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ภูเก็ตAndaman Coast7.88° N · 98.39° E
Thailand's largest island: busy and developed in places, but with lovely beaches, a characterful old town and easy trips to Phang Nga Bay. Here is how to choose where to stay and what is worth your time.
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and its busiest beach destination, linked to the mainland by a bridge and served by a large international airport. Honestly, parts of it are very developed, and Patong in particular is loud, crowded and built up. But the island is big, and the right beach can be calm, green and beautiful.
The west and south coasts hold the best beaches, from family-friendly Kata and Karon to quieter Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn, with long, empty Mai Khao in the north. Inland, Phuket Old Town is a pleasant surprise: streets of colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses built during the tin-mining boom, with shrines, cafés and a Sunday evening walking street.
Phuket is also a practical base for day trips. Boats head into Phang Nga Bay to paddle among limestone islands and sea caves, and out to Phi Phi and, in season, the Similan Islands. Choose your area carefully, and Phuket can be a relaxing end to a Thailand journey.
Every journey below is private and tailor-made, so you can pick the right beach for you, add Phang Nga Bay, and combine Phuket with Krabi or Bangkok.
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The experiences our travellers enjoy most, in order of what we would not miss.
Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn have soft sand and clear water from November to April. Each has its own mood, from lively to laid-back.
Sino-Portuguese shophouses painted in pastel colours line Thalang Road and its neighbours. Visit Chinese shrines, small museums and the Sunday evening walking street.
Limestone islands rise out of green water north-east of Phuket. Paddle a canoe into hidden lagoons and visit Koh Panyee, a Muslim fishing village built on stilts.
Cliffs, white sand and snorkelling around Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le. Popular and busy, so an early departure makes a big difference.
A huge white marble Buddha on a hilltop in the middle of the island, with wide views over the coast. Cover shoulders and knees.
The island's southern tip, where crowds gather to watch the sun go down over the Andaman Sea. Arrive early for a good spot.
Granite boulders, white beaches and some of Thailand's best diving and snorkelling. The national park is usually open only from around mid-October to mid-May.
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Long sandy beaches with plenty of restaurants, less frantic than Patong and good for swimming in the dry season.
Quieter bays on the west coast with resort hotels, beach clubs and sunset views.
Stay among the shophouses for food, culture and evening walks. You will need a car to reach the beaches.
Tell us your style and our consultants will hand-pick a stay you would never find on your own.
A restored heritage house, a quiet lakeside villa or a family-run boutique: we match the hidden gem to you, and reveal it with your itinerary.
Ask for a surprise stayPhuket International Airport has many daily flights from Bangkok and direct flights from across Asia and beyond. It is also linked by road to Krabi, Khao Lak and Phang Nga, and by ferry to Phi Phi and Krabi.
Included on our journeys for transfers and touring around the island.
Best for: Getting aroundAvailable across the island, though taxis can be pricier than in Bangkok.
Best for: EveningsDay trips to Phang Nga Bay, Phi Phi and the smaller islands.
Best for: IslandsPlaces that pair well with Phuket, with approximate travel times.
November to April is the dry season on the Andaman coast, with calm seas and sunshine; December to February is busiest. From May to October the south-west monsoon brings rain, rough seas and strong currents on the west-facing beaches, though there are still many sunny spells and fewer people.
A general guide. Weather varies from year to year, and we plan each route around the season.
Quick answers from our local team. Anything else, just ask your travel specialist.
Ask us on WhatsAppYes, if you choose the right area. Patong is crowded and loud, but Kata, Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn are much more relaxed, and Phuket Old Town has real character. It is also a convenient base for Phang Nga Bay and the islands.
Kata and Karon suit families and first visits, Kamala, Surin and Bang Tao suit couples who want calm and comfort, and the Old Town suits travellers more interested in food and culture. We generally suggest avoiding Patong unless you want nightlife.
November to April is the best time, with calm seas and sunny days. From May to October there is more rain and rough seas on the west coast, with red-flag days when swimming is dangerous.
Phuket has more beaches, hotels and flights, but more development. Krabi is smaller and more scenic, with dramatic limestone cliffs, Railay and great island hopping. Many travellers combine both, as they are only a few hours apart.
In the dry season most beaches are calm and safe. During the monsoon, strong rip currents are common on the west coast, and drownings do happen. Swim only at beaches with lifeguards and never when the red flags are up.
Four to six nights is ideal: a couple of beach days, a trip to Phang Nga Bay, an evening in the Old Town and a day on the islands. Many travellers split their time between Phuket and Krabi or Khao Lak.
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