Flights to Phuket

Australian citizens do not need a visa to travel to Phuket or anywhere in Thailand for a stay of up to 30 days. For foreign nationals, please check the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand website.

Things to do and places of interest in Phuket

• Walk around the Old Phuket Town which has a unique blend of colonial and Chinese architecture, making it a quaint and fascinating tour. You will be surprised to find Sino-Portuguese splendours and funky shops in the most unlikely places.
• Check out the large assortment of bars, nightclubs, shows and general nocturnal fun when you stroll down Patong’s Bangla Road after-dark. A sense of humour and an open mind are prerequisites if you are looking to have some fun here.
• Visit the giant 45-metres tall Buddha which sits atop Nakkerd Hills and is an important and revered landmark of Phuket.
• Pay your respects at Phuket’s spiritual centre, the Wat Chalong temple. It is beautifully decorated with tiny, glittering glass pieces which cast infinite reflections on its many pagodas.
• Spend a day at the Phang Nga Bay where the most distinctive sight is the sheer limestone cliffs that stand vertically in the blue-green bay waters.
• On day-long excursions to the Phi Islands, James Bond Island or Koh Panyee, enjoy the pristine beaches or snorkel amongst exotic marine life and coral reefs.
• Catch a Simon Cabaret show, one of the biggest transvestite shows in Phuket. It features a spectacular musical show performed by the world-famous lady-boy cast.
• Go to some of the viewpoints such as Promthep Cape, Karon Viewpoint, Laem Singh Viewpoint, Monkey Hill in Phuket Town, Plub Pla Viewpoint and Khao Rang to watch the sunset or get a 360-degree panoramic view of Phuket Island.
• If the world of Muay Thai boxing interests you, catch an electrifying match between the well-trained and super-fit martial arts experts at the Saphan Hill Stadium in Phuket Town.

Tips and tricks for visiting Phuket

Shopping

While shopping in Phuket, be sure to haggle for a reasonable price and remember that though the shops claim to sell high quality goods, many turn out to be of inferior quality.

Organised tours and excursions

Compare the prices and reviews of tour groups and agencies before signing up with any one of them. Several companies charge a significant amount but lack quality customer service and tend to cut corners on meals and drinks.

Beach safety

Tides on Phuket beaches can sometimes come in quite suddenly, hence, do not ignore the red flag signs when they are put up on the beaches. Some beaches have been invaded by dangerous jelly fish, hence, be careful while choosing which beaches to visit.