Phuket is one of the southern provinces of Thailand. It consists of the island of Phuket, the country's largest island, and another 32 smaller islands off its coast. It lies off the west coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. Phuket Island is connected by the Sarasin Bridge to Phang Nga Province to the north. The next nearest province is Krabi, to the east across Phang Nga Bay
Karon Beach refers to a beach, and the town adjoining it, on the west coast of Phuket, Thailand. The beach is a popular destination for tourists. Generally quieter than neighbouring Patong, it is popular with families and couples. It is also especially popular with Scandinavian tourists, with many businesses catering especially to them.
Learn more Book this experienceGot the kids in tow? Take them snorkelling on this fun voyage to 3 Khai islands - Khai Nai, Khai Nok, and Khai Nui. These are amongst the best islands for shallow-water snorkeling in Thailand! Immerse yourself in the underwater wonders and swim with fish, in water so clear it's almost like an aquarium. Your first stop is just 20 minutes away! Spend one hour swimming, snorkellig or relaxing on the beach of Khai Nok Island. Next it's time to head to Khai Nui Island. Jump off the boat and snorkel in the deeper waters for 20 to 30 minutes, before continuing your journey to Khai Nai Island, also called Cat Island. Spot the colourful corals among the rocks, and pet the cats who hang out around the beach hut. Spend about one hour here before heading back to Phuket.
Book this experienceKo Samui is an island off the east coast of Thailand. Geographically in the Chumphon Archipelago, it is part of Surat Thani Province, though as of 2012, Ko Samui was granted municipal status and thus is now locally self-governing.
Learn moreThalang District is a district in the north of Phuket Province, Thailand.
Learn moreExperience paradise on Phi Phi and Maiton Island. Relax, snorkel, and explore the marine life on this boat tour. Enjoy a premium boat, admire beautiful natural scenery, and see a wonderful sunset.
Book this experienceSirinat National Park is a national park in Phuket Province, Thailand. This park, with sections on land and sea, is in the northwest of the island of Phuket.
View on Google Maps Book this experienceKo Yao Yai is the larger of the two big islands in the Ko Yao Archipelago. The island group is in Phang Nga Bay in the Phang Nga Province of southern Thailand. Ko Yao Yai means 'big long island'.
View on Google Maps Book this experiencePhang Nga Bay is a 400 km² bay in the Strait of Malacca between the island of Phuket and the mainland of the Kra Isthmus of southern Thailand. Since 1981, an extensive section of the bay has been protected as the Ao Phang Nga National Park. The park is in Phang Nga Province, at 08°17'N 098°36'E. Limestone cliffs with caves, collapsed cave systems, and archaeological sites are found about Phang Nga Bay. Around 10,000 years ago, when sea levels were lower, it was possible to walk from Phuket and Krabi.
Learn more Book this experienceKathu District is a district of Phuket Province, Thailand. The district is in the west of Phuket Island. It borders Thalang to the north, Mueang Phuket to the east and south, and the Andaman Sea to the west.
View on Google Maps Book this experienceChalong is a sub-district in the southern portion of Phuket Province, Thailand. It is one of eight sub-districts in the capital district Mueang Phuket.
View on Google Maps Book this experiencePhuket International Airport is an international airport serving the Phuket Province of Thailand. It is in the north of Phuket Island, 32 kilometres from the centre of Phuket City.
View on Google Maps Book this experienceDiscover the best tours and activities around Phuket, Thailand and book your travel experience today with our booking partners
20 pictures of Phuket from Dayne Topkin, Joshua Rawson-Harris, Derek Owens and other travelers
Travel to Phuket if you like:
🏖️ Beach 🚢 Pier 🏊 Swimming pool 🏞️ Waterway 🐾 Wildlife 🌴 TropicsTo get to Phuket, you can fly directly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) from many international airports. Alternatively, if you're already in Thailand, you can take a bus or train to the mainland and then catch a ferry to the island. Domestic flights from Bangkok to Phuket are also available.
Booking in advance is highly recommended for popular attractions like the Phi Phi Islands and the Similan Islands. Day trips to these islands can fill up quickly, so reserve your spot online or through a local tour operator. It's also a good idea to book accommodations and rental vehicles in advance, especially during the high season (November to February).
The costs of visiting Phuket can vary depending on your preferences. Budget travelers can find affordable accommodations and food for as low as $20-$30 per day, while luxury travelers can expect to spend significantly more on upscale resorts and dining experiences. Excursions like island hopping, snorkeling, and scuba diving can range from $50 to $100 per person, depending on the tour operator.
Some of the best things to do in Phuket include:
1. Relaxing on the beautiful beaches, such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach.
2. Exploring historical sites like the Big Buddha and the Chalong Temple.
3. Taking a day trip to the picturesque Phi Phi Islands or the Similan Islands for snorkeling and diving.
4. Experiencing the vibrant nightlife in Bangla Road.
5. Indulging in a traditional Thai massage or taking a Thai cooking class.
For dining, some excellent options are:
1. Suay Restaurant: A contemporary Thai fusion restaurant that offers a mix of traditional and innovative dishes.
2. Raya Restaurant: A local favorite for authentic Phuket-style cuisine in a charming, historic setting.
3. Mor Mu Dong: A hidden gem offering delicious southern Thai food in a rustic atmosphere.
For accommodations, consider:
1. The Slate: A luxury resort with a unique design inspired by Phuket's tin-mining history.
2. The Old Phuket: A charming, affordable boutique hotel located in the heart of Karon Beach.
3. Bodega Phuket: A lively and budget-friendly hostel perfect for backpackers and solo travelers.
Off the beaten path:
To experience something unusual and less touristy, head to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. This ethical sanctuary rescues and rehabilitates abused and overworked elephants, allowing visitors to observe and interact with these majestic creatures in a natural and ethical environment. You can spend a day feeding, bathing, and learning about the elephants' stories while supporting their rehabilitation and conservation efforts.
On the island of Phuket itself, there is no lack of attractions,
Among the must-do activities, there are some great classics listed in all travel guides:
Other less popular but equally exotic walks will take you to Cape Panwa, to the viewpoints offering the most beautiful panoramas of Phuket, to the stadium of Phuket town to attend Muay Thai fights, and to other picturesque, original, and always surprising places...
Thai cuisine is renowned for its finesse and variety.
Take a look at the menus, go out of the hotels and risk the spices... it is never a bad surprise.
Click on the pictures to learn more about the places and to get directions
Discover more travel spots to explore around Phuket
🌊 Ocean spots 🏖️ Beach spots 🗼 Landmark spots 🏊 Swimming pool spots 🐾 Wildlife spots 🌴 Tropics spots 🏖️ Bay spots 🏖️ Coast spots 🏖️ Lagoon spots 🚢 Pier spots Swimming spots ⛰️ Hill spots 🏞️ Waterway spots ⛰️ Cliff spots 🏖️ Headland spots 🏰 Temple spots 🏘️ Town spots Flipping spots 🏰 Wat spots 🌴 Jungle spots 🌲 Nature reserve spotsExplore popular touristic places around Phuket
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