Phuket mixes long sandy bays, limestone islands, Thai-Chinese heritage and excellent food, with something for every budget, from party beaches to secluded luxury resorts. This guide covers the essentials and links to our detailed Phuket guides.
Top things to do in Phuket
- The Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay by speedboat. See our Phi Phi day trip guide.
- Phang Nga Bay: limestone karsts, sea caves and “James Bond Island” by longtail or sea canoe.
- Phuket Old Town: Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and the Sunday Walking Street market.
- The Big Buddha: a 45-metre marble statue with island-wide views.
- Beach-hopping from Kata Noi to Freedom Beach. See the best beaches in Phuket.
- Promthep Cape, the island’s most famous sunset viewpoint.
- The Similan Islands: world-class snorkelling and diving, open in season (roughly mid-October to mid-May).
See all 20 best things to do in Phuket, or compare Phuket island tours.
Where to stay in Phuket
- Patong: nightlife, Bangla Road and endless restaurants, but crowded.
- Kata and Karon: great beaches and a relaxed vibe, the best all-rounder.
- Kamala and Surin: quieter and upmarket, with good beach clubs.
- Phuket Old Town: culture, food and value, but no beach.
- Rawai and Chalong: local life, seafood and the piers for island trips.
Read our full Phuket area guide, or check hotel prices in Phuket.
Getting around Phuket
Phuket is big and hilly, with limited public transport. Grab and Bolt work across the island (except for pick-ups at the airport), and taxis and tuk-tuks are expensive, so agree the price first. The Smart Bus runs along the west-coast beaches. Renting a scooter is popular but risky. You need the right licence, a helmet and insurance that covers it.
Airport to the beaches
| Option (HKT → Patong) | Cost (THB) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Phuket Smart Bus | 100 | ~90 min |
| Official taxi | ~700–900 (incl. 100 airport fee) | ~60 min |
| Airport limousine / private transfer | ~900–1,100 | ~60 min |
Prices are from Inside Our Suitcase (May 2026). Full details are in Phuket Airport to Patong and the beaches.
Best time to visit Phuket
November to April is the dry season, with calm seas and the best visibility for boat trips. December to February is the peak. May to October is the southwest monsoon, with rougher seas, red-flag beaches and some islands closed (for example, Maya Bay closes from 1 August to 30 September), but prices are lower. Read the best time to visit Phuket.
Entry and practical tips
Since 15 September 2026, US, UK, Australian, Canadian and most European passport holders get 30 days visa-free for tourism, extendable once by up to 30 days in Thailand (VisasNews). Complete the TDAC online before arrival. See our TDAC guide. Respect red flags on beaches, because rip currents are deadly in the monsoon. Get a Thailand eSIM and travel insurance, especially if you plan to ride a scooter.
Phuket guides
- 20 best things to do in Phuket
- The best beaches in Phuket
- Where to stay in Phuket
- Phuket itinerary: 4, 5 or 7 days
- Phi Phi Islands day trip from Phuket
- Phuket Airport to Patong and the beaches
- Best time to visit Phuket
- Bangkok travel guide
FAQ: Phuket travel
How many days do you need in Phuket?
Five to seven days lets you enjoy two or three beaches, a Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay trip, the Old Town and some pure relaxation.
Which is the best beach area in Phuket?
Kata and Karon for most visitors. Patong is for nightlife, and Kamala or Surin for a quieter stay.
Is Phuket expensive?
It’s pricier than most of Thailand, especially for taxis and beachfront resorts, but street food, massages and local guesthouses are still good value.
Is it safe to swim in Phuket?
From November to April, usually yes on lifeguarded beaches. During the monsoon, always obey the red flags, because strong rip currents cause drownings every year.
Plan your trip to Phuket
The trusted services we use to plan our own trips.
Some links are affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
