SouthWest Travel
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Phuket shimmers between jungle-draped cliffs and crystal-clear seas, where palm-fringed beaches meet bustling markets and neon-lit streets. From quiet Old Town lanes to the pulse of Patong nightlife, the island buzzes with life and warmth. It’s a place for sunsets that stop you in your tracks, flavours that linger, and moments that make you fall in love with Thailand’s tropical heart.
The Island
Sitting off Thailand’s west coast in the Andaman Sea, Phuket has been shaped by centuries of trade, fishing, and tin mining, leaving a mix of cultural influences visible in its towns, temples, and architecture. Phuket Town grew as the island’s centre, a bustling hub of markets, colonial-era streets, and local life.
Beyond the town, the coastline unfolds into a variety of beaches and bays. From the quiet sands of Surin and Nai Harn to the lively shores of Patong, each stretch of coast has its own rhythm. Inland, hills, forests, and small villages hint at a slower pace, contrasting with the more tourist-focused areas along the west coast.
Do & See
Phuket blends culture and nature in ways that will suit any kind of traveller. You can hop between islands, take in views of limestone cliffs and turquoise water, or dive into local life with a Thai cooking class. Temples like Wat Chalong show a calmer, spiritual side of the island, while kayaks and surfboards let you explore the coast at your own pace. Wildlife sanctuaries let you see rescued elephants up close and learn about conservation, and of course, the beaches are perfect for sun, sea, or just watching the world go by.
Dining
Thai cuisine is one of the country’s greatest exports, but nothing beats tasting it in Thailand itself. Dig into a steaming bowl of Tom Yum (spicy prawn soup), try the iconic Pad Thai, or savour Gaeng Phed Ped Yang (roast duck in red curry) if you’re after something rich and aromatic. The offerings in Phuket are endless.
Cafés
Phuket’s café scene is as diverse as the island itself. You’ll find everything from laid-back beachside spots serving iced coffees and fresh smoothies to quirky Old Town hangouts tucked inside Sino-Portuguese shophouses filled with books, art, and vintage décor. Barista-style espresso drinks are easy to come by, but you’ll also come across Thai twists, like sweet iced coffee, Thai milk tea, or refreshing fruit blends.
Bars & Nightlife
Patong is the heart of Phuket’s nightlife, with hundreds of bars clustered around Bangla Road and Bangla Square. By evening, the main road is closed to traffic, making it easy to wander from one spot to the next. Off the main drag, side streets, or 'Sois', like Soi Eric, Soi Coyote, Soi Gonzo, and Soi Easy, are packed with even more bars, each with its own vibe. In Phuket, there’s something for every night owl, whether you’re after cocktails, live music, or dancing until dawn.
Shopping
From bustling night markets to stylish boutiques, you’ll find everything from luxurious Thai silk and lustrous pearls to colourful sarongs and handcrafted souvenirs. Whether you’re navigating the lively streets of Patong or exploring the quieter corners of Old Phuket Town, shopping on the island is an experience full of discovery and local charm.
Tourist Information
Best Time to Visit
Phuket is a year-round destination, but the experience changes with the seasons. The dry season, from November to March, brings cooler temperatures, lower humidity, and plenty of sunshine — perfect for beaches, island hopping, and festivals.
The monsoon season, from May to October, sees heavier rain and higher humidity. It’s quieter and often cheaper, and the island’s landscapes are at their greenest. Seas are good for surfing, though some tours and activities may be limited by the weather.
Festivals & Events worth planning around:
- Songkran (Thai New Year) – April: Water fights, parades, and cultural ceremonies.
- Vegetarian Festival – Late September to Early October: Ritual processions and a vegetarian diet are observed by locals.
- Phuket King's Cup Regatta – December: Asia’s largest sailing event, drawing enthusiasts worldwide.
- Phuket Bike Week – April: Motorcycle parades, exhibitions, and live entertainment.
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Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Phuket International Airport serves as the gateway to the island’s stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife, and there are several convenient ways to reach your destination from the airport. Taxis and Grab cars are the quickest and most reliable option, while shared minibuses offer a cheaper, hotel-drop alternative. Budget travellers can hop on the airport bus to Phuket Town or the Phuket Smart Bus, which runs along the west coast to Patong, Karon, and Kata.
Address: Phuket International Airport
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Phone: +66 76 351 122
Website: https://phuket.airportthai.co.th
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Passport/Visa
Visitors to Thailand typically need a passport with at least six months’ validity, a visa depending on their nationality, and a completed Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC), which must be submitted within three days before arrival. Citizens of over 90 countries can enter visa-free for 30–60 days, while others may apply online for an e-Visa or obtain a Visa on Arrival for shorter stays.
As requirements can change, always confirm the latest rules with the Royal Thai Embassy or Consulate before travelling.
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Website: www.thaiembassy.com/thailand-visa/thailand-visa-services
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Taxi
Getting around Phuket is fairly straightforward, especially in the main tourist areas. Taxis are easy to find, but not all of them use meters, so it’s best to agree on a fare before you set off. Grab, the ride-sharing app, is widely available and usually a more reliable and sometimes cheaper option than regular taxis.
For shorter trips, tuk-tuks offer a fun, local experience, though fares should also be agreed on in advance. Songthaews, the shared minibuses running on set routes, are a cheap and practical way to hop between towns and beaches if you don’t mind a bit of local-style travel. For more flexibility, renting a motorbike is popular — it lets you explore quieter beaches and inland spots, but traffic can get tricky, so take care and wear a helmet.
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Pharmacy
In Phuket, there are several pharmacy chains where you can purchase a wide range of medications and health-related products. Some of the most well-known are Boots and Watsons. These pharmacies are typically located in shopping malls, busy streets, and tourist areas, making them easily accessible for visitors.
Address: Boots Central Patong - 70/3 Bangla Roadd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket
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Post
Phuket’s post offices are easy to spot with their red-and-white colour scheme and the Thailand Post logo. Most are open 8:30 am to 4:30 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 12 pm on Saturdays, closing on Sundays and public holidays. Some central branches stay open a little later during the week.
Services cover everything you’d expect: domestic and international mail, Express Mail Service (EMS), registered mail, bill payments, postal savings, and money transfers.
Address: 12 16 Montri Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
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Phone: +66 76 211 010
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Telephone
Country code: +66
Area code: 76
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Electricity
Thailand runs on 230 volts at 50 Hz. Plugs can vary: you’ll see Type C (two round pins like in Europe), Type A and B (flat pins, like in the U.S.), and Type O (three round pins in a triangular layout).
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