Phuket Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Phuket
Phuket
Phuket
Phuket - Phang Nga
Phuket

Phuket Travel Guide Video

Phuket’s beaches have made the destination famous around the world, but a rich culture and history mean that the island offers much more than glorious coastline.

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is known as the “Pearl of the Andaman.” Spend any amount of time on its stunning, golden beaches, framed by dramatic karst stone formations, and you will soon understand how it gained this nickname. Travel away from the coast to discover the lesser-seen attractions and religious sites that further add to the island’s appeal.

The industries of Phuket have changed throughout the centuries. In the era of seafaring and trade, the island was used as a port to shelter from bad weather, while in the 19th century it made its money from tin mining. Come to Phuket today to discover an island that is thriving on the tourism industry. The Phuket Thaihua Museum in Phuket Town features English-language exhibits on the island’s history.

Head to one of the island’s numerous beaches and spend hours soaking up the sun or swimming in seas of perfect aquamarine. Bang Tao Beach is a 5-mile (8-kilometer) beauty that is popular with families seeking calm seas. Patong Beach is famed for its raucous nightlife and constant partying. Head to Nai Thon Beach and Mai Khao Beach for stretches of sand unspoiled by modern developments.

Reach for the skies on a paragliding expedition or ride a wooden long boat around the coastline. Don a pair of goggles and flippers and plunge underwater on an offshore scuba diving expedition.

Take a tuk-tuk ride inland to see some of Phuket’s impressive religious sites. The simply named Big Buddha lives up to its title, looming 148 feet (45 meters) above Nakkerd Hills. Enjoy a moment of peace by Wat Chalong, a picturesque temple that contains 36 carvings of Buddha.

Phuket can be reached via domestic flights from Bangkok or by long-distance buses from major cities in Thailand. Monsoon season, between June and October, sees fewer tourists visiting the island but makes the seas less inviting. Visit Phuket between November and February for the best beach weather and to join throngs of other visitors to the spectacular coastline.

Where to stay in Phuket

Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

4.5/5(26 area reviews)

Cafes, beaches and historical sites highlight some of the noteworthy features of Old Phuket Town. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Talad Yai Market while you're exploring the neighbourhood.

Old Phuket Town
Phuket - Phang Nga showing tropical scenes, a pool and a hotel

Talat Yai

4/5(37 area reviews)

Unique features of Talat Yai include the historical sites and spas. Make a stop by Limelight Avenue Phuket or Phuket Monkey School while you're exploring the area.

Talat Yai
Old Phuket Town

Talat Nuea

4/5(6 area reviews)

Unique features of Talat Nuea include the coffee shops and historical sites. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Patong Go-Kart Speedway and Phuket Offroad Fun Park while you're exploring the area.

Talat Nuea
Old Phuket Town

Chinatown

While visiting Chinatown, you might make a stop by sights like Phuket Weekend Market and Talad Yai Market.

Chinatown
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
4 out of 5
1 Soi Surin Montri Road, Phuket, Phuket
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ฿2,400 per night from 13 Jul to 14 Jul
฿2,400
฿2,849 total
13 Jul - 14 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (346 reviews)
"Amazing hotel with such amazing facilities and staff: thank you for an incredible and comfortable stay"

Reviewed on 31 May 2025

Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town
Quip Bed & Breakfast Phuket Hotel
Quip Bed & Breakfast Phuket Hotel
3 out of 5
54 Phuket Rd., Taladyai, Phuket, Phuket Province
The price is ฿500 per night from 12 Jul to 13 Jul
฿500
฿550 total
12 Jul - 13 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 restaurants and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Phuket Weekend Market and Patong Go-Kart Speedway ...
7.6/10 Good! (225 reviews)
Good place to explore Phuket Town
"The hotel is in a great location to walk Old town area. The nightlife from the bar area can be a bit noisy in the room but overall a good place to stay in Phuket town."

Reviewed on 12 Jan 2025

Quip Bed & Breakfast Phuket Hotel
Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra Hotel
Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra Hotel
5 out of 5
40/5 Chanajaroen Road, Tambon Talad Yai, Amphur Muang, Phuket
The price is ฿2,604 per night from 9 Jul to 10 Jul
฿2,604
฿3,091 total
9 Jul - 10 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Phuket. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (272 reviews)
"Lovely hotel, great breakfast. Recommended."

Reviewed on 12 Jun 2025

Novotel Phuket City Phokeethra Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Pha Lae Tawan@Siray
Pha Lae Tawan@Siray
2.5 out of 5
13/54 Moo 1 Tambon Ratsada, Muang Phuket, Phuket, Phuket
Stay at this villa in Phuket. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Phuket Weekend Market and Patong Go-Kart Speedway and ...
Pha Lae Tawan@Siray
HOMA Phuket Town
HOMA Phuket Town
4 out of 5
3/41 Moo 5, Soi Samkong 1, Ratsada, Phuket
Stay at this 4-star family-friendly aparthotel in Ratsada. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Patong Beach and Bangla ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (76 reviews)
"Very great place to stay and nice view"

Reviewed on 30 Apr 2025

HOMA Phuket Town
The Bell Pool Villa Resort
The Bell Pool Villa Resort
5 out of 5
41/31 Moo 5, Baan Hua Khuan, Kamala, Phuket
Stay at this 5-star luxury villa in Kamala. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and 15 outdoor pools. Popular attractions Kamala Beach and Surin Beach are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (322 reviews)
"The villas are large and spacious and the staff attends to all your needs. It is located in an area a little off the beaten path, so it is very quiet and peaceful. This will be our new yearly destination"

Reviewed on 29 Jun 2025

The Bell Pool Villa Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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