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Places / Asia / Thailand

Phuket

Visited in December 2013

At a glance

Country
Thailand
Region
Mueang Phuket
Population
77,610
Best time to go
November to April
Main airport
Phuket International (HKT)
Coordinates
7.88°N, 98.40°E

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Overview

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, with a string of sandy bays on its west coast and a characterful old town built on tin-mining wealth. It can be as busy or as quiet as you choose.

Patong is loud and late, while Kata, Kamala and the north-west beaches are calmer. Phuket Town, with its Sino-Portuguese shophouses and excellent food, is worth at least an afternoon whichever beach you pick.

Things to see

  • Phuket Old Town
    Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Phuket Old Town

    Pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses, Chinese shrines and cafés along Thalang and Soi Romanee.

  • Big Buddha
    Photo: Subhrajyoti07, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Big Buddha

    A white marble Buddha on a hilltop between Kata and Chalong, with sweeping views of the south.

  • Wat Chalong
    Photo: Lerdsuwa, CC BY-SA 3.0

    Wat Chalong

    The island's most important temple, with a tall chedi you can climb inside.

  • Promthep Cape
    Photo: Phuket@photographer.net, CC BY 2.0

    Promthep Cape

    The southern tip of the island, a favourite spot for watching the sun set over the Andaman Sea.

Things to do

  • Boat trip to Phang Nga Bay
    Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

    Boat trip to Phang Nga Bay

    Limestone pillars rising from emerald water, explored by longtail boat or sea canoe.

    Find tours
  • Day trip to the Phi Phi Islands
    Photo: Luxure, CC BY 3.0 au

    Day trip to the Phi Phi Islands

    Dramatic cliffs and clear water, best reached early before the crowds of boats arrive.

    Find tours

  • Sunday walking market

    Thalang Road fills with food stalls and crafts on Sunday evenings.

  • Vegetarian Festival
    Photo: Joseph Ferris III, CC BY 2.0

    Vegetarian Festival

    Held each autumn by the island's Chinese community, with processions, firecrackers and dramatic acts of devotion.

Where to stay

  • Kata

    A lovely bay with a relaxed feel, good for families and surfers in season.

    Hotels in Kata

  • Phuket Town

    For food, culture and value, though away from the beach.

    Hotels in Phuket Town

  • Patong

    The busiest beach, for nightlife and endless choice.

    Hotels in Patong

  • Kamala

    Quieter, with a pleasant beach and easy access to the north-west coast.

    Hotels in Kamala

Getting around

There is little public transport, so most people use taxis, ride-hailing apps or hire a scooter. Old songthaew buses link Phuket Town with the main beaches.

The airport is in the north of the island, 45 to 60 minutes by road to the west-coast beaches.

When to go

The dry season from November to April brings calm seas and sunshine. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings rain and rough water on west-coast beaches.

Plan your trip to Phuket

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Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.

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