Thailand is the first country we are visiting on our epic adventure around the world. Phuket was the the first destination in this beautiful country which we decided to visit and boy did it not disappoint. We felt it was the perfect destination to start with, not only because we could get a direct flight from London Heathrow with Thai Airways but also because from our research it was well connected and we could use this as our starting point for the start of our travels around the country. We booked 7 nights on Phuket and felt this was the right amount of time to see all of the sights on our list and have a little downtime to enjoy the beaches and some time by the pool. Since starting to plan our year long trip we have been making note of places we may want to visit and so as we go along we are going to put all of the information we have complied to help others wanting to visit, as well as document our own trip and what we discover!
- TRAVEL TO PHUKET: Phuket International Airport is the main hub for flights from overseas and domestically onto the island. If you’re coming from surrounding islands in the Adaman Sea or the mainland you can either catch a Ferry, Taxi or source a tourist bus by land. There is a bridge to the north of Phuket connecting the island to the mainland meaning its very accessible by most modes of transport. If you’re travelling by train you’ll need to catch a bus or Taxi as Phuket does not have a train line.
- AMOUNT OF TIME: 4-7 Days if you’re visiting Phuket as one leg of your trip around Thailand or 7-14 Days if you’re coming for a holiday solely to Phuket in Thailand.
- VIBE: Phuket is quite a busy area, with Patong being the hub of nightlife on the island. This is a great place to come if you want it all – the buzz of busy areas with something always going on, beautiful white beaches, culture and easy access to everything you could need.
- GETTING AROUND: On Phuket you have a few options in terms if transport. You could hire a Motorbike which is the preferred and cheapest method throughout Thailand (Make sure you have your international Driving Licence and wear a helmet, the police were really cracking down on this while we were there- we were stopped twice to provide an ID licence. You can pick one up for £5 at the Post office, much cheaper than multiple fines! Most hire shops will also provide you a helmet free of charge too). You could also hire a car if you have a family however there were not many rental shops so we would recommend you look into this before travelling. Taxi’s are aplenty, along with TukTuks and Songthaew’s (pick-up trucks with bench seats in the flatbed). Be sure to discuss a price for where you would like to go before you get in to make sure you are happy to pay the amount charged. Some Taxi’s have meter’s which you can request to use, however taxi drivers prefer to negotiate a set price. You could also try the App ‘Grab’ which works like Uber. ’12Go Asia’ is also a good website for pre-booking transfers and ferries.
- WHEN TO VISIT: November to February is the High season, known as the ‘Cool season’ with Mild comfortable weather. March to May is Hot Season (and the time we’re visiting, temperatures have been averaging 28-35 degrees celsius so far with high humidity) and June to October is Rainy season.
Beaches
- Patong Beach – A long stretch of beach that runs the length of Patong, there is always something going on and we imagine this can be a busy beach in high season. You can rent sun beds and parasole’s, complete water-sports and easily get a drink/lunch along the coast road in one of the many bars, restaurants or street vendors.
- Kata and Karon Beach- Both long stretches of sand that weave along the coast. These spots are more popular with families as there the area is generally much quieter than nearby Patong but still has everything close by. Kata Beach has an up and coming surf scene where you can hire a board and take lessons when there are waves to catch.
- Freedom Beach – A beautiful cove with coral white sand and turquoise waters. You can reach here by Long-tail boat from Patong or drive and walk down through a jungle path. Make sure you bring mosquito repellant and enough water for the uphill journey on the way back if you decide to walk like we did! Freedom beach was our favourite beach in Phuket!
- Kata Noi – Just around the corner from Kata Beach is Kata Noi. A smaller beach than Kata but lined with Boulders and Palm Trees, white sand and emerald waters. Easy to get to and lined with a small number of up market hotels. The perfect place to relax with easy access from the road.
- Nui Beach – We had this beach on our list but didn’t get the chance to visit in the end but from our research this is a beautiful cove. There are also many photo spots at this beach with a big bali style swing which might seem quite touristy but if you’re into taking quirky photos this might be right up your street!
- Nai Thon Beach – Another beach we didn’t get to, we were due to visit here on our last day but unexpectedly the weather turned and we ended up with rain so we didn’t get there. This beach is lined with lush greenery and narrow wooded steps down to the open stretch of sand.
Things to Do
- Big Buddah – As the name suggests Big Buddah is a big landmark in Phuket. Made of marble tiles this huge monument sits on top of Nakkerd hill in the middle of the island with 360 degree views. There is a road up the hill and a carpark so access is easy and then its just a short walk up a large white staircase to the top. Make sure to walk the whole way around and underneath Buddah as there are small garden areas and a slightly hidden viewpoint through some trees. Occasionally you can also spot monkeys here!
- Phuket Old Town – Through all of the hustle and bustle of the busy streets, wild nightlife and beautiful beaches, Old Town Phuket holds the keys to remnants of some of the islands vast history with its lovely colourful buildings. These old buildings were built and inspired by those who flocked to the area in past Centuries when it was well known for it’s Tin Mining and said to have been inspired by Sino-Portuguese architecture. The area was a trade route for those from Europe & the Middle East, and also a home & workplace for many with Chinese and Malay heritage, Among others. Now you can find cozy shop fronts, little cafes and creatives in and around these lovingly restored streets. We’re so glad we popped this on our list to visit as it was one of the less touristy areas while we were in Phuket!
- Chaithararam Temple/Wat Chalong – The most visited temple on the Island and not without Reason. Wat Chalong is a beautiful temple complex and within it contains a Chedi dating back to the 19th Century. You can climb to the top of the Chedi and peer over a view of the area. Don’t forget to dress appropriately covering your shoulders and knees as this is a religious centre and a place of worship.
- Chillva Market – Chillva Market is a quirky market with a variety of street food, drinks and stalls selling trinkets and clothing. The setting is made up of repurposed containers, festoon lighting, a water garden and wooden shacks. There’s also a stage with local artists playing music so this is a great evening social spot.
- Kathu Waterfall – A lovely waterfall walk through the jungle and up some pretty concrete steps with blue tiles. This waterfall is best visited after rainfall or following the rainy season where there is more water cascading down the rocks.
- Visit a night Market/Sunday Walking Street – Phuket town also has a night market and a Sunday market called ‘Lard Yai’ by locals. Here you can pick up local crafts, gifts and street food. We visited Phuket town night market on our last evening and sat with some tasty dinner and watched locals perform traditional dancing, along with other talents (We witnessed break dancing, singing and even throat singing!).
- Wat Si Supharam Temple – A fairly new addition to Phuket is Wat Si Supharam Temple. We stumbled across this temple by chance when we were trying to get to Big Buddah. This temple is suspended over water with stilts and surrounded by neatly groomed trees and plants. We were the only visitors there when we arrived!
- Koh Hey/Coral Island – A small island just off the coast of Phuket which is reachable by longtail boat or as part of an organised tour. This island has Coral sand beaches and really has the tropical island feel. You can find small food vendors at some of the beaches if you fancy a spot of lunch or a drink while here!
- Samet Nangshe Viewpoint – We were due to visit Samet Nangshe Viewpoint on our last day along with Nai Thon Beach but as explained above the weather turned and due to the rain we couldn’t make the trip. This viewpoint is actually on the mainland just north of Phuket and over looks the vast amount of limestone Islands in Phang Nga Bay. If you want a really spectacular view, arrive at sunrise on a clear day and be amazed! It takes around 1.30/2 hours to get hear from Phuket so make sure you check the weather before you leave as this wouldn’t be a fun drive on a Motorbike in the rain!
- James Bond island tour – James Bond island (Kha Phing Kan) as it is know was made famous by James Bond film ‘Man with the Golden Gun’ in 1974. The iconic view of the Limestone Karst tower was showcased in the film and has been a popular spot to visit ever since. You can visit here as part of a day tour from one of the many tour providers on Phuket. The tour usually includes a variety of sights in Ao Phang Nga National Park and even the optional kayak if you’re feeling adventurous.
The Next stop on our Trip is The Phi Phi Islands!
