Where To Go in Phuket: A Travel Guide for 2023

Have you ever dreamed of visiting a tropical paradise with white sand beaches, turquoise water, and lush green hills? If so, you might want to consider Phuket as your next destination. Phuket is one of the most popular and beautiful islands in Thailand, and for good reasons. It has something for everyone, whether you're looking for stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, cultural attractions, or outdoor adventures.

In this article, we'll show you where to go in Phuket and what to do there, so you can plan your perfect trip. Whether you're looking for relaxation, adventure, or culture, you'll find something that suits your taste and budget.

We'll start by giving you some tips on when to visit Phuket and how to get there. Then we'll dive into the best beaches in Phuket, where you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, surfing, snorkeling, and more. Next, we'll explore the things to do in Phuket beyond the beach, such as visiting temples, museums, markets, and wildlife parks. Finally, we'll give you some recommendations for where to stay and eat in Phuket, as well as how to enjoy its nightlife.

Ready to discover the wonders of Phuket? Let's go!

Old Town Phuket is filled to the brim with adventure, cheap food and cultural heritage~

When to Visit Phuket and How to Get There

The best time to visit Phuket depends on your preferences and budget. Generally speaking, the weather in Phuket is warm and humid all year round, but there are some variations depending on the season.

The peak season for tourism in Phuket is from November to April, when the weather is dry and sunny. This is also the best time to enjoy the beaches and water activities, as the sea is calm and clear. However, this is also the most expensive and crowded time to visit Phuket, so expect higher prices and longer queues.

If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, you can visit Phuket from May to October, when the weather is wetter but still warm. This is also a good time to enjoy surfing and diving, as the waves and visibility are better. However, be aware of possible storms and floods during this period, and check the weather forecast before you go.

Another factor to consider when planning your trip to Phuket is the festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Some of the most popular ones are:

- Loy Krathong: This is a festival of lights that takes place in November, when people float lanterns and baskets on the water to honor the spirits and make wishes.

- Songkran: This is the Thai New Year that takes place in April, when people celebrate by splashing water on each other and having fun.

- Vegetarian Festival: This is a festival that takes place in October, when people abstain from meat and follow strict rules for purification. It also involves some extreme rituals such as piercing and firewalking.

The easiest way to get to Phuket is by flying to its international airport, which is located about 30 kilometers north of the city center. You can find direct flights online from many major cities to Phuket. Alternatively, you can take a bus or a train from Bangkok or other cities in Thailand to Phuket Town. You can also take a ferry from nearby islands such as Krabi or Koh Phi Phi.

Once you arrive in Phuket, you can get around by various modes of transportation, such as taxis, tuk-tuks, buses, motorbikes, or bicycles. You can also rent a car or a scooter if you want more freedom and flexibility.

Best Beaches in Phuket

Phuket is home to over 30 beaches that offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a secluded cove or a lively party spot, you'll find it here. The beaches in Phuket are also known for their clear water, soft sand, and scenic views.

Here are some of the best beaches in Phuket and what they offer:

- Patong Beach: This is the most popular and crowded beach in Phuket. It has a long stretch of sand lined with hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and nightclubs. It's a great place to enjoy water sports, entertainment, and nightlife. However, if you're looking for a quiet and relaxing beach, this might not be the best choice for you.

- Kata Beach: This is a family-friendly beach with a calm bay and a charming village. It has a variety of activities such as surfing, sailing, kayaking, parasailing, and snorkeling. It's also close to some attractions such as Kata Viewpoint and Big Buddha. It's a good place to enjoy the sun and the sea with your loved ones.

- Karon Beach: This is a quieter and more spacious beach than Patong. It has a fine white sand and a clear blue water. It's ideal for relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and walking along the shore. It's also home to some resorts, restaurants, and spas that offer quality services and facilities.

- Surin Beach: This is a chic and upscale beach with a sophisticated vibe. It has a number of luxury resorts, restaurants, spas, and boutiques that cater to the high-end market. It's also known for its sunset views and celebrity sightings. It's a good place to indulge in style and elegance.

Karon Beach is a tropical paradise full of sunlight, greenery and beaches~

Things to Do in Phuket Beyond the Beach

If you want to experience more of what Phuket has to offer, you can venture beyond the beach and discover its rich culture, history, nature, and adventure. From ancient temples to modern museums, from lush rainforests to exotic wildlife parks, from thrilling zip lines to relaxing spas, there's something for everyone in Phuket.

Here are some of the best things to do in Phuket beyond the beach and what they offer:

- Visit Wat Chalong: This is the largest and most important temple in Phuket. It dates back to the 19th century and houses many statues, paintings, relics, and pagodas. It's also a place of worship and healing for Buddhists and tourists alike. You can admire the architecture, learn about the history, and experience the spirituality of this sacred site.

- Explore Old Phuket Town: This is the historical center of Phuket that showcases its colonial and Chinese influences. It has many colorful buildings, street art, cafes, shops, markets, and museums. You can stroll around the streets, admire the charm, and learn about the local culture and heritage. You can also sample some of the best food in Phuket here, such as dim sum, roti, and ice cream.

- Experience Phuket Fantasea: This is a cultural theme park that offers an amazing show featuring acrobats, elephants, dancers, fireworks, and more. It also has a buffet restaurant, a shopping village, a carnival area, and an animal exhibit. It's a fun-filled night out for the whole family. You can enjoy the entertainment, the food, and the shopping at this magical place.

Feast your eyes on the beautiful and breathaking architecture of Phuket~

Where to Stay in Phuket

Phuket has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets, preferences, and locations. Whether you're looking for a budget hostel, a cozy guesthouse, a mid-range hotel, or a luxury resort, you'll find it here. You can also choose from different areas of the island, depending on what you want to see and do.

Here are some of the best areas to stay in Phuket and what they offer:

- Patong: This is the most popular and lively area to stay in Phuket. It has the largest concentration of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and nightclubs. It's ideal for party-goers, shoppers, and beach lovers. However, it can also be noisy, crowded, and expensive. If you want to stay here, you can find some of the best hotels in Patong such as Amari Phuket and Holiday Inn Resort Phuket.

- Kata: This is a more relaxed and family-friendly area to stay in Phuket. It has a charming village atmosphere, a beautiful beach, and a variety of activities. It's ideal for families, couples, and surfers. It's also close to some attractions such as Kata Viewpoint and Big Buddha. If you want to stay here, you can find some of the best hotels in Kata such as The Shore at Katathani, Kata Palm Resort & Spa, and Chanalai Garden Resort.

- Karon: This is a quieter and more spacious area to stay in Phuket. It has a long beach, a laid-back vibe, and a few attractions. It's ideal for travelers who want to escape the crowds and enjoy some peace and tranquility. It's also home to some resorts, restaurants, and spas that offer quality services and facilities. If you want to stay here, you can find some of the best hotels in Karon such as Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket.

- Surin: This is a chic and upscale area to stay in Phuket. It has some of the most luxurious resorts, restaurants, spas, and boutiques on the island. It's ideal for travelers who want to splurge and indulge in style and elegance. It's also known for its sunset views and celebrity sightings. If you want to stay here, you can find some of the best hotels in Surin such as The Surin Phuket, Twinpalms Phuket, and Amanpuri.

Treat yourself to a relaxing massage and peaceful rest in the Kata Palm Resort & Spa~

What to Eat in Phuket

Phuket has a diverse and delicious cuisine that reflects its multicultural heritage. You can find everything from street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, from spicy curries to fresh seafood, from local specialties to international favorites.

Here are some of the best dishes to try in Phuket and what they are:

- Tom yum goong: This is a spicy and sour soup with shrimp, lemongrass, galangal, lime leaves, chili, and lime juice. It's one of the most famous Thai dishes and a must-try in Phuket. You can find it at many restaurants and street food stalls, such as No.6 Restaurant and Bang Pae Seafood.

- Pad thai: This is a stir-fried noodle dish with eggs, tofu, bean sprouts, peanuts, and a sweet and tangy sauce. It's one of the most popular Thai dishes and can be found everywhere in Phuket. You can customize it with different meats, seafood, or vegetables. You can try it at places like Pad Thai Shop.

- Massaman curry: This is a rich and creamy curry with coconut milk, potatoes, peanuts, cinnamon, cardamom, star anise, and meat (usually chicken or beef). It's one of the most flavorful Thai dishes and has a Persian origin.You can enjoy it with rice or roti (flatbread).You can find it at places like Raya Feather Restaurant and Dibuk Restaurant.

- Mee hoon gaeng poo: This is a noodle dish with crab meat, yellow curry, coconut milk, eggs, celery, and onions. It's one of the most famous Phuket dishes and has a Chinese influence. You can savor it with a squeeze of lime and some chili vinegar. You can try it at places like Mee Ton Poe and Lock Tien Food Court.

How to Enjoy Phuket Nightlife

Phuket is not only a daytime destination. It also comes alive at night with many options for entertainment and fun. Whether you're looking for live music, comedy, cabaret, sports bars, nightclubs, or beach parties, you'll find it here.

Here are some of the best places to enjoy Phuket nightlife and what they offer:

- Bangla Road: This is the epicenter of Phuket nightlife and the most famous street on the island. It has hundreds of bars, clubs, pubs, discos, go-go bars, ladyboy shows, and more. It's loud, crowded, colorful, and chaotic. It's not for everyone, but it's worth seeing at least once. You can have a drink, dance, watch a show, or just soak up the atmosphere.

- Simon Cabaret: This is the most popular cabaret show in Phuket featuring stunning ladyboys in glamorous costumes performing songs and dances from around the world. It's entertaining, impressive, and family-friendly. You can book your tickets online or at the venue and enjoy a dazzling spectacle.

- Paradise Beach Club: This is the ultimate beach party destination in Phuket located on a secluded cove near Patong Beach. It has a large stage, a sound system, a fire show, DJs, dancers, and more. It hosts monthly full moon parties as well as weekly half moon parties that last until dawn. You can dance, drink, and have fun under the stars.

The Simon Cabaret is a must-watch for everyone visiting Phuket!~

Plan Where You Want To Go In Phuket Today!

Phuket is a wonderful island that has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for beaches, nightlife, culture, or adventure, you’ll find it here. You can visit Phuket anytime of the year and enjoy its beauty and diversity. Phuket is more than just a beach destination. It’s a place where you can create unforgettable memories.