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

1 to 2 hours Bike Tours Tour From Patong, Thailand - The Phuket ATV Quad Bike Tour 1 hour activity is around 1 to 2 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Bike Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

10 to 11 hours Maya Bay Tour From Kukkak, Thailand - The Highlights of Ko Phi Phi & Khai Islands: Khao Lak Day Tour attraction is around 10 to 11 hours long, has 14 Reviews, it's based out of Kukkak, Thailand, and this Maya Bay tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

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..

2 hours Scuba Diving Activity From Tambon Karon, Thailand - The Beach dive at the great house reef activity is around 2 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Karon, Thailand, and this Scuba Diving attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

8 hours Speed Boat Rentals Activity From Khok Kloi, Thailand - The Coral & Raya Island Tour by speed boat attraction is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Khok Kloi, Thailand, and this Speed Boat Rentals activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

1 hour to 1 day Nature and Wildlife Tour From Phuket, Thailand - The Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour tour is around 1 hour to 1 day long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket, Thailand, and this Nature and Wildlife tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

4 to 5 hours Jet Boat Rentals Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Jet Ski Half day Lunch and Passenger included activity is around 4 to 5 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Jet Boat Rentals tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

2 days James Bond Island Tour From Phuket Town, Thailand - The Phi Phi Islands and Beyond Overnight Island-Hopping Tour attraction is around 2 days long, has 12 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this James Bond Island activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

7 hours Catamaran Cruises Activity From Phuket Town, Thailand - The Phuket Hype Catamaran Experience activity is around 7 hours long, has 5 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Catamaran Cruises attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

5 hours Half-day Tours Activity From Patong, Thailand - The The Hidden Side of Phuket tour is around 5 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Half-day Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Green House Phuket - Green House Phuket is a Apartments type property located in Paklok on Phuket in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Laundry service, Wi-Fi and Restaurant/cafe, and the Green House Phuket guest rating is 8.3.

Grande Elegance Serviced Apartment - Grande Elegance Serviced Apartment is a Apartments type property located in Patong on Phuket island. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi and Parking, and the Grande Elegance Serviced Apartment guest rating is 8.9.

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.

Tharawalai Resort - Tharawalai Resort is a Apartments type property located in Rawai on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Laundry service and Gym, and the Tharawalai Resort guest rating is 6.1.

Baan Rosa - Baan Rosa is a Apartments type property located in Bang Tao on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Wi-Fi, Bar and Restaurant/cafe, and the Baan Rosa guest rating is 9.3.

Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments - Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments is a Apartments type property located in Kata on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Pets allowed, Wi-Fi and 24 hour Front Desk Service, and the Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments guest rating is 8.9.

Lamai Apartment - Lamai Apartment is a Apartments type property located in Patong on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Concierge service, Spa and Medical Service, and the Lamai Apartment guest rating is 6.9.

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.

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.

Ban Elephant Blanc Apartment - Ban Elephant Blanc Apartment is a Apartments type property located in Kata on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Wi-Fi, and , and the Ban Elephant Blanc Apartment guest rating is 8.3.

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