Enjoy a magical island holiday with the help of this Phuket travel guide with insights on the best beaches, top attractions, excursions and when to go.
Main Description
A beautiful island in the Andaman Sea and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Thailand, Phuket has much to offer; here are some insights which will help you plan a trip to this slice of paradise!
Top Beaches
The island is blessed with sublime shorelines such as Patong Beach which is one of the most popular, offering plenty of water sports and nightlife fun. For more seclusion, you get the idyllic Layan Beach with its soft white sand and dazzling ocean waters, the perfect place to be based at properties like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort. From Mai Khao Beach beside the Sirinath National Park to the laidback Kata Beach there are more sun-kissed shorelines to enjoy.
Key Attractions
For intrepid travellers heading to Phuket, attractions can be found that offer cultural experiences too; these include the Old Town with its Sino-Portuguese buildings and shrines, the temple known as Wat Chalong and the towering 45-metre-tall Phuket Big Buddha. The Blue Canyon Country Club is a great place for golf, while the Khao Rang Viewpoint, the Phuket Weekend Market and Bangla Road with its lively nightlife are not to be missed either.
Island Excursions
When it comes to excursions, Phuket makes an ideal base from which to head to nearby islands where more adventures await. Look to stay at a resort that offers day trips to destinations like the Similan or Phi Phi Islands where beachside bliss and water sports such as snorkelling can be enjoyed. Also, don’t miss a sunset cruise in Phang Nga Bay on a traditional Chinese junk or a longtail boat tour to the island of Koh Weao.
Best Times to Go
The best time to visit Phuket is between November and February when the weather is cooler and drier and there is plenty of glorious sunshine! From March to May, the island experiences hot and humid weather, but you can still find things to do, though avoid the midday heat. While June to October is the rainy season it’s still possible to enjoy the beaches and attractions, as the rain usually comes in short bursts; what’s more, rates for accommodation are relatively less as well.