Choosing a place to visit in Thailand can be overwhelming. As a first-time traveller to this beautiful country, you likely want a destination that’s both stunning and easy to navigate. Fortunately, getting around Thailand is generally straightforward, thanks to the numerous airports, train, and bus connections. If you’re looking for inspiration on where to visit, click here.

In this post, we’ll focus on Phuket, one of the most popular and largest islands in Thailand. There’s so much to see and do in Phuket, making it an excellent choice for honeymooners, families with kids, and all types of travellers. 

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links which mean that if you choose to book through it I earn a small commission at no cost to you. I appreciate your support to keep this site up and running!

Planning Your Journey

Best time to visit Phuket 

Phuket’s dry season runs from November to April, offering sunny weather ideal for beach activities and outdoor exploration. The rainy season, from May to October, brings more frequent rainfall, occasional storms, and lower crowds, but lush scenery persists despite the weather.

How to get to Phuket / Booking Your Flight

Getting to Phuket is easy thanks to its international airport, which offers flights from many major cities around the world such as Doha, Dubai, Singapore, and Seoul, as well as quick and convenient flights from Bangkok. To make the most of your budget, consider booking your flights in advance. Websites like Kiwi.com, or Omio can help you find great deals, or for a hassle-free experience, check out complete packages on Expedia.

Phuket is also connected to the mainland by a bridge, making it accessible by bus or car. For the best travel options around Thailand, check out 12Go.

Flights from Bangkok take about 1 hour, while buses take approximately 14 hours

Booking Your Hotel 

When it comes to booking hotels in Phuket, I personally prefer using Booking.com. I find it handy to read reviews and get insights into the places I’ll be staying. Phuket is a big island so let me help you find the best place where to stay in Phuket 

To put it into perspective, it takes about 1 hour to drive from the northernmost part of Phuket to the southernmost part

Patong Beach 

Where: Located on Phuket’s western coast, Patong Beach is approximately 41 kilometres from the airport, with an average taxi fare costing around $31.

For who: Patong Beach is great for people who love nightlife fun, enjoy relaxing on the beach, and want easy access to food and entertainment nearby.

Budget Hotel – Lub d Phuket Patong, Hotel Clover Patong Phuket, Patong Mansion Hotel

Luxury Resort – Amari Phuket,  La Flora Resort Patong, Grand Mercure Phuket Patong

Best for families – Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, Novotel Phuket Vintage Park Resort, Deevana Plaza Phuket Patong 

Best for honeymooners – The Kee Resort & Spa, Avista Hideaway, Jirana Hotel

Phuket Old Town 

Where: Phuket Old Town is situated on the eastern side of Phuket Island, approximately 33 kilometres from the airport, with an average taxi fare of around $25.

For Who: Phuket Old Town is perfect for history enthusiasts interested in exploring its cultural heritage, enjoying local cuisine, and discovering quaint shops and markets.

Budget Hotel – Baan Suwantawe, Chinotel, The Tint at Phuket Town

Luxury Resort – Royal Phuket, Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel, Hotel Verdigris 

Best for families – Phuket Merlin Hotel, Sino House Phuket Hotel and Apartment, Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel 

Best for honeymooners – The Memory at On On Hotel, Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel, Novotel Phuket City

Kata Beach 

Where: Kata Beach is located on the southwestern coast of Phuket Island, about 47 kilometres from the airport, with an average taxi fare of approximately $35.

For Who: Kata Beach is ideal for families seeking a relaxed atmosphere, beachgoers interested in swimming and water sports, and travellers looking for a quieter alternative to bustling areas like Patong Beach. 

Budget Hotel – Kata Bai D Inn, Kata Palm Resort, Sugar Marina Resort 

Luxury Resort – The Shore at Katathani, Kata Rocks,  Katathani Phuket Beach Resort 

Best for families – Centara Kata Resort Phuket, Novotel Phuket Kata Avista Resort and Spa, Ibis Phuket Kata 

Best for honeymooners – Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, Boathouse Phuket, Beyond Kata 

Karon Beach 

Where: Karon Beach is situated on the western coast of Phuket Island, about 47 kilometres from the airport, with an average taxi fare of approximately $35.

For Who: Karon Beach is great for travellers seeking a laid-back beach experience, families looking for a quieter atmosphere compared to Patong Beach, and those interested in water activities like swimming and snorkelling

Budget Hotel – Baan Sailom Hotel, On Hotel Phuket, Phuket Island View Resort 

Luxury Resort – Mandarava Resort and Spa, Pullman Phuket, Le Meridien Phuket Beach Resort 

Best for families – Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket, Phuket Orchid Resort, Novotel Phuket Karon Beach Resort and Spa 

Best for honeymooners – Beyond Resort Karon, Marina Phuket Resort, Avista Grande 

Surin Beach 

Where: Surin Beach is situated on the western coast of Phuket Island, approximately 24 kilometres from the airport, with an average taxi fare of around $20.

For Who: Surin Beach is perfect for travellers seeking upscale and trendy vibes, with its luxurious beach clubs, upscale dining options, and beautiful shoreline.

Budget Hotel – Surin Sunset Hotel, AM Surin Place, Surin Bay Inn 

Luxury Resort – The Surin Phuket, Twinpalms Phuket, Amanpuri 

Best for families – Outrigger Surin Beach Resort, Norn Talay Surin Beach 

Best for honeymooners – The Chava Resort, The Surin Phuket 

Bang Tao Beach

Where: Bang Tao Beach is located on the northwestern coast of Phuket Island, approximately 19 kilometres from the airport, with an average taxi fare of about $15.

For Who: Bang Tao Beach is ideal for visitors looking for a luxurious getaway, with its high-end resorts, golf courses, and serene beachfront setting perfect for relaxation 

Budget Hotel – Bangtao Village Resort, Chilhub, Andaman Seaside Resort 

Luxury Resort – Banyan Tree Phuket,  Angsana Laguna Phuket, The Pavilions Phuket 

Best for families – Sunwing Bangtao Beach, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket, Arinara Beach Resort 

Best for honeymooners – Trisara Phuket, Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Twinpalms Tented Camp

Coconut Island 

Where: Coconut Island, also known as Koh Maphrao, is located just off the eastern coast of Phuket Island, accessible by a short boat ride from Phuket.

For Who: Coconut Island is perfect for travellers seeking a secluded and peaceful retreat, away from the crowds of Phuket. It’s ideal for those who enjoy nature, relaxation, and activities like kayaking and snorkelling in a pristine island setting

Naka Island Resort, Island Escape by Burasari , Barcelo Coconut Island 

Rawai Beach 

Where: Rawai Beach is situated on the southeastern coast of Phuket Island, approximately 47 kilometres from the airport, with an average taxi fare of around $35.

For Who: Rawai Beach is ideal for travellers seeking a quieter, more local experience. It’s perfect for seafood enthusiasts exploring local markets and enjoying a laid-back atmosphere away from the tourist crowds.

Budget Hotel – Rawai Palm Beach Resort, The Title Boutique Phuket, Palm Village 

Luxury Resort – The Nai Harn, Sunsuri Phuket, Vijitt Resort Phuket 

Best for families – Rawai Palm Beach Resort, Wyndham la vita Phuket, Rawai Palm Beach Resort 

Best for honeymooners – Lady Naya Villas, Stay Wellbeing & Lifestyle resort, Vijitt Resort Phuket 

Kamala Beach  

Where: Kamala Beach is located on the western coast of Phuket Island, about 27 kilometres from the airport, with an average taxi fare of approximately $22.

For Who: Kamala Beach is ideal for travellers looking for a peaceful and relaxing beach vacation. It offers a quieter atmosphere compared to busier beaches like Patong, making it suitable for couples, families, and those seeking tranquillity by the sea.

Budget Hotel – Kamala Beach Residence, Baan Kamala Fantasea Hotel, Wabi Sabi Boutique Hotel 

Luxury Resort – Andara Resort and Villas, Keemala, The Naka Phuket 

Best for families – Sunwing Kamala Beach, Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa, Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort 

Best for honeymooners – Paresa Resort Phuket, Cape Sienna Phuket Gourmet Hotel & Villas, InterContinental Phuket Resort 

Travel Insurance

Let’s turn our attention to a crucial aspect of your Phuket adventure – travel insurance. Engaging in the exciting water sports, ATV rides, and other activities Phuket offers requires preparation. I recommend considering what Visitors Coverage has in store for your insurance requirements. Their policies cover various scenarios, from trip cancellations to medical emergencies and even lost luggage. Simplify your insurance arrangements with this comprehensive solution, ensuring you’re ready to tackle any unforeseen challenges during your Phuket journey. Remember, prioritising peace of mind is always a wise choice.

Vaccine 

While I’m not a medical professional, it’s essential to consider vaccines when planning your trip to Thailand. I strongly recommend consulting a travel clinic before your journey for personalised advice. From my research, certain vaccines are generally advisable, such as Hepatitis A and B or typhoid.  However, there’s currently no mandatory vaccine required for travel to Thailand; the decision is entirely based on your personal preferences and health consideration

Upon Arrival

Getting a SIM Card

When it comes to staying connected in Thailand, relying on your home country’s data can lead to hefty charges. The good news is, Thailand offers affordable SIM cards, readily available at the airport or local convenience stores like 7-Eleven. However, for a hassle-free and instant solution, consider getting an e-SIM from Airlo before your trip. It’s my personal favourite method as it saves time and allows you to use data right upon landing.

Getting to your hotel from the airport 

Arriving in bustling Phuket, your next adventure begins! Getting from the airport to your hotel is convenient with several great options:

Pre-book a Car: Consider booking a local driver or using services like Kiwi Taxi to pre-book a transport for a seamless transfer to your hotel.

Grab or Taxi: In Phuket, the Grab and Bolt apps are popular for ride-hailing, providing reliable and affordable options. Note that Uber is no longer available in Southeast Asia. Alternatively, you can find taxis waiting just outside the airport, though using the app tends to be more cost-effective.

Phuket Smart Bus: it’s the longest but the cheapest option – you can find more information here 

How to travel around Phuket 

Navigating Phuket is a breeze with plenty of options to choose from. You can hop into a taxi anytime or use Grab or Bolt for convenient and affordable rides. Tuk-tuks add a fun local flavour, perfect for short trips. For more flexibility, renting a car or motorbike lets you explore at your own pace, while local buses, called songthaews, offer a budget-friendly way to get around. Plus, many areas are great for walking, especially along the beautiful beaches.

What to do in Phuket 

• Island Hopping: Explore Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island for stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters. Book Maya, Phi Phi, and Bamboo Island here  or Book Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island here 

• Nightlife in Patong: Dive into Patong’s nightlife scene with vibrant bars, clubs, and live music.
• Phuket Old Town: Wander through Phuket Old Town’s charming streets, filled with colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, temples like Wat Chalong, and bustling local markets. Book Full Day City Tour with Chillva Night Market here 

• Elephant Sanctuary: Meet rescued elephants and learn about ethical wildlife interaction at a sanctuary. Book Elephant Jungle Sanctuary tour here 

• Beach Escapes: Relax on the beautiful shores of Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and trying out water sports.
• Big Buddha: Visit the impressive Big Buddha statue for panoramic views of the island and a serene atmosphere. Book Big Buddha, Wat Chalong and Town Guided Tour here 

• Sunset at Cape Panwa: Watch the sun sink into the horizon at Cape Panwa, a perfect spot for capturing breathtaking sunset views.
• Splash Jungle Water Park: Spend a day at Phuket’s largest water park, enjoying slides, pools, and family-friendly fun. Book Andamanda Water Park Ticket here 

• Tiger Kingdom: Get up close with tigers in a controlled environment at Tiger Kingdom, an unforgettable wildlife encounter.
• Floating Beach Club: Chill out at a floating beach club, where you can relax, swim, and soak up the sun right on the water. Book YONA Floating Beach Club Day Experience here 

• Karon Viewpoint: Take in panoramic views of Phuket from Karon Viewpoint, offering stunning vistas of the coastline and neighbouring islands.
• Thai Cooking Class: Learn to cook delicious Thai dishes at a cooking class, immersing yourself in the flavours and techniques of Thai cuisine. Book Thai Cooking Class & Local Market Tour here 

• ATV Adventure and Zip Lining: Get your adrenaline pumping with an ATV ride through jungle trails and zipline adventures among treetop canopies. Book ATV Jungle Adventure here 

• Muay Thai Match: Experience the excitement of Thailand’s national sport with a live Muay Thai match, a thrilling and cultural evening out. Book Boxing Stadium Muay Thai Match ticket here 

What to do in Phuket when its raining: 

• Explore museums, temples, or interactive art galleries like the Phuket Trickeye Museum. Book here 
• Shop at malls such as Central Festival Phuket or Jungceylon Shopping Mall.
• Relax with Thai massages and wellness treatments at local spas. Book here 
• Learn to cook Thai cuisine with hands-on classes. Book here 
• Enjoy traditional dance or cabaret performances. Book here 
• Explore indoor markets and try local delicacies.
• Have fun bowling, rock climbing, or visiting a trampoline park.
• Watch movies at modern cinemas like SFX Coliseum Phuket or SF Cinema City.

Useful tips 

• If you planning to travel anywhere else in Thailand by boat/bus/car check 12GO website, it’s the best to book your transport 
• If you plan to see more of the mainland in Thailand, you can rent a car. Check the best deals at rentalcars.com
• Try street food cautiously; look for vendors with high turnover and cleanliness to avoid food poisoning.
• Be cautious of scams, especially around tourist areas; use reputable services for tours and transportation.
• Bargaining is common in markets and smaller shops; be polite but firm when negotiating prices.
• Electricity and Adapters: Thailand uses 220V electricity with two-pin plug sockets, so consider bringing a universal travel adapter to charge your electronic devices.
• If you have extra time at the airport and value comfort, convenience, and access to amenities like complimentary food, beverages, and Wi-Fi, get a Priority Pass membership ( UK link ) – ( USA link ), granting you access to a global network of airport lounges regardless of your airline or ticket class.

I hope my guide was somewhat helpful for planning your trip to Phuket! If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments.