The Journey Begins Here

Hat Patong | DOTMILLER1986/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Allow me to reintroduce Phuket – Thailand’s largest island needs a fresh, post-pandemic debut. Thanks to an influx of new residents (many former Bangkokians), these tropics are getting a glow-up. Conservation efforts and improving cross-island infrastructure are addressing overtourism, and boutique lodgings and independent restaurateurs are trending over big resorts. Increasingly, Phuket is becoming synonymous with good value and endless options for guaranteed fun. From water activities to spa pampering to partying (did I mention the local nightlife and festival scene are also mid-renaissance?), it’s time to find your creature comforts along these southern coasts. The new Phuket might just surprise you! –Barbara Woolsey

Barbara Woolsey

@xo_babxi

Barbara is a travel and culture writer by day and a DJ by night. She authors guidebooks and performs between Thailand and Germany.

Pier Narandara

@piersgreatperhaps

Pier is an author, travel writer, film producer and underwater photographer. She is also the founder of Immersiv Expeditions, leading trips around the world to swim with marine wildlife.

THE BEST

Beach Experiences

Along Phuket’s 50km of coastline, flashy gold-blonde strands mingle with slices of paradise hidden among the jungle. Thankfully, in recent years efforts to combat overtourism have guided a more sustainable shift, including beach cleanups and a reduction in ‘services’ clogging the sand.

Hat Ya Nui | SIMON DANNHAUER/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Pay a visit Hat Nai Harn – potentially the island’s prettiest beach. Replete with a seafront temple, many Phuketians call this their favourite spot for swimming and sunbathing.

FOKKE BAARSSEN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Hit tranquil Hat Ya Nui, just 3km south of Hat Nai Harn, for coral reefs and epic sunsets.

Seek out secluded ‘hidden’ sands off the beaten track at the paradisical (and peaceful) Hat Surin (pictured), home to clear water and blindingly white sand.

Go beach-club hopping along Hat Bang Thao’s soft white sands, turning daytime pool-lounging into dance-floor boogying at spots like Xana Beach Club.

ARKADIJ SCHELL/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Discover Sirinat National Park’s characterful, underdeveloped beaches: Nai Thon (pictured) for camping, Nai Yang for water sports and Mai Khao for turtle conservation.

THE BEST

Outdoor Experiences

Diving might be Phuket’s star pursuit, but Thailand’s largest island has a dizzying array of alfresco adventures to offer from coast to coast. The best part? Activities run year-round (weather permitting, anyway).

Scuba diving, Andaman Sea | ZEPHYR_P/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Hike the jungle up to the waterfall of Nam Tok Bang Pae and splash in the natural swimming pools.

PHUKETIAN.S/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Give kitesurfing (pictured) a try on Hat Nai Yang (May to October) or Rawai (November to March). Kiteboarding Asia offers lessons.

Take in Phuket from above while paragliding (pictured). Paragliding Phuket launches tandem flights island-wide.

Take the plunge on a diving adventure. Sunrise Divers, Phuket’s top liveaboard agent, offers dive trips to islands and marine parks.

ELENA_ALEX_FERNS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Ride a Harley across jungles with tour operator Nicky’s Handlebar, who knows the lie of the land.

Discover the soft, velvety sands of less-busy northern beaches in Sirinat National Park – Hat Nai Yang is a slice of perfection.

THE BEST

Cultural Experiences

It can be tricky to tear yourself away from lolling on the beach, but discovering southern Thai culture in Phuket can be very rewarding. Explorations begin in Phuket Town, the island’s historic heart.

KEVIN HELLON/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Visit Chinpracha House, a beautifully preserved Sino-Portuguese mansion in Phuket Town that’s a thrill for antique geeks and architecture lovers.

Wander around Phuket’s Old Town and pay a visit to Th Thalang and Soi Romanee, the island’s most architecturally fascinating streets. (pictured)

Take in a muay Thai (Thai boxing) match at Patong Boxing Stadium and see national and international fighters compete.

SUTTIRAT WIRIYANON/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Understand Phuket history at the Thaihua Museum. Once Thailand’s oldest Chinese-language school, the building now hosts local-life multimedia displays. (pictured)

Delve into southern Thai ingredients and recipes with market shopping and a cooking class at the renowned Blue Elephant Cooking School, housed in the gorgeously restored Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion.

THE BEST

Foodie Experiences

Beachside dining, bamboo shacks, heaving markets and sizzling street grills: Phuket is a fantastic food destination, spanning everything from terrific street food to fine dining.

Rawai Seafood Market | ANNASTRELKOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Devour street food across Phuket Town during the Vegetarian Festival (late September/October)...without losing your appetite at the self-mutilation.

Savour the cream of Phuket’s gourmet dining at PRU. This innovative sustainable restaurant holds the island’s only Michelin star.

Enjoy steak and martinis with a side of live jazz at Siam Supper Club.

Taste the local Peranakan cuisine – if you can handle the fiery heat – at Tu Kab Khao, where mèe hokkien (Hokkien noodles) and dim sum await.

Eat your way through the Andaman Sea at Rawai Seafood Market’s stalls. Yums aside, it’s a multisensory experience.

Relish some of the finest Italian cooking you’ll find in Asia at Acqua.

THE BEST

Nightlife Experiences

From dive bars to drag shows and sophisticated beach clubs, Phuket is a party wonderland. The island’s nightlife scene has become more discerning post-pandemic thanks to new venues, underground sounds and a blossoming festival circuit.

Pride event, Phuket Town | ANNASTRELKOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Feel the Ibizan vibes at Café del Mar (pictured). This Hat Kamala hot spot is Phuket’s premier beach club for well-known DJs.

ANNA YORDANOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Whoop it up on the LGBTIQ+ strip of Soi Paradise (pictured), where Cruise Club is a crowd-pleaser for drag cabaret and more.

Spend the day (and part of the night) sipping at Hat Bang Thao’s flashiest beach club, Catch.

Techno-stomp and groove to minimal house at the underground nightclub Shelter (but first, find it ‘hidden’ in Illuzion).

ELIAS BITAR/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Catch a rocky sunset with a reggae soundtrack at Ska Bar, one of Hat Kata’s premier beach bars.

March, parade and party around Patong, and the rest of Phuket, for the annual LGBTIQ+ extravaganza of Phuket Pride (early June).

THE BEST

Wellness Experiences

Once you’re done sun-soaking, diving and partying, Phuket offers some fabulously healthy activities and spa pampering. Prepare to soak it up and sweat it out all across the island.

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary | AVANT VISUAL/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Splurge on the ultimate of all of spa splurges: the ‘Royal Trisara Six Hand Massage’ at Jara Spa.

Try the economical but blissful four-hand massage at Let’s Relax.

Top off the perfect relaxing day on Hat Bang Thao with a muscle-pounding massage at Thai Carnation.

Indulge in a pampering treatment (or two) at Moontree Elemental Spa, followed by a meal at Hern.

Train in Mysore Ashtanga yoga at Ganesha Yoga Shala, then relax on Hat Friendship.

Energise yourself with a detox retreat at Atsumi with all the fixings.

Best for Kids

Feed, watch and walk through the jungle with rescued pachyderms at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. It’s a rare, rave-worthy example of responsible, ethical wildlife tourism.

Say hello to swinging gibbons at the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. The refuge helps formerly captive gibbons prepare to re-enter the wild.

Gaze around with wide-eyed wonder around Phuket Aquarium’s fish tanks. Plentiful underwater surprises include tiger-striped catfish, reef sharks and a 600V electric eel.

Take a jaunt around Boat Avenue Night Market on Fridays. It’s delightfully family-friendly, with a laid-back atmosphere perfect for bouncy little ones.

Hang ten at Hat Patong’s Surf House. These artificial waves are prime for youngsters to safely tumble and splash.

Best for Free

Explore the long-established mosque of Masjid Mukaram Bang Thao, which provides unique insight into Phuket’s Muslim history. Afterwards, grab some tasty halal food from the street carts outside.

Stroll around the Lard Yai Sunday Night Market in Phuket Town. The sights, smells and sounds are captivating and free of charge, though spending sprees are tempting.

Walk along Soi Romanee for a feast for the eyes. Here you’ll find some of Phuket Town’s most bright, elaborate and well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Catch the sunrise over the glittering seafront temple of Wat Nai Harn and watch as the monks chant their morning scripture.

Catch a breath of relaxation at Wat Suwan Khiri Wong. The temple’s fresh market (mornings only) shows a quainter side of Patong.

Perfect Days

Phuket’s beaches and attractions are known to be spread out. Since island traffic often makes distances feel even greater, a little planning goes a long way towards flawless coastal tripping.

Wat Nai Harn | PARILOV/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

DAY ONE

Only Have One Day?

Morning

Wander around Th Thalang and Soi Romanee (pictured) in the heart of Phuket Town. Here you’ll find the best of the Old Town: Sino-Portuguese shop houses and ancient Chinese shrines. Grab traditional Thai for lunch at Tu Kab Khao.

Afternoon

A trip to Phuket isn’t complete without a Laem Phromthep sunset. Before that, explore the cape’s stunning monastery and lighthouse.

Evening

Tiger prawn, crab, snapper, oh my – at Rawai Seafood Market, take in the incredible sights and smells, then choose a catch of the day to call your own.

LOVESEEN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

DAY TWO

A Weekend Trip

Morning

Enjoy a healthy morning swim on Hat Nai Harn (the favourite beach for many locals), then discover the seafront temple and Buddhist monastery of Wat Nai Harn.

Afternoon

Spend time with rescued wildlife at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Project – both are recommended ethical animal encounters and combine well with the Nam Tok Bang Pae (pictured) waterfall.

Evening

Take your pick of late-night west-coast entertainment: eating at Boat Avenue Night Market, partying at Hat Bang Thao’s Catch Beach Club or techno raving at Shelter.

RAVENASH/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

DAY THREE

A Short Break

Morning

Grab a gorgeous brunch around Hat Kamala (pictured) – there are plentiful options but Black House Cafe and Sync Coffee Bar & Roastery are favourites. Stroll the beach and take photos (on the northern end, there’s a cute swing).

Afternoon

Head to Cherngtalay for a shopping trip around Boat Avenue, then indulge in a massage at Thai Carnation.

Evening

Treat yourself to a fine-dining dinner in Cherngtalay or at one of Hat Bang Thao’s chic beach clubs like Xana (book ahead). On Mondays, there’s live jazz at Siam Supper Club, and Fridays see the Boat Avenue Night Market.

AUSTIN BUSH/LONELY PLANET ©

If You Have More Time

Diving is Phuket’s star water activity, with good reason – some of Thailand’s finest dive sites are found off the island’s shoreline. Ko Phi-Phi and the Similan Islands are flexible choices for single-day or longer diving excursions.

Active outdoor adventure doesn’t end there…consider Ao Phang-Nga National Park for sea kayaking with John Gray’s Seacanoe, try kitesurfing off Rawai with Kiteboarding Asia, or embark on snorkelling trips to the Similans with Sea Fun Divers.

Phuket is also home to fabulous cooking schools, including the famous Blue Elephant and Pum Thai cooking schools.

Venture to Phuket’s more remote areas and be rewarded with incredible natural landscapes: to the south, two capes, Laem Phanwa and Laem Phromthep, and to the north, the beautiful beaches of Sirinat National Park.

Monkey beach, Ko Phi-Phi | NATHAPON-EX/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

A City Day Trip

East-coast Phuket Town is rich with cultural history and cool industrial-chic hangouts. Find breakfast and gourmet coffee at Shelter Coffee or Bookhemian before meandering around the Sino-Portuguese Old Town, including pastel-tastic Soi Romanee.

Grab a quick shop house lunch: there’s so much to try, but Roti Thaew Nam is a gem. Take in the Phuket Thaihua Museum to read up on local history, or visit the beautifully preserved Chinpracha House.

Shop and dine your heart out at one of Phuket Town’s many night markets, with Lard Yai Sunday Night Market (pictured) the absolute standout.

ADISA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

On a Rainy Day

There’s no better way to escape tropical showers than with some spa time. Combine a treatment (or two) at the exquisite Moontree Elemental Spa with breakfast or lunch at Hern (both located in the same resort).

The nearby Jungceylon (pictured) mall is stacked with shopping (Thai and international brands), casual dining and beauty salons, and has a cinema. Check in at Pum Thai Cooking School about dropping into a class at short notice.

Catch a muay Thai (Thai boxing) match at Patong Boxing Stadium or a drag show on Soi Paradise.

ASSA2215/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Get Prepared

BOOK AHEAD

Three months before Book smaller boutique hotels, especially in high season (November to January).

One month before Purchase tickets on regional/budget airlines; apply for a tourist visa in your home country (if staying in Thailand over 30 days).

One week before Book tickets for activities, and reserve tables at must-visit bars and restaurants (particularly for peak timings like sunset).

Manners Matter

Thai cultural etiquette centres on respect. For the most part, local social conventions are common sense – like giving monks and the elderly right of way – but some Buddhist taboos may be new territory, such as touching a child’s head or pointing one’s feet at people or holy items. Thais are generally understanding and hospitable, preferring to smile and be civil, even in disagreements. Don’t raise your voice or gesture angrily.

Temple Etiquette

Temples are symbols of both royalty and religion, two fundamental elements of Thai society, so visit respectfully. That means no posing for photos with your head positioned above Buddha statues or in the place where a statue’s head used to be. Unless it’s abundantly clear that you are permitted to ascend a stupa, do not climb onto structures. Modest dress (clothing that covers knees and elbows) is a must.

Things to Know

Cash is king Always have some baht on hand, especially smaller bills for vendor buys. High-end establishments will accept credit and some debit cards.

Free wi-fi High-speed connectivity is nearly universal across Phuket’s accommodation, restaurants and even some spas – just ask.

Haggling Street vendors selling items like clothes (but not food) are always up for negotiating. Always let them make the first offer and do your best to get that down by half.

Responsible travel On average, Phuket generates some 850 tonnes of garbage every day. Do your part by using a tote bag to avoid collecting excess plastic bags and avoid using plastic bottles where possible. When swimming, diving or snorkelling, do not touch or walk on coral.

TIPPING

Tipping is generally not expected in Thailand, though always appreciated. Check bills at sit-down restaurants, as an added 10% gratuity is quite standard.

DAILY BUDGET

BUDGET: Less than 2000B

• Dorm bed/basic guesthouse room: 300–700B

• Street-stall meals: 60–150B

• Visiting temples: free

• Motorbike rental: 250B/day

MIDRANGE: 2000–4000B

• Flashpacker guesthouse or midrange hotel room: 1200–3000B

• Sit-down restaurant meals: 500–1000B

• Thai cooking class: from 2500B

• Massage at a midrange parlour: 600B

• Diving trip: from 3800B

TOP END: More than 4000B

• Luxury hotel room: 10,000B

• Fine-dining meals: 2000–4000B

• Full-day car hire with driver: 2500B

• Massage at a luxury spa: 3500B

Currency

Thai baht (B)

Language

Thai

Time zone

Indochina Time (UTC/GMT plus seven hours)

EKKYS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

TIP

Despite crackdowns on Phuket’s ‘taxi mafia’, taxis remain seriously overpriced. Ride sharing apps such as Grab (grab.com) and Bolt (bolt.eu) are handy on the island for transparent (though not always cheaper) pricing.

When To Go

Phuket welcomes some 10 million visitors annually, mostly during high season. That said, Thailand’s largest island also offers good reasons for travelling in the shoulder and low seasons.

The main tourist season (December to February) brings the holiday masses, but also blue skies and calm seas that sparkle after the low season (May to October). Consider visiting in the shoulder seasons (November and March to April) when the weather is a good bet (with average temperatures of 31°C). There are still some crowds at this time, but without the high-season frenzy and peak accommodation rates. During Phuket’s monsoon period, there’s still some sun, and rough seas make for great surfing, but there can be serious flooding. Accommodation rates are significantly lower.

The Big Events

January/February: The island’s large Thai–Chinese population, as well as pilgrims from Phang-Nga, Takua Pa and Krabi, celebrate Chinese New Year with fervour. Revellers take to the streets and to Chinese shrines for prayers and a traditional procession.

April: The Buddhist tradition of Songkran, essentially Thai New Year, is an island-wide water-fight taking place over a three-day public holiday. Thais from neighbouring provinces bring buckets and water guns for soggy fun around Patong and Phuket Town.

June: Drawing around 100,000 visitors annually, Phuket Pride is, well, the pride of Southeast Asia. The island bursts with a week-long programme of events, from the ‘Grand Parade’ to a beach volleyball tournament and beauty pageants.

September/October: Expect deafening popping sounds, grey-brown smoke and people with their cheeks pierced with skewers and branches. The Vegetarian Festival, a culmination of spiritually charged gore and well-priced vegetarian food stalls, is one of Phuket’s most important celebrations. It mainly takes place around Phuket Town.

Pride Parade, Phuket Town | ROMAN ZAIETS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Phuket Weather

Electronic Music Festivals

January: Ibiza’s iconic Circoloco nights make an exciting appearance in Phuket for the Circoloco Thailand (circolocoibiza.com) festival. Taking place on Natai Beach, the biggest names in electronic music perform on massive stages set between the mangroves.

January: EDM festival Electric Daisy Carnival (thailand.electricdaisycarnival.com), straight out of Las Vegas, also makes its Thailand debut in 2025 on Boat Avenue.

February: Bangkok-born festival series Kolour (kolour.net) packs several high-season weekends with high-profile house and techno artists. Performances go down in the heart of the island at venues such as Café del Mar.

February: In the same month, the trance-music festival UnKonscious (unkonsciousfestival.com) takes over beach bars and clubs, with parties at pools and on boats.

ACCOMMODATION LOWDOWN

The best-value guesthouses, hostels and boutique hotels are in Phuket Town. Kata, Karon and Kamala have good midrange options. Most travellers find staying in Patong to be overbearing, though there are some exceptions. Far north and south, you’ll find luxury resorts.

Getting There

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the island’s main gateway – either direct from abroad or with a layover in Bangkok. Arriving via ground transport and ferry is another option if you’re already in the region.

From the Airport to the City Centre

By Taxi

The most convenient (and expensive) way to leave the airport is by taxi. Metered taxis wait just outside international arrivals. It shouldn’t cost over 700B to get anywhere on Phuket. Set rates are 50B for the first 2km, 12B per kilometre for the next 15km and 10B per kilometre thereafter, plus a 100B ‘airport tax’.

By Bus

Find the sky-blue Phuket Smart Bus (phuketsmartbus.com) parked outside the arrivals terminal. It leaves the airport at least every hour from 8am to 11.30pm daily (in the afternoon, every half-hour). It travels to stops along the west-coast beaches, ending with Rawai (100B one way). How long it takes to get to your stop depends on where other travellers are getting off; sometimes the bus leaves a little late to fill all the seats. After getting dropped off, expect to walk with your luggage to your destination.

By Ride-sharing

Ride-sharing apps such as Grab (grab.com) and Bolt (bolt.eu) offer transparent pricing, though they’re not necessarily cheaper than metered taxis. Grab has an official pick-up zone outside arrivals (follow the signs), while with Bolt, you’ll need to set a pick-up point on Rte 4031 – the main road outside the airport.

Other Points of Entry

Ferry

Phuket’s Tha Rassada, 3km southeast of Phuket Town, is the main pier for ferries and speedboats to/from Ko Phi-Phi, Krabi, Ao Nang, Ko Lanta, the Trang Islands, Ko Lipe, and Pulau Langkawi in Malaysia. Phuket’s second pier, Tha Bang Rong, is the pier for ferries and speedboats to/from southern Thailand destinations (Phang-Nga and Krabi).

Ground Transport

Buses from Bangkok, Chiang Mai and other destinations arrive to Phuket Bus Terminal 2, 4km north of Phuket Town. Shared minivans from southern Thailand arrive to Phuket Town’s Bus Terminal 1.

Getting Around

As big and busy as Phuket is, the island way of life here still reigns supreme. Public transport is slow and, at times, unreliable; the best way of getting around continues to be your own two wheels. If not, ridesharing apps are the next best thing and a stress-free alternative to local taxis.

Taxis

Despite crackdowns on Phuket’s ‘taxi mafia’ by the Thai military, taxis remain seriously overpriced across the island. A 15-minute journey from, say, Hat Karon to Hat Patong will set you back 400B. Price boards around the island outline maximum journey rates, though drivers rarely budge from them.

It can be a good idea to jot down the WhatsApp of a reliable metered taxi driver (or at least, a driver who will work on close to metered rates) and use the same driver throughout your stay. Score a recommendation from your accommodation, or perhaps your last Grab or Bolt driver might even give you their phone number to give you lifts off the app.

Set taxi rates on Phuket are 50B for the first 2km, 12B per kilometre for the next 15km and 10B per kilometre thereafter, plus a 100B ‘airport tax’.

ELENA_ALEX_FERNS/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Rideshares

The popular Grab ridesharing app (grab.com) and its newer competitor, Bolt (bolt.eu) are very handy on Phuket if you don’t have your own wheels.

Taxis booked via both apps use meters and add a small pick-up charge, though they aren’t always cheaper than taxis hailed on the street. Where they are helpful, though, is the straightforwardness and convenience of booking door-to-door pick-up/drop-off for a fixed price (as opposed to risking running meters during traffic jams).

Sometimes there’s also the option of booking different kinds of vehicles, including motorsai (motorcycle taxis) and vans for bigger groups.

NITCHAKUL SANGPETCHARAKUN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

ESSENTIAL APP

Download the Grab app to book rides anywhere on the island.

Motorbike & Car Rentals

Renting your own car or motorbike is reliable and cost-effective – especially for taking multiple journeys in a day.

Motorbike hire costs around 200B to 300B per day across the island. It’s possible to rent for a single day, but it’s easier to negotiate a discount for longer durations.

You can rent cars pretty much anywhere – including at the airport – from around 1000B per day.

Be aware that police roadblocks/checkpoints are regularly enforced around the island and can pop up rather spontaneously.

Always wear a helmet and carry your international driving licence to avoid being fined.

Take extra caution when driving at night. Phuket’s roads can be winding and hilly, and stray dogs and wild animals can run across the roads.

Motorbikes, Hat Nai Harn | ALEKSANDR KONDRATOV/GETTY IMAGES ©

Public Transport Essentials

Public transport in Phuket tends to be limited except for the slow but inexpensive sŏrng·tăa·ou (pick-up minibus) service between Phuket Town and the beaches.

EO NAYA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

TRAVEL COSTS

Motorbike rental per day

200–300B

Car rental per day

1000B

Grab ride from Phuket Airport to Hat Kamala

700B

Metered taxi from Phuket Airport to Hat Kamala

450B

TRAFFIC JAMS

Phuket’s traffic can be frustrating: allow extra time for stop-checks and congestion when driving.

A Few Surprises

Phuket’s a busy holiday destination due to its numerous golden beaches. Thankfully, uncovering these gems won’t require you to dig very deep.

Take-Home Treasures

Beyond the beach-chic boutiques and souvenir shops, Phuket is a powerhouse for unique shopping. Phuket Town is packed with intriguing antiques, plus fashion shops flaunting artisan-made goods – vintage gems, colourful local textiles and silken accessories. Check out Ranida, a vision of women’s organic high fashion, inspired by traditional Thai garmentry.

Meanwhile, the island is also a haven for locally made wellness products: suss out Lemongrass House, a spa and skincare chain that sells oils and scrubs; there are several locations. Also keep an eye out for local markets that offer good bang for your baht.

Galleries Galore

Phuket is full of enticing galleries, strengthening the association between sabai sabai (‘take it easy’) island life and creative energy. Stumble upon them in Phuket Town, and don’t miss Drawing Room’s masterpieces, which range from abstract art to graffiti sprays. Many galleries also moonlight as cafes and shops, such as Art Space Cafe & Gallery, where canvases mingle with mixology, veggie food and live music.

If you only have time for one gallery stop, make it Phuket Art Village in Rawai. This boho-arts commune comprises galleries helmed by Thai artists.

East Coast Wonders

Escape the crowds and soak up real tranquillity – once you’ve left the developed west coast, you’ll find the island’s other side is a haven of rustic, earlier times. Make your way to Laem Phanwa. Some say the jungle-cloaked cape is the final vestige of Phuket as it once was.

OFFBEAT PHUKET TOWN

Stop by the Phuket Philatelic Museum, exhibiting mail paraphernalia inside a former post office.

Witness self-wounding acts during the Vegetarian Festival in late September or early October.

Try a unique dish, bai liang pad kai (stir-fried malindjo leaves with eggs), at Nam Yoi Restaurant.

Savour gourmet sorbets in unusual flavours at Torry’s Ice Cream Boutique.

Lemongrass House | KEVIN HELLON/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Phuket Philatelic Museum | NIRADJ/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Explore Phuket

Phuket Town

Hat Patong

Hat Karon

Hat Kata

Rawai

Hat Kamala

Hat Surin

Ao Bang Thao & Cherngtalay

Northeastern Phuket

Northern Beaches

Worth a Trip

Laem Phanwa

Ao Phang-Nga

Ko Phi-Phi

Krabi

Khao Lak

Similan & Surin Islands

Phuket’s Walking Tours

Walk Phuket’s Old Town

Walk Patong’s Nightlife Spots

Walk Hat Kata

Lard Yai Sunday Night Market | KITZCORNER/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Explore

Phuket Town

A melting pot of cultural influences – from Chinese to Portuguese to Thai – Phuket’s Old Town is not only a testament to the island’s history, but also its heart. Thanks to an influx of Portuguese settlers in the early 1500s and Chinese immigrants over the centuries, the old town is colourful and diverse. Restored, century-old hôrng tăa·ou (shop houses) stand amid distinctive Sino-Portuguese buildings, and vibrant street art decorates each street, where you’ll also find cool new cafes, eateries and bars. With its own lively spirit and vibe, Phuket Town stands as a deeply rich and refreshing contrast to the island’s beaches, its essence alive with layers of culture and history.

See for eating, drinking and shopping listings

Standard Chartered Bank | F16-ISO100/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

icon-walkjpg Walking

One of the few walkable neighbourhoods in Phuket, the central Old Town is best explored on foot, making for easy stopping at the sites along the way.

icon-bike1jpg Motorbike

Breeze through rush-hour congestion on a bike; always remember to wear a helmet.

icon-busjpg Bus

Sŏrng·tăa·ou (bus-sized pick-up trucks) run daily through the town and are a cost-efficient way to get around.

icon-car-rentaljpg Cars

Definitely the most comfortable option, cars are a lifesaver on hot summer days, but they will get caught in Phuket’s traffic.

THE BEST

THAI RESTAURANT Tu Kab Khao

STREET ARCHITECTURE Soi Romanee

COOKING SCHOOL Blue Elephant Cooking School

FITNESS STREET Soi Taied

OUTDOOR MARKET Lard Yai Sunday Night Market

WALKING TOUR

Walk Phuket’s Old Town

A world away from its glittering beaches, Phuket’s historic core provides glimpses into its complex history. From 19th-century architectural legacies to Phuket’s best cooking school, as well as some grand mansions and old shop houses, this walking tour takes you through the Old Town and into the past.

START

Phuket Thaihua Museum

END

Memory at On Hotel

LENGTH

2.5km; two hours

1 Phuket’s Chinese History

Begin at the Phuket Thaihua Museum (phuketthaihuamuseum.com; adult/child 200B/120B). Built in 1934, this two-storey museum was the first Hokkien Chinese language school in Phuket. Nowadays, it features galleries detailing the history of Chinese people in Phuket.

2 Renowned Cooking School

Head west from the museum along Th Krabi to an immaculately restored mansion now home to the Blue Elephant Cooking School, one of Phuket’s most famous Thai cooking schools.

3 Preserved Mansion

Right next door, a beautiful muralled alley leads to the Sino-Portuguese Chinpracha House (adult 150B). Built in 1903 on tin-mining wealth, it’s now a private home and museum that’s a dream for all lovers of architecture and antiques. The house is still owned by the sixth-generation descendants of the original owner.

4 Ancient Buildings

Stroll north along Th Satun and turn right (east) to reach brightly painted Th Dibuk, a lively street with historic buildings built in Sino-Portuguese style.

5 Picturesque Streets

Head right (south) on Th Yaowarat next to the mural of Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej; 1946–2016), and then left (east) on historic Th Thalang. Just off Th Thalang is Soi Romanee, home to vividly restored Sino-Portuguese shop houses.

6 Old Post Office

Continue east on Th Thalang and take a right on Th Montri to the Phuket Philatelic Museum (free entry; closed Mondays), once the island’s original post office and, since 1994, home to a collection of stamps, postal equipment and a vintage post-office counter.

7 Festival Spot

Loop west on Th Phang-Nga to the next stop: the yellow-washed Standard Chartered Bank building, located on the corner of a picturesque intersection. This was Thailand’s first local bank. The street is also the site of various festivals, including Chinese New Year.

8 Phuket’s First Hotel

Head further west on Th Phang-Nga, passing restaurants within old shop houses, to the smartly revamped Memory at On Hotel (thememoryhotel.com), famously featured as the backpacker dive in the Leonardo DiCaprio film The Beach (2000).

1Top Experiences

 Lard Yai Sunday Night MarketE2

 Th ThalangE2

 Soi RomaneeD2

1Experiences

1Phuket Indy Night MarketG1

2Chillva MarketC1

3Naka Weekend MarketA5

4Blue Elephant Cooking SchoolA2

5Soi TaiedA6

6Tiger Muay ThaiA6

7Vegetarian FestivalC4

5Eating

8Roti Thaew NamH2

9Chuan ChimH4

10Kota Khao Mun KaiH6

11Tu Kab KhaoC3

12Nam Yoi RestaurantH1

13RayaF1

14Restaurant RoydB1

15Edo YakinikuA3

16Torry’s Ice Cream BoutiqueE2

17Tian Tian Phuket Dessert CafeC3

18ROOF Pudding and CaféC3

6Drinking

19Dibuk HouseC1

20Club No 43C3

21BRIQ BarD3

22Cue BarG6

23BookhemianD2

24Shelter CoffeeB1

7Shopping

25RanidaE2

26Drawing RoomE3

27Art Room PhuketC3

28Nguan Choon TongC3

TOP EXPERIENCE

Th Thalang & Soi Romanee

The heart of the Old Town, Th Thalang and Soi Romanee feature some of the most beautiful examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture in Phuket, with restored shop houses now home to quaint cafes and boutique shops. Colourfully painted with ornate balconies and balustrades, the buildings are a blend of Chinese design and Portuguese construction.

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PLANNING TIP

The Old Town is becoming increasingly popular with visitors. Visit first thing in the morning or late at night to avoid the crowds, especially during high season.

History

One of the oldest streets on the island, Th Thalang was the main street of Phuket’s Old Town back in the late 19th century during the tin-mining era. Running perpendicular to Th Thalang is Soi Romanee.

Once the town’s red-light district, it was lined with brothels, opium dens and entertainment venues that served the labourers who came to work in the tin mines.

Photography

The picturesque Sino-Portuguese buildings that line Th Thalang make it an incredibly popular spot for photography. Meanwhile, Soi Romanee is an Instagrammer’s dream, with pink-washed cafes and plants draped over balustrades and balconies.

Sunday Market

If crowds are your thing, visit Th Thalang on Sunday for the Lard Yai Sunday Night Market. It’s one of the island’s most popular attractions and features hundreds of vendors selling spectacular food, as well as plenty of curiosities.

Cafes & Ice Cream

A visit to Soi Romanee would not be complete without some ice cream from Torry’s Ice Cream Boutique (pictured). With flavours like butterfly pea, goat milk and black sticky rice, Torry’s has become a household name. Expect long lines.

COFFEE BREAK

Stop for your daily dose of caffeine at Dou Brew Coffee & Craft, right on Soi Romanee. Their coffee is sublime, and the revolving dessert options worth the trip.

TOP EXPERIENCE

Lard Yai Sunday Night Market

Known as ‘Lard Yai’ by locals, the Lard Yai Sunday Night Market (or the Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market) is a lively, bustling market, and a true sensory experience. Undoubtedly the most popular attraction in Phuket Town, it takes place on Th Thalang each Sunday.

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NIRADJ/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TRIP

With Th Thalang closed to traffic, parking can be a nightmare. Walk to the market, or hail a Grab motorbike or taxi that can drop you off nearby.

When To Go

As the sky darkens, the street comes alive as a 400m stretch of Th Thalang shuts down to accommodate the countless vendors.

While the market technically starts at 4pm, things start to get livelier around 6pm. We recommend getting there before 7pm to avoid large crowds.

Eating

While there are plenty of shopping stalls, most people come to Lard Yai to eat. Expect street food running the gamut of gastronomy, from delectable Thai classics to Western bites.

The stars of the show? Typical market specialities like mŏo-ping (charcoal-grilled pork skewers) with sticky rice, Thai omelette served over rice or your classic pàt tai (Thai-style stir-fried noodles).

Feeling adventurous? Try some southern Thai food such as gaang sôm – a sour, orange-coloured curry often made with fish.

Money & Haggling

Few vendors accept credit cards. Bring smaller denominations of cash, or if you happen to have access to a Thai bank account, e-banking is the way to go.

Haggling to about 75% of the price is expected. Many of the vendors are family-run businesses.

PARKING

If you’re set on driving yourself, lucky visitors can find parking on the street, or at nearby Wat Mongkon Minit temple for 20B.

EXPERIENCES

Taste Phuketian CuisineFood

Estimates suggest that more than half of Phuket’s population comes from Peranakan ancestry – descendants from the first waves of Southern Chinese immigrants to Southeast Asia. This rich heritage shines through in the local cuisine, which has its own distinctive flavours and specialities. Look for mèe hokkien (Hokkien egg noodles), dim sum (small plates of Chinese dishes traditionally enjoyed at brunch), and typical fusion dishes like lobha (pork cheek and offal), mŏo hong (pepper-and-garlic braised pork) and gang pôo (crab-meat curry). Head to the popular Tu Kab Khao for a crash-course and a sit-down meal.

Shop at Local MarketsShopping

Phuket has countless markets. From the classic Lard Yai Sunday Night Market and the Phuket Indy Night Market map Google map (4-10pm Wed-Fri) in town to Chillva Market map (5-11pm Thu-Sat) and Naka Weekend Market map (4-9pm Sat & Sun) outside of town, there are plenty of choices. Hit up Lard Yai first in the historic part of Phuket Town (you can shop here, but many come for the experience alone; it’s the most popular attraction in the city, and a classic for a reason!) before venturing to try the others.

Chillva has a more local feel and caters to a younger bohemian crowd. Naka is a night bazaar nicknamed Phuket’s Chatuchak. Phuket Indy is a hipster-leaning gathering tucked in a small soi off Dibuk Rd, and a quieter joint in which to buy homemade snacks and souvenirs.

Try Royal Thai CookingCooking school

Taking place in a restored Sino-Portuguese mansion, cooking classes at the Blue Elephant Cooking School map Google map (blueelephant.com) allow you to try the intricate art of royal Thai cooking, a form of cooking originating in the court of Ayutthaya. Classes are half a day (morning or afternoon), with morning sessions including a visit to the local market to pick out ingredients and spices, while afternoon sessions include a dessert. With a revolving menu ranging from classics like lâhp gài (spicy minced chicken salad) to tôm yam gûng (hot and sour soup with prawn) to tôrt man þlah (Pernakan fish cake), expect to learn how to cook roughly five authentic Thai dishes. Classes are conducted in English, Thai and French on request, and start from 2800B per person. Book online.

Peranakan Phuket

Phuket’s tin-mining industry is a central pillar of its history and intricately woven with its history of Chinese and Portuguese immigrants. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Portuguese settlers arrived on the island to establish trade routes throughout the region. The 18th century saw the influx of Hokkien Chinese immigrants, who played a significant role in the boom of tin mining. The relationship between the two cultures led to the creation of a unique Peranakan culture, influencing Phuket’s distinct flavour – from food to art and architecture.

Get Fit at Soi TaiedFitness

For those seeking to train in the legendary art of muay Thai (Thai boxing), look no further than Soi Taied map. Also spelled Soi Ta-ied and Soi Ta-iad and known as Muay Thai Street, Fitness Street or simply ‘The Soi’, this little slice of fitness paradise is located in Chalong, about 8km outside Phuket’s Old Town. Though merely 1.5km in length, it’s bursting with a dizzying array of fitness gyms and workout centres – from those specialising in muay Thai to mixed martial arts and CrossFit, with an accompanying assortment of healthy restaurants and nutritional supplement shops.

Pay a visit during the day, stay overnight at one of the many accommodation options or enroll in a fully fledged fitness camp. Many centres also offer yoga, massages and cold plunges as part of an accommodation package. Some popular spots include Tiger Muay Thai map for Thai boxing and Unit 27 Conditioning for fitness training. Head to The Soi (thesoi.app) for detailed pricing and booking.

Witness the Frenzied Vegetarian FestivalFestival

Deafening sounds fill the streets; thick, grey-brown smoke chokes the air; and people march along, some with their cheeks pierced with skewers, knives and branches, others with blood streaming down their fronts or open wounds across their backs: Welcome to the surreal, overwhelming Vegetarian Festival map Google map.

Taking place every year at the beginning of Taoist Lent – the first nine days of the ninth lunar month of the Chinese calendar (usually late September/early October) – the festival sees devout Chinese people abstain from meat, dairy and alcohol, and you can expect fast-paced daily processions winding through town, with floats of ornately dressed children and gà·teu·i (also spelt kàthoey; Thai transgender women and cross-dressers). There’s also armies of flag-bearing devotees engaged in outrageous acts of self-mutilation. Keep in mind that some elements of the festival may not be suitable for younger children.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

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Eating

Cheap Eats

Roti Thaew Nam $

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Recognised by the Michelin guide, this gem features southern-style Thai food, with crispy roti and decadent curries. Try the massaman beef or chicken, and pair with their iced coffee. 7am-midnight Mon-Sun

Chuan Chim $

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A Michelin Bib Gourmand spot, the hole-in-the-wall Chuan Chim shines with a long list of stir-fries. Try the classic pàd gàprow (stir-fried pork with Thai basil), paired with stir-fried morning glory. 11.30am-1.30pm & 5-10.30pm Mon-Sat

Kota Khao Mun Kai $

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This is the go-to spot for Hainanese chicken and rice. Their chicken is succulent, draped over fragrant rice and topped with spring onions and cucumbers. 6.30am-5pm

Authentic Thai

Tu Kab Khao $ $

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Recognisable from the massive lobster statue clinging to its exterior, this is one of the best restaurants to try traditional Thai dishes for those with stomachs too nervous for street food. 11am-9pm

Nam Yoi Restaurant $ $

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Classic but wonderfully rendered Thai dishes, including great curries and seafood, in an outdoor setting. The bài liǎng pad kài (stir-fried malindjo leaves with eggs) is outstanding. 10.30am-2.30pm & 4.30-7.30pm

Raya $ $

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With a Bib Gourmand rating from the Michelin guide, this restaurant, located inside an old Sino-Portuguese home, has a smorgasbord of Thai dishes, including spicy Phuket prawns. 10am-10pm

Upmarket Spots

Restaurant Royd $ $ $

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Think innovative twists on southern Thai cuisine at this upmarket restaurant. Highlights include Phuket abalone and dry-aged giant trevally. It was Michelin guide recognised in 2024. hours vary

Edo Yakiniku $ $ $

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An unassuming front hides a delightful grilled-meat experience, featuring an assortment of premium Wagyu from Japan. Come hungry. 10.30am-10pm

Sweet Treats

Torry’s Ice Cream Boutique $ $

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Phuketians, expats and tourists alike pack into this popular cafe-style parlour on Phuket Town’s most photogenic street for gourmet ice cream. Try the carrot-and-passion-fruit sorbet. 10am-6pm

Tian Tian Phuket Dessert Cafe $ $

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With charming Peranakan decor, this Thai-Chinese dessert shop serves salty-sweet treats, including shaved ice and a popular ‘Thai tea toast’. noon-10pm

ROOF Pudding and Café

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Come for the coffee, stay for the food. Offering fragrant roasted beans paired with easy bites and desserts, this cafe is a modern, easy spot for refreshments. 7.30am-9.30pm

Drinking

Dibuk House

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The tiled floors and flickering candles of this restyled Sino-Portuguese shop house mark out Phuket Town’s most talked-about cocktail bar. It’s a sultry, moody place where waistcoat-clad mixologists prepare potent cocktails. 7.15pm-12.15am

Club No 43

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This red-brick bar is an experimental cocktail lounge. Thai herbs infuse the liquid mixes, including the signature đôm yam-inspired, spiced-vodka-based ‘43 Old Town’, served in a teapot. 6pm-midnight

BRIQ Bar

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Friendly bartenders, live music and an aesthetically pleasing interior make this boutique cocktail bar one of the best in Phuket Town. Try their craft cocktail of the month. 7pm-1am

Cue Bar

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DJ sets, live bands, pool tables and big screens all mingle at this lively, laid-back sports bar. 5pm-midnight Tue-Sun

Coffee Spots

Bookhemian

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Every town should have a coffee house this cool, with a split-level design that makes it both cafe and exhibition space. Used books (for sale) line the front room and bicycles hang from the wall. 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, to 10pm Sat & Sun

Shelter Coffee

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Some of Phuket’s finest coffee is crafted at experimental, award-winning Shelter, whose signature caffeine concoction is a 72-hour cold brew. All the classics are artfully presented. 8am-4pm

Shopping

Galleries

Ranida

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An elegant antiques gallery and boutique featuring Buddha statues, organic textiles, and exquisite women’s clothing inspired by vintage Thai garments. 11am-9pm

Drawing Room

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With a street-art vibe reminiscent of pre-boom Brooklyn, this wide-open cooperative is the standout gallery in a town full of them. 9.30am-6pm

Art Room Phuket

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Dip into a world of bold, locally inspired abstract oil canvases that throw light on contentious topics. 10am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am to 10pm Sat & Sun

Local Gems

Nguan Choon Tong

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You can’t miss the aromas of Phuket’s oldest herb shop – a third-generation family business. Stop here to stock up on Chinese herbal remedies. 8am-6pm Mon-Sat, to 11am Sun

WORTH A TRIP

Laem Phanwa

A little over 10km from Phuket Town, Laem Phanwa (aka Cape Phanwa) is an elongated, jungle-cloaked cape jutting into the sea. From long walks on the beach to swimming in calm waters, the cape is a quiet respite from the throngs of tourism. Some say this is the very last vestige of Phuket as it once was.

PLANNING TIP

Laem Phanwa is where you go to escape the rest of Phuket, so don’t expect a huge amount of bars or nightlife. While there are a few restaurants, these are mostly formal spots, and street food is limited.

Rustic Beaches

On either side of the harbour, the beaches and coves remain rustic, protected by rocky headlands and mangroves and reached by a leafy, sinuous coastal road. The biggest bloom of development is near the Laem Panwa Pier at the cape’s tip. Those looking to swim should head towards the southeasterly tip of the cape, where the sand is gold and soft.

Phuket Aquarium

Going to Laem Phanwa with kids? Get a glimpse of Thailand’s underwater world at Phuket Aquarium (phuketaquarium.org; adult/child 300B/150B), located by the harbour on the tip of Laem Phanwa. It’s not the largest collection of marine life, but there are useful English-language displays and captions. Check out the tiger-striped catfish resembling a marine zebra, the electric eel with a shock of up to 600V and the 80-million-baht multimedia Aqua Dome.

Sunset Spots

Time your visit to Laem Phanwa for late afternoon/evening. With numerous beaches and viewpoints, the cape is a stunning place to catch the blazing sunset. The glamorous Baba Nest (babaphuket.com) bar offers one of the island’s most exquisite sunset spots. Reservations are required, along with a 1500B/3000B minimum spend per hotel guest/non-guest.

GETTING HERE

From Phuket’s Old Town, head south along Phuket Rd before taking a right on Thepsrisin Rd and following Sakdidet Rd.

WORTH A TRIP

Ao Phang-Nga

Renowned for its limestone-tower karst islands and home to James Bond Island, Ao Phang-Nga National Park comprises one of Thailand’s most magnificent landscapes. While the bay may be swarming with tour groups year-round, there are still pockets of tranquillity to be discovered.

SERGII FIGURNYI/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

Note that, similar to the Phi-Phi Islands, Ao Phang Nga National Park suffers from overtourism. If visiting, be mindful of your footprint and leave no trace.

Scan this QR code to visit the national park’s website.

The National Park

Famous for its topography of castle-like karst scenery, Ao Phang-Nga’s 400-sq-km marine national park was established in 1981, and protects the largest expanse of native mangrove forest remaining in the country. Massive geological movements created the limestone rocks that extend into Ao Phang-Nga, forming 42 islands marked by sheer towering cliffs and caves opening up hidden hôrng (semi-submerged island lagoons).

The majority of tourists will visit the park via private boat or ferry as part of a pre-organised tour from Krabi or Phuket. Visitors are recommended to book a tour through an operator or agency to explore the islands, with the majority launching from Rassada Pier in Phuket, or various piers in Krabi. The park is open during the high season and closed in the rainy season. Entrance fees cost 300B for adults and 150B for children.

Hong by Starlight

If you’re looking for a quieter experience, try the Hong by Starlight tour, which does a great job of dodging the crowds. Reputable and ecologically sensitive, the tour is offered by John Gray’s Seacanoe, the first kayak outfitter in the bay. Tours cost 3950B and last 10 hours, starting at midday and going into the night. Slip through pitch-black bat caves into secluded hôrng. Along the way you’ll be accompanied by sea eagles, and you may spot monkeys, pythons and monitor lizards. The Starlight tour also offers a sunset dinner and an introduction to Ao Phang-Nga’s celebrated after-dark bioluminescence. Book via their website (johngray-seacanoe.com).

QUICK BREAK

Seated restaurants are somewhat limited in the national park; most tours include a straightforward Thai meal with water and soft drinks.

James Bond Island

One of the national park’s most photographed sites is Ko Khao Phing Kan and Ko Ta Pu, both collectively known as James Bond Island after being featured in The Man with the Golden Gun (1974). While a spectacular sight, the area is commonly overcrowded. Most tours from Phuket will visit first thing in the morning; go in the afternoon to avoid the masses.

Ko Panyi

Hoping to get far from the crowds? The small, much-less-visited karst island of Ko Panyi (also known as Koh Panyee) is home to a Muslim fishing village that is notable for being built on stilts. The village is home to roughly 360 families, all said to have descended from two seafaring Muslim families from Java, Indonesia. Most tours begin in Phuket or Krabi. Spend the night at the James Bond Bungalow Resort for a more peaceful experience.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Phang-Nga’s most popular panorama, Samet Nangshe was once an off-the-beaten-path secret but today is one of the national park’s most popular tourist attractions. Technically on a private land, Samet Nangshe is a superb 800m-high overlook with breathtaking views of Ao Phang-Nga. There are two ways to reach the viewpoint from the car park at the base: you can choose to tackle the challenging 20-minute climb on foot, or catch a ride in the tourist pick-up truck that waits at the bottom. While it’s anything but quiet and peaceful at the top, the views are outstanding.

CAVE PASSAGES

The hôrng cave passages are best visited by kayak, as many low caves require you to lie back on the vessel in order to enter. Go with a local guide (options can be found on site), as many hôrng are only accessible at specific times due to changing sea levels. One of the most popular caves is Lot Cave.

WORTH A TRIP

Ko Phi-Phi

With postcard-perfect beaches and blindingly white sand, the stunning national park islands of Ko Phi-Phi Don and Ko Phi-Phi Leh feel like tropical clichés. Their immense popularity, however, is taking a serious toll on the delicate local environment. Tread lightly.

SIMONIZT/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

The area’s fragile ecosystem and infrastructure are struggling to cope with the endless influx of tourists. Minimise your impact as much as possible: support local, don’t touch the corals and pick up after yourself.

The Islands & Viewpoint

With bleach-blonde beaches, wild jungle and numerous reu·a hăhng yow (long-tail boats) puttering between craggy cliffs that rise from brilliantly turquoise waters, there’s a reason Ko Phi-Phi is so popular. To get the best views of your surroundings, take the tough 20- to 30-minute climb up hundreds of steps and narrow paths from Ton Sai village to the Phi-Phi Viewpoint (pictured), where you’ll be rewarded you with exquisite views of the island’s lush, mountainous brilliance.

Diving & Snorkelling

Ko Phi-Phi’s crystalline waters and abundant marine life make for top-notch scuba diving. Popular dive sites include King Cruiser Wreck, Anemone Reef, Hin Bida Phi-Phi, Ko Bida Nok (which attracts leopard sharks) and Kledkaeo Wreck. There are a number of reliable and responsible dive operators, including Ko Phi-Phi’s Adventure Club (adventureclubthailand.com), which offers a two-dive day trip for 2700B.

Ko Mai Phai, 6km north of Phi-Phi Don, is a popular, shallow snorkelling spot home to small sharks. You’ll find more good snorkelling along the eastern coasts of Ko Nok (near Ao Ton Sai) and Ko Nai, and off Hat Yao beach. Snorkelling trips cost between 600B and 1500B, excluding national-park fees. Many dive schools offer specialised snorkelling tours or tag-along prices for snorkelling.

ENTRY COSTS

Fees for non-Thais are 400B for adults and 200B for children, and an additional 200B for divers.

Ko Phi-Phi Leh & Maya Bay

Ko Phi-Phi Leh has been a popular site since The Beach (2000), featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, was filmed on the beautiful Ao Maya (Maya Bay) on Phi-Phi Leh’s western shoreline, reachable by boat. But the overwhelming mass tourism is devastating the island’s ecosystem: an estimated 80% of Ao Maya’s coral has been destroyed, and Thai authorities closed the bay in 2018 to allow for regeneration. Though the bay has been reopened for short spurts, it was closed once more from 2020 to 2022, and from August to September 2024. Many environmentalists have expressed concerns that the islands’ preservation requires more long-term measures.

QUICK BREAK

Good Time Restaurant on Koh Phi Phi Don serves an easy to eat mix of Western and Thai dishes. For those seeking more local fare, try out Thai Duck Noodle Soup.

Explore

Hat Patong

Patong is Phuket’s most popular beach and by far the island’s most notorious destination. It gets a bad rep for exhibiting some of mass tourism’s most discouraging traits: uncontrolled development, neon-lit go-go bars and hard-hustling vendors. Yet it’s not all bad, and it’s a difficult area to avoid – especially if nightlife, dining out and entertainment is your thing. Thankfully, Patong’s turnoffs ease up during daytime. Along the white-sand beach and magnificent crescent bay, opportunities for diving and spa pampering abound. Some of the island’s best (and most multicultural) gastronomy has also cropped up recently, as well as good art, antique shopping, a hidden beach and Buddhist shrines.

See for eating, drinking and shopping listings

Th Bangla | JIMMONKPHOTOGRAPHY/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

icon-walkjpg Walking

On Patong’s crowded streets, getting around on foot (as opposed to in a taxi) will usually be your best bet.

icon-tuktukjpg Túk-túk

Typically starting at 200B per ride for short rides around the area. A motorsai (motorcycle taxi) will be cheaper (30B to 50B).

icon-bike1jpg Motorbike

Numerous spots in Patong rent motorbikes (250B per day). The mandatory helmet law is strictly enforced here, and police roadblocks/checkpoints can spring up suddenly. Always carry your driving licence with you to avoid being ticketed.

THE BEST

EVENT Phuket Pride

THAI MASSAGE Moontree Elemental Spa

STREET FOOD Patong Food Park

FINE DINING Acqua

TECHNO CLUB Shelter

WALKING TOUR

Walk Patong’s Nightlife Spots

For better or worse, there’s nowhere like Patong’s party circuit. A night on Th Bangla, the island’s notorious ‘bad decisions’ street, can be crass, but it doesn’t represent all Patong nightlife. This weekend walking tour, best kicked off late afternoon to early evening, delves into the divisive area’s nightlife spots.

START

Nicky’s Handlebar

END

Shelter

LENGTH

2.5km; 30 minutes

1 Friendly Biker Bar

Start the evening with a pre-dinner drink at Nicky’s Handlebar. This fun biker pub welcomes all (Harley fans or no) for cosy vibes and attentive service (which in Patong can be rare). Once a little divey, Nicky’s has never looked better. There are beers, classic cocktails and, if you’re already hungry, what is allegedly Thailand’s spiciest burger.

2 Satisfying Bites

A bar crawl on an empty stomach is poor news, so fuel up at Patong Food Park. At this outdoor market, pick up some Thai bites and cold mini-mart beers to enjoy on the beach. Alternatively, there are a couple of good restaurants nearby – Georgia Restaurant, Il Pomodoro and Naughty Nuri’s – if you’d rather a casual sit-down meal.

3 Beach Club Cocktails

Stroll along the beach until you reach the boho-chic surrounds of Kudo Beach Club (kudohotel.com). The vibe is usually laid-back around early evening (dinner guests, maybe some light dance-floor action). Grab a cocktail and ease into the evening at the bar or with toes in the pool; the espresso martinis are divine.

4 Notorious Walking Street

Find out what Th Bangla’s bad reputation is about. Go-go bars, ear-ringing music, drunken stags – alas, this recipe for disaster is what many dislike about Phuket. Hit up a random bar for ‘been there, done that’ points – Aussie Bar is the tamest option. Not down for Bangla? Head back to Th Sawatdirak and continue from there.

5 LGBTIQ+ Nightlife

Make your way to Soi Paradise, Phuket’s premier gay walking street. Its sprawling Royal Paradise Complex packs a row of bars bursting with performances and themed nights. Cruise Club, a Paradise newcomer, has earned a hot-and-heavy local audience for its drag shows. If full, you can try Zag Club (a long-standing favourite for cabaret).

6 Underground Techno

If you’re still up for more, enter the megaclub Illuzion back on Th Bangla. Hidden behind the main stage, find the teensy (by Phuket standards) techno haven Shelter for alternative beats, expert sound monitoring and intimate vibes. (Check Shelter’s Instagram; weekend openings can vary.)

1Top Experiences

 Phuket PrideC4

1Experiences

1Hat PatongA5

2Hat FreedomA6

3Good Luck ShrineB1

4Pum Thai Cooking SchoolD6

5Patong Boxing StadiumD4

6Let’s RelaxC5

7AcquaB1

8Wat Suwan Khiri WongD2

9Moontree Elemental SpaA6

10Phuket Simon CabaretB6

11Tawan GalleryC4

12Nicky’s HandlebarC3

13Sea Fun DiversC4

14Patong Food ParkC3

15Surf HouseB4

16Baan Thai AntiquesA6

17Cruise ClubC4

18Soi ParadiseC4

19ShelterB5

20Naughty Nuri’sC4

21Georgia RestaurantC4

5Eating

22Hern Coffee and BistroA6

23EllaA5

24La GrittaA6

25Il PomodoroB3

26Baan Rim PaB1

27Kaab GluayD2

28OrchidsA6

29Ta KhaiA6

30No 9 2nd RestaurantC2

31KasbahB6

6Drinking

32IlluzionB5

33Kudo Beach ClubB4

34Fuga Beach ClubB1

35Aussie BarB5

36Molly’s TavernA5

7Shopping

37JungceylonB5

38Central PatongB5

TOP EXPERIENCE

Phuket Pride

Phuket’s Pride celebration, drawing 100,000 visitors annually, is regarded as among the best in the region. With Thailand gearing up for a historic bid to host WorldPride in 2030, Phuket’s islanders are poised to party with even more gusto.

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PLANNING TIP

The official Phuket Pride events take place during June, though many smaller parties and celebrations also happen in the following weeks.

Phuket’s Pride & Joy

Although Bangkok and Pattaya host big LGBTIQ+ parties, Phuket Pride is widely considered the best in Thailand, possibly even in Southeast Asia. During Pride month (June), Patong becomes a hot spot for LGBTIQ+ folks and allies from around the world.

Coastal Fun

Pride’s highlight is the ‘Grand Parade’, when over 100,000 revellers descend onto Patong’s streets. It’s a celebration defined by the island’s sunny, laid-back demeanour – colourful floats, fabulous costumes and good cheer. Other highlights include the ‘Phuket Pride Open’, a huge beach-volleyball tournament on Hat Patong, as well as drag and transgender beauty pageants. There are also cruises to nearby islands (mostly catering to a cisgender male audience) and club nights at the Royal Paradise Complex on Soi Paradise (Phuket’s main LGBTIQ+ area).

More Reason to Celebrate

Notably, Phuket’s annual Pride is a collaboration headed by local authorities. In some ways, this is highly progressive considering homosexuality is criminalised throughout Southeast Asia. With same-sex marriage becoming legal in January 2025, as well as a government bid to host WorldPride in Bangkok in 2030, Phuket Pride is primed to become even more fierce in the future.

PRIDE HOT SPOT

Soi Paradise

EXPERIENCES

Relax on Hat Patongbeach

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The island’s most popular beach, Hat Patong may not be untouched, but it still has its perks. Stretching for almost 3km, there’s usually a patch of white sand to call your own – not to mention plenty of people-watching. Camp out on a sun lounger under an umbrella. Every water activity under the sun is also on offer here; look out for stands renting out snorkelling (200B/day) and stand-up paddleboarding equipment (400B/hour).

Escape to a Secluded Beachbeach

If Hat Patong is getting to you, escape to this more peaceful slice of golden sand and clear aqua water. Hat Freedom map Google map is south around the headland from Hat Patong, just a 15-minute drive or a 1000B to 1500B (return) long-tail boat ride.

You can also get here via a challenging walk from the parking area 900m south of the Avista Hideaway Resort, beyond the southern end of Patong (though the path isn’t always open). There is a charge of 100B per person to cross the private land to the beach; motorbike parking is an extra 100B.

Pray to a Buddhist DeityShrine

Find the Good Luck Shrine map Google map, a beautiful, golden statue of a Bodhisattva (a deity who achieved enlightenment but delayed entry to paradise to help the earthbound) that brings unexpected good blessings to the centre of a traffic circle.

The statue is adorned with ribbons. Its guards, a pair of carved elephants, are decked out with flowers, incense, candles and other offerings. Given the seaside backdrop, this is a pleasant spot to connect with the divine or simply make a wish and savour the sound of…passing cars. After all, a Buddhist shrine in busy, commercial surrounds – that’s modern Thailand in a nutshell.

Improve your Wok Skills at Pum ThaiCooking school

Pum Thai Cooking School map Google map (pumthaifoodchain.co.th) is a well-known restaurant and cookery school with branches across Thailand, France and the UK. Their cooking classes are flexible, with daily options and the chance for shorter durations if that’s all your time allows. Popular, four-hour ‘Little Wok’ courses (2400B) include a market tour and a take-home cookbook, or you can pop in for a one- or two-dish session (30/45min; 500/700B).

Go Ringside at Patong Boxing StadiumSpectator sport

Patong Boxing Stadium map Google map (boxingstadiumpatong.com) on Th Sainamyen is a great arena for taking in muay thai (Thai boxing). Matches take place on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday nights, and the lineup is packed with fighters from Thailand and abroad.

It has about a 350-person capacity and mostly level seating, so consider booking in advance to get up close to the action. Tickets (arena/ringside 1500/1800B) can be reserved via the stadium’s website and WhatsApp (+66 81 737 7193) with pay upon arrival. It includes transport to and from your hotel.

Get a Foot Rub at Let’s RelaxMassage parlour

The Thailand-wide spa chain Let’s Relax map Google map (letsrelaxspa.com) is known for delivering guaranteed quality across a full spectrum of straightforward, traditional pampering treatments (body scrubs, herbal steam baths, hot-stone massages and so on). The Thai foot reflexology (45 min/600B) is excellent, and we recommend stopping in at the Patong outpost to sit back for one as you enjoy the hushed, eucalyptus-infused atrium. Booking in advance isn’t required but is recommended (especially for same-day treatments).

If you find the iconic four- (or six-) hand massage at Jara Spa interesting but expensive, Let’s Relax offers one at a dramatically lower price (60 min/1400B).

Savour an Italian MealFine dining

Acqua map Google map (acquarestaurantphuket.com) is the main contender for Phuket’s best Italian restaurant (and one of the best in Thailand, too).

From expertly crafted pizza and pasta to sensational seafood blowouts, Sardinian chef Alessandro Frau’s cooking is exquisitely executed and supremely sophisticated. Most of the produce is even imported from Italy, as is the lion’s share of a 400-bottle wine menu.

Amid sleek, monochrome decor, dine on home-baked focaccia, deliciously creamy buffalo mozzarella and more house-made dishes, from hand-shaped and hand-stuffed ravioli to wood-fired meats and pizzas. Reservations highly recommended.

Rental Scams

If you’re hiring a jet ski or motorcycle, especially on Hat Patong, be aware of one of Phuket’s biggest scams. There is a well-known racket by rental shops who will claim that, upon your return, you’ve caused damage to the vehicle, when in fact the damage was pre-existing. In rare yet worst-case scenarios, these situations can turn nasty: extortion attempts, physical threats and perhaps even intervention by police (and not necessarily with a positive outcome for the renter). To avoid these unpleasant encounters, insist on inspecting the vehicle prior to use, particularly underneath and along the sides, and take photos of any existing damage.

Discover an Off-the-Radar TempleBuddhist wát

The slightly overgrown yet peaceful temple compound of Wat Suwan Khiri Wong map Google map is a welcome (and authentically local) respite from the chaos of Patong. Unlike some of Phuket’s more tourist-friendly temples, this one is home to rambling roosters, dozing dogs and the odd robed monk venturing out of the monastery’s housing quarters.

It’s not unusual for the temple’s doors to be locked, but the facade’s intricate carvings and elaborately tiered roof are quite striking and worth a look. In the mornings, there’s also a small fresh market.

Find it just off Th Phra Barami, at the northeastern end of Patong.

Get a Massage at Phuket’s Prettiest SpaLuxury spa

The most luxe massage on Hat Patong (also according to islanders) can be found at Moontree Elemental Spa map Google map. Located at the Baan Laimai Beach Resort directly on Th Hat Patong, the luxury spa is known for its modern, minimalist interiors, especially moody lighting and lush greenery hanging everywhere. The treatment menu features a range of massages, as well as a particularly enticing variety of facials and aromatic body scrubs. The spa also exclusively uses organic products.

A traditional Thai massage (60min/1400B) is indeed pricey compared to Patong’s many other massage parlours, but quality is guaranteed (in such a tourist-heavy area, this isn’t always the case).

After your massage, head next door to Hern Coffee and Bistro for a great meal (including nutritious, plant-based options).

Take in a ShowLGBTIQ+ cabaret

About 500m south of Patong, Phuket Simon Cabaret map Google map (simoncabaretphuket.com; tickets from 800B) is the island’s hot spot for Thailand’s cultural phenomenon of LGBTIQ+ (mostly transgender) performance cabaret. The 600-seat theatre is grand, the costumes are glamorous feather-and-sequin extravaganzas, and the talented performers kick, act and croon their way through high-energy musical routines. The shows are wildly popular with (and slightly catered towards) tour groups. The house is usually full – book ahead.

Infamous Nightlife

Some visitors may find that Patong’s notorious bar scene on Th Bangla puts them right off their pàt tai. The infamous thoroughfare is renowned for late-night ‘bad decisions’ go-go bars where pounding pop music, neon lights and bottle service reign supreme. This stereotype of ‘sleazy Phuket’ is primarily based on the Th Bangla experience. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, Phuket’s party scene flourished thanks to open, airy spaces and an exodus of Bangkok partygoers seeking the island breeze. Now’s the time to experience the ‘new’ Phuket nightlife, from underground clubs to discerning festivals that are nowhere near Bangla in location (or style).

Buy Souvenir Art at Tawan GalleryGallery shop

Located at the north end of Patong, near the intersection of Th Rat Uthit and Th Sai Nam Yen, Tawan Gallery map Google map is a small art hideaway worth a browse if you’re looking for some original local artwork.

Cartoon-like canvases of elephants, semi-abstract portraits, Thai landscapes and Phuket scenes are up for grabs at this laid-back space.

Embark on a Harley AdventureMotorcycle tours

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The big-beast bikes at Nicky’s Handlebar (nickyshandle.bar), a Harley-Davidson rental shop, boutique hotel and bar are begging to be taken for a spin, but they aren’t for amateurs. Nicky has been leading bike tours around Phuket and neighbouring regions for over a decade. Day-trip itineraries go up the coast to Phang-Nga province, or up to Ranong for overnighters. There are Harley rentals for independent explorations (from 4800B per day). You’ll need a big-bike licence from home to rent one.

Go Deep-Sea ExploringDiving trips

With three diving centres on Phuket (and a booking office in Patong), Sea Fun Divers map Google map (seafundivers.com) is an excellent, professional diving operation with high standards, impeccable service and enthusiastic, well-versed instructors. Though it’s a little more expensive than other dive operators, the maximum group size on day-trip boats is 20 people (other Phuket operators usually have many more). Snorkellers can join diving day trips for 3500B, and PADI Open Water Diver certification costs from 18,900B to 21,500B. Book by visiting the office or contacting them on the website.

Visit a Street-Food MarketNight market

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Patong Food Park, an outdoor evening market, is jammed with stalls offering all kinds of classic southern Thai dishes. Savour fresh fish, crab, lobster, roasted pork leg, steamed chicken over rice, satay skewers and sôm·đam (spicy green papaya salad), plus sticky rice with mango for dessert. Though authentic, choices still cater well to travellers, so there’s no need to worry about sneaky chillies (unless you’re into that – then vendors will happily oblige). Everything is cheap, delicious and eaten at rickety tables with plastic chairs.

Catch Practice Breakers at Surf HouseWater sports

A fusion of bar, restaurant and entertainment complex, at Surf House map Google map (phuketsurfhouse.com; 90min session 1280B), it’s time to hang ten on artificial waves. The water sports centre’s sloping ‘FlowRider’ surf slide is great for kids and beginner riders, as it doesn’t require any swimming skills and uses boards that are smaller and easier to manoeuvre.

Burgers, pastas, salads, pizzas and a few Thai favourites complement cool beers, daiquiris and a full bar menu.

Shop Rare Asian Antiques at Baan ThaiAntique shop

Tucked between hotels and massage parlours on the southern end of Patong, Baan Thai Antiques map Google map (baanthai-antique.com) is an unlikely gem for this part of Phuket. The antiques repository boasts a vast array of unique regional and national antiques, including teak sculptures, Buddha images and delicate paintings, as well as some excellent bronze and ceramic work. Browse around and you’re bound to find something beautiful and interesting, from Tibetan singing bowls to stone-carved Thai folk dancers. Shopkeepers bubble-wrap everything for your luggage transport needs; shipping can also be arranged for larger items.

Kiki with Thai Drag QueensDrag shows

Opened in 2024, Cruise Club map Google map (@cruiseclubpkt on Instagram) is the saucy new queen of Phuket’s queer castle, aka the Royal Paradise Complex on Soi Paradise map Google map – the island’s hot spot for LGBTIQ+ entertainment.

Throughout the week, the club’s sparkly, tinsel-draped stage becomes a spectacle of sophisticated drag fantasy. Costumes and performances bring out serious production value, from killer costumes and choreography to the best Britney or Madonna impersonators to themed nights for ‘intergalactic’ parties and special occasions like Chinese New Year.

Check the club’s social media for a performance schedule (dates vary; three shows per night). Table bookings can be made by Instagram DM.

Dance to Underground Techno at ShelterTechno club

Patong is an area where very little can be described as ‘underground’, but the techno club Shelter map Google map (illuzionphuket.com/shelter; @shelter_phuket on Instagram) does its best to represent.

Located behind the main stage of Illuzion, Shelter is a proper haven for electronic-music lovers. An intimate dance floor provides space for just a few hundred dancers, and it wraps around the DJ booth as a focal point. Red neon lights, dancers in cages and hanging foliage provide sexy ambience.

A serious highlight is the club’s Funktion-One sound system, providing crisp, booming sound with the opportunity to hear anyone talking next to you, even in such a small space. DJs based in Phuket, Bangkok and further abroad have performed here and present a range of underground sounds: think shades of techno and minimal house.

If you’re sensitive to cigarette smoke in an enclosed space, this may not be enjoyable for you.

Indulge in a Famous Meat FeastBarbecue joint

Meat lovers, prepare for a pilgrimage to the cult-ish carnivore restaurant Naughty Nuri’s map Google map (naughtynuristhailand.com). This popular establishment – an enormous, semi-open, multi-room space with swaying rattan lamps – is actually the Phuket outpost of a Bali-born, Australian–Indonesian-owned ribs specialist. The original location in Seminyak, Bali, is legendary.

Make sure you order the signature barbecue spare ribs (1995B), though the spiced suckling pig is also a huge hit. The Indonesian–international menu also tempts with vegetarian nasi goreng, signature pina coladas and more. Book via the website.

Try Khachapuri (and more) Georgian FoodAuthentic cuisine

Changing geopolitics has seen an influx of multicultural eateries around Phuket in recent years. Cosy Georgia Restaurant map Google map is one of the best, churning out pomegranate-laced salads and khinkali (steaming dumplings) alongside traditional dishes such as ajapsandali (a rich, vegetarian stew) and classic post-Soviet regional dishes such as solyanka (a spicy, sour meat soup served in a clay pot).

If you’ve never tried Georgian food before, you’re in for a delight. No meal is complete without an order of delicious khachapuri (cheese-filled bread), which is simply to die for.

Tiger Kingdom

Patong’s controversial Tiger Kingdom offers hundreds of daily visitors the chance to stroke, feed and pose with its ‘domesticated’ tigers, both tiny cubs and fully grown adults. As with Thailand’s other tiger-centric attractions, concerns about animal welfare (not to mention human safety) abound, and there are constant reports about animals being mistreated, confined to small cages and sedated to keep them docile. Tiger Kingdom denies all allegations that its tigers are mistreated. In 2014, an Australian tourist was mauled while visiting Tiger Kingdom. The tiger in question was ‘retired’. Given these significant issues, we don’t recommend visiting.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Brunch

Hern Coffee and Bistro $ $

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Look no further for the best speciality coffee and luscious lunches on Patong. Pasta topped with seared striploin, smoked salmon toast and healthy, plant-based options. 9am-11pm

Ella $ $

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This industrial-chic bistro-cafe is a lovely surprise down a slightly scruffy soi. Inventive all-day breakfasts include scrambled eggs, tacos and vegan dishes. 10am-2am (kitchen to 10pm)

Italian

La Gritta $ $ $

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The smart Italian restaurant at the Amari resort serves up generous portions of Italian classics with spectacular views. Request deck seating above the boulder-strewn southern end of Hat Patong. noon-11pm

Il Pomodoro $ $

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For a more laid-back Italian meal by the beach, come here for quick and tasty wood-fired pizzas and pastas; also plentiful gluten-free and vegan options. noon-midnight

Thai

Baan Rim Pa $ $ $

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Refined Thai fare with spectacular views over the rocky far northern end of Hat Patong. Standards are high, with prices to match, but there’s candlelight and piano music aplenty. Book ahead. noon-11pm (kitchen to 10pm)

Kaab Gluay $ $

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Semi-open-air roadside hit for authentic, affordable Thai food: red-curry prawns, chicken satay, sweet-and-sour fish, deep-fried honeyed chicken, classic noodles and stir-fries, and 30-plus takes on spicy Thai salads. 11am-midnight

Orchids $ $

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Fantastic Thai food in a homey, friendly setting. Delicious lâhp gài (minced-chicken salad with chilli, mint and coriander) and all the standard noodle, soup and curry classics. 11am-11pm

Ta Khai $ $ $

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Inspired by traditional fishing-village architecture, with lotus ponds, a glassed-in pavilion and skilled Trang-born chefs, this seaside restaurant at the Rosewood Phuket offers standout fine dining. 6-10pm

Other than Thai

Naughty Nuri’s $ $ $

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Meat lovers crowd out at this hugely popular Phuket outpost of an Indonesian-international barbecue restaurant. Make sure you order the signature barbecue spare ribs, though the spiced suckling pig is also chef’s kiss. noon-midnight

No 9 2nd Restaurant $ $

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Deceptively simple, with wooden tables and photo-strewn walls, this is one of the best and busiest restaurants in Patong. A super-diverse menu spans real-deal sushi to stroganoff, but quality stays consistent. 11.30am-10.30pm

Kasbah $ $

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Authentic Moroccan meals for something a little different (and truly flavourful) on Phuket. Think tasty couscous, tagine and Moroccan breakfast served on traditional ceramics for Instagrammable feasts. 2pm-midnight

Drinking

Clubbing

Illuzion

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Still the most popular of Patong’s megaclubs, Illuzion is a multi-level mishmash of dance shows, international DJs, reggaeton nights, all-night electronic beats, LED screens and more bars than you could ever count. 9pm-4am

Shelter

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Underground (or Patong’s closest version of it) nightclub where DJs play techno and heavy-hitting house under red neon lights. Sweaty, intimate, and lots of cigarette smoke. midnight-3am Fri & Sat

Beach Clubs

Kudo Beach Club

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Shimmering seafront pool and swim-up bar with chilled beats and DJ sets. A class act by Patong standards and very popular; not quite as glam as the beach clubs further north. 11am-midnight

Fuga Beach Club

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On Patong’s chilled-out northern side, expect spectacular sea views from the infinity pool and comfy loungers. Service and gastronomy are slightly inconsistent, but it satisfies for a sundowner. 8am-midnight

Pub Life

Aussie Bar

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On the tamer side of Th Bangla and an antidote to the surrounding go-go bars. Live sports on many TV screens, plus pool tables and table soccer. 9am-4am

Molly’s Tavern

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Neither cool nor trendy, just a Patong classic. It’s always busy and staff are friendly; there’s live music late evenings, plus sports screens and pool tables. 11am-1am

Shopping

Shopping Malls

Jungceylon

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A gleaming shopping centre with killer air-con and a host of major brands, as well as a cinema and massage parlours. 11am-10pm

Central Patong

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This massive mall, right opposite Jungceylon, is the Patong outpost of the Thailand-wide department store chain. It’s filled with Thai and international brands. 10.30am-11pm

Explore

Hat Karon

Hat Karon combines a bit of Hat Patong’s big tourism and Hat Kata’s scenic views in one fell swoop. Very much a tourist-beach destination with large resorts frequented by package holidaymakers, it still has more sandy, golden space per capita than either Patong or Kata, making it popular with families seeking to spread out. Here, the main appeal is lazing on golden sands (or by those resort pools). Creature comforts include diving trips, surf lessons and spas. Expect satisfying Thai restaurants, too. The further north you go, the more beautiful Hat Karon gets. At the northernmost edge, beyond Karon Park, the water becomes turquoise and glass-like.

See for eating and drinking listings

Big Buddha | THAISIGN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

icon-bike1jpg Motorbike

Motorbikes are available to rent from tour operators and bike shops. Getting one is a good idea if you plan to venture out to Hat Patong or Hat Kata. A standout excursion is to drive or, if you’re feeling energetic, hike in the nearby hills.

icon-walkjpg Walking

The immediate area is enjoyable on foot, as it’s flat compared to other areas of Phuket. The beach of Hat Karon makes for a good stroll – it’s about 4km long.

THE BEST

SUNSET HANGOUT A Blanket & A Pillow

CULTURAL SIGHT Wat Suwan Khiri Ket

STREET FOOD Pad Thai Shop

SUNSET SPOT Karon Viewpoint

DIVING OPERATOR Dive Asia

1Top Experiences

 Big BuddhaD5

1Experiences

1Hat KaronA2

2Dive AsiaB5

3Karon ViewpointD6

4A Blanket & A PillowB6

5The CommuneA5

6Wat Suwan Khiri KetC1

7Dinner in the SkyC2

8Sunrise DiversC4

9Sea Fun DiversA1

10Paragliding PhuketB1

11Pad Thai ShopC5

12Karon Serpent StatueB2

13Dino ParkB5

14Highway CurryD2

5Eating

15Star Mountain SunsetD5

16Elephant Café by TanB1

17Eat Bar & GrillC4

18Mr CoffeeC1

19Soul PhuketB1

6Drinking

20Tann Beach ClubB5

TOP EXPERIENCE

Big Buddha

High atop the Nakkerd Hills, northwest of Chalong Circle, and visible from half the island, the 45m-high, Burmese-alabaster Big Buddha sits grandly on Phuket’s finest viewpoint. Undoubtedly the island’s most popular attraction, its future remained uncertain at the time of research due to landslides in August 2024.

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APHOTOSTORY/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

While the Big Buddha site is closed, the trails around the hill still provide scenic views. Before hiking, check possible trail closures with local tour operators or news sites (thephuketnews.com).

Uncertain Future

Visible from most of the island, including locations such as Chalong Bay and parts of Patong and Kata, the Big Buddha once welcomed up to 1000 visitors a day. In August 2024, heavy rains set off mudslides near the attraction, killing 13 people. Thai authorities suspect that these landslides were set off by illegal forest clearing during the construction of the Big Buddha and additional landscaping at the site. Investigations are ongoing, and the Big Buddha’s fate remains unclear.

The site was closed at the time of research, but the situation is expected to change after monsoon season (May to October). Although it’s not possible to visit the shrine at the moment, several trails around the area (the 4km hike from Wat Karon and the 2km hike from Chalong) provide good viewpoints. Consider safety first: consult local tour operators and news sites before hiking, or go with a local guide and limit trekking to the dry season (November to April).

History

Construction began on the Big Buddha in 2007 and, until August 2024, was ongoing. Funded exclusively by donations, the statue is made of Burmese alabaster. Phuketians refer to the Big Buddha as Phuket’s most important project in the last 100 years, which means a lot considering that construction on Phuket has not stopped for the last 20 years.

As is tradition with Thai religious sites, entry has always been free. When it reopens, expect peace among tinkling bells, fluttering prayer notes and Buddhist flags. Despite its touristy reputation, it’s a spiritual place with a powerful energy.

Getting There

From Rte 4021, follow the signs 1km north of Chalong Circle roundabout for 5.5km west up a steep road towards the Big Buddha. Jungle unfolds along the way. Once the attraction reopens, it’s possible to hike to the Big Buddha from Hat Karon (2.5km through the jungle; one hour), though caution is advised due to the risk of landslides. For scenic views, Karon Viewpoint (pictured) is an excellent alternative.

QUICK BREAK

About 450m below the Big Buddha, Star Mountain Sunset serves tasty Thai and international staples with sweeping views of Phuket’s southwest coast.

EXPERIENCES

Relax on Hat Karonbeach

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Hat Karon isn’t everyone’s cup of Thai tea. It’s very much a tourist-beach destination, frequented by those who prefer the convenience of the area’s large resorts and their package deals.

It still has more sandy real estate than either Hat Patong or Hat Kata though, and it tends to feel less crowded than its neighbours. That may be reason enough to lie out here for an afternoon – even if Karon’s inland network of streets and plazas, full of middling restaurants and T-shirt vendors, ultimately don’t excite. The 4km-long west-coast stretch boasts fine sands. It’s popular with families and, while it does get busy, there’s always plenty of privacy and lots space of spread out.

Learn to Surf on Hat KaronSurfing

Hat Karon is one of the most popular spots on Phuket for surfing, and the waves here are suitable for all skill levels. The beach’s broadness and length has just a moderate slope, and it’s also less crowded than the island’s other west-coast beaches – helpful for beginners looking to ride to shore.

If you’re keen to learn how to surf, the best time to go is during the monsoon (low) season (April to October) when the waves typically range between a manageable 1m and 3m.

On the beach’s southern end, you’ll find beach stands renting surfboards/bodyboards (250/100B per hour) and also offering surf lessons (1200B per hour). These tend to be fairly informal beach operators, so just follow your instincts.

Before you go, it’s important to stay informed about the daily sea conditions, such as tide strengths and wave heights, to assess your comfort level on the water. The Thai Meteorological Department (tmd.go.th/en/) provides up-to-date information.

Take the Plunge with a Diving CourseScuba diving

If it’s your dream to learn how to dive, then Hat Karon is the perfect first stop for setting that Professional Association of Diving Instructors (PADI) certification into motion. There are good dive operators headquartered here, and the beach is only a 10-minute drive to Chalong Pier, the departure point to some of the area’s best-known diving sites, including Racha Islands, Shark Point and Anemone Reef.

Dive Asia map Google map (diveasia.com) is a well-established, long-standing diving outfitter offering a wide range of PADI certification courses (three-day Open Water Diver 9900B). After that, you can set off for a day-trip dive to Ko Phi-Phi and liveaboards to the Similan and Surin Islands (from 23,000B). Book by email (info@diveasia.com) or in person at the office at a few days before you would like to dive.

Phuket is blessed with mostly good sea conditions year-round, but the best diving months are November to April, with peak conditions (calmness, visibility). Some dive sites may close during the monsoon season (May to October).

Marvel at Phuket from Scenic Heightsviewpoint

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Karon Viewpoint is as an excellent spot to catch a breathtaking sunset. Perched in the hills to the south of Kata Beach, along Rte 4030, the lookout area offers parking and several shaded pavilions. It’s about a 5km hike from Hat Karon.

Looking northward, you can admire the pristine white sands of three different beaches – Kata Noi, Kata and Karon – along the coastline. Some stop by for a quick look at the sunset, while others put out a picnic and relax into the evening. Watch your belongings and clean up food and rubbish before you go, as wild monkeys roam the area.

Relax at a Hipster HideawayStylish hangout

Not much has the big cool factor around Hat Karon, but there are exceptions on the shore between Hat Karon and Hat Kata, starting with A Blanket & A Pillow map Google map (ablanketandapillow.com; cocktails from 220B).

This breezy hipster hangout is beloved by the in-the-know crowd of locals and visitors, as it brings a rustic yet modern island locale to life. Tucked between large, swishy palms, the bar is a hidden paradise of rugged multi-tiered bamboo terraces connected by little staircases. Visitors sit Thai-style on beanbags and carpets, drinking cocktails around small wooden tables and enjoying the sounds of live music or simply the swelling of the sea.

The spot’s name comes from a Thai idiom for Chinese immigrants who relocated to Phuket to start a new life, with only a blanket and pillow in tow. There is a small ‘lunch box’ menu (Thai dishes priced from 80B to 180B) somewhat inspired by the name.

Catch a Seaside DJ SetCoastal hot spot

Hidden in the same rocky outcrop as a A Blanket & A Pillow, The Commune map Google map (thecommunephuket.com; mains from 220B) is a cool hangout for electronic music – right in the jungle.

The slickly designed terrace bar features an infinity pool and tiered seating perched out over an endless sea. A discerning music programme (check their Instagram @thecommune.phuket for event dates) features beats that range from old school to underground. Together with spritzy tropical cocktails and an international menu (sushi, pizza and salads), it’s a wonderful spot for sundowners.

Check out a Temple & Night MarketTemple bazaar

Set back from the road at the northern end of Hat Karon, Wat Suwan Khiri Ket map Google map (also known as Wat Karon) is a small yet strikingly beautiful Buddhist temple. Well maintained by locals, the grounds are lush with leafy banana, palm and mango trees. It’s a fabulous setting for the Tuesday and Friday night market (4-9pm) full of stalls selling clothes, accessories and food.

Before shopping, take some time to wander the temple grounds and get acquainted with its ornate features. You’ll find bright blue yak (giant supernatural guards from the Thai version of the folklore epic the Ramayana) and two turquoise serpents encircling the entire main structure. Meanwhile, the temple’s centrepiece is a shiny, black-stone Buddha. Offerings are made here.

The building with the eye-catching tiered roof is a crematorium. It’s only open on funeral and ceremonial days.

Dine at a Floating Chef’s TableGastro stunt

The island’s most unusual restaurant just might be the 45m-high Dinner in the Sky map Google map (phuket.dits.asia; experiences from 1900B). Just off Hat Karon, the ‘floating chef’s table’ is hoisted up by crane into the air, essentially like a carnival ride. There are no walls (except for a glass ceiling), and diners are strapped in with seatbelts while suspended by wires from above.

In the best way possible, it might be the most anxiety-inducing dinner of your life – as long as that’s what you’re into.

The sunset dinner can be booked for an hour (5900B per person), though there’s also a shorter cocktail session at night, complete with a live DJ (3900B per person). The 360-degree views up there are unbeatable, spanning from the golden coast to the Andaman Sea, and you can recline your seat for wider views.

The meals aim for fancy international fare, but this is definitely an experience catered to adrenaline junkies rather than hard-core foodies. Bookings can be made via the website.

Save the Beaches

Illegal construction and overbearing commercial activity are constant burdens on Phuket’s already overcrowded beaches. A 2014 crackdown saw thousands of rental sunbeds, deckchairs and umbrellas banned and removed under armed military surveillance, and beach vendors, masseurs and restaurants were ordered off the sand. Rules have eased since. Beach mats and umbrellas are available only in allocated ‘10%’ areas, and tourists may pitch their own umbrellas and chairs within designated areas. Of course, as Phuket’s visitor numbers surge to pre-pandemic levels, some vendors sneakily test the zoning limits, and a local association is calling for a ‘20%’ expansion in high season.

Organise your Dream LiveaboardDiving trips

Choosing the right diving operator is one of the best ways to feel at ease before embarking on a big diving trip. Sunrise Divers map Google map (sunrise-divers.com; day trips from 3200B), based in Karon on Th Patak, is one of the best on the island, with over 20 years of expertise guiding diving trips off the coast of Phuket and beyond. They are the island’s biggest agent for liveaboards (boats equipped for living during a multiday diving excursion), with dive trips customised from budget to luxury. Go into the office for a consultation on what the best experience may be for you; you can try different kinds of equipment on site.

Sunrise can organise multiday diving excursions to Ko Phi-Phi, the Similan and Surin Islands, Myanmar’s Mergui Archipelago, and Komodo and Raja Ampat in Indonesia. It also offers day-trip dives, including to Ko Phi-Phi and the Similans.

WATER SPORTS IN PHUKET

Diving is Phuket’s starring water activity, but the island also delivers surfing, snorkelling and more. Weather permitting, try these all year-round.

Kitesurfing

Phuket’s growing addiction spans its eastern (November to March) and western (May to October) coasts (courses from around 3500B per person).

Sea Kayaking

Consider a day paddling tour in Ao Phang-Nga National Park (around 4000B per person).

Yachting

Charter with friends (from 20,000B per day) or on a shared yacht (from 3000B per person).

SUP

Stand-up paddleboards (400B per hour) are rentable from most beaches; there are good tours, too.

Jet skiing

Jet skis are very popular; make sure you understand speed limits, insurance and no-go zones.

Embark on a Snorkelling AdventureUnderwater exploring

Good snorkelling off the coast of Phuket is limited, but there are a few hidden gems. One is the magnificent coral reef at the southern end of Hat Karon. Snorkelling gear (200B per day) is readily available to rent at larger resorts, dive shops and beach stands. If you plan to go often, though, it might be worth investing in an inexpensive snorkelling kit from one of the Big C supermarkets or shopping malls.

If you’re looking to amp up the adrenaline, Sea Fun Divers map Google map (seafundivers.com) offers snorkellers the chance to join diving day trips (from 3500B per person).

Find the company’s dive centre in Karon at Le Méridien Phuket.

Try ParaglidingExtreme sport

There’s no better spot than Phuket to try your hand at paragliding. The aerial sport, which comprises riding on natural currents and thermals, requires heavy gusts and sloped elevation points to catch altitude. Phuket delivers both due to its strong coastal winds, especially during dry season (November to April). Meanwhile, the island’s diverse hilly terrain and limestone cliffs launch into jaw-dropping views.

Paragliding Phuket map Google map (paraglidingphuket.com) is run by a professional paraglider with 30 years of pilot experience and who has competed in Thai championships and the World Cup. Tandem flights (with a pilot) start from 4900B per person; takeoff location depends on weather conditions.

Paramotoring, using a motorised propeller for paragliding, is also offered as an option. Booking info is available on the website.

Savour Flawless Thai Stir-FriesStreet food

Could this be Phuket’s best pàt tai (Thai-style stir-fried noodles)? The Pad Thai Shop map Google map’s starring dish is the epitome of what Thai street food is all about. Fast, fresh and delicious, the pàt tai at this glorified roadside food shack (look for the big sign) delivers the perfect balance of spicy and sweet; it’s packed with tofu, egg and peanuts, and plated with spring onions, bean sprouts and lime.

It also makes absurdly good kôw pàt þoo (fried rice with crab), pàt see·éw (fried noodles) and gǔay dǐeow (noodle soup). Don’t miss the house-made chilli sauces.

Visit Karon’s Golden DragonSerpent statue

Go for a stroll along Hat Karon’s waterfront promenade and you’ll encounter the golden Karon Serpent Statue map Google map perched by the central section of the beach.

It’s often thought to embody the fabled sleeping dragon that, according to local Chinese folklore, formed the island. It may also represent the Buddhist naga, a mythical half-human, half-cobra.

During local holidays such as Chinese New Year and Songkran (Thai New Year), catch a glimpse of Karon’s reptilian protector being draped in ribbons and flowered garlands as a show of respect. Otherwise, visit at sunset for a wonderful photo op of the statue, framed by golden sands and leafy palms.

Play a Kitschy Game of Putt-PuttMini-golf

Think Jurassic Park meets The Flintstones at the campy Dino Park map Google map (dinopark.com; adult/child 550/450B) mini-golf spot on the southern edge of Hat Karon.

Here, 18 holes are tucked into a maze of caves, waterfalls, lagoons, gardens and dinosaur statues spread across the putting greens. Dino Park opened after the first two Jurassic Park movies came out, so over the passing of time, the setting has become rather kitsch, but that’s part of the fun. Playing a round among shady primeval forest certainly beats the afternoon heat. Quirky challenges include putting around a 12m-high waterfall and an erupting volcano. You’ll see that some obstacles feature bones and (what appears to be) dino dung.

Full-scale animatronic replicas of Tyrannosaurus rex and Triceratops roar along. Kids will have a blast, but really it’s for everyone. Adults can hang out by the kitschy Flintstones-inspired bar. It’s half-price to just wander around.

Feast on Authentic Indian FoodVegetarian cuisine

For a break from Thai flavours, Highway Curry map Google map (highwaycurry.com; mains from 140B) is known for rustling up North Indian curries, mopped up with doughy naan. The Indian-owned restaurant serves a vegetarian selection, from samosas and pakora to aloo jeera, shahi paneer and chana masala.

The restaurant itself is low-key, with orange walls and just a few wooden tables; the outdoor seating, though by the roadside, feels a lot comfier. The staff are helpful, and takeaway is available.

Phuket’s Humble Origins

Phuket’s history reads like an adventure novel: it’s been inhabited by diverse characters over time, from indigenous peoples to Indian and European merchants, (supposedly) marauding sea nomads and Chinese tin-miners. Beach lovers began arriving en masse in the 1970s, transforming the island into a premier beach resort. Tourism remained strong until the devastating 2004 Boxing Day tsunami, which killed 250 people on Phuket and almost 5400 across Thailand. Phuket looked forward and proceeded to develop at an alarming rate that saw overtourism become a problem. Sustainable tourism is working to clean up the island and its overtouristed image.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Authentic Thai

Star Mountain Sunset $ $

map Google map

Simple yet delicious Thai favourites at a no-frills roadside location, plus stellar views over Kata, Karon and southern Phuket’s jungly hills. 9am-10pm

Elephant Café by Tan $ $

map Google map

Reliable and popular spot for both Thai and international food, near Karon’s temple. Dine on curries, spicy salads and steaks in the enclosed, garden-like interior. Nice vegetarian choices, too. noon-10pm

For a Splurge

Dinner in the Sky $ $ $

map

A fancy meal (think international fare like lamb shanks, salads and steaks) served on a table suspended 45m in the air. Amazing, panoramic views. 5.30-6.30pm & 7.30-8.30pm

Roadside Spots

Eat Bar & Grill $ $ $

map Google map

Try superb burgers and steaks at this laid-back grill specialist. Expect proteins galore, but the beef is impressively prepared and fairly priced for the quality. Limited space (book ahead). 1-11pm

Mr Coffee $ $

map Google map

Italian-run cafe tucked near Karon’s temple, serving homemade cakes and pastries, savoury breakfasts, and sandwiches on ciabatta and focaccia. Though roadside, there’s seating in the small concrete courtyard. Hours vary

Vegetarian

Soul Phuket $ $

map Google map

Trendy restaurant serving hearty vegan food in an earthy, modern space. Think buckwheat pancakes, smoothie bowls, organic-flour pizzas, Thai curries and more. Also hosts community events for wellness, cooking and art. 9am-9pm

Drinking

Sunset Cocktails

A Blanket & A Pillow

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Hippie vibes in the rocky jungle area between Hat Karon and Hat Kata. Sink into a beanbag on the bamboo terrace. 10.30am-7.30pm

The Commune

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Suave jungle hideaway with a terrace bar and infinity pool overlooking the Andaman Sea. Great DJ lineups and refreshing cocktails. 10am-midnight Mon-Fri, to 2am Sat

Tann Beach Club

map Google map

Sophisticated beach club on Hat Karon’s southern end. Lots of beachside seating with a view; tiki design throughout. noon-midnight

Explore

Hat Kata

Hat Kata (or Kata Beach) is an idyllic expanse of white-sand beach and warm tropical waters, ideal for swimming, sunbathing and a smorgasbord of water sports. Classier than Karon and Patong, this popular beach is perfect for families with kids, or couples seeking more of a lively, social atmosphere than to the quieter northern beaches. The palm-tree-fringed sand is lined with countless restaurants, bustling bars and waterfront eateries, along with pampering spas and yoga studios. Enjoy lake-like water conditions during the high season, or visit during the monsoon and revel in Phuket’s surprising surf scene.

See for eating, drinking and shopping listings

Hat Kata Yai beach | SUMMERPARADIVE/GETTY IMAGES ©

Getting Around

icon-bike1-jpg Motorbike/Car

Only a few sites (such as Karon Viewpoint) require wheels to access.

icon-walkjpg Walking

Most of Kata is best covered on foot. The town itself is not overly large, with many resorts, restaurants and massage parlours tucked away on little streets. And don’t forget Hat Kata itself – stretching the length of the town, many activities are best accessed from the beach. Take off your shoes and trample on the sand. This is Phuket exploring at its best.

THE BEST

FAMILY BEACH Hat Kata Yai

MARKET Kata Night Market

WATER SPORTS Jimmy’s Surf School

YOGA STUDIO Kata Hot Yoga

BEACH BAR Ska Bar

WALKING TOUR

Walk Hat Kata

Packed with water sports, activities and eateries, Hat Kata is one of Phuket’s most kid-friendly areas. Utilising its best feature – the beach – follow this path for a family outing that feels worlds away from Phuket’s more boisterous neighbourhoods. Start in the late afternoon for stunning sunsets, night markets and miniature golf.

START

Hat Kata Noi

END

Dino Park Mini Golf

LENGTH

3.5km; two hours

1 Find a Secluded Beach

Start off at Hat Kata Noi, the quieter sibling of Kata’s beaches, and take in the mellow vibes and swaying palm trees. Wander north over the hilltop, past high-end resorts and restaurants, in the direction of Hat Kata Yai. A 1.5km walk will bring you to the larger of the beaches.

2 Coconut Stop

At the southern tip of Hat Kata, stop by the Boathouse. a four-star hotel and beachfront restaurant, for a quick refresher from the heat. Sip a coffee, coconut or cocktail, and go for a quick dip in the pool to cool off. Continue your way north along the beach (barefoot is best).

3 White Sands and Sunbathing

Right on the doorstep of beachfront Boathouse, enjoy the bright white sands of Hat Kata Yai and the views of little Ko Pu on the horizon. Stop to take a dip and sunbathe, or even go for a surf – there are countless surf shacks along the beach. The waves are mostly mellow and suitable for kids.

4 Surf Fun

Not an ocean person? Walk north for about 200m along Hat Kata to reach Super Surf Kata (book on site or at supersurfkata.com), which offers up some controlled conditions on artificial waves. This is perfect for some family fun, so take the kids and grab a drink at Surf House Phuket while you wait. The neighbouring Kata Beach Community Park also has a playground, swings and an outdoor gym.

5 Kata Night Market

Continue for about 1km north along the beach before heading right on Soi Pakbang and looping back slightly to reach Kata Night Market. While this market really kicks off at sunset and in the evenings, there are still shops around during the day as well. Get lost in the aisles as you sample some fresh seafood and rehydrate.

6 Mini Golf

Finally, head about 500m north along the main Kata Rd to Dino Park mini golf. This outdoor course is a long-standing provider of family fun. With a Jurassic Park-esque theme, the park has volcanoes, jungles and animated dinosaur statues that come to life with sounds and movement. Going at night allows you to enjoy the full experience, with decorative lights and glow-in-the-dark golf balls.

1Experiences

1Hat Kata YaiB2

2Hat Kata NoiC4

3Jimmy’s Surf SchoolC3

4Ska BarB3

5Kata Night MarketC1

6Kata Hot YogaC3

7Rock Beach SwingC6

5Eating

8Kata MamaB3

9Kata BBQC3

10Istanbul RestaurantD3

11BoathouseC3

12Kwong Shop SeafoodC1

13Issara Restaurant & BarB4

14Kata Rocks ClubhouseB3

15Mom Tri’s KitchenB4

16Sabai CornerB6

6Drinking

17After Beach BarC4

18Art Space Cafe & GalleryC2

19Italian JobC3

20Lost in PhuketC2

7Shopping

21Surf HouseC3

22Pashtoosh Art GalleryC2

EXPERIENCES

Swim at Hat Kata YaiBeach

Stunning Hat Kata Yai map Google map is the main attraction here, carved in two by a jutting headland. The main beach is to the north, while the beach to the south, Hat Kata Noi map Google map, or ‘little Kata beach’, is a little more sheltered than its sibling. While both are equally paradisical, Kata Yai remains more popular and is the place to go if you want to surf.

Surf Hat Kata YaiSurfing

The surf scene has seen a lot of surf schools crop up, and nowhere is this more visible than Kata. Thanks to a combination of warm conditions and the pandemic forcing Thais to stay within their country, the scene has gone from strength to strength. While it’s no Uluwatu, Kata has become a hub for surfers, with rental shops, surf schools, and even Roxy and Quicksilver hosting surf competitions here. Numerous surf shacks dot Hat Kata Yai, and you can’t go wrong, though beachfront Jimmy’s Surf School map Google map (Instagram: @jimmy_kata_surf_phuket), owned by – you guessed it – Jimmy, comes recommended, as they provide personalised service and surf lessons.

Hang with LocalsNightlife

map

Take a board out as the sun sinks towards the horizon, then meander, barefoot, to the nearby Ska Bar at the southernmost curl of Hat Kata Yai for some local seafood, reggae and dancing.

Head to a Night MarketMarket

One of the area’s main attractions, Kata Night Market map Google map (12-11pm daily) is a lively collection of stalls selling everything from fruit and vegetables to souvenirs and knick-knacks.

Sweat it Out at Hot yogaYoga

Phuket’s heat not hot enough? At Kata Hot Yoga map Google map (katahotyoga.com), yoga is taught over 90 minutes in a sweltering room by expert local and visiting instructors. With classes offered morning and evening, multi-class packages are good deals. All levels are welcome, with advanced bookings recommended. Drop-in prices start at 600B.

Soak Up the SceneryViewpoint

The majestic Karon Viewpoint never disappoints– just a five-minute drive up the hill, this is an ideal place to watch stunning sunsets. Another stunning option is the nearby Rock Beach Swing map Google map: attraction hosting Instagram-friendly backdrops of swings and steps, with views overlooking the bay. Entrance to the swing is 500B, with expert photographers and dress-rental options.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Thai Eats

Kata Mama $

map Google map

Tucked away on the southern corner of Hat Kata, this beachfront eatery offers no-frills Thai favourites such as đôm yam soup and pineapple fried rice. It’s a great spot for lunch as you watch the surfers. 8am-10.30pm

Kata BBQ $

map Google map

Try classic Thai dishes, including massaman curry and ginger-fried prawns, with your feet in the sand. With ample seating and friendly staff, this is the perfect spot to unwind and watch the waves. 8am-11pm

Respected Spots

Istanbul Restaurant $ $

map Google map

This family-run spot is the most popular foreign restaurant in Kata. The food is simply splendid, ranging from big Western- or Turkish-style breakfasts to authentic and tasty mains, including hünkar beğendi (beef stew on a bed of eggplant puree). 9.30am-9.30pm

Boathouse $ $

map Google map

At the beachside Boathouse resort, this on-site, self-titled restaurant features dishes like garlic-grilled tiger prawns, lamb-shank massaman and beef-tenderloin carpaccio. The wine list is famously expansive, the service attentive and the sea views sublime. 7am-10pm

Kwong Shop Seafood $

map Google map

Who doesn’t love a time-worn fish shack? Using enticing displays of fresh seafood and snaps of blissed-out diners as bait, this old-school Thai joint has been reeling in hungry customers for over 25 years. It’s cheap and cheerful, and the walls are a visual feast of coins and notes. 10am-11pm

Fine Dining

Issara Restaurant & Bar $ $ $

map Google map

Located between Hat Kata and Kata Noi, this fine-dining spot was established by two Croatian brothers whipping up a fusion of food. With influences from Thai cuisine, expect innovative dishes featuring premium Japanese Wagyu and local seafood. 3pm-midnight

Kata Rocks Clubhouse $ $ $

map Google map

The divine setting alone is enough to seek out this poolside restaurant, where the sparkling Andaman wraps around a rocky headland. The Thai–Mediterranean cooking is excellent, too, from pizzas and grilled meats to classic mŏo hong (pepper- and garlic-braised pork). 7am-10pm

Epic Views

Mom Tri’s Kitchen $ $ $

map Google map

A special-occasion spot, Mom Tri’s Kitchen revolves around fine wines, fusion haute cuisine and views from a sensational cliff-side perch. Diners pick from a menu that transforms seasonal, local ingredients into exquisite Mediterranean-fuelled dishes and Thai classics. 11.30am-10.30pm

Sabai Corner $ $

map Google map

There’s no better Phuket view than the one you’ll glimpse from Sabai Corner’s wide deck. The food isn’t bad either, from fried rice, grilled fish and searing Thai curries to salads, pastas and wood-fired pizzas. 10am-10pm

Drinking

Best Bars

Ska Bar

map Google map

Tucked into the rocks on the southernmost curl of Hat Kata Yai and seemingly intertwined with the trunk of a grand old banyan tree, laid-back, Rasta-vibe Ska is our choice for seaside sundowners. Buoys, paper lanterns and flags dangle from the canopy. 10am-1am

After Beach Bar

map Google map

It’s impossible to overstate how glorious the views are from this thatched reggae bar, which clings to a cliff above Kata. Throw in Bob Marley tunes, and you have the perfect sunset-watching spot. 9am-10pm

Art Space Cafe & Gallery

map Google map

Hands-down the most fabulously quirky bar in Phuket, this trippy, multi-use space bursts with colour, cocktails and veggie meals. It’s the work of the creative Mr and Mrs Pan. There’s often live music. 12.30pm-1am

Coffee Spots

Italian Job

map Google map

A contemporary-style Italian coffee lounge with wi-fi, pastries, delicious espresso, limoncello and a loyal morning following. It overlooks a busy junction – perfect for people-watching from air-conditioned comfort. 7.30am-6pm

Lost in Phuket

map Google map

Perfect for a quick take-away cup before a morning walk on the beach, this cafe is a charming and comfortable spot to get your caffeine fix. Choose from the ground floor or upstairs area with large windows and street views. 8am-2am

Shopping

Local Spots

Surf House

map Google map

Indulge in your summertime surf dreams at this shop, which sells swimwear, wetsuits and surfing paraphernalia. Expect classic brands like Roxy and Billabong mixed in with some local specials. 9am-8pm Mon-Fri

Pashtoosh Art Gallery

map Google map

This little spot features arts and crafts for sale, along with clothing. Find beautiful silk scarves, patterned shawls and decorative carpets. 9am-11pm

Explore

Rawai

Far from the madding crowds of Patong, and even more laid-back than Kata and Surin, Rawai is known for its mellow vibes and emphasis on healthy living. With an abundance of cute cafes, clean eateries and fitness gyms, the area is popular with long-term expats, digital nomads and locals alike. A day well spent includes grabbing breakfast at one of the many healthy cafe options before hopping on your motorbike and zipping through winding alleyways to a muay thai, kitesurfing or yoga lesson. Round off the day with sunset at Laem Phromthep, followed by seafood at Rawai Seafood Market.

See for eating, drinking and shopping listings

Hat Nai Harn | PHUKETIAN.S/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

icon-bike1jpg Motorbike

Arguably the most efficient way to get around Rawai, this is also the fastest form of transport, especially given that traffic can build up on small roads at rush hour.

Grab

Don’t have your own vehicle? Download the Grab app to hail a taxi or scooter instead.

icon-car-rental Car

To cover longer distances (and for those who absolutely cannot bear the heat), a car will keep you cool while travelling from A to B.

THE BEST

CHILL BEACH Hat Nai Harn

SEAFOOD MARKET Rawai Seafood Market

VIEWPOINT Laem Phromthep

SHOPPING FOR ART Phuket Art Village

SPA LeSpa by Stay

1Top Experiences

 Laem PhromthepB8

 Rawai Seafood MarketE6

1Experiences

1Hat Nai HarnB6

2Hat Ya NuiB7

3Kiteboarding AsiaF2

4Phuket Art VillageC4

5Kite ZoneF3

6Hat FriendshipE4

7LeSpa by StayE1

8Ganesha Yoga ShalaE5

9AtsumiE2

10Raw Cafe PhuketE4

11Ao SaneA6

12Wat Nai HarnB6

5Eating

13Poached Breakfast Café RawaiD6

14BoostC4

15Noodle Soup RawaiD4

16Cheap Ass Thai Food RestaurantC4

17Healthy Mania Raw VeganD4

18FitGeeks RawaiC4

19Pure Prep RawaiD4

20Costa Grill Restaurant Rawai BeachD7

21Lay Cafe PhuketF2

22HOWM Beach Club RawaiF3

23Kan Eang at PierF1

6Drinking

24Leikki Neighbourhood CafeF1

25KenKen CoffeeC4

7Shopping

26Baan BohoC4

27Susan’s SouvenirsC6

28Your Style ShopC4

29Organic Health Food Store PhuketC5

TOP EXPERIENCE

Laem Phromthep

Phuket’s most spectacular southernmost point, a trip to Rawai – or a trip to Phuket, for that matter – is not complete without experiencing sunset at Laem Phromthep. With chilled-out bars and cafes, secluded nooks and hidden spots, this stunning viewpoint is a beautiful way to end the day.

map Google map

PHUKETIAN.S/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

For a quieter viewing experience, the nearby Windmill Viewpoint, 1.5km north of Laem Phromthep, has smaller crowds.

The Views

There’s a reason Laem Phromthep frequently tops the list of must-do activities in Phuket: the sweeping panoramic vista is splendid, particularly at sunset. From the southern tip of Phuket, northwest to Hat Nai Han and across the tropical waters of the island-dotted Andaman, the view is unbeatable. Bring a beverage and take in the day.

Laem Phra Chao Lighthouse

Overlooking the viewpoint at the edge of the cape, the Laem Phra Chao Lighthouse (also called Kanchanaphisek Lighthouse) is a staggering 50m high and topped with two golden elephants. It was built in 1996 to commemorate the Golden Jubilee of Rama IX (Bhumibol Adulyadej; r 1946–2016). On the door of the lighthouse, there’s helpful information detailing the day’s sunrise and sunset times.

Phromthep Monastery

From the main Laem Phromthep viewpoint, head eastward along the main road before hanging a right down a smaller lane to Phromthep Monastery. Dotted with various temples and shrines, this provides a more peaceful cape experience. While sunset is undoubtedly the star of the show, head to the viewing platform at the crack of dawn for a different (quieter) experience.

Bites & Drinks

In classic Thai fashion, food and refreshments are ubiquitous and can be found wherever tourists go. Expect smaller stalls and unofficial vendors peddling casual bites and drinks beside the souvenir shops on the main road.

GETTING HERE

Public transport is limited, and aim for sunrise or sunset during the weekdays for smaller crowds.

TOP EXPERIENCE

Rawai Seafood Market

Bursting with neon lights and pungent smells, Rawai Seafood Market on the northern end of Hat Rawai is a popular spot with locals and tourists. Take a wander and choose from the endless throng of stalls, home to the freshest catch of the day. Around 100m in length, there are dozens of vendors, so take your time to choose!

map Google map

TATIANA DIUVBANOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

Open daily from 9am to 9pm, the market is the most popular with locals in the evenings and for family-style dinners. Come around sunset to choose your catch of the day, have it cooked for you at a waterfront restaurant, and enjoy the splendid views.

The Experience

Come hungry – Thai seafood portions are no joke, and you’ll want to try everything. Also take your time in choosing a restaurant: while your stomach may be grumbling, wander and shop around before deciding. Though most stalls will serve similar fare, take the time to chat to vendors about what’s in season. Take your pick, then – usually accompanied by the vendor – walk over to one of the neighbouring restaurants to have your seafood cooked in your preferred style.

The Food

Most seafood, from spotted grouper to blue crabs and tiger prawns, will be fresh. Some local favourites include crab and squid stir-fried with yellow curry powder, succulent prawns made into a citrusy, sour and spicy đôm yam soup – or anything deep fried in fish sauce. Be careful of certain shellfish; oysters and bloody cockles in particular can upset even the strongest of stomachs.

The Prices

Expect to be up-charged slightly as a foreigner, and do haggle – but respectfully. The vendors make a small commission from bringing you to their preferred neighbouring restaurant.

Sea Gypsies & Complex Histories

Inextricably linked with the Rawai Seafood Market is the history of the Moken, one of Thailand’s Indigenous peoples known as ‘Chao Le’ or ‘Sea Gypsies’. For over a century, these people of the sea have settled in villages surrounding the market, trading in maritime goods just left of Rawai Pier.

QUIET TIMES

As always, come on weekdays if you want to avoid the main crowds.

EXPERIENCES

Relax at Hat Nai HarnBeach

Ask a Phuketian or local expat for their favourite island beach, and many will choose Hat Nai Harn map Google map. A beautiful crescent on the west side of Laem Phromthep, the beach is backed by casuarina plants and a seafront temple. Washed by turquoise water, it’s one of Rawai’s great swimming and sun-soaking spots. Be careful of low-season riptides when swimming.

Watch the Sunset at Secret Hat Ya NuiBeach

About 700m north of Laem Phromthep, tucked between the cape and Hat Nai Han where the road dips down to the sea, is the gorgeous mellow cove of Hat Ya Nui map Google map, with a healthy, rocky snorkelling reef (with kayaks and snorkel gear available rent from 100B). This is the quintessential turquoise bay, with honey-coloured sand, jungly mountains behind and an island in the horizon. It’s a deservedly popular sunset-watching spot.

Seek Adrenaline with Kiteboarding AsiaSports

The efficient, professional Kiteboarding Asia map (kiteboardingasia.com) has outlets across Thailand. On Phuket, its Rawai branch offers kit rental and courses from November to April that are certified by the International Kiteboarding Association, with kits starting at 1500B per hour. Courses cover everything from beginners to pro packages, and begin from 2200B for an hour trial lesson. During the monsoon it operates from its branch on Hat Nai Yang. Bookings can be done on site, though pre-booking online is recommended if you have a specific class in mind, or if you want to book during high season.

Shop Local Art at Phuket Art VillageArt

A group of talented Thai artists has come together to set up the bohemian arts commune of Phuket Art Village map Google map, located just off Rawai’s main strip. Feel free to wander the wonderfully creative home-studio-galleries that are packed with boldly contemporary original artwork. If you’re lucky, you might get to meet some of the eight resident artists.

Fly High at Kite ZoneKitesurfing

Kite Zone map (kitesurfthailand.com) is a cool, multilingual kitesurfing school with a great perch on Hat Friendship map Google map, a wide beach on Rawai’s east coast. While not the best for swimming, it shines with kitesurfers from November to April. International Kiteboarding Association–certified courses range from introductory tasters (starting at 3500B per person in a group lesson) to three-day, 10-hour courses. Book online, especially during high season.

Wind Down at LeSpa by StaySpa

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Located on site at Stay Resort, LeSpa (stayphuketresort.com/le-spa-in-phuket) features upmarket facilities including a steam room, sauna, onsen, cold plunge and massage services. Ideal for those seeking a high-end pampering experience, visitors don’t have to be guests at the hotel to use the services, and passes are available for the onsen wet area (beginning at 550B per hour). Bookings are encouraged, as spots usually fill up a day in advance. Book via email (spa@stayphuketresort.com).

Seek Health at AtsumiWellness

At this earthy detox retreat, guests check in for days-long water, juice and/or herb fasts, with the benefit of massages. But non-dieters are also welcome at Atsumi map for yoga or spa sessions that take in Thai, oil and deep-tissue treatments, plus Thaiatsu (Thai meets shiatsu) massages. Guests should book in advance, with day passes including yoga and pool access. Atsumi also runs the health-focused Raw Cafe Phuket map Google map nearby.

Escape the Crowds at Ao SaneBeach

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Just northwest of Hat Nai Han, on Rawai’s west coast, you might well think the road is a dead end. But power on, pass the Nai Harn resort and (sadly) some new development, and wind for 500m along the dramatic coast to the small but beautiful, boulder-strewn, white-sand Ao Sane. It’s rugged and laid-back, enticing regular return visitors.

Embrace Presence at Wat Nai HarnTemple

Tucked into the trees behind lovely Hat Nai Han, Wat Nai Harn map Google map is a working seafront monastery that is partly responsible for this area’s lack of development. If you show up at dawn you can watch, or even join in, as the monks chant scripture; ask permission from one of the monks the day before.

GANESHA YOGA

Led by Julie Hirunchai, one of Phuket’s top yoga teachers, Ganesha Yoga Shala (ganeshayogaphuket.com) is a well-established studio near the southern end of Hat Friendship that specialises in Mysore Ashtanga yoga. There’s a daily, drop-in, 90-minute class (except on Saturdays), with levels varying by day. Mats, towels and water are provided; check the latest schedules online, with classes starting at 400B for a drop-in.

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LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Breakfast

Poached Breakfast Café Rawai $ $

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With multiple branches in Phuket, this one overlooks Hat Rawai and is a staple for Australian-style breakfasts. Try their breakfast panna cotta or chia seed pudding. 7am-5pm

Boost $ $

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Leaning towards healthy bites for the health-conscious crowd, this is one of Rawai’s best eateries. Try their avo toast or manga chia pudding. Need something heartier? Their pasta is to die for. 8am-10.30pm

Cheap Eats

Noodle Soup Rawai $

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At this local halal legend, expect simple, authentic, generous Thai eats at affordable prices. Try their famous gŏo·ay đĕe·o reu·a (boat noodles), featuring succulent beef swimming in a hearty brown broth. 10am-8pm

Cheap Ass Thai Food Restaurant $

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This tongue-in-cheek vendor is popular for its quick, gratifying and flavourful food. Try pàt see·éw (fried noodles), pàd gàprow (stir-fried pork with Thai basil) topped with a fried egg, or sôm·đam (spicy green papaya salad). 10am-8pm Mon-Sat

Healthy Spots

Healthy Mania Raw Vegan $ $

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Decorated in hues of green, this plant-focused eatery features refreshing açaí bowls, crunchy wraps and fresh veggie rolls. Pick up a smoothie to keep you energised. 10am-10pm

FitGeeks Rawai $ $

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Keeping in theme with the neighbourhood’s obsession with health, this spot has some of the best smoothies and açaí. Try one of their pre-designed ‘pro bowls’ or design your own. 8.30am-8.30pm

Pure Prep Rawai $ $

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A simple, health-focused eatery with dishes like New Zealand grass-fed tenderloin and 95% lean beef mince with brown rice. Each dish is labelled with its calorie load and macro information. 8.30am-6pm Mon-Sat

International Indulgence

Costa Grill Restaurant Rawai Beach $ $ $

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Take a break from Rawai’s healthy eating to feast on escargots drenched in butter, tender fillet mignon and fresh baked pizzas. The restaurant also features a wide selection of vintage wines. 11am-11.30pm

Lay Cafe Phuket $ $

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This oceanside Islamic cafe serves up small dishes and drinks. Their speciality coffee and sweet treats are the main draws, though hungrier guests can also dine on spaghetti or pizza. Parking is available in the nearby mosque. 9am-5pm Sat-Thu

Oceanfront Spots

HOWM Beach Club Rawai $ $

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Located at the Selina Resort, this beach club is a popular sunset spot and digital nomad hub. Grab a drink and chill in the pool, or watch the boats go by on the water. 8am-11pm

Kan Eang at Pier $ $

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This mainstay venue on the pier is a local favourite for classic Thai bites and fresh seafood. Popular as a destination on its own, or as a go-to spot after returning from a day out at sea, the open-air restaurant is a beautiful option for day-into-night dining. 10am-11pm

Drinking

Caffeine Hits

Leikki Neighbourhood Cafe

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Some of the best coffee in town! With a Scandinavian meets Japanese vibe, this airy cafe features their signature eggnog coffee and dirty coffee. Great açaí bowls, too. 8am-6.30pm

KenKen Coffee

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This cute roadside cafe serves up coffee drinks. Choose from strong or smooth blends and pair with a sweet treat, from croissants and waffles to Portuguese custard tarts. 8am-4pm

Shopping

Local Spots

Baan Boho

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Translating to ‘Boho House’, island vibes abound at this dreamy shop. Think clothing with local patterns and motifs, as well as hammocks, homeware and souvenirs. 10am-6pm Tue-Sat

Susan’s Souvenirs

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At this souvenir shop with a revolving collection of Thai arts and crafts, pick up a painting by a local artist, try on some silk garments or shop for trinkets to take home. 10am-6pm Mon-Sat

Your Style Shop

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Searching for beachwear? Stop by this corner shop to browse its selection of swimwear, cover-ups and dresses. Don’t expect local crafts – a lot of the goods on display are imported, including the jewellery, shoes and hats. 10am-6pm

Health Food

Organic Health Food Store Phuket

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Arguably the best place for supplements and products in Phuket, you’ll also find an on-site cafe serving organic offerings and vegan bites. It’s an oasis of wellness in the heart of a healthy community. 10am-6pm

Explore

Hat Kamala

A hybrid of grittier Karon and glitzier Surin, Kamala has developed considerably in recent years but still remains chilled-out. Historically, it’s home to a large Muslim population, and sophisticated yet well-priced accommodation lures in longer-term visitors, as well as Thai millennials and digital nomads. Still comparatively laid-back by Phuket standards, Hat Kamala is an enclosed sugar-white strand with a mostly rustic feel. It’s unbelievably scenic, framed by green-clad headlands and a spectacular turquoise bay, with glitzy beach clubs buzzing at its northern end. Despite its growing popularity, the sweeping golden bay is both magnificent and serene, with palms and pines mingling on its leafy, rocky northern end. So jump on a beach swing and watch the crystalline tides turn in.

See for eating, drinking and shopping listings

Hat Kamala beach | ANNA YORDANOVA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

icon-bike1jpg Motorbike

Renting a motorbile is good value, as Kamala’s spots are often a few kilometres from each other (on steep inclines). Beach parking is plentiful.

icon-walkjpg Walking

Hat Kamala is great for long strolls, but the general area is not too walkable. Traffic can be fast and heavy on the main road.

icon-car-rentaljpg Ride sharing

Use Bolt and Grab as needed. In the wee hours, expect longer waiting times.

Taxis

Typically found outside bigger clubs and bars; negotiate on price.

THE BEST

BEACH Hat Kamala

DAYTIME PARTIES Café Del Mar

SPA Mala Spa

STREET FOOD Kamala Market

LUNCH SPOT Kamala Bakery

1Experiences

1Hat KamalaD3

2Café del MarD1

3Tsunami MemorialD5

4Kamala MarketE4

5Mala SpaD8

6Laem SinghD1

5Eating

7Kamala BakeryC6

8Public HouseD6

9CappadociaD6

10Blue ManaoC5

11Isaan Popeye Thai FoodD5

12Mam’s RestaurantF5

 Mala Restaurant(see 5)

13SilkB5

14333 at the BeachE1

6Drinking

 Pine Beach Bar(see 14)

 Vanilla Sky(see 13)

15Casa BohoA6

16On the RoofD1

17936 CoffeeD5

 Sync Coffee Bar & Roastery(see 17)

18Devas’ LoungeE1

19Black House CafeC7

7Shopping

20DreamersD6

EXPERIENCES

Get Sporty off the Hat Kamala CoastActive adventure

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Jump in the water: it’s warm. Hat Kamala’s rich, emerald-green waves are known for being excellent for boarding. Snorkelling around the rock reef is also possible, too.

During the monsoon season (May to October), you can hire surfboards (300B per hour) and SUP boards (400B per hour), and take surfing lessons (1000B) on Hat Kamala from the rental stand next to the police station. The beach’s calmer northern end is best for beginners, while its more swell-heavy southern strip attracts advanced surfers.

Sun & Sip at Café del Marclubbing

Ibiza’s world-famous, original, sunset-gazing brand Café del Mar map Google map (phuket.cafedelmar.com; cocktails from 420B) brings its signature glam-chillout vibe to northern Hat Kamala.

Hot-orange umbrellas, distressed concrete walls and chic daybeds are strung around a gleaming pool of unicorn floaties. A multi-tiered terrace hosts daily DJ sessions and seated all-day dining. Gastronomic fare ranges across cuisines and decadency, from Thai satay (290B) to lobster pasta (2900B).

Find Phuket locals spending all day here, ordering sushi to their sun beds and lounging on floor pillows smoking hookah. It’s a crowd that changes quickly from friendly to pretentious, but you can always go out to the beach for a break before coming back in.

Good to know: Café Del Mar is Phuket’s main venue for big-name electronic music acts and festivals. Tickets and table bookings (depending on the event) are key. Also, note that the music stops at midnight (usually rather promptly).

Visit the Tsunami MemorialPark monument

Kamala was one of Phuket’s worst-hit areas during the deadly 2004 Boxing Day tsunami that hit the coasts of several countries in South and Southeast Asia (the natural disaster’s impact on Thailand is dramatised in the 2012 Hollywood blockbuster, The Impossible). The Tsunami Memorial map Google map pays tribute to lost loved ones with an evocative, wave-inspired metallic oval created by prominent Thai welding artist Udon Jiraksa. Titled Mind Universe, the sculpture is set in a small, scenic palm-studded park.

Feast on Market FareStreet food

Get your local street-food fix at Kamala Market map Google map (3pm-7.30pm Mon & Fri). Though technically an evening bazaar, opening hours leave that descriptor somewhat debatable (stands usually open around 3pm and the market generally dies down before 8pm – sometimes even earlier when food sells out).

Under bright-orange tarps and slightly aggressive lighting, this is not a scenic affair by any means, but the range of street food is well-priced and plentiful. Think fresh fruit shakes, sizzling Thai satays and stir-fries, and generally no vendor options trendier than a boba tea. There isn’t really seating at the market; take your street food for a picnic on Hat Kamala.

Try Spa Therapy at Mala SpaPampering innovation

Treat yourself to a spa afternoon at the fabulous Mala Spa map Google map (keemala.com/wellness-mala-spa; 1½-hour massage therapies/from 2900B), where a truly one-of-a-kind menu of healing therapies will ensure you can try something you’ve never had (or perhaps never heard of) before. Set within the fairy-tale-like Keemala resort, 2km inland (south) from Kamala, treatments take place in oversized, bamboo-laced, nest-inspired huts with outdoor showers.

The spa’s use of organic, cruelty-free products and natural essences heightens unique treatments where tradition meets innovation. Think massages with fresh seaweed leaves and full-body wraps in organically treated muslin. Booking ahead (+66 76 358 777) is a must.

Relax on a Hidden BeachScenic walk

The cliff-framed cape of Laem Singh map Google map, about 2km from Kamala, conceals one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. From Kamala, it’s about a 10-minute drive north up a hilly main road, where there’s beach parking. The shore itself is located about a 20-minute hike down a jungle path (not suitable for those with mobility issues). From Laem Singh, it’s also possible to reach Hat Surin via a 1km sandy walk or by hiring a boat ride from the beach’s southern end (return 100B per person, 400B for the whole boat).

Non-Ethical Animal Tourism

It’s impossible to ignore the brochures, advertising and tour operators flogging Phuket FantaSea, the US$60 million ‘cultural theme park’ just east of Hat Kamala that’s promoted as one of the island’s top ‘family-friendly’ attractions. While it’s popular with tour groups, we recommend reading up on the animal-welfare issues associated with this spectacle, during which animals are forced to ‘perform’ daily. Unfortunately, unethical animal tourism is a widespread problem on Phuket. Of the endless array of operators, fewer than a handful are committed to animal welfare. We recommend Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Lunch Spots

Kamala Bakery $

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Down-to-earth, expat-loved cafe and bakery for cosy brunch vibes. Poached eggs with salmon, and crunchy baguettes stuffed with chicken curry. Spicy Thai fare, too. 7am-4pm

Public House $ $

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Pub-style comfort food with a sophisticated touch. A large menu includes brunch (eggs benny to breakfast burritos), grilled meats with mashed potatoes, plus filling salads. Some Thai food also. 9am-11pm

Cappadocia $ $

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The Kamala outpost of this popular Phuket-based chain promises a cosy atmosphere and satisfying Turkish feasts. The menu includes diverse pide (Turkish flatbread), kebabs and grilled skewers. Great for families. 11am-11pm

Thai

Blue Manao $ $

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Welcoming, French-run restaurant where the seafood is an obvious draw, but the traditional Thai curries and European desserts are also excellent. Closes during off season. 12.30-11pm

Isaan Popeye Thai Food $

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One of the few restaurants in Kamala where you’ll find locals dining, thanks to the winning combination of authentic and spicy northeastern dishes, fresh seafood and classic stir-fries and noodles. 9.30am-11pm

Mam’s Restaurant $ $

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No beach view, but an expat favourite as a quiet, simple place on the patio of a family home. Plates up Thai favourites, plus burgers and kebabs. 9.30am-9pm

Fine Dining

Mala Restaurant $ $ $

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Health-focused restaurant at the eco-friendly, jungle-wrapped Keemala resort has an enormous menu of artfully presented Thai, Indian and international dishes, with ingredients sourced directly from their gardens. 6.30am-11pm

Silk $ $ $

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Somewhere between a steakhouse, an Italian bistro and a Thai fine-dining restaurant, this resort restaurant specialises in wok classics, ingredient-loaded pastas and charcoal grilling. Catch Thai dance performances on Friday evenings. 7am-10pm

333 at the Beach $ $ $

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This is all about the finer things…starting with tables sunk into soft sands. International dishes are made with seasonal, locally sourced fare. Decadences include an oyster bar and open-fire charcoal grill. 8am-11pm

Drinking

On the Beach

Café del Mar

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Glam-chillout vibes à la Ibiza on northern Hat Kamala. The place to catch big-name DJs, party in terrace cabanas and a floatie-laden pool, and pop Champagne at Sunday brunches. noon-midnight

Pine Beach Bar

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Laid-back resort beach-bar right on Hat Kamala serving award-winning craft cocktails (including chichi non-alcoholic options). A long wine menu includes natural and organic sips. 8am-11pm

Rooftop Bars

Vanilla Sky

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Kamala’s breeziest rooftop lounge – perched atop the Cape Sienna hotel – is a stylish spot to watch the sun sink over the sea with a well-crafted martini in hand. 5-10pm

Casa Boho

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Latin American concept that’s the frontrunner for Kamala’s most beautiful bar. A bright and colourful design also boasts a terrace pool with fantastic views; also spicy music and classic tropical cocktails. noon-10pm

On the Roof

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Cute rooftop bar for a sunset drink with sea vistas at the Novotel Phuket. Good weekday happy-hour specials (often other deals too) and sometimes live music. 4-11pm

Café ‘n’ Chill

936 Coffee

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Visit this hole-in-the-wall cafe on the main drag for perfectly brewed coffee that will satisfy even the snobbiest of coffee snobs. It’s often busy, so arrive early to secure a table. 8am-4pm

Sync Coffee Bar & Roastery

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Contemporary, minimalist interiors provide a relaxing space for laptop work (or to escape the heat). Excellent third-wave coffee as well as other hot and cold creations. 9am-6pm

Devas’ Lounge

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Elegant afternoon-tea lounge overlooking tropical resort greenery. A range of house-baked croissants, cookies and cakes arranged on pretty serving stands go perfectly with the bevvies. 8am-10pm

Black House Cafe

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Gorgeous villa cafe hidden up stone steps amid ample lush greenery. A perfect place to unwind with all-day breakfasts, cold-pressed juices and coffee, and friendly owners (also, cute cats). 7am-5pm Tue-Sat

Shopping

Souvenir Shopping

Dreamers

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Chic cannabis shop doubling as a trendy boutique. The modern art lining the walls is all for sale. Also stocks beach-party fashion (slips and sunglasses). 10am-midnight

Explore

Hat Surin

Lying between Patong and Ao Bang Thao, Hat Surin is a relatively upmarket destination. There’s a village vibe that’s quickly turning sophisticated, blending beach bliss with cute boutiques and natural beauty – think yoga studios, relaxing spas and beachfront dining. With a wide beach fringed by coconut trees, water in shades of pale turquoise (in the shallows) and a deep blue (on the horizon), plus lush, boulder-strewn headlands, Surin is one of Phuket’s most attractive and peaceful spots. While a touch quiet for those seeking more buzz and energy, it’s the perfect antidote to Patong.

See for eating, drinking and shopping listings

Hat Surin beach | FOKKE BAARSSEN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

Taxi

Hat Surin is a 20-minute drive from the airport. Taxis are available, though they commonly overcharge.

icon-car-rentaljpg Car

To get to the area’s other beaches and viewpoints, a car (or motorbike) is necessary.

icon-walkjpg Walking

Apart from the beach, the main stretch of Hat Surin (Soi Hat Surin 8) is fairly walkable, with multiple shops and spas in a fairly compact area. You can also walk to neighbouring Bang Tao Beach from here.

icon-bike1jpg Motorbike

Many stalls will rent out motorbikes, with prices starting from 200B a day.

THE BEST

SECRET BEACH Laem Singh

LUXURY HOTEL Amanpuri Resort

BEACHFRONT DINING Tukta Food & Drink

YOGA Moksha Wellness

SHOPPING Saltwater Dreaming Surf & Skate Shop

1Top Experiences

 Hat SurinB3

 Hat PanseaA1

1Experiences

1Laem SinghB4

2Tukta Food & DrinkB4

3Moksha WellnessD3

4Amanpuri Holistic Wellness CentreA1

5Palm SpaC2

6Sutai Muay Thai Gym CampC1

5Eating

7The Best Noodle SoupF2

8Butterfly RestaurantE2

9Khunya Seafood RestaurantC3

10Audy RestaurantC1

11Beach Restaurant by The Surin PhuketB1

12Five OlivesF2

13Oriental SpoonC3

14The Smokaccia LaboratoryD3

15Wagyu SteakhouseC3

6Drinking

16August CoffeeC3

17Cozy by CannasupremeD3

18Phuket Coffee LabD3

7Shopping

19Saltwater Dreaming Surf & Skate ShopF2

20Waranya Ban Thai Art GalleryF2

21Harry’s BoutiqueC3

TOP EXPERIENCE

Hat Surin & Hat Pansea

The area’s main draw is undoubtedly Hat Surin and Hat Pansea map Google map. Wander the golden expanses of these two gorgeous sandy sweeps, separated by a lush headland. The beaches are relatively clean, the water clear and the sand inviting. Hat Pansea is a public beach, but the only way to access it is via the Surin Phuket and Amanpuri Phuket.

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SIMON REDDY/ALAMY STOCK PHOTO ©

PLANNING TIP

There are some more established eateries for more formal meals, but many beachfront vendors won’t have a presence on Google Maps. When you arrive, just follow your instincts – or your nose.

Hat Surin

With clear water and blindingly white sand, Hat Surin is the postcard image of paradise. Tall casuarina trees bend with the wind, and Thai-style eateries dot the coastline for ample opportunities to dine with your feet in the sand. While a little quiet for some, peaceful Hat Surin remains one of the few vestiges of peace on this busy island.

When the wind picks up, bigger waves also draw in the surfing crowd, as most hopeful surfers flock to the more popular breaks at Hat Kata, leaving Hat Surin a relatively undiscovered paradise that offers up great waves during the rainy season. While conditions aren’t consistent, the chance to carve up some waves in such an idyllic and uncrowded setting is a big draw. There are usually surfboards for rent on the beach, or check out Saltwater Dreaming Surf & Skate Shop (surfshopthailand.com) for more options. Note that currents can get rough during the monsoon season of May to October due to the steeply sloping beach; stay within your limits.

Conversely, in the dry season of November-April, Surin shines for snorkelling. Though it won’t hold a candle to offshore islands or underwater destinations like the Similan Islands, the headland at the northern end of the beach, towards Hat Pansea, offers an accessible spot to take a peek underwater. Rent snorkel gear at the stalls on the beach for 200B.

Hat Pansea

Just north of Hat Surin, Hat Pansea is an exquisite strip of white-gold sand fringed by green-clad headlands. The scenic enclave is home to exclusive resorts such as the Amanpuri (pictured), a sweeping five-star expanse of luxury pavillons, private terraces, gardens and Thai-style villas. Sometimes called ‘millionaire’s row’ due to its popularity with celebrities and VIPs hoping to get away from the crowds, expect to find lots of high-end, exclusive villas overlooking the bay. For the intrepid traveller, there is a steep path down from the headland at Hat Surin.

GETTING THERE

To reach Surin’s idyllic beaches, take the smaller access road Soi Hat Surin 8 westward off the main coastal road. The area can sometimes get crowded during peak season, so a motorbike will be easier to park.

EXPERIENCES

Hike to Haad Laem SinghBeach

Searching for your own slice of paradise? You’ll find it at Laem Singh map Google map, a secluded ‘hidden’ beach tucked into the foot of a cliff to the south of Hat Surin and Hat Pansea.

This golden beach is accessible by boat or on foot: hire a long-tail boat at Hat Surin for 100B per person, or hike for 15 minutes along a rugged southward path to reach one of the most beautiful alcoves in Phuket (keep an eye on the tide). Waterproof shoes are a good idea, and don’t forget your swimwear: you’ll be sweating, and down for a dip.

Dine Beachfront at TuktaDining

After a day of watersports and activities, meander down Hat Surin to hunt for something to eat. Pick from one of the numerous vendors, or head to Tukta Food & Drink map Google map at the southern corner for a meal of Thai-style pineapple fried rice and chicken satay. Bliss.

Do Yoga at Moksha WellnessYoga

Unwind at Moksha Wellness map Google map (moksha-wellness.com), a relatively new yoga studio. It’s an upmarket centre with wonderful classes of vinyasa, hatha and yin. Join a group session or book a private class, and ask about their workshops and retreats. Drop-in classes start at 600B. Online booking is recommended.

Unwind at Amanpuri Holistic Wellness Centre Spa

Located in one of the most opulent resorts on Phuket, the Amanpuri Holistic Wellness Centre map Google map at the Amanpuri Resort (aman.com/resorts/amanpuri) offers tailored treatments, massages, immersions and fitness programmes. Their 12 individual treatment rooms come with showers and bathrooms, and plenty of amenities on site. Note that prices vary, but will be on the upper end; book online.

Pamper Yourself at Palm SpaSpa

Pamper yourself at the signature Palm Spa map Google map, located at the five-star Twin Palms (twinpalmshotelsresorts.com). Boasting opulent treatment rooms, Palm Spa offers everything from facials and traditional Thai massages to their ‘candle massage’, a treatment where warm essential oils are drizzled over your skin to melt away stress. A classic 60-minute massage begins at 1500B.

Head to a Gym Camp Muay Thai

Try your hand(s) at Thai boxing at Sutai Muay Thai Gym Camp map Google map (sutaiphuket.com). Located between Surin and Bang Tao, this centre offers group classes and private trainings, with training and competition rings. Group classes begin at 400B per person. Book online.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Relaxed Eateries

Tukta Food & Drink $

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This outdoor restaurant at the southern tip of Hat Surin overlooks the beach. Snack on satay skewers and spring rolls while taking in the views. 9.30am-9pm

The Best Noodle Soup $

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Come to this street stall for their decadent noodle soup, and stay for the sôm·đam (grilled chicken and sticky rice). Their broth is rich and flavourful, and the service fast. 10am-10pm

Butterfly Restaurant $ $

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A relaxed, family-style restaurant with outdoor patio seating. Slurp some Thai tea as you dine on Thai and western dishes. They also have a ‘half rice, same price’ option for dishes – score! 9am-4.30pm & 6-9pm Mon-Sat

Khunya Seafood Restaurant $

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This no-frills spot is a local favourite for easy eats and fresh seafood. Try their fish with sweet and sour sauce, and any prawn dish of your choice. 10am-10pm

Audy Restaurant $ $

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Catering to both locals and tourists, this simple eatery serves up classic Thai eats along with some Western dishes. Try their pineapple fried rice for succulent chunks of prawn stir-fried with rice and served inside half a pineapple. 8am-11pm

Upmarket Dining

Beach Restaurant by The Surin Phuket $ $ $

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This romantic restaurant in the The Surin Phuket hotel is a spectacular sunset spot. Feast on global eats and elevated Thai specialities. Don’t forget the mango sticky rice for dessert. 5pm-11pm

Five Olives $ $ $

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A charming restaurant featuring hearty Italian eats. It’s hard to pick favourites, but their pastas are winners, as are the many pizza options, with fragrant and fluffy dough. They don’t skimp on toppings either. 11am-11pm

Oriental Spoon $ $ $

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This sophisticated restaurant at the Twin Palms resort gets lively for its popular Sunday brunch, but also serves elegantly prepared Thai and international fare, including an unusual selection of Peranakan dishes featuring a fusion of Thai, Chinese and Malay flavours. 7am-10pm

The Smokaccia Laboratory $ $ $

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A dining location that’s a must for foodies. Try their sourdough bread known as ‘the Smokaccia’ that’s stuffed with lobster, Wagyu and truffles, plus desserts like ‘Thai lavender crème brulee’ and ‘the impossible vegan pistachio ice cream. noon-3pm & 6-9pm Thu-Tue

Wagyu Steakhouse $ $ $

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The place to come for meat eaters! This fine-dining spot celebrates beef to the extreme, with a rotating selection of imported cuts from around the world. 5.30pm-midnight

Drinking

Coffee Fixes

August Coffee

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This cute, orange-coloured cafe is nestled on a quiet street and serves up classic coffees, teas, and lemon sodas. Try their rose tea or matcha strawberry latte. 8.30am-5pm

Cozy by Cannasupreme

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Right next to a yoga studio, visit this beautifully decorated spot for healthy bites and drinks. Try a post workout smoothie with fresh fruit. Their lattes are lovely, and the ‘dirty’ coffee is to die for. 9.30am-8pm Thu-Tue

Phuket Coffee Lab

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It’s all about the freshly roasted, small-batch, single-origin Thai and international beans at this concrete-floored, industrial-feel cafe, 700m inland from Hat Surin. Skilled baristas deliver artisan coffees and professional training sessions. 7am-5pm

Shopping

Local Spots

Saltwater Dreaming Surf & Skate Shop

map Google map

Exactly as its name suggests, this is the go-to spot for your dream surfing or skateboarding gear in Phuket. Find rows of boards, along with accompanying leashes, waxes, fins and accessories. 9am-6pm

Waranya Ban Thai Art Gallery

map Google map

Gold and delicate Thai pieces shine in this local art gallery , also known as W.KENGKAEW. From large framed pieces to smaller collectables, this boutique spot is a must for art aficionados and those hoping to bring back memorable souvenirs. 10am-8.30pm

Harry’s Boutique

map Google map

A beautiful shop for dress shirts, suits and custom tailoring, with a wide range of fabric and style options. This is a spot with excellent attention to detail. 10am-10pm

Explore

Ao Bang Thao & Cherngtalay

A sweeping 8km of dusty white sand, Hat Bang Thao links the disparate elements of northwestern Phuket’s buzzy Cherngtalay district. Bounded by Ao Bang Thao, the region’s southern end is dotted with good midrange resorts and beach clubs. Further inland, there’s a fishing village laced with canals, fancy villa subdivisions and stellar restaurants. At the northern end of the bay, Mother Nature reasserts herself, and a stretch of sand and blue sea extends into peaceful bliss. Cherngtalay, a Muslim area, is an increasingly popular spot for travellers – especially families – thanks to good gastronomy, shopping and a laid-back vibe.

See for eating, drinking and shopping listings

Catch Beach Club | KEVIN HELLON/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

icon-walkjpg Walking

This part of Phuket has great walking areas and streets, but you’ll need transport to travel between them.

icon-bike1jpg Motorbike

Rent a motorbike for about 200B per day. Police roadblocks/checkpoints do spring up on the way to Patong (Phuket’s de facto centre). Always carry your driving licence and wear a helmet to avoid being ticketed.

icon-car-rentaljpg Ride sharing

Use Grab and Bolt to get to outlying areas.

icon-taxi1jpg Taxi

Taxis cost around 700B to/from the airport, and 900B to/from Phuket’s southwestern beaches like Hat Kata Noi and Hat Nai Harn.

THE BEST

SHOPPING Boat Avenue

SPA Jara Spa

FINE DINING PRU

CULTURAL SIGHT Masjid Mukaram Bang Thao

BEACH Hat Bang Thao

1Experiences

1Hat Bang ThaoB4

2Hat LayanC1

3Catch Beach ClubB6

4Xana Beach ClubC1

5Boat AvenueF4

6Boat Avenue Night MarketF4

7Jara SpaB1

8PRUB1

9Laguna MarathonD3

10Laguna Phuket TriathlonC2

11Sam Ong Hoo ShrineF6

12Masjid Mukaram Bang ThaoC8

13Siam Supper ClubF4

14Yoga RepublicE7

15Thai CarnationE4

16Gallery CafeF8

17Porto de PhuketF5

18Phuket Adventure Mini GolfB6

19Phuket International Horse ClubD1

5Eating

20Project ArtisanF1

21SuayF8

22Cafe de BangtaoB6

23PestoF5

24TatonkaF4

25BampotF4

26Eden by the LakeE4

27UchiF5

6Drinking

28Maya Beach ClubB4

29Carpe Diem Beach ClubA7

7Shopping

30Lemongrass HouseF6

31Soul of AsiaF4

32Canal VillageD2

EXPERIENCES

Lounge on Hat Bang Thaobeach

Beautiful, 8km-long Hat Bang Thao map Google map is one of the longest, dreamiest beaches on Phuket. This slice of pearlescent sand is just asking for you to laze around on it and do nothing, and that also lends to its high accessibility – a mix of simple beach restaurants and more sophisticated beach clubs, framed by luxury resorts and excellent mid-range accommodation options.

Beach-Hop to Hat Layanbeach

Hat Bang Thao’s protected northern corner is a dreamy, smaller strip known as Hat Layan map. Within the southern boundaries of Sirinat National Park, Hat Layan’s beautiful white-gold sand comprises the northernmost tip of neighbouring Hat Bang Thao. Here, the sands are framed by pines near the shoreline and an offshore islet.

If you thought Hat Bang Thao was sleepy, Hat Layan is even more so. It’s framed by a couple of luxury hotels and housing developments.

Wine, Dine & Wade at Catch Beach ClubBeach club

There’s a day at the beach, and then there’s a day at Catch Beach Club map Google map (catchbeachclub.com; cocktails from 450B) – a strong contender for Phuket’s most fashionable beach club. Slip into your chicest beachwear for party-vibe lazing from infinity pools that overlook white sands and perfect blue waters. Day passes include towels and outdoor showers, plus food and drink.

In the evening, there’s a mellow party atmosphere with DJ sessions. On bigger nights though, like Catch’s annual White Party (September), the beach club turns out a spectacle of glitzy costumes, fiery performances and more.

Swim up to Xana’s BarBeach club

Catering to a fashionable crowd, Xana Beach Club map Google map (angsana.com; cocktails from 350B) is Phuket’s beachfront outpost of Singaporean club brand Attica. It stands on a fabulous swathe of silky white sand, halfway along Hat Bang Thao. Come for the polished red-on-white decor, the raised 35m pool with swim-up bar, the eight-person cabanas and in-water sunbeds, the ‘Sunday Fun Brunch’, the sound system and international-DJ sets. Check online for upcoming events.

Explore Boat AvenueCommercial district

Cherngtalay’s Boat Avenue map Google map, though technically an alfresco mall, gives off the vibes of a commercial lifestyle district. A slew of new restaurants and businesses, from clothing boutiques to hair and nail salons, have made the area quite busy. Yet it still maintains a relaxed feel, especially by night when it becomes a hangout for Cherngtalay’s expats and families staying around Hat Bang Thao.

The best time to visit is Friday evenings when the avenue morphs into a lively, colourful night market (map; 4-9pm) – some might say the most enjoyable one on Phuket – packed with stalls offering noodle stir-fries, fresh barbecued fish, and sôm·đam (spicy green papaya salad). You’ll also find everything from floaty beach dresses and printed purses to scented candles and handicrafts for sale.

Try Jara Spa’s Famed MassageLuxury pampering

Nestled into the verdant surrounds of Sirinat National Park, the five-star boutique resort Trisara is where you’ll find arguably Thailand’s most luxurious, over-the-top spa treatment. The Jara Spa map (trisara.com/jara-spa; spa treatments from 6000B) has a signature offering, known as the ‘Royal Trisara Six Hand Massage’ (90 minutes, 15,000B). It consists of three expert masseuses simultaneously working on you from top to toe.

In perfect sync, traditional Thai techniques of working with pressure points and strokes are applied, as well as nourishing organic oils and herbal compresses. It’s a highly individualised (and gloriously excessive) pampering experience. Book well in advance.

DRINKING GAMES

Small, divey beach bars cater to a late-night crowd of foreigners and Thais. Along with cheap drinks, you’ll find these classic drinking games.

Billiards

A well-known staple.

Checkers

The checkerboards painted onto stone tables aren’t for decoration.

Stump

A log of wood, a hammer and a few nails – whoever can hammer in their nail the fastest wins.

Connect Four

This popular children’s game is usually always lying about.

Shut the Door

Fun and easy game involving two dice and wooden tiles. The first to flip over all the tiles wins.

Savour Rare Thai Ingredients at PRUSustainable fine-dining

Phuket’s fine-dining game is fierce, but PRU map (prurestaurant.com; tasting menus from 6900B), short for ‘Plant. Raise. Understand.’, sits at the top. The sustainably focused, solar-panelled restaurant is the island’s only holder of a Michelin star.

Situated at the luxurious Trisara resort, PRU’s menu extravagantly showcases distinctive and rare Thai produce. All ingredients are sourced from within Thailand and many of them – including vegetables, herbs and flowers – come from the restaurant’s own permaculture farm. Preserves and fermentations are made in-house, while artisan suppliers provide a range of other ingredients, from seafood to cacao.

The tasting menus change seasonally, but an example dish is the Siamese duck, brined for two days and dry-aged for five, then slow-roasted over an open fire and adorned with flowers and egg fruit.

Booking is mandatory. Request a seat at the Japanese Kappo-style counter to watch the chefs at work.

Take Part in a Scenic Endurance RaceSports relays

map Google map

Every year, thousands take part in the Laguna Phuket Marathon (map; phuketmarathon.com; advance registration for full marathon/kids from 105/15B) in June and Laguna Phuket Triathlon map Google map (lagunaphukettri.com; individual registration 289B) in November. These are two challenging endurance relays, and the route begins at the Laguna Phuket complex (Cherngtalay’s network of top-end resorts, tied together by an artificial lake). Both races show off northern Phuket’s forest and lace across beaches, villages and plantations along the way.

There’s also a half marathon, 10km, 5km or a shorter 2km kids race. Meanwhile, the triathlon is the longest of its kind in Asia.

Celebrate Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival in Cherngtalayshrine

The Sam Ong Hoo Shrine map Google map is one of Phuket’s oldest Chinese shrines and continues to be a cherished site for locals to seek healings and blessings from Buddhist deities. Also known as Cherngtalay Shrine, the landmark was established in 1901 by Chinese tin-miners who settled in the area.

The shrine’s tiled roof is elaborate and striking, showcasing vibrant depictions of eight Chinese gods, complemented by dragon motifs. The best time to visit is during Phuket’s Vegetarian Festival (early October), when a traditional procession and other rituals take place.

Visit a Historic Mosquemosque

The busy Masjid Mukaram Bang Thao map Google map provides a good insight into Phuket village life and makes an interesting change of scene from the beach. In a gentrifying area, the mosque is a reminder of Cherngtalay’s roots as a settlement for Muslim traders and settlers who arrived in the region centuries ago as fisherfolk, miners and traders.

The religious site’s cream-coloured facade and sea-green mosaic domes are striking against the blue sky and jungly hills, and it’s home to a friendly Muslim congregation who set up tasty halal street-food carts outside. Visitors are more than welcome.

Enjoy Dinner & Jazz Live music

Siam Supper Club map Google map (siamsupperclub.com; mains from 550B) is one of Cherngtalay’s swishest spots. With a dressed-up, dimly lit, old-school atmosphere, the bar and restaurant is all about Rat Pack vibes, sipping dirty martinis while chomping on a decadent steak.

There’s always a soothing soundtrack of jazz and 1950s-style lounge music, except for Mondays when there’s live jazz (8pm to 11pm). These evenings are hugely popular; book ahead on their website.

Stretch it out at Yoga RepublicYoga studio

Yoga Republic map Google map (yogarepublic.co) is a stylish, contemporary studio near southern Hat Bang Thao, and it’s the perfect place to get in some stretching. Complete with a juice and coffee bar, it hosts a line-up of drop-in yoga sessions (700B per one-time class) to suit all levels, including hot yoga and Pilates, as well as teacher-training courses. Check class schedules online.

Grab a Spontaneous Thai MassageMassage parlour

Impressively professional yet wonderfully low-key, Thai Carnation map Google map (massage from 500B) is a real find, and fantastic value, too. There are private massage rooms, well-trained therapists and a local vibe; drop-ins can usually be accommodated. Ease away tensions with a classic Thai massage, an Indian head massage or an exfoliating Asian-glow scrub. It’s 1.5km east (inland) of Hat Bang Thao, near the entrance to the Laguna Phuket complex.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY CHERNGTALAY

Ao Bang Thao and Cherngtalay are known for their kid-friendly resorts. Here are some more family-friendly activities.

Gallery Cafe

map

The stylish hang-around-all-day lounge in Cherngtalay has a sunny terrace and kids play area.

Boat Avenue Night Market

map Google map

Maintains a family-friendly atmosphere.

Porto de Phuket

map Google map

Airy, open-plan lifestyle mall with lots of room to roam and a dedicated kids’ zone.

Phuket Adventure Mini Golf

map Google map

Eighteen holes tucked into a lush tropical setting.

Phuket International Horse Club

map

Enjoy beach horse rides on Hat Bang Thao.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Daytime Dining

Project Artisan $ $

map Google map

A boho-chic, Bali-inspired hangout in northern Cherngtalay. Wood-carved doors frame a lantern-lit garden adorned with dreamcatchers. Locally sourced dishes include gourmet-style sandwiches, burgers and pizzas with fixings like chicken tikka and a modern take on lâhp (spicy, herbal mince-meat salad), featuring salmon. noon-11pm

Suay $ $ $

map

The Cherngtalay branch of star Phuket chef Noi Tammasak’s sought-after Suay is a fusion-tastic sensation. Brunch features such comforting delights as truffle scrambled eggs, moussaka and linguine with scallops. 4-11pm

Cafe de Bangtao $ $

map Google map

A sweet terracotta-tiled cafe with candlelit tables and cane lanterns, just inland from Ao Bang Thao’s southern end. Dishes range from all-day European breakfasts and tasty, sensibly priced seafood to Thai fare. 7am-1am

Pesto $ $

map Google map

A simple streetside setting for delicious, wallet-friendly Thai and international food, plus Mediterranean-minded seafood and pasta, deep-fried fish of the day and well-made curries. 10.30am-11pm

Delicious Dinners

Tatonka $ $ $

map Google map

Tapas-style fusion fare influenced by cooking techniques the chef learned in Europe, Colorado and Hawaii. Try the ‘duck cigars’ (Peking duck spring rolls) and green curry pasta. 6-10pm Mon-Sat

Bampot $ $ $

map Google map

Ambitious, contemporary, European-inspired cooking and expertly crafted cocktails, excellent wines and cheerfully professional service. Bampot delivers as one of Phuket’s top spots for a good meal. 6pm-midnight, plus noon-3pm Sat

Siam Supper Club $ $ $

map

A predominantly international menu: gourmet pizzas, hearty steaks, seafood dishes and tasty pastas plus an impressive wine list. Monday night jazz (8pm to 11pm) is hugely popular; book ahead. 4pm-midnight Mon-Thu, from noon Sat & Sun

Sophisticated Fine-Dining

PRU $ $ $

map

Sustainable upmarket gastronomy at Phuket’s only Michelin-starred restaurant. Chefs working in a gorgeous open kitchen put together bespoke menus of seasonal, regionally Thai ingredients. 6-10.30pm Tue-Sat, noon-3pm Sat & Sun

Eden by the Lake $ $ $

map Google map

Specialising in grilling, this restaurant is heavy in romance, boasting a European villa vibe. Choose from a variety of imported cuts and seafood with a selection of sauces and sides. 1pm-midnight

Uchi $ $ $

map Google map

A chic Japanese gastro bar right in the heart of Cherngtalay. Small decadent plates of sashimi and oysters are served with craft cocktails; nightly live DJ performances. noon-11pm

Drinking

Beach Clubs

Maya

map Google map

Thailand meets Tulum at this upmarket beach club with a sleek tiki design and natural feel. Entertainment includes international DJs and themed parties like Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). 10am-1am

Carpe Diem

map Google map

Of Phuket’s many beach clubs, this is the winner for grandest architectural design. A dramatically curved thatched roof perfectly frames southern Hat Bang Thao and the longtail fishing boats floating by. noon-midnight Sun-Thu, to 2am Fri & Sat

Catch

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Sophisticated vibes from well-dressed beachgoers to spectacular views of white sand and sea. Day passes include towels and outdoor showers plus food and drink. The beachfront bar-restaurant buzzes until late. 11am-midnight Sun-Thu, to 3am Fri & Sat

Shopping

Unique Souvenirs

Lemongrass House

map Google map

The bright-green headquarters of a successful Thai spa and cosmetics chain. Find 90-some natural aromas here; you can also create and blend your own. 9am-8pm

Soul of Asia

map Google map

In this brightly lit arts and antiques space, colourful Asian paintings line the walls. The shop floors are a treasure trove of funky lamps, silverware and other curios. Hours vary

Shopping Streets

Boat Avenue

map

Commercial district with a community lifestyle vibe. Lots of boutique shopping. On Friday evenings, it hostsone of Phuket’s loveliest (non-touristy) night markets. Hours vary

Canal Village

map Google map

Outdoor shopping plaza connecting to Laguna Phuket resort with a shuttle boat. Its breezy promenade promises night market vibes on weekends; great for families. Hours vary

Porto de Phuket

map

Open-air lifestyle mall. Its stunning modern design inspired by a tin factory (harking back to Cherngtalay’s roots) incorporates greenery among trendy shops and restaurants. 10am-10pm

Explore

Northeastern Phuket

From lush jungles to flowing waterfalls, northeastern Phuket is a peaceful departure from the rest of the island’s coastal scenes and daily grind. Most visitors won’t base themselves here, as accommodation options catering towards tourists are limited, and most hop in a car or on a motorbike and travel here for a day trip. With beautiful hiking in landscapes that evoke Phuket before its development, and multiple wildlife conservation projects centred here – including a gibbon rehabilitation project and one of the island’s few genuine elephant sanctuaries – a visit is worthy of your time.

See for eating and drinking listings

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary | GINA SMITH/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

icon-car-rentaljpg Car

The easiest way to get around the area is to rent a car. Expect some winding roads, some of which are not always paved. Northeastern Phuket is not necessarily walkable.

icon-taxi1jpg Taxi

Hailing taxis is possible, but expect longer wait times than in Phuket Town. If visiting the Elephant Sanctuary, most day-trip operators will organise group transport.

icon-busjpg Bus

Sŏrng·tăa·ou (pick-up minibuses) from Phuket Town run through the area’s main roads, though scheduling may be more sparse than in touristed spots.

THE BEST

ANIMAL ENCOUNTER Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

VOLUNTEER PROJECT Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Project

WATERFALL HIKE Nam Tok Bang Pae

BUDDHIST TEMPLE Wat Phra Thong

SEAFOOD Bang Pae Seafood

1Top Experiences

 Phuket Elephant SanctuaryC3

 Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation ProjectC2

1Experiences

1Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife & Forest ReserveB3

2Nam Tok Bang PaeC3

3Nam Tok Ton SaiB3

4Wat Phra ThongA3

5Bang Pae SeafoodD3

6Thanyapura Sports & Health ResortA2

7Heroines MonumentB5

5Eating

8Bang Rong SeafoodD2

9Peang Prai RestaurantC2

10Taste YamuD4

11IsolaC5

12La SirenaD4

6Drinking

13MonkeypodC3

14Booster BarA2

15Ao Por Good View CaféD2

TOP EXPERIENCE

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

The most ethical animal-based operation on the island, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is our recommended spot for elephant encounters. In a lush jungle resplendent with ponds and fields, this is a great opportunity to spend time with pachyderms.

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PLANNING TIP

Call ahead to book (+66 627 677 111) or through phuketelephantsanctuary.org. Visitors are picked from its office, where you’ll be dropped off afterwards. Accommodation pick-ups can also be organised, or your accommodation can arrange booking. Beware copycat ‘sanctuaries’.

Scan this QR code to learn more.

The History

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary protects 20 beautiful elephants, all of whom were either born in captivity or lived in captivity prior to their rescue and relocation to the sanctuary. Most of the elephants worked in either the logging or tourism industry.

The Mahouts

As there is no elephant-proof fencing around the 12-hectare sanctuary, mahouts are tasked with looking after the animals, particularly to mitigate any risks of human–wildlife conflict. The mahouts are the keepers of the elephants, and they maintain a close relationship that is based on love and trust.

Plan your Visit

Note that there is no public access to the sanctuary, as there are free-roaming elephants. Book a morning (9.30am to 1pm) or afternoon (1.30pmto 5pm) visit for 3000B per adult or 1500B per child (four to 12 years old). The morning tour begins with an interactive experience, allowing you to feed the elephants before venturing into the sanctuary and exploring Thailand’s longest canopy walkway and several trails as the elephants forage around you. The afternoon focuses on observation in the sanctuary’s natural environment. Both include a vegetarian Thai meal.

Booking a week in advance is recommended (or two, especially during high season).

TOP EXPERIENCE

Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Project

Located at the entrance of Bang Pae Waterfall in the Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife & Forest Reserve, the Phuket Gibbon Rehabilitation Project adopts mistreated gibbons, who are rehabilitated in the hope of releasing them back to the wild.

map

PLANNING TIP

All visits require prior booking through gibbonproject.org. Book a few days in advance, especially during high season. Visits begin at 900B per person. On days without any bookings, there will be no staff on site and the project remains closed to visitors.

Scan this QR code to learn more.

The History

In Thailand, gibbons were once poached to near extinction. Since 1992, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project has been working to rescue and rehabilitate these animals, with the goals of repopulating the last remaining rainforest in Phuket and re-introducing gibbons to their second release site in the far north of Thailand, in Pang Champee.

The Experience

In the last remaining rainforest on Phuket, hear the singing gibbons as they swing from the canopy above. Book an educational one-hour or 2½-hour visit (the latter includes a behavioural study with a gibbon specialist) and learn about the work done to save one of Thailand’s most intelligent species. While you will be allowed to get close enough to take photos and videos, a respectful distance must be maintained in order to prevent the animals from becoming habituated to humans, as the ultimate goal is to release them into the wild. One-hour visits begin at 900B, while the 2½-hour visits are 4500B.

Volunteering

Around the northeast for a while and have some free time on your hands? The centre provides a live-in volunteer programme. Head to their website to find out more info.

EXPERIENCES

Watch Wildlife at a Forest ReserveNational Park

Thanks to its royal status, this 23-sq-km Khao Phra Thaew Royal Wildlife & Forest Reserve map is much better protected than the average national park in Thailand. While wild tigers, Malayan sun bears, rhinos and elephants once roamed the forest here, its current residents are limited to smaller creatures such as monkeys, slow loris, flying foxes and wild boars.

With the highest point being Khao Phra (442m), the hills provide ample opportunities for scenic walks to the reserve’s waterfalls, including Nam Tok Ton Sai and Nam Tok Bang Pae. The park is also home to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. Entry is 400B, though we recommend hiring a park ranger for a better experience if you’re looking to do a longer hike, as some signposts can be confusing. Rangers can usually be found at the park access points, either eastward through route 402 or westward via 4027, on the same road to Bang Rong Pier.

Cool Down at Bang PaeWaterfall

Situated beside the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project near route 4027 in the east of the park, the small waterfall of Nam Tok Bang Pae map is rich with verdant tropical greenery, and flows best during the rainy season. Entrance fees to the reserve cost 400B, meaning you’re also covered for Ton Sai. Hiking for about 10 minutes from the entrance to Khao Phra Thaew brings you to the waterfall and nice a pool for wading. Note the walk can sometimes be slippery and may not be suitable for those with limited mobility. Public toilets are also available on site.

Hike to Ton SaiWaterfall

map

The sister waterfall to Bang Pae, Ton Sai is a short, 25-minute drive from Bang Pae. It’s also easily accessible from the west side of Khao Phra Thaeo, or by hiking a 3km trail (about three hours) from Bang Pae through the rainforest. While accessible year-round, visit during the monsoon for the most impressive water flow. We recommend hiring a guide at the park entrance for the safest experience, as the trek can be treacherous.

Pay your Respects at Wat Phra ThongTemple

Known for its gold statue of a half-buried Buddha known as Phra Phut, the 250-year-old Wat Phra Thong map or ‘Temple of the Golden Buddha’ is a 7km drive north of the Heroines Monument. According to legend, the head and shoulders of the statue simply emerged from the ground, with attempts to excavate it leading to those responsible falling ill or encountering accidents. There is also a museum on site displaying artefacts such as foot bindings worn by early female Chinese settlers. During Chinese New Year, pilgrims journey from nearby areas like Phang-Nga and Krabi to pay their respects, as the statue is believed to have come from China.

LEARN LOCAL HISTORY AT HEROINES MONUMENT

While the Heroines Monument map is one of Phuket’s most historically significant monuments, it’s also the site of frequent traffic jams. The monument commemorates two heroines – Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon (formerly Khun Ying Chan and Khun Ying Muk) – who helped prevent a Burmese invasion in 1786 by convincing the island’s women to dress like male soldiers and drive off the invasion. Despite its importance, the roundabout is a logistical nightmare to navigate. Head there on foot, and avoid rush hour if you don’t want to be stuck in a traffic jam.

Feast at Bang Pae Seafood RestaurantDining

Looking for a rustic outdoor restaurant next to a scenic bit of water? Then look no further. Tucked away in a little village bordering a mangrove, Bang Pae Seafood map (accessible via route 4027 and heading east via Soi Bang Toei) offers an authentic experience for fresh Thai eats, with ingredients plucked straight from the tank after you order. Take in the relaxed atmosphere and surroundings while munching on some lime-steamed fish or gaeng som (southern orange curry). Bookings aren’t usually necessary, unless you’re part of a big group during high season.

Work Out at Thanyapura Sports & Health ResortWellness

For the ultimate self-care experience, Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort map (thanyapura-phuket.com) is an oasis for wellness that focuses on sports, fitness, nutrition and lifestyle. Pay a visit to make use of their fantastic sports facilities, or go for a full package, with personalised health programmes catered to individual needs such as weight loss and detoxing. With various packages to choose from and a full-service spa and lifestyle clinic with medical practitioners, nutritionists, physiotherapists, and more, take the time to pamper yourself and enjoy a little reset. Prices very widely depending on programme, but deals can be found if booking with accommodation. Reserve on their website.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Seafood

Bang Pae Seafood $

map

Sample local seafood at this restaurant overlooking peaceful mangroves. Try their gaang sôm, but be prepared for the heat! 10am-8pm

Bang Rong Seafood $

map

A restaurant sitting on a rustic fish farm, reachable by boardwalk from Bang Rong pier. Your catch – snapper, crab or mussels – is caught after you order. This is a Muslim enterprise, so there’s no alcohol. 10.30am-6.30pm

Tasty Thai

Peang Prai Restaurant $ $

map

A secluded spot for some of the best southern Thai food in Phuket. This two-tiered, Michelin place features classics and specialities like spicy mangosteen salad, plus dishes like stir-fried squid with squid-ink sauce. 10am-8pm

Taste Yamu $ $ $

map

This high-end restaurant comes with a pool and views of the ocean. Order off their wide-ranging menu or try their tasting menu, featuring creations like Thai steamed white snapper fillet. 6-11pm Mon-Sat, noon-11pm Sun

Italian Eats

Isola $ $ $

map

Try Italian eats at the Royal Phuket Marina, where you can munch on bruschetta and pasta, sipping on a coconut as you watch the boats go by. Local dishes are also on offer. 8am-9pm

La Sirena $ $ $

map

Perched by an infinity pool at Point Yamu by Como, this restaurant presents great dishes, like blue-crab linguini and roast vegetable ciabatta sandwiches, along with some Thai favourites. 11.30am-9pm

Drinking

Cute Spots

Monkeypod

map

A minimalist creation with a leafy outlook, this family-run cafe is a welcome surprise. The coffee, smoothies and food are all delicious, with reasonably priced salads and pastas. 8.30am-7.30pm Tue-Sun

Booster Bar

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For clean dishes and drinks, head to the cafe at the Thanyapura Sports & Health Resort. With a range of smoothies and protein shakes, this is one of the area’s healthiest choices. 7am-10pm

Ao Por Good View Café

map

Surrounded by lush green gardens, this spot is tucked away along the coastline. Stop by for a drink, or stay for a meal of nourishing Thai fried rice and spring rolls. 10am-8pm

Explore

Northern Beaches

One of the quietest stretches on the island, Phuket’s northwest coast is the answer for those searching for solitude and tranquillity. Within a short 15-minute drive of the airport lie some of the island’s most idyllic beaches: easy-going Hat Nai Thon, fun-loving Hat Nai Yang and the magnificent, 10km-long Hat Mai Khao (one of the locations for Season 3 of The White Lotus), all protected within the confines of Sirinat National Park. Relax on the sand, go kitesurfing or snorkelling and watch aeroplanes descend from the sky and touch down in nearby Phuket International Airport, all while staying far from the crowds.

See for eating and drinking listings

Banana Beach | FOKKE BAARSSEN/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

icon-car-rentaljpg Car

There is minimal public transport in this area, and very little to Sirinat National Park. The easiest way around is to rent your own car or arrange private transport through your accommodation.

icon-bike1jpg Motorbike

This is one of the more practical options, as you can easily zip over long distances (and through traffic jams). Many bike rental shops dot this area.

icon-walkjpg Walking

Once you’re on the beach, hopping in between destinations is possible on foot, especially towards the southern end of Sirinat National Park.

THE BEST

BEACH CAMPING Hat Nai Thon

NATURE & BEACHES Sirinat National Park

SNORKELLING Hat Nai Yang

AEROPLANE WATCHING Hat Mai Khao

VOLUNTEERING Soi Dog Foundation

1Top Experiences

 Sirinat National ParkC5

1Experiences

1SALA SpaC2

2Soi DogD3

3Banana BeachB8

4Kluai WaterfallB8

5Phuket Riding ClubC1

6Splash JungleC4

5Eating

7Yenjai RestaurantC3

8Kiao Food ShackC6

9Phen’s RestaurantC5

10Mr KobiC6

11Kin Dee RestaurantC1

12Black GingerC6

13ElementsB7

6Drinking

14Chern Cup CoffeeC6

15Leap CoffeeC5

TOP EXPERIENCE

Sirinat National Park

Sirinat National Park is a pine- and sand-covered paradise stretching from the northern reaches of Ao Bang Thao to the highest tip of Phuket. The park comprises three glorious beaches.

map

FOTO BY KKK/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

The park’s sparse accommodation spans luxury resorts, simple bungalows and beach camping. The area offers just enough low-key gastronomy and is a 15-minute drive from Phuket International Airport. The park HQ is at the northern end of Hat Nai Yang.

Scan this QR code to learn more.

Hat Nai Thon

Hat Nai Thon is a lovely strip of fine sand fringed by jungle, removed from Phuket’s busy buzz. The swimming is good (except at the height of the monsoon) and Nai Thon’s sunsets are unforgettable – especially if you plan to camp (tents can be rented from the park’s visitor centre). Further north, an old tin dredger is a prime diving site reachable by boat.

Hat Nai Yang

The most developed of the park’s beaches, Hat Nai Yang is a casuarina-shaded bay, sheltered by a reef that slopes 20m below the surface – which means good snorkelling in high season and fantastic kitesurfing (equipment for both is available for hire). The latter is a big trend here during the monsoon (May to October). A number of schools offer courses, with reliable outfitters affiliated with the International Kiteboarding Organisation. Kiteboarding Asia has a branch here from May to mid-September.

The area also has a strip of seafood restaurants, well-priced lodging and mellow bars.

Hat Mai Khao

Dotted with a few upmarket resorts, Hat Mai Khao is Phuket’s longest beach – a secluded stretch of sand extending to the island’s northernmost point. Except on weekends and Thai holidays, you’ll mostly have it to yourself. Take care with the strong undertow. Endangered sea turtles lay their eggs on Hat Mai Kaho between November and February, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation (maikhaomarineturtlefoundation.org) organises beach cleanups.

The romantic, all-villa Anantara Mai Khao Phuket (pictured, anantara.com/en/mai-khao-phuket) opens onto a serene lagoon criss-crossed by timber boardwalks beneath swaying palms, and is one of many exclusive, upmarket resorts dotting the sand. This five-star hotel is one of Phuket’s finest, and it can claim fame as one of the settings for season three of HBO’s The White Lotus.

The on-site Anantara Spa also promises a glorious spa day. Escape into a tranquil oasis for treatments that include green-tea scrubs, Ayurvedic head massages and full-day rituals. Massages start at 3300B, with a 50% deposit required for outside guests. Reservations recommended – book online.

EXPERIENCES

Unwind at SALA SpaSpa

Enjoy your classic Thai massage or soothing water-lily body wrap at SALA Spa map (salahospitality.com), a resort where treatments take place in beachfront cabanas or in peaceful private pods. It’s the kind of place that makes you feel fabulous just by being there. Treatments begin at 2500B per hour, and can be reserved on their website. Bookings advised.

Save Street DogsVolunteering

The Soi Dog map (soidog.org) nonprofit, 2km inland from Hat Mai Khao, protects hundreds of cats and dogs, many rescued from the illegal dog-meat trade. On a tour, you can learn about the centre’s focus on sterilisation, vaccination, rehoming and animal-welfare awareness. Visitors can also play with the animals, become volunteers, or adopt and sponsor an animal. Tours are conducted in English and Thai, are free, and do not have to be booked.

Clamber to a Secret BeachBeach

Though not quite the secret it once was, tucked-away Banana Beach map, 2km south of Hat Nai Thon, makes for a refreshingly rustic Phuket escape. From a tiny parking space on the west side of the winding coastal Rte 4018, clamber down through the jungle to golden sands sprinkled with boulders. In classic Thai fashion, massages and food vendors are available on site.

Cool Down at KluaiWaterfall

Near Banana Beach but not as popular, Kluai Waterfall map is a local secret that’s most beautiful after strong rain. With the entrance a 10-minute walk down the road from the car park, follow the dirt path leading into the forest to find it. Though not overly large, the waterfall is deep enough to take a dip.

Get on Horseback at Phuket Riding ClubHorseriding

Perfect for kids and adults alike, Phuket Riding Club map (phuketridingclub.com) near Mai Khao beach gives visitors the opportunity to ride horses through a tropical landscape. This long-running outfit offers one- or two-hour rides along the beaches and interior of northern Phuket. A 30-minute beach trip costs 1000B. Book a day ahead in high season.

Go for a Splash Water park

Tired of the salty water? Check out Splash Jungle map (splashjungle.com) water park. This site offers a glut of options for the family, from a wave pool to multiple slides. Entry costs 950B for adults and 750B for children. Note that food purchased outside is not allowed inside, and neither are towels – these cost 120B.

LISTINGS

Best Places for...

$ Budget $ $ Midrange $ $ $ Top End

Eating

Simple Eateries

Yenjai Restaurant $

map

A simple Thai eatery featuring dishes bursting with flavour. Their crab curry stir-fry is divine. Leave room for dessert: the mango sticky rice is worth the wait. 11am-9pm

Kiao Food Shack $

map

Munch on Thai-style fried chicken wings, pineapple fried rice and stir-fried morning glory at this beachside place, before going back into the water for a dip. 10am-9pm

Phen’s Restaurant $ $

map

Phen’s is a popular choice. It’s one of a few spots where you can still dine with sand between your toes. Expect barbecued seafood and favourites like coconut pàk miang (kale-like leaves, scrambled with eggs). 10am-9pm

Thai Gems

Mr Kobi $ $

map

The signs say ‘Broken English spoken here perfect’, but Mr Kobi speaks English well. He handles the drinks, while Malee deals with the seafood and Thai faves, served up in unpretentious surroundings. 10am-midnight

Kin Dee Restaurant $ $

map

For a change from Mai Khao’s upmarket offerings, seek out this Thai-food specialist, set in a semi-open red-brick pavilion, 400m east off Hwy 402. Dishes use local produce, and you can eat at riverside tables. 10.30am-10pm

Upmarket Eats

Black Ginger $ $ $

map

Reached only by hand-pulled barge, this restaurant is a magical spot with wood-walled săh·lah (pavilions) and fire-lit lanterns. The all-Thai menu has a strong focus on southern classics. Save room for the cashew-nut ice cream. 5.30-11pm

Elements $ $ $

map

Perched on the cliffs at the northern end of the beach, Nai Thon’s glitziest resort offers sophisticated Thai–international food in a swish dining room with beautiful views. Service is friendly. 6.30am-10.30pm

Drinking

Coffee

Chern Cup Coffee

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Overlooking the beach, this coffee spot serves up beverages in cute animal mugs. Described as a ‘slow bar’, their artisanal approach features imported beans and local produce. 8am-7pm

Leap Coffee

map

This hipster joint features beloved fan favourites like the ‘dirty’ coffee. For non-coffee drinkers, their teas are worth the hype, as is the all-day breakfast. 7am-5pm

WORTH A TRIP

Krabi

Krabi is a province renowned for its spectacular karst formations, idyllic beaches, rugged jungle and world-class rock-climbing. A fan favourite for families and backpackers alike, Krabi is best experienced over the course of multiple days, but it’s also possible to glimpse as an overnight or day trip from Phuket if you’re strapped for time.

FINN STOCK/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

From Phuket International Airport, a private transfer takes two hours to reach Krabi Town. Cars are available for hire at the airport.

Scan this QR code to book your rock-climbing adventure in Krabi.

A Taste of Krabi Town

Stay in the charming provincial capital of Krabi Town for a few nights to get acquainted with the province. There’s plenty to do here, from strolling the riverside promenade and visiting the walking-street market to feasting on local delights and visiting the giant crab statue – the town’s most popular landmark. The surrounding scenery is incredibly picturesque.

In the centre of Krabi Town, located on a small hill, is Wat Kaew Korawaram. This Buddhist temple has long winding steps leading up to it, adorned with green and gold snake statues. The temple is quite beautiful and offers a peaceful respite from the busy city centre.

Taking place every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 6pm, the Walking Street (pictured) is Krabi’s lively weekend market, spread out over a few streets near the riverside and in the town’s main shopping district. With a lively atmosphere, plenty of street food, live entertainment and stalls selling souvenirs and knick-knacks, this spot is popular with locals and is a must-visit for first timers and tourists.

Rock-Climbing at Railay Beach

With towering limestone formations and a picturesque backdrop, Krabi’s climbing scene is world-renowned for a reason. Hat Railay East, Ton Sai and Phra Nang are popular for their bolted routes, ranging from horizontal overhangs to complex multi-pitch walls. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an Alex Honnold–type pro, there’s something for everyone here. Local climbing schools offer courses and experiences year-round, along with gear rental. Check out Muay Thai Wall and One, Two, Three Wall at the southern end of Railay East, or the mighty Thaiwand Wall at the southern end of Railay West, where there’s a sheer limestone cliff with some of the most challenging climbing routes. Hot Rock Climbing School (railayadventure.com; est. 1994) is one of the most reputable organisations, with half-day programmes starting at 1500B for adults and 1200B for kids. Find more general information online at railay.com.

QUICK BREAK

Located on Ao Nang Beach, the Last Fisherman is a beachfront eatery and bar. Come for a picturesque lunch in the shade of large trees, or end the day with dinner and sunset.

Wat Tham Seua

Translating to ‘Temple of the Tiger Cave’, Wat Tham Seua is one of the area’s most popular attractions, reachable by a short 10-minute scooter or car ride. The Thai–Chinese temple is located not far from Krabi Town and is known for its ornate decor. Sitting within a cave surrounded by lush jungle, the sacred site is 278m high and requires a climb up 1237 steep, uneven steps to reach the summit, which offers exceptional panoramic views. According to legend, tigers used to roam the area, and there are allegedly even tiger paw prints on the wall inside one of the caves. The Buddha’s ‘footprint’ is also encased at the summit. When visiting, wear good shoes, bring plenty of water and note the presence of macaque monkeys – keep a tight hold of your belongings.

Natural Hot Springs

One of Krabi’s best-kept secrets, though not for long, the presence of natural springs offers a welcome respite from the salty sea water. An hour’s drive from Krabi Town in Khao Phra Bang Khram Nature Reserve, follow the 1.4km trail on an elevated walkway through the jungle to reach the Emerald Pool, a 2m-wide natural lagoon fed by a hot spring. If you want more hot springs, combine this with a visit to Khlong Thom Hot Springs, a 25km drive away, where there’s a 5m-high waterfall and three cascading tiers. Entry is 400B.

SUNSET SPOT

Located off a small winding path leading from Railay’s walking street, Hat Tham Phra Nang is a popular sunset spot, and home to Princess Cave. Adorned with phallic symbols and statues, the cave is home to a shrine dedicated to health and fertility. It’s a sacred site that’s revered by local Thais.

WORTH A TRIP

Khao Lak

An hour’s drive north of Phuket, Hat Khao Lak is a popular escape, with sweeping beaches, local eats and a budding surf scene amid spectacular natural beauty.

KROOMJAI/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Surf’s Up

Following the COVID-19 years, when Thais were prevented from travelling abroad, Khao Lak’s surf and skate scene has shot through the stratosphere. The scene is predominantly made up of locals, with a few domestic tourists and travellers, and much of it can be found on Hat Pakarang and the beach fronting Memories Beach Bar, where the Pakarang Surf School offers up Instagrammable opportunities, complemented by glorious sunsets. Less crowded than Phuket and home to a gently rolling swell, this is the place to experience Thailand’s waves.

Tsunami Memorials & Museums

Khao Lak was devastated in 2004 by the Boxing Day tsunami. The International Tsunami Museum is situated in the centre of Khao Lak and houses the stranded Police Boat T813 Tsunami Memorial Phangnga – a vessel that washed ashore during the tsunami. Though entrance fees for the museum are steep (adults/children 300B/100B), it’s worth a visit.

If you have time, a 20km drive north is the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Museum and the Ban Nam Khem Tsunami Memorial Park, both well-curated sites that allow visitors to fully comprehend the impact of the tsunami on the region. Admission to the museum is free, though donations are encouraged.

PLANNING TIP

Stay in the Apsara Beachfront Resort & Villa. Set right on the beach, this locally owned property overlooks the surf break and offers spacious accommodation, dining and activities.

Bang Niang Market

Especially good to pair with a visit to the nearby International Tsunami Museum, Bang Niang Market is open every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday from 10am to 11pm. The year-round market has been running for close to two decades and boasts over 300 stalls selling food, souvenirs, clothes and handicrafts. Early evening is the liveliest time, and the street food section is the perfect place to hunt for a dinner of skewers, seafood and spring rolls.

Waterfalls

From May to October, Khao Lak’s waterfalls are in full force. Trek to waterfalls Nam Tok Sai Rung and Nam Tok Ton Chong Fa to cool down in a series of natural pools. The former is a shaded cascade within lush jungle, accompanied by a little cafe, while the latter is multi-layered and requires a brief trek (about 1km from the car park) through the jungle to reach. Bring sturdy footwear and a change of clothes.

QUICK BREAK

For an authentic and local taste of Khao Lak, stop by YentafoTaLiam for distinctively bright-pink yentafo noodle soup. The soup’s signature colour comes from the use of fermented red bean curd.

WORTH A TRIP

Similan & Surin Islands

Phuket is a gateway to some of the most beautiful scuba diving and snorkelling in Thailand: the Similan Islands and Surin Islands marine national parks. Accessible only by boat, they are teeming with coral reefs, and they’re a must for any avid diver.

RICHARD WHITCOMBE/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PLANNING TIP

Be sure to book ahead on liveaboards, especially if you plan to visit during high season. The best boats fill up fast, and there is a quota system to prevent overcrowding. Spaces can be booked directly through individual liveaboard companies, or on liveaboard.com.

Scan this QR code to book your trip.

When To Go

Both the Similan and Surin Islands are open annually from 15 October to 15 May. The best time to visit is during the dry season, with February to April prime time, as the Andaman Sea is smooth and visibility is at 100%. During the monsoon season (May to October), the parks close due to strong winds, torrential rain and choppy seas.

Dive, Snorkel & Hike in the Similan Islands

Roughly 70km off the coast of Phang-Nga, the Similan Islands Marine National Park is a world-renowned diving destination. Consisting of 11 islands, the granite boulders strewn across the turquoise waters and the white sand are recognisable in any image or postcard of Thailand. While you can’t spend the night here, you can indulge in scuba diving, snorkelling and hiking: expect beautiful soft corals and boulders in dramatic underwater gorges, as well as swim-throughs with depths ranging from 2m to 30m. Species of sharks are abundant, including black-tip and white-tip reef sharks, and divers can also expect to see various sea turtles, giant trevally, barracuda and nudibranchs. Sightings of manta rays are also frequent from December to April, and lucky divers can also come face to face with the largest fish on the planet – the mighty whale shark.

Snorkellers can also enjoy the national park, though some sites may become crowded. A forest around the visitors centre on Ko Miang has some walking trails, with a small 400m beach track leading east to a snorkelling bay.

Ko Bon & Ko Tachai

While the islands of Ko Bon and Ko Tachai are technically part of the Similan Islands, they stand distinct as their own points of interest. Located north of the park, Ko Bon (pictured) is a submerged pinnacle covered in yellow soft coral, a sight not found in any other place in Thailand. The island is also a manta ray cleaning station (where the fish come to be ‘cleaned’ of parasites).

To the north of Ko Bon is Ko Tachai. Closed in 2016 for the rehabilitation of its ecological systems due to overtourism, it’s scheduled to reopen soon. Divers can still visit, and the island features a pinnacle and strong currents that attract a vast array of pelagic animals, including mantas and whale sharks. The best way to visit both islands is via a liveaboard heading for the Similan Islands.

QUICK BREAK

Food and beverage options are limited on the islands, with most vessels bringing their own supplies. On Surin Nuea, beachfront stand Chong Khad Coffee serves caffeinated drinks, Thai tea and fruit smoothies.

Dive & Snorkel the Surin Islands

Made up of five gorgeous islands 60km off the Andaman Coast, the Surin Islands lie 100km north of the Similan Islands. Superbly clear visibility in shades of jade and aquamarine makes for great marine-life spotting, and visibility can reach up to 30m in the dry season. The two largest islands are Ko Surin Tai (south) and Ko Surin Nuea (north), the latter of which also houses the park headquarters, information office and visitor facilities at Ao Chong Khad.

Scuba divers will be drawn to the HQ Channel between the two main islands, while Richelieu Rock, a seamount 14km southeast, is one of the most famous dive sites in the Andaman, with frequent sightings of manta rays and whale sharks in March and April. Snorkellers should head to Ao Tao and Ao Pak Kaad, off the east and southcoast of Ko Surin Tai, respectively.

Most visitors to the Surin Islands opt for liveaboards, or arrive via speedboat (one hour) or ferry (four hours), departing from Khura Buri Pier, about 125km north of Phang Nga Town.

LIVEABOARDS

The best way to explore the islands is on a three-night stay (the minimum) on a liveaboard. These trips visit the best spots. Both liveaboard.com and travel.padi.com have a substantial list of options.

Moken Village

Ko Surin Tai is home to about 300 Moken. Also known as chao ley, or ‘sea people’, the Moken are a semi-nomadic seafaring people who live between the waters of Thailand and Myanmar in the Mergui archipelago. With their lifestyle largely under threat from tourism and development, a visit to the village gives visitors the chance to participate in community-based tourism while learning about the Moken’s beliefs and traditions. Visit through operators such as Andaman Discoveries (andamandiscoveries.com), who offer ethical tours and cooperate with the Moken tourism team.

CAMPING

It’s not possible to stay overnight on the Similan Islands, but camping is possible on the Surin Islands. To camp on Surin, book through the DNP website (thainationalparks.com/mu-ko-surin-national-park) or by phone (076-472145, 076-472146), and register at the headquarters.

Phuket Toolkit

Family Travel

Accommodation

Food, Drink & Nightlife

LGBTIQ+ Travellers

Health & Safe Travel

Responsible Travel

Accessible Travel

Nuts & Bolts

Language

Hat Patong | KAMPEE PATISENA/GETTY IMAGES ©

Family Travel

Phuket may just well be be one of Thailand’s top destinations for family holidays. Generally safe and with an abundance of water activities, outdoor sports and entertainment venues, it’s a spot that the kids will love.

Kid-Friendly Activities

Take the kids for a day of surfing on Hat Kata Yai or snorkelling off the Similan Islands. Not a beach person? There’s also the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project, Dino Park mini golf, Splash Jungle water park, or the Phuket Aquarium.

EATING OUT

Some resorts may have kids menus, but when eating out, always be sure to check the level of spice. Thai ‘not spicy’ doesn’t always mean the same thing, particularly with street food.

Free Things to do with Kids

Travelling to Phuket with a family doesn’t necessarily have to be super-expensive. In the Old Town, explore the area’s many vibrant markets that kids will love to run around in, from Lard Yai to Phuket Indy. Indulge in some wholesome family fun by hiking to one of the island’s many viewpoints, such as Karon Viewpoint or Phi-Phi Viewpoint. Then, end the day with sunset at Laem Phromthep.

Admission Fees

Certain museums will have discounts or free admission for kids. Many of the area’s national parks will charge half price for children.

Keep in Mind

Phuket does have red light districts. If possible, families with kids should steer clear of Patong.

DARR.DI/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Getting Around

A back carrier is a good idea, as pavements are often narrow and uneven, making them challenging for prams. Car seats are not always available, though they are increasing in popularity.

Accommodation

With a little something for everyone, Phuket’s accommodation ranges from backpacker hostels to exclusive upmarket hideaways.

HOW MUCH FOR A NIGHT IN

Hostel dorm bed
from $20

Boutique midrange hotel
from $100

Central hotel
from $150

Where to Stay if You Love…

Health & Fitness

Locals and long-term expats call the quieter Rawai home. Wellness retreats and fitness camps are the star here, with many offering full-scale programmes with customised dining plans and private training on site.

Partying

With thudding bars and high-energy nightclubs, Patong is Phuket’s party central. Families with kids should look elsewhere, as this is also home to the island’s red light district.

OUR PICK

We Love to Stay in...

The Boathouse on Kata Beach. Overlooking the water, this beachfront property offers delicious dining on site and easy access to Kata’s many activities and neighbouring bars and eateries. Suites are comfortable, and decorated in hues of whites and blues, with private patios and balconies. Be sure to book ahead – especially during high season.

Water Sports

Fancy a surf, paddleboard or snorkel? Kata is the hub of family-friendly fun, with a long, beautiful beach offering plenty of activities to keep young ones busy, while parents can indulge in the many spas in this area, or get a massage on the beach.

Quiet & Calm

Home to some of Phuket’s most exclusive resorts, the Northern Beaches is where those seeking solitude come to hide. Wander the beaches, or treat yourself to a blissful spa day.

Architecture & History

The old beating heart of Phuket, Phuket Town has incredible architecture, historic buildings and museums – come here to gain understanding of the island’s past.

Food, Drink & Nightlife

Allergies & Intolerances

Vegetable-lovers, rejoice! Thai food is incredibly vegetarian-friendly, with many locals observing periods of gin jay (a version of eating vegan) during events such as the Thai Vegetarian Festival. The ingredient to be wary of is fish sauce – the condiment is used in numerous dishes, so it’s best to directly specify if you don’t want it included in your order. Other common allergies include nuts, gluten and seafood.

I cannot eat... chăn kìn … mâi dâi

eggs kài

nuts tòo·a

seafood ah-hăhn tá-lair

fish/fish sauce þlah/nám·þlah

dairy palìt·ta·phan nòm

gluten glù·tèn

HOW TO ASK...

Have you eaten? Gìn kôw rǔe yàng?

What would you recommend?

Khùn náe-nàm à-rai bâhng?

I’d like (the menu), please. Kŏr (mae-nùu) nòy.

CHOPSTICKS

Chopsticks are usually reserved for eating noodles, Chinese-style food from bowls or when eating in Chinese restaurants. If you fancy travelling with your own chopsticks, reusable (non-wooden) ones can be bought in most supermarkets or markets.

When to Eat

Ask a Thai their favourite thing to do, and they will often reply ‘eating’. They love their cuisine so much that they don’t restrict themselves to three meals a day, preferring instead to graze throughout. Street food is available until late at night in big cities and popular destinations, but most restaurants close around 10pm.

HOW TO… Pay the Bill

In a sit-down restaurant, you can usually signal to the staff and make a writing symbol with your hands to ask to pay. At some more casual eateries and markets, you’ll have to pay upfront.

Cash or credit card While credit cards are becoming more common, many Thai places – especially the more casual stalls – still rely on cash. Digital banking is also becoming more common, though this requires a Thai bank account.

Tipping While not required, tips are always appreciated.

Can I pay, please? Chéck-bìn dâi mái

Cash or card? Nêung sòt rǔe bàt

Can we split the bill? Jài yâek gun dâi mái

PRICE RANGES

The following price ranges refer to the average cost of a main course

$ less than 150B

$$ 150–350B

$$$ more than 350B

OPENING HOURS

Restaurants 8am–10pm

Bars 6pm–midnight/1am

Cafes 8am–5/6pm

AFRICA STUDIO/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Going Out

Many come to Phuket to party – whether that’s at beachside bar shacks, sophisticated lounges or buzzing beach clubs. Phuket’s dining and drinking options cater to all tastes, and there’s some great choices. Book ahead for top-end venues.

Markets Phuket has plenty of markets with cheap eats and drinks.

Beachside bars Particularly strong in Kata, these are mellow locations that allow you to sip a cocktail with your toes in the sand.

Shop houses Semi-outdoor spaces dishing up Thai staples paired with easy-drinking beer.

Clubs Head to Ao Bang Thao if you’re looking for more classy beach clubs, or venture into Patong for a late night out.

Restaurants From cheap-and-cheerful to elaborate, taking in everything from Thai to Italian.

Cafes Caffeine and brunch; great in Rawai and Phuket Town, with the latter offering artisanal coffee and cocktails.

Hotels Many of the finest restaurants and bars are in upmarket hotels.

HOW MUCH FOR A

Cocktail
250–450B

Gourmet dinner
2000–5000B

Noodle soup at food stall
50–70B

Pàt tai
60–120B

Small bottle of local beer
38–45B

Fruit shake
60B

Grilled pork skewer
8B

Curry in a sit-down restaurant
120B

LGBTIQ+ Travellers

Thai culture accepts both male and female homosexuality, and there’s a prominent LGBTIQ+ scene in Phuket.

Public Displays of Affection

With regard to dress and mannerisms, the LGBTIQ+ community is generally accepted without comment. However, public displays of affection – whether heterosexual or homosexual – are frowned upon.

Gender Equality

Thailand passed the Gender Equality Act in 2015 – the country’s first law to provide protection from unfair gender discrimination. But while transgender and third gender people are quite visible in Thailand, they continue to face discrimination in the workplace.

Gay Marriage

In a hallmark ruling, Thailand also passed a same-sex marriage bill in June 2024, making it the first Asian UN member state to do so, as well as the first in Southeast Asia and the 37th in the world. The law will come into effect in January 2025.

OUR PICKS

Our Pick: Phuket Pride

Phuket’s LGBTIQ+ scene centres on Patong, which is also home to Phuket Pride. First held in 1999, it’s now considered one of the best in Southeast Asia, attracting locals and visitors. Usually held in April, the week features beach parties, cabaret shows, sports events and beauty contests before it all ends with a march with floats through Patong and a full-on rave featuring international DJs.

CABARET SHOWS

Drag artists take to the stage at a number of venues in Phuket in a celebration of identity. These cabaret shows are colourful, flamboyant and fun.

NEW AFRICA/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

PRIDE

Phuket is the host of Thailand’s main Pride Week, taking place every year in June.

Resources

● Gay Patong (gaypatong.com) is a helpful resource for the LGBTIQ+ scene in Patong. ● Travel Gay (travelgay.com) is a guide to Thailand’s gay scene. ● Utopia (utopia-asia.com) provides useful information for LGBTIQ+ travellers in Thailand. ● Gay Passport (thegaypassport.com) lists LGBTIQ+ nightlife venues in the most popular destinations.

Health & Safe Travel

Mostly safe and tourist-friendly, Phuket is more guilty for petty crime and scams than anything seriously criminal.

Animals

From mosquitoes to monkeys, Phuket may bring you into contact with creatures you wouldn’t find back home. Use insect repellent, as mosquitoes here can carry malaria and dengue fever, with cases spiking in July to October during the rainy season. Steer clear of any primates you may come across. In the water, keep an eye out for jellyfish; use vinegar if stung.

INSURANCE

Travel insurance is always a good idea, especially coverage that includes theft, medical assistance and emergency evacuation. Note that some policies may classify activities such as riding a motorbike or scuba diving as ‘risky activities’ and require separate coverage for any accidents.

Tap Water

Even though the government deems it safe, don’t drink the tap water. Bottled water is cheap.

QUICK INFO

Security

Don’t leave your belongings unattended: theft here is mostly a crime of opportunity.

Scams

Buy tours from reputable providers, and always agree on the price beforehand.

Drugs

Cannabis is now legal, but narcotics aren’t. Steer clear of the latter.

Sun Safety

There’s a joke that there’s a 7-Eleven on every corner because Thais like to duck inside it for air-conditioning and a reprieve from the scorching sun. Keep cool by wearing light colours and breathable fabrics. Always wear sunscreen and stay hydrated.

TSUNAMIS & NATURAL DISASTERS

While uncommon, the Boxing Day tsunami of 2004 rocked the region. If you see receding waves or hear a warning, follow evacuation signs towards high ground.

Responsible Travel

Follow these tips to leave a lighter footprint, support local and have a positive impact on communities. With numbers sky rocketing and overtourism taking a toll, responsible travel has never been more important for Phuket.

Get off the Trail

With the most famous case being that of Maya Bay, numerous natural sites have suffered from the cost of beauty, their popularity eventually leading them to close down to allow the environment a chance to recover. Getting off the tourist trail will do wonders for the environment, and yourself. Instead of the crowds on the Phi Phi Islands, why not check out the Similan or Surin Islands on a liveaboard instead?

DAY2505/SHUTTERSTOCK ©

Homestays over Hotels

Hotels may be convenient, but homestays can actually be cheaper, and they offer a chance to really interact with locals and make sure your money is circling back into the local community.

ALEXANDRE.ROSA/SHUTTERSTOCK©

OUR PICK

Our Pick

Volunteer at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project for a chance to give back and help conserve these charismatic animals.

Ethical Elephant Encounters

Phuket – and Thailand as a whole – has no lack of companies offering encounters with pachyderms that often lean on circus-like rides or shows that are harmful to the animals’ welfare. While they may be tempting, steer clear. Out of all of them, we can only recommend the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary as an ethical organisation.

Resources

● Volunteer Work Thailand (volunteerworkthailand.org) is a nonprofit resource for grassroots-level volunteering opportunities. ● Trash Hero (trashhero.org) is a volunteer-led movement to rid Thailand of plastic waste.

BEACH CLEANUPS

It goes without saying that littering is a big no-no, especially for a marine environment like Phuket. Go a step further by volunteering for a beach clean up with Trash Hero, an organisation that aims to rid Thailand of plastic waste.

Sustainable Scuba Diving

Look, but don’t touch. With pristine dive sites at risk from coral bleaching and increasing temperatures due to climate change, be mindful of your aquatic footprint when visiting the world below. Fins can accidentally damage corals, which take years to grow back. Using reef-safe sunscreen will also minimise harmful pollutants in the water. If you come across any sea animals, be sure not to chase them, and keep a respectful distance.

MADAM PHOTOGENIC/SHUTTERSTOCK©

SINGLE-USE PLASTICS

It’s impossible to go on a trip to Thailand without seeing rubbish – mostly made up of single-use plastics. Bottled water may be cheap and convenient, but opt for a reusable bottle instead, or bring your own with you.

Climate Change & Travel

It’s impossible to ignore the impact we have when travelling; Lonely Planet urges all travellers to engage with their travel carbon footprint, which will mainly come from air travel. While there often isn’t an alternative, travellers can look to minimise the number of flights they take, opt for newer aircrafts and use cleaner ground transport, such as trains. One proposed solution – purchasing carbon offsets – unfortunately does not cancel out the impact of individual flights. While most destinations will depend on air travel for the foreseeable future, for now, pursuing ground-based travel where possible is the best course of action.

The UN Carbon Offset Calculator shows how flying impacts a household’s emissions.

The ICAO’s carbon emissions calculator allows visitors to analyse the CO₂ generated by point-to-point journeys.

Accessible Travel

Facilities

Popular Phuket hubs have decent facilities for travellers with access needs, though visitors may face some challenges when moving around, taking part in outdoor activities or venturing off the beaten track.

Island Travel

One of the primary challenges with accessing Phuket’s surrounding islands is transferring in and out of vessels – particularly long-tail boats, which can be tricky for travellers with mobility concerns. Choosing a ferry that departs from a more established pier instead of a beach launch can be helpful.

OUR PICK

Worth supporting on your trip to Phuket is a visit to Nussara Massage in Rawai, which features fantastic treatments from blind practitioners. Offering a way for blind masseuses to make a steady living, visitors have reported that the therapists can sometimes be more intuitive and particularly sensitive to physical musculature in the body, resulting in an elevated experience. Try the oil massage, or opt for a traditional Thai massage and support a good cause.

Moving Around

Uneven pavements in many of Phuket’s areas may mean that wheelchair users struggle to get around. In some cases, hailing a Grab taxi or organising private transfer may be your best bet.

ACCOMMODATION

High rises or condominiums will usually have lifts, and resorts usually come with ramps and accessibility features. Boutique hotels in refurbished buildings in Phuket Town may not have lifts.

SAFE TRAVELS

Solo travellers, female travellers and those from minority groups can rest easy knowing that Phuket is a popular destination for all of the above. To err on the safe side, be mindful of your surroundings, especially if you’re out at night.

Resources

● Wheelchair Tours (wheelchairtours.com) feature wheelchair holidays in Thailand; the site includes info on rental of wheelchair taxis and a list of accessible hotels. ● Phuket Access Travel (phuketaccesstravel.com) offers wheelchair-accessible transport, as well as beach wheelchairs, accommodation recommendations and adapted tours – including to Big Buddha and Laem Phromthep. ● Disabled Holidays (disabledholidays.com) presents hotel recommendations.

Nuts & Bolts

Opening Hours

Government agencies and banks close for national holidays. Some bars and clubs may also close during elections and certain religious holidays when alcohol sales are banned.

Banks 8.30am–4.30pm; 24-hour ATMs

Bars 6pm–midnight or 1am

Clubs 8pm–2am

Government offices 8.30am–4.30pm Monday to Friday

Restaurants 8am–10pm

Shops 10am–7pm

QUICK INFO

Time zone UTC/GMT plus seven hours

Country code +66

Emergency number 191

Tourist police 1155

Population 424,000

Smoking

Smoking has been banned in Thai restaurants and bars since 2008, and on some Thai beaches (including Patong) since 2017.

ELECTRICITY

220V/50Hz

Perd

Open

Pid

Closed

Public Holidays

New Year’s Day 1 January

Makha Bucha February (varies)

Chakri Day 6 April

Songkran 13–15 April

Labour Day 1 May

Coronation Day 4 May

Royal Ploughing Ceremony May (varies)

Visakha Bucha May/June (varies)

Her Majesty the Queen’s Birthday 3 June

King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s Birthday 28 July

Asanha Bucha July (varies)

Buddhist Lent July (varies)

Queen Sirikit’s Birthday/Mother’s Day 12 August

Late King Bhumiphol’s Memorial Day 13 October

Chulalongkorn Day 23 October

Late King Bhumiphol’s Birthday 5 December

Constitution Day 10 December

New Year’s Eve 31 December

Language

Good to Know

In Thai the meaning of a single syllable may be altered by means of different tones. Standard Thai has five tones: low (eg bàht), mid (eg dee), falling (eg mâi), high (eg máh) and rising (eg săhm). The range of all five tones is relative to each speaker’s vocal range, so there is no fixed ‘pitch’ intrinsic to the language.

Read our pronunciation guides as if they were English and you’ll be understood. The hyphens indicate syllable breaks; some syllables are further divided with a dot to help you pronounce compound vowels (eg mêu·a-rai). To enhance your trip with a phrasebook, visit lonelyplanet.com.

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Acknowledgements

Cover photograph: Ko Ta Pu/James Bond Island. Preto_perola/Getty Images ©

Back photograph: Laem Phromthep. Wuttisit Somtui/Shutterstock ©

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THIS BOOK

Commissioning Editor
Darren O’Connell

Cartographer
Valentina Kremenchutskaya

Production Editor
Sofie Andersen

Book Designer
Fergal Condon

Assisting Editors
Pete Cruttenden, Shauna Daly

Cover Researcher
Kat Marsh

Thanks to
Ronan Abayawickrema, Imogen Bannister, Alex Conroy, Karen Henderson, Alison Killilea, Charlotte Orr, Katerina Pavkova, Aydan Stuart

Published by Lonely Planet Global Limited

CRN 554153

6th edition – May 2025

ISBN 978 1 83758 804 6

© Lonely Planet 2025 Photographs © as indicated 2025

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