Phuket

Phuket is the pearl of the Thai islands. You can expect 17 tropical beaches here, from those pulsating with life and attractions to the quiet ones hidden in isolated bays. Phuket is a place where everyone can find something for themselves: for water sports enthusiasts we recommend diving, surfing, snorkeling and kayaking, for foodies famous Thai cuisine courses, for party people world-class clubs and restaurants, and for restless souls scooter trips around the island or catamaran trips to neighboring islands. Especially on Ko Phi Phi, where the popular film with Leonardo di Caprio in the main role was filmed.

Of course, you can also just lounge carefree under the palm trees, splash in the turquoise water, taste delicious dishes and sip refreshing drinks.

For those who want to avoid the tourist glitz and commercialism, we recommend Khao Lak – 20 km of peaceful and beautiful beaches with white sand, and hotels, numerous bars and restaurants. It is a paradise for nature lovers who can observe beautiful, exotic birds in the area, admire waterfalls and picturesque national parks, and dive in the clear waters of the Andaman Sea, which hide hundreds of species of colorful fish and corals.

Phuket Island – the most important information

Phuket is the largest of the Thai islands, located in the Andaman Sea, west of the country's mainland. The island can be reached directly by plane or car, as well as by ferry from the port of Krabi or via Phang Nga Bay. In the past, the island was a communication and trade port between Asia and Europe, but today the place, inhabited by less than 80 thousand people, is famous mainly for tourism... and rubber extraction.

The most beautiful beaches on Phuket Island

There are many fantastic, developed beaches on the island, with alleys of restaurants and a row of sunbeds (mainly at hotels), but also many untouched ones, which attract tourists with their wildness and peace. The north of the island is not famous for beautiful, wide beaches with golden sand, there are rather ports and marinas there, while already in the west, the Sai Kaew Beach stretches for kilometers, which then turns into the equally charming and slightly secluded Hat Sai Keo and Mai Khao. Naiyang Beach is not the best choice for all-day sunbathing (due to the proximity of the airport), but it is worth visiting to watch planes landing and eat something delicious in one of the pubs by the beach. In fact, the entire west is famous for its beautiful, sandy coast with azure waters. Patong Beach (also in the west) is a more developed and party place, so on this side of the island every visitor will find something special for themselves. In the east of Phuket the beaches are muddier, so it is best to plan your holiday on the west coast of the island.

Phuket Attractions – What is Worth Seeing?

Ton Sai and Bang Be

Ton Sai and Bang Be are some of the longest waterfalls on Phuket, which flow from a single source. These are not typical water cascades with strong, rushing streams crashing against rocks - these are long watercourses, flowing through the jungle between rocks. Don't forget to bring your swimsuits, because the waterfalls are not particularly deep, and a refreshing dip during a hot day is the best reward for the body after a hike.

Wat Chalong

This is the most important Buddhist temple on the island from the 19th century! Tourists and locals visit it to pay homage to the monks - Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang, who led the people in the fight against the Chinese rebels in the 19th century, and also shared their herbal knowledge with them. The entire temple is covered with wall paintings showing the life of Buddha, and is also decorated with various figures, and from the terrace you can admire the entire complex and listen to the birds singing.

Khao Phra Taeo National Park

A green sanctuary covered with dense rainforest with as many as 80 species of birds! There are small waterfalls, a Gibbon Rehabilitation Center and many trekking trails. It is worth visiting the place to observe the lushness of the rainforest and discover the secrets of the Thai jungle.

Diving

It is well known that the seabed of Thailand hides a wealth of colorful reefs and impressive varieties of fish species and underwater creatures. Diving off Phuket Island is a real paradise for divers from all over the world! Snorkeling enthusiasts will also be delighted, and swimming with a snorkel in such a place will be a great introduction to starting a diving adventure. On the coast of the island you can find numerous sports centers, some of which offer snorkeling at sunset, when the sea world is filled with fluorescent plankton and you can watch it from a slightly different perspective. In Phuket you can dive all year round, the water is always warm, and the sea currents are usually gentle.

Weather in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is warm all year round, with temperatures rarely dropping below 25°C. As is the case in the tropics, there is a dry season, from December to March, and a rainy season, from June to October. In between, there are months when the weather is difficult to predict, and rain can be heavy – or almost non-existent. During the dry season, when the weather is most favourable, the island has a high tourist season and prices are raised. The rainy season is characterised by smaller crowds, lower prices and unstable weather. One day the rains can be torrential, and the next day it can be sunny all day long. If you want to stick to your travel plan and have each day planned hour by hour, go to Phuket during the dry season. If you like spontaneity, are not afraid of rain and want to save some money (on accommodation, for example) – Thailand during the rainy season is a good choice!

Cuisine in Phuket – what is worth eating on your trip?

Thai cuisine is considered by many to be the best in the world, and for good reason! It is a mixture of so many flavors, aromas, scents and colors that it is impossible to resist. What is one thing you cannot leave Phuket without trying? For example, the famous Tom Yam soup based on coconut milk, which is a combination of spiciness and sourness with the addition of seafood or chicken, as well as mushrooms, herbs and rice or noodles. Other excellent dishes include various curries or fried noodles with lots of additions, as well as the satay snack - deep-fried pieces of meat with spices, served with peanut sauce. For sweets, we recommend Thai pancakes and, of course, mango sticky rice! Be sure to go to street food and local restaurants to taste the most authentic Thai flavors.