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Phuket holidays

Phuket holidays

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Phuket, pronounced "poo-ket," stands out as one of Thailand's most sought-after destinations. Backpackers have been drawn to this exotic, jungle-clad island since the 70s. Lured by its stunning beaches, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife. Holidays to Phuket now offer everything from flashy 5-star beach retreats to family-friendly All Inclusive hotels. Jump into the heart of this exotic paradise and discover everything it has to offer!

Things to do in Phuket

Phuket is a hub of culture, blessed with white sand beaches. Ramble through street markets alive with the rattle of tuk-tuks. Dance under the stars. Or retreat to some secluded stretch of sand. Discover the best things to do in Phuket, from its top family-friendly beaches to vibrant cultural and historical landmarks.

Top attractions in Phuket

Check out our top attractions in Phuket. These places are packed with culture, history, and natural beauty:

  • Ascend to the Big Buddha: Phuket’s most iconic landmark, the 45-meter Buddha statue can be seen from miles away.
  • Explore the Wat Chalong temple: Phuket's biggest temple. Its towering spires make you feel as though you've stepped into a fairy tale. 
  • Wander through Old Phuket Town: A real gem, flaunting colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, lively markets, and tasty local eats. Don't miss snapping a pic at spots like Aung Ku Coffee House.
  • Kayak through Phang Nga Bay: Spot James Bond Island rising from the blue lagoon. Then hop over to Koh Panyee, a tiny village on stilts.
  • Take a boat ride to the Phi Phi Islands: Sometimes confused with James Bond Island, these stunners were actually the setting for Leonardo DiCaprio's iconic film, 'The Beach'.

 

Family-friendly activities in Phuket

Phuket is a paradise for families. From water parks like Splash Jungle and Andamanda, and visiting ethical animal sanctuaries, to see elephants in their natural habitat.

Phuket Nightlife

Holidays to Phuket Thailand can be lively. From vibrant night markets and street food feasts to buzzing bars and clubs. Bangla Road in Patong is the epicenter, with club nights until early morning. Don't miss Xana, Carpe Diem, and Café del Mar at Kamala Beach.

For theatre, Simon Cabaret showcases dazzling performances by talented ladyboys, rivaling Las Vegas shows.

Food & Drink in Phuket

The food scene in Phuket Town is anything but boring. This is where you’ll find those authentic Thai street food stalls and curry shacks. Slurp up bowls of piping hot noodle soup, fried snacks on a stick and fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea.

Phuket is also well-known for milder curries and a Chinese-Thai fusion, known as "Baba," where dishes use soy over fish sauce.

Dishes you have to try: Nam Kaeng Sai, the hyper-coloured sweet shaved ice. Naam prik kung siap, the famed shrimp-chilli dip. And Look choop, a mung bean sweet shaped into fruits.

 

Shopping in Phuket

  • Best shopping markets in Phuket: Visit Naka Market for crafts and street eats, Karon Temple for an authentic bazaar, and Kamala for Friday night markets.
  • High street favourites: Shop high-street brands at Beach Road Patong, Central Festival Phuket, Jungceylon, and Premium Outlet Phuket.

 

Best places to stay in Phuket

From luxury resorts to family-friendly hotels, there's a place to stay with your name on it. Find All Inclusive family bliss and gentle waves in the Kata Beach area. Couples will love the tranquil shores of Kamala Beach.

Phuket Travel tips

  • The best time to visit: Between November and April. During Phuket's dry season, you've got prime beach weather.
  • Remember to pack: Sunscreen and insect repellent. Use insect repellent during dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water. Phuket can get quite hot and humid.
  • If you're visiting temples: Check the opening hours before you go. Also, resist the urge to touch the sculptures, and skip the flash when snapping pics.

 

Looking for the best deals on Phuket holidays?
If you're hunting for deals, early booking can help you save big. During the rainy season, from May to October, you'll find lower prices on Phuket holiday packages, and fewer crowds.
 

Map of Phuket

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22°C - 37°C

In Phuket, get ready for tropical vibes all year long! April sizzles as the hottest month, closely trailed by March and May. But watch out – come June, monsoon season hits, bringing heavy rain until October.

View Phuket live forecast

 

12 hours

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is 32 kilometres from Phuket Town, and about 40 kilometres north of Patong Beach.

Phuket is best for...

Beachgoers: Your trip to Phuket wouldn't be complete without visiting Patong Beach. Enjoy jet-ski rides, parasailing, and a wild after-dark scene. Or just veg out on the sand. 

Nature lovers: Head to Phang Nga Bay for jaw-dropping scenery. Paddle through epic limestone cliffs, discover secret caves, and snap a selfie at James Bond Island. 

Cultural explorers: Lose yourself in the charm of Old Phuket Town! Markets, temples and museums make it a cultural playground. Stroll through vibrant streets and take it all in.

Fast facts for Phuket

Language: In Phuket, Thai is the official language, but don’t worry if your Thai isn’t up to scratch! English is spoken all over the main tourist spots and hotels.

Currency: The currency of Phuket is the Thai Bhat.

Local time: Phuket is 7 hours ahead of the UK (GMT+7).

Fly to: Phuket International Airport (HKT). You can use taxis, or the Airport Bus to get into the city.  32 kilometres from Phuket Town, and about 40 kilometres north of Patong Beach. 

Flight time from UK: 12 hours

Tourist Information: Further tourist information can be found at Phuket's tourism website.

Visa / Health: Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

 

Getting around Phuket

Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks (motorised rickshaws) are all over Phuket, ready to zip you around! But their small size makes them rather uncomfortable for rides longer than 30 minutes. They can be pretty expensive too. A 5-minute trip can cost 100 baht. So haggle prices upfront to dodge any surprise fees!

Taxis: Taxis are lined up outside the airport terminal and around hotspots like Patong and Phuket Town. Starting at 50 baht for the initial 2 km, plus 8 baht for every extra kilometre, they're a convenient way to get around.

Songtaew: Songtaews are open-air buses painted bright blue, running from 7am–6pm. There are no designated stops, so just flag one down from the roadside. Find them in main areas like Patong Beach Road or Ranong Road Market in Phuket Town. They’ll cost around 15–20 baht.

Airport buses: Phuket's airport buses follow a fixed route, making stops between the Phuket City Bus Terminal 1 and Phuket International Airport. Also, Phuket Smart Bus runs hourly from 6:00 to 21:00, linking Phuket Airport to Rawai Beach via stops including Nai Thon, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, and Kata beaches.

On foot: In quieter areas like Old Phuket Town or the island’s beachside promenades, it’s easy to get around on foot.

Events in Phuket

Vegetarian Festival (Tesagan Gin Je):
This is a significant event in Phuket's cultural calendar. Every October, the locals commit to going strictly veggie. Chinese shrines across the island buzz with activity, and are decked out in yellow flags. And streets near the temples transform into foodie paradises with veggie delights of all kinds! 

Phuket Old Town Festival:
Every January or February, this festival celebrates the history and culture of Phuket's Old Town. Picture colourful street parades, live music, art exhibitions, and yummy local food stalls. And everyone’s invited!

Phuket King's Cup Regatta:
Asia's premier sailing event, the Phuket King's Cup Regatta takes place annually in December. Sailors from around the world come to race their yachts against Phuket’s jaw-dropping coastline.

Phuket safety and security

For up-to-date advice on travelling to Phuket, please visit the FCDO website.

Do I need a visa?
Before you travel, check the latest advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Good news for British passport holders – no need to hassle with a Thailand visa! It's called 'visa exemption', letting you stay in the country for up to 30 days.
 

Phuket weather

In Phuket, the weather remains tropical throughout the year, with warm temperatures and balmy breezes. April is the hottest month, with March and May trailing closely. However, May signals the beginning of the wet season, with monsoon rains lasting until October. 

While it might not be everyone’s first choice, the monsoon season means blossoms not often seen during peak tourist times. Plus, the showers in Phuket don’t last long. You might get caught in a downpour, but it's unlikely to ruin your whole day. So grab an umbrella and keep exploring!

FAQs
FAQs
Top Beaches in Phuket?

Phuket’s west coast is a treasure trove of tropical beaches. Ranging from lively party hubs like Patong Beach to hidden gems like Mai Khao Beach. Don't miss Kamala Beach for family fun and stunning sunsets or the pristine Freedom Beach accessible only by boat.

Let's delve a little deeper into the top beaches in Phuket:

  • Patong Beach is the life of the party in Phuket! The nightlife is legendary, with bars, restaurants, and clubs as far as the eye can see. All right by the water.
  • Mai Khao Beach is famous for its untouched beauty. It's known as one of the best secluded beaches in Phuket. Perfect for honeymooners and nature lovers looking to escape the touristy crowds. Be on the lookout for sea turtles nesting between November and February!
  • Kamala Beach is one of the best family beaches in Phuket. Its shallow waters make it paddle-safe for little ones. While the jaw-dropping sunsets are a must for couples. It's also home to chilled beach bars, including Cafe del Mar.
  • Freedom Beach is a pristine hidden gem that you can only get to by Thailand’s traditional longtail boats.

But Phuket is more than just beaches. It's a melting pot of cultures. From wandering around the historic Old Town to savouring mouthwatering street eats, your Phuket holiday will be extraordinary!

 

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