Phuket Travel Guide

A comprehensive tour guide for Phuket including a list of places to visit, outdoor activities, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations and more.


Introduction to Phuket

Phuket is one of the most popular vacation destinations in Thailand, renowned for its stunning beaches, clear blue waters, diverse culture and a wide range of tourist-friendly activities. This island paradise is located on the Andaman coast and is home to world-class resorts, restaurants, and attractions. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, Phuket has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Phuket

Here’s a list of must-visit places in Phuket:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Phuket Art Village
  2. Wat Chalong
  3. Phuket Trickeye Museum
  4. Baan Chinpracha Museum
  5. Phuket Philatelic Museum
  6. Thai Hua Museum
  7. Old Phuket Town
  8. Thalang National Museum

Natural Attractions of Phuket: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. James Bond Island
  2. Similan Islands National Park
  3. Phang Nga Bay
  4. Rai Le Beach
  5. Phi Phi Islands
  6. Freedom Beach
  7. Nai Harn Beach
  8. Promthep Cape

Hiking/Biking Routes of Phuket

Whether you prefer trekking through the forest, biking through the hills, or taking a leisurely walk through the local communities, Phuket boasts of many options. Here are some of the best hiking and biking routes in Phuket:

  1. Bang Wad Dam
  2. Sirinath National Park
  3. Bang Pae Waterfall
  4. Khao Phra Thaeo National Park
  5. Ton Sai Waterfall

Best Things to Do in Phuket: Activities and Tours

Phuket offers a wide range of activities for visitors to enjoy. Here are some of the best things to do in Phuket:

  1. Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
  2. Island-Hopping
  3. Surfing at Kata Beach
  4. Zipline Adventure
  5. Elephant Sanctuary Experience
  6. ATV Adventure

Week-Long Itinerary for Phuket

Here is a rough itinerary for a week-long stay in Phuket:

Day Destination Activity
1 Phang Nga Bay Boat tour
2 James Bond Island Hiking
3 Phi Phi Islands Beach time
4 Wat Chalong Visiting a local temple
5 Bang Pae Waterfall Biking
6 Similan Islands Snorkeling or scuba diving
7 Nai Harn Beach Relaxing

Food and Drink Scene of Phuket

Phuket’s food scene is a true reflection of the island’s diverse cultural heritage. Here are a few must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Tom Yam Koong
  2. Pad Thai
  3. Massaman Curry
  4. Green Curry
  5. Som Tam
  6. Khao Pad Sapparot

Local Beverages

  1. Chang Beer
  2. Singha Beer
  3. Thai Iced Tea
  4. Cha Yen
  5. Chinese Tea

Where to Stay in Phuket: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Phuket provides accommodation for all budgets. Here are some options:

  1. Luxury: The Naka Island, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa
  2. Mid-Range: The Marina Phuket Resort
  3. Budget: Blue Carina Inn Hotel

What to Buy in Phuket: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Batik & Sarongs
  2. Local Spices
  3. Thai Silk
  4. Tea & Coffee
  5. Handmade Jewelry

Local Culture and Customs of Phuket

The people of Phuket are proud of their cultural heritage. Here are a few customs and traditions to keep in mind while visiting Phuket:

  1. Respect the King – Thai people have a deep reverence for their king.
  2. Dress modestly – Avoid revealing clothing in temples or other religious sites.
  3. Remove shoes – It’s mandatory to remove shoes in Thai homes and temples.
  4. Learn some Thai – It’s always good to learn a few basic phrases like ‘hello’ and ‘thank you’.

Best Time to Visit Phuket

November to February is the best time to visit Phuket as the weather is mild and pleasant during this time. The monsoon season in Phuket falls between June and October, while March to May is the hottest season in Phuket.

Do’s and Don’ts of Phuket

Here are some do’s and don’ts to follow while in Phuket:

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions
  2. Bargain when shopping at local markets
  3. Take care of the environment.

Don’t:

  1. Disrespect sacred sites
  2. Take photos with captive animals
  3. Be drunk and disorderly in public

Safety and Health

Safety in Phuket

Phuket is generally a safe place to visit. Here are a few tips to stay safe while in Phuket:

  1. Drink bottled water
  2. Be cautious of pickpockets
  3. Take care while swimming in the sea, especially during the monsoon season.

Health in Phuket

Visitors to Phuket are advised to take the usual precautions while traveling in Southeast Asia.

Getting to Phuket: Transportation Options and Logistics

Phuket is well-connected to the rest of the world via air, road, and sea.

Airports Near Phuket

  1. Phuket International Airport

Bus Stations Near Phuket

  1. Phuket Bus Terminal

Other Options

  1. Private taxi or car rental
  2. Ferry and passenger boats to other nearby ports.

How to Get Around in Phuket

Taxis, tuk-tuks, and motorbikes are the usual means of transportation in Phuket. Visitors can also rent a car or bicycle.

Where to Go Next from Phuket: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are many options for onward travel from Phuket. Some popular choices include:

  1. Krabi
  2. Koh Phi Phi
  3. Khao Lak
  4. Koh Lanta

Conclusion

Phuket is an incredible destination that offers something for everyone. Whether you’re looking to indulge in outdoor activities, soak in the local culture or just enjoy some relaxation, Phuket has it all. Use this guide to plan your trip and make unforgettable memories.

A bus bound for Hat Yai A bus bound for Hat Yai A boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi A boat ride from Phuket to Phi Phi Phuket-style tuk-tuk Phuket-style tuk-tuk The Phuket Yacht Haven marina The Phuket Yacht Haven marina Khanom Jin Khanom Jin Bars at Bangla Road, Patong Bars at Bangla Road, Patong A Thai Tourist Police vehicle A Thai Tourist Police vehicle


    Bang Thao
    Cape Panwa
    Kamala
    Khao Phra Thaeo Non-Hunting Area
    Ko Bon
    Laem Sing
    Nai Han
    Nai Thon and Nai Yang
    Patong
    Surin