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Thailand · Andaman Sea

Phuket travel guide

Thailand's biggest island, from party beaches to quiet coves

Kata Beach. Photo: HutheMeow, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

12h 30mflight from London
HKTnearest main airport
29° in Aprwarmest month
27° in Jancoolest month

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and its busiest beach destination, with resorts for every budget. Patong is the lively centre, while Kata, Karon and the north have calmer beaches.

It's the base for boat trips to Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay and the Similan Islands.

Good forBeachesFamiliesNightlifeBoat trips

What Phuket is known for

  • Beaches

    Patong, Kata and Karon.

  • Phang Nga Bay

    Limestone islands rising from the sea.

  • Bangla Road

    Patong's neon nightlife strip.

  • Old Phuket Town

    Colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses.

Top things to do in Phuket

  1. 1

    Phang Nga Bay

    James Bond Island and sea-canoeing through caves.

    Find tours and tickets
  2. 2

    Phi Phi Islands

    Day trips to Maya Bay and snorkel spots.

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  3. 3

    The Big Buddha

    A huge white statue with island views.

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  4. 4

    Old Phuket Town

    Cafés, street art and Sunday market.

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  5. 5

    Kata and Karon beaches

    Long sandy beaches for swimming.

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  6. 6

    Promthep Cape

    The island's famous sunset viewpoint.

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See all tours and tickets in Phuket

Where to stay in Phuket

Find a hotel in Phuket

Best time to visit Phuket

Best value: Apr, Nov. November to April: dry and calm. May to October brings rain and rough seas.

  • Best valueGood weather, smaller crowds
  • PeakBusiest, highest prices
  • QuietCheapest, cooler or wetter
26.9 C27°J27.6 C28°F28.4 C28°M28.8 C29°A28.5 C28°M28.1 C28°J27.8 C28°J27.7 C28°A27.4 C27°S27.2 C27°O27.4 C27°N27.1 C27°D
Bar height is the average temperature in Phuket, °C, 2001–2025 (NASA POWER).

Getting there and around

About 12h 30m from London to HKT, and flights from most UK airports.

Taxis and Grab. Hire a car or scooter with caution: roads are busy.

Find flights to Phuket (HKT)

Shows the cheapest fares for next month on Aviasales, our flight partner. We may earn a commission, at no cost to you. Flight times are straight-line estimates for a direct flight from Heathrow.

Good to know

  • Red flags on beaches mean dangerous rip currents.
  • Agree taxi and tuk-tuk prices in advance.
  • Maya Bay closes for a few months each year to recover.
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Phuket FAQ

When is the best time for Phuket?

November to April.

Where should families stay?

Kata or Karon.

More places in Thailand

Back to the Thailand travel guide + Add Phuket to your bucket list