Compare Phuket holidays

When to go to Phuket

While Phuket is relatively warm year-round, monsoon rains and rough sea swells hit the island between the May-to-November low season. If you can put up with the odd downpour, this time of year offers the best chance for bagging a cheap deal.

December to March is the most popular – and pricey – time to visit, with temperatures averaging between 24C and 34C, and humidity at its lowest. The beaches are busiest during this period. This is also the time for the famous new, half and full-moon celebrations on the beach in party resorts such as Patong.

The hottest time to visit is April and May when temperatures can reach as high as 33C. The humidity makes it feel even hotter. If you can handle the heat, this can be another good time to pick up a cheap Phuket holiday.

Where to stay in Phuket

For families

If you’re visiting with the kids, Kamala is one of the most family-friendly places to stay. A small village on the west coast of the island, it combines a peaceful atmosphere with convenience. There is an abundance of restaurants and accommodation – from plush villas to mid-range resorts. Kids will love the beach, which is less crowded than neighbours like Kata and Patong. The soft white sand is ideal for sandcastles, and the waters are calm for swimming.

A 35-minute drive south of Kamala, Karon is another smart choice for families. The palm tree-lined beach has numerous restaurants along its edge.

For travellers on a budget

Phuket isn’t the cheapest place in Thailand, but there are still budget areas available. Karon is a great location if you want to stretch your Thai baht a little further. You’ll find plenty of cheap hostels and boutique hotels only moments from the beach.

Further up the west coast, Patong also has lots of affordable backpacker accommodation. The nightlife is lively, and the competition means there are often cheap drink deals available. In both places, the star attraction is usually the beach, where the white sands and turquoise water don’t cost a thing.

For food and drink

Amid the preserved Sino-Portuguese buildings, galleries, and independent fashion boutiques lining the streets, Phuket Town has a wealth of local and international restaurants. The choice ranges from unpretentious establishments serving traditional Thai favourites to chic fine dining in colonial mansions.

Accommodation is just as varied, with everything including high-end chain hotels and trendy B&Bs.

For nightlife

Patong is known as one of Asia’s premier party destinations and is undoubtedly the place to stay in Phuket if you like a late night. Neon-lit Bangla Road is the nightlife hotspot, and is packed with bars, dance clubs, live music, cabaret, and exotic shows. At Bangla Boxing Stadium in the evening, you can take in a raucous Muay Thai fight, a martial art and Thailand’s national sport.

For something more sedate, try Kata. The beach town’s nightlife has a more laid-back feel in its beach bars, restaurants, and shops.

For culture

The province capital, Phuket Town is the spot for culture. Brightly coloured heritage buildings – now restaurants and shops – line its narrow streets. As you wander, take in the shrines and markets to get an insight into how locals live, and visit Wat Chalong, the largest temple in Phuket.

Pop into the museums to learn about the island’s mining history or, at the Baba Museum, explore the heritage of the local mixed-race Peranakans, ‘people born here and descended from elsewhere’.