Thailand’s largest island, Phuket packs a punch with golden beaches, leafy rainforests and a lively atmosphere in the hotspots.

Holidays to Phuket 2026

• Phuket's got everything from secret jungle waterfalls to world-famous Full Moon beach parties

• The island's street food scene is absolutely bangin' - think fresh seafood BBQs and spicy coconut curries

• 007 filming locations are scattered around Phang Nga Bay - you're basically living in a blockbuster movie

• Bangla Road transforms from sleepy street to party central once the sun sets - proper Jekyll and Hyde vibes

🎉 3 Fun Facts About Phuket

• Phuket wasn't always an island – Yup, it was once connected to the mainland before sea levels rose. How’s that for a plot twist?

• James Bond’s holiday spot – Part of the famous Phang Nga Bay starred in The Man with the Golden Gun. You’re practically 007 by association.

• a pint typically costs around 80-120 Thai Baht, which is about £1.80 to £2.80. You won’t find that over here!

When to Visit Phuket

• Peak Season Paradise (November - April) - the absolute top-tier time for Phuket holidays with scorchio sunshine and barely a cloud in sight. December to February is when the island's absolutely popping off - perfect weather but whopping crowds and prices to match. March and April crank up the heat but still deliver that 10/10 beach weather families and couples crave.

• Shoulder Season Sweetness (May & October) - May kicks off with gorgeous weather before the rains roll in, while October's when things start drying up again. Brilliant for bagging better deals on holidays to Phuket without the mahoosive crowds. Party-goers still get their jollies, just with the odd shower to cool things down.

• Monsoon Madness (June - September) - don't write off the rainy season completely - it's not constant downpours, more like dramatic afternoon storms followed by sunshine. June to August sees the heaviest rain but also the cheapest Phuket holidays. September's when things start looking up weather-wise. Perfect for adventurous souls who don't mind a bit of drama with their holibobs.

Where to Stay on your Phuket holidays 2026 / 2027

• 💑 For Couples - Kata Beach – perfect for a romantic getaway, with dreamy sunsets, beachfront restaurants, and a quiet, chilled vibe. Absolute couples' holiday goals. Cue the couples' massage.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 For Families - Karon Beach – safe, spacious, and jam-packed with family-friendly holiday fun. Think banana boats, water sports, and plenty of sandy playtime.

• 👯‍♂️ For Groups - Patong Beach – this is the spot for squad goals. Daytime water sports, nighttime beach parties, and Bangla Road for non-stop fun. Get your dance shoes ready for group holidays to remember!

🏖️ What are the best beaches to visit on your holidays to Phuket?

From busy party beaches to mysterious pockets of wild beauty, Phuket has it all. We’re big fans of both, so here are a few of our faves to check out on your beach holidays:

• Patong Beach – the longest and most popular beach on the island, with water sports by day and parties by night - who says a beach can't do both?

• Kata Beach – a slightly calmer corner of coast, where sunbathers and surfers enjoy chilled-out days - a little birdie told us if you head here during monsoon season the waves are perfect for ripping.

• Karon Beach – a lovely spot for family holidays to Phuket, with squeaky sand (no literally, keep your ears open), plenty of open space and water sports to keep the kids busy.

• Paradise Beach – snorkel the lively coral reef by day, get down at a Full Moon Party by night - the ideal blend of chill vibes and party central, we know where we'll be going.

• Freedom Beach – you reach the wild beauty of this beach by longboat ride or jungle trek - we recommend the longboat, rest those legs - adding an air of mystery as you approach the quiet, white-sand shore.

• Surin Beach - if you're chasing a more boujee beach feel then this is the one, surrounded by luxury resorts and fine dining you can live your celeb fantasies for the day - or just take advantage of the crystal waters and spend the day snorkelling.

🏨 What are the top hotels in Phuket?

While some head to the island for world-class partying, Phuket's hotels are famous for being pockets of calm away from the noise. Whether your hotel is the main event on your Phuket holiday or just a place to crash on a cheap holiday away, we think you’ll love these:

Families

• Diamond Cliff Resort and Spa is jam-packed with activities – from candle-making and tie-dying to tennis and Muay Thai – plus two pools (one with a waterfall and swim-up bar) and a teppanyaki restaurant the kids will love.

• The Yama Hotel Phuket has modern rooms, amazing views, a kids' area and a shuttle to Kata Beach – a top pick for family holidays to Phuket without breaking the bank.

• Splash Beach Resort sits on 47 acres with 500m of pristine Mai Khao Beach frontage, waterfall features, lakes and pools galore – proper paradise for families who want space to spread out.

• The Beachfront Hotel Phuket has a private beach, multiple pools (including one just for the little ones), a kids' club and easy access to Big Buddha and Chalong Temple for day trips.

Couples

• Vijitt Resort Phuket is the ultimate boutique getaway with five-star villas, private pools surrounded by greenery, and authentic Thai fine dining – romance levels through the roof.

• Ayara Hilltops serves up ocean views from your private suite, a gorgeous spa, and sunset cocktails at the poolside bar – couples' holiday perfection.

• Amari Phuket has a secluded beach at the quieter end of Patong, two pools, a top-tier spa and stunning Andaman Sea views from every balcony.

• The Charm Resort Phuket lets you wind down from lively Patong Beach by watching the sunset from the stunning infinity pool – bliss.

Luxury

• Royal Phuket Yacht Club sits on a private stretch of Nai Harn Beach with teakwood furnishings, marble bathrooms, a spa and watersports including sailing and kayaking.

• Barcelo Coconut Island – hop on a water taxi to reach this beachfront resort with gorgeous villas, delish dining and boujee bars on its own private island.

Great Value

• Proud Phuket is a boutique gem in peaceful Naiyang with an outdoor pool, spa and kids' club – just 1.7km from the airport so you're on the beach in no time.

• Sunset Beach Resort delivers a smashing beachside escape just 1km from Patong Town with pools, spa and easy access to Bangla Road's nightlife.

🚗 Getting Around Phuket

• 🚌 Songthaews - these colourful, open-air buses are a cheap and cheerful way to get around Phuket. With no fixed schedule, you can hop on and off whenever it suits you. They’re a great option for short trips between towns or beaches, and they offer a bit of local flavour while you travel. Just remember, it’s all about going with the flow - don’t expect them to run like clockwork!

• 🚖 Taxis & Tuk-tuks - Tuk-tuks are the most iconic way to get around Phuket, and they’re as much an experience as they are transport! Just be sure to haggle for a fair price before starting your journey, as meters aren't always used. Taxis are more comfortable and usually metered, but always confirm the fare.

• 🏍️ Motorbike Rentals - for the more adventurous, renting a motorbike is a fun way to explore Phuket’s hidden spots. Just make sure you’re confident on two wheels, as the roads can be busy (and sometimes chaotic). Always wear a helmet and check local driving laws!

Phuket holidays 2026 / 2027 travel guide

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Things to Do for Families

Family holidays to Phuket are basically a recipe for keeping everyone happy, from toddlers to teenagers (and let's be honest, the big kids too). The Phuket Aquarium is perfect for rainy day entertainment with its walk-through tunnel that'll have the kiddos gasping at sharks swimming overhead, while Dino Park Mini Golf brings out everyone's competitive side with prehistoric-themed putting. For proper family bonding time, hop on a longtail boat to explore the caves and lagoons around Phang Nga Bay - it's like a real-life adventure movie that beats any theme park. When the heat gets too much, Splash Jungle Waterpark delivers epic slides and lazy rivers that'll tire out even the most energetic little ones, leaving parents free to grab a well-deserved cocktail while they nap.

❤️ Things to Do for Couples

When you're looking to turn up the romance on your Phuket holidays, this island's got some proper loved-up vibes waiting for you. Take a sunset cruise around Phang Nga Bay where you can snuggle up while floating past those famous limestone cliffs, or treat yourselves to a couples massage at one of those swanky beachfront spas. For something a bit more adventurous, hop on a longtail boat to explore hidden lagoons together, then cap off your day with a candlelit seafood dinner right on the sand at Surin Beach - couples holidays to Phuket don't get much more romantic than that.

🥳 Things to Do for Groups

Group holidays to Phuket are basically guaranteed to be epic, and the island knows how to keep groups properly entertained. Start your day with some adrenaline-pumping white water rafting through jungle rapids, then hit up a group cooking class where you can all master the art of pad thai together (and probably have a right laugh in the process). When the sun sets, Bangla Road's calling your name with its non-stop party vibes, or if you fancy something a bit more boujee, book yourselves onto a sunset catamaran cruise with cocktails flowing - holidays to Phuket with your crew just don't get better than this.

🍽️ Things to Do for Foodies

If you're the type who plans holidays to Phuket around your next meal, you're in for a proper treat. Start with a street food crawl through Phuket Old Town where the locals queue up for the good stuff, then level up with a Thai cooking class where you'll master your own green curry game. For the ultimate foodie flex, book a table at a floating restaurant in Phang Nga Bay - fresh seafood with those James Bond Island views hitting different when you're tucking into grilled prawns. Trust us, your Phuket holidays will be remembered more for the flavours than the tan lines.

🗺️ More Thailand Destinations

Fancy exploring more of Thailand? Here are some other spots worth adding to your wishlist:

• 🏝️ Krabi – Dramatic limestone cliffs, world-class rock climbing and the gateway to the famous Phi Phi Islands where "The Beach" was filmed. Railay Beach is only accessible by boat and feels like your own private paradise.

• 🌴 Koh Samui – Thailand's second-largest island with palm-fringed beaches, the iconic Big Buddha temple and a more laid-back vibe than Phuket. Check out the charming Fisherman's Village in Bo Phut for boutique shopping and beachfront dining.

• 🏙️ Bangkok – Thailand's buzzing capital is perfect for a stopover. Rooftop bars, ancient temples, floating markets and street food that'll blow your mind. Don't miss the Grand Palace and Wat Pho's reclining Buddha.

• 🎢 Pattaya – Beach resort vibes with waterparks, floating markets and legendary nightlife. Great for families wanting theme park action or groups after a party.

• 🏖️ Khao Lak – A quieter alternative to Phuket with long stretches of unspoilt beach, national parks and easy access to the Similan Islands for world-class diving.

• 🧘 Hua Hin – Thailand's original beach resort, popular with Thai royalty since the 1920s. More relaxed than Phuket with gorgeous beaches, golf courses and night markets.

🌏 More Far-Flung Destinations

If Thailand's got you dreaming of tropical escapes, you might also love these other long-haul beauties:

• 🏝️ Maldives – The ultimate paradise for overwater villas, crystal-clear lagoons and serious relaxation. Perfect for honeymoons and special occasions. Each resort has its own private island – now that's exclusive. Check out Male as your gateway to the atolls.

• 🌴 Mauritius – Tropical paradise with a twist. Think palm-fringed beaches, lush tea plantations, volcanic mountains and some of the best diving in the Indian Ocean. The east coast's Belle Mare beach is stunning, and whale watching season (June-October) is unforgettable.

• 🐘 Sri Lanka – Golden beaches meet ancient temples and elephant sanctuaries. The iconic train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the world's most breathtaking rail journeys. Perfect for families and culture lovers who want adventure alongside their beach time.