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Phuket

Get to know

Phuket

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is a tropical paradise that offers something for every traveler. Known for its stunning beaches, turquoise waters, and lush green hills, Phuket is a top destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. The island is not just about beautiful scenery; it's also home to a rich culture and history. You can explore colorful temples, discover vibrant markets, and experience traditional Thai festivals. The people of Phuket are known for their warm hospitality, always ready to greet you with a smile.

Phuket's food is a highlight on its own. Whether it's fresh seafood by the beach, spicy southern Thai curries, or local street food, the flavors are guaranteed to impress. For activities, you can try everything from snorkeling and diving to zip-lining through the rainforest. If you prefer a slower pace, take a stroll through the charming streets of Phuket Old Town, where you can see the blend of Sino-Portuguese architecture and modern street art. There's always something exciting to discover in Phuket!

Getting Here

Getting to Phuket

Traveling to Phuket by car from Bangkok is a convenient option for those who prefer driving themselves. The distance is around 840 kilometers and it takes about 10-12 hours, depending on the traffic.

You will start on Phetkasem Road (Highway 4). When you reach Chumphon, continue to Surat Thani using Highway 41. From Surat Thani, keep driving on Highway 401 and then switch to Highway 415 to pass Phang Nga. Once you reach Phang Nga, take Highway 402 and cross the Sarasin Bridge, which connects Phang Nga to Phuket.

Traveling from Bangkok to Phuket directly by train is not possible because Phuket does not have a main train station. However, you can take a train and get off at the closest station, which is Surat Thani. The train ride takes about 8-12 hours, depending on the type of train you choose.

After that, you can take a bus or a minivan from Surat Thani to Phuket, which takes about 4 hours.

Traveling from Bangkok to Phuket by bus is another convenient and affordable option. Buses depart from the Southern Bus Terminal in Bangkok and take about 12-14 hours, depending on traffic and the type of bus you choose, such as a VIP bus or a regular bus.

Traveling from Bangkok to Phuket by plane is the fastest and most convenient option. It takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. There are many airlines that offer direct flights from both Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) to Phuket International Airport (HKT).

Airlines like Thai Airways, AirAsia, Thai VietJet Air, and Nok Air operate on this route. Ticket prices may vary depending on the time and promotions.

When you arrive at Phuket Airport, you can easily take a taxi, rent a car, or take a van to your hotel or any tourist attractions in Phuket.

Tours

Places to go

Phuket has many great places to visit. You can relax on beaches like Patong and Kata, or explore islands like Phi Phi and James Bond Island. For culture, visit the Big Buddha or Wat Chalong. Phuket Old Town is also a must-see, with its colorful buildings and rich history. There's something for everyone in Phuket!

Patong Beach
Beach

Patong Beach

Known for its vibrant nightlife, it’s a popular spot for tourists with its beautiful sandy beach, water activities, and bustling entertainment scene.

Entrance fee: Free
Rawai Beach
Beach

Rawai Beach

Known for its fishing village vibe, it’s a great spot to enjoy fresh seafood and explore nearby islands, though not ideal for swimming.

Entrance fee: Free
Phuket Old Town
Historical

Phuket Old Town

Filled with colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, it’s a charming area that showcases Phuket’s rich history and culture.

Entrance fee: Free
Surin Beach
Beach

Surin Beach

A beautiful beach with clear waters and soft sand, popular for its upscale vibe, beachfront restaurants, and luxurious resorts.

Entrance fee: Free
Wat Chalong
Temple

Wat Chalong

One of Phuket’s most important temples, it is a peaceful place where visitors can learn about local culture and pay respects to revered monks.

Entrance fee: 450฿
Flying Hanuman
Adventure

Flying Hanuman

An exciting eco-adventure offering zipline experiences through the lush jungle of Phuket, perfect for thrill-seekers looking to explore nature from above.

Entrance fee: 1,990-3,490฿
Bangla Road
Nightlife

Bangla Road

Famous for its vibrant nightlife, it’s filled with bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, making it the go-to spot for partygoers in Phuket.

Entrance fee: Free
Promthep Cape
Nature

Promthep Cape

Offering stunning sunset views, it is one of Phuket’s most famous viewpoints and a must-visit spot for photographers and nature lovers.

Entrance fee: Free
Phuket Simon Cabaret
Entertainment

Phuket Simon Cabaret

A famous cabaret show known for its glamorous performances, dazzling costumes, and talented ladyboy entertainers, offering a fun night of entertainment in Phuket.

Entrance fee: 800-1,000฿
Coral Island (Koh Hey)
Island

Coral Island (Koh Hey)

Known for its clear waters and vibrant coral reefs, it’s a popular spot for snorkeling, diving, and relaxing on the beach just a short boat ride from Phuket.

Entrance fee: Free
Mai Khao Beach
Beach

Mai Khao Beach

Known for its peaceful atmosphere and long stretch of sandy beach, it’s also famous for being a great spot to watch planes land at Phuket International Airport.

Entrance fee: Free
Black Rock View Point
Nature

Black Rock View Point

A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Phuket’s coastline, Black Rock (Pa Hin Dum) is known for its peaceful atmosphere and is the perfect spot for watching the sunset.

Entrance fee: Free
Phuket FantaSea
Entertainment

Phuket FantaSea

A cultural theme park that offers an extravagant show combining Thai traditions with modern entertainment, featuring performances with elephants, acrobatics, and dazzling effects.

Entrance fee: 2,200฿
Mai Thon Island
Island

Mai Thon Island

A quiet and exclusive island known for its clear waters, pristine beaches, and opportunities for snorkeling and dolphin watching.

Entrance fee: Free
Phuket Walking Street
Night Market

Phuket Walking Street

A vibrant market in Phuket Old Town, known as `Lard-yai` offering local food, souvenirs, and live performances, making it a great spot to experience local culture and shopping.

Entrance fee: Free
Kata Beach
Beach

Kata Beach

A popular beach with soft sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and surfing, offering a more relaxed atmosphere than Patong.

Entrance fee: Free

** Please check the operating days and hours, as well as the admission fees with the service provider once again.

See & Do

Festivals & Events

Phuket Vegetarian Festival
  • Sep or Oct
  • Phuket

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a unique and important event that takes place every year, usually in September or October. During this nine-day festival, local people follow a strict vegetarian diet to cleanse their bodies and minds. The festival is famous for its intense rituals, such as fire walking and body piercing, performed by devotees who believe these acts bring spiritual strength. There are also many street stalls selling delicious vegetarian food throughout the island, making it a great time to experience both the cultural and culinary sides of Phuket.

The Phuket Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Ceremony
  • Jun and Nov
  • Rawai Beach

The Phuket Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Ceremony

The Phuket Sea Gypsy Boat Floating Ceremony is a traditional event held by the sea gypsy communities, usually at Rawai Beach and Laem Tukkae Village. During this ritual, small boats are floated out to sea, carrying away bad luck and bringing good fortune. It is a unique cultural experience, showing the deep connection between the sea gypsies and the ocean, and it is a great opportunity to learn more about their way of life.

Phuket Old Town Festival
  • February
  • Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town Festival

The Phuket Old Town Festival is an annual celebration that takes place in Phuket Old Town, usually in February. The festival showcases the rich culture and history of the area with street parades, traditional performances, and vibrant markets. Visitors can enjoy local food, explore the beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, and experience the lively atmosphere of this colorful part of Phuket.

Foods

Local Foods

Hokkien Noodles

Hokkien Noodles

Hokkien Noodles is a popular dish in Phuket made with thick, yellow noodles stir-fried in a rich, flavorful broth. The dish usually includes a mix of seafood like shrimp and squid, along with slices of pork or chicken. It's also cooked with vegetables such as bean sprouts and Chinese kale. The noodles are soft and absorb the savory sauce, making every bite delicious. It’s often topped with crispy fried onions and served with a side of lime, chili flakes, and fish sauce, so you can adjust the taste to your liking. It's a must-try dish if you want to taste something local and satisfying in Phuket!

Mhoo-hong (Red Braised Pork Belly)

Mhoo-hong (Red Braised Pork Belly)

Moo Hong (Red Braised Pork Belly) is a famous dish from Phuket made with tender pork belly braised in a rich sauce. The sauce is a mix of soy sauce, garlic, black pepper, and sugar, giving it a sweet and salty flavor. The pork is slow-cooked until it becomes soft and flavorful, perfect to eat with steamed rice. It's a comforting and hearty dish, often enjoyed with family during special occasions. If you want to try a local Phuket dish with deep flavors, Moo Hong is a great choice!

Oh Aew

Oh Aew

Oh Aew is a refreshing local dessert from Phuket, made with jelly from banana starch and served with sweet syrup and ice. It often comes with red beans or other toppings like grass jelly or fruits. This dessert is perfect for cooling down on a hot day, with its light and sweet flavors. It’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike, and a must-try if you’re looking to experience a traditional sweet treat in Phuket.

Weather

Weather & Temperature

Thank you for the information from NOAA

Summer

Summer in Phuket is very hot. This season is from November to April.

Rainy

This season in Phuket falls between May and October.

Winter

Phuket doesn’t have a winter season due to its tropical climate.

Map

Explore around Phuket

Point of Interests

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