Longtail Boats Rest On a White Sandy Beach Phuket

A Woman Snorkelling in Crystal Clear Blue Water Phuket

Two People Walk towards the Sunset on Phi Phi Island Phuket

Golden Sun Saturates a White Sandy Beach in Phuket

Phuket Travel Guide

January - DecemberThailandTHB

Natural Beauty

Beaches

Water Sports

Phuket Island is situated in the southern province of Thailand and borders the west coast of the Andaman Sea. It is the second smallest province in all of Thailand and is the country’s biggest island with an area landmass of 576 square kilometres. Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber and was a very popular stop along the major trading routes between India and China in the 17th century. It was frequently mentioned in foreign ships logs of the Portuguese, French, Dutch, and English traders. Walking through Old Town Phuket you can see this history reflected in the present with beautiful Sino-Portuguese shophouses which line the streets. Locals have lovingly restored these buildings with coffee shops, art galleries and restaurants. Yearly festivals attract locals and tourists alike, such as the Vegetarian Festival, Ghost Festival, Sea Gypsy Boat Festival and the Kings Cup Regatta. Phuket has a mean average temperature of 28 C or 90 F and the best times during the year are from November to April, although even in the rainy season the island is just as special and even less crowded.

There are dozens of beaches around Phuket, but each of the main resort areas has a very different character. If you choose the right one to match your needs and preferences, you should have a fantastic holiday. The range of attractions around Kata Beach, for example, makes it a pretty good all-rounder as a holiday destination. Its beach is long and lively and is a particular favourite with surfers (from May to November) and student divers (there’s a cool reef to explore between the beach and Pu Island). The nightlife here is fun, but not too raucous. There are several great restaurants to choose from as well as shops, viewpoints and fun activities. It offers fun for all the family, making it a particularly popular destination for young couples travelling with children.

The long, curved expanse of Kamala Beach and the little town behind it are just a short distance from the more lively Patong Beach but is practically the polar opposite. Kamala is popular with retirees for its quiet atmosphere, relaxed pace and abundance of spas, villas and quality hotels. It has a very subdued nightlife, which mostly caters to those seeking a pleasant time instead of high-energy partying. The area best caters to those who are in no rush, want to take it easy, and are quite happy for lazing on the quiet beach to be the day’s most strenuous activity.

Must See Attractions in Phuket

KhaoSok National Park

Take a day trip to one of Thailands most beautiful and remote national parks called KhaoSok. Take a canoe ride along the lake surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs, hike through the tropical rainforest whilst looking out for spectacular coloured butterflies, exotic animals and other birdlife species set amongst the thick dense jungle. Re-invigorate your legs in a natural hot spring before heading back to your hotel.

Old Town

Take a guided walk through Phuket's Old Town discovering the rich and colourful layers of architectural history and local folklore. Walk along the old side streets and admire the beautiful Sino-Portuguese buildings, see local street art and old Chinese Temples and finish off your walk with a delicious evening dinner set in the hills above Phuket's Old Town.

Phi Phi Islands

Beat the crowds and get some of the best beaches to yourself with an early bird tour to the Phi Phi Islands. Discover magnificent emerald green lagoons surrounded by high limestone cliffs, snorkel in the crystal clear waters and laze on white sandy beaches.

Three People Enjoying a Cruise on an old Refurbished Chinese Junk Boat Phuket

Phang Nga Bay

Spend a day cruising on a 100-year-old traditional Siamese Junk boat called the June Bahtra through the enchanting and breathtaking Phang Nga Bay. Stop for lunch at James Bond Island before continuing on your journey by long-tail boat through the mangrove delta and the Grotto Cave to the Sea Gypsy village. A delicious Thai buffet lunch is served back on board then the afternoon is free to relax, sunbathe and swim.

Optional Day Trips from Phuket

Local Rum Tour

Discover the "Jai Yen" way of life in the Phuket islands with a cool tour of a Rum Distillery to taste the local and international flavours of this internationally known, yet locally produced rum. 'Jai Yen" means cool heart and you will enjoy the cool local hospitality as you venture through some stunning Phuket landscapes before arriving at a Cashew Nut Farm and then onto the Rum Factory.

Flying Hanuman Zip Line

Experience the adrenaline rush of flying through the treetops of Phuket's premier zipline adventure park called The Flying Hanuman. The park spans over 80'000 square meters of natural forest and offers 15 thrilling treetop to treetop zip line rides flying up to 60 km per hour at a height of 40 meters. This is a real adventure for the adrenaline junkies.

Food Tasting Night Tour

Enjoy a culinary walk through Phuket's Old Town where you will be taken to the centre of street food Saphan Hin. A favourite food haunt for the locals, Saphan Hin has a huge selection of local street food. Dozens of street food carts offer a wide range of local dishes such as seafood, pork and spicy salads. You can choose yourself if you want them grilled, steamed or deep-fried each complimented with a special local sauce to dip in. Also included is a short walk amongst the local Chinese temples and a sightseeing tour of old town.

Phang Nga Bay & Hong Island

Enjoy an afternoon speedboat ride to the beautiful Phang Nga Archipeligo where you can swim and snorkel or just laze around before watching a spectacular sunset with dinner on the beach. After dark, be entertained by the fireflies that glow in the night and watch the sea turn into a luminous blue light from beneath as the local natural phenomena of phosphorescence occurs.