Phuket is Thailand's largest island and the easiest place on the Andaman coast to reach. It is big enough to feel like several places at once: a party strip at Patong, family beaches further south, quiet resort bays in the north and an old town with no beach at all. It suits first-time visitors, families and anyone who wants plenty of choice and easy boat trips. It suits less well if you want somewhere small and quiet, unless you choose your beach carefully.
Which beach should you stay on in Phuket?
Most visitors stay on the west coast, where the main beaches are. Pick your beach first, then your room, because moving between them takes time.
| Area | What it is like | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Patong | About 3 km of sand and the island's busiest hub, with Bangla Road's nightlife. Quieter at the north end | Nightlife, convenience |
| Karon | About 3.5 km long and wide, so it rarely feels full | Couples, long walks |
| Kata | About 1.5 km, relaxed, calm in high season and good for surfing in low season | Families, first visits |
| Kata Noi | A small, quiet bay of about 700–800 m | A quiet stay |
| Nai Harn | A short beach backed by green hills, with a less commercial feel | Couples, nature |
| Kamala | About 2 km, calm and mostly family-friendly | Families, calm stays |
| Surin | About 1 km of soft sand; upscale with few budget options | Couples, higher budgets |
| Bang Tao | About 8 km: beach clubs in the south, resorts in the middle, a quiet north end | Long stays |
| Mai Khao & Nai Yang | Undeveloped national park beaches near the airport; Mai Khao is the longest on the island | Solitude, early flights |
| Phuket Old Town | Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and markets; no beach | Food, culture, budget |
How do you get to Phuket?
Most people fly. Flights from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports take about 1 hour 20 minutes. Buses run from Bangkok's Southern Bus Terminal, usually in the evening, and take 12 to 14 hours.
Phuket is also linked by road to Krabi, with minivans taking about two to three and a half hours from Krabi Town, Ao Nang or Krabi Airport. Ferries and speedboats run between Rassada Pier and Koh Phi Phi.
The airport is in the north of the island, about 40 km from Patong. A taxi takes about an hour to Patong, Kata, Karon or Chalong, and costs roughly 700–900 baht to Patong including the 100 baht airport fee. The Smart Bus is cheaper, at a flat 100 baht, but takes about 90 minutes to Patong.
How do you get around Phuket?
- Smart Bus: runs from the airport down the west coast to Rawai, with more than 25 stops and a flat 100 baht fare. A separate route links Phuket Bus Terminal 1 with Patong for 50 baht.
- Ride-hailing apps: Grab is the most reliable and the only app with official pickup points at the airport. Bolt is usually cheaper but waits can be longer away from the main beaches.
- Tuk-tuks: not metered, so agree the fare before you get in. Apps are almost always cheaper for the same trip.
- Blue songthaews: run from the Phuket Town market out to individual beaches, about every 30 minutes from 6am to 6pm, for 30–50 baht. They do not run between beaches.
- Scooters: you need a motorcycle category on your licence and International Driving Permit. Helmets are compulsory, with a 2,000 baht fine. Inexperienced riders are better off renting a car.
What are the best things to do in Phuket?
The beaches come first. For snorkelling from the shore, try the small cove of Ya Nui or Freedom Beach, reached only by boat or a steep trail. Mai Khao, inside a national park, is a sea turtle nesting site and the place to go for space.
On land, spend two or three hours in Phuket Old Town, around Thalang Road and Soi Romanee. A walking street market runs on Thalang Road on Sunday evenings. The Big Buddha, a 45-metre white marble statue on Nakkerd Hill, is open from 9am to 6pm, but check access before you go, as it changed after a fatal landslide in 2024. Cover shoulders and knees. Promthep Cape, at the southern tip, is free and busy at sunset, so arrive about 30 minutes early.
Boat trips are the other main draw:
- Phang Nga Bay: limestone islands, sea caves and mangroves, often with a stop at James Bond Island and Koh Panyee.
- Koh Phi Phi: day tours usually include Maya Bay and Pileh Lagoon. Maya Bay normally closes from 1 August to 30 September.
- Racha Islands and Shark Point: popular for diving.
- Similan Islands: normally open from 15 October to 15 May. Most trips leave from piers near Khao Lak, north of Phuket.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
The dry season runs roughly from November to April, and December is close to ideal. The southwest monsoon brings rain from May to October, with regular afternoon storms from June to August and the most rain around September. Mornings are often clear even in the wet months, so plan boat trips early in the day.
The low season also changes the sea. Kata gets good surf, but Karon, Kata, Surin, Bang Tao and Mai Khao can have strong waves and rip currents. Ferries to Phi Phi and other islands may be cancelled or delayed in rough weather, especially from June to September.
What should you know before you go?
- Respect the red flags. West coast beaches can have rip currents in the rainy season, so follow the flag warnings.
- Check park closures before booking tours. Maya Bay and the Similan Islands both close for part of the year.
- Get insurance that covers riding. Thai insurers do not cover damage to rental bikes.
Tip: if you want nightlife, stay in Patong and take day trips elsewhere. If you want quiet, stay in Kata, Kamala, Nai Harn or the north and visit Patong for an evening.
Facts checked October 2026. Travel times and fares are approximate and depend on traffic, sea conditions and the service; check flight, bus and boat times before you travel. Park opening dates and access to attractions can change.
Sources
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