What to do in Phuket: The Phuket region
Essential to remember
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand but also the most touristic. The most beautiful beaches are not on the island itself but on Koh Phi Phi or Phang Nga, accessible by boat for a day trip. Plan 4 to 5 days on site.
Phuket is often compared to the island of Singapore, they are almost the same size. Phuket is known for all its beaches, the most beautiful beaches in Thailand are located to the west! The capital is Phuket Town, a mandatory stop in this city if you arrive by bus but there is not much to do in this city.
Apart from the Chinese New Year celebrations, the Thai New Year, and the vegetarian festival, it is not necessary to stop in Phuket Town; go directly to the beaches or towns such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, etc.
Phuket is a very accessible region since it has one of the main international airports in Thailand, many people only pass through Phuket without going through Bangkok to go to the islands!
What to do in Phuket:
My experience
In Phuket, I quickly understood that you should not sleep in Patong, unless you want to spend the night in bars. I went to Kata Noi: same beach, but 10 times quieter, Thai families rather than drunk tourists. It’s a detail but it changes the whole stay.
Did you know?
Phuket is 543 km² and has an international airport connected to the island by a bridge. It is the only Thai island reachable by car from the mainland, which explains its over-tourism.
- Gipsy Village, originating from the city of Andaman, they form a small, well-defined community with their own traditions; there are few tourists in this area.
- Phuket Orchid Farm, a farm with many varieties of orchids.
- Crocodile & Tiger World, as the name suggests, you can find thousands of crocodiles and dozens of tigers there.
- Butterfly & Insect World, a garden with a huge variety of butterflies and insects!
- The most beautiful beaches in Thailand are on Phuket Island, with many guesthouses and hotels along the beaches. I could mention the beaches of Sai Kaew, Mai Khao, and Nai Yang.
- One of the things to do is to visit Sirinat National Park.
- The Phuket Aquarium, there is a wide variety of fish, including sharks, rays, electric eels, and also very pretty “Nemo” fish (clownfish).
- The waterfalls, there are several waterfalls in the region such as Bang Pae and Tonsai.
- It is also a good place to party in Thailand
What to do in Phuket: Go to Patong Beach
It is the most famous beach in Phuket, where you will find many massage parlors. Destroyed in 2004 by the tsunami, everything has been rebuilt since! The sex business is very present there. It is the quintessential city for wealthy tourists; money takes first place in this city.
Advantages
- Very well-connected international airport
- Varied beaches (Kata, Karon, Surin)
- Easy excursions to Phi Phi and James Bond Island
- Excellent Thai cuisine
- Hotels of all ranges
Disadvantages
- Patong very crowded and noisy
- Beaches crowded in high season
- Expensive and negotiable tuk-tuks and taxis
- Monsoon from May to October
What to do in Phuket: Scuba Diving in Thailand
Scuba diving is a very popular activity among tourists; there are many diving centers and boats that take you on day trips to Koh Phi Phi or around Phuket.
The classic trap to avoid
Beware of the “Jet Ski Scam” in Patong: you rent a jet ski, the renter then claims that you damaged it and demands hundreds of euros. Prefer hotels that offer their own activities.
What to do in Phuket: Activities in Phuket
| Beach | Atmosphere | Ideal for |
|---|---|---|
| Patong | Lively | Nightlife |
| Kata / Kata Noi | Family-friendly | Families |
| Karon | Long beach | Sports, walking |
| Surin / Bang Tao | Chic | High-end hotels |
| Nai Harn | Quiet | Relaxation |
- Mountain biking rides
- Cooking, introduction to Thai cuisine
- Sea fishing
- Muay Thai boxing, there are training and initiation centers for Thai boxing.
- Massage, like everywhere in Thailand!
If you liked this article, you will have liked the other articles on Thailand in the Southeast Asia section: Thailand and Asia
In the same vein, the article on best-of the 10 provides useful insight. Our feedback on places to party also offers good tips, and the guide dedicated to snorkeling in Bali nicely completes the picture.
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What is the best time to go to Phuket?
November to March: dry season, calm sea, ideal for the beach and snorkeling.
How many days should you stay in Phuket?
4 to 5 days are enough. Add 2 days for Phi Phi as a bonus.
Do you need a visa for Thailand?
No, French citizens have a 30-day exemption on arrival by plane (60 days from 2024 according to agreements).
