Phuket is a stunning island of beaches with soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Situated in the Andaman Sea, off the coast of Southern Thailand, Phuket enjoys its popularity as one of Thailand's top tourist destinations. For an island of just over 400,000 people, more than 9 million tourists visit Phuket each year.
This tropical paradise is home to more than 30 beaches. The island also offers many water-based activities, including snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat trips to nearby islands. Other factors make Phuket a magnet for tourists, including its history and culture, vibrant street life, lush jungles, and Thai cuisines.
All that said, there are things that you need to know before you go to Phuket if this is your first visit. These aren't usually covered in a typical travel guide but are worth noting. You want to keep these in mind to prepare yourself to enjoy your time in this tropical paradise.
Table of Contents
- Best Time to Visit Phuket
- How to Get to Phuket
- How to Get Around the Island
- Money Matters
- Booking Tours and Activities
- Dining Out in Phuket
- Staying Connected
- Staying Safe in Phuket
Best Time to Visit Phuket
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The best time to visit Phuket is between November and April. With beautiful sunny weather, it's the perfect time to hit the beaches of Phuket and pursue other outdoor activities like snorkeling, scuba diving, and boating. December and January are the busiest months of the tourist season, with hotels charging their highest prices.
May to August is the monsoon season. It doesn't rain every day, and the showers don't last long. The rain usually lasts 1-2 hours in the afternoon, so you can expect a long period of sunshine before the rain begins. The period sees fewer tourists and cheaper hotel rooms. The beaches are still stunning.
The monsoon continues with the heaviest downpours in September and October. It doesn't rain every day and seldom continuous when it does. There are times when you can enjoy the beach, but heed the red flags when the seas are rough. There are even fewer tourists during these months, and hotel rooms are at their cheapest.
How to Get to Phuket
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As an island destination, you might be wondering how to reach Phuket. A narrow stretch of water separates the island from mainland Thailand and is linked by the 660-meter (2,165-foot) long Sarisin Bridge. So, there are several ways to reach Phuket, depending on where you're starting from.
By Air: Phuket Airport is the main gateway to the island. The airport is well-connected to Thailand's major cities and many cities outside the country. There are frequent flights to Phuket from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang Airport. There are also flights from Chiang Mai, Koh Samui, and Pattaya.
You can book direct flights to Phuket from many cities in Asia Pacific, including Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Penang, Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Taipei, and Seoul. There are also direct flights from the Middle East including Dubai and Doha. Beyond Asia, there are frequent direct flights to Phuket from Melbourne, Sydney and Moscow.
If you're flying internationally and not on a direct flight to Phuket, your best option is to fly to Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport or Don Mueang International Airport. From either airport, you can book a non-stop flight to Phuket. Flights to the island from Bangkok takes around 1.5 hours.
By Bus: Buses leave from several stations in Bangkok to Phuket. It's cheaper than flying, but the journey takes 15-16 hours. There are also buses to Phuket from Krabi Town (3 hours), Surat Thani (5 hours), Trang (5 hours), and Hat Yai (7 hours).
By Train: There are no direct trains to Phuket. If you prefer this option, trains depart from Bangkok to Surat Thani, and the journey takes about 12 hours. From Surat Thani, take one of the buses going to Phuket.
By Boat: Some ferry services operate between Phuket and nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi Don, Koh Lanta, and Krabi on the mainland. If you're traveling by yacht or boat, there are marinas and ports in Phuket where you can dock.
How to Get Around the Island
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Phuket is a large island measuring 48 km (30 miles) in length and 21 km (13 miles) at its widest. There are several ways for tourists to get around Phuket. Whichever option you decide, depends on your preference and budget.
Metered Taxis: It's hard to find a metered taxi on the street. If you do manage to flag one down, some may not use the meter and you'd have to negotiate with the driver before getting in. Fares are often higher for tourists, so be prepared to haggle.
Tuk-Tuk Taxis: These 4-wheeled vehicles are everywhere. There are no meters, and fares on the tuk-tuks are negotiated and agreed with the driver upon before the ride begins. Drivers often ask higher fares from tourists, so haggle before agreeing.
Grab Taxis: Grab is similar to Uber and the most popular ride-hailing service in Thailand. You can download the app to your mobile phone - an English version is available. The fare is shown on the app, so you know how much to pay.
Songthaews: Songthaews are shared minibuses and an affordable way to get around. They operate on set routes and the color code in front of the songthaew identifies the route. You can wave one down if it's going in your direction.
Buses: Public buses are limited in Phuket. For tourists, Phuket Smart Bus travels between Phuket Airport and Rawai Beach, stopping near several popular beach destinations. The fare costs 100 Thai Baht (THB), regardless of distance.
Car and Motorbike Rentals: Renting a car or motorbike offers the freedom to go wherever you please. You'll find numerous rental agencies in Phuket offering cars and motorbike. Ensure you have the necessary license and adhere to local traffic rules.
Private Car Charter: Not the cheapest way to get around, but if there are enough people in the group, it may be worth considering. A car charter makes traveling convenient with a professional driver to take you around to see the sights.
Bicycles: Phuket is not the most bike-friendly island due to the traffic and hilly terrain. But some areas, like quieter beaches and rural roads, are suitable and enjoyable for cycling. Many hotels and shops offer their bicycles for rent.
Money Matters
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ATMs at Phuket International Airport | © CEphoto, Uwe Aranas |
ATMs associated with Visa, MasterCard, Cirrus, Maestro, and UnionPay are widely available. You can find them in popular tourist areas like Patong, Phuket City, Kata, and Karon. You'll also find them at Phuket Airport and major shopping centers. Withdrawals are in Thai Baht, and ATMs charge a fee for foreign cards.
You'll find currency exchange booths at the airport, major shopping centers, and popular tourist areas operated by the banks or licensed money changers. Some hotels and resorts also offer currency exchange services but often charge higher fees than banks or money changers.
Booking Tours and Activities
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Phuket offers more than the beaches, including boat tours, island hopping, snorkeling and scuba diving trips, jungle trekking, and city and village tours. Making a booking is easy. There are numerous places on the island where you can book as well as online platforms offering a range of options that suit your interests.
Tour Operators and Agents: There's a plethora of local tour operators and agents on the island where you can inquire and make a booking. They typically operate from a shop or booth in popular tourist areas, such as Patong, Kata, Karon, and Phuket City.
Hotel Concierge: Many hotels and resorts in Phuket have a concierge desk that can assist you in booking various tours and activities. They often have information about reputable tour operators and can help you choose activities that match your interests.
Online Booking Platforms: There are several reputable online platforms or websites that allow you to browse, compare, and book all kinds of tours and activities on the island. Popular options include Viator, Get Your Guide, and Klook.
Dining in Phuket
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Phuket is an international travel destination, attracting tourists from all over the world. You can expect a diverse culinary landscape that caters to a wide range of tastes and budgets. From delectable Thai cuisines to familiar Western dishes, there's no shortage of dining options on the island.
You can eat well without breaking the bank, but how much you'd spend depends on your preference. You could pay 500 THB (15 USD) for a meal at a mid-range or 1,000 THB (30 USD) at a high-end restaurant. The street stalls and small local restaurants are the cheapest. You can get a good meal for less than 180 THB (4 USD).
Explore Phuket's street stalls and markets. It's the cheapest way to enjoy a wide variety of authentic Thai cuisine and a unique experience. They are not hard to find, and you'll find them across the island. For many Thais and tourists, the combination of affordability and convenience makes them the top choice for a meal.
Beyond Thai food, you'll find restaurants specializing in Italian, Japanese, Chinese, and Indian cuisines, to name a few. American fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, KFC, and Pizza Hut are on the island. You'll also find homegrown American-style fast food chains like the Pizza Company.
Staying Connected
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Wireless internet (Wi-Fi) access in Phuket varies in terms of reliability, depending on where you are on the island. You can expect good coverage in the urban areas, like Phuket City, and most of the popular tourist spots. But in more rural or less-developed areas, you may encounter limited coverage.
Some public places like shopping malls, restaurants, and cafes offer free Wi-Fi to their customers. Many hotels and resorts, especially upscale accommodations, alo offer Wi-Fi for their guests. But keep in mind the quality of the Wi-Fi access can vary from one establishment to another.
As a tourist, you can easily purchase a SIM card for your phone. You can buy the cards at Phuket Airport, from mobile shops, and convenience stores like 7-11 and Family Mart. Choose a plan that best suits your needs, and ensure your phone is unlocked and compatible with the network used in Thailand.
Staying Safe in Phuket
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Phuket is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. But like any place in the world, be aware of your surroundings and take certain precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Crime: Phuket is relatively safe from violent crime. That said, petty theft can occur, particularly in the tourist hotspots. So be cautious. Keep a watchful eye on your belongings and beware of pickpockets.
Scams: Be cautious of scams, especially those targeting tourists. Common tourist scams include overcharging for goods and services, gem scams, and tuk-tuk or taxi drivers taking longer routes to increase fares.
Traffic: Road safety is something to take note of when in Phuket. Be extra careful when crossing the streets. If you decide to rent a motorbike or scooter, make sure you wear a helmet and drive with caution.
Beach Safety: Take heed of the warning signs posted on the beaches regarding swimming conditions. Some beaches may be prone to strong currents during certain times. So be aware before you decide to swim.
Water Activities: If you're participating in water activities like snorkeling or scuba diving, choose a licensed operator with certified guides and reliable equipment. Safety should be a top priority in these adventures.
Health Precautions: Drink bottled water to avoid waterborne illnesses. Protect yourself from the sun with sunscreen, sunglasses, and appropriate clothing. To protect yourself from mosquitoes, use insect repellent.
Illegal Drugs: Using and possessing illegal drugs in Thailand is a serious crime and can lead to severe consequences, including long imprisonment and even the death penalty. So stay steer clear of illegal drugs.
Cultural Respect: Respect the local customs and cultural norms. You should dress modestly when visiting temples and religious sites. And don't forget to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or a temple.
Emergency Numbers: In an emergency, remember these phone numbers when in Phuket or any part of Thailand. Dial 191 for police assistance, 1669 to reach the tourist police, and 1554 for immediate medical help.
Travel Insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to protect you from financial losses associated with traveling, such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost or stolen belongings.
