By Kylian Dev
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Phuket Town's old quarter
Restored pastel colonial facades, art galleries and trendy cafés on Thalang Road.
Destination guide · Andaman Sea
Phuket: the 10 best things to do, where to stay and budget
Thailand's largest island charms with its colourful Sino-Portuguese architecture, jungle-fringed coves to the north, and world-renowned hotel resorts.
- Best: November to April
- €45 - 110 / day
In short
Phuket (Andaman Sea) — Sino-Portuguese heritage, renowned cuisine and grand bays. Best time to go: November to April; average temperatures 31°C. Budget: about €45 - 110 / day. Weather: 31°C • Turquoise Andaman Sea and sunny days
RegionAndaman Sea
TypeIsland
Best seasonNovember to April
Avg. temperature31°C
Budget / day€45 - 110 / day
Thai nameภูเก็ต
Must-sees
Top 10 things to do in Phuket
Sino-Portuguese heritage, renowned cuisine and grand bays
Big Buddha in white marble
A colossal 45-metre statue crowning Nakkerd Hill.
Nai Harn & Banana Beach
Crystal-clear waters away from the busiest areas.
More things to do in Phuket
- 4
Promthep Cape at sunset
ViewpointAbout 1 hThe southern tip of the island, famous for its sunsets over the Andaman Sea. Come early for a good spot, as it is very popular.
- 5
A day trip to Phang Nga Bay
Sea & islandsFull dayLimestone islands rising from the sea, sea kayaking in caves and James Bond Island. One of the most spectacular landscapes in Thailand.
- 6
The Similan or Racha islands by boat
Sea & islandsFull dayFor clear water and snorkelling, Racha Yai is an easy day trip from the south; the Similans are further but exceptional (open from mid-October to mid-May).
- 7
Phuket Sunday Walking Street
MarketEveningEvery Sunday evening, Thalang Road in the old town becomes a pedestrian market with street food and crafts.
- 8
Kata and Karon beaches
BeachHalf a day or moreTwo of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast, with fine sand and surf possible from May to October. Calmer than Patong.
- 9
Wat Chalong
TempleAbout 1 hThe island's largest and most revered temple, with a tall chedi that you can climb for a view.
- 10
Patong and Bangla Road at night
NightlifeEveningThe party centre of Phuket, with bars, clubs and shows. Worth seeing once, even if you are not staying in Patong.
Great forBeaches & RelaxingTemples & CultureNightlifeDiving & Reefs
Weather
When to go to Phuket?
31°C • Turquoise Andaman Sea and sunny days. Month-by-month outlook:
- JanIdeal
- FebIdeal
- MarIdeal
- AprIdeal
- MayRain / monsoon
- JunRain / monsoon
- JulRain / monsoon
- AugRain / monsoon
- SepRain / monsoon
- OctRain / monsoon
- NovIdeal
- DecIdeal
IdealFairRain / monsoon
Budget
Budget in Phuket: how much per day?
Plan on roughly €45 - 110 / day per person, excluding international flights.
Comfort / luxury
45–110 € / day
Indicative split of a typical day (estimate)
Accommodation
~31 €
Food
~19 €
Activities
~16 €
Local transport
~12 €
Transport
How to get to Phuket
Transport tip
Well-served international airport, or bus via the Sarasin Bridge from the mainland.
From Bangkok → Phuket
Long haul: a domestic flight or night bus/train is usually easier
Flight
~693 km
Nearest destinations
Phuket → Koh Yao Noi
Boat
30–45 min
Phuket → Koh Phi Phi
Boat
1h–1h45
Phuket → Krabi & Railay
Road
~51 km · ~1 h by road
Where is Phuket?
Accommodation
Where to stay in Phuket
The best-known areas to base yourself:
Kata / Karon
Beautiful family-friendly beaches, a good all-rounder.
Patong
The nightlife hub (Bangla Road) — lively and loud.
Phuket Old Town
Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and street food, away from the beaches.
Kamala / Surin
Quieter, more upmarket west coast.
See hotels in PhuketPartner
Full guide: where to stay in PhuketFood
What to eat in Phuket
Mee Hokkien (thick stir-fried noodles with pork and seafood)
Kanom Jeen with mild yellow crab curry
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Oh Aew (traditional refreshing dessert from Phuket Town)
Can’t decide?
Phuket or…? Compare
Budget, weather, vibe and activities side by side.
Combine with
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FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Phuket
What are the best things to do in Phuket?
The must-sees are Phuket Town's old quarter, Big Buddha in white marble, Nai Harn & Banana Beach. Also worth your time: Promthep Cape at sunset, A day trip to Phang Nga Bay, The Similan or Racha islands by boat, Phuket Sunday Walking Street.
How many days should I spend in Phuket?
Allow at least 2 to 3 days to see the highlights of Phuket, more if you combine it with nearby destinations.
Build an itinerary with PhuketWhat is the best time to visit Phuket?
The best season is November to April. 31°C • Turquoise Andaman Sea and sunny days. Where possible, avoid the monsoon months shown in the calendar above.
Thailand weather month by monthWhat daily budget should I plan for Phuket?
Plan on roughly €45 - 110 / day per person (Comfort / luxury), excluding international flights. Use the budget calculator to fine-tune it to your travel style.
Estimate my budget for PhuketHow do I get to Phuket?
Well-served international airport, or bus via the Sarasin Bridge from the mainland. From Bangkok, Phuket is about 693 km away as the crow flies.
Bangkok to PhuketWhich area should I stay in, in Phuket?
The most popular areas are Kata / Karon, Patong, Phuket Old Town, Kamala / Surin. The choice mostly depends on the vibe you want: lively, family-friendly or quiet.
Full guide: where to stay in PhuketPlan your trip