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  1. Thailand 🎫
  2. Phuket

Discover Phuket

About Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, situated in the Andaman Sea and forming part of the country's southern region. It has a population of over 400,000 residents. Renowned for its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches, Phuket has evolved into a significant tourist hub, offering a diverse range of attractions from natural wonders to cultural sites. Visitors planning a trip to Phuket should consider its prominent attractions, tropical climate, varied travel costs, and efficient transport connections.

Main Points of Interest in Phuket
  • Patong Beach: Known for its vibrant nightlife and extensive shopping opportunities.
  • Old Phuket Town: Features well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture and local markets.
  • Big Buddha: A 45-meter-tall statue located on Nakkerd Hill, offering panoramic views.
  • Wat Chalong: The largest and most important Buddhist temple in Phuket.
  • Phang Nga Bay: Famous for its limestone cliffs and emerald green waters.
  • Phi Phi Islands: A popular day-trip destination for snorkeling and diving.
Climate and Best Times to Visit Phuket

Phuket experiences a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons. The best time to visit is during the dry season from November to April, characterized by sunny days and lower humidity. Average temperatures range from 25-32°C (77-90°F). The monsoon season spans from May to October, bringing heavier rainfall and occasional storms, with September being the wettest month.

Budget and Travel Costs in Phuket

Phuket offers a range of budget options, though it can be pricier compared to mainland locations. Prices are estimates and subject to change (approx. 37 THB to 1 USD).

  • Accommodation:
    • Budget Hotel: $20 - $50 USD (740 - 1,850 THB) per night.
    • Mid-Range Hotel: $50 - $100 USD (1,850 - 3,700 THB) per night.
  • Food & Drink:
    • Street Food Meal: $2 - $5 USD (74 - 185 THB).
    • Restaurant Meal: $10 - $20 USD (370 - 740 THB).
  • Activities:
    • Island Tour: $30 - $70 USD (1,110 - 2,590 THB).
    • Entry to Attractions: $5 - $15 USD (185 - 555 THB).
Transportation To and From Phuket

Phuket serves as a major transport hub in southern Thailand.

  • Phuket International Airport (HKT): The main gateway, with flights to major cities such as Bangkok, Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur.
  • Road Connections: Linked to the mainland via the Sarasin Bridge, offering bus and car routes to Bangkok and other southern provinces.
  • Local Transport: Includes tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbike rentals for convenient travel around the island.

Phuket Ferry Operators

OperatorDestinationsOffersMin PriceRating
5
40
$14.31
  4.5
3
15
$25.43
  4.6
10
48
$11.12
  4.2

Phuket Van Operators

OperatorDestinationsOffersMin PriceRating
10
92
$7.95
  4.7
2
11
  4.6
4
168
$6.68
  4.5
6
83
  4.3
12
86
  4.5
3
46
  4.0
11
64
  4.2
4
49
  4.3
4
20
  4.8
20
69
  4.3

Flight from Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
21
524
06:30
23:55
2h38m
$29.54
  4.5
45
566
07:30
23:55
3h33m
$28.08
  4.7
28
312
07:30
23:50
9h20m
$41.69
  4.0
14
261
06:30
23:50
7h18m
$77.26
  4.5
53
499
07:30
23:55
6h47m
$41.33
  4.6
51
531
00:20
23:50
16h23m
$121.03
  5.0
64
516
00:55
23:50
7h44m
$129.93
  3.6
41
396
06:30
23:50
12h57m
$67.38
  4.8
11
111
07:30
23:50
21h18m
$148.79
  4.8
19
282
06:30
23:50
10h5m
$55.30
  4.3
40
398
00:05
23:50
14h53m
$127.07
  3.0
24
253
06:30
23:50
14h6m
$70.90
43
423
06:30
23:50
11h26m
$86.88
  3.7
14
259
06:30
23:50
9h53m
$54.48
29
291
06:30
23:50
14h8m
$80.72
  5.0
47
410
00:05
23:50
15h28m
$137.34
6
59
07:30
22:45
12h55m
$128.13
35
199
00:55
23:55
13h36m
$101.42
16
165
06:30
23:50
11h18m
$54.48
15
55
07:35
23:30
20h6m
$184.41

Bus from Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
9
06:30
16:50
3h0m
$7.95
  4.4
1
26
06:30
19:20
12h30m
$22.73
  2.0
1
14
06:00
14:10
3h30m
$7.31
  4.4
2
12
06:40
21:45
7h32m
$12.59
  4.4
1
11
06:00
17:30
2h0m
$4.77
  4.7
2
13
05:30
15:45
5h30m
$8.74
  4.2
1
7
06:30
12:20
5h30m
$16.85
  4.3
1
6
06:30
13:15
3h30m
$14.31
  4.6
1
4
06:00
09:30
10h0m
$16.21
  4.3
2
3
15:00
15:00
17h0m
$30.71
  4.4
1
1
13:30
13:30
4h15m
$9.41
  4.7
1
1
08:00
08:00
8h30m
$20.35
  3.7
1
4
07:30
18:00
11h0m
$25.69
  4.0

Ferry from Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
3
77
06:50
15:30
3h21m
$8.58
  4.6
1
16
08:30
15:00
1h30m
$22.26
  4.9
1
2
08:00
08:00
8h30m
$16.53
  4.6
1
1
08:00
08:00
8h30m
$19.08
  4.5
3
24
08:15
14:30
4h33m
$15.90
  4.6
1
18
08:30
17:00
0h30m
$9.86
  4.8
4
7
08:30
13:30
2h4m
$21.43
  4.8
1
3
07:00
09:30
8h5m
$27.98
  4.3
1
19
08:40
17:00
0h40m
$9.54
  4.9

Train from Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
2
13:30
14:00
3h0m
$50.87

Van from Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
39
06:40
18:00
2h30m
$6.36
  5.0
1
12
07:00
13:00
3h11m
$11.76
  4.7
1
9
07:00
15:00
4h30m
$8.58
  4.5
1
3
11:00
11:10
5h30m
$14.31
  4.8
1
8
07:00
16:00
5h0m
$14.31
  4.7
1
23
06:40
18:00
3h20m
$8.90
  4.5
1
5
07:00
09:30
7h30m
$17.80
  4.2
1
4
07:00
09:30
9h30m
$33.38
  4.4
1
4
09:30
16:00
1h30m
$14.31
  4.7
1
1
09:15
09:15
8h30m
$55.64
  4.8

Flight to Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
19
481
05:30
23:59
2h3m
$29.54
  4.5
29
367
06:25
23:59
8h43m
$83.27
  4.5
44
760
02:35
23:45
4h32m
$28.08
  4.7
7
383
06:05
21:25
8h1m
$82.66
  4.8
20
180
07:50
21:45
8h46m
$75.03
  5.0
35
367
00:15
23:30
7h46m
$36.34
  3.8
7
18
13:00
17:25
16h36m
$146.25
  4.4
20
98
02:00
22:40
15h46m
$69.75
  3.9
34
193
00:30
23:30
15h21m
$113.70
  4.3
58
436
00:05
23:40
7h52m
$151.94
  4.8
18
140
08:40
23:50
13h6m
$83.52
  5.0
26
251
00:05
23:40
9h6m
$81.11
  4.0
16
69
00:25
23:05
16h2m
$146.68
12
73
00:05
23:55
12h3m
$79.80
  5.0
12
99
08:25
21:10
10h11m
$51.94
  5.0
29
157
00:10
23:55
14h52m
$116.36
  5.0
19
65
01:00
23:50
15h23m
$130.92
  4.0
15
138
07:30
22:00
8h58m
$58.74
  3.3
18
172
08:20
23:05
9h51m
$50.23
  4.0
36
292
00:05
23:55
15h50m
$168.82

Bus to Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
2
57
06:45
19:50
11h48m
$22.73
  4.4
3
42
09:00
20:40
3h52m
$7.15
  4.1
1
8
08:20
16:10
3h37m
$7.31
  4.4
1
11
06:30
17:45
2h33m
$4.77
  4.6
3
18
06:40
22:00
7h16m
$12.59
  4.2
2
13
07:30
15:45
6h0m
$8.74
  4.7
1
1
08:00
08:00
4h0m
$9.41
  4.4
1
1
22:00
22:00
14h30m
$28.30
  4.7
2
3
15:00
15:00
17h0m
$30.71
  3.4
1
2
08:00
11:00
8h15m
$20.67
  5.0

Ferry to Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
91
08:30
17:00
2h0m
$8.58
  5.0
1
2
10:00
12:00
6h45m
$15.90
  4.2
3
11
10:30
15:30
2h8m
$22.26
  4.6
1
2
08:30
11:30
7h45m
$18.44
  4.1
5
22
07:00
15:30
2h20m
$15.90
  3.2
1
4
07:00
21:00
8h45m
$27.98
  4.3
2
22
06:30
16:10
0h23m
$9.54
  4.5
5
9
10:45
15:15
1h58m
$22.26
  3.9
4
15
06:35
16:00
0h40m
$9.54
  4.6
1
5
09:00
12:30
5h50m
$55.64
  3.2

Van to Phuket

DestinationOperatorsOffersFirst DepartureLast DepartureDurationMin PriceRating
1
44
06:00
17:20
3h0m
$6.36
  4.5
1
13
06:45
17:45
4h15m
$17.49
  4.5
3
10
09:00
15:30
3h18m
$11.45
  4.4
1
5
08:30
19:30
1h0m
$14.31
  4.5
1
34
05:30
15:30
3h30m
$9.54
  3.3
1
5
05:30
11:30
7h45m
$17.55
  4.7
1
9
09:00
17:00
4h30m
$8.39
  3.0
1
12
07:20
11:20
6h30m
$14.31
  3.5
1
1
09:30
09:30
10h0m
$54.05
  4.5

Popular Questions

Is Phuket a good place?

Phuket is a popular travel destination known for its beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. Patong Beach is famous for its lively atmosphere, while Kata and Karon offer more relaxed settings. Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha are notable cultural sites.

Transportation: Getting around is convenient with options like tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbike rentals. Taxi fares start at around 200 THB ($6) for short distances.

Dining: The island offers a wide range of dining experiences, from local street food to upscale restaurants. A typical meal at a local eatery costs about 60-100 THB ($2-$3).

Water Safety: Tap water is not recommended for drinking; opt for bottled water. Beaches are generally safe for swimming, with regular monitoring of water quality.

Local Tips: Bargaining is common in markets, and respectful attire is expected when visiting temples. The best time to visit is from November to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant.

Can you walk everywhere in Phuket?

Phuket is a large island with diverse regions, so walking everywhere is not practical. However, some areas, like Patong Beach, Phuket Town, and Kata Beach, are pedestrian-friendly, with shops, restaurants, and attractions accessible on foot.

Transportation Options
To explore the island beyond these areas, consider using local transportation. Tuk-tuks are widely available, but fares can be high (~200-400 THB / $6-12 for short distances). Renting a scooter (~200-400 THB / $6-12 per day) offers flexibility, but be cautious of traffic and road conditions. Taxis and ride-hailing apps like Grab are also options.

Safety Tips
Sidewalks are not always available, so be cautious when walking along roads. Traffic can be heavy, especially in tourist areas. Also, roads can be steep and winding, particularly in the hilly parts of the island.

Water Quality
For swimming, beaches such as Patong and Karon are monitored for cleanliness and are generally safe. Always check local advisories for current conditions.

Are tourists welcome in Phuket?

Phuket is very welcoming to tourists and is a popular destination in Thailand. Visitors can explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and cultural attractions. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, making communication easier for travelers.

Local Customs: It's important to dress modestly when visiting temples and remove shoes before entering. Respect for local customs and traditions is appreciated by residents.

Transportation: Getting around is convenient with options like tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbike rentals. Local buses are available but can be infrequent.

Dining: Phuket offers a variety of dining options, from street food stalls to upscale restaurants. Typical meal prices range from 100 to 300 THB ($3 to $9).

Water Safety: Tap water in Phuket is not recommended for drinking; it's best to use bottled water. Popular beaches such as Patong and Kata are monitored for cleanliness, ensuring safe swimming conditions.

Tips: Be cautious of scams and always agree on taxi fares beforehand. During peak season, booking accommodations in advance is advisable.

Should I tip in Phuket?

Tipping in Phuket is not mandatory, but it is appreciated for good service. In restaurants, rounding up the bill or leaving a 5-10% tip is common practice. For hotel staff, such as bellboys or housekeepers, a tip of 20-50 THB ($0.60-$1.40) is customary. Taxi drivers do not expect tips, but rounding up the fare is appreciated. Spa and massage therapists typically receive a tip of 50-100 THB ($1.40-$2.80) for good service. Always check your bill to see if a service charge has already been included, as this is sometimes the case in higher-end establishments.

How do you get around in Phuket?

Phuket offers several transportation options to navigate the island. Taxis and Tuk-tuks are widely available, though fares can be high; negotiate the fare before starting your journey, with typical rides costing between 200-500 THB ($6-$15). Motorbike rentals are popular for their flexibility, with daily rates around 200-300 THB ($6-$9). Ensure you have an international driving license and wear a helmet for safety.

Songthaews, or shared trucks, provide a more economical way to travel, primarily serving routes between major beaches and the town, with fares starting at 30 THB ($1). Car rentals offer convenience for longer stays, with prices starting at 800 THB ($23) per day.

For short distances, consider bicycle rentals, particularly in less congested areas. While public buses exist, they're limited and mainly connect to Phuket Town. Always check current schedules and routes.