Phuket travel guide
Meet PhuketPhuket weather reportGetting into PhuketTop attractions in PhuketGetting around PhuketWhere to eat in PhuketPage 2: More information on Phuket
Meet Phuket
Known for its great value and ever-warm climate, Phuket is popular among students, families, and pleasure-seekers. It is Thailand's largest island, and most of its cities benefit from being on the beautiful west-facing Andaman Sea coastline.
Perhaps due to its idyllic setting, the atmosphere in this part of the world is laid-back and mirthful. Stroll along the beach, sample its exotic cuisine (there's variety for the vegan as well as the meat-lover), and wander through bustling city markets and a thriving night-life.
Easy access to India and China via water brought the area its wealth from tin and rubber trades, and today the influence of these neighbouring countries have provided Phuket with a melting-pot culture. The year-round hot climate (around 30c) means that any time is ideal to visit, although the monsoon season in May-October sees rain on most evenings. The area has recovered well from the 2004 tsunami, and remains an ideal place for exploration.
Phuket weather report
Phuket enjoys a constant hot and humid temperature of between 27-33 degrees centigrade. The monsoon season runs from May to October, although the days often remain dry. November to February is considered the “cool” season, although like many tropical islands, the climate is always more comfortable outside of urban areas.
For the latest weather info use the Pampo weather forecast tool.
Getting into Phuket
Phuket International Airport, which connects to Europe, Australia, and the rest of Asia, is located in the north of the island. There are several ways to get from the airport to your accommodation:
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Limousine cabs cost around 500baht, and are considered the more expensive option. For a “civilian” cab ride, try the yellow taxis – they're metered, but expect to pay at least 300baht. Most drivers will give you their mobile number for arranging trips later on in your stay
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Like most cities, Phuket offers a shared minibus service, which will take you to the door of your hotel for a more modest 200baht (approx) per seat
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For the backpacker, the airport shuttle bus leaves twice an hour and costs 82baht to for a trip to the town centre
There are also several boat connections to the island, if you fancy the more scenic option.
Top attractions in Phuket
There is still much evidence of Phuket's trading history around the town. The Two Heroines Monument represents the women who rallied islanders to deter invaders from Burma, and the nearby Thalang National Museum provides a succinct overview of the history of the region.
The island is also full of temples, most notably Wat Phra Thong, which enshrines a golden Buddha and is only a few miles from Phuket town. Wat Phranang Sang dates back to the 18th century when it was used as a fort, and now holds the three oldest and biggest tin Buddhas.
Nature lovers will also enjoy the Khao Phra Theo Wildlife Conservation Development and Extension Centre, and the numerous treks the island has to offer (again use common sense when booking). Highlights of Phuket's natural attractions include the Ton Sai Waterfall (the park headquarters provide an excellent viewpoint), the Bang Pae animal sanctuary, and snorkelling off the Ko Rang Yai island.
The more traditional holidaymaker will enjoy the island's numerous white beaches, water sporting activities, and spa resorts. Nightlife and festivals keep the area alive throughout the year. For a true escape, journey to one of Phuket's off-shore islands.
Getting around Phuket
While there are several routes between urban areas and the beaches, there are no public buses in Phuket's town centre, but minibuses serve the area, charging around 30baht for an average journey. For something different, try a songthaew – essentially a converted pick-up truck – which will get you between major landmarks. Beware of unlicensed tuk-tuks (bicycle taxis) and minicabs, however – they may be dangerous and overpriced.
Most metered and licensed (they will display identity badges) tuk-tuks are fine, however, and are a good way to travel around the island. Private options are also available. Car rentals are available from 1000baht (with license) and bikes can be borrowed from 150baht.
Where to eat in Phuket
Phuket offers the best in authentic eastern cuisine that won't break the bank - largely due to the fact that there is a preference for street food over named restaurants, along with enough world cuisine to cater to the homesick.
Given the island distribution of Thailand, seafood dishes come highly recommended, as do Phuket's local take on noodles, which can be sampled in the town's many noodle shops. Don't be surprised to see noodles served alongside curry and vegetables at breakfast either, as it is a staple meal in this part of Asia.
Due to the warm climate, tropical fruit and nuts are bountiful all-year round. Phuket is one of the few places where choice of restaurant is not important. Just make the best of the produce on offer here, which are often found in colourful street markets where the food is at its freshest.
As travel expert Simon Calder says, “The great thing about dining out in Thailand is that you need neither a command of the language nor a menu in English. At Phuket's night market, simply stroll past stalls of variously sizzling, steaming and smouldering fragments of animals. Vegetarians might feel gloomy here, but dinner-time for omnivores is an adventure.”
For those who do prefer to sit down within the cosy environment of a restaurant, here are some of Phuket’s top offerings:
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All You Can Eat at Super Cheap: as the name would suggest (yes that is a name), this restaurant offers a cheap sit-down meal, but make sure you finish your plate to avoid being charged double
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Siam Indigo: winner of several Tatler awards for Best Restaurant
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Lim’s: for an ultra modern take on Thai food
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Fisherman’s Wharf: for the freshest seafood