Phuket Travel & Living Guide

Phuket, which is 867 km or a one hour flight from Bangkok, is Thailand’s largest island and the country’s only island province.

Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which dates back over 500 years.

Today, Phuket is Thailand’s major tourist destination. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life and the island itself is blessed with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.

Phuket Town also has some wonderful examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture. The dream of escaping to an idyllic tropical island becomes a reality on Phuket; Thailand’s island paradise in the Andaman Sea.

Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 km wide by 48 km long, the island has excellent roads and infrastructure whilst still retaining most of its original natural beauty. The landscape is one of lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted with a dozen or more spectacular beaches.

Unspoiled stretches of fine white sand are found along the entire west coast of the island. Each sun-drenched beach has a character and charm of its own, and is separated from its neighbours by picturesque headlands and backdrops of wooded hills. Lapping the shore are the sparkling warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea which are perfectly safe for swimming for much of the year.

Phuket charities, Orphanages and animal welfare rehabilitation centres on Phuket, and in Asia. You can also help, donate and contact directly by visiting our supported charities on our ‘Tsunami Day‘ page.

Besides the above we also bring awareness to all credible charities and volunteer organizations on Phuket and Thailand. To see a full list please visit our Thailand and Phuket charities and volunteer organizations guide page.

Here you will find an in-depth guide to Phuket’s shopping. From Phuket boutique shops and shopping centres to the vibrant night markets and your daily mini market needs.

Bottom line is that Phuket island is a shopaholic’s paradise! The island has a great variety of shopping, from bustling open-air village food markets, noisy night markets, street stalls and local shops to western-style department stores and up-market specialist boutique shops. Prices naturally vary, going from amazing bargains to credit card-melting designer labels. More details

Being Eco friendly around Phuket means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. While Phuket homes and Hotels may not pollute or cause massive deforestation as much as the world’s logging, mining and beef cattle ranchers do, Palm plantations, over construction and population increases on Phuket has stripped away the natural habitat, polluted the streams, rivers and ocean, and the diesel and petrol cars, motorbikes and coaches have filled the air with massive amounts of of CO2 emissions. This must change.

As of 2000, 60% of Phuket was tree cover. From 2001 to 2021, Phuket lost 7.50kha of tree cover, which is the equivalent to a 23% decrease in tree cover since 2000. This lost, or deforestation, is due to over tourism, palm / rubber plantations, logging and population increases, which intern brings a massive increase in over construction, loss of habitat and wildlife, and the ever increasing amount of vehicles on the roads.

The Eco-friendly way of life is becoming increasingly important, as we need to protect Phuket, and the rest of our planet from more human-made damage, and respects the environment and wildlife, and not destroy it.

Our comprehensive guide covers all aspects in our life, including; Planting a LOT more tree, using non toxic cosmetics or cleaning products and renewable energy sources, to help locals, expats and tourists make a contribution to reducing climate change effects, and being more eco friendly in our daily life. Read more

Top 10 Trending Activities On Phuket

7 hours Lunch Cruises Tour From Patong, Thailand - The Phuket Banana Beach Hey Island attraction is around 7 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Lunch Cruises activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

45 minutes to 1 hour Phuket Old Town Activity From Pa Tong, Thailand - The Phuket Private Departure Transport Service tour is around 45 minutes to 1 hour long, has 19 Reviews, it's based out of Pa Tong, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

4 to 6 hours Phuket Old Town Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Phuket Full-Day Sightseeing Tour tour is around 4 to 6 hours long, has 245 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

8 to 9 hours Phi Phi Islands Activity From ตำบล เกาะแก้ว, Thailand - The Island Hopping Day Tour from Phuket with Snorkeling and Lunch attraction is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 251 Reviews, it's based out of ตำบล เกาะแก้ว, Thailand, and this Phi Phi Islands tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

1 hour Ziplining Tour From Patong, Thailand - The Go Ziplining in the Jungle in Patong, Phuket attraction is around 1 hour long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Ziplining attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

5 hours Cooking Classes Activity From Tambon Patong, Thailand - The The Best Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket tour is around 5 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

1 day Snorkeling Tour From Chalong, Thailand - The Dive Trip to Phi Phi from Phuket for certified divers attraction is around 1 day long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Chalong, Thailand, and this Snorkeling tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

2 hours City Tours Tour From Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Thailand - The Phuket Old Town Private Photo Walk activity is around 2 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Thailand, and this City Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

5 hours 30 minutes Catamaran Cruises Tour From Tambon Rawai, Thailand - The Banana Beach, Koh Hey by Catamaran Phuket attraction is around 5 hours 30 minutes long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Rawai, Thailand, and this Catamaran Cruises activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

2 hours Ferry Services Activity From tambon Rassada, Thailand - The Phuket to Koh Phi Phi by Express Boat activity is around 2 hours long, has 7 Reviews, it's based out of tambon Rassada, Thailand, and this Ferry Services tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Kata Pool Apartments - Kata Pool Apartments is a Apartments type property located in Kata on Phuket island. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Wi-Fi, Laundry service and Parking, and the Kata Pool Apartments guest rating is 8.0.

Kamala Cool Hotel - Kamala Cool Hotel is a Apartments type property located in Kamala on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: 24 hour Front Desk Service, Parking and Wi-Fi, and the Kamala Cool Hotel guest rating is 8.1.

Namphung Residence Phuket - Namphung Residence Phuket is a Apartments type property located in Rawai on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Laundry service and Swimming Pool, and the Namphung Residence Phuket guest rating is 8.6.

Orchidacea Residence - Orchidacea Residence is a Apartments type property located in Karon on Phuket island, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Parking and Wi-Fi, and the Orchidacea Residence guest rating is 7.9.

Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort - Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort is a Apartments type property located in Nai Yang on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Bar, and the Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort guest rating is 7.5.

Surin Loft by Holiplanet - Surin Loft by Holiplanet is a Apartments type property located in Surin on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, and Gym, and the Surin Loft by Holiplanet guest rating is 7.9.

The Title Boutique Phuket - The Title Boutique Phuket is a Apartments type property located in Rawai on Phuket in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Restaurant/cafe and Low mobility guests welcome, and the The Title Boutique Phuket guest rating is 8.7.

Phuket Lagoon Pool Villa - Phuket Lagoon Pool Villa is a Apartments type property located in Koh Kaew on Phuket island, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Low mobility guests welcome and Gym, and the Phuket Lagoon Pool Villa guest rating is 6.9.

Majestic Villas Phuket - Majestic Villas Phuket is a Apartments type property located in Nai Harn on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Gym and Wi-Fi, and the Majestic Villas Phuket guest rating is 6.1.

Patong Rai Rum Yen Resort - Patong Rai Rum Yen Resort is a Apartments type property located in Patong on Phuket island, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool and Gym, and the Patong Rai Rum Yen Resort guest rating is 8.4.

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