Thailand’s largest island lies just off the mainland coast in the south of the country. Its attractions are many and diverse, satisfying a wide range of tastes and budgets – whether you’re seeking a cheap backpacker-style break or looking for five-star all-inclusive resort packages (or something in between), you’ll have no problem finding what you need.

The island’s capital, Phuket City, is the most populous area at the southern end of the island, and it’s here that you’ll find the best choice of restaurants, shopping, and services. 

Language: Thai    |    Currency: Baht (฿)    |    Local time: UTC   |    Avg. Flight time: 17 hrs

Holidays on Phuket

The island’s international airport is to the north, about an hour or so by road from the main resort areas. Most holiday packages will include hotel transfers, but there is an efficient transport network for those travelling independently.

The flight time to Phuket can be tiring (16 hours) but don’t let that put you off. There are now well-priced all-inclusive holiday packages which include direct flight deals from London Gatwick. 

What to expect

Phuket can be a get-away-from-it-all holiday destination where you put your feet up and relax in the tropical surroundings, or it can be an active holiday – it’s up to you.

There’s so much to do and see on the island if you choose to venture further than the beach: you could explore spectacular Buddhist temples, watch a Muay Thai boxing match, make friends with rescued monkeys at the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre, go snorkelling at Ao Sane beach, or simply stand in awe of the performers at the evening theme park ‘Phuket FantaSea’. 

Nightlife

If you’ve heard about Phuket’s nightlife and want to see it for yourself, be warned that it’s quite an onslaught on the senses! Go-go bars, gay bars, karaoke bars, dance clubs, jazz clubs, ladyboy cabaret shows – they’re side-by-side along Bangla Road in Patong.

If you’re looking for a good spot to dance the night away, Illuzion is a great (and less seedy) choice. 

When to go 

Phuket’s climate consists of two seasons – the wet and the dry. The most popular period, and therefore the priciest, is from November to February, when rainfall is at its lowest.

May to October is the monsoon season where thunderstorms come in short sharp bursts – this is the cheapest season to visit Phuket.  

Events for your diary

One of the island’s most colourful events centres on the Chinese community. The ‘Vegetarian Festival’ takes place in late October and involves mind-boggling displays of self-mortification in honour of the gods.

Loy Krathong, the 'festival of lights’, takes place in the first half of November, where locals gather around Bang Wad Reservoir to launch floating lanterns carrying candles, joss sticks, and their wishes.

In December, the King’s Cup Regatta is a week of glamorous sailing and heavy partying.