Why go to Phuket
Pure white sands, aquamarine waters and limestone cliffs await travelers who visit Thailand's southwestern island of Phuket. Surrounded by the Andaman Sea and about an hour by plane from Bangkok, this island is a little piece of paradise, which comes with a relatively low price tag for everything from its accommodations to spa treatments and boat tours. But along with its tropical appeal, Phuket beckons to travelers wanting to experience its flavorful cuisine (think: lemongrass, lime leaves, chillies) and its rich culture, heavily influenced by its reigning religion: Buddhism. And although the island's beaches and tourism operators have bounced back from the 2004 tsunami, which hammered its western coast and tragically claimed thousands of lives, it remembers the past with memorials and a better warning system, should the area once again come under threat.
Phuket Travel Tips
What You Need to Know
How to Save Money in Phuket
- Book your hotel in advance You'll pay a premium if you're booking your hotel on arrival, especially during the peak season months of December and January.
- Find the best exchange rate Skip the airport when you want to exchange your U.S. dollars for Thai baht. The off-brand kiosks in the main streets of popular beach towns usually offer the best rates.
- Check the hotel perks Some hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as between popular beaches, so check out the property's perks before shelling out your baht for other modes of transport.
- Book your hotel in advance You'll pay a premium if you're booking your hotel on arrival, especially during the peak season months of December and January.
- Find the best exchange rate Skip the airport when you want to exchange your U.S. dollars for Thai baht. The off-brand kiosks in the main streets of popular beach towns usually offer the best rates.
- Check the hotel perks Some hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport, as well as between popular beaches, so check out the property's perks before shelling out your baht for other modes of transport.
Culture & Customs
What to Eat
Safety
One of the biggest safety concerns you'll run into on a Phuket vacation are the dangerous rip tides and undertows at the beach, especially during monsoon season, which stretches from June to October. Make sure to pay attention to lifeguard warnings and all of the posted beach flags. For instance, a red flag means "no swimming," a yellow flag means "be careful," and a pair of half-red half-yellow flags signal that you should swim in between the two flags.
Because of the threat of the Zika virus, the Centers for Disease Control & Protection that pregnant women and couples – or those hoping to become pregnant –
refrain from traveling to Thailand. All travelers can ward against mosquito bites by wearing bug repellant and skin-protective clothing, such as high-tech fitness wear.
There are some areas of Phuket that are known as hotbeds for sex trafficking, prostitution and drugs. For instance, Patong, which is known for its wild nightlife, is a center for such activity. Take care to be aware of your surroundings, especially in the evenings in areas like Patong.
One of the biggest safety concerns you'll run into on a Phuket vacation are the dangerous rip tides and undertows at the beach, especially during monsoon season, which stretches from June to October. Make sure to pay attention to lifeguard warnings and all of the posted beach flags. For instance, a red flag means "no swimming," a yellow flag means "be careful," and a pair of half-red half-yellow flags signal that you should swim in between the two flags.
Because of the threat of the Zika virus, the Centers for Disease Control & Protection that pregnant women and couples – or those hoping to become pregnant –
refrain from traveling to Thailand. All travelers can ward against mosquito bites by wearing bug repellant and skin-protective clothing, such as high-tech fitness wear.
There are some areas of Phuket that are known as hotbeds for sex trafficking, prostitution and drugs. For instance, Patong, which is known for its wild nightlife, is a center for such activity. Take care to be aware of your surroundings, especially in the evenings in areas like Patong.
Getting Around Phuket
The best way to get around Phuket is by tuk-tuk, though occasionally you might have to rely on another mode of travel, such as a taxi or rental car, if you want to travel beyond the town in which you're basing your vacation. Not only is a tuk-tuk (a small yellow or red truck) the most atmospheric of all transportation options, it's also one of the most convenient – they're absolutely everywhere. Still, they can be expensive for trips outside of town, and a metered taxi, songthaew or rental car might be a better option.
To reach Phuket, most travelers fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is located at the island's northern end. Most of the accommodations are congregated in the south around Patong, Kata, Karon and Phuket Town. Travelers should check if their hotel offers an airport shuttle, and if not, they can hop in an airport bus, which takes travelers to Phuket Town. A taxi is probably the easiest and most efficient way to traverse the distance between the airport and accommodations. Although there are vans and minibus operators that offer rides from the airport to these southern locations, it can be hard to decipher which ones are reputable. If your hotel does not offer a shuttle service, ask if the concierge can recommend any reputable van or minibus operator.
Best thing to do at Phuket
1. Big Budha Phuket
The best way to get around Phuket is by tuk-tuk, though occasionally you might have to rely on another mode of travel, such as a taxi or rental car, if you want to travel beyond the town in which you're basing your vacation. Not only is a tuk-tuk (a small yellow or red truck) the most atmospheric of all transportation options, it's also one of the most convenient – they're absolutely everywhere. Still, they can be expensive for trips outside of town, and a metered taxi, songthaew or rental car might be a better option.
To reach Phuket, most travelers fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is located at the island's northern end. Most of the accommodations are congregated in the south around Patong, Kata, Karon and Phuket Town. Travelers should check if their hotel offers an airport shuttle, and if not, they can hop in an airport bus, which takes travelers to Phuket Town. A taxi is probably the easiest and most efficient way to traverse the distance between the airport and accommodations. Although there are vans and minibus operators that offer rides from the airport to these southern locations, it can be hard to decipher which ones are reputable. If your hotel does not offer a shuttle service, ask if the concierge can recommend any reputable van or minibus operator.
Best thing to do at Phuket
1. Big Budha Phuket
Big Buddha is a giant statue of Buddha encased in Burmese alabaster that towers over Phuket from the peak of Mount Nagakerd. Construction on Big Buddha began in 2007, and Phuketians are proud of both the structure and the vantage point from which travelers can view the island. Visitors to Big Buddha will enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Kata Bay, the Karon strand and the islands that speckle the Chalong Bay.
Although some travelers say they had a spiritual experience at Big Buddha, most reviewers say the views from the peak are what captivated them. To that point, visitors suggest bringing your camera (and a wide-angle lens).
Big Buddha is open every day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it's free to visit. You'll find the large statue on the summit of Mount Nagakerd. Most choose to hike the nearly 4-mile path to the peak, starting at the Chaofa Road West (a little more than a mile from Chalong Circle). You'll also find restroom facilities atop the hill and food and drink options on the way up. Keep in mind that parts of this attraction are under ongoing construction, but even still, visitors call it a must-see
2. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is the southernmost strip of sand in Phuket, and locals love it just as much as visitors. Picture gleaming white sands bordered by grassy knolls and rolling cerulean waves, and you'll start to be able to imagine the beauty of this seemingly remote spot. The beach also gets high marks for its authentic collection of nearby restaurants.
While experiencing all of the Nai Harn beauty, visitors recommend keeping your ear out for the lifeguards' warnings. They also suggest only swimming within the flagged areas, since Nai Harn is no stranger to strong, dangerous riptides – especially during monsoon season (May to October).
You'll find Nai Harn Beach about 11 miles southwest of Phuket Town. The easiest way to reach it is by tuk-tuk, taxi or motorcycle. You'll find public restrooms located on the north end of the beach, along with a collection of small shops, where you can rent beach umbrellas. There are also a handful of restaurants within walking distance. The beach is free to visit and accessible 24/7.
3. Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi Beach is known for its brilliant white sands and transparent aquamarine waters, as well as its relatively calm atmosphere, especially compared to other popular beaches like party-centric Patong (located just north). Backed by the fancy (and sprawling) Kata Thani Phuket Beach Resort, the beach is described by recent visitors as "family friendly."
This spot along the southwest coast of Phuket is popular among travelers for its kid-friendly atmosphere and nearby facilities, including a handful of restaurants and shops and a 7-Eleven, which is useful for picking up drinks and snacks.
The best way to reach this beach, which is a little more than 10 miles southwest of Phuket Town, is by a taxi, tuk-tuk or motorcycle. The beach is free to visit and accessible 24/7, though swimming after dark is never recommended.
Big Buddha is a giant statue of Buddha encased in Burmese alabaster that towers over Phuket from the peak of Mount Nagakerd. Construction on Big Buddha began in 2007, and Phuketians are proud of both the structure and the vantage point from which travelers can view the island. Visitors to Big Buddha will enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Kata Bay, the Karon strand and the islands that speckle the Chalong Bay.
Although some travelers say they had a spiritual experience at Big Buddha, most reviewers say the views from the peak are what captivated them. To that point, visitors suggest bringing your camera (and a wide-angle lens).
Big Buddha is open every day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., and it's free to visit. You'll find the large statue on the summit of Mount Nagakerd. Most choose to hike the nearly 4-mile path to the peak, starting at the Chaofa Road West (a little more than a mile from Chalong Circle). You'll also find restroom facilities atop the hill and food and drink options on the way up. Keep in mind that parts of this attraction are under ongoing construction, but even still, visitors call it a must-see
2. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is the southernmost strip of sand in Phuket, and locals love it just as much as visitors. Picture gleaming white sands bordered by grassy knolls and rolling cerulean waves, and you'll start to be able to imagine the beauty of this seemingly remote spot. The beach also gets high marks for its authentic collection of nearby restaurants.
While experiencing all of the Nai Harn beauty, visitors recommend keeping your ear out for the lifeguards' warnings. They also suggest only swimming within the flagged areas, since Nai Harn is no stranger to strong, dangerous riptides – especially during monsoon season (May to October).
You'll find Nai Harn Beach about 11 miles southwest of Phuket Town. The easiest way to reach it is by tuk-tuk, taxi or motorcycle. You'll find public restrooms located on the north end of the beach, along with a collection of small shops, where you can rent beach umbrellas. There are also a handful of restaurants within walking distance. The beach is free to visit and accessible 24/7.
3. Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi Beach is known for its brilliant white sands and transparent aquamarine waters, as well as its relatively calm atmosphere, especially compared to other popular beaches like party-centric Patong (located just north). Backed by the fancy (and sprawling) Kata Thani Phuket Beach Resort, the beach is described by recent visitors as "family friendly."
This spot along the southwest coast of Phuket is popular among travelers for its kid-friendly atmosphere and nearby facilities, including a handful of restaurants and shops and a 7-Eleven, which is useful for picking up drinks and snacks.
The best way to reach this beach, which is a little more than 10 miles southwest of Phuket Town, is by a taxi, tuk-tuk or motorcycle. The beach is free to visit and accessible 24/7, though swimming after dark is never recommended.
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