Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is famous for its clear waters, sandy beaches, and cultural sites.
Patong Beach is well-known for its busy nightlife with many bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. If you prefer a quieter spot, Kata and Karon beaches are great for relaxing and enjoying the view.
In Phuket Old Town, you can see colorful old buildings, visit local markets, and enjoy small cafes. The Big Buddha statue and Wat Chalong Temple are important cultural places to visit.
For activities, you can take boat trips to nearby islands, go snorkeling, or try diving.
Which part of Phuket is best to stay?
Trip.com offers discounts of up to 20% on 3,083 boutique hotels in Phuket. When looking for hotels in Phuket, there are likely good options at a nightly budget of just 67 USD.
- Five-star hotels: 212 hotels, 192 USD per night
- Four-star hotels: 583 hotels, 82 USD per night
- Three-star hotels: 1,244 hotels, 46 USD per night
- Two-star hotels: 545 hotels, 19 USD per night
Hotels Near Patong Beach
Patong Beach is known for its lively nightlife, water activities, and markets. The area has Jungceylon Shopping Mall, Simon Cabaret Show, and numerous bars and restaurants along Bangla Road.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| The Bay Exclusive Hotel Patong Phuket | 14/1 Chalermphrakiat Road, Patong | Free Wi-Fi, pool, fitness center, restaurant | 4.4/5 |
| iCheck inn Central Patong | 184/32-33 Phangmuang Sai Ko Road, Patong | Free Wi-Fi, rooftop pool, 24-hour front desk | 4.1/5 |
| Studio Patong by iCheck inn | 181/5-6 Phangmuang Sai Kor Road, Patong | Free Wi-Fi, restaurant, 24-hour front desk | 4.0/5 |
Hotels Near Kata Beach
Kata Beach is known for its family-friendly environment, clear waters, and excellent surfing. Key attractions include Kata Noi Beach, the Big Buddha, and the Kata Night Market for local food and shopping.
| Hotel Name | Location | Amenities | Rating |
| The Yama Resort and Spa Kata Beach | 5 Patak Soi 2, Karon | Free Wi-Fi, pool, fitness center, spa | 4.5/5 |
| Tuana Hotels Casa Del Sol | 48/12 Kata Road, Karon | Free Wi-Fi, pool, restaurant, 24-hour front desk | 4.2/5 |
| The Blue Pearl Kata Hotel | 100/86-90 Kata Road, Karon | Free Wi-Fi, pool, fitness center, restaurant | 4.3/5 |
Phuket Must-Visit Attractions
If you stay at a hotel in downtown Phuket, nearby attractions like The Foot Zone Phuket, Simba Sea Trips, Ao Po Pier can be your first stop. For short trips in Phuket, Nai Harn Beach, Ao Phang Nga National Park, Similan Islands are all good options. The most popular attractions for tourists in Phuket are Banzaan Fresh Market, Kamala Beach. With a developed commercial area, visitors can head to Central Festival Phuket, Big C Jungceylon, Jungceylon Shopping Mall for a great shopping experience.
Simon Cabaret Phuket is a popular cabaret show with spectacular performances, elaborate costumes, and impressive stage sets. The show has been a major attraction since its opening in 1991, drawing visitors from around the world. The performances include a mix of traditional Thai culture and contemporary music, with stunning choreography and incredible cross-dressing acts that are both entertaining and visually captivating.
Show Times: 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:00 PM daily
Location: Patong Beach, Phuket, 13.8km from downtown
Ticket Price: Starting at $22.07 for adults
Phuket FantaSea is a cultural theme park offering a blend of entertainment, dining, and traditional performances. The park's highlight is the "Legends of Kamala Kingdom" show, a Las Vegas-style performance featuring acrobatics, magic, and traditional Thai dance. The park also has a large buffet restaurant offering a wide range of Thai and international cuisines, along with various shopping opportunities and a carnival village with games and rides.
Operating Hours: 5:30 PM - 11:30 PM (Show starts at 9:00 PM)
Location: Kamala Beach, Phuket, 8.9km from downtown
Ticket Price: Starting at $37.94 for adults
Hanuman World is an adventure park in Phuket offering thrilling jungle activities. The park features zip lines, sky bridges, and abseiling stations that provide a unique perspective of the tropical rainforest. Visitors can experience the beauty of the forest from heights of up to 40 meters while enjoying an exciting adventure. The park maintains high safety standards and provides professional guides to ensure a fun and safe experience.
Operating Hours: 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Location: Phuket Town, Phuket, 11.7km from downtown
Ticket Price: Starting at $35.33 for adults
Patong Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Phuket, known for its vibrant nightlife and wide range of activities. The beach offers soft sand, clear water, and various water sports such as jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling. Along the beach road, visitors will find numerous hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, and shopping areas. Bangla Road, located near the beach, is famous for its bustling nightlife with many clubs and entertainment venues.
Location: Patong Beach, Phuket, 12.1km from downtown
Ticket Price: Free
Dolphins Bay Phuket is a popular attraction where visitors can enjoy a dolphin show with trained dolphins performing various tricks and stunts. The show includes dolphins jumping through hoops, playing with balls, and interacting with their trainers. Visitors can also have the opportunity to take photos with the dolphins and even swim with them, making for an unforgettable experience.
Show Times: 11:00 AM, 2:00 PM, and 5:00 PM daily
Location: Chalong, Phuket, 15.4km from downtown
Ticket Price: Starting at $8.56 for adults
Karon Beach is a serene and less crowded beach compared to Patong, known for its long stretch of white sand and clear blue water. The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports. The area around Karon Beach has numerous restaurants, bars, and shops, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day at the beach. The waves can be strong, so swimmers should be cautious.
Location: Karon Beach, Phuket, 17.1km from downtown
Ticket Price: Free
Andamanda Phuket Waterpark is a large waterpark that combines entertainment, accommodation, dining, and shopping. The park is themed with Thai-style architecture and tropical landscape decorations. It has five themed areas, 17 water rides, 32 slides, and eight pools. The park is perfect for a fun day out with family and friends, offering attractions suitable for all ages.
Operating Hours: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Location: Phuket Town, Phuket, 8.5km from downtown
Ticket Price: Starting at $31.96 for adults
Phuket Transportation
Phuket transportation network includes local buses (songthaews), tuk-tuks, taxis, motorbike taxis, rental cars, and motorbikes. Phuket International Airport is the primary airport in Phuket.
- The Phuket Smart Bus runs along the west coast, from Phuket International Airport to Rawai Beach, passing through popular spots like Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches. It operates from 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The fare is between 50 and 170 THB ($1.50 to $5 USD) depending on the distance traveled. This bus is an affordable and air-conditioned option for traveling along the coastal road, but it has a fixed route and schedule, which might limit flexibility.
- Local buses (Songthaews) connect Phuket Town to various beaches. These converted trucks operate from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with fares ranging from 20 to 40 THB ($0.60 to $1.20 USD) per trip. Songthaews are an economical way to travel but can be slow and less comfortable compared to other modes of transport.
- Tuk-tuks are widely available across Phuket, especially in tourist areas. They operate 24/7, and fares start at around 200 THB ($6 USD) for short trips and can go up to 1000 THB ($30 USD) for longer distances. Tuk-tuks offer a convenient and quintessentially Thai travel experience, though they are more expensive compared to buses and fares should be negotiated in advance.
- Taxis can be found at taxi stands or hailed on the street. They operate 24/7, with fares starting at 50 THB ($1.50 USD) for the first 2 kilometers, then 12 THB ($0.35 USD) per kilometer. Taxis offer comfort and door-to-door service but are generally more expensive than other local transport options. Ensure the meter is used or agree on a fare before starting the journey.
- Motorbike taxis are a popular option for short trips. They are available throughout Phuket, with fares starting at 50 THB ($1.50 USD) for short distances. Motorbike taxis are a quick and affordable way to navigate traffic, but safety can be a concern, especially for inexperienced riders.
- Rental cars are available from numerous rental agencies. Prices range from 800 to 1500 THB ($24 to $45 USD) per day, depending on the car type and rental duration. Renting a car provides flexibility and comfort, particularly for exploring the island at your own pace. However, driving in Phuket can be challenging due to traffic and local driving habits.
- Motorbike rentals are a popular choice, with daily rates ranging from 200 to 400 THB ($6 to $12 USD). Renting a motorbike offers great flexibility and is cost-effective, especially for solo travelers. It is important to wear a helmet and have a valid license, as traffic police frequently check for compliance.
- Airport transfers are available from Phuket International Airport to various parts of the island. Options include private taxis (600-1000 THB, $18-$30 USD), shared minibuses (150-200 THB, $4.50-$6 USD), and hotel shuttles (varies by hotel). Transfers are convenient and can be pre-booked or arranged upon arrival.
- Boat services operate between Phuket and nearby islands such as Phi Phi, James Bond Island, and Coral Island. Prices vary depending on the destination and type of service (ferry, speedboat, or long-tail boat), typically ranging from 300 to 1500 THB ($9 to $45 USD) for a round trip. Boats are the only way to reach these islands.
Better to know before visiting Phuket
| Category | Details |
| Language | Thai; English widely understood in tourist areas |
| Currency | Thai Baht (THB) |
| Currency Conversion | 1 THB = $0.028 USD, €0.025 EUR, $0.037 SGD |
| Visa Policies | Many nationalities can enter Thailand visa-free for up to 30 days. For longer stays, options include a Visa on Arrival for eligible countries, allowing a 15-day stay, and a Tourist Visa for up to 60 days. |
| Top Attractions | Patong Beach, Big Buddha, Phuket Old Town, Wat Chalong, Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, Bangla Road, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Kata Noi Beach, Promthep Cape |
| Must-Try Foods | Hokkien Mee, Moo Hong, Moo Ping with Khao Niao, Kai Yang, Khao Ka Moo, Pad Thai, Som Tum, Tom Yum Goong, Mango Sticky Rice, Roti |
| Best Time to Visit | November to February; these months offer dry and cool weather (23°C to 31°C), ideal for beach activities and outdoor adventures. The least busy time is during the low season (July to October) when you can find great deals but expect some rain |
| Electricity | 220V, 50Hz, common plug types are A, B, and C |
Weather in Phuket
Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, which means it experiences warm temperatures year-round and distinct wet and dry seasons. Here’s a comprehensive guide to Phuket’s weather, the best times to visit, and what to wear for each season.
The best time to visit Phuket is during the dry season from November to April. During this period, the weather is sunny and warm, with minimal rainfall, making it ideal for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the island.
Dry Season (November to April)
- Weather: The dry season is characterized by warm and sunny weather with little rainfall. Temperatures range from 23°C to 34°C (73°F to 93°F). December to March are the peak tourist months due to the excellent weather conditions.
- What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing such as shorts, t-shirts, and sundresses. Swimwear is essential for beach days. Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen are also important to protect against the sun.
Wet Season (May to October)
- Weather: The wet season brings heavy rainfall and higher humidity. The temperatures remain warm, ranging from 24°C to 32°C (75°F to 90°F), but rain showers can be frequent and intense, often occurring in the afternoons and evenings. Despite the rain, there can still be sunny periods.
- What to Wear: Light, breathable clothing similar to the dry season, but also pack a raincoat or umbrella. Waterproof footwear can be useful during heavy downpours.
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