Phuket
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Palm-fringed white sand beaches lapped by the azure waters of the Andaman Sea, towering limestone cliffs, tranquil bays, tropical forests and stunning sunsets draw over millions of tourists each year to Phuket. Located in southern Thailand, the country
In the past, visitors to the country’s largest island located in Southern Thailand were a motley parade of Malay pirates, Tamil settlers, Burmese warriors and Chinese tin miners, and traders from all over. Today, they come for the sun, sand, and scenery, as well as the luxurious resorts, diverse nightlife, diving and relaxed tropical lifestyle.
It’s the beaches that are the attraction here and there are numerous options to feel the sand between your toes. The main action is at Patong Beach, which is frenetic market by day, and entertainment paradise by night. Surin, Karon, Kamala and Kata are quieter alternatives. A great place to get a feel of the island’s history is Phuket town with its Sino-Portuguese architecture. Phuket is also the jumping off point for the many islands that dot its coast, with Koh Phi Phi, Koh Lanta and the Similans the top choices.
With fine white sand beaches, lush jungle, easy connectivity, and diverse options for accommodation, dining and entertainment, Phuket is the perfect destination for an island wedding.
Do
Wander around Phuket Town on foot
Golf at the Red Mountain Golf Club
Take the Kata Thai cooking class
Learn Thai kickboxing at Dragon Muay Thai
Get PADI certified at Super Divers
Enjoy a six-hands massage at Trisara
Go on a luxury cruise with Andaman Cruises
Zip line in the lush forest with Flying Hanuman
Watch a cultural performance at Phuket Fantasea and Siam Niramit
Go
Big Buddha Shrine
Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife and Forest Reserve,
Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre
Sirinat National Marine Park
Day trips to James Bond Island, Phi Phi islands, and the Similan Islands
Khao Rang viewpoint
Phuket Aquarium
Phuket Bird Park
Eat
Given its history, Thai food in Phuket has a strong influence of Malay and Chinese cuisines. There are also a wide variety of restaurants offering international food either in a casual or a fine dining setting. Several food festivals take place throughout the year, such as the Chinese Vegetarian Festival and Phuket Food & Wine, among others.
Krajok See
PRU Restaurant
Baan Rim Pa
Raya Restaurant
Play
If you want to party, Patong is the place to be. Massive crowds go to hang out around its colorful neon lights whether to listen to live rock music, acoustic sets, or jazz, to have drinks, watch a cabaret show, or dance to the rhythm of electronic music. Bangla road features the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and nightlife entertainment in the whole island.
Baba Nest
Kee Sky Lounge
Ska Bar
Dream Beach Club
Café del Mar
Simon Cabaret
Shop
There are several shopping malls in Phuket, which stock everything from international luxury brands to local handicrafts, and food products. For an authentic shopping experience there are also a few night markets worth visiting:
- Daily: Chillva Market, Malin Plaza Patong
- Thursdays and Fridays: Phuket Indy Market
- Saturdays and Sundays: Phuket Weekend Market
- Sunday: Phuket Walking Street
Malls:
Banana Walk
Jungceylon
Central Festival
Limelight Avenue
Premium Outlet
Recommended Hotels
JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa
Insider Tips
- During November and February, sea turtles lay their eggs along Sirinat National Marine Park.
- Be wary of strong undercurrents during the monsoon season (May until October).
- Go and watch the sunset from the Laem Phromthep viewpoint.
Getting There
Flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Muang airports) to Phuket International Airport take 1.30 hours. Airlines like Thai Lion Air, Air Asia, Nok Air, Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airways operate several daily flights between both cities. Direct flights are available to and from countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Russia, and Qatar. Phuket is a 12-hour away drive from Bangkok. It is also possible to get there by buses departing daily from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Southern Line).
