Most travellers heading to Southeast Asia prefer to visit Bangkok and Phuket. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. Every year 5 million travellers flock to Phuket to experience the turquoise waters, white sandy beaches, tropical climate, adventures, thriving nightlife, and luxury spas.
Phuket caters to the needs of all holidaymakers travelling in a group, family or with special someone. If you are visiting Thailand for the first time, you may want to get as much information as you can – read about Thailand visa.
Best Time to Visit Phuket
The climate in Thailand can vary depending on where you are going. The best time to travel to Phuket is from December to March. The weather is comfortable with a cool breeze and no humidity. The months of May and April are the warmest.
While in June, July and August, there are heavy showers every now and then. In September and October, you can expect non-stop rains, which can disrupt your sightseeing and exploring plans in Phuket.
Book Tickets in Advance
From Bangkok, you can reach Phuket via a flight. Then you can either travel within Phuket by train or bus. Road transportation is very well connected here.
Car rental is costly, and thus travellers choose to travel by bus from Bangkok to Phuket. While you can also get on a bus and travel your way around.
Some things to now before reaching Phuket
- Majority of tourists buy lots of clothes, bags, shirts, pants, etc. at the Jungceylon Shopping Mall because it is affordable. Unfortunately, the goods claimed to be branded are NOT. It is not a place to do bulk shopping, but choose some of the funky branded apparel for your wardrobe. Do bulk shopping in Bangkok!
- Phuket offers a plethora of services, including massage, pedicure, manicure, massage, and hairstyling at affordable prices. You can pamper yourself with a Thai massage!
- Thailand is popular for its authentic food. However, you’ll find international cuisine served more than the local dishes in the restaurants. If you are keen on trying some traditional Thai food like Pad Thai, Tom Yam, Green Curry, or Thai Pancake, then street stalls are placed to feed your hungry soul.
- Phuket is a travellers’ heaven, so you will find all kinds of accommodations around suitable for every budget ranging from backpackers to luxurious resorts.
- Be cautious about your expectations to enjoy the popular nightlife. You will be amazed to read the menu, ‘Buy a drink and watch the show for free’. You’ll need to pay for 45 to 100 USD for the drinks, not in Thai Baht, so drink wisely.
ALSO READ: How to get from Bangkok to Siem Reap
Which Beaches to Visit
Now, let’s learn about all the places to explore in Phuket, so you can carefully plan your itinerary. The overall enjoyment will not be only the number of sites you get to see, but even how you will visit it counts!
The popular Patong Beach
It is the very first place travellers flock to as soon as they land on the island. Patong beach is always crowded and bustling. At night, the area turns into a party hub. It is a hot and happening place, but someone looking to relax and stretch needs to visit Karon and Kata beaches.
The recommended Karon and Kata Beaches
Both are a short drive from the Paton beach. The sand is white, water is clean, and the environment is laid-back. These peaceful beaches allow travellers to relax and enjoy the remarkable sunset on the horizon. Kata beach bars are perfect for a beautiful evening.
Unbeaten path of Laem Ka Beach
It is a kind of private beach and hidden gem with stunning offshore island views. The sparkling blue water is crystal clear and perfect for some refreshing splash! It is a little remote from the central region with an ideal backdrop.
Other similar beaches are the Paradise beach, Nui beach, and the Freedom beach.
Temples to Explore
A trip to Thailand is never complete without exploring and discovering the temples which is the centre of the religion of most Thai people. Here are some temples we recommend you see while in Phuket.
Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
Phuket’s most famous landmark is the 45-meter massive statue of Buddha. This white marble figurine is perched on top of a hill, which offers stunning views of the Chalong Bay. For serene and prayer offerings, many travellers visit Wat Chalong, the most important and colourful worship place.
Wat Khao Rang
This temple hosts many golden Buddha figurines and other Hindu Gods. The incredible temple Wat Khao Rang was constructed by Luang Pu Supha, a monk. He is stated to be the world’s oldest man. A massive statue guards the entrance and a dragon slides down its stairway.
Natural Attractions to See
For those who are very outdoorsy, don’t worry, there are also places you can visit that will bring you closer to nature while travelling in Phuket. Here are some places to add on your itinerary:
Karon viewpoint
Although this point is called Karon, it is in Kata. On a clear-day, travellers can get picture-perfect ocean views and the three beautiful beaches.
Promthep Cape
Nature lovers can experience the majestic sunset from this viewpoint. The Nai Harn beach and several offshore islands can be seen from this point. Evenings are crowded here as many people take a hike towards the southernmost point. If you too want to join them, then it is recommended to wear comfortable hiking shoes.
Bang Pae waterfall
The waterfall has a steady flow of milky white water, which is perfect for enjoying a swim after a memorable hiking experience across the scenic beauty.
Other Activities
If the above suggestions are not enough or there is still some activities you want to add on your Phuket itinerary, check out these other ventures:
Art museums
The trick eye museum, as well as the upside-down house, have impressive displays but are both quirky. The first one exhibits life-size 3D paintings, which appear to pop out anytime. The latter one is designed with everything upside-down.
Cultural shows
Thai folklore is told uniquely at cultural shows Phuket Fantasea & Siam Niramit. You can enjoy gravity-defying stunts at the circus-style show Phuket Fantasea. Other things to enjoy are the tigers performing jumps and leaps, adorable elephants, fireworks, and magical illusions.
Siam Niramit takes guests back in time with hundreds of artistes adorned in glitzy costumes displaying an entertaining and educational show. The popular ladyboy show at Simon Cabaret is glamorous. Guests get captivated with the graceful dancing, celebrity parodies, and performance revealing boundless energy.
Island tours
Phang Nga Bay Cruise
You get to visit the popular James Bond Island. You can enjoy your lunch at Koh Panyee. It is a fishing village built on pilings. You can canoe leisurely along the well-known limestone cliffs.
Phi Phi Island tour
Thailand’s most Scenic Island is the Koh Phi Phi. People are mesmerized with Maya Bay, a green lagoon enclosed by rocky cliffs. You sail along Pileh Covers, Monkey Beach, and Viking Cave. You get to snorkel and explore the diverse marine life under emerald green waters.
Other water activities
- Scuba diving or snorkelling
- Bungee jumping
- Ziplining
Have a refreshing experience and explore the underwater and the wilderness!
Nightlife
Thailand is easily the heart of Southeast Asia when it comes to partying, our tip? Never miss that! Even if you are not into this kind of thing, check it out and see who travellers and locals party, it’s nothing like any other parts of the world.
Here are some areas we recommend:
- Bangla Road is a crazy party street jammed with neon-lit bars and flowing music at night-time
- Walk along with Phuket’s Night markets for an authentic experience of shopping cheap clothes, funky souvenirs and savour best street food
- WWF fans can watch the Muay Thai, a compelling martial art match involving hard elbow strikes and kicks at stadiums
If you plan to spend more than 4 days in Phuket, then visit an overnight trip to nearby Khao Sok National Park!
We hope that this article about planning a Phuket itinerary is helpful for you. If you have questions or more tips to add, feel free to write them in the comment section below.