known places – thankfully! We ourselves, have personally been to Phuket twice and our mission was none other than searching for the most beautiful sights and beaches , as well as for secret corners on the island. In this travel guide, we will share with you the main highlights in Phuket, as well as our top tips for having a great time on this island.

1. Phuket: What to know before you go & Pre-Travel Tips

2. phuket travel guide: main sights and attractions, 3. beach travel guide: the most beautiful beaches on phuket, 4. the best view points on phuket: our tips, 5. day trip: phuket to phang nga & james bond island, 6. where to eat: tips for restaurants and cafes on phuket , 7. where to stay on phuket: our hotel recommendations, 8. phuket transport guide: how to rent a scooter, 9. extra travel tips for phuket: getting there, travel guides and what to avoid.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. That’s right, it’s an island! Phuket is located in the southwest of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. What many people do not know is that Phuket island is connected to the mainland by a bridge.

Is Phuket the right destination for me?

Phuket cannot be generalised into any one category. In other words: Phuket is so big that there is something for everyone to be found on the island. Therefore, you will find all sorts of people on Phuket: from party-goers to couples or families with children. 

However, if you’re looking for a quiet beach destination for your holiday, then Phuket would not be first on our list of recommendations. There are far better options like Khao Lak , Koh Lanta or Koh Phangan . However, there are exceptions on Phuket, namely regions or (exclusive) hotels where you don’t notice the hustle and bustle .

If you go to Phuket, you have to be aware that the island is almost entirely geared towards tourism. That comes with its many disadvantages, no doubt. But there are also advantages. For example, medical care on Phuket is excellent. This is often not the case in other corners of Thailand. Thanks to the international airport, Phuket is probably (together with Khao Lak) the fastest accessible beach destination in Thailand.

Phuket is understandably an attractive travel destination for people who consider (tourist) infrastructure very important. Alternatively, Khao Lak (which is also located near Phuket Airport), is a great choice too.

Where should I stay on Phuket?

Phuket is much larger than you might think. To put it into perspective, if you travelled from the northern most point to the southern most point, then it would easily take you an hour by scooter – depending on the traffic situation, it can also be significantly longer. Since Phuket is so large and diverse, it is not so easy to find the right area to spend the night.

What we really mean by this is: Avoid Patong! Patong is the most popular place on Phuket, but believe us when we say… you really don’t want to stay here. This is the place where party meets sex tourism and it’s always busy no matter the time of day. We even dare to say that Patong is worse than you might imagine it to be. Kata is also not a great place to be and reminds us a little of Patong.

The south has the advantage of being quite close to the many sights (e.g. Big Buddha, Phuket Town). There are also some great view points in the south. Cape Panwa is a quiet corner in the southeast, which we can highly recommend. (Our hotel tip here is The Cove . We’ll tell you more about this below.)

The beaches in the north tend to be quite calm. So if that’s what you are looking for, then you will love the exploring the north (e.g. Bang Tao Beach). In this travel guide, we will share with you our top tips and highlights on Phuket island and all our favourite beaches.

In summary: This is what to expect on Phuket

• Phuket is spoilt with lush green, hilly landscapes and is home to some really impressive sights such as the Big Buddha.
• The sandy beaches on Phuket are beautiful and heavenly, but unfortunately often overcrowded in the high season.
• That brings us to the not so nice side: In some corners you will definitely be confronted with over-tourism . Phuket is an extremely popular destination for package travellers from Russia and China – especially in Patong and Kata. Crazy, but true: you’ll find a lot of signs in Cyrillic script.
• But don’t worry: there are also enough places away from the crowds , so you can rest assured that it’s possible to have a great time on Phuket!

In this section, we will show you all the main sights and attractions in Phuket that aren’t beaches (because we have a whole section dedicated to beaches later on). Most of these highlights we are about to share with you are located (roughly speaking) in the south and southeast of the island.

Phuket’s Big Buddha

One of our favourite places on Phuket is the Big Buddha. This 45-meter-high white marble statue is marvellously enthroned on a mountain in the south of Phuket. Not only is the Buddha statue itself already highly worth seeing, but the view from up there is also incredibly stunning.

The Big Buddha is one of the most popular day trip destinations on Phuket. You can expect it to be busy, especially during the day. We have always visited this place during the late afternoon and can highly recommend you to come at this time of day as well. Although you don’t have a direct view of the actual sun setting, it does set somewhat behind the Buddha the soft light is still very beautiful. The later it gets, the fewer people there are. On the other hand, sunrise is also a great time to come visit!

Side note: The construction of the Buddha has been underway since 2004 and is still ongoing – the construction is financed by donations. So for this reason, you’ll see small marble tiles being sold, on which you can write your wishes (or just your name) – consider your tile a contribution.

Getting there & information for visiting the Big Buddha

The Big Buddha is perched on a small mountain in the south of Phuket. You’ll follow a winding road leading up to the Big Buddha, which can be quite steep in places, but is relatively well-maintained. Therefore, you can easily reach the Big Buddha with the scooter if you have experience in riding. What’s even more uncomfortable than the mountain roads are the main roads with high traffic! Thankfully, parking is free.

If you don’t feel confident enough to ride a scooter (which is totally understandable), then we would recommend booking a private driver. We’ll tell you more about our tips and various transport options on Phuket later in this travel guide.

The entry to the Big Buddha is free, however, a small donation is requested. Also, please make sure you dress appropriately – the shoulders and knees should be covered up as much as possible.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is the most important and most visited temple on Phuket. Since it’s quite close to the Big Buddha, we would recommend combining these two places in a single trip. 

As is often the case with Thai temples, Wat Chalong consists of several structures. There are also some green areas around the place, as well as countless stalls where you can buy street food and drinks.

In the building with the large, golden Chedi (shown in the photo on the left), there is a staircase that leads up, and from the top you have a really nice view of the entire temple complex. We visited Wat Chalong at lunchtime, but would actually recommend you avoid coming at this time. Not only is it unbearably hot, but there were simply too many people. It’s best to come early in the morning or late in the afternoon around 4 pm. (The temple is open until 5 pm.)

Travel & information about visiting Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is located in the south of Phuket, at the foot of the mountain on which you’ll find the Big Buddha. You can easily reach Wat Chalong by scooter . Alternatively, you can also rent a private car with a personal driver. We will share our tips with you about transport, scooter riding, car rentals and private drivers at the end of this travel guide.

The entrance in to Wat Chalong is free. As with every temple in Thailand, you have to make sure you are wearing (or have with you) appropriate clothing before entering Wat Chalong. The knees and shoulders should be covered up as much as possible. However, it’s acceptable for men to wear shorts. 

Phuket Town

The old town of Phuket (usually called Phuket Town or Old Phuket Town) is a remarkable mix from the remains of Portuguese colonial architecture and Chinese influence.

Some streets in Phuket Town are really well renovated. We really liked the Soi Romanee (also written Romani). Here you will find some nice cafes, such as the Dou Brew Coffee & Craft or the city’s most popular ice cream parlor, Torry’s Ice Cream. We get the feeling that there are many great restaurants and cafes in Phuket Town to choose from!

Phuket Town is also known for its variety of street art . Some murals or graffiti have been created with impressive detail on the house walls. The mural, which stood out to us the most, was the one with the former king – you’ll find it on Dibuk Road.

Good to know: Phuket Town gets a lot of bus groups during the day. When we arrived around 3 pm there was still a lot going on. But every hour thereafter, it became calmer and quieter. So, if you’re going to make a trip here, we can highly recommend you visit in the late afternoon!

There is catch when it comes to beaches on Phuket. While many of them are beautiful in terms of landscape and paradise-like, this dreamy scenery has a price. Some beaches on Phuket are completely overcrowded and these primarily include Patong Beach and Kata Beach. In the high season, you feel like a sardine lying on the beach.

In this section, we will tell you which beaches we would recommend visiting on Phuket. We have listed them from north to south, so hopefully you will find it easy to navigate. Remember that Phuket is big. Very big in fact – and most of the time you will probably be within a short radius of your accommodation. However, the vast majority of the beaches are on Phuket’s west coast .

Banana Beach

Banana Beach is still a bit of a secret tip (if you can even say that on Phuket). It is located between Nai Thon and Bang Tao Beach. You can park your scooter on the street and then reach Banana Beach by a small and rather steep trail.

Once at the bottom, a small bay with a beautiful sandy beach awaits you. If you get hungry, there is also a restaurant. There are no accommodation options here though. What’s interesting, is that Banana Beach is not yet well known and we hope it will stay that way for a long time!

Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao Beach is north of Patong Beach, but is the complete opposite. The beach is miles long and surprisingly calm . You will always find a cozy place here without a problem. You can also borrow a lounger for around 100 Baht. There are also some small restaurants along the beach.

Some high-priced hotels are located on Bang Tao Beach. There are also cheaper accommodations nearby. So if you want to stay in the north of Phuket, Bang Tao Beach is a good option.

Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi Beach was once an insider tip. Unfortunately, it is now extremely crowded during high season. The landscape with the light sand is beautiful, but we didn’t last long in January as there were just too many people. We imagine it to be much quieter and more pleasant in the off-season.

Nai Harn Beach & Ao Sane Beach

South of Kata you can reach Nai Harn Beach in about 20 minutes. There is much less going on here than in Kata, although you shouldn’t expect an empty beach – especially not in high season. Nevertheless, we liked the sandy beach. You can also watch the sunset from here.

There are some accommodation options at Nai Harn Beach and you will also find everything you need for the day at the beach (loungers, restaurants and even showers).

Our tip: In addition to Nai Harn Beach, there is another beach that is worth a visit: Ao Sane. Ao Sane consists of two small bays. The beach is best known for snorkelling. Because of the stones, the beach is not quite as suitable for swimming as some others.

Yanui Beach

Yanui Beach is located in the very south of Phuket, just a stone’s throw away from Nai Harn Beach. It is probably one of the smallest beaches in Phuket. Although we were here in the high season (mid-January) the beach wasn’t at all overcrowded. 

There are no showers, loungers or accommodations here, but there is a small restaurant on the other side of the street and a few stands where you can buy something to drink. The beach is not the best for swimming due to the large stones and rocks, but it is definitely possible.

Karon View Point

Once a secret lookout point, but now a very popular location. The Karon view point (also called the Kata view point) is one of the most popular view points along the west coast of Phuket. It is located on a hill south of Kata Noi Beach.

From this lookout point you can see three crescent-shaped bays: Kata Noi in the foreground, Kata and Karon in the distance. When we were here for the first time many years ago, the view was a little less “overgrown” – but hey, that’s nature and the view is still fantastic! You can even see the Big White Buddha out in the distance.

We highly recommend visiting in the late afternoon . However, if you’re after the perfect sunset photo, then we would recommend a different place, as the sun can hide behind the trees (depending on season). 

Getting there & information for visiting the Karon view point

The Karon view point is located directly on the coastal road in the west (4030). You can easily reach the view point with the scooter and there are free parking spaces available. The Karon view point is always open 24/7 and it’s free for everyone.

Windmill View Point

A great place to catch the sunset in Phuket is the Windmill view point. However, don’t be fooled by the name because there isn’t actually a romantic windmill or any windmill for that matter. In fact, the view point was named after the (very unspectacular) wind turbines that are located here.

Be that as it may, the view is still really fantastic – especially at sunset! The Windmill view point is located between Nai Harn Beach and Yanui Beach, directly on the coastal road and is very easily accessible. That probably explains why so many people gather here in the evenings. There is a kiosk where you can buy something to drink, then find a grassy patch to sit on and enjoy the sunset.

Getting there & information for visiting the Windmill View point

The Windmill view point is located in the south of Phuket directly on the coastal road (4030). You can park your scooter for free. The view point is always open 24/7 and it’s free for everyone.

Promthep Cape

One of the most scenic places in the south of Phuket is this cape called Promthep Cape. The nature here is incredibly stunning and the Cape is almost directly on the coastal road, which makes it very easily accessible. With this in mind, don’t be surprised at the large crowds during sunset .

The most famous photo spot (shown in our picture) is at the top, right next to the street. From here, you’ll find a footpath that leads down to the sea –  we would recommend wearing sturdy shoes. The further you go, the fewer people you’ll meet. That means weighing up view from above vs. less crowds and view down by the water.

Although this place is definitely not a secret tip by any means, we would still highly recommend that you come here for at least one sunset. The gorgeous view makes it all worthwhile!

Getting there & information for visiting the Promthep Cape

The Promthep Cape lies on the southernmost tip of Phuket, more or less directly on the coastal road (4030). You can park your scooter on the street for free. From there, it’s just a short walk (2 minutes) down to the view point. This area is always open 24/7 and free for everyone.

Our personal highlight on Phuket was our trip to Phang Nga Bay at sunrise. We spent half an eternity thinking about whether we should fork out the money for this tour. After all, the price was around 120 Euros per person. That’s a lot of money for Thailand.

Anyway, in the end, we are so glad that we decided to do it! The tour started in the middle of the night (around 4 am), so that you arrive at the view point well before sunrise (after a 15-minute hike). The view of Phang Nga Bay at dawn is breathtakingly beautiful!

After a quick breakfast, we got on the boat towards James Bond Island . The small island with the striking 30 meter high rock needle became famous from the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” – hence the name. A real hype has arisen around the rock and it is one of the most popular excursion destinations from Phuket.

We have to admit that we find the James Bond Rock itself rather average. We were much more captivated by the boat trip through Phang Nga Bay itself. You float across the water in the most beautiful morning light through the expansive karst landscape.

Later, there are a few more short stops (e.g. for a kayak trip) and lunch. At about 2 pm you will arrive back at your accommodation. Our conclusion: Yes, the price is steep. But for such a unique experience, we think the money is well worth it. We can highly recommend the tour!

You can book the tour here: Sunrise in Phang Nga & James Bond Island

The culinary offer in Phuket is honestly so huge and diverse that it’s overwhelming. Many restaurants – especially those near the hotels – are very touristy (which is not always a bad thing). In this section, we share with you our to restaurant recommendations. If you decide to try some of them out, leave us a message and let us know what your experience was like!

Tip for the Vegetarians/Vegans: We can highly recommend the HappyCow app to all vegetarians/vegans. In our opinion, the few Euros it costs are definitely worth the investment. 

Sai Than Boon Vegetarian Restaurant (Unfortunately reported closed): Our favourite culinary discovery in Phuket! This locally run small restaurant serves only vegetarian Thai dishes. Authentic flair, incredibly friendly owners & super delicious meals – what more could you ask for? Our conclusion: more than recommended!

Wilson’s Cafe: Very nice, cozy café in Rawai (in the south of Phuket). They serve western dishes such as smoothie bowls, salads or sandwiches. The breakfast menu is also very extensive.

Dou Brew Coffee & Craft: This little hip cafe serves some very good espresso in the Old Phuket Town.

Rawei Beach Restaurant: Not exactly a local tip, but the beach bars in Rawai still come recommended. In some places, you get to sit on the floor in the traditional cultural way. The Rawai Seafood Market is also worth a visit (daily from 11 am to 9 pm).

For those seeking tranquility: The Cove on Cape Panwa

Looking for relaxation and tranquility on Phuket? Then you’ll feel right at home here! Our number one choice for a vacation away from the crowds is this oasis in the southeast of Phuket . The Cove on the Cape Panwa peninsula is beautifully designed and the perfect place to unwind.

The hotel is right on the beach . From some bungalows, you can even see the sea. The rooms (or bungalows) are very spacious and tastefully designed – an absolute dream. The hotel beach is very calm and you will find a few restaurants here too – luckily, without any tourist hustle and bustle.

Perhaps the only downside is that the change in tides at Cape Panwa is a little more prominent than in other parts of Phuket. But that wouldn’t stop us from staying here. However, due to the more remote location, the beaches on the west coast are about a 30 minute drive away – but as mentioned before, there is a beach right outside the front door.

Unfortunately the hotel was fully booked during our travel period, otherwise we wouldn’t have hesitated for a second. Next time we stay in Phuket, it will definitely be this one!

You can book the hotel here: The Cove

For a low budget: Sugar Ohana Poshtel in Kata

The bad news first : Kata itself is really awful. The place was already not overly spectacular a few years ago, but nowadays, you simply just want to escape. Kata is most definitely Russian central as the vast majority of vacationers come from Russia.

However, Kata is a strategic location to stay in if you want to discover as much of Phuket as you can on your own. Some beaches or bays are located in the south. The most important sights (Big Buddha, Wat Chalong) are not far either.

If you want to stay in Kata and are looking for cheap accommodation, we can recommend the Sugar Ohana Poshtel . The rooms are pretty and you feel very comfortable. However, the accommodation is located directly on the main street (in the middle of the hustle and bustle), you just have to get used to that. We would not stay in Kata again, but if you are looking for something cheap , then this is the place for you.

You can book accommodation here: Sugar Ohana Poshtel

There are three major problems when it comes to transport in Phuket:

1. The island is very large and the distances should not be underestimated. 2. There is also a lot of traffic , so much so that they lead to long traffic jams on some routes. 3. The worst of the worst: taxi prices are horrendous! We were told that Phuket harbours a taxi mafia and judging by the extortionately high prices, it could very well be a possibility!

Unfortunately, there is no well-developed public transport network on Phuket. Some routes (especially the ones towards Phuket Town) can be taken by bus, but unfortunately this is basically the only exception.

So if you want to see more of Phuket than the surroundings of your hotel, then you have no choice but to take care of your own transport. Here are the few options we would suggest:

Option 1: Rent a Scooter on Phuket

Renting a scooter is the cheapest and easiest way to get from A to B on Phuket. You can rent a moped and ride around the island for about 250 Baht per day . Petrol is sold in glass bottles on the side of the road. (1 litre usually costs around 40 Baht.)

Is scooter driving dangerous on Phuket?

Yes! Sorry, but yes! Anyone who claims otherwise are obviously unaware of the statistics. Thailand is one of the countries with the highest traffic fatalities worldwide, and the majority of these cases involve mopeds. Riding a moped around Thailand is always risky and Phuket is no exception.

We ourselves have seen a road accident on Phuket with our own eyes and saw injured people lying on the street. It’s awful, but it’s also the reality. However, despite being aware of the risks, we still rent scooters in Thailand all the time. Here are some tips we recommend to stay as safe as possible:

• We always wear a helmet – always! It’s tempting to drive without a helmet, we get that too. But please don’t put your safety at risk! On another note, we always buy our own helmet at the beginning of a trip to Thailand because the quality of helmets in Thailand are usually sub-par.
• Sand on the road can easily cause your scooter to slide sideways – especially around the turns. So always pay attention to the road and reduce speed if necessary.
• We try to avoid driving in the dark (even though we can’t always avoid this). Visibility is of course poorer at night, but above all there is a risk that others will drive under the influence of alcohol.
• Make sure you don’t burn yourself on the exhaust. There is usually a protective cover made of plastic to prevent this, but it is sometimes fragile or non-existent.

What about the traffic on Phuket?

Super important: drive on the left! Thailand has left-hand traffic, which will be a mild shock for many of you – but you’ll get used to it faster than you think, so don’t worry. There is generally a lot of traffic on the streets of Phuket. However, there are major differences between the main roads and the less busier roads. In any case, be prepared for the fact that there are a lot of cars and minivans on the roads in Phuket.

Do I need an international driver’s license?

No – at least not for renting the scooter. A normal driver’s license is enough for the rental company. BUT: If you get pulled over by traffic control, then the police will most certainly ask for an international driver’s license (more on that in a moment).

Do I need a Class A driver’s license?

Yes and no. You can rent a scooter with an ordinary Class B (which is what most people have for driving cars) – the rental companies don’t care much. However, it does matter to the police and you may face a fine (more on that in a moment). On an even more serious note: if you were to be involved in an accident and it turns out that you drove the scooter without proper legal license to do so, then you will most likely not be covered by your insurance. 

Is it true that there are regular police checks on Phuket?

Yes, unfortunately it happens very often and they’re definitely out to get tourists. Not even 10 minutes after we had just rented our scooter, we got pulled over by road control. Normally they only pull you over in the event of an actual offence (which is fair), however they also set up regular station checks to catch unaware tourists. These are the top offences the police will catch you out for:

• Helmet: Helmets are compulsory!
• A driver’s license with Class A: because in Thailand, the law treats scooters as motorcycles and thus requires all riders to have a motorcycle license (Class A).
• International driving license: This is also often asked for.

If they fine you, it’s usually 500 Baht per offence. The funny thing about it is that once you’ve paid the fine, you can continue on your merry way. And they even give you a little present with the ‘receipt’ from your penalty. It basically gives you right of way to legally ride the scooter for a more few days, so in case you bump into another police control, you can simply show them you’ve already paid a fine – and they’ll let you go, just like that! 

Is there anything else I should consider?

They often require your passport as a form of deposit . We always try to avoid this by alternatively offering our driver’s license instead – Kathi’s of course, since she won’t be driving. It just gives us more peace of mind. 

Before leaving, you should check that the lights work – just in case you’re met with an unwelcome surprise after your evening dinner to find out they don’t turn on! We made this mistake once and experienced it first hand, so that’s why we’re telling you this. It is also worthwhile to make a short video or photos of the existing damage (scratches, dents), so you’re not liable for extra damages at the end. 

And on a final note: Don’t worry too much ! Fear and scooter riding don’t go well together. Of course, you have to be aware of the dangers, but we don’t want to over-exaggerate the risks of riding scooters in Thailand. We always rent a scooter, in fact, every time we visit Thailand. 

Option 2: Rent a car on Phuket

Of course, driving by car is much safer than riding a scooter. You can easily rent a car from Phuket, but unfortunately, it’s very expensive when compared a scooter. Expect to pay around 1,500 Baht per day to rent an average car. 

We have also rented a car before in Thailand and can confirm that you can do so without any problems . It’s also the better option if you are in a slightly larger group or with children. Since the distances in Phuket are quite large, you’ll find it much more comfortable in a car. 

We always book our rental cars through Sunny Cars and have only had positive experiences with this company so far.

You can search for your rental car here: Sunny Cars

Option 3: Private Driver on Phuket

If you only plan to do day trips on a few days max, then a car with a private driver could be worth considering. No brainer that this option is more expensive than a rental car, of course. Expect the prices to start around 85 Euros for 4 hours and 130 Euros for 8 hours.

You can book your driver here: Private drivers on Phuket

Getting to Phuket: From the airport to the hotel

Thanks to the international airport , Phuket is very easy to reach. There are even direct flights to Phuket from Germany. The airport is located in the north of Phuket where planes fly directly over the beach.

Immediately after leaving the airport building, there are plenty of taxi stands waiting for you. The cheapest option is to take a shared taxi . However, you will most likely be brought directly to your hotel in a minibus. The price varies depending on the destination: to Kata, for example, it costs around 200 Baht.

A private taxi is much more expensive, but also faster and more convenient. For comparison, a trip to Kata would cost 1,000 Baht. Some hotels also offer an airport pick-up service. The best thing is to ask around for the prices. 

Travel Guide for Thailand: Our Recommendation

Most likely (and hopefully) your trip will not only take you to Phuket, but also to other regions of Thailand. In this case, we can highly recommend  Lonely planet’s Thailand Travel Guide. The  Lonely planet Travel Guides are always our first choice for Southeast Asia. They are aimed at individual travellers and are known for being quite extensive and very well researched.

The Thailand Travel Guide by Lonely planet has been around for decades. The new edition appeared in November 2021 and is therefore, quite up to date. With this travel guide you can really appreciated how experienced the authors are. Our conclusion: highly recommended!

You can buy the travel guide here: Lonely Planet Thailand

What to Avoid in Phuket!

One last but very important thing: Phuket is full of elephant camps where tourists can ride on the elephants’ backs on seats especially built for this purpose. Elephant riding and other animal attractions are particularly popular with Russian and Chinese tourists. Please, for the love of animals, do not support these sick businesses. It’s nothing but unnecessary cruelty towards animals and the only way we can stop this together, is by raising awareness and decreasing tourist demands. 

Unfortunately, there are also many providers who have made a business out of the growing ethical awareness. Many self-proclaimed “eco camps” where you can bathe and feed elephants are not as ‘ethical’ as you might think. Since it’s extremely difficult for to know what is truly behind these organisations, we recommend that you avoid all animal attractions.

Disclaimer: Affiliate Links

This travel guide contains our personal recommendations in the form of affiliate links. If you book or buy something through these links, then we will receive a small commission. This will not change the prices for you at all. A million thanks from the both of us!

Have you ever been to Phuket? Perhaps you have some extra tips or recommendations you’d like to share? We look forward to hearing from you in the comments below this travel guide! 

You might also be interested in this

Thailand Island Guide: The Most Beautiful Islands

Thailand Itinerary: The Best Destinations from North to South

Koh Yao Noi: The Most Beautiful Beaches & our Travel Tips

2 responses.

The best guide i’ve read! Thanks! How do you edit your photos?

Hi Tania, thank you so much! We use Lightroom to edit our pictures. :)

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The Best Time to Visit Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is arguably Thailand’s best all-around destination, as it’s chock-full of amazing beaches , fun waterparks, natural landscapes, and cultural connections (including some amazing food experiences ). But not all of these attractions will be accessible year-round, as the island’s three seasons impact on what visitors can see and do. The best time to visit is from mid-October to mid-February—the “winter” season that enjoys a cool, dry climate caused by northeast monsoon winds blowing in from Siberia.

Weather in Phuket

Thanks to Southern Thailand’s tropical monsoon climate, Phuket experiences weather effects from two opposing winds, which switch up annually to create three distinct seasons (if you include the sunny transitional period between monsoons).  

• Rainy season: The hot, wet southwest monsoon brings in moisture-saturated air from the Indian Ocean, causing torrential rains from mid-May to mid-October
• Winter: The cool, dry northeast monsoon blows southward from Siberia, causing cooler, sunny and rain-free days from mid-October to mid-February
• Summer: A transitional period with hotter days but relatively rain-free weather from mid-February to mid-May

The three seasons determine what you can see (and how much they cost) at the time you visit Phuket. High season in the “winter” months brings you great weather, but plenty of crowds and high prices to boot. Low season during the monsoon season brings low prices, but some attractions are simply inaccessible because of the rain.

For a more detailed look at the local climate from month to month, read our overview of Phuket, Thailand’s weather .

Crowds in Phuket

Phuket tends to be busier during the peak season between November and March, covering the winter months and a few weeks before and after. The crowds peak in December and January, as droves of tourists escape the bitter cold of the wintry northern hemisphere to take in the sun on Phuket’s beaches.

Plan ahead if you intend to take your chances with Phuket’s peak season. Booking hotel rooms, rides and park tickets can be more of a slog in the peak season, as you’ll have plenty of competition from other tourists.

There are two ways to avoid Phuket’s crowds. If you're unavoidably visiting in the peak season, go to your chosen destinations early in the morning. Or simply visit during the low season from May to October, when rains and humidity scare away most of Phuket’s crowds.

Tourist Attraction Availability

Phuket’s beaches tend to be safe and accessible during the peak season, but can be dangerous to swim in when the rainy season hits. High winds in the rainy season create dangerous undercurrents; Karon and Patong beaches are particularly notorious for their dangerous, unpredictable “flash rip” tides in these months. You don't have to be swimming to get caught up. When visiting Phuket's beaches, mind the red flags on the beach that signal dangerous currents; if the flags are flying, don’t go swimming.  

The monsoon weather also forces authorities to close the Similan and Surin Islands between May 1 and October 15 every year. Choppy waters make travel to islands, or going diving, an iffy proposition in the rainy months.

Certain Thai holidays may limit access to certain attractions. On the Buddhist festivals of Makha Bucha Day (February) and Awk Phansa (October), for example, bars will not serve alcohol, enforcing (at least for a day) the Buddhist precept against drinking potent liquids.

Prices in Phuket

While Phuket is a year-round destination, travel to the island during high season can get expensive, with resorts, rides, and attractions jacking up prices to compensate for the surge in demand. The absolute peak occurs in January, with prices everywhere rising to an all-year high.

Flight fares to Phuket rise during high season, and also during non-peak high holidays like Loi Krathong and Hungry Ghost Festival. To snag the lowest fares on Phuket flights, most tourists purchase tickets 10 months before the target dates.

Shopping prices drop between July and August during the Amazing Grand Sale , with discounts from 10 to 80 percent on most goods in participating retail outlets.

Rainy Season

During Phuket’s rainy season between mid-May and mid-October, tourism rides out its low season, which officially starts when the Songkran festival ends on April 15.

Rainfall gradually increases, with short showers in April and May evolving to torrential downpours in September and October. Prices for hotels and transportation can hit rock-bottom lows during the rainy season; April and May offer an ideal time to visit if you’re chasing the full Phuket experience at a discount.

The island’s beaches should be avoided during rainy season, because of dangerous riptides. Mosquito-borne diseases like malaria and dengue are also increasing risks during the rainy season, so bring DEET or other anti-mosquito measures.

Events to check out:

• Por Tor Festival ( Hungry Ghost Festival ) in August , centers around Por Tor Kong Shrine.
• Phuket Vegetarian Festival in October is a showcase for feats of strength and vegetarian food around Saphan Hin Park.
• October's Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional Chinese festival drowning in mooncakes.

Outside of Phuket Old Town, visitors can take part in:

• The Phuket Gay Pride festival at the end of April
• The Amazing Grand Sale that brings discounts in participating stores for a month starting in Mid-June

The sunny but cool weather from October to February draws crowds to Phuket, marking the island’s high season. The weather is just perfect in the winter. The climate is marked by brilliant blue skies, with cream sands glittering in high relief against the gently lapping sea.

The tourist peak in December to January brings crowds to Phuket’s most popular beaches and to the neon-lit streets near Patong Beach after dark. Prices everywhere are higher.

• During Loi Krathong Festival in November, locals build candlelit floats ( krathong ) and release them in honor of the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha.
• Phuket King's Cup Regatta is held in December to honor the King.
• Chinese Lunar New Year in January or February, is a highly important festival date for the Peranakan and Chinese living in Phuket Old Town.

The two monsoon winds begin to switch over between mid-February and mid-May, heralding a transitional period that combines sunny weather with increasing heat and humidity that peaks between March and April.

Prices will start to come down from their peak, letting travelers enjoy a sunny Phuket vacation without the high winter prices. The overall Phuket experience (from beaches to nightlife) remains just as fun as in peak season, but with noticeably fewer tourists to share it with.

• Makha Bucha in February is celebrated in Phuket with candlelit processions to major Buddhist temples—head over to the Phuket Big Buddha or Wat Chalong to see these unfold.
• Songkran from April 13 to 15 is Thailand’s biggest festival. The Thai New Year is renowned for its good-natured water battles on the street (and the more respectful washing of elders' hands in homes and temples).

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Phuket is in the mild "winter" months of mid-October to March when the temperatures are comfortable and days are dry. To avoid the worst of the crowds, visit at the very beginning or very end of the winter season.

The rainy monsoon season begins in April and gets progressively worse throughout the summer, with September and October being the wettest months of the year. This is the low season for tourism, but keep in mind that some attractions may be inaccessible if the rain is too intense.

The mild winter months are the most popular time to visit Phuket, especially for tourists who live in cold areas and want to escape to the warm Phuket beaches. November to March are busy, but the peak crowds arrive in December and January.

Phuket.net. "Phuket's Climate & Seasons." Retrieved February 17, 2021.

The Nation Thailand. "Russian tourist drowns at Karon red-flagged beach." Published October 15, 2017. Retrieved February 17, 2021.

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18 Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket

• Information , Things to Know , Tips

First Time in Phuket – Phuket FAQs

Phuket travel – sharing tips, useful travel info, frequently asked questions, things you should know before you go and even more once you arrive in Phuket. These are the little things we gathered that can make a difference during your holiday. There is a lot to say to help you enjoy your stay while avoiding problems, so bookmark this page as we try to add as questions arise.

Before you go and on arrival

1. what is the weather like in phuket.

Phuket lies in a tropical region and is warm all year round. Temperatures range from ‘WARM’ to ‘TOO HOT’. High Season is the best time to Come : The coolest and supposedly best months are December to March. Rainy Season: June to August is a mix of rain and sun, usually enjoyable. September, October and November are often the wettest months. Hottest Time : April and May are the hottest months.

2. What currency is used in Phuket?

Thai Baht Banknotes : 1,000, 500,100, 50, 20.Coins: 10, 5 2, 1 and the useless 50 ‘satang’ (0.5 baht) and 25 ‘satang’ (0.25 baht). Major credit cards are accepted in many stores and restaurants but not in taxis, bazaars, massages, beer bars and other local businesses. The best place to exchange your currency is actually in those little booths by the street, easy to find. Click here to learn where to find the best currency exchange rates in Phuket .

3. What is the electricity voltage?

220Volts – 50/60 Hz

Get listed or advertise on Phuket101: contact us here!

4. What do electric plugs look like in Phuket?

The most common is the ‘ Two round pins ‘, sometimes with the ground (Europlug CEE 7/16) and occasionally the old ‘ Two flat parallel blades ‘ similar to the US (NEMA 1­15 or JIS C 8303). Most modern plugs accept both. Adapters are easy to find at the many convenience stores.

5. Do I need a Visa for Phuket?

Use this link to check if your country requires a visa on arrival (and how to get one online)

6. Phuket International Airport

Phuket airport is a large and modern complex, accommodating the millions of visitors Phuket receives each year (in normal times, obviously). A full page is dedicated to the renovated, enlarged and improved Phuket International Airport: what to expect on arrival, how to get to your hotel, money changes, etc. It’s not that stressful if you know what to expect.

7. ATM in Phuket

ATMs are everywhere and usually work safely. In the Bangla area of Patong, make sure no one watches over your shoulder but isn’t it just common sense?

NOTE : in Thailand, money comes out FIRST, and only after you take your money your card is ejected! A great way to forget your card in the machine after those three beers! NOTE : When changing money at a money exchange, count your money in front of the cashier; there have been some cases of missing money. The best exchange rate is usually in the non-brand exchange booths you will spot easily on most streets of main beaches.

8. Car Rentals in Phuket

Renting a car at the airport is very simple, but we recommend you book in advance if you prefer a specific model, especially during the high season. Cars are third-party insured (it will only cover the damage done to the other vehicle you may hit), but you will have to pay for any damage to your car. Always double-check the condition of your car before leaving the airport. The best is to pay a little extra to have it fully covered and worry-free. You can also rent a GPS at the airport. Renting cars from the street is possible; you will see plenty around the island, but it’s a lucky draw. As long as things go fine, you might save a few baht, but it can get ugly if something happens. In any case, call the tourist police: 1155. They have a good basic understanding of English.

9. Hotels in Phuket

Booking your hotel in advance is always cheaper than on arrival, especially at the airport . There are so many hotels in Phuket there is no lack of choice. The most important is to choose your location; if you want everything available at any time, go to Patong but get ready for some crowd. If you like it quiet and romantic: Mai Khao Beach . Something in between good for the family? Kata , Karon or Kamala . Note that beaches quiet during the high season often appear deserted in low.

10. SIM Cards

SIM cards are easy to find for 50 Baht at any convenience store in Phuket, but the fastest way is to pick up a free one at the airport luggage claim, usually from TRUE Move. Then go to the next 7-11 once you are all set with your hotel and add credit to it. According to our readers, all cards work quite well: TRUE, DTAC, AIS, and 12Call, but DTAC seems better for data (Internet and Facebook)

Once in Phuket

11. driving in phuket.

With so many things to see and do in Phuket, renting a bike or a car seems to be one of the best ways to get around freely at a low cost. But it comes with some risks and dangers. Following these basic rules might help to avoid unnecessary trouble.

12. Jet Skis

It costs around 1,500 baht for 30mn. This is just an indication; the rate varies with the gasoline price, but always up, never down! Jet ski riders are often victims of accidents or major scams involving huge unjustified fines. Stay away from them; it’s not worth it!

13. Suntan vs Sunburn

Please don’t take it lightly: the sun in Phuket is strong, even on a cloudy day. Do yourself a favour and don’t ruin your chances of a nice smooth suntan on your arrival day by overexposing yourself without sunscreen. In 24 years, we have since had some pretty severe sunburns! Take it easy the first days; trust us, you will get a better tan! Read about mistakes people make on a 1st visit .

14. Swimming Safety in Phuket

Swimming red flags and warning signs must be taken seriously, especially during the low season. Riptides are treacherous, and no matter how good a swimmer you are, the danger is real. One second you stand waist-deep on the sand; the second, later, you are meters away and swimming back can be impossible. During low season, pick a hotel with a nice swimming pool if you want to swim your laps. The newspapers report daily rescues, so please think twice.

15. Taxis and airport transfers

Taxi Meters often forget to turn on their meter and therefore will try to overcharge you on arrival or offer a higher ‘agreed’ rate. Keep an eye on that meter and insist. Also, always assume that taxi meters, even in Bangkok, NEVER have small change. This can lead to serious tips!

16. Tuk Tuks

Tuk Tuks have a bad reputation… I feel sorry for the few drivers I met that were nice guys. ALWAYS agree on the fare before you go and always bargain since they will try to overcharge by default, maybe by 30%. It’s not recommended for girls to ride a Tuk Tuks alone at night. Otherwise, it’s convenient since they are everywhere, and once again, most Tuk Tuks are OK.

16. Visa Overstay

Make sure you double-check the expiry date of the arrival stamp on your passport! If you overstay, it will cost you 500 baht per additional day for the next 40 days, then 1,000 baht per day beyond that. You could even get blacklisted! But who would ‘forget’ more than 40 days? It has become increasingly difficult to ‘negotiate’ the fine when in the officer’s office, but it’s not forbidden to try 😉

17. Water (and ice)

The consensus recommends not drinking tap water and buying drinking water (widely available). Usually, your hotel will supply a couple of complimentary bottles, and 7-11 stores are everywhere. However, ice is safe! Companies supplying ice all over the island use filtered water.

Born in France a long long time ago, I started to travel the world early until I settled in Phuket in 1994. For the past 30 years, my passion for photography and my curiosity have taken me to every corner of Phuket, Bangkok and everywhere I could go in Thailand. My goal is to share my discoveries, photos and tips to help travellers plan their holidays by making Phuket 101 as easy as possible to use for everyone!

This website is managed by Siam Legal International - a law firm in Thailand

Phuket Sandbox Guide: Travel to Thailand Without Quarantine

Latest Updates:

• The Test and Go and Sandbox programs have been removed and travelers may now enter under the No Quarantine program with fewer requirements..
• For up-to-date information and weekly updates regarding current Thailand travel restrictions, please visit the Weekly Updates for Thailand Travel Restrictions .
• Starting May 1, 2022, Thailand will have new entry requirements. To learn more about the new entry requirements, please visit: Thailand Travel Restrictions for May 1 .
• YouTube Video showing you how to apply for the Thai Pass: Instructional Video for Thailand Pass Application
• For the Best COVID Insurance for Thailand Pass , we recommend AXA Thailand .
• To book your hotel in Thailand, we recommend Agoda.com
• Travelers may join our Facebook Group to ask questions and read the latest developments: https://www.facebook.com/groups/howtoenterthailand

Note: This page may no longer be relevant so please head to this page for the latest Thailand Travel Restrictions.

On June 22, 2021 the Thai government approved the Phuket Sandbox program that allows foreign and Thai travelers to enter Thailand without quarantine. The program is scheduled to start on July 1, 2021, before Thai borders will be fully reopened. Phuket is set to become the first Thai province of this “sandbox” model and vaccinated travelers visiting the island will no longer need to be quarantined. The information highlighted in this article serves as an easy-to-follow guide on how to enter Thailand without quarantine.

Here are 5 Easy Steps on How to Enter Thailand under Phuket Sandbox Program:

1. Check Your Eligibility

• Foreign and Thai travelers must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 with a vaccine registered with the Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) or approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO) no less than 14 days before the travel date, and must have a vaccine certificate or card to verify their vaccination;
• Unvaccinated children below 18 years of age traveling with fully vaccinated parents or guardians are required to take a COVID-19 test prior to traveling to Phuket in lieu of vaccination card or proof of vaccination.

Update: Phuket Sandbox program is now open to travelers from any country subject to visa entry requirements.

Do you need a Thai Visa?

The foreigner may enter without a visa (depending on your nationality) or you must determine the appropriate visa to enter Thailand. Here are the most common types of visa you may obtain:

• Visa Exemption (for visiting Thailand for tourism purpose not longer than 45 days)
• Tourist Visa (for visiting Thailand not longer than 60 days)
• Non-Immigrant Visa (for visiting Thailand based on different purpose of stay and the visa is valid for 90 days and it can be extended in Thailand up to 1 year
• Thai Visas with Re-entry Permit
• Thailand Elite Visa

2. Book your Flight, COVID 19 Insurance and SHA+ Hotel

Book your flight to thailand.

At present, certain airlines such as British Airways, El Al Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Cathay Airlines, THAI, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Emirates, and other major airlines are permitted to operate flights to Phuket whether it is on a daily or weekly basis.

TIP : On your flight to Phuket if it is not full, please ask the cabin crew if you can be seated two or three rows away from other passengers. In case there is one person who will test positive on arrival, you will not be required to isolate in a quarantine hotel at your expense.

Book your SHA+ Hotel

Despite the fact that there will be no quarantine requirements, all travelers will continue to be restricted to stay at some accommodations that received SHA+ certification, which is issued by Thai government for safety and health measures standards.

• For travelers who wish to visit Phuket only, no minimum stay is required but they must leave Phuket (Thailand) for another country on or before the intended departure date;
• For travelers who wish to continue the journey to other Thai destinations, they must stay in Phuket  for 7 nights, and thereafter will be allowed to travel to other parts of Thailand.
• You need make sure your SHA+ Hotel will issue the Letter of Confirmation of your booking and receipt of the prepaid RT PCR COVID tests in Phuket

The list of accredited SHA+ Hotels can be found here: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/phuket-sandbox-hotels

***To book your RT-PCR COVID test in Phuket, please go to: https://www.thailandpsas.com/

Purchase your COVID 19 Insurance

You’ll need to secure COVID-19 Insurance that meets the requirements of the Thai authorities such as:

• Coverage of up to THB 750,000 (equivalent to at least USD $20,000) for medical expenses due to injury or sickness including COVID-19
• The insurance policy must cover the length of your stay in Thailand. It can be 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, 6 months.

To purchase the correct COVID Insurance and receive the certificate within minutes, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance

3. Apply for the Thailand Pass

All travelers must apply for the  Thailand Pass  at least 5 to 7 working days prior to the intended date of arrival.

To apply for the Thailand Pass, please visit  https://tp.consular.go.th/  and register by filling in your personal details on the Thailand Pass registration page and upload supporting documents such as a copy of passport, copy of the valid visa, and COVID-19 travel insurance.

For more information about the new system, please visit the Thailand Pass  page.

4. Obtain COVID-19 Test

After receiving your Thailand, you must obtain the following:

• Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected. The COVID test must be by the RT-PCR method, conducted within 72 hours before departure. Some airlines do not accept home kit tests so please check specific requirements with the airlines you are traveling with.

NOTE: This RT PCR test requirement will no longer be required for travelers arriving in Thailand on April 1, 2022 onward.

5. Prepare your documents before departure

You should print and present these documents to your airline before departure:

• Thailand Pass
• Valid visa in your passport (if needed)
• Vaccination Record/Certificate/Card
• Printed Medical Certificate with a laboratory result indicating that COVID -19 is not detected. The COVID test must be by the RT-PCR method, within 72 hours before departure.
• COVID 19 travel insurance certificate
• Confirmation Letter of SHA+ Hotel booking
• Receipt of RT PCR COVID tests booking in Phuket
• Confirmed of travel itinerary

Siam Legal Visa and COE Application Assistance

Phuket sandbox package 1: 200 usd.

• Unlimited Online Visa Consultation
• Extensive checklist of required documents
• Assistance in visa application (non-immigrant O visa and tourist visa)
• Assistance in Thailand Pass application
• 2 to 3 weeks process
• Available in the US, UK and Canada

Phuket Sandbox Package 2: 100 USD

• Consultation with our Immigration Specialist
• Assistance in Thailand Pass application (including Visa Exemption)
• 5 to 10 days process
• Available in eligible countries only

Do you want to stay in Thailand for 5 to 20 years?

• Smooth immigration procedures
• Elite personal assistance
• Exclusive spa and golf courses
• 90-day reporting service

Related Posts

How to Travel to Thailand in 2024

Best Places to Retire in Thailand for Couples

How to Retire in Thailand for Couples

Thailand Travel Restrictions 2023

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202 Comments

I am currently in pakistan and hoping to meet my wife in dubai and travel to Thailand. We are both UK citizens.

Are there any restrictions what do I need to do other then a PCR test

These are the following documents for Entering Thailand: – Thailand Pass – A Medical Certificate with an RT-PCR lab result indicating that COVID-19 is not detected issued no more than 72 hours before travelling – An insurance policy with coverage no less than US$50,000. – A Certificate of COVID-19 Vaccination/Recovery For more information you can visit this link: https://www.thaiembassy.com/ Thank you.

Hi, I have registered for the Thailand Pass for the Phuket Sandbox over a week ago but have yet to receive an email confirmation saying it’s been approved. Who can I contact to request for it to be checked? Thanks

Dear Cindy,

You can send an email at [email protected] or [email protected] and you may also call +66 7653 0220. Thank you.

Hi, me and my partner will be travelling to Phuket for the Phuket sandbox, just to clarity we only need to stay 7 days in Phuket at one SHA plus+ hotel and then we can move on to another part of Thailand?

Dear Hatty,

Good day. Yes, that is correct. You need to stay in an SHA+ Hotel for 7 nights before you can stay in other type of hotel or travel to other parts of Thailand. You need to book your COVID test at http://www.thailandpsas.com If you need help for the application, please visit: http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-pass Thank you.

I would like to use the Siam Legal Visa and COE application service but it says it is only available in UK US and Canada I am a UK citizen traveling on a UK passport current in Dubai and traveling direct to Phuket from Dubai Can I still use this service ? Thanks

Dear Shaun,

For those who are in the UAE, our service is only the Thailand Pass service which is 100 USD. Please visit http://www.siam-legal.com/thailand-pass Thank you.

I keep seeing articles saying you must enter phuket on a direct flight. We are flying into Thailand from the Caribbean so we obviously do not have a direct flight….it will take us 3 days and 2 stops before we arrive. The final leg of our journey is from Finland directly into Phuket for quarantine. Is this ok?

Good day. Yes, that is acceptable. As long as the flight from Helsinki to Phuket has no stop in Bangkok. Thank you.

Hi if i am transiting through phuket and getting straight onto another flight within 2hours what would the shaba id be? also full vaccinated and tested

Good day. Are you transiting Phuket from abroad going to where? It is not clear where are you coming from and where are you going. Thank you.

Fly from Manchester to Phuket then onto Udon Thani Thanks

Good day. That is not allowed. You need to stay in Phuket for 7 nights under Phuket Sandbox before you can fly to Udon Thani. If you read the articles it says, you stay in Phuket for 7 nights before going to other provinces.

I have had one dose of astrozeneca and one dose of pfizer, does this count as fully vaccinated? I have two doses, but of different companies.

Dear Neil, Good Day! Yes. It is acceptable as long as you have proof of vaccination for both brands of COVID vaccine. Thank you!

My daughter works in Bangkok. She is fully vaxxed. We live in Canada and are fully vaxxed. If we go the Phuket sandbox for 10days can she come stay with us in the same room or resort?

Dear Beckie, Good Day! Yes, she can. However, she must have also strictly followed the requirements for entering Phuket. I recommend for you to check with your Phuket hotel for the latest information about Phuket entry restrictions for those coming from Bangkok. Thank you.

Where to find the recent list of eligble countries for Phuket sandbox? Looking for Turkey. Thank you!

Dear Ferhat, Good day. Yes, Turkey has been included in the list since August 20, 2021. Thank you.

Hi, I am a Thai national and originally from Phuket Town, I am working right now for the UN in Nairobi, Kenya, could you pls advise how can I be eligible for the Phuket Sandbox, or do I need to stay at an ASQ quarantine hotel? I am planning to travel home around 18 Sept 2021.

Thanks Chana

Dear Chana, Good day. You have two options: 1. You travel from Kenya to Thailand but you need to quarantine for 2 weeks in Bangkok. 2. You travel to a country such as UK or some countries in Europe and stay for 21 days, then you travel to Phuket. You do not need to quarantine. You can stay in SHA+ Hotel for 14 nights. Thank you.

I am going to Thailand with my Thai wife to stay in my wife’s home. Can I travel on a non immigrant O visa Is it ok to have only a single flight (no return ticket) Is it only covid insurance I need or do I need an annual health insurance too?

Dear Andre, Yes, you can apply for the Non O visa and COE from the Thai Embassy. You only need a single journey flight since you will be holding a Non Immigrant visa. You only need COVID 19 insurance since it is only a 90-day Non O visa. To purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

My husband and I would like to visit the Krabi area in November from California US. We are both vaccinated and hope to get an extra booster shot. We are waiting to buy our tickets until it is clear what exactly the situation is and what we need to do. Any advice?

Dear Felicia, Good day. Yes, you can qualify for the Phuket Sandbox 7 + 7 Extension program. You can spend 7 nights in Phuket and 7 nights in Krabi after that such as Ko Phi Phi. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

Do I need to stay in “one country” ( on the list ) for 21 days or can be those country for 21 days before i can fly to phuket sandbox ??

Dear Cindy, It will depend on the country where you will apply for the COE. It is best to stay in one country for 3 weeks before you travel to Thailand. Thank you.

Do you have to fly direct to Phuket or are you allowed to have a connecting flight from London?

Dear Paul, Good day. To qualify for the Phuket Sandbox, you can transit in a third country and travel to Phuket. When you transit, you need to be traveling on the same airline. Thank you.

I’m looking for someone/agency to do all the requirements for me and I pay a fee. Anyone/agency in here that does that?

Dear Keith, Good day. Yes, we can definitely assist you. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

As a ex sandboxer currently In udon Thani can I return to Phuket before my flight on the 3rd of September, ie return on the 30th Aug

Dear Andy, Phuket is currently on lockdown for those entering Phuket from within Thailand. However, they may be exception if you have to take your flight out of Thailand through Phuket as a Phuket Sandboxer. Just make sure you have a negative COVID RT PCR test result result when you plan to enter Phuket. Thank you.

Hi Rex. Question about hotels can I book them thru Booking.com or Agoda? Or I have to do thru hotel website?

Dear Simon, Good day. Yes, you can book through a third party however, the SHABA ID (required for the COE application) will be issued to you by the HOTEL only. So it is up to you if you would like to contact the hotel directly. Thank you.

Hey Rex, I heard by a local Thai friend of mine that the Phuket sandbox was closing down and they were not going to let tourist to come in. Do you have any information on this matter?

Dear Bruce, Good day. As of today, August 11th, Phuket Sandbox will continue. The only travel ban is travel from Bangkok to Phuket. There is no problem if you are travelling from abroad to Phuket (without transit in Bangkok of course). Thank you.

Hi. I´m from Colombia in South America; I would like to visit Thailand just for 25 days in september 2021, but my country is not on the list of elegible countries. Is it possible to travel in september? What can I do?

Dear Hector, Yes, it is possible for you to travel if you have a Thai TR tourist visa and you will apply for the COE or Certificate of Entry for Quarantine. You cannot get Certificate of Entry for Phuket Sandbox. Thank you.

Hi Rex. My pre-approved COE was rejected – reason being my stay in US was less than 21 days. I understand and read from the Tourism of Thailand website that this does not apply to Thai nationals and foreign expatriate returning home. i am a long -term resident in Bangkok.

How do i proceed from here? They had asked me to upload I-94 or other evidence as a proof . What’s a I-94?

Dear Belle, Good day. If you are applying at Thai Consulate in NYC, you can write a signed letter of explanation. If you are applying in Los Angeles, you need to download the i-94 from the government website. Thank you.

Hi Rex My family of 3 are long-stay residents in Bangkok. My husband has a work permit. We are travelling from New York after 14 days. Are we eligible for the Phuket sandbox ?

Dear Belinda, Yes, you are eligible as long as you are fully vaccinated and your children who are not vaccinated are traveling with you. If you are staying less than 21 days in the US, please write a signed letter of explanation. Thank you.

Hi there, Quick question about Phuket. Regarding domestic travel from Bangkok to Phuket island. Do I need health insurance and/or do I need to show a PCR test in order for them to let me in there? Also please fill me in on if there are any quarantine requirements if any for my situation. Shay

Dear Shay, Phuket is not allowing anyone to travel to Phuket. Whether you are vaccinated or not, you cannot enter Phuket right now if you are traveling from within Thailand. Only international flights are allowed to enter Phuket right now. Thank you.

Hi! After 14 nights in Sandbox Phuket, are we allowed to go to Bangkok by car

Dear Fayez, Yes, you are allowed to leave Phuket and go to Bangkok after 14-night stay in Phuket. You may not be able to re-enter Phuket due to the current lockdown. Thank you.

It looks like there are a few hotels that are on both the SHA+ (sandbox) list and the ASQ list. How does the island/hotel differentiate between SHA+ (sandbox) people and ASQ people?

I am a US citizen/resident, and planning to come to Thailand in January/February, but I will be visiting South Africa before entering Thailand. So I’m trying to decide whether to skip South Africa so that I can have an easier time in Thailand, or return home to the US (or use a corridor country like Mauritius) for 3 weeks before entering Thailand, or just deal with 2 weeks in ASQ. Do you have any advice? (I realize, of course, that things may change over the next 5 months).

Thanks, — Joe A.

Dear Joe, I recommend for you to check with us in December. I am sure things will change by that time. Maybe Phuket Sandbox is cancelled in November or maybe no more quarantine in January. We do not know right now. It is too early to answer your question for your January 2022. Thank you.

hi Rex, i will be coming next week to phuket under the sanbow program and wil stay for 6 weeks, can i extend my stay with a visa, as i enter under the cisa-excemption program, or is the only solution to leave and enter again as it was before covid ?? Its my first visit to thailand, knever applied for a visa before (either now, as i am excempted !!)

Dear Bong, Good day. Once you are already in Thailand, you can extend your Visa Exemption stamp for 30 days at any immigration office. You can also extend it for 60 days under COVID extension at any immigration office for a fee of 1900 THB. Thank you.

I am from the Philippines, can I enter Phuket given its not in the pilot country list? How many days can I stay in Phuket and what other COVID measures I need to be aware about?

Dear RJ, If you are from the Philippines you can enter Phuket under Alternative Quarantine. You need to quarantine for 14 nights in your room only. You cannot go out of the room unless you have a balcony. Thank you.

I have a non immigrant O extension and re entry permit both expiring on Jan the 9th 22,i’am married to a thai lady and have had both A Z vaccinations. I want to leave Australia for Phuket on the 3rd of October but have heard many different versions of what i require to do as it frequently changes.

Dear John, Good day. You can get a COE based on having Thai wife and you can enter Thailand under Phuket Sandbox. You only need to have a Phuket Sandbox Hotel, COVID insurance until January 2022 and COVID tests before your flight and COVID tests in Phuket. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

It’s possible flight from phuket to bangkok after stay 14 days in tha island

Dear Fayez, Flights to Bangkok from Phuket and other cities have been suspended. So I am not sure how to answer your question, there is no airline flying domestic except for Bangkok-Samui flights or Phuket-Samui flights. Thank you.

Hello, I’m resident in United Arab Emirates, and if i want to visit Serbia for 10 days, and then come back and travel to Phuket, is that possible? Both of the countries are on sandbox list.

Dear Jovana, The Thai Consulate in Dubai will only issue a COE for Phuket Sandbox if you are staying in Dubai for more than 21 days before your flight. Thank you.

I’m from the Philippines and I’m not vaccinated,I should allow to Phuket thailand

Dear Francel, Good day. Yes, you can enter Phuket under Alternative Quarantine only. It means you will be quarantine in hotel hotel room only for 14 nights. Thank you.

I intend to meet my boyfriend in Phuket in September. I will be coming from Singapore and he will be from Germany. We are fully vaccinated. Can we stay in the same hotel for 14 days before we can travel to our place in Bangkok?

Dear Ella, Yes, both of you can stay in the same SHA+ Hotel since both of your are eligible for Phuket Sandbox. For the question, if you can stay in the same room, I believe it is better for you to ask directly the hotel. I think it is not a problem but to be sure, please call them directly. After 14 nights in Phuket, yes, you can come to Bangkok. Hopefully in September, flights from Phuket to Bangkok will be operational already. Thank you.

is it possible to indian passport holder stay in russia 21 days and after he travel to phuket thailand

Dear Vicky, Yes, it is possible as long as the applicant has all of the following: 1. Applied for TR visa from Thai Embassy in Moscow 2. Applied for COE under TR visa and Phuket Sandbox at the Thai Embassy in Moscow 3. Fully Vaccinated Thank you.

I am a Permanent Hong Kong resident but looking to travel to Phuket after a short trip to the UK, before re-entering Hong Kong. However, I will only have been in the UK 10 days before travelling to Phuket. As both Hong Kong and the UK are on the safe country list for Sanbox is this OK as in the 21 days prior to travel I will have been in Hong Kong and then the UK – not one country for the full 21 days.

I also presume that I put my country of departure as UK, and go through the London office rather than Hong Kong one (where I am resident). For reference I am flying to Phuket via Turkish Airways, with a short transit in Istanbul. My flight to the UK from Hong Kong is a direct one with Hong Kong on the green list for arrivals to UK.

Thank you for your help.

Dear GF, The Thai embassies might require that you have stayed in the UK for 21 days before you will be issued a COE for Phuket Sandbox. Also, the officer at the Phuket airport might put you to quarantine if you have not stayed for 21 days in the UK. There has been a case about this. I recommend that you check with the Thai Embassy in London and your airline to make sure you will not be placed in quarantine. Thank you.

Does a 27 months old infant need to be tested as well if both parents are vaccinated and tested ? Or is there an exception for children below the age of 6 as in most European countries ?

regards Robin

Dear Robin, Yes, the infant will also undergo RT PCR test before your flight, upon arrival (Day 1) and during your stay in Phuket (Day 6 and 12). Thank you.

i am from philippines and i want to meet my bf from germany in phuket thailand but im not fully vaccinated should i allow to enter phuket thailand??

Dear Archi, Yes, you can still enter Phuket under quarantine conditions. Yes, it will be an AQ hotel room for you. Your BF who is vaccinated can stay in SHA+ Hotel in Phuket for 14 nights and you can stay in ASQ Hotel in Phuket for 14 nights. After you are released from quarantine, you can see each other. Thank you.

I own a condo in Phuket can I stay there without having to stay first in a SHA hotel

Dear Karen, The Phuket Sandbox requires that the first 14 nights must be spent in an SHA+ hotel only. there will be a nightly check so you cannot really escape it. Thank you.

Hi, I am holding mainland Chinese passport and living in Hong Kong for the last 2 years (without travelling out of HK). Do I need to apply a visa for travelling to Phuket? And am I eligible to the Phuket sandbox program?

Dear Mandy, Yes, it is possible for you to travel udner Phuket Sandbox as long as you have all of the following: 1. Applied for TR visa from Thai Consulate in HK 2. Applied for COE under TR visa and Phuket Sandbox at the Thai Consulate in HK 3. Fully Vaccinated Thank you.

I have a plan to travel phuket, Thailand in the month of Nov from kuwait . I have a query that is “ can i stay together with my Thai girlfriend (she not yet vaccinated from chiang mai) at Phuket..

Dear Debasish, As of today, only vaccinated people can enter Phuket from within Thailand. This rule is in place until August 2. What will happen in November, I do not know and I cannot predict it. Please contact us again sometime in October. Thank you.

Good Day We are 4 people, we want to use the sandbox program and travel to Phuket from Spain on August 1st for a month trip! 3 of us are vaccinated, one no! I understand that one of the requirements is booked in the hotel for 14 days! My question is, for vaccinated people we still can go out normally around in the village with no restrictions at all, right? Around Tambon Kamala, Chang Wat Phuket Area!? Also What Visa should I use? Much Appreciate it Thank you!

Dear Eva, Yes, you need to book an SHA+ Hotel for 14 nights. Yes, you are free to travel around Phuket island. You can use Visa Exemption when you apply for the COE. To purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance Thank you.

HI REX, I HAVE AN OA VISA, AND A HOUSE IN HUA HIN. I HAVE GOTTEN 2 PFEIZER SHOTS, CAN I BOOK A FLIGHT ON SINGAPORE AIR TO PHUKET FROM LOS ANGELES IN AUGUST, AND A HOTEL IN PHUKET ?

IS IT POSSIBLE TO BUY A TICKET TO BANGKOK AND ANOTHER TICKET TO PHUKET, DEPARTING ON THE SAME DAY AS ARRIVAL ?

WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME TO GET APPROVAL OF THE COE FROM THE CONSULATE IN L.A ? THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY BO

Dear Bo, The flight must be Los Angeles-Singapore-Phuket. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php

Hi, How quick is the test result released after taking the Covid test in Phuket airport upon arrival?

Dear Aisa, It will be around 4 to 6 hours. Thank you.

Is the EU Digital COVID Certificate (Fully vaccinated 2/2 ) valid for Phuket Sandbox Program ?

Dear Jacky, I believe that there is an EU Vaccination Certificate that you can print. This can be used for the COE application and for arrival. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

I’m vaccinated with mixed doses. 1. AstraZeneca then 12 weeks after 2. Pfizer. Can I enter Phuket with quarantine in a hotel room for 14 days?

Dear Camilla, Yes, you can enter Phuket under quarantine procedure. Please check this page for guidance: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2021 Thank you.

Hello, we want to use the Phuket Sandbox Programm for a christmas trip. We are a family of 3 from Austria, all vaccinated. We want to stay in Phuket for 14 nights (SHA+ Hotel) and then stay in Thailand for another 8 days. Do we have to a apply for a visa ahead? Last time (2019) we just entered Thailand without any Visa. If yes – can you tell us which visa we need to get to apply for the COE? Thank you and best regards

Dear Petra, Good day. You do not need to apply for a visa because you can qualify to enter Thailand under the Visa Exemption program. You will be allowed to stay up to 45 days. You only need to apply for the COE in case the COE is still required at that time. It is too early to do any application right now. Please check back with us in the end of October 2021. Thank you.

We are supposed to travel from Ohio, USA to Phuket in November where we’ve lived and stayed much longer than 21 days. We have a layover in Hong Kong on our way to Phuket because there are no direct flights, but we will not be leaving the Hong Kong Airport whatsoever and immediately boarding a plain to Phuket. Are we still allowed to come to Phuket (no where else) for 10 without quarantine if we are fully vaccinated? We are not going through BKK.

Dear Stephanie, Yes, it is alright to travel to Phuket through Hong Kong. It is not a problem. You can still qualify for the Phuket Sandbox. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

I got a note from the embassy saying we need an I94 as well. However I was unable to locate my travel history from the gov site. Is there other documentation I can upload that is acceptable?

Dear Thuy, If you are not a resident of the US, yes you need to either show your green card or your US visa and I-94. Thank you.

I own an apartment in Phuket and my wife and I are trying to stay there in August for 20 days (unable to do this for over a year) but according to the latest regulations I have to stay at an appointed SHA hotel. An alternative arrangement was to stop in our selected hotel on Surin Beach (but this is not a SHA hotel). We are both fully vaccinated and have the NHS certificate to confirm the details, why are we being rejected by the latest official Sandbox proposals. I started visiting Thailand in 1982 and have been there more than 100 times that is why I decided to purchase an apartment but it looks like that was a wrong decision.

Dear Mike, Good day. When you bought your apartment, I believe that you did not anticipate that there will be COVID 19, that there will be quarantine, that the world will be in lockdown at some point. It is an unfortunate time right now. You always have an option to delay your trip to Phuket until the COVID 19 is fully eliminated or you can visit Phuket now and undergo or follow the protocols. Thank you.

Hi! After 14 nights in Sandbox Phuket, are we allowed to go to Hua Hin by bus? We will stay in our own private house in Hua Hin.

Dear Tore, Good day. Yes, if your COVID test result is negative, you will be allowed to leave Phuket and drive to Hua Hin. In Hua Hin, please check for the local rules and regulation should there be any as it changes every week. Thank you.

I am italian and living in Italy on the border to Austria (both Schengen) but my nearest airport from which I would also like to fly is in Innsbruck – Austria.

Can I use that airport as both countries are in Schengen area or do I have to drive to an italian one (which is a way longer trip to reach) because of that 21 days rule?

Dear Timo, Good day. Yes, you can use that airport and apply using Thai Embassy in Austria. You will be required to provide an Austrian address when you apply for COE. You can also apply using Thai Embassy in Italy, provide an Italian address and still use the Innsbruck airport. Thank you.

I am traveling from USA ( citizen) but not vaccinated ( and due to personal health issues will not be getting it). Can i still use Phuket-sandbox with mandatory 14 days quarantine?

Dear Joy, Good day. No, you are unable to use the Phuket Sandbox for the COE application. However, you can choose AQ or Alternative Quarantine. You can still enter Phuket using the AQ or quarantine for 14 nights. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

Merhaba Phuket de 14 Gün Kaldıktan Sonra, Chaengsao İline geçiş yapabilirmiyim.

Dear Yunus, Good day. Yes, if your last COVID test result is negative, you will be allowed to leave Phuket and drive to Chachoengsao. In Chachoengsao, please check for the local rules and regulation should there be any as it changes every week. Thank you.

Have a good day i am from Philippines and we plan to travel to meet my bf,he was from USA and i am from Philippines, is there a possible way?thank U

Dear Maribeth, Yes, both of you can travel to Thailand under the Visa Exemption program. It is valid for 45 days (15 days of it on quarantine). Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

Hello! Can i go to Phuket from Bangkok in a domestic flight? I did the 14 days querentine in Bangkok (ASQ HOTEL) and i have a COE. Im already in Thailand, but i would like to confirm if i can take a domestic flight to Phuket from Bangkok. Once in Phuket, on this conditions, do i have to stay at SHA Hotel or complete another 14 days of quarentine? Thank you very much!

Dear Larissa, Since you have completed the ASQ in Bangkok, yes, you can travel to Phuket as long as you have a COVID test. You are not required to stay in SHA+ Hotel. In Phuket, you can stay in any hotel, Airbnb or private homes. Thank you.

I hold an Irish passport but I live in the UAE and am a resident of the UAE. I am currently in Ireland on vacation at home. I have been here for 21 days. I am due to fly back to the UAE on the 21st of July and then flying to Phuket on the 23rd July from UAE. Will i still be allowed to enter Phuket considering both countries are on the low risk list. Also for COE application, do I say my departure country as Ireland or UAE?

Dear Niamh, Yes, you can apply for the COE in the UAE if you are a resident of the UAE. You will apply for COE using the Thai Embassy in Abu Dhabi or Consulate in Dubai since you are technically going to Thailand from there. If your transit in the UAE is less than 12 hours, you can get your COE in Ireland (to be processed in London). Thank you.

I am flying to Phuket on 23rd July, how do i book the pre approved PCR tests required? Are they booked through the SHA plus hotel you are staying in or do I have to book them myself?

Dear Niamh, Good day. There is a proposal where you can book using a third party company. However right now, the best thing to do is to book it and pay for it to your SHA+ hotel. Thank you.

Hi, im from a country not included in the list who can avail the Phuket Sandbox program. Can i still enter Phuket directly? Will i undergo 14day quarantine? If yes, what if i will just stay in Phuket less than 14days?

Dear Valerie, Good day. Yes, you can still enter Phuket but you must complete a 14-night quarantine before you can leave your hotel. You cannot enter Thailand if you don’t book 14-night quarantine. Thank you.

I read that to qualify for the Sandbox entry you must be in one of the authorised countries for 21 days prior to entry to Phuket. I plan to fly from London to Phuket transiting through Singapore. Clearly i wont be in Singapore for 21 days, just a few hours. Will this be allowed? Of do flights have to be direct from London to Phuket (currently there are none hence the need to transit through Singapore).

Dear Leigh, Good day. Singapore is not a high risk country so it is not a problem. Also, you are only transiting, so that is also not a problem. Flight to Phuket with transit flights in Singapore, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha are all allowed for the Phuket Sandbox. Please refer to the content of this page. We have listed the airlines. Thank you.

I have two questions.

1. Some countries in the list of pilot countries are marked with * . What this “*“ indicates for those countries?

2. Can foreign travelers visit other cities in Thailand if we enter Phuket as the first stop? What’s the requirement to enter other cities in Thailand from Phuket?

Dear Kelly, Good day. 1. The asterisk (*) indicates that the country is not low or medium risk country, but it is included because this country is recommended by the Tourism Office to be included because there’s a notable number of tourists coming from that country. In case of Japan, it has an asterisk (*) which means only business travel is allowed for the Phuket Sandbox. 2. Yes, you can travel to other cities only after you have completed the 14-night stay in Phuket. The requirements in each provinces changes almost every week so I am not sure. For Bangkok, there is no requirement. For Chiang Mai, if you come from Phuket, it is not a problem but if you enter Chiang Mai from Bangkok, you will be required self-isolate. Thank you.

We fullfilled all requirements for the sandbox, but the people in Phuket airport assigned us as ALQ and we have to stay 2 weeks in Quarantine.

Dear Noemi, Good day. I can only determine two reasons. First, one of the passengers has tested positive for COVID 19. Second, you have been recently in a high risk country before coming to Thailand. That you did not stay for 21 days in a low-medium risk country before the trip. Thank you.

We intended to fly from London to Phuket. Can we take any transit flight to Phuket, for example via Doha or Singapore, and still be good for the Sandbox program?

Dear Pauline, Good day. Yes, you can definitely take a flight with transit in Doha or Singapore or even Dubai. That is not a problem. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

Hi, Can I move between the countries from the list during the 21 days before I enter Phuket?

Thanks, Kris

Dear Kris, Yes, it is possible especially if you are in the Schengen area. Thank you.

Hello there, Can I fly to Bangkok, transit and then fly to Phuket to quarantine? I had already booked tickets from Bangkok-UK-Bangkok with KLM in June before the ‘sandbox’ opened up.

Thanks, Fiona

Dear Fiona, Good day. No, you need to quarantine in Bangkok. It is not possible to travel domestic from Bangkok to Phuket without completing your quarantine. Thank you.

I plan on traveling to Phuket on September 11 – October 9. I already purchased my airfare to Phuket. Do you recommend that I book my hotel and purchase my insurance now? In addition, can I complete my COE application now once I book my hotel and purchase insurance?

Dear Mark, Good day. You cannot apply for the COE earlier than 30 days before the flight. You can apply after August 12th. You can book SHA+ Hotel now and purchase insurance. To purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

Greetings, I plan to be in Phuket for more than 14 days at SHA +2 hotel. If I travel to Chang Mai from Phuket, do I need to stay in an ASQ Hotel, Or, can I stay in regular hotel in Chang Mai?

Dear Robert, Good day. Right now, if you are coming from Phuket to Chiang Mai on direct flight with a COVID test, there is no need for quarantine in Chiang Mai. You can stay in a regular hotel. Thank you.

Hi Rex, I would like to travel to Phuket for retirement. I understand I can apply to change or extend my visa to 12 months retirement when I am actually there but I am unsure which visa to apply for to first enter Thailand from UK. Non immigrant 0, or O-A, or another? 3 months? 12 months?

Dear Ian, The fastest way is to just apply for the 45-day visa exemption and COE. Once you are in Thailand, you can change it to Non O visa and retirement visa. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

I want to meet my girlfriend from Philippines in Phuket (she will go Singapore Airlines “Manila-transit Singapore-Phuket” if this helps). Because Philippines is red list is she still allowed to quarantine in Phuket 14 days in ASQ hotel before I arrive 2 weeks later from London and she can join me in the SHA+ for an extra 2 weeks. Will the Thai Embassy issue COE from Manila to her ?

Dear Thomas, Yes, the Thai Embassy in Manila will issue the COE for Alternative Quarantine. You need to make sure she is flying with Singapore Airlines only and book for a quarantine hotel in Phuket. After completing the quarantine she is free to travel around Phuket or Thailand. For her, to purchase the correct COVID 19 insurance, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/axa-insurance Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

Hi Rex. We are arriving from the UK to Phuket on 1st August. Our CEOs have been pre-approved. How likely is it that the UK status would change and we wouldn’t be allowed to use the sandbox? How regularly do the pilot countries change? Many thanks

Dear Oli, Good day. There has been no country that was removed from the list since June 30th. There has been few additions on July 9th and July 12th. Thank you.

say for instance with the list of countries, if i have been in Dubai for the past 3 weeks, then want to travel to Greece for a short time before entering Phuket is that still eligible as their both on the list, or would i have to stay in Greece for another 21 days?

Dear Jake, Good day. Yes, that is alright because UAE and Greece are both eligible countries. You will apply for your COE at the Thai Embassy in Athens if your flight departs from Greece. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

1. Can I use the Phuket Sandbox program if I am from Russia, I have been vaccinated with Sputnik V, but now I have been living in Rwanda for three months or I need to undergo quarantine? 2. Can I go to quarantine for 7-10 days since I am vaccinated?

Dear Maria, Good day. The list did not say nationality. The list says coming from these countries. It means if you fly from the listed countries and you have stayed in those countries for the past 21 days, you can do the Phuket Sandbox. In your case, you do not qualify because you are not flying from Russia. There is no 7 or 10 days quarantine. It is 14 days only. Thank you.

Hello I want to fly from HK to Phuket and spend a week in sandbox and then fly to Europe. Do I need to stay 14 days? Or can I leave after a week with a direct flight from Phuket? Thank you

Dear G Rouch, Good day. Yes, you can stay in Phuket for less than 14 nights. You only need to show an international exit flight to any country. You cannot fly to Europe with transit in Bangkok. I recommend you fly out of Phuket to Europe via Middle East or Singapore. Thank you.

Can I share a room with my friend from Myanmar? I’m from Finland.

Dear Alina, Good day. You should direct this question to your SHA+ Hotel. Thank you.

My daughter lives in Bangkok. Can she fly to Uk and then return to Phuket alone and meet her dad who will fly in from Bangkok and stay with her for 14 days in Phuket? They will return back to Bangkok on time for her school. She is not vaccinated. Is it possible?

Dear Kat, Good day. Children under 18 years of age who are not vaccinated must be accompanied by a parent or guardian who is vaccinated in order to be eligible for the Phuket Sandbox. Thank you.

I am traveling to Phuket to complete the quarantine at Sandbox and planning to do 7 nights in 2 hotels before traveling to Bangkok. I am flying in from U.A.E. My husband is a Canadian resident with a work permit currently living in Bangkok, is he allowed to join me at the sandbox for my 14 day quarantine? Can we share a room at the hotels since he has already completed his quarantine in Bangkok a few months ago?

Dear Divya, Good day. Since he is already in Thailand, he can visit you and stay with you in Phuket as long as he is eligible to enter Phuket under the certain requirements such as having an RT PCR test before he travels to Phuket. Thank you.

Thank you. Will he need to quarantine with me for the full 14 days and do 3 PCR tests as I will have to?

Dear DP, If you are entering Phuket on Sandbox Model, there is no quarantine. The 14 nights stay and 3 RT PCR tests are applicable to those coming from abroad. Thank you.

Can I do the sandbox but my family visit or stay with me in same hotel my wife and my self vaccinated my 4 year old son hasn’t

Dear Lee, As of now, they can only visit you in Phuket if they are vaccinated with negative RT PCR COVID test. Thank you.

I would like to chat with someone to determine what service to use,,,I am planning a mid August trip and not sure when to start the process.

Dear Thomas, Good day. You may send us an email at [email protected] or add us on our LINE ID: siamlegalbangkok Thank you.

Can a person with Recovery certificate and one vaccination register for Phuket sandbox COE

Dear Hendrik, Good day. The current setup for COE application does not allow it. Perhaps you can give it 1 or 2 months until the system is updated to allow travelers who are in the same situation as you. But for now, it is not possible. The current system won’t allow it. Thank you.

Can an Indian national, who is a long term resident in the United Arab Emirates enter visa the sandbox scheme, without arranging a visa in advance?

Dear John, The answer is no. The Indian must obtain a Thai TR visa from the Thai Embassy or Consulate first before he/she can apply for the COE under Phuket Sandbox. Thank you.

Are recovered COVID-19 traveler are eligible to enter Thailand under sandbox program ? a recovered patient cannot get 2 vaccine shots – Are recovered COVID-19 traveler that got a single vaccine shot are considered as “fully vaccinated” ? from my understanding WHO and Thailand Health department recommend only a single vaccine shot to recovered COVID-19 (after 90 days).

Dear Ben, Good day. The current setup for COE application does not allow it. Perhaps you can give it 1 or 2 months until the system is updated to allow travelers who are in the same situation as you. But for now, it is not possible. The current system won’t allow it. It only allows those with 1 or 2 doses of vaccinations. Thank you.

I live in USA i can not transfer in Bangkok from SFO going to Phuket. This is a problem because i bought my ticket in April. Do you think they will start receiving direct flights soon.

Dear Garrett, Good day. You can still arrive in Bangkok and quarantine in Bangkok for 14 days and after that you can travel to Phuket or Chiang Mai. If you want to avail the Phuket Sandbox, you can get a ticket SFO-Singapore-Phuket. Thank you.

How can I depart from Muscat, Oman to Phuket by “Phuket Sandbox Program” ? do I need COE in Oman first? I have Chinese Passport, taken Chinese Sinopharm Vaccine November 2020.

Dear Huang, Good day. The Thai Embassy in Oman cannot issue the COE under Phuket Sandbox. Thank you.

Hi there! Can I share my hotel room with people I am traveling with? Or we must all have different rooms?

Dear Thuy, Good day. Yes, you can definitely share rooms with your family or friends. It is like a normal hotel. The only difference is that there is a nightly check and there are COVID tests. Thank you.

My fiancé and I are wanting to meet In Phuket. I am from the USA and she is from the Philippines. I understand that she would need to quarantine. Do you know if I can stay with her and we BOTH quarantine TOGETHER or would she have to stay in a separate room? Thank you in advance for your assistance!

Dear Jason, Good day. It is not possible for unmarried couple to quarantine together in one room. You can quarantine in the same hotel and perhaps you can meet each other in the common area once you have completed your first or second COVID tests. Thank you.

My first vaccination was with AstraZeneca, the second with Moderna. Is a mixed vaccination accepted?

Dear Hugo, Good day. For the COE application under Phuket Sandbox, unfortunately it is not acceptable as of today July 22nd. Thank you.

Lebanon is not included in your list of country does that mean we cant visit phuket ?

Dear Nathalie, You can still visit Phuket but you need to do two things: 1. Apply for the tourist TR visa from Thai Embassy. 2. Apply for the COE or certificate of entry from the Thai Embassy (enter Thailand under Alternative Quarantine for 14 nights). Thank you.

If my girlfriend who is coming from the Philippines will quarantine in Phuket, canI stay with her if I’m from the USA? And is it an ASQ hotel?

Dear Rob, Good day. Only legally married couples are allowed to quarantine in the same room. Yes, it will be an AQ hotel room for her. You can stay in SHA+ Hotel in Phuket for 14 nights and she can stay in ASQ Hotel in Phuket for 14 nights. After she is released from quarantine, you can see each other. Thank you.

I’m from Philippines 🇵🇭. What requirements I need to go to phuket. I am able to entry phuket even I am unvaccinated?

Dear Jacquelyn, You can enter Phuket under visa exemption of 45 days. You can enter Phuket with a certificate of entry under visa exemption and under entering Thailand with alternative quarantine of 14 nights. Please refer to this page: https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2021 Thank you.

If we enter under the visa exemption list, for 30-45 days, will we still have to provide accommodation confirmation for the entire time (30-45 days)? Or only the SHA proof for 14 nights (we are fully vaccinated)?

Dear LT, Good day. For the purpose of COE application, you only need to show proof of accommodation in an SHA+ Hotel for the first 14 nights. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

Can I meet my Girlfriend from the Philippines in Phuket? I am from the USA

Dear Robert, Good day. Yes, she can meet you in Phuket but she needs to do the mandatory quarantine first. The quarantine will be in Bangkok if she arrives in Bangkok from Manila or she can quarantine in Phuket if she arrives Manila-Singapore-Phuket. She cannot use Phuket Sandbox because the Thai Embassy in Manila cannot issue a COE under Phuket Sandbox. Thank you.

What does the asterisk in the list of countries mean?

Dear Oleg, Good day It means these are countries that are considered high risk but because of tourists coming from that countries, they are allowed to obtain a COE under Phuket Sandbox. Thank you.

Hi! The Philippines is not included in your pilot countries for Phuket Sandbox. Does that mean that travelers from the Philippines are not allowed to enter Phuket?

Dear Lani, Good day. Travelers from the Philippines can still travel to Phuket but they can only obtain a COE with mandatory 14-night quarantine. Thank you.

Dear Rex Is it possible to pick up the rental car after arrival at Phuket international airport to drive to the booked SHAplus hotel directly? Best Jaycee

Dear Jaycee, Yes, it is possible as long as you are done with your RT PCR test at the airport and the rental company has SHA+ certificate also. Thank you.

Can I Fly into Phuket and leave from Bangkok, when I am staying more than 14 days? Will a ticket booked that way be ok at the checkpoint?

Dear Marcin, Good day. Yes, you can enter through Phuket and you can exit through Bangkok. You must show both flights. You must also book a SHA+ Hotel in Phuket for at least 14 days before you can travel to Bangkok. Thank you.

I know that filipino are not qualified for sandbox programs. What are the requirements needed for Filipinos to go to phuket? I will only stay for less than 45 days. Thank you

Dear Jac, Please check this page as your Guide how to Enter Phuket with quarantine. https://www.thaiembassy.com/travel-to-thailand/how-to-travel-to-thailand-in-2021 Thank you.

Are you sure British Airways is flying to Phuket? I can’t see any flights.

Dear Blair, Good day. That’s the plan back in May. You can fly with Qatar or Emirates. It is acceptable to have transit in Doha and Dubai. Thank you.

Yes you can fly with BA they operate a flight from Heathrow and Gatwick to Doha and then the flight from Doha to Phuket is operated by Qatar. It is on the ba.com website

Dear Chris, Good day. If the flights are codeshare that is acceptable and the flights are on the same booking or reservation. Should you require any assistance in applying for the COE or certificate of entry, please check this page: https://www.siam-legal.com/other-services/certificate-of-entry-thailand.php Thank you.

How many days in advance can we apply for the COE? If returning to Thailand early September, could we apply in July?

Dear Bo, Good day. It would best to apply around 15 to 20 days before your flight to Thailand, the earliest. Or apply 5 to 7 days before the flight at the latest. Thank you.

does my flight have to be direct to Phuket? Can i transit through Bangkok BKK to HKT?

Dear Luna, Good day. Yes, as much as possible, it is better to avoid connection in Bangkok as you may be required to do a mandatory quarantine before going to Phuket. Thank you.

About COVID-19 travel insurance. Do i need to apply only with AXA? or can i use with other insurance i have?

Dear Chris, Good day. Yes, you can use other insurance companies as long as they would provide a letter or certificate stating that your insurance coverage is at least 100,000 USD and it will cover COVID 19 medical expenses. It must have a starting date and expiry date. Thank you.

I have resident permit to stay in Thailand and plan to go France in July. And when be back Thailand, my resident permit is allowed to join this scheme? or this scheme only tourist.

Dear Chris, Good day. The Phuket Sandbox program is also available for returning Thai nationals and returning non-Thai nationals as long as they are traveling from low or medium risk countries and they have stayed in that country or regions for at least 21 days prior to returning to Thailand. They must be fully vaccinated as well. You need to apply for COE to return to Thailand. Thank you.

The BEST 3 Days in Phuket Itinerary for 2024 (Bonus Tips)

• Last Updated: January 20, 2024

Whether it’s your first or fifth time in Thailand, this is going to be the best 3 days in Phuket itinerary you come across!

Picture rainforests, stunning white-sand beaches, and big limestone cliffs and caves surrounding an island in the middle of a crystal blue sea.

Welcome to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island that’s roughly the same size as Singapore!

From the country’s capital of Bangkok, Phuket is only an hour away by plane and with its own airport, most major Asian cities have flights coming into the island.

For many backpackers travelling through South East Asia twenty to thirty years ago, Phuket was a little hidden paradise.

In 2000, it became popularised because of the film “The Beach” that showcased Phi Phi Island, one of the smaller islands just off Phuket.

Travellers began to visit Phuket just to see the infamous “island from The Beach”.

This isn’t what keeps people coming back though.

All of the things to do in Phuket offer something for everyone – from budget backpackers wanting to party hard, to adventurers looking for some epic outdoor activities to those who just need a luxury getaway for a few days.

The island has many seaside resorts, spas, restaurants, nightclubs, bars, activities and of course, beaches. You can even visit the famous James Bond island nearby.

Phuket island is particularly special because of the hundreds of islands surrounding it, many of them uninhabited and surrounded by some of the most spectacular coral reefs in the world.

READ MORE: Check out our awesome travelling in Thailand guide !

Table of Contents

Morning: Big Buddha and Wat Chalong

Afternoon: kata noi beach, sunset: karon view point, evening: karon temple & karon market, morning and afternoon: island hopping and snorkelling in the phi phi islands, evening: chillva market, morning: thai cooking class, after lunch: old phuket town, afternoon: chalong bay rum distillery, evening: simon cabaret show, late: bangala road, when to visit phuket, taxis or grabtaxi app, hiring a scooter/motorbike, the best hostel in phuket – lub d phuket patong, best budget accommodation for couples in phuket – aspery hotel in patong, best budget accommodation for couples in karon- allstar guesthouse, best mid-range hotel in phuket – the marina phuket hotel, best luxury hotel in phuket – keemala, alternative best luxury hotel in phuket – chanalai garden resort in kata beach, how to spend a perfect 3 days in phuket itinerary.

To make the most of your 3 days in Phuket itinerary, you will want to immerse yourself in Thai culture and visit some temples, try delicious new food, stroll through night markets, enjoy the nightlife and throw yourself into some awesome outdoor activities.

This perfect mix of activities will give you a great idea about what the island has to offer and will definitely keep you coming back for more. Enjoy this 3 Day Phuket Itinerary!

READ MORE: Here’s our guide to the best spots to visit in Thailand !

The best way to spend your 3 day Phuket itinerary is to get a mix of everything: nature, adventure, relaxation, shopping, and nightlife.

Thailand is a safe place to try some new things so this is the place to embrace some activities you haven’t tried before.

For your first day in Thailand, we recommend staying in the Karon area and exploring everything close by.

To kick off your morning, get up early to beat the crowds to a couple of infamous sightseeing spots.

Wear shoes that can be removed easily, bring a scarf or sarong to cover exposed shoulders and wear bottoms longer than your knees.

You may have seen a giant Buddha out of your window and some point upon your arrival.  

Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri (which literally means the Buddha gloriously honourable top of the hill of Naka) or The Great Buddha of Phuket is a seated Buddha statue that sits atop Nakkerd Hill.

The Buddha was originally constructed in 2004 and is Thailand’s third-tallest statue at 45 metres tall and 25.5 metres wide.

Made of concrete and covered with Burmese white marble, the Buddha depicts Guatama in a sitting position facing Ao Chalong Bay.

Seeing Phuket island in 3 days means separating our wet and dry activities.

On your first day, get up early to beat the crowds and head to Big Buddha and Wat Chalong.

This 45-metre giant white marble statue of the Buddha is Phuket’s most popular landmark.

Perched atop a hill, it affords beautiful views of Chalong Bay

Wat Chalong is the biggest and the most famous temple in Phuket.

Most travellers who come to Phuket island enjoy visiting this serene and colourful place of worship.

• Opening hours: 6:00 am to 6:30 pm daily
• Admission: FREE but donations appreciated
• Address: 70 Moo 6 Chaofa Rd, Tambon Chalong, Muang Chang Wat Phuket 83130, Thailand

After lunch, head to Kata Noi Beach, a picturesque and peaceful little bay along Phuket’s west coast.

It is considered one of the best beaches on the island and located just south of the main Kata Beach.

With soft sand and blue water, the beach is quite protected, providing ideal swimming conditions for all abilities.

The rocks along either end of the bay offer great stalking but the rest of the bay is almost completely rock-free so it’s perfect for surfing from May to October.

Kata Noi is also home to some luxurious resorts and restaurants so is a good spot to stay for those wanting a getaway.

Be sure to bring your towel and spend a couple of hours getting some vitamin D!

Other stunning beaches in Phuket include Bang Tao Beach and Surin Beach.

After relaxing on the beach, head up to Karon View Point, one of the more popular viewpoints in Phuket.

Located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, you can take in views of the Andaman Sea, Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon Beach from here.

Featuring everything great about Phuket, this iconic vista shows off the island’s crystal blue sea, soft waves, white sand beaches and the luscious green hills.

Don’t forget your camera! This is an epic spot on any Phuket itinerary.

READ MORE: Don’t forget to check out all these Chiang Mai attractions on your next trip to Thailand!

To finish off your day of culture in your Phuket itinerary, visit Wat Karon which is located in Karon centre.

The temple was founded in 1895 and has a three-story building that hosts dormitories for monks, prayer hall and a large kitchen.

On Tuesdays and Fridays, the compound hosts Karon Temple Market, a popular night market full of delicious street food, souvenir items, Singha (the local beer) shirts and plenty of buzz!

• Market hours: Every Tuesday and Friday, 4 pm – 9 pm
• Address: Wat Karon on Patak Road, Central Karon, Phuket

Hope you’re ready for day 2 on this Phuket itinerary, because it’s going to be a fun one!

Island hopping is a must for any itinerary for 3 days in Phuket and the best way to do it is to get yourself on a tour.

There are different island clusters to explore and various operators will usually offer more or less of the same packages.

The popular areas to visit are the Phi Phi Islands (where The Beach was filmed), Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island), Similan Island, Koh Lanta, Racha Island and Coral Island.

Most tours will make three to four stops to give you time to enjoy each of the Phi Phi Islands and surrounds.

Our favourite is Similan Island because of the beautiful coral reef and snorkelling opportunities. ( Book your tour to Similian Island here. )

Opt for the speedboat option as the seas can sometimes be rough and this will reduce seasickness as well as speed up on your travel time to give you more time in the water.

Tours of the Phi Phi Islands or Similan Island will usually finish in the afternoon.

You’re likely to be pretty tired by the end of it so take a nap before enjoying some activities in the evening.

This night market is the trendiest on the island with hipster vibes, upcycled colourful shipping containers and an awesome selection of retail shops, food and other bespoke items.

While it’s not the largest market in Phuket, it’s definitely the one most worth visiting.

If you’re here from Thursday to Saturday, you’ll enjoy the market at its full potential when all the smaller stalls also set up.

• Opening hours: Container shops only are open daily 4 pm to 10 pm
• Full market : Thursday to Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm
• Address: 141/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town

After a huge couple of days, you probably want to spend a bit of time relaxing and chilling before ending your 3 days in Phuket with a bang.

We’re heading over to the east side of the island and kickstarting the day in Phuket Old Town.

You’re likely to be hooked on Thai food after this trip so if cooking is your thing and you’re keen to learn about Thailand’s cuisine, sign up for a cooking class.

The morning class begins at 9:30 am and comes with a trip to the nearby market where you learn about local ingredients and how they are used in Thai cooking.

The chef will then demonstrate and explain the steps involved in the dishes you’ll prepare. In the half-day class, you will cook 4 or 5 dishes, enjoy the fruits of your labour (aka lunch) and finish up by 1:30 pm.

Once you’ve finished up at the Blue Elephant, take an hour to enjoy some sightseeing around Old Phuket Town.

The town is full of shrines, temples, old ‘shophouses’, cafes, tiny printing stores, private and public museums and even a small ex-red light district.

The Distillery offers 30-minute guided tours that include a tasting session and a Chalong Bay Mojito at every hour from 2 pm to 6 pm.

The tour takes you through a behind-the-scenes look at the rum is crafted.

Alternatively, if you’d rather bring some cool cocktail recipes back home, join the cocktail workshops that take place every day. Be sure to book ahead on the website !

In the 2-hour experience, you’ll learn how to make 3 cocktails (and taste them of course!), enjoy one tapas, and do a guided distillery visit to learn about what goes on in making rum.

You’ve likely heard of Thailand’s famed kathoey (‘ladyboy’) dancers.

If you’re interested in witnessing a spectacular performance, the Simon Cabaret Show is the perfect addition to your Phuket 3 day itinerary.

The show first opened in 1991 and features an extravagant show with costumes, incredible set designs and performances.

You’ll watch modern and traditional acts from across the globe.

The show takes approximately one hour, is family-friendly and children are welcome.

Photos are not allowed during the show but you can hang around after the show to take photos with the artists.

The infamous Bangala Road (also known as Patong Walking street) comes to life as the sun goes down.

It is the heart of the Phuket nightlife and is a street that stretches from the beach to Rat-U-Thit Road, near Jungceylon Shopping Mall that turns into a pedestrian walking street at 6 pm.

As the evening progresses on, the street slowly becomes busier and you can expect dense crowds after 10 or 11 pm.

The street becomes a 400 metre stretch of neon lights, rowdy tourists, loud music, dancing and plenty of cheap beer.

Most bars are outdoors or open-fronted so be prepared an exotic blend of beats.

You’ll find yourself being pulled into to look at drink menus left, right and centre to get you into bars.

You’ll also be approached by plenty of touts offering cheap tickets to ping pong shows and go-go bars.

Just remember that these touts usually don’t work directly with the venues so you might be getting ripped off!

After the Simon Cabaret Show, head to Bangala Road for a memorable night out.

Enjoy some drinks and let loose on your last night in Phuket. Don’t get too wild or you’ll be spending a fourth day in Phuket!

Phuket Itinerary Travel Guide

Now that you know how to spend your 1, 2 or 3 days in Phuket, let me share with you some more travel advice and tips for the area!

The best time to visit Phuket for sunny beach weather is from December to March in the dry season.

This is when you’ll find the most sun and the least amount of rain.

December and January are the very best time weather-wise. But because of this, they are also high-season months which means more crowds and expenses.

The best months for diving in Phuket is from November to April.

But November and December are known as the months that typically have the best visibility.

Seas become more rough from May through October, making conditions harder to travel to and dive in for inexperienced divers.

Low season in Phuket is the rainy season from mid-May to October.

This is when you’ll find the best deals on airfares and accommodation and a lower number of tourists.

However, the trade-off is often heavy rainfall, and beaches that aren’t swimmable.

There are definitely some warm and sunny days still so if water activities aren’t your thing, visiting during this time isn’t a bad idea.

We recommend travelling in November or March to early-May when it is a little less crowded, the weather is still awesome, the diving is great and you can score some pretty good deals if you book in advance.

Getting Around Phuket

There are a few different transportation options for getting around Phuket depending on your distances and comfort.

If you’re looking for long-distance buses and trains, the best website for booking these ahead of time for the best prices is 12Go.asia .

For short distances, tuk-tuks are a convenient (and fun) way to get around.

Their small size makes them pretty uncomfortable but are worth at least one trip if you’re in Phuket island.

Though they used to be one of the cheapest options for getting around, there’s a bit of a tourist tax given their popularity.

Short distances will cost around 100 Baht.

Be sure to confirm the destination and agree on a price before getting inside and setting off. Bartering skills always come in handy here.

Metered taxis can also be quite expensive but are still usually cheaper than tuk-tuks.

You can also use the GrabTaxi App so that you can see exactly what you’re paying before committing to the ride.

Oh, the infamous South-East Asia scooter rental adventure!

Like most travellers, you’ve probably heard some kind of horror story relating to scooter or motorbike rentals in Asia.

For those who are properly licensed to ride, hiring a scooter or motorbike is an efficient and cheap way of going around Phuket island.

You’re not beholden to any schedules, don’t have to worry about getting wifi to look up distances and decide prices and you have the freedom to go wherever and whenever you want.

The flipside to that is that you need to be extremely careful and well-informed before doing so.

You should ensure that you are properly licensed to drive the class of scooter or motorbike, have an international driver’s license and have adequate travel insurance that will cover you (read the terms, contact the company and check all the details).

You should also be comfortable driving in a foreign country.

Generally, there are few options for hire ranging from small 50cc scooters to bigger motorbikes.

You’ll find rental shops all around the main areas and the Old Town. Expect rentals to be around 250 Baht per day.

Be aware that there is a blatant disregard for any traffic regulations so keep safe distances, pay attention to what the locals are doing (and generally, follow that) and be extra cautious during the raining season when roads are slippery.

The local bus connects Phuket Old Town with the island’s main beach resorts.

Buses run regularly from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm and destinations are written in English on the outside of the bus.

Since there are no designated bus stops, if you head to the main part of town, one will come along eventually.

In Patong, you can catch a bus along the beach road outside the tourist police box.

If you’re in Phuket town, head for the market on Ranong Road.

The buses are painted bright blue so they’re hard to miss.

Trips across the island (from Phuket Town to Patong for example) will only set you back 15-20 Baht.

Buses can be slow due to their routes and the number of stops they make so if you’re in a rush, avoid the bus!

Where to Stay in Phuket

To make the most of your 3 perfect days in Phuket, it’s important to stay in the right area that’ll offer the types of vibes, atmosphere and services you’re after.

There are many different beaches around the island along with its own main resort area.

READ MORE: Here’s our complete guide on where to stay in Phuket !

Patong is the main resort town on the island.

Located on the west coast, it is best known for Bangla Road which has the highest concentration of bars and clubs in Phuket.

Bangla Road is surrounded by a large number of hotels, resorts and party hostels.

If you are after somewhere close to Patong but a little less wild than Bangla Road, stay in Kamala instead.

Kamala has some smaller guesthouse and hotel options on the beach and is situated 10km north of Patong.

Kata Beach is generally an all-rounder location but is particularly popular among surfers and divers with its long stretch of beach and some beautiful coral reef to explore.

There’s a bit of nightlife here but is much tamer than Bangla Road in Patong.

If you love little markets, a splash of luxury as well as some time in the water, Karon Beach is the ideal place to stay.

It is the third-longest beach in Phuket and has many resort options while still keeping it pretty chill with surrounding nature.

Sometimes called ‘Patong’s little sister’, Karon is perfect for those who want nightlife, shopping and other attractions without being bombarded with it 24/7.

Finally, if this is purely a relaxation or romantic getaway, Mai Khao Beach is Phuket’s longest beach at 11km and offers a deserted coast set amongst pine, tropical almonds and palm trees.

Mai Khao is isolated and far from most of the action.

Come here to escape to luxury resorts in a remote location away from everyone and everything.

This is one of the top rated hostels in Phuket, with over 1600 positive reviews and a 9.3/10 on Hostelworld.

Staff love working here and will make you feel at home. The space is clean and modern, and it’s social without being a crazy party hostel.

Dorm rooms are clean, basic, tight and cosy with individual curtains for privacy and comfortable beds. It’s also just a 3 minute walk from Patong Beach and Bangla Road! An ideal place for budget travelers during their Phuket itinerary.

The Aspery Hotel offers clean, spacious and comfortable rooms for very affordable prices.

At the cost of a couple of beds in a hostel, you can stay at this great budget hotel that is located in the heart of Patong.

It’s uncomplicated and provides all of the basics such as air-conditioning (a must for Thailand), wifi, private rooms with bathrooms and even an outdoor pool on the rooftop.

Couples wanting to stay outside of Patong should consider staying in Karon at Allstar Guesthouse .

This guesthouse is family-owned and has twelve rooms.

Tonny, the host, is very helpful and friendly and wants to ensure that guests have a good time.

The guesthouse is kept extremely clean and it is centrally located for the beach to the main city centre. It’s only 300 metres from Karon Beach and 150 metres to the main city centre!

Rooms are spacious, basic and comfortable and have everything you need for a budget-friendly price.

This hotel is of exceptional quality for its price range and will feel like a little bit of luxury for those on a mid-range budget.

Only a 15-minute walk away from Bangala road, you will be close to all the action while still enjoying some amenities like a rooftop pool, sunbeds to relax on and a delicious breakfast buffet.

Be sure to head up to the pool to catch a spectacular sunset.

The spacious and comfortable rooms are brightly lit with ocean-themed styling throughout.

The hotel is clean and staff are very helpful. There’s not much more to ask for!

If you’re wondering how to tour Phuket in 3 days while balancing some luxury time, then Keemala Resort is the place for you!

Located on the west coast above Kamala Village, Keemala has some of the most spectacular design architecture you’ll find at any hotel in Phuket.

Every villa has its own private pool, and the grounds are superbly kept amongst the rainforest.

You’ll find spa treatments, activities and some award-winning cuisine right here on the property too.

Warning though, you might be tempted to spend your entire 3 days here and not leave at all!

If you’re looking at staying a little further away from the noise, Chanalai Garden Resort is only a 2 minutes’ walk from Kata Beach and around 40 minutes drive away from Patong.

Featuring two outdoor pools, two pool bars, a fitness centre and two restaurants on-site, this hotel is a great mid-range option for anyone wanting a little getaway.

Rooms are decorated in a modern Thai style and equipped with a TV, fully-stocked mini-bar, air conditioning, clean and spacious rooms, a bathtub and a private balcony overlooking the sea of the resort’s garden.

Families with kids will also enjoy the Kid’s Club with plenty of toys to play with.

If you book far enough in advance, you can score some pretty great deals and get rooms for around 50% off.

Best Restaurants in Phuket

There’s a good reason that most people will tell you Thai food is some of the best in Asia.

Based around a few staple ingredients and simple spices, the myriad of dishes from curries to noodles to soups all have one thing common – flavour.

While a lot of dishes contain chicken or seafood, it’s easy for vegetarians to have meat excluded or to substitute tofu instead.

Nothing really beats walking along the street, taking in the mouth-watering scents from a local stand and just pointing at whatever it is that’s cooking.

If you’re looking for a few dine-in options though, here are our recommendations for where to eat in Phuket.

For some delicious and good value for money local Thai cuisine, head to Butterfly Restaurant and try some of their Thai curry, barbequed fish and pad thai. Main dishes are only a few dollars each so it’s a huge hit among travellers.

For the perfect balance between affordability and high-quality food, visit Suay and try Celebrity Chef Tammasak’s creative twist on Thai cuisine.

Known for his bold balance of flavours, Suay offers a range of delicious Asian dishes that will definitely impress.

Suay has two locations, one in Phuket Town and the other in Cherngtalay.

With so many quality high-end restaurants in Phuket, it’s impossible to only make one recommendation.

Dee Plee offers a stunning setting on the beach and exceptional fusion Thai food. For fine dining, it isn’t too expensive and offers a la carte or set menu options.

The chef uses herbs and spices from the spice garden at the resort and selects ethically sourced products. Dee Plee is located at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort in the Thalang area, around 25km north of Patong.

If you’re wanting to try. something other than Thai food, Siam Supper Club describes its menu as a throwback to “a time when a meal was a meal”.

With a combination of delicious flavours, you’ll find steaks, fresh seafood, pasta and pizzas that focus on taste and presentation.

Accompanied with award-winning wines, this is definitely a place you want to visit if you have the chance.

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

Amanda Tran

Hi, We’re Alesha and Jarryd!

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Phuket Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand . The island is the biggest in the country and boasts a wide range of beaches as well as a vibrant nightlife and large expat scene.

Backpacking, partying, coming to learn Muay Thai, lounging at the resorts — Phuket is one of those places that has something for everyone.

That said, Phuket also illuminates the good and bad of Thai tourism — from overdeveloped beaches and sex tourism to tiny towns with no tourists that showcase authentic Thailand.

While most visitors stick to the overdeveloped south, if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the overdevelopment and crowds. In fact, the north part of the island is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Thailand. It’s a paradise!

This travel guide to Phuket will show you the best places to visit, help you save money, and ensure you make the most of your time on this popular island getaway!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Phuket

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Phuket

1. Chill on the beach

Phuket is all about the beaches. If you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the overdevelopment, expensive prices, and crowds. Do this, and you’ll see that Phuket is a lovely destination. Check out Mai Khao, Surin, Freedom, and Naithon for the best beaches!

2. Visit the temples

Most of Phuket’s population is Thai-Buddhist and there are close to 40 Buddhist Temples located all over the island. Phuket’s Big Buddha is one of the island’s most important; Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, the only temple in Karon Beach, is small but attractive; and Wat Chalong is also beautiful.

3. Cruise Phang Nga Bay

Lined by limestone cliffs, collapsed caves, and archaeological sites, these glorious emerald-green waters form a delightful bay. It’s also where the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. Day trips can be had from anywhere on the island and cost 3,500 THB.

4. Visit the gibbons

Run by volunteers and financed by donations, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center rescues gibbons from captivity. There is no touching, but visitors can watch them from a viewing platform. On your two-hour visit, you’ll learn about gibbons. A visit costs 4,000 THB and you must book in advance.

5. Tour the Similan Islands

Just 84 kilometers (52 miles) northwest of Phuket are the Similan Islands. It’s one of the few places in Thailand with environmental protection. Only two (#4 and #8) of the nine islands are publicly accessible. The preserve is open to visitors from October 15-May 15 and costs 500 THB to enter.

Other Things to See and Do in Phuket

1. skip patong.

This is the main tourist section of Phuket, filled with crowded beaches, resorts, hawkers, bars, and sadly, a lot of sex tourists. Unless you want to get drunk a lot, try to avoid this beach at all costs (although I do still recommend taking a cooking class near here). There are much better beaches around, like Hat Karon, Surin, and Mai Khao Beach.

2. Learn to cook traditional Thai food

If you are looking to learn how to make Thai food, take a class at Pum’s Thai Cooking School. It’s one of the best souvenirs you can take back with you: the knowledge to make some of your favorite dishes from Thailand! There are several of these schools in Thailand, and the one in Phuket is on Patong Beach. You can take classes ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Classes start at 500 THB for a 30-minute mini-class, and full classes (3+ hours) start from 1,500 THB.

3. Watch a Muay Thai fight

To see something truly Thai, watch some Muay Thai. This is a form of combat that combines striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins, and is known as “the art of eight limbs.” It requires extreme mental and physical discipline to train to be a Muay Thai fighter. The Patong Boxing Stadium is the destination to see regular matches or go to Patong Beach where you can watch these disciplined fighters in action. You can usually find tickets for around 1,500-2,000 THB.

4. Visit Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park

Take a trip to the Khao Phra Thaeo Conservation Development and Extension Center, a center focused on preserving the environment. The center contains a park with giant trees in the midst of dense a dense forest that is home to a number of endangered animals and wildlife including boars, mouse deer, langurs, and gibbons. It’s also the last remaining evergreen rainforest of Phuket. Make sure to check out the Nam Tok Sai waterfall, which is located close to the park headquarters. There is also a floating restaurant located in the mangroves! Admission is 200 THB.

5. See the Thalang National Museum

If you are eager to find out more about historical Phuket, visit the Thalang National Museum. The museum holds an exhibition of ancient artifacts from Old Phuket and items used during the war with Myanmar (1809-1812). Learn about the local life through exhibits on the island’s tin mining history, indigenous culture, and Chinese heritage. There’s a monument outside to Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon, two sisters revered heroines who helped save Phuket during the Battle of Thalang during the Burmese-Siamese War. Visiting this museum is a great way to immerse yourself in the history of the island. It’s 30 THB.

6. Enjoy the viewpoints

Phuket has many scenic viewpoints that are great for taking in the stunning island views. Promthep Cape and Karon View Point tend to be the most popular, but another great spot is the Kata viewpoint. Nothing is better than watching a golden sunset from these points. Your camera will thank you!

7. Rent a bike

Renting either a bike or motorbike gives you the freedom to explore Phuket. Find your way to Laem Singh Beach, a more secluded and laid-back spot with some great snorkeling opportunities. Just be careful as biking in Phuket can be a little dangerous as traffic is hectic at times. You can expect to pay about 250 THB a day for a basic motorbike. If you’d rather do a guided half-day bike tour, expect to pay around 1,800 THB.

8. Explore Sirinat National Park

This national park was founded in the early 1980s and consists of three beach areas along the northwest coast of Phuket. It includes the beaches Nai Yang, Sai Kaew, and Mai Khao, as well as the mangrove forest where saltwater and freshwater mix. This is a good place for camping too if you enjoy the outdoors. During the spring, endangered Leatherback Turtles come here to lay their eggs. Park entrance costs 200 THB. The park is closed between June 1st-July 31st.

9. Check out the Phuket Mining Museum

Located in Kathu, this museum highlights the history of Phuket’s mining industry (tin mining has been a large industry here). It’s located in a spacious, colonial villa and is one of the most interesting museums on the island. There are a couple of neat models and even a re-creation of an opium den! Some of the models seem so real, it’s like you are living it. You also get a chance to see some of the mining methods used back when Phuket was a major tin mining center. Entry is 100 THB.

10. Stroll the Phuket Weekend Market

Known also as the Naka market, this market is located right outside of Phuket Town. It offers a crazy assortment of local and secondhand goods, interesting objects, and a huge variety of food. The market is broken up into two sections: the covered section (which sells everything from jeans to pirated DVDs), and the open market (which has food, food, and more food). It’s open Sundays from 4pm-10pm.

11. Go snorkeling

Phuket has over 30 beaches, and all of them are pretty incredible. While not all of them are great for snorkeling, some of the best are Laem Singh Beach, Ao Sane, Ya Nui, and Surin. You might want to bring your own gear, as renting it all the time can get a bit pricy. It is possible to buy some cheap gear in Phuket too. Snorkel rental is generally around 200 THB for a mask, snorkel, and fins. Alternately, you can do a snorkeling day trip, which generally costs around 2,500 THB and includes pickup at your hotel, gear, and food while you’re out on the boat.

12. Visit the Soi Dog Foundation

Soi Dog Foundation is a charity that helps the stray dogs and cats you see on the streets of Phuket ( soi means street in Thai). The non-profit has been extremely successful, and since its founding in 2003, has reduced the stray dog population by over 90% through its spay/neuter programs. To meet and play with the animals (weekdays only), submit a volunteering form on their website. Longer volunteer opportunities are also offered, and donations are always welcome.

13. Explore some waterfalls

Some of the biggest and best waterfalls in Thailand are in Phuket. Bang Pae, Ton Sai, and Kathu are the three most popular. They are all at the end of scenic nature walks too. Kathu is free and entry to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park for Bang Pae and Ton Sai is 200 THB.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

Riding an elephant is the dream of many a tourist – until you realize how badly elephants are treated and the injuries that they incur all in the name of a quick ride. Luckily, in recent years there’s been a large movement to protect the elephants and raise awareness as to why riding them is an unethical practice. Visiting or volunteering at an elephant sanctuary is the best way to see these majestic beasts, and one of the oldest sanctuaries is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. A half-day visit including lunch and transportation to the sanctuary costs 3,000 THB. Whatever you do, don’t ride elephants!

  For more information on other cities and islands in Thailand, check out the guides below:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide

Phuket Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds costs 350-450 THB per night while a bed in an 8-10-bed dorm costs 275-350 THB. Private rooms for two people with ensuite bathrooms cost 650-800. Free Wi-Fi, linens, and air-conditioning are standard at hostels in Phuket. Breakfast isn’t usually included, although some have cafes where you can purchase breakfast.

Hostels in Phuket often have extra amenities and offerings, such as free drinks, coworking spaces, and outdoor swimming pools. Lub d Patong even has a Muay Thai boxing ring in the middle of their lobby.

There are also campgrounds on Phuket. Expect to pay 200 THB per person for a basic plot and tent. If you have your own tent, it’s usually around 150 THB.

Budget hotel prices – A night in a centrally located budget hotel costs around 850-1,200 THB for a room with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. About half of the hotels include free breakfast.

Phuket surprisingly has some of the least-expensive 5-star hotels in Thailand, often as low as 2,500 THB per night! The Memory at On On Hotel is a great choice (and it was featured in the movie The Beach )! Prices remain fairly consistent across the island, even away from busy Patong.

Private Airbnb rooms are 600-825 THB per night, while entire villas or apartments average 1,200 THB per night.

Food – Over the centuries, Thai cuisine has taken on influences from neighboring countries, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. All these influences mesh to become Thai’s flavorful national cuisine, which is aromatic and spicy. Expect a lot of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries that differ based on region.

Thai cuisine uses fresh (not dried) herbs and spices, with many ingredients used in one dish to create layers of flavor. Typical flavors include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. Coconut milk is commonly used in curries and desserts, especially in central and southern Thailand.

Popular dishes include tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, pad thai (a stir-fried noodle dish), som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

In Phuket, Hokkien mee is an incredibly popular noodle dish that originated in China but arrived here by way of nearby Malaysia. Being an island, seafood is a big part of most of Phuket’s dishes.

Dessert is usually fruit or various dishes comprised of coconut milk or glutinous rice. Mango sticky rice combines all these elements in a popular choice.

Compared to the rest of Thailand, food is a bit more expensive in Phuket. Lunch at a casual Thai restaurant costs around 150-180 THB. A dish, such as a curry or fried rice, at a nice sit-down restaurant offering traditional cuisine costs 190-280 THB.

Western meals start at around 330 THB, even for a basic pizza. Dinner with drinks typically costs around 270-300 THB or more, but it can be more expensive if you’re right on Patong Beach. If you are having a fish meal or getting wine, expect to pay around 500-675 THB. In the major tourist area, you’ll probably pay 25% more.

You can grab a beer for about 60-75 THB, but on Bangla Road they’re 100 THB or higher. Remember that buying beers from 7-Eleven vs in bars and restaurants saves you lots of money.

If you eat at the street stalls, the food is not only cheap, but it’s also utterly delicious. A meal from a street stall can cost as little as 80-120 THB.

A week of groceries including basic staples like rice, veggies, and some meat or fish costs around 1,040 THB.

Backpacking Phuket Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to spend about 1,100 THB per day. On this budget, you can get a bed in a hostel dorm, cook some meals and eat cheap street food, limit your drinking, use public transportation to get around, and stick to mostly free or cheap activities like hiking and enjoying the beaches.

On a mid-range budget of 2,525 THB per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like cooking classes or watching Muay Thai fights.

On a “luxury” budget of 4,475 THB per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a scooter or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Phuket Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Although Phuket is more expensive than many other islands in Thailand, there are still plenty of ways to save money here:

• Eat street food – Don’t be afraid to eat the street food here. It’s safe — even safer than most restaurants. The best of Thailand’s food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of what you pay at a restaurant.
• Buy beer at convenience stores – Buy your beers from the supermarket or convenience stores as they are much cheaper here than anywhere else.
• Ride in a songthaew or rent a bike – Songthaews are converted pickup trucks that act as shared taxis and cost less than a tuk-tuk or a taxi. If you are looking to get around on your own, renting a bike is also a great option and can usually be done for about 250 THB per day.
• Come during low season – Prices drop drastically during the rainy season between May-October. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, this is a cheap time to visit.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who not only provide a free place to stay but who can share their insider tips and advice with you.
• Bargain hard – When shopping at the markets, use your negotiation skills. The rule of thumb is the more you buy, the cheaper the prices so shop in packs for the best deals.
• Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink the tap water in Phuket, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up. Instead, pick up a LifeStraw , which have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Where to Stay in Phuket

Phuket has tons of cheap accommodation. Here are my suggested places to stay in Phuket:

• Pineapple Guesthouse
• Bodgea Party Hostel
• BearPacker Patong Hostel
• Dfeel Hostel
• Lub D Phuket Patong

How to Get Around Phuket

Local Bus – Small buses connect Phuket’s Old Town with the main beach resorts around the island, like Patong and Karon. They’re slow because of the number of stops to make, but they’re cheap and reliable. Shared minibusses are also common. It’s just 100-200 THB to get across the island or 150 THB from the airport to Patong Beach, but it can be an exercise in patience.

Songthaews – Songthaews are covered trucks that have been converted into multi-passenger vehicles (the truck’s box is usually converted with two wooden benches for seating). There are no set stops like the local bus — you just have to flag one down that is headed in your direction and get off when you need to. There is usually a sign on the dashboard to let you know where the final stop is. Negotiate your fare ahead of time. A ride in a songthaew usually starts around 25-50 THB.

A songthaew from Patong Beach to the airport costs 1,000 THB, and to other beaches (like Kamala, Kata, or Surin) it costs around 500 THB.

Motorbike Taxi – A motorbike taxi costs about 60 THB per short journey around town. It’s quick but it’s not the safest option so I’d probably avoid them if you can.

Tuk-Tuk – The tuk-tuks in Phuket look more like songthaews than the tuk-tuks in other parts of Thailand. These can be even more expensive than metered taxis because the drivers work together to avoid undercutting each other. Since there is no public transportation between the beaches, and because other transportation tends to stop early in the evening, tuk-tuk drivers know that they can charge higher prices. A 3-kilometer (2-mile) ride in a tuk-tuk can cost about 335 THB. Shorter distances average about 100 THB.

Taxi – Metered taxis are expensive, but sometimes they’re cheaper than tuk-tuks. Their fares start at 50 THB per two kilometers. Non-metered taxis typically charge flat rates and are not really necessary for long distances. An hour-long journey from the airport to Patong is around 900 THB.

Ridesharing – The Grab app is like the Uber of Thailand — prices are cheaper than taxis, and you’re driven by a local in their vehicle. You can pay via the app or in cash, and you get a price estimate for your journey before you even get in the car. Having said that, in Phuket, the prices are sometimes not much different than taxis. You can get from Patong to Karon for less than 200 THB, while Kata to Karon is about 120 THB.

When to Go to Phuket

Like the other islands in this part of Thailand, the peak season in Phuket is from November to April. If you travel from May through October, you avoid the busiest season and save quite a bit of money, although it may be rainy.

November to February are the coolest months, with temperatures between 23-30°C (73-86°F). February is the driest month and is the best time of the year to be a beach bum.

The end of March to mid-May is the hottest time of year. It’s just before monsoon season hits, so humidity is high and temperatures soar into the high 30s°C (90s°F). If you can’t tolerate the heat, don’t come during this time.

Mid-May to October is the Monsoon season in Phuket. Although it rains for a while each day, the temperature averages about 28°C (84°F) per day. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, this is an excellent time to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Phuket

Phuket is safe, especially for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. It’s one of the easiest places in Thailand to meet other solo travelers, so you’re never really on your own here.

That said, petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur here so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in popular tourist areas. Avoid flashing your valuables and don’t leave any valuables unattended when at the beach.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

Patong is a party destination so most people run into problems here when they’re drunk and stupid. Don’t overdo it, and always be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Although uncommon, travelers have been known to fail victim to drugging so they can be mugged or molested. Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers for that reason.

Do not do drugs or participate in the sex industry. Both can have severe consequences here and lead to huge fines and jail time. Don’t risk it.

If you’re worried about scams, read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more information about safety in Southeast Asia, check out this article .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Phuket Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

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Phuket Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

That One Time I Went Boxing on Ko Phi Phi

The 8 Best Hostels in Chiang Mai

The 7 Best Hotels in Bangkok

The 22 Best Things to Do in Bangkok

The Ultimate Guide to Teaching English in Thailand

Is Bangkok Safe to Visit?

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Phuket   Travel Guide

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8 Best Things To Do in Phuket

Updated May. 8, 2023

From white sand beaches and breathtaking boat excursions to relaxing spa treatments and tours of Buddhist sites, such as Big Buddha and Wat Chalong Temple , there is a range of diverse things to do in Phuket. The only tricky thing is carefully

• All Things To Do

Promthep Cape Promthep Cape free

Where Nai Harn Beach is Phuket's southernmost beach, Promthep Cape (or Laem Promthep) is the island's southernmost point, and likewise, it offers an amazing view of the Andaman Sea. Visitors can also take a short hike from the cape (less than a mile) to a scenic lighthouse.

Sunset is the best time to view the beauty of Promthep Cape, according to recent visitors, but they also say that this is no longer a secret spot: Travelers will usually have to share their vantage point with a host of others, but even so, a trip to Promthep Cape comes highly recommended. 

Big Buddha Big Buddha free

Big Buddha is a giant statue of Buddha encased in Burmese alabaster that towers over Phuket from the peak of Mount Nagakerd. Construction on Big Buddha began in 2007, and Phuketians are proud of both the structure and the vantage point from which travelers can view the island. Visitors to Big Buddha will enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Kata Bay, the Karon strand and the islands that speckle the Chalong Bay.

Although some travelers say they had a spiritual experience at Big Buddha, most reviewers say the views from the peak are what captivated them. To that point, visitors suggest bringing your camera (and a wide-angle lens). 

Nai Harn Beach Nai Harn Beach free

Nai Harn Beach is the southernmost strip of sand in Phuket, and locals love it just as much as visitors. Picture gleaming white sands bordered by grassy knolls and rolling cerulean waves, and you'll start to be able to imagine the beauty of this seemingly remote spot. The beach also gets high marks for its authentic collection of nearby restaurants. 

While experiencing all of the Nai Harn beauty, visitors recommend keeping your ear out for the lifeguards' warnings. They also suggest only swimming within the flagged areas, since Nai Harn is no stranger to strong, dangerous riptides – especially during monsoon season (May to October). 

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Soi Dog Foundation Soi Dog Foundation free

When you travel to an exotic Thai island, you might not think that an animal shelter would be high on your list of to-dos. But think again. Travelers call this innovative cat and dog shelter a must-do. The Soi Dog Foundation was established in 2003 to try and care for the tens of thousands of street cats and dogs as well as to fight the dog meat trade. Today, the shelter contains hundreds of animals that visitors can meet and play with. 

Reviewers said that although the Soi Dog Foundation is a bit out of the way, it's completely worth it, calling their visit both heartbreaking and inspirational. To get the fullest experience, most suggest taking one of the guided tours throughout the shelter, and some even recommend clearing a few days in your itinerary to volunteer at the shelter. 

Kata Noi Beach Kata Noi Beach free

Kata Noi Beach is known for its brilliant white sands and transparent aquamarine waters, as well as its relatively calm atmosphere, especially compared to other popular beaches like party-centric Patong (located just north). Backed by the fancy (and sprawling) Kata Thani Phuket Beach Resort, the beach is described by recent visitors as "family friendly." 

This spot along the southwest coast of Phuket is popular among travelers for its kid-friendly atmosphere and nearby facilities, including a handful of restaurants and shops and a 7-Eleven, which is useful for picking up drinks and snacks. 

Phuket Spas Phuket Spas

Relaxing at a spa is a must-do in Phuket. The island's spas, like many in Thailand, feature aromatherapy, herbal treatments and traditional Thai oil massages, among other services, which makes for a unique experience not found stateside. Plus, for a relatively small island, Phuket boasts an extraordinary number of spas – hundreds – and compared to U.S. prices, spa treatments are relatively affordable in Phuket. 

Travelers say their experience at Phuket's spas were amazing – even perfect – but as with most things, you get what you pay for. Visitors who spent a bit more for their treatments and went with traveler-approved spas tended to be rewarded with clean, relaxing treatment rooms and out-of-this world massages while those that went with cheaper, less-reviewed places had disappointing experiences. 

Phuket Boat Tours Phuket Boat Tours

You'd be remiss if you didn't spend some time sailing the waters around Phuket, stopping for a snorkel break along the way. Whether you want to stay dry and view all the beauty of the sea and surrounding islands from the boat deck or you want to swim, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or even scuba dive, there is a boat trip for you. 

Travelers gush about their experiences on the various boat tours, calling them "a dream come true," wonderful, peaceful, entertaining and fun, among other descriptors. Still, it's important for travelers to do their research and book with a quality, well-reviewed tour operator even if the tours are a bit pricier. For every glowing review of the great tour operators, there are poor reviews of the not-so-great operators.

Wat Chalong Wat Chalong free

Wat Chalong is a colorful Buddhist temple and it's also the biggest and most famous temple on Phuket. Of particular note are the gilt statues of two monks, who are credited with helping halt the Chinese Rebellion of 1876. At 5 p.m. daily, visitors can see present-day monks praying. 

Visitors highly recommend a visit to Wat Chalong, as well as a stroll through its impressive, clean and well-maintained grounds, saying that the temple complex exuded peace and serenity. Reviewers also suggest planning a midweek visit, as the temple can get very crowded on the weekends. 

Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island by Big Boat

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Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour in Phuket

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Destinations

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Phuket Starts Here

When most people happen upon a Phuket travel guide they’re shocked, both by the variety of destinations on offer here, as well as in their eclecticness. Although a perception of Phuket as a tropical idyll persists, it is in fact Thailand’s largest island, and the distances between its cities, towns and beaches can be great.

Over the next several paragraphs, I’ll be giving you an overview of Phuket attractions, but also doing my best to explain them in relation to one another, and to the island’s geography. I won’t outline a detailed itinerary, but after reading this article, it should be easy enough for you to piece together your own (assuming you don’t commission one from me).

Whether you’re looking for the best beaches in Phuket, an amazing Phuket hotel, are curius about Phuket weather or simply want general Thailand travel inspiration, you’re in the right place: Phuket starts here.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Before I begin my Phuket travel guide in earnest, I thought I’d outline some of the best areas to stay on the island, both in terms of general location and specific properties. The majority of visitors to Phuket will stay either on the island’s west coast, which runs from Phuket Airport all the way down to Cape Promthep, or in Sino-Portuguese Phuket Town, which is in the southeastern part of the island.

If you’re searching for the best Phuket resorts, most of those are near the beach—no surprise here. From the relatively secluded Anantara Mai Khao Villas , which is along a long golden stretch of sand just south of the airport, to Kalima Resort and Spa , Phuket has no shortage of amazing beach hotels. Meanwhile, my favorite boutique hotel in Phuket Town is Casa Blanca , an old-world style property that evokes a glamorous past.

The Best Places to Go in Phuket

Phuket town.

While the array of things to do in Phuket Town isn’t quite as extensive as what you might find in, say, Penang, there’s still some excitement to be found amid its quasi-colonial shop houses—and I’m not just talking about the coffee shops and restaurants that have been opened within them. If you happen to be in town on the weekend, for example, make sure to eat or drink at the Sunday Walking Street Night Market . A more evergreen (and weather proof!) activity, meanwhile, is the interactive Phuket Trickeye Musem .

Kamala, Karon or Kata

The topic of the best Phuket beaches is one for another post, but I have a couple of personal favorites. If you’re looking for a beautiful beach with authentic local culture, look no farther than Kamala , which is just north of Patong. Named for the Sanskrit word that means “lotus,” this flower of a beach backs up to a welcoming Muslim village. Karon , meanwhile, sits further south and feels more downtrodden, while Kata is where you’ll want to stay if a good selection of restaurants is high on your list of priorities.

Phuket Big Buddha

When it comes to places to visit in Phuket, few combine a great view with a must-visit tourist attraction like the so-called Big Buddha . Located in the middle of the island due east of Kata and Karon beaches, the Big Buddha is notable because it’s still under construction (albeit rather minor expansions, at this point) after more than 15 years. If you can time it right, this is a great place to watch sunset, since part of the viewing platform faces west toward the Andaman Sea !

Cape Promthep

Another answer to the question of where to watch the sunset in Phuket is located at the southern tip of the island, on Cape Promthep . While this can be a bit difficult to access—if you don’t have a car, you’ll need to arrange a taxi through your hotel, or take Grab and have the driver wait), this most extreme appendage of Phuket afford you a wide panorama of the sun setting into the Andaman Sea. It’s also, on account of its remoteness, somewhat less crowded than the Big Buddha (and, certainly, the shores of Patong or even Karon); nearby beaches like Rawai and Nai Harn are objectively some of the most beautiful on the island.

The Question of Patong

Is Patong worth visiting? I would say yes, though that assumes you won’t stay here—I think that would be a dubious decision indeed, given all the other—better—places I suggest in this Phuket travel guide. It’s difficult to deny that Patong is convenient, whether because it’s right in the middle section of Phuket’s west coast, or due to the sheer quantity of restaurants and bars, or the proximity of everything to Patong Beach . On the other hand, Patong (and in particular Bangla Road Phuket ) is about as seedy as Phuket gets, to say nothing of the fact that it’s far from the best beach in Phuket. If you’re asking “what is Patong like?”, there’s a high chance you might not like the answer.

How Many Days in Phuket is Enough?

Phuket is a huge island, which might not be clear to you now, on the other side fo the world, looking on a map. As a result, if you want to explore in-depth, the “right” answer to how many days in Phuket you should spend is likely higher than you’re anticipating—I’d say a minimum of three. This will allow you a full day to lounge on whichever beach is closest to where you’re staying, a day in and around Phuket Town and a day of exploration around the island.

Or off the island. Indeed, while you could spend three days just exploring places to visit in Phuket, I imagine that a lot of you reading this will want to take day trips (which I will explain more in another articles). Whether that’s to mainstream destinations like Koh Phi Phi , to less crowded islands like Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi or even northward to hyper-local Phang Nga province—well, that’s a topic for another article as well! (Speaking of other articles, you should probably check out this one, about the best time to visit Phuket .)

Phuket vs. Krabi

Another important question to consider as you plan your Phuket paradise adventure: Is Krabi or Phuket a better choice for you? Obviously, there are other beach destinations to visit in Thailand (most notably Koh Samui ), but I find a lot of travelers end up choosing between Phuket and Krabi—which makes sense, given that they are somewhat similar, and are just on opposite sides of Phang Nga Bay from one another.

On one hand, the debate is somewhat moot. Many of the best islands to visit in Thailand , from the aforementioned Koh Phi Phi to lesser-known ones, are accessible both from Phuket and Krabi . On the other hand, I personally prefer the aesthetic of Krabi’s Railay Beach to any beach in Phuket, even if (with the possible exception of Rayavadee ) no hotel there is really equal in ambiance or opulence to anything you find in Phuket.

Other FAQ About Visiting Phuket, Thailand

What should i avoid in phuket.

In my opinion, Patong Beach is one of the most overrated places in all of Thailand, and not just Phuket. Rather than hanging out in this sleazy spot, head south to any number of better beaches. These could include rural Kamala, which is also located on the west coast, or south-facing Rawai.

Is it expensive in Phuket, Thailand?

Although Phuket is home to some truly expensive luxury hotels, you can easily enjoy an affordable vacation here. Sleeping outside of crowded beaches like Patong and Mai Khao, or indeed choosing a boutique hotel in Phuket town, can help drive down your travel costs. Likewise, joining group tours to outlying islands can help you avoid the high cost of private excursions.

Is Phuket a safe place to travel?

On one hand, Phuket is very safe. Violent crime is low and even petty theft is fairly uncommon, presuming you don’t wander around drunk at night with lots of valuables in plain sight. On the other hand, Phuket’s roads are just as dangerous as those elsewhere in Thailand. If you do self-drive, do so with the utmost vigilance.

The Bottom Line

Rather than listing all the places to visit in Phuket—they’re infinite—what I’ve tried to do with my Phuket travel guide is to help you narrow down the best of the best. Combining this with my thoughts on just how long you should spend in Phuket (not to mention, some awesome day trip options and whether Phuket or Krabi is the best choice for you), many travelers will be able to easily create a Phuket itinerary. On the other hand, if you would rather allow someone else to fashion the perfect Phuket trip for you, you can always commission a custom Thailand itinerary from me . I leave absolutely no stone unturned!

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• A Chinese Vegetarian Festival

Phuket province is located in south ern Thailand . It is the biggest Island of Thailand and sits on the Andaman sea . The nearest province to the north is Phang-nga and the nearest provinces to the east are Phang-nga and Krabi .

Phuket has a large Chinese influence, so you will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese Restaurant s around the City . A Chinese Vegetarian Festival is held there every year. While the Chinese community is quite big, there are many other ethnicities bringing all their traditions and festivals from all over the world to Phuket .

Being a big Island , Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent Beach es such as Rawai, Patong , Karon , Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Mai Khao. Laem Phromthep viewpoint is said to feature the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand .

It isn’t all just Beach es though, there is also fantastic classical architecture such as the Goom Restaurant . That and the very welcome atmosphere and the famous Phuket NIGHTLIFE , you can see why the Island is a hotspot for tourists in Thailand .

Visiting Phuket is easy as there are many Travel options.

 The Beach es of the south coast are typically crowded, while the north is far more tranquil.

 All the major Beach es (such as Patong beach, Kata Beach , Karon beach, Nai Han beach, Mai Khao beach, Nai Yang beach) offer instruction and equipment for diving, Snorkelling , windsurfing and sailing. Don't forget to notice the red flag! before swim.

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This New 'White Lotus'-caliber Resort Is an Unspoiled Paradise Away From the Crowds of Phuket

While the forthcoming season of the show films at its sister property, Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas offers the rare chance to experience southern Thailand without the crowds.

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Courtesy of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

I’ve never planned a vacation around the filming locations of a television show, but if there’s one show that could convert me, it’s "The White Lotus." When HBO announced season three would film in Phuket, Koh Samui, and Bangkok, Expedia saw searches for Thailand jump by  50 percent . Dubbed the "The White Lotus" effect , the show has the power to turn its filming locations into coveted destinations; after season one, the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea in Hawaii saw a 425 percent year-over-year increase in web traffic.

But even before the announcement that "The White Lotus" would film at the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas , Phuket was already Thailand’s busiest island . Home to Kata and Karon, two of the world’s most popular beaches, Thailand’s largest island can see as many as 118 tourists per resident . As a result, visions of a deserted island surrounded by turquoise water, as depicted in the 2000 film "The Beach," look more like crowded beaches. With a tourism economy that dates back to the 1970s , Phuket struggles to retain its original allure — which is why I’ve never wanted to go — until I discovered one of the last remaining pockets of unspoiled paradise: the island of Koh Yao Yai.

Instead of visiting the Phuket filming location of "The White Lotus" — the Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas — I took a 30-minute boat ride to another lush island, fringed with friendly fishing villages. Here, I had the beach all to myself at the newest Anantara property in the country, the Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas , which opened at the end of 2023. Occupying a secluded stretch of pristine white sand beach with limestone islets dotting the Andaman Sea, the serene 27-acre resort offers the deserted island feel visitors to Thailand look for but rarely find.

Read on for my full review.

Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

• Opened in late 2023, Thailand’s newest Anantara resort is a tropical oasis of grass-covered contemporary buildings connected by swirling pathways, nestled between the Andaman Sea's lush jungle and sparkling turquoise waters. 
• The spacious rooms cater to various needs — from wellness villas with a private treatment room to family suites featuring bunk beds and in-room slides to the two-story pool penthouses with a rooftop infinity pool.
• From sidecar adventures to sunset cruises to island hopping — the hotel offers an impressive selection of off-site activities, so you’ll never be bored. But with its sprawling white sand beach, beachfront infinity pool, and one of the largest kids’ clubs in the country, you could just as quickly fill your days on property.
• The resort is the first and only five-star property on the island of Koh Yao Yai, offering unrivaled privacy a 30-minute boat ride away from the crowded beaches of Phuket.  

The resort’s 148 rooms and suites offer something for every kind of vacation, but consistent throughout is a color palette of light blonde woods and nautical blues, reflecting the white sand beach outside. Pool villas feature their own private deck and pool, including options for families that include a kids’ bunk bed and play area.

Wellness-seekers will want to book the wellness lagoon pool villas, which have a pool deck for practicing yoga and meditation and a separate treatment room for a therapeutic Thai massage. One- and two-bedroom beachfront pool villas beckon beach lovers as they allow you to walk straight out to the beach from your private sundeck and pool.

Courtesy of Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas

The standout accommodations, however, are the two-story penthouses. With a fully equipped kitchen, separate dining and living areas, and an upper deck with an infinity pool and outdoor shower, the nearly 4,000-square-foot rooms feel more like full-service apartments (complete with butler service). But you don’t have to book the penthouse to have a luxurious stay here — even the entry-level rooms are spacious at 968 square feet and offer uninterrupted sea views from the balcony and floor-to-ceiling windows.

Booking Tip

Penthouse 4401 is especially impressive with its rooftop swimming pool featuring a glass-bottomed floor that overlooks the living room below.

While I was tempted to spend my stay lounging in my room’s private infinity pool, the resort’s greatest selling point is its remote location on an island that remains largely untouched by tourism, so I would have been remiss not to venture offsite. I rode in a vintage sidecar through a nearby rubber plantation and tried my hand at painting in a tie-dye class, followed by a beachside lunch of pad thai and kluay buat chee (a refreshing coconut banana soup) at a local restaurant.

While I’m not a morning person, I made an exception to beat the crowds for a sunrise hike to the summit of nearby Hong Island before cooling off in its crystal-clear lagoon. The excursion made me wish I had more time to explore nearby islands like Maya Bay (where "The Beach" was filmed) and Bamboo Island (a tiny island surrounded by a coral reef). The resort also offers other water-focused excursions, like educational boat tours with local fishermen, scuba diving with leopard sharks, snorkeling in shallow reefs, kayaking through mangroves, and romantic sunset cruises.

Back on site, I spent my time relaxing on the resort’s near-empty beach, but there were plenty of activities for those seeking movement: volleyball and soccer, paddle boarding, and yoga, along with several other fitness classes at the gym. I also couldn’t stop taking photos during my stay — the resort is so stunning it even offers private, professional photoshoots. One activity I wish I had signed up for was a cooking class, in which you make your own Thai lunch from ingredients and the catch of the day you pick up from nearby fishing villages.

With sleek cream buildings covered in pristinely cut grass overlooking the beachfront infinity pool, Anantara Koh Yao Yai exudes a kind of quiet luxury that could easily make it the set of "The White Lotus," but that doesn’t mean the resort doesn’t appeal to families too.

A separate family pool area features water slides and a shallow toddler pool directly accessible from many family villas. The family sea view suites entertain the little ones with an in-room slide and hidden play areas, while a private balcony offers parents a quiet reprieve. The kids’ club — one of the largest in the country — has a bubble pool and vacuum fountain ball shower and offers countless activities for every age group, giving parents time for some much-needed relaxation.

Relaxation is also found in the spa , a towering structure marked by its impressive outdoor infinity hydro-pool on display upon entry. Inside, you’ll find a hammam, steam room, sauna, meditation room, and experiential showers. Four treatment rooms serve as the venue for services beyond your typical Thai massage (although they offer that, too).

Globally-inspired healing modalities range from gua sha facials to Himalayan salt stone massages to Ayurvedic sound baths designed to align the chakras. Those seeking more than a single treatment can turn their stay into a full-fledged wellness retreat , which includes accommodation in the wellness lagoon pool villas, a daily in-villa afternoon nutrition platter, complimentary spa activities, and a 20 percent discount on an in-villa massage.

Food & Drink

While being confined to an island might not appeal to the traveling foodie, the resort’s diverse dining options mean no two meals here must be the same. Those seeking regional Thai cuisine will find it at Pakarang, where live cooking stations prepare various dishes throughout the day — from Thai dim sum at the breakfast buffet to green papaya salad at lunch to spicy massaman curry at dinner. The Beach Restaurant, as the name suggests, offers the chance to eat overlooking the beach and serves refreshing international fare to match (everything from seafood platters to sushi to tacos).

The highlight dining experience for me was having a custom candlelit dinner on the beach — it was so romantic I wished I had a date to join me. If I did, I would also take them to the resort’s omakase-inspired Japanese restaurant, where you can savor Japanese specialties at an intimate chef’s counter. Bars serving light fare at the pool and beach and in-room dining ensure you’ll never go hungry here.

Family rooms are the best option for people with disabilities as they can accommodate wheelchair users. Public areas are also accommodating, with features like ramps, elevators, and accessible toilets.

In addition to using solar panels and green roofs to reduce reliance on conventional energy sources, Anantara Koh Yao Yai is involved in numerous conservation efforts to minimize their impact on the island and the surrounding marine ecosystem. The resort has built its own reservoir so they have a reliable water supply without compromising the water resources of nearby villagers, planted seagrass to replenish the habitat of the declining dugong population in the Andaman Sea, and built houses for the hornbills that have lost habitat to deforestation. They also educate villagers and guests on sustainable farming practices (from their own herb garden), native wildlife conservation, and proper waste management.

The Anantara Koh Yao Yai Resort & Villas is part of the GHA Discovery loyalty program that gets you rewards, perks, and special rates at more than 800 hotels and resorts representing 40 hotel brands across over 100 countries.

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