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Phuket travel guide

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, about 48 km long, joined to Phang Nga province on the mainland by two road bridges. The resort beaches line the west coast facing the Andaman Sea, from quiet Mai Khao in the north to Rawai in the south, while Phuket Town, the provincial capital, lies inland on the east side. The airport is in the north-west.

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Getting there and choosing your base

  • Phuket International Airport (HKT): Thailand's second-busiest airport, with frequent flights from Bangkok and direct routes from across Asia, the Middle East and Australia. It sits close to Nai Yang and Mai Khao; the southern beaches are a long drive, so late arrivals should book a car in advance or sleep near the airport.
  • Phuket Smart Bus: Runs from the airport down the west coast to Rawai, stopping at the main beaches along the way. A hotel near its route lets you reach the airport and move between beaches without hiring a car.
  • Rassada Port: Ferries for Ko Phi Phi and Krabi leave from this harbour near Phuket Town. Guests staying in town or on the east side are much closer than those on the west-coast beaches, which matters for a morning crossing.

Areas to consider

Patong

Suits nightlife, with the island's largest and most developed beach and the widest choice of rooms. Patong's nightlife carries on late, so ask how far the room is from the bar streets and whether windows face them.

Kata and Karon

Suits families and couples who want lively beaches without Patong's late nights. If the hotel is on the slopes behind the beach, check how steep the walk down is before booking with small children.

Rawai and the south

Suits longer stays and island day trips, with seafood on the shore and boats from Rawai Beach and Chalong Bay. Rawai is better known for boats and seafood than for swimming, so ask which nearby beach guests use and how they get there.

Phuket Town

Suits budget travellers and early ferries, with the island's cheapest rooms and its bus terminals. There is no beach in town; ask whether the hotel runs a shuttle to the coast or factor in songthaews each day.

When to go

The high season runs from about November to May, and the most popular resorts in the best locations should be booked a couple of months ahead. From May to October the monsoon brings evening rain, rougher seas and poorer water clarity; prices drop, but swimming off some west-coast beaches is not advised when the surf is up.

Before choosing a room

  • In the monsoon months, ask whether the beach in front of the hotel has lifeguards and how staff warn guests about rough surf.
  • Resorts on Phuket's northern beaches are a long way from Patong and Phuket Town; check whether the hotel runs scheduled shuttles or whether you will rely on taxis.
  • If you plan to rent a scooter or car, confirm that the hotel has parking and whether the access road is steep.

Sources and planning resources

Facts checked on . Transport services, taxes and hotel offers can change. Confirm the details for your trip before booking.

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