Phuket is among the world’s finest beach destinations, with fine white sands, nodding palm trees, glittering seas and lively towns. It has something for a wide array of tastes and budgets, with hundreds of hotels to choose from, an eclectic choice of dining and plenty of partying options. Aside from visiting the fantastic attractions of Thailand’s biggest island, you can take an exhilarating speedboat trip to the many nearby tropical islands, including the famous Koh Phi Phi, or enjoy a serene cruise around the mystical Phang Nga Bay.
Phuket is blessed with more than 30 amazing beaches to choose from. Patong Beach, Kata, Karon and Kamala have always been the most popular, but the north of the island reveals some hidden gems for travellers searching for a more romantic atmosphere.
What to see & do in Phuket Province
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Phuket has a fantastic array of attractions. From natural to man-made, from land-based to water activities, there's always something to see and do on Phuket Island. The beauty of it all is that these wonders are all within a short driving or sailing distance from each other.
There are weird and wonderful museums, remarkable religious and cultural structures, exotic shows, vibrant nightlife and some beautiful beaches on which to enjoy the...
There are plenty of really memorable things to do in Phuket. The island itself has a beautiful historical old town, great viewpoints and iconic cultural attractions. It's also a good base for exploring the nearby islands and their must-see attractions....
If you love food, you will love Phuket. There are restaurants to suit every taste, serving a huge selection of western and Asian food. The variety of cuisine and dining experiences is one of the major attractions of the island. You can eat breakfast at your hotel, lunch at a local noodle stall, and have dinner with fine wines in a sophisticated air-conditioned restaurant.
While Thai food is world-renowned for its...
When it comes to picking the best beach clubs in Phuket, there's no shortage of great choices. There's quite a varied selection available, from grand seaside pool venues to places which, while modest in size, pack a punch where it...
Phuket has a great variety of shopping, from bustling open-air village markets, noisy night markets, and street stalls to western-style department stores and upmarket specialist shops. Prices naturally vary, going from amazing bargains to credit card-melting designer labels.
With traditional handicrafts, beautifully designed clothing, jewellery, antiques, homeware and much more to choose from, the only thing you'll regret about shopping in Phuket is that you didn't bring a bigger suitcase!
The best night markets in Phuket have a special festival feel to them, often being accompanied by street performances and music. Local markets are generally a good place to find some great bargains on souvenirs and keepsakes. However, why waste...
Where to go & what to do at night in Phuket Province
Phuket's reputation as a partying hotspot is well-deserved and agreed by an international crowd of revellers who descend on the island. With go-go bars, ladyboy cabaret shows, discos and clubs, live bands and international DJs, there's everything that makes Thailand's party scene famous the world over.
While most parts of the island have their own small party scene, the place to be after dark is Bangla Road in Patong, with its...
Phuket's Bangla Road really comes to life after sunset, when the road is closed to traffic and becomes a 400-metre festival of neon lights, loud music and cheap beer. Jammed most nights of the year, it's quite a friendly and...
Phuket Island is 48-km long and 21-km across at its widest point, so you're never far from the sea at any given point. The weather is at its best from March to early May and at its wettest from May to October, though mornings and afternoons are still generally sunny and clear. Temperatures tend to be between 25°C on the coolest nights and 33°C on the hottest days.
The basic information...
Phuket's Bangla Road really comes to life after sunset, when the road is closed to traffic and becomes a 400-metre festival of neon lights, loud music and cheap beer. Jammed most nights of the year, it's quite a friendly and...
Phuket Town is a historically rich part of the island, built on riches reaped from Phuket's tin industry. The town has absorbed many aspects of the varying cultures which have called it home over the centuries. Along its narrow streets,...
Patong is the most famous beach resort on Phuket. With its wide variety of activities and nightlife, the city is an excellent place to party and play. By night, the town has a bustling nightlife that includes literally hundreds of...
Anyone who thinks that a vacation in Phuket consists of just beaches, beaches, and more beaches is going to be pleasantly surprised. The island has a rich heritage that’s shown through the prism of its temples, Sino-colonial architecture and old town – all worth visiting.
Nature abounds in Phuket and there are still some beautiful spots to visit and admire the views. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea, you can observe some of the local wildlife on a snorkelling trip or stay on land with a visit to one of Phuket’s aquariums.
What to do in Phuket
Phuket Island is a paradise for water sports lovers. The area is well known to scuba enthusiasts but lesser-recognised water activities such a sea kayaking and kite surfing are growing in popularity.
The gentle tides and calm waters from November to April are perfect for snorkelling, while the wild and rough waves from May to October are great for surfers. Phuket has several stunning viewpoints for that golden sunset moment, especially along the southern coast of the island. Whether it’s snorkelling, mini-golf or cable waterskiing you’re sure to find an activity to your taste. If not, there’s always sunbathing...
Nightlife in Phuket
Soi Bangla in Patong is the busiest and most prolific nightlife option in Phuket. Heading away from the beach, this 500-metre strip of bars, shops, tailors, restaurants and 'naughty' venues forms the heart of the island's nightlife.
But there’s plenty of other options for visitors. For an island of this size, there's a surprising amount of choices when it comes to live music choices, including folk, heavy rock, house or hip-hop. You’ll find cool beach clubs, swanky rooftop offerings, live shows, and the obligatory beach reggae bars serving cold beers with Bob Marley on the stereo.
Shopping in Phuket
Visitors to Phuket can enjoy shopping for clothes, cameras, jewellery, watches, sports equipment, silk, handbags, gold, gems, and even furniture. Thai authorities encourage this by refunding VAT at the airport (if shoppers have correctly done their paperwork at the point of purchase) and by giving out 'foreigner discounts'. Everyone knows that fake goods, although against the law, are more than available here. Sure, you can get a shiny new 'Rolex' for a few bucks but just don't try swimming while wearing it.
Combine culture with shopping at one of Phuket’s many markets. From the original central markets in Phuket Town to the modern night markets popping up in the island’s biggest beach resorts, browsing the stalls and chatting to the shop staff is always enjoyable.
Dining in Phuket
Enjoying the many flavours found in Phuket is a huge part of any trip. Restaurants and food stalls in Phuket allow you to sample the familiar and the exotic. Thai cuisine has deservedly gained a worldwide reputation for its powerful and healthy approach to cooking. Perfectly in line with Buddhism, it offers the right balance between the different ingredients used in the wide variety of dishes available. In Phuket, you’ll find dishes from all around Thailand, but southern specialities and seafood have the upper hand.
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