Destination
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is Thailand's largest island, a base of west-coast beaches, limestone-bay boat trips and resorts ranging from backpacker to five-star.
Trips to Phuket from every city
No live trip to Phuket right now. Ask for one and we price it for your city.
When to go
| Month | Season |
|---|---|
| January | best |
| February | best |
| March | best |
| April | best |
| May | avoid |
| June | avoid |
| July | avoid |
| August | avoid |
| September | avoid |
| October | avoid |
| November | best |
| December | best |
- November, December, January, February, March, April: Dry season with calm seas; the Similan Islands open from mid-October to mid-May.
- October: Phuket Vegetarian Festival processions in Phuket Town during the ninth lunar month.
May, June, July, August, September, October: South-west monsoon: rough seas, red-flag beaches and rain, with many Phi Phi and Similan boat trips suspended.
Where to stay in Phuket
- Patong: The busiest beach with Bangla Road nightlife and the widest hotel choice.
- Kata and Karon: Family-friendly beaches south of Patong with calmer evenings.
- Kamala and Surin: Quieter west-coast bays with upscale resorts and beach clubs.
- Bang Tao and Laguna: Long beach of integrated resorts, golf and spas.
- Old Phuket Town: Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafes and Sunday night market, away from the beach.
What to do in Phuket
- Speedboat day trip to Phi Phi and Maya Bay
- Kayak among the limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay
- Sunset at Promthep Cape
- Sino-Portuguese shophouses in Old Phuket Town
- Muay Thai fight night at Bangla Boxing Stadium
- Liveaboard diving in the Similan Islands
Good to know
| Airports | Phuket International (HKT) |
|---|---|
| Passport for US citizens | yes |
| Price level | mid-range |
| Time zone | Asia/Bangkok |
| Kind of trip | beach, island, nightlife, family, adventure |
Questions about Phuket
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
November, December, January, February, March and April. May, June, July, August, September, October: South-west monsoon: rough seas, red-flag beaches and rain, with many Phi Phi and Similan boat trips suspended.
Do US citizens need a passport for Phuket?
Yes. Phuket is in Thailand; bring a valid passport.
How expensive is Phuket on the ground?
Phuket is mid-range by US standards: plan about $90 per person per day for food, getting around and tickets.