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

8 hours Promthep Cape Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Phuket Catamaran Cruise: Coral Island with Dinner and Sunset activity is around 8 hours long, has 13 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Promthep Cape tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes Airport & Hotel Transfers Activity From Pa Tong, Thailand - The Phuket Private Transfer to Krabi Hotels activity is around 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Pa Tong, Thailand, and this Airport & Hotel Transfers tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

8 to 9 hours Kayaking Tours Tour From Patong, Thailand - The James Bond Island Tour and Sea Canoeing from Phuket activity is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Kayaking Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

8 to 9 hours Phang Nga Bay Tour From Tambon Patong, Thailand - The Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing Tour by Longtail Boat from Phuket attraction is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

8 to 9 hours Racha Island Activity From Tambon Ratsada, Thailand - The Snorkeling Tour to Coral & Maiton & Racha Island from Phuket activity is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Tambon Ratsada, Thailand, and this Racha Island attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

1 hour 30 minutes Speed Boat Rentals Tour From tambon Rassada, Thailand - The Phuket to Koh Lanta by Satun Pakbara Speed Boat activity is around 1 hour 30 minutes long, has 7 Reviews, it's based out of tambon Rassada, Thailand, and this Speed Boat Rentals tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

2 hours ATV Tours Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Phuket Small-Group ATV Tour with Transfers attraction is around 2 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this ATV Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

9 hours Sailing Tour From Phuket Town, Thailand - The Phuket Racha and Coral Islands Full Day Tour By Sailing Catamaran tour is around 9 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Sailing activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

6 hours Speed Boat Rentals Tour From Patong, Thailand - The Racha and Coral With Speed Boat Sucuba Dvining With Photo/ Video activity is around 6 hours long, has 5 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Speed Boat Rentals attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

10 hours Longtail Boat Tour Tour From Kata Beach, Thailand - The James Bond Island Longtail Boat Tour (Private & All-Inclusive) tour is around 10 hours long, has 24 Reviews, it's based out of Kata Beach, Thailand, and this Longtail Boat Tour attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Bangtao Corner - Bangtao Corner is a Apartments type property located in Surin on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: 24 hour Front Desk Service, Restaurant/cafe and Laundry service, and the Bangtao Corner guest rating is 8.8.

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.

Sirikul Mansion - Sirikul Mansion is a Apartments type property located in Thalang on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Wi-Fi, 24 hour Front Desk Service and Parking, and the Sirikul Mansion guest rating is 8.5.

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.

The Unity Patong - The Unity Patong is a Apartments type property located in Patong on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, 24 hour Front Desk Service and Gym, and the The Unity Patong guest rating is 8.4.

Lamai Apartment - Lamai Apartment is a Apartments type property located in Patong on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Concierge service, Spa and Medical Service, and the Lamai Apartment guest rating is 6.9.

Surin Loft by Holiplanet - Surin Loft by Holiplanet is a Apartments type property located in Surin on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, and Gym, and the Surin Loft by Holiplanet guest rating is 7.9.

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.

Casuarina Shores Apartment - Casuarina Shores Apartment is a Apartments type property located in Bang Tao on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Gym, and the Casuarina Shores Apartment guest rating is 8.9.

Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort - Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort is a Apartments type property located in Nai Yang on Phuket, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Bar, and the Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort guest rating is 7.5.

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