About City
Phuket
"Where Summer Beach Fashion Truly Comes Alive"
The largest Island in all of Thailand, Phuket has everything Thailand has to offer. Serviced by the Phuket International Airport, the island sees no dearth of travellers during any time of the year. Golden beaches, numerous offshore islands, upbeat markets, a high octane nightlife and thrilling watersports characterise Phuket in a nutshell. Beaches like Surin and Kata cater to families and those individuals with eccentric tastes. Patong beach, on the other hand, caters to all those who like it cheap, loud and crazy, even after the sun sets. Bangla road with its numerous bars, ping pong shows and street food vendors comes alive as the night grows older. Those who shy away from dizzy bright lights and alcohol will find themselves at the Cabaret shows or even at the ever-popular street markets. The Phuket Walking Street or Phuket Weekend markets are places where one can spend hours sifting through various clothes, souvenirs and novelty items.
Aside from all the glitz and swankiness, Phuket offers many traditional activites and experiences too. Enjoying tropical weather all year round, the waters of Phuket come to life, brimming with marine habitants in the months of November to February. Activities like snorkelling and scuba diving can be done at popular and scenic locations such as Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands, which make for day-trips by speedboat. Further up north, a more quiet and rustic experience can be had while visiting the Elephant Sanctuaries and national parks such as Sirinat National Park and Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. This is also true down south at beaches like Rawai beach and even on the west such as Karon beach which are generally less crowded and offer a more serene experience.
Hidden in plain sight is also an immersive experience of Thai culture. Phuket Town heavily retains it's Chinese influence and Sino-Portuguese history via its cuisine, cooking styles, architecture and historical museums and buildings. Chalong Wat, a Buddhist temple and Jui Tui Shrine, an important Chinese place of worship, stand as embodiments of how various religions and cultures coexist.
Phuket caters to all types of travellers - be it families, individuals, couples or groups, across all budgets. But among them, a certain section does particularly stand out. With a plethora of high-end resorts along most beaches, hotels, luxury shopping outlets and spas, Phuket is a haven for those looking to splurge big on their vacation and look good while doing it.
Things To Do In Phuket
1. Laze at the Patong Beach
Often called the party capital of Asia, Patong Beach is the most popular beach in Phuket. Known for its clean sandy shores, bold nightlife and colourful attractions, Patong Beach accommodates swimming, parasailing and other water sports during the day. At night you can check out its fantastic nightlife. From restaurants to pubs, nightclubs to Go-Go bars, you can party till late on this beach anytime throughout the year.
2. Nightlife at the Bangla Road
Bangla Road or Soi Bangla is the hub of nightlife in Phuket. It is a merry 400 metre stretch of road close to Patong beach that has been cordoned off from traffic and is reserved for only walking. It has a vibrant display of bright lights, street performances, street vendors, Ping-Pong shows and much more. Loud music and cheap booze shops lend it a happy vibe. Restaurant and pubs compete for customers, as do entertainers.
3. Swim at the Karon Beach
Located on the west coast of Phuket, Karon Beach is the third longest beach in Phuket. Sandwiched between Patong to the north and Kata to the south it is a vast and uncrowded place for those looking for some quiet time. Karon Beach has some excellent snorkelling spots and clean crystal blue water that is a joy to swim in.
4. Trip to Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi consists of a group of six islands. Only 40 km away from Phuket, Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the two most famous islands of the six. With their pristine waters and vibrant parties, these islands are a wonderful way to spend a few days in Thailand.
17. Kata Noi Beach
The white sandy beach of Kata Noi is a tucked away in a quiet, out of the way spot for those handful of people seeking peace and calmness. Tourists, in addition to the beach cuisine and massages, also enjoy a bit of surfing at this beach.
6. Big Buddha
Big Buddha is a 45 m high statue of Buddha visible from miles away showcasing an impressive e work of craftsmanship and dedication.
7. Water Sports
The best way to beat the heat at Phuket and enjoy the thrill is by water sport activities available at various beaches.
8. Snorkelling in Phuket
The island of Phuket is one of the most famous tourist destinations for snorkelling, with its beautiful beaches, clear waters as well as plentiful coral reefs and marine life. Perfect for both adventure lovers and water sports enthusiasts, snorkelling in Phuket is at the top of the must-do list for tourists.
9. Kata Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Phuket, Kata beach is ideal for a family vacation. With its choice array of dining venues, nightclubs, shopping and beach activities, visitors are guaranteed entertainment. The island in the bay also makes for a beautiful sunset experience.
10. Watch the famous Simon Cabaret Show
Simon Cabaret is located at 8 Sirirat Road in Phuket, Thailand. It is an intimate theatre which offers live cabaret shows by dancers in sparkly attire and head-dresses. Established in 1991, Simon Cabaret has a jaw-dropping stage design with hi-tech sound system and lighting equipment. The theatre has been providing a rich source for entertainment for its visitors.
11. Karon View Point
Karon View Point in south Phuket is a sought-after stop point by many tourists on their way to visiting the surrounding beaches.It offers a beautiful panoramic view over the sea, including three bays and is an ideal spot for relaxing and having a bite or two.
12. Scuba Diving in Phuket
Rated amongst the top 10 diving destinations in the world, scuba diving in Phuket is an experience like no other. If you have the time, you can learn how to dive and become a certified PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) diver. Otherwise you can do the Open Water Diver Course. If you're already a PADI certified diver, you can do the Advanced Open Water Diver Course, or just participate in advance adventure dives.
13. Explore Phuket Old Town
Located on the east side of the Phuket Island, Phuket Old Town is capital of the island with coloured wit various shades of culture. One can enjoy the traditional and Sino-Portuguese architecture of the town that was built during 19th century. However, not many tourists have the town on their itinerary that flourished from the tin trade. The aroma of spices wafting from various cafes and restaurants may water your mouth as you stroll across the streets including Dubik, Ranong, Rasada, Yaowarat, Krabi and Thalang. The place is also a paradise for history lovers and photography buffs.
14. Watch the Dolphins Show
The only dolphinarium in Phuket, Dolphins Bay is a family entertainer with activities like Dolphin and Seal show, swimming with dolphins and also getting to pose with these sea beauties. The dolphins are well trained to perform tricks like turning hula hoops, bouncing in water, hiding in water and even paint with a brush.
15. James Bond Island Tour
James Bond Island or locally known as Khao Phing Kan is the name given to a pair of islands situated on the West Coast of Thailand. Located in the Phang Nga Bay of Andaman Sea and about 40 meters away from the shore is another islet named Ko Tapu or Khao Tapu. The massive nail-like rock structure rising from between the water is a limestone cliff. James Bond Island is a significant and unique formation among tourist attractions. The island is famous for its natural curiosity, ideal photography opportunities, and is one of the most beautiful landscapes in this region.
16. Chalong Wat
One of the most popular temples of Phuket, Chalong Wat is an impressive building almost always flocked with devotees and tourists.
17. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
The Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is a sprawling park spread over 40,000 metres. It’s in the middle of a lush green jungle with a stream running through it; the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park is home to many rescued elephants from around Asia. You can learn all about the lives of these elephants before they were saved, feed them and even bathe them.
18. Enjoy the Phuket FantaSea Show
Phuket FantaSea is a state-of-the-art cultural theme park located on Kamala Beach of Phuket Island. The park includes attractions like a shopping street, a grand 4000 seat dining facility and a 3000 seat theatre, all spread over 140 acres. The restaurant serves a sumptuous dinner with excellent Thai and international cuisine. There a lot of fun-to-do activities all around the park before the main show begins.
19. Phuket Trickeye Museum
The first Trick Eye Museum in southern Thailand, Trickeye 3D is located in Phuket Town, on the corner of Montri and Phang Nga roads. It is a large two-storey building, which used to be a famous movie theatre until 2002. The most striking thing about Phuket Trickeye Museum is a feature gallery of about 100 painted and sculpted scenes using trompe-l' oeil (meaning 'deceive the eye' in French) techniques.
20. Chalong Bay and Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
An amazing way to relish your alcohol thirst is through a short tour of Chalong Bay Rum distillery situated at Chalong Bay area of Phuket.
21. Boat trip to Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay, also known as Ao Phangnga locally, is situated in the Strait of Malacca, lying in between the Malay peninsula of Thailand and the island of Phuket. Spread over 400 square miles, it is a picturesque location that sees a heavy rush of tourists all the year round. The Phang Nga Bay contains numerous archeological sites of limestone caves and cliffs that are showcased as a part of sightseeing tours. The stunning site consists of 42 islands located within the shallow sea water and is well known for its mangrove forests, beds of seagrass, and numerous species of flora and fauna including the endangered Malaysian plover.
22. Ziplining in Phuket
The small island of Phuket offers an ideal terrain and geography to enjoy the most thrilling zipline activity. You can hover over the green landscape, around 40 metres above ground level. The bird’s eye view of the lush green rainforest is beyond incredible. Plus the activity gives you the much needed thrill and excitement.
23. Day trip to the Coral Island
Coral Island, also known as Ko Hey, is a small island in Rawai southeast of the mainland of Phuket. Blessed by coral reefs and blue waters, the island has vibrant tropical fishes, making it perfect for snorkelling and diving. The island has two white sand beaches, namely long beach and banana beach and is open all year long. A serene place to enjoy with family, have a private romantic dinner with your partner or indulge in activities with friends, Coral Island has it all. Be sure to plan for an overnight stay which will make your experience marvellous.
24. Boat Trip to Racha Island
Located 38 km south of Phuket, Koh Racha comprises of two beautiful islands with stunning cottony white sand beaches, peaceful bars, and glorious snorkelling and diving spots. The locals can be heard calling them Koh Raya islands. These pair of islands are known for their clear turquoise water and coral reef that make them an ideal place for divers to visit. The wide range of sea creatures, ocean gibbers, deep water wrecks and coral reefs make Koh Racha the best diving spot in the whole of Thailand.
25. Nai Harn Beach
With clear blue waters and smooth white sand, Nai Harn Beach is a relatively untouched beach. This vast beach is not much crowded during the high season (December to May) and has many things to offer, like souvenir shops, hotels and massage centres. One can get a relaxing massage for 300 TBH per hour or try out delicious Thai cuisine. Just find out what relaxes you from the many available varieties!
26. Splash Jungle Water Park
The Splash Water Jungle Park on Mai Khao beach is known for its fun water thrills and adventures. With its gigantic water slides and rides, it is an ideal place to hang out with family and friends. It is a part of the beautiful Grand Vest Villas in Phuket. Though not very large and insanely crowded, Splash Jungle Water Park is ideal for both a relaxing and an adventure-filled outing. There are rides of varying difficulty levels for both kids and adults. Apart from wild and exciting rides and two in-house restaurants, the Splash bar and Spa village, are added attractions.
27. Surin Beach
Surin beach, also sometimes called Millionaire's Row is a celebrity favourite due to its classy resorts and hotels along the bay. The calming turquoise waters, white sand and the many beach attractions ensure a fulfilling experience to those who visit it.
28. Khao Rang Hill View Point
Perfect for a cosy and romantic date, the Khao Rang Hill, with its scenic beauty, viewpoint bridge and quaint restaurants, is fast becoming a tourist favourite. Some of the popular restaurants include the Tunk ka Cafe, and Khao Rang Breeze. The Wat Khao Rang Buddha temple is another attraction on the hill.
29. Jui Tui Shrine
Jui Tui Shrine is one of the most important temples on the island. Situated in Phuket, this grand complex features red-washed exteriors and dragons, constructed in honour of Tean Hu Huan Doy - god of dancers and performers. Throughout the history of Phuket, the temple has been serving as a ground base for locals to celebrate the good times and the bad times. While here, visitors can see other equally famous attractions, including firecracker house and fortune sticks.
30. Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
Located in a national park about 25 km south of the old Phuket town, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is worth a visit to understand, and appreciate nature. Witness the rescued gibbons live and thrive in their natural habitat, and realise the importance of wildlife conservation.
31. Monkey Hill, Phuket
Toh Sae Hill or Monkey Hill is often frequented by tourists who like to spend time watching the frolicky creatures up to their mischievous antics. They can also be fed little treats, and even have been trained by a local man to perform some little tricks.
32. Koh Lanta
Koh Lanta Island is renowned as the lesser-known paradise in the Andaman Sea between the Phi Phi Islands and the western coast of Thailand. It is a cluster of 52 islands, and most of them are uninhabited as well as away from the clutches of commercialization. This allows visitors to experience an authentic island experience and a relaxing vacation amidst jungles, coral reefs, balmy weather, and secluded beaches. Not only this, but at Koh Lanta you can also enjoy scuba diving, snorkeling, getting inked, a soothing Thai massage, or just a longtail boat tour.
33. Phuket Elephant Park
Home to a variety of rescued elephants, the Phuket Elephant Park provides its visitors with an opportunity to observe and interact with these gentle creature in their natural habitat. Set in a national park, a half day tour of this sanctuary lets visitors watch elephants take mudbaths and forage amongst the green foliage, for a beautiful and heartwarming experience.
34. Phuket Wake Park
Phuket Wake Park, with its array of adventure activities and fitness training, is a great experience for those wishing to enjoy challenging themselves. It provides a range of options including a full-size main cable with obstacles as well as professional training experience. There are also good lounges to relax and grab some yum Thai food!
35. Bungee Jumping in Phuket
Bungee jumping is one of the most thrilling experience of life and what better place to experience than on an island surrounded by crystal clear water and lush green mountains. It is an intense ride that lasts even after the sport is over. The emotion and the rush stays with you. The wind against your face and the dive towards the ground throws away all your worry making it a lifetime experience. Always surrounded by specialists, the handlers of the sport are present at some places in Phuket but they all take all safety measures to provide a wild and memorable experience at an affordable price.
36. Shrine of the Serene Light
The Shrine of the Serene Light is a little Chinese temple in Phuket town. With its hidden entrance, colourful interiors, painted walls and ceramic decorations, it often attracts tourists who like to reflect in the quiet and serene atmosphere within the four walls of this temple. The temple also has a lovely garden.
37. Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is a pristine 300m stretch of white sand that is peppered with granite rocks and surrounded by lush green hills full of jungles. The unique location of Freedom Beach gives it an exceptional feel. Although it wasn't easy to access this beach earlier, it has become much simpler to go to this piece of paradise via longtail boats nowadays.
38. Siam Niramit Phuket
A beautiful kaleidoscope of colours, myths and history and with over 100 artists, the Siam Niramat portrays a deep and breathtaking narrative of 700 years of Thai history and culture. The carefully recreated traditional Thai village around the theatre, with its little huts and delightful guides, as well as the dinner buffet with a variety of exotic local cuisine, adds to the experience.
39. Bang Pae Waterfall
Among the famous waterfalls in Phuket, the picturesque Bang Pae waterfalls is situated in the east of the city in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Tourists enjoy a nice relaxed walk to the waterfall, and have a good time in the shallow streams. There are also a couple of great seafood restaurants around for having a bite.
40. Patong Go-Kart Speedway
Patong Gokart Speedway is the perfect destination for a fun-filled and adventurous outing with family and friends. The 750-metre long race track has sharp curves, smooth bends and Start/Finish lines. Safety of the riders stands first, and all the karts and buggies are well-maintained. The staff members clearly explain what and what not to do while racing.
41. Mai Khao Beach
The longest and the quietest of all the beaches in Phuket, Mai Khao is a great option for people seeking some quality time to spend with themselves amongst beautiful scenery. This is the closest beach from Phuket International Airport and begins right where Nai Yang Beach ends. Part of a protected national park, the beach has mostly a deserted feel to it with fewer people and vendors. Nonetheless, you will be able to spot many luxury hotels like Sala Phuket, Renaissance Phuket and JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa, to mention a few.
42. Karon Temple Market
Karon Temple Market on Patak road is popular for its cheap and delightful local trinkets, as well as the wide array of local cuisine. From mouthwatering meat skewers to delicious mangoes and passionfruit, the market is sure to whet any appetite. The street food, and Pad thai are other fast-selling favorites of this little market.
43. Phuket Seashell Museum
The Phuket Seashell Museum in Rawai houses an impressive collection of 2000 shell species. With both English and Thai tours available, it is definitely worth a visit to check out the many rarities on display here including - the world's largest golden pearl, sedimentary shells and tiger cowries.
44. Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach can be called the luxury stretch of Phuket. This tiny beach stretches for only four miles or roughly six and a half kilometres, which is entirely populated with luxury resorts and vast villas. It is on a just a few minutes' away from the quaint little town of Cherng Talay, where the primary occupation of the villagers even today is fishing, farming and rubber tapping, like their ancestors.
45. Promthep Cape
The most well-known and photographed location on Phuket, Promthep Cape lies on the southernmost tip of Phuket, ahead of Rawai Beach. Popularly known as ‘Laem Promthep’ or ‘God’s Cape’, it is much more than just a tourist location to take photos. Promthep Cape has a sweeping view over the southeast and east of this island. It also has an air-conditioned lighthouse, which is also a museum.
46. Thalang National Museum
The small Thalang National Museum is an ideal place to spend to learn a little about the rich Thai history. The museum houses prehistoric crafts, maps, sculptures as well as old photos showing battle scenes, and the Phuket of a couple of centuries ago. There are also some Chinese figurines and deities on display here.
47. Banana Beach
One of the few untouched beaches of Phuket, Banana beach is situated on Coral Island (also known as Koh Hey) which lies south to the mainland. The beach looks tranquil with clear blue waters and talcum white sand. Coral island is part of a national park and a marine preservation area and has limited buildings. Mostly crowded during the high season, the prolific aquatic life makes for some great snorkelling and diving experiences. If travelling with kids, the bevvy of water sports on offer at the beach will keep the entire family occupied for the entire day.
48. Raya Island
Racha Islands, also known as Raya Islands is a tiny island situated 12 km south of Phuket in the Andaman Sea and is a 45-minute ride in the speedboat. Patok beach located on a long U-shaped bay with powdery white sand is the main beach. Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi are the two islands amongst which the former is the main island. The only three resorts on this island are the luxurious Racha Phuket Resort, Baan Raya Resort and the modest Bungalow Raya Resort.
49. Chillva Market
Chillva market on the side of Yaowarat road is a fun and exciting place to explore, with its bohemian vibes and shops made out of ship containers.These shops sell a wide array of colorful goodies and local trinkets including clothes and other jewellery. It is also the perfect place to experiment with some exotic Thai cuisine - including some fried insects like grasshoppers and silkworms!
50. Ko Panyee
Koh Panyee is a tiny fishing village in the Phang Nga Province of Thailand, about an hour and a half north of Phuket City. It's approximately a 20-minute longtail boat ride from Surakul pier in Phang Nga province. A small place with only 360 families, Koh Panyee, houses only 1685 permanent residents.
51. Kamala Beach
Kamala beach to the north of Patong is popular among families and retired travellers, who enjoy a nice vacation in this quieter bay. The beach is famous for its restaurants along the coast including Cafe Del Mar and other popular Thai restaurants, and also has two small shopping alleys selling traditional trinkets.
52. Kathu Waterfall
Kathu Waterfall is loved by tourists for its many layers of clear, cascading water. The first two layers are relatively easy to climb, while reaching the third and fourth are relatively challenging - but still worth it! It is a perfect picnic spot, surrounding by the sound of gurgling water and green canopy.
53. Sirinat National Park
The Sirinath National Park is one of Phuket's most popular tourist attractions. Its many acres of protected areas include white sandy beaches, coral reefs, coniferous and evergreen forests as well as mangroves. Tourists flock in many numbers to explore the 13 km coastline of this beautiful park.
54. Nai Yang Beach
The off-beaten and shady Nai Yang beach, with its casuarina trees, little beach bars and shacks remains a favourite of those tourists who discover it. It is ideal for lounging around, getting traditional massages and sampling some delicious local cuisine. The famous Sirinath Park is also located nearby
55. Wat Suwan Khiri Wong
The Wat Suwan Khiri Wong or the Patong temple, is a dazzling red and gold extravaganza offering a glimpse into the rich culture of old Patong. The intricately designed roof, gold coated detail and majestic Buddha statue make this a must-visit for anyone wishing to soak in Thai architecture.
56. Upside Down House of Phuket
Baan Teelanka, which translates to Upside Down House in Thai, is the first-of-its-kind in the town of Phuket. The three-storey building built leaning on its roof has everything fixed on its roof, making the whole house look inverted. Meticulously planned and perfectly executed by a Swiss-Thai couple; this is a must-visit place for family fun and entertainment.
57. Wat Suwan Khiri Khet
Also known as Karon temple, Wat Suwan Khiri Khet is a stunning and colourful shrine situated in Patak Road, Phuket, Thailand. The temple features beautiful interior paintings depicting Buddha's life. Besides, the temple also boasts of two giant snakes at the entrance and other figurines nestled in different areas around the temple.
58. Wat Sri Sunthon
The Wt Sri Suthon temple in Phuket is popular for its majestic recline Golden Buddha statue, the best view of which you get before entering the temple through the surrounding trees. The Buddha is believed to be in the Pang Sai Yat posture or the realising Nirvana posture. The temple grounds also have many other interesting, eccentric statues of pink elephants and the legendary Pret or demon ghost.
59. Windmill Viewpoint
Located on an island near Promthep Cape, the windmill viewpoint gives breathtaking views of Ya Nui and Nai Harn beaches, and a tiny island Koh Man, situated to the right of Promthep Cape. It is a relatively small place with a ‘Sala’ (roof/pavilion with no walls), sitting space and occasional fruit juice or jewellery vendors. Apart from the view of the islands and beaches, one gets to look at passing sea traffic, and fantastic sunset views.
Nightlife in Phuket
Nightlife in Phuket is a busy affair with plenty of places to entertain. Only second to Pattaya in Thailand, the island stands up to the reputation of being a partying destination. The place is packed with bars, discos, ladyboy cabaret shows, nightclubs, go-go bars, live music and international DJs jamming a session. Where most of the small areas and towns offer small parties, Banga Road in Patong is the major as well as the busiest hub for party lovers featuring crazy neon lights, loud rocking pulsating music and huge crown to enjoy the scene. Some of the major places to check out in Patong are Soi Crocodile, Simon Cabaret, Soi Easy, Soi Gonzo, Presley Guesthouse and Elvis Bar, Soi Sea Dragon and many more.
Shopping in Phuket
Phuket offers a great deal for shopping lovers with products ranging from cheap clothes to handicrafts and jewelry. The place is a main source of cultured pearls, pewterware, ornaments and nielloware. There are two main shopping malls in Phuket: Central Festival, at the northwest edge of Phuket Town, and Jungceylon, in Patong. However, the open air markets, bustling street side shops, night, dazzling night markets, small food markets, are more popular among tourists. One can buy brands, copy of brands (sometimes it is difficult to distinguish), antiques, house wares, and much more. There are special shops where one can buy souvenirs located at Ratsada, Phang-nga, Montri, Yaowarat, and Tilok-U-thit roads, in Phuket Town, Thepkasattri Road and at the beach centers of Patong, Kata, Karon and Rawai.
Currency in Phuket
Most of the international credit cards are widely accepted in Phuket. ATM Machines are easily available for 24 hours all around the island and accept all major credits cards including Visa and MasterCard. Baht is the main currency that is used in Thailand. Make sure you carry cash while shopping at local street market and use your cards wisely to avoid any fraud.
Religion of Phuket
Major religion practiced in Phuket is Theravada Buddhism followed by Daoism, which is often practiced along with Buddhism. In addition, about 35% of population on the island is Muslims.
Language of Phuket
Central Thai is the official language of Phuket, which is commonly used in business and tourist areas. However, people usually converse in southern Thai dialect that sounds pithier and sounds faster than Central Thai. English is also widely spoken and understood, especially in the beach and other tourist areas. Some of the useful Thai words one should now while travelling to Thailand are (krub is used for males and kha is used for females): Sawatdee (krub/kha): Hello Sabai dee ru (krub/kha): How are you? Sabai dee (krub/kha): Fine Khob Khun (krub/kha): Thank you Chai: Yes Mai Chai: No Dai: (you/I) can Mai Dai: can not Nee Tao Rai: How much?
How To Reach Phuket
Phuket being home to a personal international airport has several direct flights flying to and from India. There are many flight services that ply on regular basis including Air India, AirAsia, Jet Airways, Thai Airways, IndiGo and other from various India cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Ahmadabad etc.
Food of Phuket
Phuket offers a variety of cuisines owing to the large number of foreign travelers visiting the island every year. Although foreign cuisines are widely available, Thai flavors are still available especially with a focus on seafood. One will find from high-end restaurants to small time street stalls selling delicious food. The place is a paradise for seafood lovers. Some of the local delicacies of Phuket are fried or boiled noodle dished eaten with either pork or chicken; Khanom Jin (another noodle dish eaten in breakfast and served with fresh vegetables and spicy curry); and Nam PhrikKung Siap (smoked shrimps and chili eaten with fresh vegetables).
Food for Indians in Phuket
Phuket is home to numerous Indian restaurants mainly located on the west coast. Although now a number of Indian eating joints are opening up in south and Phuket town. These places serve from basic Indian food to specialized India cuisines such as South Indian, North Indian, tandoori etc. Some of the popular restaurants are Curry Night Indian Restaurant, ICC Indian Curry Club, Live India Indian Restaurant, Tandoori Nights, Navrang Mahal and many more. The island is also known for its vegetarian food especially with the Vegetarian festival being organized there during ninth month of Chinese lunar calendar. A number of vegetarian restaurants can be found dotted all around Phuket.
Phuket Province is located in Southern Thailand. It is the biggest island of Thailand and sits on the Andaman Sea. The nearest province to the north is Phang-nga and the nearest provinces to the east are Phang-nga and Krabi. Phuket has a large Chinese influence, so you will see many Chinese shrines and Chinese restaurants around the city. A Chinese Vegetarian Festival is held there every year. While the Chinese community is quite big, there are many other ethnicities bringing all their traditions and festivals from all over the world to Phuket.
Being a big island, Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent beaches such as Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Mai Khao. Laem Phromthep Viewpoint is said to feature the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand. It isn’t all just beaches though, there is also fantastic classical architecture such as the Goom Restaurant. That and the very welcome atmosphere and the famous Phuket nightlife, you can see why the island is a hotspot for tourists in Thailand.
Visiting Phuket is easy as there are many travel options.
By Air
The Phuket International Airport is the second busiest airport of Thailand after the Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok. There are two terminals in the airport; Terminal 1 is used for international flights while Terminal 2 is used for domestic flights. The airport is well-connected to Bangkok with daily flights. There are also direct flights to India, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore and Germany, among other countries. Some of the airlines with frequent routes between India and Phuket are Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Singapore Airlines and Jet Airways.
By Road
Buses to other regions of Thailand including Bangkok, Krabi, Phang Na and Surat Thani operate at the BKS terminal located just off Thanon Phang Nga in Phuket Town. Buses from the Southern Bus Terminal of Bangkok to Phuket are the most reliable and convenient way of travelling between the two cities and take up to 13 hours to reach Phuket. Both air-conditioned as well as non-air-conditioned buses are available at different prices.
By Train
Although there are no direct trains to Phuket, one can travel on trains going from Bangkok to Singapore and get off at Phun Phin railway station. Phuket is another 5 hours by bus from Phun Phin, which is located in the Surat Thani Province of Thailand.
Best Time To Visit
The best time to visit Phuket is from November to February. The weather during this period is relatively cool and dry. Due to its tropical location, Phuket harbours a warm climate throughout the year. The average temperature in Phuket ranges from 23 degrees to 31 degrees. Weather conditions remain warm almost throughout the year, but there will be a notable difference in rainfall every month; however, April-May and September-October are the hottest. Owing to the southwestern monsoon September-October period is also the wettest. Swimming and diving activities can only take place in the non-monsoon seasons. Even during monsoon, the rainfall occurs intermittently in short bursts, so there will be plenty of sun in between.
The island of Phuket has two seasons namely wet season from May to October and the dry season from November to April with February being the driest month.
November to February: This is the coolest season in Phuket after the rains are over. With the best weather, naturally, this is also the busiest time with most tourists planning their trips around this period. The temperature varies around 23°C and 30°C. While December is the coolest month in Phuket, February is the driest. This is the perfect time to spend the day relaxing on one of the gorgeous beaches in Phuket and enjoying water sports in the calm sea. You can then party it out till the wee hours of the morning at one of the many nightclubs.
March to mid-May: These are considered as the hottest months in Phuket just before monsoon hits the island. The temperatures vary in the mid-thirties, with humidity levels steadily on the rise. One of the good reasons to visit Phuket in April is to witness the Songkran Festival, the Thai New Year, when people sprinkle water on each other!
Mid-May to October: Monsoon season in Phuket lasts from May to October. Average temperature during monsoons is 28 °C-29 °C. While the weather is at its humid best, the prices are at an all-time low, making this one of the cheapest seasons to plan a trip. Apart from being cost effective, it’s also a peaceful time to visit because it’s not as crowded as the high season. The wettest months are May, September and October, but it’s rare that the island would get continuous days of heavy rainfall.
