If you live in South East Asia and have yet to go to Phuket, this year should be the year to have Phuket, Thailand, on your bucket list! Why? Because it has crystal clear waters and delicious food and is a destination you can travel to all year round. 

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, so it is the perfect getaway for everyone because it has so much to see and do, and because of this, the island is always busy with tourists. 

What to know about Phuket before you go

How to get to Phuket

In under 2 hours, you can fly directly from Singapore to Phuket with Scoot, Singapore Airlines, Jetstar and Air Asia. Otherwise, many other airlines will stop via Bangkok from different parts of the world.

Transport from the airport

There are a few options to travel from the airport to your hotel; you could book a private transfer or minibus before arriving, try your luck at a taxi, book a shared van or grab (which I wouldn’t recommend unless you don’t mind walking outside of the airport with your bags and meeting your driver on the highway).

Getting around Phuket

There are a few options here; you can jump on a public bus ( which is limited), hail a tuk-tuk, hire a car with a driver, rent a moped or organise a grab or taxi.

Weather

Although Phuket is a destination to travel all year round, the best time to travel is between December to March when there is less rain. However, the hottest in March and the coolest month is September (which is also lovely because of fewer crowds are lower humidity).

Tipping in Phuket

Tipping isn’t expected in Thailand, and there is no mandatory requirement; however, small gratuities for excellent service are very much appreciated. 

Five Reasons to visit Phuket

1 The food 

Thai dishes are one of the most recognised cuisines around the world now. Many countries offer great Thai restaurants, but nothing beats the local dishes here in Phuket. Whether it is the fantastic street food or a well-recognised restaurant, Phuket has it all. 

If you want an authentic taste of Phuket, leave your fancy hotel and head to Old Phuket, where you will find an influence of Malaysia and China mixed with local produce at affordable prices. However, if you are looking for something different, why not try Jampa? Recently received a Michelin star and being voted in Phuket’s top 25 restaurants, it’s a must-try for real foodies. 

If you are looking for a restaurant with a difference, then try Bucha Gallery and restaurant, where you will be seated amongst beautiful artefacts while feasting on the most exquisite traditional favourites.

2 The Island hopping and pristine beaches

We have all seen Instagram photos of beautiful people on yachts or snorkelling in crystal-clear water. As much as it pains me to say it, they aren’t wrong! These pictures do not lie! However, if you had asked me about the beaches a few years ago, I wouldn’t have had the same answer. Why? Because Thailand’s new community-based tourism is all about preserving the culture and country’s surroundings by protecting beaches and other beautiful sacred places around the country.

This means that some beaches can no longer be swum at (to preserve the coral and marine life), and other beaches can no longer allow hundreds of tourists to arrive by boat and ruin the pristine water and pure white sand. Islands like Phi Phi now have restrictions in place to ensure that tourists and locals look after the surroundings. 

If you have been to Phuket and travelled to islands like Maya beach, why try another island? Day trips to places like Kahung Beach are a must and are less crowded than the island hopping trips you have already experienced in the past. 

3 Phuket old town

Old Phuket town is often overlooked due to the number of water activities on Phuket island. Instead, most people focus on areas like Patong Beach and the nightlife on Bangla road. But they overlook a beautiful city with gorgeous shophouses and lots of history. Oh, and of course, fantastic food and boutique shops. 

The best way to see Phuket town is with a guided tour, where you will enjoy stories of the past, visit temples and eat delicious food! However, if you are anything like me and trying new foods is a passion, then a food tour of this area is also a great way to try delicious new dishes that the locals love.

4 The Culture

Although lying on a beach all day sounds like bliss, visiting places like Wat Chalong temple will have you realising that this beautiful country is full of culture. So whether you go on a guided tour that will take you to places like the big buddha or discover it on your own, learning about Thai culture is worth checking out on your trip to Phuket.

Thailand has so much history, particularly Phuket, as this was once a stopover for ships travelling to other Asian regions. This is why you will see a heavy influence of the Chinese which you can see through many of the Chinese Shrines dotted around the island. There is also a significant Peranakan influence in areas like Phuket Town. 

5 Fun activities

This place is full of fun activities that are too many to mention. If you are an adrenaline junky, you have come to the right place. Whether you choose from the many water sports such as snorkelling, kayaking, parasailing or scuba diving or if land activities are more your thing, then you may prefer zip lining, quad biking or Muay Thai; there is something for everyone.

You are spoilt for choice in this fantastic part of the world, from Aquariums and water parks to Muay Thai events and Elephant sanctuaries. The number of fun activities is countless in Phuket, so you will have something that suits a variety of age groups and any fitness range.

Thanks for taking the time to read my blog. I hope this post has given you the information you need. If you have any recommendations, tips or advice, I would love for you to share them in the comment section below!

Other things you need to know

This post may contain affiliate links, meaning we may receive a commission at no extra cost if you purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.

Check out my Instagram page or join the Truly Expat Facebook group.

Would you like to read more about South East Asia?

Kuala Lumpur 1 day itinerary

Everything you should know about Halong Bay cruise

A three day itinerary you can’t miss! Singapore on a budget

Pin it for later!