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Phuket, Thailand

by Claudio Pedegejczukin Destinationson Posted on

Located in southern Thailand, Phuket is the country’s largest island, and it sits over the pristine waters of the Andaman Sea. It is also the island with more affluence of tourists due to the plethora of activities it offers and its great connectivity to the world through direct flights to countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Asia; not to mention its fine white sand beaches, lush jungle, and the possibility of visiting nearby hot spots, such as Phi Phi islands.

Formerly known as Jung Ceylon—while the locals called it “Thalang”—Phuket was a popular trading place for tin, and it would shelter maritime traders (from India, Persia, Arabia, Burma, China, and Siam) from the monsoons. The island’s long history currently manifests in various ethnic groups, architectural influences, and cuisines coexisting harmoniously. Its big Chinese influence explains the number of Chinese shrines and restaurants in town.

It takes 1.5 hours to go from the northernmost to the southernmost tip of the island. Many people rent scooters to go around but, because at times the highway feels more like being in a city than on an island, it is more comfortable and safer to travel by taxi or car.

What to Do

  • Sports

    hiking, golf, Muay Thai, fitness, yoga

  • Water sports

    scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, sailing

  • Island hopping

  • Courses

    Cooking, Muay Thai, scuba diving, yoga, detox

Attractions

  • Beaches

    Patong, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, Karon, Nai Han, Mai Khao, Nai Yang, Rawai, Kamala, Surin

  • Buddhist shrines

    Bid Buddha

  • Reserves

    Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife and Forest Reserve, Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Center

  • Day trips

    Ao Phang-Nga (James Bond Island and Koh Panyee), Phi Phi islands, Ko Yao Noi, Ko Yao Yai, Similan Islands

Dining

Due to its history, Thai food in Phuket has a strong influence of Malay and Chinese cuisines. There is also a wide variety of restaurants offering international food either in a casual setting or in a luxurious style. Several food festivals take place throughout the year, such as the Chinese Vegetarian Festival and Phuket Food & Wine, among others.

Nightlife

If you want to party, Patong is the place to be. Massive crowds go to hang out around its colorful neon lights whether to listen to live rock music, acoustic sets, or jazz, to have drinks, watch a ladyboy cabaret show, or dance to the rhythm of electronic music. Bangla road features the highest concentration of bars, clubs, and nightlife entertainment in the whole island.

Shopping

There are several shopping malls in Phuket, and products to be found go anywhere from international luxury brands to local handicrafts, and food products. For an authentic shopping experience there are also a few night markets worth visiting:

  • Daily

    Chillva Market, Malin Plaza Patong

  • Thursdays and Fridays

    Phuket Indy Market

  • Saturdays and Sundays

    Phuket Weekend Market

  • Sunday

    Phuket Walking Street

Insider Tips

  • During November and February, sea turtles lay their eggs along Sirinat National Marine Park.

  • Be wary of strong undercurrents during the monsoon season (May until October).

  • Go and watch the sunset from Laem Phromthep’s viewpoint.

Getting There

Flights from Bangkok (Suvarnabhumi and Don Muaeng airports) to Phuket International Airport take 1.30 hours. Airlines like Thai Lion Air, Air Asia, Nok, Thai Airways, and Bangkok Airways operate several daily flights between both cities. Direct flights are available to and from countries like Malaysia, Singapore, Cambodia, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Australia, Germany, Russia, and Qatar. Flight availability may change due to COVID-19 travel restrictions; please call the airlines directly for more information.

Charter one of our yachts and discover Phuket in Sunsetways style

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