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Phuket

phuket beachPhuket is Thailand’s largest island and is very popular for its beaches. There is the possibility to practice many sports and embark in interesting adventures. Explore the island on an elephant or just relax on the beach.

Location

Phuket Island is located in Southern Thailand, on the Andaman Sea coast.

How to get to Phuket

Phuket International Airport receives both international and domestic flights. There are frequent flights from Bangkok as well as from Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other Asian countries. During the peak season there are charter flights from Europe and Australia.

Ferries connect Rassada Port in Phuket Town to the mainland twice a day. The journey takes 90 minutes. Be careful that it can get rather bumpy when it’s windy.

Climate and temperatures

The climate in Phuket is hot and humid all year round. The high tourist season lasts from November until May. During the monsoon season it rains generally in the evening, so the days are sunny and clear. May to October represents the “cooler” season although the temperatures don’t vary much during the year.

Dec avg high 87 F / 30 C; avg low 74 F / 23 C
Apr avg high 91 F / 32 C; avg low 77 F / 25 C

Things to do

Phuket Town has some nice examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture. There are several mansions to explore, as well as several temples. The Chinatown area is also worth a quick stroll especially if you are looking to do some shopping.

The most important beaches on the Phuket Island are:

  • Bang Tao –very quiet beach
  • Surin Beach
  • Laem Singh Beach – stunning views
  • Kamala Beach – pretty quiet as well
  • Patong Beach – the largest beach resort, particularly known for its nightlife; you can also see some of the best sunsets (see photo)
  • Karon Beach – another one of the quiet beaches
  • Kata Yai Beach – quite busy and popular for surfing
  • Kata Noi Beach – another quiet beach
  • Ao Chalong – the hub for those who like sailing or those who like to see the yachts
  • Rawai Beach – popular for a picnic on the beach and also the set off point to explore the islands

Kho Hae Island is located at only 15 min speedboat from Phuket Island. It’s very popular all year long and generally a destination for a day trip or an overnight stay.

One of the most interesting things to do on the island is to take an elephant ride. Other activities include: diving, snorkeling, kayaking, surfing, white water rafting, parasailing, golfing, jet-skiing, yachting and fishing.

Tips

  • Since Phuket is Thailand’s most important travel destination, you won’t have any problems with the language. English is widely spoken on the island, especially in the beach areas.
  • If you plan to save some money on accommodation, stay in Phuket town rather than in one of the resorts.

Did you know? The west coast –where most of the beaches are – was severely hit by the Indian Ocean tsunami of December 2004 but everything has been rebuilt and there isn’t any evidence of the damage anymore.