Phuket Island, Thailand: where it is, when to go and what to see

Phuket Island is the largest and most populated island in Thailand, with an area of about 800 square kilometres. It is also known as the Pearl of the Andaman for its beautiful beaches (Patong Beach, Nai Yang, Rawai, Kata, Kamala being the most famous). It is also popular with international tourists for the attractions that can be visited (such as the Great Bhudda Statue in Phuket Town) and because it is the starting point for some unique sights, such as Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Island.

Travelling informed: useful info

• Inhabitants: about 395,000

• Capital: Phuket Town

• Languages: The most widely spoken language is Thai. English is widespread.

• Local currency: the local currency is the Thai Bath (€1,00 = 37,77 Thai Bath)

• Climate: tropical, hot all year round, with heavy rain from May to October and a dry period from December to March. Temperatures are high all year round (average temperature fluctuates between 27 and 29 degrees).

• Time zone: GMT +7 (5 hours ahead of Italy)

• Vaccinations: no vaccination required. Vaccination for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and Typhoid is recommended but not necessary.

• Entry requirements: passport is required with residual validity of at least 6 months from the day of arrival. A visa is necessary for tourist stays longer than 30 days.

• Distance from Italy: about 9,100 km, and about 11-12 hours of flight time.

• Security info: visit the Thailand section on the Farnesina website

Where to find us

Phuket Island is located on the Andaman Sea and is the largest island in Thailand. It is about 860 km away from Bangkok and is connected to the mainland by a road bridge, the Sarasin Bridge.
It is basically located in the southern appendix of Thailand, before the border with Malaysia.

How to get there and how to get around

There are no direct flights toget there. The main stopovers are in Istanbul, Bangkok or Doha, prices start at €420.00 and the flight time is at least 11/12 hours. Phuket International Airport is about 30 km north of the city and is connected by taxi which takes about 1 hour (price 835 bath /€25.00).

To get around the city and between the various attractions, very cheap buses are available, but we advise you to avoid them as they are limited and inefficient (they only connect the centre with the main beaches). The best solution is to rely on taxis, tuk tuk and songthaew (a kind of shared taxi), which allow you to get anywhere for a modest fee. Also avoid hiring vehicles, as the traffic is hellish.

When to go? Info on climate and best time

• Climate: dry from December to March, humid with rains and monsoons from May to October. Average temperatures between 27 and 29 degrees: the hottest month is April (25-33 degrees), followed by May, June and July (25-31 degrees). The coldest month is January (23-31 degrees). The sea temperature fluctuates between 28 degrees in December - January - February and 30 degrees in April - May - June.

• Best period: for weather conditions, the best period is from December to March. For surfing, the best time is from June to September, when the sea waves are highest.

• Periodto avoid: climatically, the worst periods are May-June and September-October due to heavy rain and the possibility of monsoons.

• Tips: light clothes should not be missing from your suitcase due to the high temperatures, sun cream, swimming costume, sarong and hair for the beach. Always carry an umbrella.

What to see in Phuket: beaches and places of interest

1 - Phuket Town

The entire peninsula is renowned for its natural beauty, mainly due to the sea, but we assure you that Phuket Town, too, has a great deal of charm in terms of history and shopping streets, all wrapped up in Phuket Town, which is the heart of the town and the peninsula.

The true essence of Phuket can be found along Thalang Road, a street of traditional houses, colonial villas and historic craft shops that help maintain the town's old-world atmosphere. Murals and street food reign supreme here! In addition, the city is sprinkled with museums such as the Trickeye Museum, small temples and shrines such as Wat Put Jaw, excellent restaurants and bars, plenty of souvenir shops and a myriad of nightclubs, practically perfect for every type of traveller.

2 - Big Buddha

Photo by CEphoto, Uwe Aranas. In the south of Phuket, a huge Buddha statue rises above the panorama of the peninsula and is clearly visible from various points, for example even from Phuket Town. Precisely in Chalong, the Big Buddha is one of the most popular attractions in the whole of Phuket, by locals and tourists alike, because of its majesty, importance and of course beauty.

This imposing and elegant 45-metre white statue depicts Buddha in one of his classic poses and sits on top of a hill from which you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Phuket and several beaches in the South Bay. It also belongs to a sacred complex that includes a small shrine, known to the Thais by the unpronounceable name of Phra Putthamingmongkhol-akenagakhiri.

• Getting there: usually included in tours of the Phuket Peninsula, otherwise you can get there by taxi for about 200 baht (about €5.90) - Get directions

• Hours: daily from 6am to 7pm

• Ticket price: free

3 - Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Located in the north-west of Phuket, this is one of the verdant parks that dot the island. It is home to several waterfalls, including Ton Sai, which is easy to reach because it is close to the park entrance. You can go on short, easy hikes of 1 or 2 hours in the forest, or longer hikes of about 4 hours, with a guide you can find at the entrance, to the more spectacular Bang Pae waterfalls. You can visit it for free and you can get there by taxi at a cost of about 400 baht (about €11.80) - Get directions.

It is a particularly interesting and fun visit for children because, inside, this park is home to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, a centre for the rehabilitation of gibbons, the species of monkeys that are unfortunately often exploited and mistreated to entertain tourists on the beach. The centre collects them and gives them a chance to return to a peaceful life in contact with nature. You can talk to the volunteers and even interact with the little monkeys.

4 - Sirinat National Park

Photo by Andy Mitchell. Another beautiful and wild park in Phuket is Sirinat National Park, which comprises a land area and a marine area totalling 180 square kilometres, also located in the north of the peninsula. The park includes the beautiful white beaches of Hat Nai Thon, Hat Nai Yang, Hat Mai Khao and Hat Sai Kaeo, nesting grounds for sea turtles between November and February, and excellent places to observe the colourful and varied coral reefs.

As for the land section, the park includes a small mangrove forest and several tropical trees, home to many bird species such as the robin, spotted dove, oriole and Asian bluebird. Given the wide range of activities on offer at Sirinat Park, there are many activities to enjoy: kayaking, diving, snorkelling, hiking trails and boat tours!

• Directions: can be reached by taxi at a cost of about 400 baht (about €11.80) - Get directions

• Hours: daily from 10am to 10pm

• Ticket price: 200 baht (about €5.90)

5 - Phang-Nga Bay

Such a complex name probably doesn't ring a bell, but if we called it James Bond Beach instead, you're sure to be reminded of the famous beach from the famous Hollywood film. Phang-Nga Bay is home to some of the most impressive beaches in the whole of Thailand and is a must for visitors to Phuket.

With towering stacks emerging from the inevitably crystal-clear waters, white sand, coral reefs, palm trees, rich vegetation, and lagoons hidden among the mangroves, this bay is a true paradise of biodiversity and it is impossible not to be fascinated by it. Every day, Phang-Nga Bay welcomes many boats full of tourists ready to discover its caves, cliffs, diverse landscapes and seabed, which are home to the rare Dugong.

You can visit it via a fantastic excursion that allows you to stop at the beaches, swim in the azure waters, visit the island of Koh Yao, the island of Nok and Kudu and the floating village of Panyee.

• How to get there: can be reached either directly on an organised excursion, or by first taking a taxi and then a boat for a total cost of about 1,500 baht (about €44.40) - Get directions

• Hours: always open

• Ticket price: free; organised tours start at €50.00 per person - Book online

6 - Wat Chalong Temple

An unmissable Thai attraction, no matter where you are, are the Buddhist temples. In Phuket, the most famous and important one is Wat Chalong! This temple dates back to the 1800s and has great historical and religious significance for the population.

In fact, the complex was built during the rule of King Rama V, a time when the inhabitants came to the temple to seek care and advice. Also inside is a fragment of a Buddha bone.

The entire complex is neat and elegant, with fine architectural details such as stained glass pieces, pagodas and lavish decorations. Going up to the top floor of the tallest building, the Chedi, from the terrace you can see the whole temple complex and also Big Buddha Hill.

• How to get there: can be reached by taxi or tuk tuk at a cost of about 300 bath (about €8.90) - get directions

• Hours: daily from 7am to 5pm

• Ticket price: free

7 - Weekend Market

A trip to Thailand can only be considered complete after visiting a local market, as it is one of the most popular destinations in this regard. Of course, Phuket has them too and there are many streets dedicated to these noisy, colourful, fragrant and bustling markets.

In the middle of Phuket Town, the Weekend Market, the largest and busiest in the area and on the entire peninsula, is held on Sundays, where you can find whatever you are looking for among the countless stalls. From clothes to bags, souvenirs of all kinds, handmade and otherwise, we assure you that by haggling you can do great bargains and take home everything! And of course you can also indulge in the local culinary delicacies on offer at the street food stalls.
SEE ALSO: 10 Things to Eat in Phuket

• Getting there: From all corners of the city, the best option is the tuk tuk at a cost of around 30 baht (about €0.90) - get directions

• Hours: only open on Sundays from 15:30 to 22:00

• Ticket price: free

8 - Rum Distillery

Not far from Phuket town, specifically near Chalong Bay, the Rum Distillery is amust-see attraction for anyone, whether you're a lover of this delicious alcoholic beverage or simply interested in learning about local produce.

This place will open the door to a world of sugar cane, hard work and years of experience to produce an award-winning and world-renowned product. You will be directly welcomed by the owners Marine and Thibault, who will gladly show you the production departments, the cellar and the restaurant, giving you the choice between a 30-minute guided tour with mojito tasting, a 2-hour experience with visit and cocktail workshop, or simply a dinner with food paired with the various rums.

• How to get there: accessible by taxi or tuk tuk at a cost of about 150 baht (about €4.40) - get directions

• Hours: daily from 11am to 11pm

• Ticket price: 30-minute visit 450 baht (approx. €13.30); 2-hour visit 1,700 baht (approx. €50.30)

9 - Phuket Seashell Museum

Photo by Amada44. In the south of Phuket is an interesting nature-themed museum displaying the largest collection of seashells in Southeast Asia: the Phuket Seashell Museum! It is run by a family with a passion for the theme of shells, who have over the years taken it upon themselves to collect the large number of specimens on display in the museum, of all types, sizes and colours.

This museum cannot fail to leave one enchanted by the extraordinary variety it displays and the information provided next to each individual shell. In short, a truly colourful and special place, especially appreciated by children!

• Directions: reachable by taxi at a cost of about 400 baht (about €11.80) - Get directions

• Hours: daily from 9am to 5.30pm

• Ticket price: 200 baht (about €5.90)

10 - Phuket Fantasea

Photos by Максим Улитин. What would a trip be without a dash of adventure and fun? Phuket Fantasea is the largest theme park on the peninsula, combining entertainment and Thai culture, attracting thousands of tourists every year.

Inside the park there are various attractions and games suitable for all ages, from children to adults, and of course there is no shortage of refreshments and stalls for shopping. The highlight of the park, however, is the Las Vegas-style dance, music and light show that takes place with acrobats, dancers, actors and the participation of elephants, with whom some of the traditional Thai legends are performed.

• How to get there: reachable by taxi at a cost of about 400 baht (about €11.80) - get directions

• Hours: open Friday to Wednesday from 17:30 to 23:30

• Ticket price: show only 1,800 baht (about €53.30); show and buffet dinner 2,200 baht (about €65.20)

11 - Patong Beach

Photo by jbremer57. Crowded, noisy and chaotic, Patong Beach is a place you will either love or hate. The 3.5-kilometre-long beach is one of Phuket's most popular for its facilities and the many activities on offer and is characterised by white sand and crystal-clear waters. It is located on the central west coast of Phuket, in the Kathu district 40 km from the international airport, and can be reached by taxi (about 235 Baht, €7.00).

During the day you can enjoy long swims and relaxation on the beach, while in the evening you can party and dance in its lively nightlife. The northern part, however, is quieter, less crowded and the sea water clearer and more transparent.

12 - Freedom Beach

Belonging to the Meridine Phuket hotel, this is a semi-private beach which, however, if reached by sea, is accessible to all. Characterised by soft white sand, crystal-clear sea and an unspoilt environment, it is ideal for relaxing away from the hustle and bustle.

Despite its proximity to Patong, silence reigns here and you can stay until you are tired. There are few essential facilities on the beach, which is why you will never find crowds of people. It is located in Patong, in Kathu Distric, on the central west coast and can be reached in 20 minutes by boat from Patong (cost 1200 Baht per boat, about €35.00) - Get directions

13 - Paradise Beach

Photo by Lofor. This place, although not far from Patong, is rather quiet and the beach is easily reached by a paved road. Consisting of two small sandy bays with blue water, soft sand and coconut palms, surrounded by a green hillside, it has changed a lot in recent years but is still a wonderful place.

You will find many beach chairs, bars, restaurants, shops and during full moon nights it hosts parties that go on until the next morning. It is located on the central west coast, near Patong, and can be reached by taxi boat - Get directions

14 - Kata Noi Beach

This beach is a great compromise for those seeking relaxation but at the same time not wanting to be completely isolated. Perfect for those who want to swim and sunbathe, it is also ideal for families with children.

Characterised by white sand and incredibly clear blue waters even during the high season, it is relatively quiet as there is little to do apart from the two resorts present. However, there is no shortage of small restaurants, mini-markets, massages and bars to provide the essentials.

It is perfect for families and for swimming thanks to the sloping seabed. Here you can also take a nice walk on the sand or an excursion to the beautiful Nui Beach cove. It is located on the south-west coast and can be reached by taxi - Get directions

15 - Promthep Cape, Karon and Windmill View Point

Photo by celebrityabc. South of the island of Phuket there are beautiful views to admire. The sunsets here are truly unique.

Promthep Cape is considered probably the most beautiful view on Phuket. On this promontory overlooking the sea there are also beaches that are particularly windy, even on the hottest days, so perfect for surfing! But of course the main attraction is the sunset, which attracts many tourists every day.

Not far away are other spectacular viewpoints. These include Karon View Point to the north, on the way back to Phuket Town, or Windmill View Point, less touristy than the other two but just as spectacular.

16 - Kamala, Rawai and other beaches

On the list of things to see in Phuket, other beaches, perhaps less well known but just as spectacular, must be mentioned. The first is Kamala Beach: it is located about 10 km north of Patong Beach, but is totally different, from here you can admire the coral reef, just a few metres from the beach.

Nai Harn, on the other hand, lies below Patong, on the southern tip of the island, and is characterised by soft golden sand, in a pristine and secluded area, mostly frequented by locals. In the bay of Ao Sane, past the right side of the beach, one can find plenty of tropical fish and corals.

Rawai, is characterised by a landscape surrounded by palm trees. Here, it is possible to visit the village of the'sea gypsies', the minority of nomadic fishermen of Malaysian origin on the island.

Finally, we mention two beaches within the Nai Yang National Park, Nai Yang Beach and Mai Khao, where turtles lay their eggs during the dry season (between October and February).

17 - Phi Phi Islands

During a holiday in Phuket, you really can't miss an excursion to the Phi Phi Islands. There are numerous tours to choose from, you can simply take the ferry to Kho Phi Phi, the main island, and then explore from there, or choose an organised tour with a speedboat transfer that can take you to the most interesting spots around the Phi Phi archipelago.

These include, for example, the viewpoint of Phi Phi Don, or the magnificent Maya Bay where the famous film The Beach was filmed, on the island of Phi Phi Leh. There is also Bamboo Island, a little out of the way compared to the others, but really beautiful: it is a stop on some tours, especially private ones with a speedboat transfer. Phi Phi is anexcursion you won't easily forget, but the islands are quite wild and not for everyone, but certainly perfect for sportsmen and adventure lovers.
SEE ALSO: Phi Phi Islands, Thailand: where they are, when to go and what to see

What to do in Phuket: excursions and tours How much does a holiday in Phuket cost? Prices, offers and advice

The cost of living is definitely lower than in Italy. If you choose Patong as your location, costs will probably be slightly higher, but on average you can dine in a cheap local restaurant for about €2.00 and in a luxury one for about €20.00.

As for transport, a ticket on public transport costs on average less than €1.00, as well as 1 km in a taxi. You can find many convenient flight+hotel offers (example: in June, a week in a 4/5-star hotel on the beaches, hotel+flight from Rome for about €900.00 per person; in January, the same offer is around €1,100 per person).

• Where to stay: Hotels and b&b in Patong from €22.00 per room - look at the offers

• Cheap flights: from €419.53 - look at the offers

• Flight + hotel: return flight + 7 nights from €720.00 per person - look at the offers

Pictures and videos of Phuket

Kamala Beach, Phuket

Boats in Koh Phi Phi

Rawai Beach, Phuket

Kata Beach, Phuket

Khao Lak Beach, Phuket

Koh Phi Phi Leh

Koh Phi Phi

Maya Bay (Koh Phi Phi Don), The Beach

Nai Yang Beach, Phuket

Patong Beach

Phang Nga Bay

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands Boat Tour

Windmill Viewpoint, Phuket