Find cheap flights to Phuket City from $173

Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is blessed with beautiful, white sand sea shores and lush, forested hillsides. An idyllic tropical island dotted with swaying palm trees, glittering seas and vibrant towns makes Phuket a picture-perfect holiday destination. The climate is warm all year round, but April – May is the hottest period while September – October is hot and also the wettest period due to the southwest monsoon. The best time to visit Phuket is from December – March when temperatures are between 25 – 30 degrees Celsius and the humidity is relatively lower. Remember to keep your umbrella handy for the occasional thundershowers which offer much-needed relief from the heat and humidity.

Public transport in Phuket is not very organised or convenient. However, most resort hotels offer shuttle bus services into Phuket Town and Jeeps and motorbikes can be hired from several local shops in Phuket and at the main beaches.

Taxis

Metered taxis are relatively cheap and hassle-free but mostly available only at the airport. Fares are set at 50 THB for the first 2 kilometres and 7 THB per additional kilometre. However, most taxis seen on the island and in busy tourist areas are unlicensed and you must agree on the fare beforehand while stating your destination. Motorbike taxis are available everywhere on the island and fares usually start around 50 THB, but your total fare will depend on the distance and your bargaining skills. You can recognise the official drivers by their red or green vests with a white number on the back.

Tuk Tuks

Tuk Tuks are red mini-vans seen all over Phuket and they are good for shorter travel of up to 30 minutes. Just like the taxis, you have to agree on a price beforehand while stating your destination.

Buses

The blue open-air buses called Song-thaews operate between Phuket Town and the beaches from 7 am to 6 pm at a frequency of approximately 30 minutes, and fares start at 15 THB. Since there are no designated bus stops, you will need to flag down the bus in the middle of the street. The air-conditioned “micro” buses mainly service the Phuket Town area and have a fixed fare of 10 THB.

Boats and Ferries

Boats can be hired to go to near-by islands and fishing sites from various points such as the Makham Pier, Chalong Bay and Rawai Beach. Prices range from 1,000 THB – 3,000 THB for the longtail boats and 8,000 THB – 25,000 THB for the speedboats. You can also opt for the ferries which can be booked through a tour agent and includes transfers to and from the pier.

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.