The island of Phuket in Thailand has something for everyone be you in need of a journey of self-discovery, a fun family vacay or a romantic retreat! Here are some things to keep in mind before your first visit.
The Top Beaches
Coastal bliss abounds in this destination with lots of heavenly beaches in Phuket; resorts that are beside these shorelines make ideal accommodation options too. Amongst the most popular is Patong Beach which is also the hub for nightlife on the island. Kata Beach offers snorkelling or surfing depending on the season, while the 11-km-long Mai Khao Beach offers plenty of space to find a quiet spot on the sand. You also get the Kata Noi, Freedom, Karon and Paradise beaches each providing scenic locales to soak up the sun.
Finding Accommodation
Finding a suitable place to stay will not be a problem, though take your time choosing the right accommodation. A resort right beside the beach and the Sirinat National Park such as Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas makes an ideal option because it’s close to the international airport while offering seaside seclusion too. Such properties also feature pool villas which are perfect for that luxury home away from home and provide eclectic dining, holistic spa rituals, chartered yacht trips, diving in the Andaman Sea and rewarding activities.
Top Local Attractions
Spend time coming up with an itinerary depending on your interests. Key religious attractions in Phuket include the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, while the Old Town with its Sino-Portuguese structures, shophouses and Chinese shrines shouldn’t be missed either. Families will love the stunning Phuket Fantasea show, Splash Jungle Water Park and Aquaria Phuket, while the Phuket Weekend Market is a great place to shop. Further afield, one can enjoy excursions to the Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park home to the famous James Bond Island.
Local Weather & Seasons
Phuket has a tropical monsoonal climate with average yearly temperatures ranging between 22⁰C to 34⁰C. The cool season, from November to February, is generally the optimal time to visit with pleasant weather and plenty of sunshine, though the rates and crowds will be higher too. From March to April is the hot season and though temperatures will be high, you can still enjoy exploring. The wet season is from May to October and despite there being rain, it won’t normally be throughout the day so you can still soak up the sun while the rates and crowds will be less.
