Ultimate Phuket Travel Guide
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and is located in the southern part of country. This beautiful island features thriving rainforests, magnificent beaches, fascinating architecture and vibrant nightlife. With a diverse range of dining, partying, shopping, water activities and relaxing options, this island can meet all your needs and serve as the perfect escape.
Guide Contents:
Arriving in Phuket
Your First Days in Phuket
All About Phuket
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Phuket Sights and Attractions
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Arriving in Phuket
The best way to get to Phuket is a direct flight from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. This is by no means the cheapest but is by far the most convenient with flights only taking 1-2 hours. The other options to get to Phuket are a bit cheaper, but you are substituting money for time. Buses, train, and charted trips take anywhere from 10-20 hours to get to Phuket.
Getting from Phuket Airport to The City
Phuket Airport is about 40 minutes from most of the popular hotels and destinations. Once you land, you’ll need to arrange for one of the different modes of transportation available for a comfortable and convenient commute. You can save a little money by pre-booking transportation, but there are so many options once you land that this isn't really necessary.
Taxi
Phuket International Airport
Taxis are one of the most convenient ways to commute from the airport to the city. Taxis are fairly easy to spot and are located just outside the international and domestic terminals. Getting to most of the popular spots by taxi usually takes around 40 minutes and will cost you anywhere from 600-1000 Baht.
Chartered Van
These are more comfortable and convenient but slightly more expensive than taxis. These are great for travelers who wish to commute to the city as a group and are willing to spend a little more money for more comfort. Chartered vans can be booked online ahead of time or as you exit the Phuket Airport.
Airport Bus
The Phuket Airport also offers a bus and van service in addition to the taxis. These buses and vans are marked with the Airport Bus logo and are very reliable as well as budget friendly. The bus fare is around 90 Baht per person while the van fare is slightly higher and costs around 100 Baht per trip. The only shortcoming of using this mode of transport is the time it takes to reach the destination. It might end up taking you 30-60 minutes longer to get to where you are going when compared to a private taxi, but the savings might be worth it.
Shared Minibus
The shared minibus is a great option for tourists on a budget and offers the best value for money. This service takes less time to reach the city compared to the airport buses and are priced at around 200 Baht per person. However, the only disadvantage of these shared buses is that you’ll have to wait until the bus is full with around 10 passengers.
Phuket Smart Bus
The Smart Bus is a recent addition to the modes of transport in Phuket and takes the tourists from the airport down the west coast stopping at each of the beaches. It is very cheap and charges only a minimal fee but is very slow and takes a lot of time to reach the city.
How to Get Around Phuket
Rental Cars and Rental Motorcycles in Phuket
Cars can be booked through rentals operating at the Phuket International Airport or through the hotels at discounted rates. Avis, Budget, Hertz and a number of other operators are available to facilitate the tourists at the airport. However, an international driving permit is required for driving in Thailand. Tourists should be careful when driving in Phuket after or during rain because some of the roads could be tricky due to slick surfaces and poor markings making it difficult to navigate your way around. Bikes can also be rented at cheap rates to ride around the beaches.
Tuk-Tuks in Phuket
Tuk-tuk’s are vibrant motorized rickshaws that are widely used in Phuket's more popular beaches to travel short distances. This is the most common form of commuting from one end of a beach to another and to hotels and bus stations. However, you'll likely have to haggle for your rate with the drivers to get a good bargain. Tuk-tuk’s can be incredibly expensive at nighttime - usually costing around double the rates charged during the day.
Taxi and Motorcycle Taxi in Phuket
Taxis are almost always the best option to travel around Phuket and are easy to find in almost any part of the island. Because Phuket is such a large tourist hotspot you will often end up paying more for a taxi than you would in Bangkok. Most of the time this is because it can be hard to find a taxi that will run the meter. Instead, many drivers will try to negotiate a flat-rate price to take you where you want to go. This may be off-putting to some in their first trip, but it is just how the industry has evolved over the years and does not mean drivers are trying to scam you. Try to keep in mind that even if you have to pay a flat rate that sounds expensive, it is almost guaranteed to be considerably cheaper than you would have to pay back home. If you do find a taxi driver you like, try asking them for their phone number - many drivers will be more than happy to act like your own personal driver as long as you arrange it a day or so ahead of time.
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Motorcycle taxis are also available for tourists willing to experience motorbike rides or looking for more affordable options. Our advice is to keep the weather forecast in mind because you might find yourself on the back of a motorcycle in the pouring rain.
Songthaew in Phuket
Songtaew are open air buses which are vibrantly painted for easy recognition. These buses are more like trucks with large, covered beds that have two rows of bench seats (Songthaew actually translates to “Two Rows”). These can be easily flagged down from the roadside, but they do have a set route and may not take you exactly to where you want to go unless they have no other passengers and you want to pay a flat rate. You will often see their route or major stops written on the front and sides of these trucks in English. Costing around 15-20 Baht per passenger, Songthaew are much cheaper than other options because it is the choice of many local commuters.
Book Your Own Driver in Phuket
One of the best ways to get around Phuket is by booking your own driver. All you need to do is speak with the van and taxi drivers you will come across during your trip. Many of them will be looking for more business and have a phone number printed on the side of their vehicle. Even if they don't advertise their number, you can still try asking if they are willing to drive you around later. Take a picture of the number on their cars or keep a few of them saved and when you need a ride give them a call. Just be sure to try to give them at least an hour or two advanced notice - some of them may be 30 minutes away from you or driving around someone else.
Your First Days in Phuket
Changing Money in Phuket
Exchange rates can make a remarkable difference for travelers on a budget - taking an extra 30 minutes to find the best rate could save you hundreds of Baht. There are various options in Phuket to get reasonable exchange rate. Money can be changed at the airport on arrival or through ATMs located at the airport and all around Phuket, but this is almost always the most expensive because you are subject to the bank’s exchange rate and other fees. Additionally, there are various money changers which offer better rates because they usually are in direct competition with neighboring changers. SuperRich is one of our favorite money changers in Phuket (and all of Thailand) because they almost always offer the best rates, so look out for their booths if you are wanting to get the best rate for your currency.
Get to Know Phuket
Now that you’ve reached Phuket and got your money changed, we present to you some of the best locations on the island. We highly recommend visiting these places to have the complete Phuket experience.
Patong Beach Area Phuket
Patong beach is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Phuket making it the busiest coastline town on the island. This glittering and bustling 3 km long sandy beach is considered as the heart of Phuket's tourist nightlife. Offering an endless number of hotels, bars, resorts and shopping malls in addition to its vibrant beaches, Patong has a diverse range of dining, shopping and water activities for tourists. The legendary nightlife of Patong can be attributed to its world-class rooftop bars, beach bars and night clubs.
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In addition to the amazing nightlife, Patong beach is also widely famous for its water sports. Jet skiing and parasailing are very popular among the tourists. The operators usually charge a reasonable rate of around 1500 Baht for a parasailing trip or 30 minutes on the Jet Ski. Other water activities include diving and snorkeling to nearby wrecks, caves and islands in the Phuket area.
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Beach massages are another experience that you can enjoy at Patong beach at reasonable rates. Masseuses offer head, neck, foot and whole-body massages in addition to the traditional Thai massage. Patong beach is also lined by many vendors selling foods, drinks and Thai souvenirs. Tourists can also choose from a variety of dining options located along the beach. However, if you’re looking for quieter and more peaceful options you can visit less crowded beaches located in close vicinity such as Freedom Beach, Kalim Beach, Paradise Beach and Tri Trang Beach.
Old-Town Phuket
Phuket Old Town is the one of the best destinations for lovers of history and architecture as it is the historical centre of Phuket city. Featuring superb mansions, wonderfully preserved shophouses and shrines, this town boasts of ancient Sino-colonial style of architecture. This is a great place for tourists wanting a break from the Thai beaches and wishing to indulge in the architecture of Phuket along with a unique shopping and dining experience. It is highly recommended to take a walk and explore the following roads of Phuket old town:
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Ranong Road: It has a very lively Phuket Town Central market where tourists can enjoy shopping. Jui Tui Shrine is another great place to visit at Ranong road.
Yaowarat Road: This road features a beautiful Buddhist temple along with various food stalls.
Dibuk Road: A great place to experience shophouse architecture and Phuket style sweet shops.
Phang Nga Road: It is another road in old town which features Memory at On On Hotel and other shops like sweetshops and art galleries.
Ratsada Road: The main highlight of this road is The Thavorn Museum which is a great stop for history enthusiasts
Soi Romanee: This is an ideal location to take pictures and features Instagram-ready shophouses.
Thalang Road: The main highlights of this road are China Inn and Phuket Sunday Night Market. It is a great location to explore the small shops and eateries.
Krabi Road: Thai Hua Museum is located on this road.
If possible be sure to check out Old Town on a Sunday afternoon/evening when some of the roads are shut down for a Sunday market. If you can't make it on Sunday, Saturday during late afternoon and into the evening is also a good time to explore.
Karon/Kata Beach Area Phuket
Karon Beach provides an good escape for tourists looking for peace and quiet. This beach has some of the best windsurfing conditions and plenty of space to maneuver your board. Other activities that can be enjoyed at this beach include sea kayaking, waterskiing, banana boat rides, jet-ski, parasailing and wakeboarding.
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Kata beach is located just south of Karon beach and is one of the most beautiful and scenic beaches of Phuket. Shaded by tropical almond trees and pandanus, it is an ideal destination for families. Kata beach also offers a huge range of activities from surfing to stand-up paddle boarding, swimming, diving and snorkeling. There are also plenty of viewpoints to visualize the natural beauty of this amazing beach.
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Other attractions include the Dino Park Phuket with life size cement statues of dinosaurs, which is a mini-golf course and restaurant located between Karon and Kata beaches. Kata Night Market is another highlight of the area which offers a great shopping experience for tourists looking for souvenirs to take back home. Additionally this covered shopping area also has an expansive food court for a great dining experience.
Bang Tao Beach Area Phuket
Bang Tao Beach is another long beach of Phuket Island spanning a length of 6 km. Like the Karon beach, it is for the most part dotted by small beach bars along the coast. However, its southern end is occupied by beachfront hotels and clubs providing a lively ambience in the evenings. This family friendly beach is ideal for visiting between the months of November and April as the sea usually remains calm and clear. It is a great place for tourists wishing to indulge in the quiet, calm and serene environment away from the hustles of the city.
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Like the other beaches, Bang Tao also offers activities like paragliding, waterskiing, jet skiing, kayaking, bicycling, snorkeling, horse riding and banana boat rides. It is also a great place for jogging or performing yoga.
Rawai Area Phuket
Rawai is located on the southern end of the Island and is a favorite of expats and those looking for a quieter experience. The average vacation here will be more about relaxing within a short distance of all kinds of delicious food while taking the occasional day trip into Phuket City or across the island to see the sights. There are two popular beaches here - Nai Han Beach and Rawai Beach.
Nai Han is a relatively small beach inside a protected cove that doesn't experience the winds that create rougher waters on the other sides of the island. This makes for a relaxing and distraction-free place to chill and swim. There are a handful of restaurants just behind the beach that serve a variety decent food and drinks plus there are a couple of well-reviewed seafood and western restaurants on either end of the beach.
Nai Han Beach, Phuket, Thailand
Rawai Beach is used mostly by locals as a place to park fishing boats and is not popular for swimming, but there are many, many places to eat dotted all along the coast. This is the place to be if you are hunting for great Thai seafood. You can find just about everything here - shrimp, mussels, oysters, fish, squid, lobster... really anything you could want.
All About Phuket
Food in Phuket
Thai cuisine is famous all over the world for its distinct flavors. Thai food symbolizes a juxtaposition of sweet, salty, sour and hot flavors giving it its distinct aroma and flavor. Because of its location you can find a fantastic mix of not only amazing seafood in Phuket, but also dishes from both northern and southern Thailand. Don’t miss your chance to try some of the best Thailand has to offer – here are some of our favorites:
Grilled and Fresh Seafood
The amount of fresh seafood you can get in Phuket is staggering. Anything from shrimp to fish, crab, and so much more. One of the best ways to enjoy this bounty is the grilled seafood plate – a delicious spread that lets the flavor of the meat take center stage. Another one of our favorites is the whole steamed fish with chili sauce. The best part is that there are so many ways to prepare seafood that you never have to order the same dish twice.
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Phat Sator
Sator (pronounced with two distinct syllables, "Sa Tor") is a seasonal vegetable that looks like a very long pea pod. It has a unique and almost pungent smell when it is cooked, but don’t let the odd smell scare you away. This vegetable and meat stir fry is a very popular southern Thai dish and one we always keep an eye out for. If you are a fan of Phat Krapao and happen to be in Thailand when Sator is in season we highly recommend giving it a try.
Seafood in Rawai, Phuket, Thailand
Go Curry Crazy
Curries can be found everywhere in Thailand, but no one does it like the south. Finding the usual but extremely tasty red, green, and yellow curries isn’t hard at all and you can enjoy them with anything form vegetables to beef or fish. If you have a more adventurous tastes, you can seek out the unique southern curries which are often strong, spicy, and pungent. We absolutely love to try new food and recommend everyone experience new things, but you may want to tread cautiously as the unique flavor profiles of the stronger southern curries can take western taste buds by surprise.
Dim Sum
This one might seem like an odd choice, but because of the history of Phuket, you will find many different foods and architecture that originate form the Chinese merchants that once sailed from China to Malaysia and Indonesia. Some of these merchants eventually settled on Phuket, brining their culture with them that mixed with Thai and other Southeast Asian cultures over time. If you are in the mood for something that is not entirely Thai and not Western, then enjoy a nice and relaxing sit-down meal of Dim Sum for breakfast or lunch.
Dim Sum, Phuket, Thailand
Kanom Jeen
Popular all over Thailand, Kanom Jeen is a noodle dish comprising of sticky rice noodles topped with a variety of curries and crunchy vegetables. Usually served by large food carts and stalls, this breakfast staple of southern Thai food can be served with a diverse range of curries prepared with chicken, beef, fish or other meats coupled with vegetables like beans, sprouts and radishes.
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Quick Thai Favorites
This food may not find it onto the list of most popular food for tourists, but here are some foods and snacks that Thai people like to eat or buy while traveling to Phuket:
Tao Sor: A semi-sweet cake most commonly filled with a salted egg or black bean paste. Other fillings include pineapple and wax gourd. Thai people bring this back home as a souvenir snack to eat or share with friends and family.
Pepper Cookies: A unique swirled cookie that is sweet and also a little spicy from the addition of black pepper.
Crispy Anchovies: Whole deep-fried anchovies that can be salty, sweet, spicy or any mix of the three.
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Hotels in Phuket
The lively island of Phuket offers a wide variety of hotels to choose from. Tourists have the option of choosing the hotel based on their budget and the facilities offered. It is entirely up to you if you want the lavish resort island lifestyle or prefer a more modest hostel stay. Whichever way you choose to go there are more than enough options to make anyone happy. We recommend first time travelers to look at the Patong Beach area if you want to be in the heart of the action, the Old-Town Phuket area if you want to be at the center of the island and ready to explore every corner, or the Karon, Bang Tao, and Kamala beach areas if you want a quieter island experience. These are just our top pics for those planning first-time trips and there are many other beaches and areas to stay at if you want to do a little more research.
Phuket Day Trips and Island Excursions
Phuket is surrounded by various smaller islands emerging from the surface of Andaman Sea. These islands are breathtakingly beautiful, emanating idyllic vibes, and serving as great tourist destinations. One of the reasons why Phuket is so popular is that you can book any number of excursions and day trips to explore this sea of beautiful islands. These trips are easy to book through local travel agents and include transportation from your hotel to the boat and catered food. On these trips you can take part in many different activities like kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and even scuba diving. There are many, many islands to see, but let’s explore some of the neighboring islands of Phuket and indulge in the otherworldly beauty of Thailand’s southern seas.
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The Phi Phi Islands Phuket
The Phi Phi Islands have emerged as one of the prime holiday destinations for tourists due to their stunningly beautiful views. This archipelago of 6 islands features picture perfect scenery, tranquil beaches and a vibrant nightlife and can be reached in 2 hours from Phuket through ferry.
Koh Phi Phi Don is the largest and only inhabited island of the archipelago which offers a wide range of activities from shopping to dining and sightseeing. The crystal clear waters around the island serve as some of the best diving sites in Thailand. Nightlife comprising of beach parties and fire shows are other major attractions.
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James Bond Island Phuket
Known for being featured in a James Bond movie, this beautiful island offers some of the best views. Its majestic limestone pillars, especially a funnel shaped rock standing magically in the water are specially loved by tourists and photographers trying to get the best shots. Easily accessible from Phuket, this island offers many activities like kayaking for adventure lovers. One of the best ways to visit this island is a full-day tour of Phang Nga bay.
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Similan Islands Phuket
An archipelago of 9 unspoiled islands, Similan is the absolute best place to scuba dive in Thailand. It takes only an hour to get to this beautiful island from Phuket by speed boat. The main highlight of this island are its diving sites featuring a palette of colors with its vibrant corals and shimmering marine life making it one of the best on the whole planet. The Similan Islands are only open during certain periods of the year, so check their status while you are planning for your trip – you don’t want to make the flight out to Phuket just to discover you can’t go to what would have been the highlight of your trip.
Phuket Sights and Atractions
One of the best things about Phuket is that it truly is a tourist destination. Phuket is absolutely packed full of beaches, sights, attractions, and things to explore. You could spend your whole Thailand vacation here and not be bored after the first week. Here is a list of some of the popular sights to help you while planning your trip:
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The Beaches
We can talk about food and sights all we want, but let's face it, the stunning beaches are why you come to Phuket. There are many beaches to choose from and each one has it's own draw. You can find beaches packed with tourists all enjoying drinks and food, private resort beaches, and everything in between.
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Monkey Hill
Monkey Hill is a lookout point situated close to Old-Town Phuket where you will find more than just a gorgeous view of the city. You guessed it! It has monkeys! There are quite a few monkeys that like to hang out around the parking lot looking for snack handouts and getting into trouble reaching into the pockets, bags, and shirts of unsuspecting tourists. Just try to keep your hands out of your pockets and bags and you will be fine - the monkeys will take note and will want to see what kind of food you are keeping in there.
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Simon Cabaret
A fantastic way to to spend an evening - the cabaret shows are a classic Phuket event and very entertaining. We don't think this is a must-see for everyone, you should know before you go in if musical shows are your thing, but definitely consider going.
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Jungle Adventures
Phuket is full of lush forests and wildlife and are waiting to be explored. Spending an afternoon hiking to a waterfall or ziplining through the canopy might sound cliché, but there is a reason you always see pictures of them online. Hint - it is because they are fun!
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Night and Weekend Markets
These staples of many Thailand communities are fantastic places to explore what local merchants have to offer. Although some markets in Phuket may be largely built for tourists, you can still find lots of amazing food and wares for sale. If you are willing to do a little bit of research and go out of your way, you can also find the markets geared more towards locals.
Phuket Big Buddha
This one is a little bit out of the way but worth the visit. The Phuket Big Buddha is a massive Buddha statue seated on top of a panoramic vista. Getting to the top is a workout but you are rewarded with and absolutely stunning view of the island.