Top places to visit in Phuket

• Kata Beach Surfing

  beach · 4.5 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A beautiful crescent bay south of Karon with consistent beach break surf October-April, good for beginners and intermediates. Surf schools operate from the beach. Quieter and prettier than Patong.

• Promthep Cape

  viewpoint · 4.7 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  The most celebrated sunset viewpoint in Phuket — a rocky peninsula at the island southernmost tip with 180-degree views over the Andaman Sea. Cars fill the parking lot two hours before sunset as crowds gather to witness the sun dip into…

• Wat Chalong

  temple · 4.6 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate

  Phuket most important and revered Buddhist temple visited by thousands of locals daily. The three-story Grand Pagoda allegedly houses a fragment of Buddha bone. Exceptionally ornate with numerous beautifully decorated shrines.

• Karon Viewpoint

  viewpoint · 4.6 rating · about 0.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A dramatic cliff-top viewpoint giving simultaneous views of three beaches — Karon, Kata, and Kata Noi. One of the most photographed panoramas in Phuket, especially at golden hour.

• Karon Beach Phuket

  beach · 4.6 rating · about 3 h · check the fee at the gate

  A long 3km palm-lined beach south of Patong with fine white sand and good surf in October. Less crowded than Patong with good hotels and restaurants on the beachfront.

• Khao Sok National Park

  national-park · 4.7 rating · about 8 h · check the fee at the gate

  Khao Sok National Park — 165km north of Phuket — can be done as a long day trip. The ancient rainforest (160 million years old), Cheow Lan Lake, and limestone karsts make it one of Thailand most spectacular natural wonders.

• Phi Phi Islands

  beach · 4.6 rating · about 8 h · entry ฿400 (≈ ₹1,140)

  A full-day speedboat tour from Phuket to the legendary Phi Phi Islands — Maya Bay (The Beach filming location), Monkey Beach, and snorkelling at Bamboo Island. One of Thailand most photographed island destinations.

• Rang Hill Viewpoint Phuket

  viewpoint · 4.5 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A forested hill above Phuket Town offering the best city viewpoint on the island — panoramas of Phuket Town, the bay, and surrounding islands. A popular local park with a fitness circuit and good restaurant at the top.

• Patong Beach Main Strip

  beach · 4.3 rating · about 4 h · check the fee at the gate

  The main 3.5km beach in Pattaya — Phuket most famous and busiest beach, backed by dense hotels, restaurants, bars, and water sports. Perfect for those who want everything within walking distance.

• Kamala Beach Family Beach

  beach · 4.4 rating · about 2.5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A pleasant, family-friendly beach between Patong and Surin, with calm water (November to April), a small village atmosphere, and the Phuket FantaSea cultural show nearby. Quieter and more local than Patong.

• Koh Hae Coral Island Snorkel

  beach · 4.3 rating · about 5 h · free entry

  A small island 8km offshore from Rawai Beach with good snorkelling on healthy coral reefs — one of the closest snorkelling day trips from Phuket with a relaxed atmosphere.

• Splash Jungle Water Park Phuket

  waterpark · 4.3 rating · about 5 h · check the fee at the gate

  A family-friendly water park at the Mai Khao end of Phuket near the airport, with water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a dedicated children zone. Notably less crowded than mainland water parks.

Things to do

• Phuket Phi Phi Islands Sunrise Boat Tour Boat · 10 h · from THB 1,200 per person
• Phuket Old Town Sino-Portuguese Street Art Walk Heritage · 3 h · from THB 280 per person
• Phuket Muay Thai Live Fight Night Patong Stadium Sightseeing · 3 h · from THB 860 per person
• Phuket Sea Kayaking Phang Nga Bay Sea Caves Hongs Water Sports · 6 h · from THB 1,200 per person
• Phuket Ethical Elephant Sanctuary No Riding Wildlife · 8 h · from THB 1,500 per person
• Phuket Fresh Seafood Market Cooking Class Heritage · 6 h · from THB 1,200 per person
• Phuket Sunset Catamaran Coral Island Snorkeling Boat · 6 h · from THB 1,500 per person
• Phi Phi Islands Day Trip by Speedboat Nature · 9 h · from THB 1,500 per person

Day trips and tours

• Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Day Trip 9 h · from THB 1,400
• James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Longtail 9 h · from THB 1,200
• Old Phuket Town & Cape Promthep Sunset Tour 6 h · from THB 630

Where to stay in Phuket

• Patong Beach about THB 4,000 per night

  Main beach with hotels, restaurants, and nightlife

Hotels

• Hotel Clover Patong Phuket 4-star · THB 1,400 to THB 2,200 per night
• Keemala Phuket 5-star · THB 30,000 to THB 90,000 per night
• Trisara Phuket 5-star · THB 20,000 to THB 65,000 per night
• Amanpuri 5-star · THB 90,000 to THB 350,000 per night
• Kata Rocks 5-star · THB 12,000 to THB 42,000 per night
• Sri Panwa Phuket 5-star · THB 12,000 to THB 40,000 per night

Where to eat

• Rawai Seafood Market Fresh Pick Seafood, Thai, Market · about THB 600 per person
• Laem Hin Seafood Phuket Thai, Seafood, Chinese · about THB 600 per person
• Banzaan Fresh Market Patong Thai, Market, Street Food · about THB 150 per person
• China Inn Cafe Phuket Town Thai, Chinese, Heritage · about THB 600 per person
• Roti Thaew Nam Phuket Extra Phuket Chinese, Street Food, Thai · about THB 80 per person
• Rot Roti Market Phuket Town Thai, Chinese, Street Food · about THB 150 per person
• Joe's Downstairs Kata Beach Western, Pizza, Seafood · about THB 900 per person
• Illuzion Rooftop Dining Patong Bar, Western, International · about THB 1,200 per person

Getting to Phuket

Airport: Phuket (HKT)

How visitors arrive in Phuket

• Flight from Bangkok By air from Bangkok · common

  Phuket International Airport is a major hub with frequent flights from Bangkok and direct international flights from many Asian cities. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Bus from Bangkok By road from Bangkok · possible

  Public buses run from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal; it is a long overnight journey. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Train to Surat Thani, then bus By train from Surat Thani · possible

  There is no direct train; travellers take a train to Phun Phin near Surat Thani and continue by bus. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Drive via Highway 4 By road from Bangkok · possible

  Phuket joins the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge; the guide suggests renting a car on the island instead. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

From the airport to the centre

• Airport bus to Phuket Town

  Air-conditioned municipal bus from the airport to Phuket Town bus station, where local buses continue to the main beaches. Afternoon runs can be delayed by traffic. Source: phuket.airportthai.co.th

• Shared minibus to your hotel unconfirmed

  Shared door-to-door minibus that leaves when full. It may stop at a travel agency en route; decline pressure to book by naming a hotel you already have. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Metered airport taxi unconfirmed

  Metered taxis queue at the stand outside the terminal. Ignore touts, and ask for the slip with the driver's number. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

• Phuket Smart Bus along the west coast

  Phuket Smart Bus links the airport with Rawai and points between along the west coast. Source: phuketsmartbus.com

• Walk to the official taxi stand outside the terminal and ignore freelance touts offering flat deals. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Getting around

• Car Rental Self

  Self-drive cars can be rented at Phuket airport or at various beaches, useful for getting around the island independently.

• Motorbike Rental

  Motorbike rental shops are found in almost every area of Phuket, so a bike is easy to arrange for getting around the island.

• Ride Hail

  Grab and Bolt both operate in Phuket and can be booked in advance for a set date and time.

  Get Grab Thailand · Get Bolt Thailand

• Walking

Paying

• Ride-hail apps Bolt and Grab are listed for getting around the island. Source: en.wikivoyage.org

Safety and scams to avoid

• Jet-ski "damage" claim

  Patong, Karon, Kata beaches

  Pre-existing damage on a rented jet-ski is charged to the renter on return — often ₹40,000–₹80,000.

  How to avoid it: Always video the jet-ski before mounting. Rent only through your hotel.

• Generic tourist overcharge

  Major tourist zones

  Tourists are quoted significantly above local price.

  How to avoid it: Verify prices upfront. Use registered taxis/apps.

Best time to visit Phuket

• Jan 28°C
• Feb 29°C
• Mar 30°C
• Apr 30°C
• May 33°C · moderate
• Jun 33°C · rough
• Jul 32°C · rough
• Aug 32°C · rough
• Sep 32°C · rough
• Oct 32°C · moderate
• Nov 32°C
• Dec 28°C

More in Thailand

• Bangkok
• Pattaya
• Chiang Mai
• Krabi
• Surat Thani (Koh Samui)
• Sukhothai

Frequently asked questions about Phuket

How many days do you need in Phuket?

A typical trip to Phuket is 4-5 days.

What are the top-rated places to visit in Phuket?

The highest-rated places in our Phuket guide are Promthep Cape, Khao Sok National Park, Wat Chalong, Karon Viewpoint, Karon Beach Phuket.

Where should I stay in Phuket?

Our guide covers these areas to stay in Phuket: Patong Beach.

How do I get around Phuket?

Ways to get around Phuket covered in our guide: Self-drive car, Motorbike rental, Ride-hailing app, Walking.

What scams should I watch out for in Phuket?

Scams reported to us for Phuket include Jet-ski "damage" claim; Generic tourist overcharge. Each is explained in the guide, with how to avoid it.

What is the weather like in Phuket?

Average daytime highs in Phuket run from 28°C in Dec to 33°C in May.

Which airport is nearest to Phuket?

The nearest airport to Phuket has the code HKT.