Phuket Travel & Living Guide

Phuket area guide to travel, life & living. From Phuket shopping, local FAQ & Charity to being Eco-friendly in Thailand, Hotels, Flights, property for sale around Bangtao, Surin beach and Cherngtalay, and tours and activities on Phuket.

About

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.

FAQ

* Phuket province: Phuket consists of the main island of Phuket plus 32 small islands off the coast. Including all these smaller islands, Phuket province has an area of 576 km2 (222 mi2).
* Population: Phuket’s 2023 population is now estimated at 449,389. In 1950, the population of Phuket was 23,170. More than 115,000+ expats also reside in Phuket (pre-COVID).
* Tsunami: Phuket was heavily impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. Around 250 people died on the island.
* Future Transport: The Phuket Light Rail Transit, or Phuket Tram, is currently under construction. The tram will have 24 stations and connect Phang Nga province with Phuket City. The tram is expected to start running by 2026, maybe.
* Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7 (No daylight saving time, same UTC offset all year)
* The IANA time zone identifier for Phuket is: Asia/Bangkok.
* Sunrise: 06:15
* Sunset: 18:05
* Day length: 11h 51m
* Solar noon: 12:10
* Population: 386,605 (2015)
* University: Phuket Rajabhat University
* ISO 3166 code: TH-83
* Alternate Names: Phuket, Phuket Island
* Time zone: The time zone id for Phuket, Thailand is Asia/Bangkok.
* Currency: Currency in Phuket, Thailand is THB (Baht)
* Elevation: 10 meters
* Nearby Airports: Phuket International Airport (HKT) offering both domestic and direct flights to Phuket
* Phoning Thailand: 0011 + 66 + area code + local number
* Thailand Country Dialling Code: +66
* Phuket’s Area Code: 76 (Or 076 for local)
* Location: Andaman Sea
* Coordinates: 7°53′24″N 98°23′54″E
* Latitude: 7.8833333
* Longitude: 98.4
* Area: 576 km2 (222 sq mi)
* Island Length: 50 km (31 mi)
* Island Width: 20 km (12 mi)
* Average Annual Rainfall: 315 mm
* Holidays: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Chakkri Day, 6 April; Songkran Day, mid-April; Coronation Day, 5 May; Queen’s Birthday, 12 August; Chulalongkorn Day, 23 October; King’s Birthday, 5 December; Constitution Day, 10 December. Movable holidays include Makabuja Day, Plowing Festival, and Visakabuja Day.
* Shopping Malls: Central Festival Phuket, Jungceylon, Tesco Lotus, Big C
* International Hospitals: Bangkok-Phuket Hospital, The Phuket International Hospital, and Mission Hospital.
* Land measurments (In Rai, Ngan and Wah). A) 1 Rai = 4 Ngan (or 1600 Sq.m.). B) 1 Ngan = 100 Wah (or 400 Sq.m.). C) 1 Wah = 4 Sq.m. D) 1 Acre = 2.5 Rai E) 1 Hectare = 6.25 Rai

Charity

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.

Shopping

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

Eco-friendly

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

Trending Activities & Tours

Top 10 Trending Activities On Phuket

Phuket International Airport Private 1-Way Transfer Service - Port Transfers 1 hour Port Transfers Tour From Phuket Town, Thailand - The Phuket International Airport Private 1-Way Transfer Service tour is around 1 hour long, has 51 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Port Transfers tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..
Simon Cabaret Show in Phuket - Phuket Simon Cabaret Show 1 hour Phuket Simon Cabaret Show Tour From Kathu, Thailand - The Simon Cabaret Show in Phuket activity is around 1 hour long, has 147 Reviews, it's based out of Kathu, Thailand, and this Phuket Simon Cabaret Show tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..
Phuket Simon Cabaret Show Regular or VIP Ticket - Phuket Simon Cabaret Show 1 hour Phuket Simon Cabaret Show Activity From Kathu, Thailand - The Phuket Simon Cabaret Show Regular or VIP Ticket activity is around 1 hour long, has 6 Reviews, it's based out of Kathu, Thailand, and this Phuket Simon Cabaret Show attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..
Phuket to Phuket Airport (HKT) Private Departure Transfer - Private Transfers 1 hour Private Transfers Activity From tambon Rassada, Thailand - The Phuket to Phuket Airport (HKT) Private Departure Transfer tour is around 1 hour long, has 1 Review, it's based out of tambon Rassada, Thailand, and this Private Transfers tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..
James Bond Island, Phang Nag, and Khai Island Day Trip - James Bond Island 8 hours James Bond Island Activity From Phuket Town, Thailand - The James Bond Island, Phang Nag, and Khai Island Day Trip activity is around 8 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this James Bond Island attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..
Phuket Private City to Airport Departure Service - Private Transfers 45 minutes to 1 hour Private Transfers Tour From Pa Tong, Thailand - The Phuket Private City to Airport Departure Service tour is around 45 minutes to 1 hour long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Pa Tong, Thailand, and this Private Transfers activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..
Phi Phi Island Private Boat Trip from Phuket - Phi Phi Islands 6 to 8 hours Phi Phi Islands Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Phi Phi Island Private Boat Trip from Phuket tour is around 6 to 8 hours long, has 290 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phi Phi Islands tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..
Phuket Racha Coral Islands Sunset Dinner Catamaran Trip - Catamaran Cruises 7 to 8 hours Catamaran Cruises Tour From Patong, Thailand - The Phuket Racha Coral Islands Sunset Dinner Catamaran Trip activity is around 7 to 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Catamaran Cruises activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..
Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Green Island, and Khai Tour from Phuket - Phi Phi Islands 7 to 8 hours Phi Phi Islands Tour From รัษฎา, Thailand - The Phi Phi, Maya Bay, Green Island, and Khai Tour from Phuket tour is around 7 to 8 hours long, has 20 Reviews, it's based out of รัษฎา, Thailand, and this Phi Phi Islands attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..
James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay with Canoeing By Big Boat From Phuket - James Bond Island 8 to 9 hours James Bond Island Activity From Tambon Pa Klok, Thailand - The James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay with Canoeing By Big Boat From Phuket activity is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 10 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Pa Klok, Thailand, and this James Bond Island attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

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Trending Rentals

Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Baan Rosa 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.
Tharawalai Resort 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.
Phuket Lagoon Pool Villa 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.
Sea Dream Patong Sea Dream Patong - Sea Dream Patong is a Apartments type property located in Patong on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Laundry service, Wi-Fi and Bar, and the Sea Dream Patong guest rating is 7.7.
The Park Surin Serviced Apartments The Park Surin Serviced Apartments - The Park Surin Serviced Apartments is a Apartments type property located in Surin on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Gym, and the The Park Surin Serviced Apartments guest rating is 8.5.
Ban Elephant Blanc Apartment 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.
Royal Kamala Phuket Royal Kamala Phuket - Royal Kamala Phuket is a Apartments type property located in Kamala on Phuket island. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Laundry service and Gym, and the Royal Kamala Phuket guest rating is 8.7.
Ozone Condotel Apt 716 Ozone Condotel Apt 716 - Ozone Condotel Apt 716 is a Apartments type property located in Kata on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Parking, Gym and Wi-Fi, and the Ozone Condotel Apt 716 guest rating is 9.4.
The Title KR Beach Condotel The Title KR Beach Condotel - The Title KR Beach Condotel is a Apartments type property located in Rawai on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Gym and Wi-Fi, and the The Title KR Beach Condotel guest rating is 9.5.
Green House 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.

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