Phuket Travel Guide

Tourist Guide
Karon which includes art

Phuket Travel Guide Video

Phuket’s beaches have made the destination famous around the world, but a rich culture and history mean that the island offers much more than glorious coastline.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is known as the “Pearl of the Andaman.” Spend any amount of time on its stunning, golden beaches, framed by dramatic karst stone formations, and you will soon understand how it gained this nickname. Travel away from the coast to discover the lesser-seen attractions and religious sites that further add to the island’s appeal.

The industries of Phuket have changed throughout the centuries. In the era of seafaring and trade, the island was used as a port to shelter from bad weather, while in the 19th century it made its money from tin mining. Come to Phuket today to discover an island that is thriving on the tourism industry. The Phuket Thaihua Museum in Phuket Town features English-language exhibits on the island’s history.

Head to one of the island’s numerous beaches and spend hours soaking up the sun or swimming in seas of perfect aquamarine. Bang Tao Beach is a 5-mile (8-kilometer) beauty that is popular with families seeking calm seas. Patong Beach is famed for its raucous nightlife and constant partying. Head to Nai Thon Beach and Mai Khao Beach for stretches of sand unspoiled by modern developments.

Reach for the skies on a paragliding expedition or ride a wooden long boat around the coastline. Don a pair of goggles and flippers and plunge underwater on an offshore scuba diving expedition.

Take a tuk-tuk ride inland to see some of Phuket’s impressive religious sites. The simply named Big Buddha lives up to its title, looming 148 feet (45 meters) above Nakkerd Hills. Enjoy a moment of peace by Wat Chalong, a picturesque temple that contains 36 carvings of Buddha.

Phuket can be reached via domestic flights from Bangkok or by long-distance buses from major cities in Thailand. Monsoon season, between June and October, sees fewer tourists visiting the island but makes the seas less inviting. Visit Phuket between November and February for the best beach weather and to join throngs of other visitors to the spectacular coastline.

Where to stay in Phuket

Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

Cafes, beaches and historical sites highlight some of the noteworthy features of Old Phuket Town. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Moh Seng Historic House Museum while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Phuket Town
Phuket - Phang Nga showing tropical scenes, a pool and a hotel

Talat Yai

3.5/5(17 area reviews)

Unique features of Talat Yai include the historical sites and spas. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Limelight Avenue Phuket while you're exploring the area.

Talat Yai
Old Phuket Town

Talat Nuea

2.5/5(5 area reviews)

Unique features of Talat Nuea include the coffee shops and historical sites. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Patong Go-Kart Speedway and Phuket Offroad Fun Park while you're exploring the area.

Talat Nuea
Old Phuket Town

Chinatown

While visiting Chinatown, you might make a stop by sights like Phuket Weekend Market and Moh Seng Historic House Museum.

Chinatown
I Pavilion Hotel Phuket
I Pavilion Hotel Phuket
3 out of 5
133 SATOON ROAD MUANG DISTRICT PHUKET, Phuket, PHUKET
The price is AU$53 per night from 6 Apr to 7 Apr
AU$53
per night
6 Apr - 7 Apr
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free parking, a 24-hour front desk, and in-room childcare. Popular attractions Patong Beach and Bangla Road are located ...
7.8/10 Good! (12 reviews)
"The view of this hotel is amazing waking up every morning for the view. Love it."

Reviewed on 24 Feb. 2024

I Pavilion Hotel Phuket
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
4 out of 5
1 Soi Surin Montri Road, Phuket, Phuket
The price is AU$153 per night from 27 Mar to 28 Mar
AU$153
per night
27 Mar - 28 Mar
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (171 reviews)
"The hotel is excellent! But the area is very dirty and smells like sewer."

Reviewed on 14 Mar. 2024

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
Royal Phuket City Hotel
Royal Phuket City Hotel
4.5 out of 5
154 Phang-nga Rd, Talat Yai, Phuket, Phuket
The price is AU$136 per night from 25 Mar to 26 Mar
AU$136
per night
25 Mar - 26 Mar
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 restaurants. Popular attractions Phuket Trickeye Museum and Phuket Philatelic ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (234 reviews)
"Good location. Lots of parking. Rooms are large and nice."

Reviewed on 17 Mar. 2024

Royal Phuket City Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Private Pool Villa Free Airport Transfer.
Private Pool Villa Free Airport Transfer.
Phuket
Stay at this villa in Phuket. Enjoy WiFi, 6 bathrooms, and 6 bedrooms. Popular attractions Monkey Hill Viewpoint and Limelight Avenue Phuket are located nearby. ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
Amazing customer service!!
"Tommy and his team were instrumental in our trip’s success. They helped us with EVERYTHING from airport transfers to booking spa services, and even local restaurant recommendations and day tours! You will not be disappointed by the quality of service, would definitely book here again!"

Reviewed on 22 Dec. 2023

Private Pool Villa Free Airport Transfer.
Luxurious 2-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool and Lush Garden in Karon, Phuket
Luxurious 2-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool and Lush Garden in Karon, Phuket
Phuket, Mueang Phuket, Karon
Stay at this villa in Phuket. Enjoy WiFi, 2 bathrooms, and 2 bedrooms. Popular attractions Robinson Department Store and Phuket Trickeye Museum are located nearby. ...
Luxurious 2-Bedroom Villa with Private Pool and Lush Garden in Karon, Phuket
Phuket Seaview 3-Bedroom Pool Villa By Angel Pool Villa Phuket
Phuket Seaview 3-Bedroom Pool Villa By Angel Pool Villa Phuket
Phuket
Stay at this family-friendly villa in Phuket. Enjoy free WiFi, private pools, and a water park. Popular attractions Limelight Avenue Phuket and Phuket Trickeye ...
Phuket Seaview 3-Bedroom Pool Villa By Angel Pool Villa Phuket
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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