Its shimmering seascapes, mountainous landscapes and charming old city are just a handful of the attractions that make Phuket, the largest island in Thailand an enticing holiday destination for visitors. With good air connectivity with International and Domestic flights arriving at Phuket International Airport getting there is not difficult. However, read on to get more information on how to plan your trip so that your time in Phuket is used well to cover all the experiences you want to enjoy.

As a tropical city, Phuket is warm and sunny except during the rainy season. From November to May period is considered the dry season with warm and conducive weather to laze about sunbathing, enjoy the beaches and revel in water sports.

This is also considered the Peak Season for Phuket with many tourists arriving to experience the picturesque beaches. Hence most hotels in the Phuket Karon Beach area get fully booked during this time even though the rates are usually higher.

Although May to October is the rainy season, some visitors prefer this period as the popular beaches are not crowded and the hotel rates are more favourable. Those water sports enthusiasts like ardent snorkellers may not want to use this period.

The duration of your stay is a personal decision, however, spending at least 3 days will give you time to enjoy different beaches and experience the landscape and attractions as well as the intriguing markets in Phuket to pick up mementoes to remember your visit.

Lying to the north of Phuket city, Phuket International Airport is served by two terminals to facilitate arriving visitors. Some visitors come directly to Phuket from their country as direct flights are operated and these passengers arrive at the International Terminal.

Other visitors who cannot use direct flights to Phuket, opt to arrive at a different city in Thailand such as Bangkok, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai etc. and use a local domestic flight to arrive in Phuket. These visitors arrive at the Domestic Terminal.

All these visitors would need about half an hour to one hour to get to their hotel by taxi based on the area of stay chosen. Visitors using Hotels in Phuket Karon Beach such as Jono X Phuket Karon can get to their hotel in one hour.

Phuket is a mature tourist destination with various types of accommodation from budget hotels to luxury properties. Most of these properties are situated in popular beach areas like Karon Beach, Kata Beach and Patong Beach. Based on your budget and preference for the beaches pick a suitable hotel among the numerous ones available.

Big Buddha Temple in Phuket | Image by Miltiadis Fragkidis via Unsplash

Thailand is known for its ornate temples and Phuket has two significant temples that can be viewed or visited apart from enjoying the beaches, visiting the Old Town, Night Markets etc.

Temple of the Big Buddha – This can be seen clearly from Karon Beach, the serene statue of the Lord Buddha in a seated stance is at a height of 45 M. This can also be seen as flights come into land at Phuket Airport.

Wat Chalong - The most important Buddhist Temple in Phuket, this is the largest and the most visited temple on Phuket Island. This ornate temple is worth a visit.

Beaches – With most of the beaches being on the west coast of Phuket Karon, Kata, and Surin beaches are great spaces to enjoy seascapes with fewer crowds and quieter vibes whilst Patong beach is more popular and tends to be crowded.

Phuket Old Town – Have a peek into the ancient history and culture of Phuket by taking a walk around this old quarter with colonial buildings, and a museum and enjoy a refreshing drink at a charming café.

Phuket Markets – There are numerous markets in Phuket, some of the famous ones are the Phuket Weekend Market, Chillva Market and Phuket Walking Street.

Island Hopping – With over 30 tiny islands around Phuket, island hopping is an exciting adventure, try doing island hopping if time permits the same.

Phuket carries the legendary Thai cuisine with aplomb offering all 4 flavours synonymous with Thai food. Sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavours tantalize one’s taste buds whilst some of the Phuket dishes tend to be spicier than in the other regions.

Don’t fail to try the seafood in Phuket as oysters, fish, lobsters and squid are quite mouthwatering here with plenty of herbs and seafood making them emanate delightful aromas.

For visitors who yearn for Western, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese. or Turkish food there are no disappointments you get these too in the touristy areas of Phuket.