Phuket

Travel Guide

Phuket
Phuket
Phuket
Phuket - Phang Nga featuring general coastal views and a sunset
Phuket

Phuket Travel Guide Video

Phuket’s beaches have made the destination famous around the world, but a rich culture and history mean that the island offers much more than glorious coastline.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is known as the “Pearl of the Andaman.” Spend any amount of time on its stunning, golden beaches, framed by dramatic karst stone formations, and you will soon understand how it gained this nickname. Travel away from the coast to discover the lesser-seen attractions and religious sites that further add to the island’s appeal.

The industries of Phuket have changed throughout the centuries. In the era of seafaring and trade, the island was used as a port to shelter from bad weather, while in the 19th century it made its money from tin mining. Come to Phuket today to discover an island that is thriving on the tourism industry. The Phuket Thaihua Museum in Phuket Town features English-language exhibits on the island’s history.

Head to one of the island’s numerous beaches and spend hours soaking up the sun or swimming in seas of perfect aquamarine. Bang Tao Beach is a 5-mile (8-kilometer) beauty that is popular with families seeking calm seas. Patong Beach is famed for its raucous nightlife and constant partying. Head to Nai Thon Beach and Mai Khao Beach for stretches of sand unspoiled by modern developments.

Reach for the skies on a paragliding expedition or ride a wooden long boat around the coastline. Don a pair of goggles and flippers and plunge underwater on an offshore scuba diving expedition.

Take a tuk-tuk ride inland to see some of Phuket’s impressive religious sites. The simply named Big Buddha lives up to its title, looming 148 feet (45 meters) above Nakkerd Hills. Enjoy a moment of peace by Wat Chalong, a picturesque temple that contains 36 carvings of Buddha.

Phuket can be reached via domestic flights from Bangkok or by long-distance buses from major cities in Thailand. Monsoon season, between June and October, sees fewer tourists visiting the island but makes the seas less inviting. Visit Phuket between November and February for the best beach weather and to join throngs of other visitors to the spectacular coastline.

Where to stay in Phuket

Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

Cafes, beaches, and historic sites are just a few things travelers enjoy about Old Phuket Town. Check out Phuket Weekend Market or Talad Yai Market while you're exploring the area.

Old Phuket Town
Phuket - Phang Nga which includes tropical scenes, a pool and a hotel

Talat Yai

Unique features of Talat Yai include the historic sites and spas. Make a stop by Limelight Avenue Phuket or Phuket Monkey School while you're exploring the area.

Talat Yai
Old Phuket Town

Talat Nuea

Unique features of Talat Nuea include the coffeehouses and historic sites. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Patong Go-Kart Speedway and Phuket Offroad Fun Park while you're exploring the area.

Talat Nuea
Old Phuket Town

Chinatown

While visiting Chinatown, you might make a stop by sights like Phuket Weekend Market and Talad Yai Market.

Chinatown
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
4 out of 5
1 Soi Surin Montri Road, Phuket, Phuket
The price is P4,168 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P4,168
P4,948 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (346 reviews)
"Amazing hotel with such amazing facilities and staff: thank you for an incredible and comfortable stay"

Reviewed on May 31, 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
Quip Bed & Breakfast Phuket Hotel
Quip Bed & Breakfast Phuket Hotel
3 out of 5
54 Phuket Rd., Taladyai, Phuket, Phuket Province
The price is P947 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P947
P1,042 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free WiFi, 2 restaurants, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Phuket Weekend Market and Patong Go-Kart Speedway ...
7.6/10 Good! (225 reviews)
Good place to explore Phuket Town
"The hotel is in a great location to walk Old town area. The nightlife from the bar area can be a bit noisy in the room but overall a good place to stay in Phuket town."

Reviewed on Jan 12, 2025

Quip Bed & Breakfast Phuket Hotel
Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra Hotel
Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra Hotel
5 out of 5
40/5 Chanajaroen Road, Tambon Talad Yai, Amphur Muang, Phuket
The price is P4,504 per night from Jul 17 to Jul 18
P4,504
P5,347 total
Jul 17 - Jul 18
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (274 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, great breakfast. Recommended."

Reviewed on Jun 12, 2025

Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pha Lae Tawan@Siray
Pha Lae Tawan@Siray
2.5 out of 5
13/54 Moo 1 Tambon Ratsada, Muang Phuket, Phuket, Phuket
Stay at this villa in Phuket. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Phuket Weekend Market and Patong Go-Kart Speedway and ...
Pha Lae Tawan@Siray
HOMA Phuket Town
HOMA Phuket Town
4 out of 5
3/41 Moo 5, Soi Samkong 1, Ratsada, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Ratsada. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Patong Beach and Bangla ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"Very great place to stay and nice view"

Reviewed on Apr 30, 2025

HOMA Phuket Town
The View Phuket By Resava
The View Phuket By Resava
4 out of 5
78/7 Patak Road, Karon, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly villa in Karon. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a free beach shuttle. Our guests praise the property condition in our ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (152 reviews)
"Had an amazing time with my family the staff were very nice and helpfull and made us feel so welcome loved the pool which came with room perfect for kids and the view was absolutely beautiful will defo come back"

Reviewed on Apr 18, 2025

The View Phuket By Resava
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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