Phuket: Your Complete Travel Guide to Thailand’s Premier Island Destination
Phuket: Your Complete Travel Guide to Thailand’s Premier Island Destination
Welcome to Phuket, Thailand’s famous tropical destination where sun-drenched beaches, vibrant culture, and exhilarating adventures await. Nestled in the Andaman Sea, Phuket enchants visitors with its stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to turquoise waters and towering limestone cliffs. This island paradise boasts an array of attractions, including bustling markets, vibrant nightlife, and a rich tapestry of Thai heritage. Whether you’re seeking a luxurious beachfront escape, thrilling water activities, or serene moments in nature, Phuket offers a diverse range of experiences for every traveler. Discover the magic of Phuket and embark on a journey filled with unforgettable moments in this tropical haven of Southeast Asia.
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Thailand’s big city scenes like Bangkok, then Phuket will be the perfect escape!
In a Rush? Pin it + Read Later!
Copyright Notice: All material on this travel blog site is the sole property of Travel Munchers. This includes blog posts, pages, design and all photos (whether watermarked or not). Any use of materials from this site without express written consent will be considered copyright infringement.
Disclaimer: Some items contain affiliate links and I will get a small commission at no additional cost to you. I really appreciate your support if you like my recommendations!
Quick Guide
Currency: Thai Baht, American dollars are often accepted, credit cards are widely accepted but not everywhere so always have some cash. Thai Baht ฿ – rough conversion ฿100 = $2.75 ฿500 = $13.50
Primary Language: Thai, if you stay in hotels some staff will speak English, some may not. Very similar in restaurants and street vendors, they’re used to tourists and you find a varying degree of language levels.
Important Phrases:
- Sawasdee (Krub/Ka): Hello (for males/females)
- Khob khun (Krub/Ka): Thank you (for males/females)
- Chai: Yes
- Mai chai: No
- Kob kun mak: Thank you very much
- Mai pen rai: You’re welcome/It’s okay
- Sabai dee mai (Krub/Ka): How are you? (for males/females)
- Sabai dee (Krub/Ka): I’m fine (for males/females)
- Chai-yoh!: Cheers!
- Lao jow: Sorry/Excuse me
When to Visit
Phuket enjoys a tropical climate characterized by two main seasons: the dry season (from November to April) and the wet season (from May to October). The dry season is considered the peak tourist season, with clear skies, sunny days, and lower humidity levels, making it ideal for beach activities, water sports, and exploring the island’s attractions. However, this is also when Phuket experiences the highest number of tourists, resulting in crowded beaches and higher accommodation prices.
On the other hand, the wet season brings frequent rain showers and higher humidity levels, but it also offers fewer crowds and lower prices on accommodation and activities. Plus, the lush green landscapes and vibrant flora make for stunning scenery. If you don’t mind occasional rain showers and want to avoid the crowds, visiting Phuket during the wet season can be a great option. Ultimately, the best time to visit Phuket depends on your preferences for weather, crowds, and budget, but with its year-round warm climate, Phuket offers something for every traveler regardless of the season
Transportation
Public transportation in Phuket offers a variety of options for travelers to explore the island’s attractions and move around conveniently. While Phuket does not have a comprehensive public transport network like some other destinations, it still provides several modes of transportation to get around. The most common form of public transport in Phuket is the songthaew, a shared open-air minibus that follows specific routes around the island. These colorful vehicles are a budget-friendly option for short distances and can be flagged down along main roads.
Additionally, travelers can use tuk-tuks, which are three-wheeled taxis, for short trips or private hires. Renting a scooter or motorbike is also popular among visitors who prefer flexibility and independence while exploring the island. However, it’s essential to exercise caution and ensure proper licensing and safety gear. For longer distances or traveling between towns, travelers can use taxis or private car services. While public transport options in Phuket may not be as extensive as in other destinations, they still offer convenient ways to navigate the island and discover its beautiful beaches, cultural sites, and attractions.
Accommodation
Beyond Skywalk:
If you are looking for a unique accommodation with one of the most breathtaking views you will ever experience, then you need to book a stay with Beyond Skywalk Nangshi !
Selina Serenity Rawai Phuket:
Comfort and familiarity can be an important factor for many when traveling to a new destination. one of the incredible things about Selina is that they have destinations worldwide!
Selina Serenity Rawai Resort: Co-working and Co-living in Phuket Thailand
Twin Palms Resort:
We chose Twin Palms Resort in Phuket for their wedding package. This place is truly a paradise. Everything about the Twin Palms is pure luxury. The rooms are beautiful, the staff is so kind and the resort itself is breathtaking. We will absolutely be returning in the future! If you want to read all about our stay at the Twin Palms then you can find our full review article.
Twin Palms Resort Phuket: A Tropical Haven of Luxury and Tranquility
Hotels & Apartments:
If you want the chance to look for a wide variety of accommodations, in a full price range, here is you best search options:
Hostels:
If you are more interested in parties, nightlife and having automatic meet ups then maybe a hostel is for you! Check out the options here.
Where to Eat in Phuket
The SunDeck
We stopped here just for a quick drink as we drove past and saw the beautiful views. The menu looked decent and the cocktails were very good.
A Blanket & a Pillow
This is quite a popular cafe due to the instagrammable trends. It can get crowded so the earlier you go the better. Prices are very reasonable for how popular it is and we really loved the peach and passionfruit teas as well as the mango cake.
Selina
As we were staying here, we ate a lot of our meals at the resort. They had a mostly international menu and the food was decent and reasonably priced for the most part but not the cheapest on the island.
Beach Clubs in Phuket
We had a crazy busy week filled with wedding activities so we didn’t get to visit many of the beach clubs. Phuket has so many options to choose from and you can visit a new group each section on the island you visit. While we didn’t get to attend many, here are the few we visited and some additional recommendations we were told were worth a visit!
Yona
Yona is probably one of the most unique beach clubs as it requires a boat ride to reach. That’s right, it is floating in the ocean!
Catch Beach Club
Catch Beach Club is one of the sister locations partnered with Twin Palms. This is where we had our romantic evening dinner the night before our wedding, as well as our goodbye dinner with our families before departing for the honeymoon! They had a “bbq buffet” which is all you can eat and it’s not just BBQ. It’s fresh seafood, sushi, pizza, pastas, Thai dishes and much much more. Highly recommend visiting during your trip to Phuket.
Here are the additional recommendations we were given. Hopefully in the future we will return and visit these places to update our guide!
Edge Beach Club
Akoya Star Lounge
KUDO
Carpe Diem
Maya Beach Club
Temples
Big Buddha
Standing majestically atop Nakkerd Hill, the Big Buddha is an iconic landmark in Phuket, Thailand, offering breathtaking panoramic views and cultural significance. This colossal marble statue, measuring 45 meters in height, is a symbol of peace, spirituality, and Thai Buddhist heritage. Visitors can ascend the hill to witness the awe-inspiring statue up close and admire its intricate design and serene expression. Surrounding the Big Buddha, the hilltop location provides a serene atmosphere for contemplation and photography, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking cultural immersion and stunning vistas. The site also features smaller statues, bells, and prayer flags, adding to its spiritual ambiance. A visit to the Big Buddha offers a memorable experience, blending cultural discovery with panoramic beauty, making it a must-see attraction in Phuket.
Chaithararam Temple – Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is a revered Buddhist temple in Phuket, Thailand, known for its rich history, intricate architecture, and spiritual significance. As one of the island’s most important religious sites, Wat Chalong attracts visitors seeking cultural immersion and spiritual experiences. The temple complex features beautifully adorned buildings, pagodas, and shrines adorned with colorful decorations and intricate carvings. Visitors can explore the serene grounds, pay respects to revered statues and relics, and participate in traditional Buddhist rituals. Wat Chalong also hosts cultural events and festivals, offering a glimpse into Thai religious traditions. Located near Chalong Bay, this temple is easily accessible from various parts of Phuket and is a must-visit for travelers interested in exploring the island’s spiritual heritage and architectural beauty.
Top Activities
Old Town Phuket
Old Town Phuket, also known as Phuket Town, is a charming historic district that showcases the island’s rich cultural heritage and architectural diversity. Strolling through Old Town’s streets, visitors are treated to a captivating blend of Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful colonial-era buildings, and bustling markets. This vibrant neighborhood is home to an array of art galleries, boutique shops, cafes, and museums, offering a delightful mix of local culture and contemporary flair. Highlights include the Thai Hua Museum, showcasing Phuket’s Chinese heritage, and the ornate shrines and temples that dot the area. Old Town Phuket is a treasure trove of experiences for history buffs and culture enthusiasts, providing a glimpse into the island’s storied past while embracing its evolving present.
Carnival Magic
Carnival Magic is the crowning jewel in nighttime entertainment on the resort island of Phuket, Thailand. Spanning over 40 acres and awash with dazzling colors and sparkling imagery, Carnival Magic comes to light as the very first Thai Carnival theme park, celebrating the vibrancy and rich cultural heritage found in the many traditional festivals, carnivals and market fairs that abound throughout the Kingdom.
Inspired by exotic carnival celebrations from around the world, Carnival Magic presents a breathtaking evening of joyous celebration, regal pageantry and cultural fun unmatched by any other place on earth. We were skeptical at first that it might be a cheesy tourist trap, but we can assure you it is not. It’s fun for all ages and a really unique one of a kind place. There’s a massive food buffet court, carnival games and the coolest toilets you will ever see. Yes, you read that right, we were truly excited about the “toylets”.
Kata Walking Street
Kata Night Market is not a very well-known market as it is rather hidden between a maze of buildings and small hotels in the middle of Kata Beach, roughly behind Club Med Hotel. This night market is surprisingly vast and already popular for serving all kinds of cheap food and dishes in a long line of tiny stalls.
Kata Market works in a food court way: you browse the many shacks until you find what pleases you, order, pay, pick your food and sit at any of the many tables set in the middle of the market. The same thing goes for drinks. You will find a lot of grilled meat on skewers, seafood and simple Thai dishes such as Pad Thai and fried rice. The fruit stalls are the most popular, especially those doing the much-loved Khao Niaow Ma Muang, best known as Mango Sticky Rice. The next favourite sweet you’ll find is what visitors often call Banana pancakes or roti as it is locally known since it’s not made like a pancake at all. The ice cream booth often catches a lot of people’s attention because of the loud staccato the preparation of this fun ice cream requires. It’s cheap and a fun experience.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first and only elephant tourism experience in Phuket with elephants. Bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers a true final home for overtired elephants who have suffered from working long hours in the logging and tourism industry. As the first ethical elephant tourism experience in Phuket, they rescue sick, injured and old elephants, welcoming them back into their indigenous habit.
The freedom and happiness for the elephants are their top priorities. They offer full-time veterinary care, 30 acres of lush, tropical land for the elephants to roam, forage, bathe and socialize, and a dedicated team to prepare supplementary food and look after the wellbeing of the herd. Their new, 600-metre-long and 6-meter-tall canopy walkway is the only one of its kind in Phuket and takes ethical elephant tourism to new heights – literally! To provide the elephants with maximum freedom to naturally roam, forage, bathe and socialize in the jungle below, visitors can now observe them both from above as well as from a safe and respectful distance whilst hiking through our 30-acre sanctuary as part of their guided tours.
Top tip: beware of scammers and other “sanctuaries” claiming to be this location or ethical alternatives. We found many who used slightly altered logos and the same images trying to steal away visitors. Click the link here to be taken to the correct site to book your tickets: Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Chillva Market
The Chillva Market in Phuket is a vibrant night market that attracts locals and tourists alike with its lively atmosphere and diverse offerings. Located in the heart of Phuket Town, this trendy market features a wide array of food stalls, handicraft vendors, fashion boutiques, and live music performances. Visitors can sample delicious street food, shop for unique souvenirs, and immerse themselves in the local culture. The Chillva Market is known for its hip and artistic vibe, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a memorable evening experience in Phuket. Open on weekends, this bustling market is a hub of creativity and community, showcasing the best of Phuket’s urban culture and culinary delights.
Additional Activities
Phuket offers a vibrant mix of activities that cater to all types of travelers. From relaxing on the island’s stunning beaches to exploring cultural landmarks like the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, there’s something for everyone. However, there are plenty of activities and extreme sports in Phuket as well. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy snorkeling, diving, or taking a boat tour to nearby islands, while those looking for adventure can try zip-lining, trekking, or ATV rides. The lively markets, delectable street food, and nightlife of Patong add to the excitement. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural immersion, Phuket provides a memorable experience for every visitor.
Happy travels xx
Need More Travel Tips?
💳 WANT TO TRAVEL FOR FREE?
Want to travel for free, simply as a reward for spending money you already had to spend ? I love my Capital One travel card and I think you will too! You get unlimited miles on every purchase with a card that fits your lifestyle. Plus 10x points on hotels and 5x points on flights booked through their travel portal!!! If you ever wanted to travel in luxury, this is the card for you. Check out our referral link!
🧳 NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Peace of mind comes when you book travel insurance. You do not need to worry about flight cancelations, lost luggage, or any illnesses while traveling. Check out the first ever specific Digital Nomad insurance we use here : SafetyWing. ETKA, Vistors Coverage , or Insubuy.
NEED AN eSIM?
Check out our article on the top eSIM Providers for Digital nomads and world travelers:
Top eSIM Providers for Digital Nomads: Streamlining Connectivity While Traveling
NEED a Rental Car?
Check out the best options for renting a car for your trip to give you more freedom and flexibility while you travel ! Check out Rent A Car here.
Like it? Pin it!
Copyright Notice: All material on this travel blog site is the sole property of Travel Munchers. This includes blog posts, pages, design and all photos (whether watermarked or not). Any use of materials from this site without express written consent will be considered copyright infringement.
Follow our adventures on social!
4 Comments