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

6 hours 30 minutes Snorkeling Activity From Bang Tao Beach, Thailand - The Relaxing Day with Snorkeling - Away From The Crowds attraction is around 6 hours 30 minutes long, has 69 Reviews, it's based out of Bang Tao Beach, Thailand, and this Snorkeling activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

4 hours Bus Tours Activity From Phuket, Thailand - The Phuket Private Minivan Service With Driver and Guide tour is around 4 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket, Thailand, and this Bus Tours activity 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..

10 to 11 hours James Bond Island Tour From Tambon Khuekkhak, Thailand - The James Bond & Khai Islands Speedboat Day Tour From Khao Lak attraction is around 10 to 11 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Khuekkhak, Thailand, and this James Bond Island tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

9 hours 30 minutes Speed Boat Rentals Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Phang Nga’s Landscape by Speed Boat tour is around 9 hours 30 minutes long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Speed Boat Rentals activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

7 hours Rafting Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Bamboo River Rafting, ATV & Zipline Activity Day in Phuket tour is around 7 hours long, has 5 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Rafting tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

4 to 5 hours Phuket Old Town Activity From Phuket Town, Thailand - The Half-Day Phuket Local Touch - Private Tour activity is around 4 to 5 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

2 hours Airport & Hotel Transfers Tour From Patong, Thailand - The Phuket Airport (HKT) Departure Transfer from Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private) activity is around 2 hours long, has 19 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Airport & Hotel Transfers attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

4 to 5 hours City Tours Tour From Nai Yang, Thailand - The Beautiful Phuket City Tour Sightseeing & Weekend Market attraction is around 4 to 5 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Nai Yang, Thailand, and this City Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

7 hours Phang Nga Bay Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Phang Nga Bay By Long Tail Boat with Canoeing Trip activity is around 7 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Lotus Bleu Resort & Restaurant - Lotus Bleu Resort & Restaurant is a Apartments type property located in Nai Harn on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Laundry service, Bar and Restaurant/cafe, and the Lotus Bleu Resort & Restaurant guest rating is 9.5.

Mala Apartment - Mala Apartment is a Apartments type property located in Kata on Phuket island. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Concierge service, and the Mala Apartment guest rating is 7.7.

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.

@Buasri By Ohm - @Buasri By Ohm is a Apartments type property located in Patong on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Restaurant/cafe and Wi-Fi, and the @Buasri By Ohm guest rating is 9.6.

AQUA Villa Rawai - AQUA Villa Rawai is a Apartments type property located in Rawai on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Restaurant/cafe and Wi-Fi, and the AQUA Villa Rawai guest rating is 8.4.

OYO 303 Phoomjai House - OYO 303 Phoomjai House is a Apartments type property located in Chalong on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Wi-Fi, Laundry service and Parking, and the OYO 303 Phoomjai House guest rating is 9.1.

The Title Beach Front - The Title Beach Front is a Apartments type property located in Rawai on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi and , and the The Title Beach Front guest rating is 8.6.

The WIDE Condotel – Phuket - The WIDE Condotel - Phuket is a Apartments type property located in Phuket Town on Phuket island. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Business centre and Gym, and the The WIDE Condotel - Phuket guest rating is 7.2.

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.

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.

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