Phuket
The largest island in Thailand, on the Andaman Sea. Limestone towers rise out of the bays, and a Sino-Portuguese old town built on tin money sits inland.
Landmarks
Limestone islands offshore, and an old street on the island itself.
- Limestone out of the seaPhang Nga BayOffshore to the northeast
Vertical rock towers stand in the water and kayaks pass through the caves. It is a full-day boat trip.
- A bay ringed by cliffsThe Phi Phi IslandsOffshore to the southeast
Maya Bay restricts access and swimming so the coral can recover. The rules change often, so check.
- Streets built on tinPhuket Old TownEastern side of the island
Shophouses mixing Chinese and Portuguese styles survive. It becomes a pedestrian street on Sunday evenings.
- A white Buddha on a hillBig Buddha, 45mSouth-central island
A marble-clad seated Buddha with the whole southern island in view. Shoulders and knees must be covered.
- Deep-visibility divingThe Similan IslandsOffshore to the north
Open only from October to May for conservation. Three or four hours out by boat.
- The sunset capePromthep CapeSouthern tip
The sun sets into the sea off the southern point. Crowds gather toward dusk.
Where to go
Beaches on the west coast; daily life and the port on the east.
- PatongThe busiest beachWest coast
Restaurants, shops and the nightlife strip. Loud, and people either like it or avoid it.
- Kata and KaronFamily beachesSouthern west coast
Quieter than Patong with finer sand. A wide range of accommodation.
- Mai Khao and Nai YangThe long northern beachesNorthwest coast
Close to the airport, so aircraft pass low overhead. Few people and spacious resorts.
- Rawai and Nai HarnSouthern fishing villagesSouth
Buy seafood at the market and have it cooked on the spot. Popular with long-stay visitors.
- Phuket TownWhere the island actually livesEast
Markets and local restaurants. Far cheaper than the beaches.
- Krabi and Ao NangAcross the waterMainland to the east
Often added on for a few days by boat or road. Known for cliff climbing.
When to go
On the Andaman side, so the high season is the inverse of Thailand’s east coast.
- Dry seasonNovember to AprilEverywhere
Calm, clear seas, best for island trips. Peak season, so prices rise.
- MonsoonMay to OctoberEverywhere
Bigger swell, and boat trips are frequently cancelled. Prices drop sharply.
- Red flagsRip current warningWest coast beaches
Strong rips kill people during the monsoon. If a red flag is up, do not go in.
- Similan openingMid-October to mid-MayOffshore to the north
Completely closed the rest of the year. Check before building an itinerary around it.
- Vegetarian FestivalNine days in September or OctoberPhuket Town
A major Chinese-Thai festival of processions and firecrackers. Some of the rituals are graphic.
Before you go
Tourist pricing and transport work differently here than on the mainland.
- EntryVisa-free for short tourist staysPhuket Airport
Korean passports need no visa for short tourist stays. Direct flights run from Incheon.
- Getting aroundWeak public transport, high faresEverywhere
Tuk-tuk and taxi fares are far above mainland Thailand. Ride-hailing is usually cheaper.
- ScootersAccidents are commonEverywhere
Hills and tight bends push the accident rate up. Do not ride without an international licence and a helmet.
- What to watch for on the beachJet ski damage disputesPatong and Kata
Operators have repeatedly demanded large sums for scratches that were already there. Photograph it before you ride.
- MoneyBaht; cash and card togetherEverywhere
Resorts take cards, but markets and tuk-tuks are cash. Exchange rates in town beat the airport.
- What to respectThe monarchy and Buddha imagesEverywhere
Insulting the monarchy is genuinely prosecuted. Posing with your back to a Buddha image is also taken as disrespect.
- Emergency numbersTourist police 1155, ambulance 1669Everywhere
The tourist police answer in English. Large hospitals on the island mean medical care is reasonable.
Opening hours, fares and schedules change year to year and by season. Check each operator or venue before you travel.