Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, and it is a popular bucket list travel destination in Thailand. Phuket has a lot to offer including its beautiful white beaches, delicious cuisine, lively towns, amazing attractions, and hidden gems. The island has it all for every kind of traveler whether you are looking to engage in adventurous activities or have a relaxing tropical stay. Phuket is also a great place to stay because of its proximity to nearby tropical islands like Koh Phi Phi and the gorgeous Phang Nga Bay.
Where to stay
If it’s your first time staying in Phuket, I’d highly recommend staying near Karon Beach! My favorite part from my visits to Thailand has always been the beautiful beaches with the warm water being incredibly relaxing to lounge near for the day. Karon Beach is spread out over a wide area so there are plenty of spots at the beach to set up without being too close to other people. It’s also centrally located between Patong Beach and Kata Beach, so there are multiple beach options nearby to soak in the sun and relax on Phuket’s beautiful beaches. Patong can get quite crowded and loud, so staying near Karon allows for a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere while still having the option to take a short taxi to Patong to enjoy its nightlife and entertainment.
How long to stay
How long you decide to stay in Phuket will depend on the activities and excursions you are hoping to complete during your stay. I recommend planning to spend around 5 days in Phuket if time permits. On my last trip, I stayed in Phuket for 5 nights and thought it was the perfect amount of time to explore the different areas in Phuket. This should give you plenty of time to explore around Phuket while also allowing time for day trips to nearby islands like Similan or Phi Phi.
When to visit
You should consider visiting Phuket between November and February as this is considered the best time to visit. The weather is cooler and more comfortable with lower humidity and the seas are calmer making it ideal for water activities like snorkeling or diving. However, this is also peak tourist season so the area is generally more crowded, accommodations are more expensive, and availability at restaurants or attractions may be more difficult to obtain. The shoulder season between March to May is also another good option. The temperatures and humidity are higher making it more uncomfortable for the many outdoor activities available in Phuket. The prices of accommodations are lower and activities will likely be less booked up as well. June to October may be the worst time to visit as it is monsoon season with higher chances of rainfall that can make it difficult to be outside without getting soaked with heavy showers and the availability of water activities/boat tours can be affected during this season.
Things to do
Phuket has a large variety of activities that are perfect for any kind of traveler, and here are some of my favorites below:
- Enjoy the beautiful beaches – Relax at some of the famous beaches such as Patong, Karon, and Kata or engage in water sports at the beaches like snorkeling, scuba diving, jet-skiing, and parasailing
- Boat Tours – Take boat trips to nearby islands like Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, and James Bond Island for snorkeling, diving, and exploring
- Nightlife – Enjoy the vibrant nightlife in areas like Patong along Bangla Road’s bars and clubs, enjoy beachfront bars and restaurants with live music, or attend a Muay Thai boxing event
- Local Markets – Visit local markets like the Phuket Weekend Market and Banzaan Market for shopping and to try local street food
- Spa and Wellness – Indulge in a relaxing Thai massage, spa treatment, yoga, or meditation in serene settings
What hotel to stay at
I’d recommend treating yourself in Phuket and staying in a resort. Resorts in Phuket are rather reasonably priced while providing excellent service, fun activities, and incredible amenities. I enjoyed my stay at Paradox Resort Phuket, a gorgeous 5-star resort that is located across the street from Karon Beach. The resort is conveniently located being steps away from Karon Beach and has amazing amenities like their three pools, swim up bars, spa, daily resort activities, and delicious on-site restaurants. Several of the rooms also have private pools attached to outside part of the rooms that allow for 24/7 pool access with privacy. The resort has two restaurants onsite with one of them, the Pacifica restaurant, serving a delicious breakfast buffet that serves an excellent spread of Asian and Western dishes. The other restaurant, Mint Bar and Restaurant, is located across the street from Karon beach and also serves several delicious Thai and Western dishes.
Have you been to Phuket yet? What else would you like to know about Phuket?
