About
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.
FAQ
* Population: Phuket’s 2023 population is now estimated at 449,389. In 1950, the population of Phuket was 23,170. More than 115,000+ expats also reside in Phuket (pre-COVID).
* Tsunami: Phuket was heavily impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. Around 250 people died on the island.
* Future Transport: The Phuket Light Rail Transit, or Phuket Tram, is currently under construction. The tram will have 24 stations and connect Phang Nga province with Phuket City. The tram is expected to start running by 2026, maybe.
* Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7 (No daylight saving time, same UTC offset all year)
* The IANA time zone identifier for Phuket is: Asia/Bangkok.
* Sunrise: 06:15
* Sunset: 18:05
* Day length: 11h 51m
* Solar noon: 12:10
* Population: 386,605 (2015)
* University: Phuket Rajabhat University
* ISO 3166 code: TH-83
* Alternate Names: Phuket, Phuket Island
* Time zone: The time zone id for Phuket, Thailand is Asia/Bangkok.
* Currency: Currency in Phuket, Thailand is THB (Baht)
* Elevation: 10 meters
* Nearby Airports: Phuket International Airport (HKT) offering both domestic and direct flights to Phuket
* Phoning Thailand: 0011 + 66 + area code + local number
* Thailand Country Dialling Code: +66
* Phuket’s Area Code: 76 (Or 076 for local)
* Location: Andaman Sea
* Coordinates: 7°53′24″N 98°23′54″E
* Latitude: 7.8833333
* Longitude: 98.4
* Area: 576 km2 (222 sq mi)
* Island Length: 50 km (31 mi)
* Island Width: 20 km (12 mi)
* Average Annual Rainfall: 315 mm
* Holidays: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Chakkri Day, 6 April; Songkran Day, mid-April; Coronation Day, 5 May; Queen’s Birthday, 12 August; Chulalongkorn Day, 23 October; King’s Birthday, 5 December; Constitution Day, 10 December. Movable holidays include Makabuja Day, Plowing Festival, and Visakabuja Day.
* Shopping Malls: Central Festival Phuket, Jungceylon, Tesco Lotus, Big C
* International Hospitals: Bangkok-Phuket Hospital, The Phuket International Hospital, and Mission Hospital.
* Land measurments (In Rai, Ngan and Wah). A) 1 Rai = 4 Ngan (or 1600 Sq.m.). B) 1 Ngan = 100 Wah (or 400 Sq.m.). C) 1 Wah = 4 Sq.m. D) 1 Acre = 2.5 Rai E) 1 Hectare = 6.25 Rai
Charity
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.
Shopping
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
Eco-friendly
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
Trending Activities & Tours
Top 10 Trending Activities On Phuket
11 hours Fishing Charters Tour From Khok Kloi, Thailand - The Full-Day Freshwater Lake Resort Fishing in Phang Nga tour is around 11 hours long, has 85 Reviews, it's based out of Khok Kloi, Thailand, and this Fishing Charters tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand.. 
8 to 9 hours Phi Phi Islands Tour From รัษฎา, Thailand - The Phi Phi, Maya, Khai and Pileh Day Trip by Speed Catamaran From Phuket attraction is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of รัษฎา, Thailand, and this Phi Phi Islands tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket.. 
5 to 6 hours Phuket Old Town Activity From Patong, Thailand - The Phuket Landmarks and Historic Sites: Private City Tour tour is around 5 to 6 hours long, has 15 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand.. 
1 to 2 hours Airport & Hotel Transfers Tour From Mai Khao, Thailand - The Phuket Airport Arrival Transfer : Airport to Hotel in Phuket attraction is around 1 to 2 hours long, has 12 Reviews, it's based out of Mai Khao, Thailand, and this Airport & Hotel Transfers activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand.. 
8 to 9 hours Racha Island Tour From Chalong, Thailand - The Racha and Coral Island Tour by Luxury Catamaran from Phuket tour is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 33 Reviews, it's based out of Chalong, Thailand, and this Racha Island attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand.. 
8 hours Cooking Classes Tour From ราไวย์, Thailand - The Easy Thai Cooking and Coconut Oil Workshop in Phuket activity is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of ราไวย์, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand.. 
7 hours Day Trips Activity From Tambon Patong, Thailand - The Coral Island Full-day Trip from Phuket City tour is around 7 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Day Trips activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand.. 
8 hours Kayaking Tours Tour From Patong, Thailand - The James Bond Island: Day Tour from Phuket activity is around 8 hours long, has 11 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Kayaking Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand.. 
9 hours Snorkeling Tour From Patong, Thailand - The Phi Phi Snorkeling Day Trip by Speedboat - Phuket Sail Tours tour is around 9 hours long, has 8 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Snorkeling tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
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.. See all Phuket Tours
Trending Rentals
Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket
Prince Edouard Apartments & Resort - Prince Edouard Apartments & Resort is a Apartments type property located in Patong on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Gym, and the Prince Edouard Apartments & Resort guest rating is 8.7. 
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. 
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. 
Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments - Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments is a Apartments type property located in Kata on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Pets allowed, Wi-Fi and 24 hour Front Desk Service, and the Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments guest rating is 8.9. 
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. 
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. 
Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment - Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment is a Apartments type property located in Patong on Phuket island in Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Parking and 24 hour Front Desk Service, and the Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment guest rating is 8.3. 
The Deck Condo Patong - The Deck Condo Patong is a Apartments type property located in Patong on Phuket island, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi and Gym, and the The Deck Condo Patong guest rating is 6.1. 
Ra Residence Phuket - Ra Residence Phuket is a Apartments type property located in Chalong on the island of Phuket. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Wi-Fi, Laundry service and Parking, and the Ra Residence Phuket guest rating is 9.0. 
Orchidacea Residence - Orchidacea Residence is a Apartments type property located in Karon on Phuket island, Thailand. Apartments amenities and facilities include: Swimming Pool, Parking and Wi-Fi, and the Orchidacea Residence guest rating is 7.9. See all Phuket Accommodations
