Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a tropical paradise known for its powdery sand beaches, aquamarine waters, lush rainforests, crazy nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. The picturesque hilly island in southern Thailand is one of Southeast Asia’s best tourism destinations. Located in the Andaman Sea, Phuket is a little island that can be visited at affordable prices. Whether you’re drawn by the crystal-clear waters, white-sand beaches, thrilling water sports, party scene, or the flavours of authentic Thai cuisine, Phuket promises an eclectic and unforgettable travel experience.

It is always a good idea to be prepared and well-informed before embarking on a trip. Phuket is a relatively safe, new-age island perfect for a fun trip. That being said, there is no denying that Phuket is plagued by sex tourism and overcrowded beaches. Here are a few essential facts about Phuket to help you stay safe and make the most of your visit.

James Bond Island

Best Time to Visit

Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate, which means it is hot and humid all year. Temperatures range from 22 °C to 34 °C. The island knows just two seasons: dry and wet.

• Dry season (November-April) – The best time to visit is during the dry season, when the temperatures and humidity are lower. The coolest months are November to February, with temperatures ranging between 23 and 30 degrees. All islands are accessible, although the costs are higher. February is the driest month, while December is the coldest.
• Rainy Season (May–October) – During the rainy season, which lasts from May to October, the increased rainfall, humidity, and high tides may make conditions unsuitable. However, airfares and lodging would be significantly cheaper during this time. May and June are often the hottest months, with temperatures reaching 34 degrees Celsius. Even though the monsoon season starts in late June, the island may experience days of sunshine before severe downpours hit from September to mid-October.

Big Buddha, Phuket

Getting Around Phuket

Phuket’s traffic can be heavy, and congestion is common, particularly in Phuket Town, Patong, and near key attractions. Allow plenty of time for any trip you need to make by car and plan accordingly. There are multiple ways to travel around in Phuket, and you can choose according to your budget, time, and preferences.

• If you want to choose comfort over money, book a private car service for the day. The manner of travel allows for easy and comfortable access to the majority of the main island’s attractions and beaches.
• There is always the possibility to book tours, whether before or after arriving in Phuket. Most tours will pick you up in the morning and drop you off at your hotel at the end of the  trip
• Renting a scooter or car is possibly the cheapest and most convenient way to move around Phuket, but only if you are confident driving and have an international license.
• Metered taxis are plentiful and can be hailed on the street or through ride-hailing apps. If your taxi is operated by a private company and does not have a meter, make sure you agree on a price before beginning the ride. Grab and Bolt, the two ride-hailing applications, are the most convenient and dependable ways to explore the island. There is no Uber in Thailand. You can also hail a motorbike taxi if you are comfortable.
• Tuk-Tuks are very handy because they are available everywhere and will take you directly to your destination. However, contrary to popular opinion, Tuk-Tuks might be more expensive than metered taxis since drivers work together to prevent competing with each other.
• Phuket Smart Bus is a great way to get from one beach to another. Songthaew (shared taxi) travels a set route across the island. All you have to do is flag down one that is heading in your desired route and get off when you need to.

Patong Beach, Phuket

Safety and Scams

Although Phuket is a fairly safe place for tourists, there are a few things that visitors should be aware of to ensure their safety while there. Bag-snatching and petty crime are common, so take extra precautions, particularly in major tourist areas. Be aware of your surroundings and never leave anything valuable unattended on the beach.

Some parts of Phuket, such as Patong, are notorious for sex trafficking, prostitution, and drug use. Thailand’s drug laws are extremely stringent. Do not use drugs or participate in the sex industry, as the repercussions can be very harsh, and you could end up in jail. Always be mindful of your alcohol intake. Follow basic safety precautions, such as never leaving your drink unattended or accepting beverages from strangers. If you have an emergency, contact 191 for help.

Do not drink water from the tap. Always pick bottled water. To avoid mosquito bites, apply insect repellent and cover up at night. During the monsoon season, which runs from June to October, the sea can be extremely choppy and treacherous. Don’t swim when you see red flags on the beach, and follow lifeguards’ instructions when they warn you not to. If you are traveling during the rainy season, you may require motion sickness medication because the waves make the boat journey very bumpy and uncomfortable.

Bangla Road, Phuket.          Flickr.com

Local customs and Etiquette

Always remove your shoes before entering someone’s home or a sacred space. Both men and women should dress modestly while visiting the temples – your shoulders and knees should be covered. Buddha is revered in Thailand; therefore, having Buddhist tattoos is considered disrespectful. Respect the monarchy and avoid making any disparaging remarks. Showing the soles of your feet to others is considered disrespectful. Avoid touching anyone’s head, including children; it is considered impolite. It is totally acceptable to wear bikinis on the beach or in the swimming pool. However, you should put on proper clothes before entering a restaurant, shop, or town.

Where to stay in Phuket?

Visitors are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best locations to stay in Phuket, whether they are on a budget or looking to splurge. From hostels to luxurious resorts, there is something for every pocket. If you are heading to Phuket for a beach vacation, we recommend that you book your stay at a beachfront hotel. Otherwise, you’d have to spend a lot of time going to and from the beach.

• Phuket Old Town – If you want to absorb the local history and culture, this is the best place to be.
• Patong is a popular tourist hub with the most restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Bangla Road is the centre of Phuket’s nightlife. If you like to party, stay here. Otherwise, the loud music, bright lights, and traffic bottlenecks will be too much to handle.
• Karon Beach is just south of Patong and is known as the quieter Patong. Karon Beach is great for families that want something a little quieter than Patong.
• Kata Beach provides a welcome change of pace from some of the busier beaches. It strikes a great balance between beaches, restaurants, activities, and nightlife.
• Surin Beach is an excellent spot to stay in Phuket for a luxurious break. It boasts one of the island’s most beautiful and exclusive stretches of beach. If you want a more relaxing and extravagant vacation in Phuket, this is undoubtedly the place to be.
• For those seeking peace and leisure, Kamala Beach in the north and Kata Noi in the south are great places to stay.

Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands

Best Places to see in Phuket

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, spanning 543 square kilometres. Many vacationers choose one beach and stick with it. That’s sad because there is so much more to see and do in Phuket.

• Beaches –  Phuket is believed to be one of the world’s most exotic beach towns, and why not? The coastal town has gorgeous white sands, azure ocean, and towering palm trees. Patong Beach is one of its most famous beaches and also where all the action takes place.. The spectacular three-kilometre stretch of golden sand is an absolute must . If one beach isn’t enough, you can visit Kata Beach, Karon Beach, Freedom Beach, and Nai Harn Beach.
• Phuket Elephant Sanctuary – The 30-acre property houses old and disabled elephants. Here, the elephants are not required to perform for visitors or work in the forest sector. You may just stroll around and feed them.
• Big Buddha – The 148-foot marble Buddha statue on Nakkred Hill is undoubtedly Phuket’s most recognized sight. They claimed the snakes protected the Buddha. The statue can be viewed from everywhere in southern Phuket. However, you must reach the top to visit the Buddha and enjoy the spectacular view of the surroundings from the top.
• Phuket Old Town– It is a must-see for anyone interested in authentic local culture and stunning architectural wonders. The exquisite Sino-Portuguese architecture makes it an idyllic location to roam around and learn about the island’s history. The rusty and charming Sino-streets of Old Phuket town will take you back in time.
• Wat Chalong – Phuket has 29 Buddhist temples. Wat Chalong, however, is the largest and most spectacular. The 19th-century temple has a 197-foot-tall stupa. It is dedicated to the two monks who led the locals against the Chinese uprising in 1876.
• Khao Phra Thaeo National Park – Located in the north of Phuket, the National Park is the island’s sole remaining evergreen forest. Bang Pae Waterfall is located within the National Park.

Phuket Old Town

Island Hopping

Phuket is close to some of Thailand’s spectacular islands, making it an ideal base from which to explore. One of the best ways to visit many of these gorgeous islands is to book a boat tour and go on a day trip around them.

• Phang Nga Bay is a 400-square-kilometer bay located between Phuket and the southern Thai mainland. It is known for its mangrove forests, picturesque islands, archaeological ruins, and steep limestone karsts that rise vertically from the emerald green water. One of the highlights is a visit to James Bond Island, also known as Koh Tapu. It was the setting for the James Bond film ‘The Man With the Golden Gun’. If you only had time to do one island-hopping tour in Phuket, this should be it.
• The Phi Phi islands are a stunning group of 6 islands that lie between Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand. The two most well-known are Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh. Phi Phi Don is a lively town with a range of lodging options, busy beach bars, and a buzzing nightlife. The archipelago was made famous by the film “The Beach” starring Leonardo DiCaprio. One of the main draws of the Phi Phi Islands is this incredible beach at Maya Bay. Other popular spots on Phi Phi Islands are Bamboo Island and Monkey Beach
• Similan Islands are a group of untapped islands located approximately 84 kilometres northwest of Phuket. It’s famous for its elegant white sand beaches, unique rock formations, and diverse marine life. Scuba diving near the Similan Islands is among the most popular in the world due to the opportunity to view manta rays and whale sharks. Keep in mind that the Similan Islands are only accessible to the general public from around mid-October to mid-May.

Bonus Tips

• ATMs are scattered all over Phuket. They accept international cards and provide instructions in a variety of languages, including English.
• The currency of Phuket is the Thai Bhat. Always carry cash with you as most local stores, restaurants, and taxis do not accept credit cards.
• Rates might vary significantly, so only use reputable money changers to exchange money. Skip the airport and visit the little booths on the main streets of major beach towns. They usually offer the best rates.
• Wear loose, lightweight clothing. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen, a hat, mosquito repellent, flip flops, sunglasses, beach sandals/shoes, waterproof bags, motion sickness medications, a sarong, swimwear, scarves, and so on. Keep some space in your suitcases so you can shop in Phuket, as Thailand is one of the best places for affordable shopping
• Shopping malls such as Jungceylon and Central Phuket Floresta have both local labels and well-known international brands. Go beyond the malls and explore Old Town and open-air markets. Malin Plaza, Naka Market, Chillva Market, and Lard Yai Market are lined with food and clothing vendors. You can purchase souvenirs, local handicrafts, footwear, and trendy clothing.
• Bargaining for cheaper prices is acceptable in Phuket, but only if you are in a local market or dealing with a street vendor. This strategy is not acceptable in department stores or large retailers.
• Alcohol sales are not permitted between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. every day.
• Tipping is not required, but always appreciated.

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