Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is located off the country's southern Indian Ocean coastline. Stunning landscapes, white sandy beaches, warm turquoise water and unmatched hospitality make Phuket one of the best holiday destinations in the world. You’ll also find world-class restaurants, upscale shopping markets, bustling dance clubs and luxury hotels to explore in the city.
The city attracts people from around the globe, who come to explore its charming natural surroundings, sample local delicacies and enjoy pampering spa treatments. Book your flight to and hotel in Phuket together and save time and money.
What to know before visiting Phuket
Flights to Phuket arrive at Phuket International Airport (HKT), the third-busiest airport in Thailand. It has excellent transport connections with other major destinations. If you're visiting from the UK, you can book a direct flight from London or Manchester to Phuket.
If you're a British citizen, you won’t need a visa to enter Phuket for stays under 30 days. While the official language is Thai, there likely won't be a language barrier for you in Phuket, as many locals also understand and speak English. The time difference between Phuket and the United Kingdom is seven hours. The city's currency is the baht.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
Phuket experiences tropical climate throughout the year, with warm summers, moderate monsoons and comfortable winters. With package holidays in Phuket during December and April, you can experience pleasant weather, clear skies and calm sea, ideal for exciting water activities such as swimming, boating and scuba diving. If you're planning a Phuket weekend during this time, it's recommended to book in advance.
Enjoy some of the region's most popular festivals, including Makha Bucha Day, celebrating the full moon (February/March); Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival, which commemorates the brave acts of two sisters (March); and Songkran, the country's biggest festival, marking the beginning of the Thai New Year (April).
What to do in Phuket
Whether you prefer an extended holiday or a weekend in Phuket, package holidays make your trip planning simple and affordable. The city is synonymous with fascinating landscapes, friendly people, pristine beaches and iconic cultural attractions. Head to Kata Noi Beach, just a short drive from Kata Beach. Walk along the small bay's beautiful sands, take in the breathtaking views and relax or go swimming. Don't forget to visit Chalong Bay Rum Distillery where you can learn how to make refreshing cocktails and sample them.
During your city breaks in Phuket, go shopping at Naka Market, where you'll find all sorts of fresh fruit, animals, old curiosities and clothes. Tiger Kingdom, also worth a visit, lets you get up close to Indochinese tigers. There are many places in Phuket offering cooking classes – learn Thai cooking on your vacation to savour it at home after you're returned. Another must-see on Phuket vacations is Soi Bangla, a colourful street full of restaurants, bars, shops and entertainment. Consider booking your Phuket flight and hotel in advance to save money and time.
What places should you visit in Phuket?
City breaks in Phuket offer numerous sights and attractions worth seeing. For incredible natural views and tranquillity, a popular site is Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint. It offers unparalleled views of the city, the southeastern coast and Phuket's world-famous Big Buddha statue.
Be sure to visit iconic Wat Khao Rang, a temple housing a giant golden Buddha statue.
A vacation in Phuket wouldn’t be complete without visiting stunning Promthep Cape, which offers spectacular views of Koh Racha Yai, the Phi Phi Islands and Koh Racha Noi.
If you're travelling with kids, two must-see attractions are Loma Park and Phuket Zoo, home to various wildlife species.
The Seashell Museum, a prominent attraction near Rawai Beach, has a great collection of seashells from around the world.
Other must-see attractions include Wat Chalong, the largest and most visited Buddhist temple in the city; Jui Tui Shrine, the city's largest Chinese temple and home to the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival; Wat Phra Thong, home to a half-buried golden Buddha statue; and Wat Phranang Sang, the oldest Buddhist temple in Phuket.
If you also have time to explore the surrounding area, you can also rent a car in Phuket.
What to eat in Phuket
Phuket is a paradise for food lovers. You'll find fabulous restaurants to suit every taste, offering a mouthwatering selection of Asian and continental cuisine. Phuket is renowned for its traditional seafood delicacies, and you needn't break the bank to savour the most sumptuous of dishes. Pad thai, one of the most popular local dishes, is a savoury concoction of stir fried noodles, vegetables and your protein of choice. Brimming with juicy shrimp, coconut milk, tomatoes, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, tom yum soup is another must-try in Phuket.
Located at the southern end of Patong Bay, Italian restaurant La Gritta is undoubtedly one of the best in Phuket. Kan Eang@Pier, a favourite, specialises in Thai and seafood delicacies. Phuket and street food go hand-in-hand. With satay, spring rolls, fish cakes, fried insects, banana pancakes, taro buns and deep-fried shrimp, the list is endless.
What to bring home from Phuket
Phuket, the ultimate shopping destination, is home to wonderful, locally made products. The weekend market along Chao Fa West Road offers used products, pirated items, curios, live animals and fresh food. As Thailand is one of the largest producers and exporters of silk in the world, you'll easily find silk items at street stalls or in dedicated shops. There's also plenty of costume jewellery, which makes for fantastic souvenirs of Phuket holidays.
Explore other destinations
Planning on flying to Thailand? If a city break in Phuket doesn't quite convince you, why not explore other exciting cities in Thailand ? Check out our amazing flight and hotel packages for your next holiday adventure!