As Thailand’s largest island, Phuket really packs a punch with golden beaches, leafy rainforests and a lively cabaret atmosphere in the neon hotspots.
Destination highlights
Winter sun
Hidden beaches to explore
World-famous parties
LGBTQ+-friendly
What are the best beaches in 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:
Patong Beach – the longest and most popular beach on the island, with daytime fun and wild nightlife.
Kata Beach – a slightly calmer corner of coast, where sunbathers and surfers enjoy chilled-out days.
Karon Beach – a lovely spot for family holidays to Phuket, with plenty of open space and watersports to keep the kids busy.
Paradise Beach – snorkel the lively coral reef by day, get down at a Full Moon Party by night!
Freedom Beach – you reach the wild beauty of this beach by longboat ride, adding an air of mystery as you approach the quiet shore.
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, we think you’ll love these:
Vjitt Resort Phuket - the ultimate boutique getaway, with lush five-star suites, private pools surrounded by greenery, and authentic Thai fine dining
Amari Phuket - a great base for friends enjoying the buzzing Patong nights, with its own secluded beach for rest days
The Charm Resort Phuket - a place to wind down from lively Patong Beach by watching the sunset from the stunning infinity pool
The Yama Hotel Phuket - modern rooms, amazing views, and loads of fun for kids - a top pick for family holidays to Phuket
Ayara Hilltops - take in the ocean views from your private suite or relax with a cocktail at the poolside bar
Phuket’s tropical climate makes it a great destination for some far-flung winter sun. Travel here between November and March for the perfect balance of sunshine and blue skies. From April to October the mercury stays constant, but the chance of needing your brolly rises, as this is the rainy season. Whenever you travel, look out for those famous Phuket sunsets or take a dip in the warm Andaman Sea.
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Reviews
At On the Beach, we’ve sent many satisfied customers on Phuket Holidays for a bit of sunshine. But don't just take our word for it, read some of their 5-star reviews below.
By Anthony TetleyVerified
Always use On the Beach for holidays...
Always use On the Beach for holidays abroad. Just an easy and simple way to book a holiday, and always had a great time.
By Tony FletcherVerified
Excellent
Always use on the beach and always have a fantastic pain free holiday, easy to use service and friendly helpful staff when needed, 😀
By Nigel HancockVerified
Absolutely brilliant service
Absolutely brilliant service and excellent customer support 👏
FAQs
How long does it take to fly to Phuket?
It takes about 14 hours to fly to Phuket from the UK.
What’s the time difference between the UK and Phuket?
Known as the birthplace of medicine and dating back to around 400 BC, Asklepieion is a legendary medical centre to visit near the main town of Phuket. There’s plenty to see including temples, a museum, and Roman baths.
Monkey around
Take a walk up Monkey Hill and you’ll find yourself surrounded by the curious creatures, who are more than happy to appear in photos (just keep your camera close!). It’s a nice walk too, with fab views across the island from the top, perfect for sunset photoshoots.
Muay Thai suggest boxing?
If you like to try things off the beaten track, then the Patong Boxing Stadium puts on a night you’re going to love. Enjoy snacks and drinks on ringside seating as Muay Thai boxers show off their best moves — not for the faint-hearted!
Not your average photoshoot
If you’re always looking for your next family photo opportunity, head to the Phuket Trickeye Museum. This great little place has loads of mind-bending art and chances to take one-of-a-kind pics to remember your holiday.
Go island hopping
On beach holidays in Phuket, you don’t have to stick to one place - there are loads magical islands waiting to be explored by boat from the mainland. You’ll paddle through caves and bays so beautiful they’ve made it into the movies, like James Bond Island and The Beach’s Koh Phi Phi.
Easy like a Sunday market
Shopaholics and bargain hunters all head to the Sunday Walking Street Market in Phuket Town, where the traffic gets swapped for stalls packed with locally-made crafts and fashion. The perfect place to find that unique souvenir to take home!
What events can I go to in Phuket?
While the high season is typically November to February, the whole year is full of opportunities to enjoy the island’s colourful culture. Why not book your 2022 holiday to Phuket around one of these events?
Oceanman Phuket (March) - one of the world’s biggest open water swimming events, with races for all ages and skill levels
Songkran (April) - the Thai New Year, celebrated with a huge water fight in the streets
Phuket Bike Week (April) - six days of motorbike appreciation, with races, rallies, and live music
Phuket Gay Pride Festival (May) - the local LGBTQ+ community throws the biggest Pride parade in Thailand
Vegetarian Festival (September) - a nine-day celebration of veggie life - the island’s most famous event - where you can grab a bite and watch some truly unusual cultural performances
Patong Carnival (November) - parties and parades mark the start of the high season, along with traditional Thai dance and music
Loi Krathong (November) - hundreds of lit candles and offerings are sent over the sea on small boats woven from banana leaves, to thank Mother Water
Phuket Kings Cup Regatta (December) - your chance to see fancy ships of all shapes and sizes as they compete in Asia’s premier yacht race
Where's the best nightlife in Phuket?
Patong has the biggest party scene on the island. You’ll find superclubs on Bangla Road, with the LGBTQ+ scene around the corner at the Paradise Complex. There are also the iconic beach parties to look out for, and if cocktails are more your speed there’s plenty of chilled-out spots.
Illuzion Phuket, Patong - this superclub has amazing light and sound rigs, luring loads of international DJs to take the stage.
Sugar Club, Patong - hip-hop is on the bill at this nightclub, where you can catch the biggest names in rap perform live.
ZAG, Patong - Phuket’s biggest gay bar, with nightly live dancers and drag shows.
Paradise Beach Club, Paradise Beach - this secluded bay is where you’ll find the huge moon phase parties, where beach BBQs turn into raves as the sun goes down.
Z1mplex Mixology Laboratory, Phuket Town - a weird and wonderful cocktail experience, where the bartender gives you an art show.
Lana Live Music, Kata Beach - a place to kick back with a cocktail and enjoy the sunset while the band plays.
Food & Drink
The food is just one of the reasons to visit Phuket, with its riot of colour, flavour, and international influences. While you can expect the Thai dishes you know and love, the island’s own recipes draw inspiration from Chinese, Malay, and even Portuguese cooking. Don’t miss these dishes:
Khanom jeen - spicy coconut soup with delicate rice noodles and crab, often eaten at breakfast
Mee hokkien - flash-fried noodles in a tasty broth with fresh seafood, pork, and greens
Oh tao - a favourite street food snack which consists of eggs, taro root, pork rinds and oysters in a spicy batter
Oh eaw - a refreshing and colourful shaved ice dessert that you’ll only find in Phuket
Look choop - mung bean and coconut sweets in the shape of veggies - weirdly wonderful!
Dining out won’t cost you a fortune on holidays to Phuket, as the restaurants are famously great value for the quality and portions. Here’s a taste of our favourites:
Patong Corner Restaurant, Patong - if you want it all, go to this cheap and cheerful restaurant where the menu is huge and the food’s to die for.
One Chun Cafe, Phuket Old Town - the best place to try khanom jeen over a laidback lunch with friends.
Nong Jay, Phuket Town - a hidden gem for vegans, this cosy family-run restaurant serves all the best Thai dishes with a plant-based twist.
Kwong Seafood Shop, Kata Beach - an affordable diner where you can enjoy huge seafood feasts, even on a budget holiday to Phuket.
Key facts about Phuket
Flight Time
14 hrs
Time Difference
+7hrs
Currence
Thai Baht
Language
Thai
Do I need any vaccinations to visit Phuket?
Please check with your healthcare provider for all up to date vaccination advice before booking your holiday.
Do I need to pay tax on my holiday to Phuket ?
You currently do not need to pay tourist tax in Phuket.
Will COVID-19 affect my holiday to Phuket?
We are currently closely following the COVID-19 situation and how it affects travel. You can find out the most up to date information about travel to Phuket on the FCDO website.
