Welcome to Phuket!
Phuket is one of Thailand’s most iconic destinations and undeniably one of the busiest and most touristy spots.
It’s a place with a mix of pros and cons.
Of course, the smaller islands of Thailand have more beautiful beaches and nature, but Phuket can be an incredible destination if you know where to look.
Phuket might be your starting point or final destination after island hopping since it is one of the few places close to the coast with direct international flights.
So, why should you visit Phuket? and is Phuket Worth visiting? Here are 10 reasons to discover what makes it worth the trip:
Why Visit Phuket in Thailand
Phuket is the most famous island of Thailand, but it doesn’t always get the credit it deserves. Here are 10 reasons why this island is worth visiting:
1. Crowded but a Relaxed Vibe
Phuket is alive and kicking! Beaches and streets fill up during the day with locals and tourists. Phuket can feel lively and also a bit chaotic.
Despite the crowd, there’s that laid-back, typical Thai atmosphere. Locals are friendly, and it’s super easy to start a conversation with locals on the streets of Phuket.
We’ve been traveling to Phuket with our 14-month-old son, and the locals loved him. It was incredible to see how everyone smiled when we walked by.
Although quite crowded, even the beaches such as Karon and Kata Beach have a relaxed vibe. You’ll see mostly tourists from Russia, China, and Germany, and not all too many locals (except the ones working on the beach), but the vibe is nice and chill. I’ve had several conversations at the beach with folks from Uzbekistan! (Hopefully, I can visit the country someday!)
You can get a massage for 400 baht (10 dollars) or get some ice cream. Even the vendors at the beach are very friendly and not pushy at all.
So, although Phuket can be crowded, especially during the high season from November to March, you still get that typical Thai island vibe.
2. Local Phuket Markets
In the city center, you can find several local markets. The biggest one is at the Central Plaza.
It’s only in the morning and its where the locals get all their fruit and vegetables for the local restaurants or small shops you see along the road.
I’ve been walking around the market with my camera for about an hour. It was quite fascinating to see how fast everything is built up, the fruits are sold and then everything is being taken down again at the end of the morning.
Naka Weekend Market. It opens every Saturday and Sunday around 4 p.m. Until about 10 p.m., visitors can browse stalls filled with clothes, accessories, and delicious food. It’s a shopping paradise!
Phuket Town Market. It happens every weekend along Thalang Road. Locals set up food stands, arts and crafts, and more. The atmosphere is full of friendly faces.
Lastly, I didn’t buy any fruit, so I don’t know if haggling is very common.
Visiting local markets is fun and a great chance to meet friendly locals. It’s a slice of life in Phuket that shouldn’t be missed.
3. Phuket’s Best Temples
Phuket is home to many beautiful temples that offer a peek into Thai culture. Each temple has its own unique style and story.
One of the most popular is Wat Chalong. This temple is dedicated to two famous monks who helped the local people during a cholera outbreak. Viewing the colorful decorations and maybe even seeing a traditional ceremony is fascinating.
Wat Phra Thong is known for a different reason. It features a golden Buddha image, but the interesting part is that the statue is buried halfway in the ground. This unique detail has sparked many legends about why it is like this.
For someone seeking a mix of culture and peace, the Wealthy Buddhist Temple (Wat Suwan Khirikhet) offers beautiful grounds. It’s a quieter spot, perfect for reflection.
Here’s a quick list of popular temples to visit:
- Wat Chalong
- Big Buddha
- Wat Phra Thong
- Wat Suwan Khirikhet
A visit to these temples isn’t just about seeing beautiful buildings. It’s also about enjoying a slice of everyday life and spirituality in Phuket.
4. Beaches in Phuket
Phuket is known for its long beaches. Soft sand and clear water make them a hit with everyone.
It’s crowded but not too crowded there is plenty of space. I’ve actually ran into a friendly conversation a few times with people from Uzbekistan, really relaxed vibe!
You’ll see mostly tourists from Russia, China, and Germany, and not too many locals, but the vibe was pretty chill.
Patong Beach is perfect for those who love action. It’s busy with water sports and beach parties. People can swim, sunbathe, or try jet skiing.
For a more laid-back vibe, Karon Beach offers a nice escape. It’s less crowded, so it’s great for relaxing and enjoying the sound of waves. They can even find tasty food nearby.
Then there’s Kata Beach. Great for families, it has clear waters that are safe for swimming.
Even when the beaches are crowded during peak season from November to February, the water is still very clear!
Tip: Some area might be super crowded but if you look a bit further you can also find quieter spots.
5. Phuket’s Nightlife
When the sun sets in Phuket, the island truly comes alive. You can see a beautiful sunset from Kata and Karon Beach.
After sunset, fire shows will start, and people will light up wishing balloons. It’s a pretty cool sight!
In areas like Patong, bars and nightclubs line the streets. It’s a place to experience everything from live music to fire shows.
For those seeking a laid-back vibe, there are plenty of chill spots to enjoy a cocktail. Relax at a beach bar while watching the stars twinkle above.
6. Delicious Thai food
Although Phuket is quite touristy, and you’ll see many burger/Italian/steak and other international food restaurants, there are plenty of local places to eat some real Thai food.
I have been to this local restaurant several times, close to Kata Beach.
Open in Google Maps
Everywhere you go you can find some street food, I found that at Kata Beach the street food stands were not that great. If you walk back a little bit there are a few restaurants that are much better.
Open in Google Maps
Tip: In my experience, most restaurants (perhaps all of them I went to) have baby chairs available.
7. Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands are one of those places you shouldn’t miss in Phuket. It’s just a short boat ride away, and once you’re there, it’s like stepping into another world.
You can swim and snorkel between the colorful fish and coral reefs that you can see just below the surface.
The scenery is stunning, too. Everywhere you turn, there’s another spot you’ll want to take a picture of. The vibe on the islands is lively and fun, so there’s always something to do.
Unfortunately, the Phi Phi Islands are too far to take a ride with one of the authentic local fisherboats. But, there are plenty of commercial boat trips available.
8. Elephant sanctuaries
Phuket is home to some amazing elephant sanctuaries. These places let visitors connect with elephants in a kind way. No riding or harsh treatment here.
At the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, they will teach you about the elephants and their stories. You can feed the elephants and see them roam freely. It’s quite a unique experience.
Many sanctuaries in Phuket focus on the well-being of the elephants. They provide a safe environment and promote ethical tourism. It’s a great way to support animal welfare.
I’ve been to the Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve which I can really recommend for an authentic and ethical visit to the elephants, check out my full review.
9. Old Phuket Town charm
Old Phuket Town is like stepping into a delightful time machine. The mix of colorful buildings shows the Sino-Portuguese history.
Walking through the streets, you can see unique architecture that is hard to find anywhere else. It reminded me of the colorful houses in Balat, Istanbul! But these in Old Phuket Town were more interesting, in my opinion.
Street art adds a fun twist to the whole experience. It’s perfect for those who love to do some street photography.
Old Phuket Town is worth a visit!
Tip: Try to be there between 8 and 9 am; you will not see any tourists, and it is just such a different experience. It's the best time for some great street photography as well. After 10 am, the streets fill up with tourists very quickly.
It is a nice walk from the old town to one of the viewing points in Phuket.
Best time to visit Old Phuket Town
Between 8 and 9 am
10. Stunning viewpoints
Phuket’s viewpoints offer some cool views. They are perfect for snapping pictures.
A viewpoint that’s not crowded is the Khao Rang viewpoint. It’s a nice walk from the old town to the hill, but going all the way up is quite a long one, so taking a Tuk Tuk with Grab is a good idea.
Open in Google Maps
One popular spot is Karon Viewpoint, also known as the Three Beaches Hill. Here, you can see Karon, Kata, and even Kata Noi beaches all in one.
Another great place is the Windmill Viewpoint. A giant windmill complements the stunning ocean views.
Why Visit Phuket? The Pros and Cons
Pros
Cons
- One of the few places in Thailand with direct flights.
- Lots of things to do.
- There is a wide variety of temples.
- Relaxed vibe.
- It is not crowded everywhere and quiet on most streets until 10/11 am.
- Touristy, but very affordable local food.
- Crowded during the day and evening.
- There is more air pollution compared to the smaller islands.
- There is hectic traffic at times.
- Touristy and harmful tours with animals are still being offered.
Getting Around in Phuket
Transportation in Phuket
Getting around Phuket is easy with options like renting a scooter, taking tuk-tuks, or using the Phuket Smart Bus. Download the app Grab to get a taxi or a TukTuk. Using the app will also prevent you from being scammed into paying more.
Navigating Phuket
Phuket is easy to navigate thanks to well-marked roads, maps, and friendly locals willing to help if you get lost. Google Maps works fine.
Best Areas to Stay in Phuket
Patong is great for nightlife, Kata and Karon offer relaxing beach vibes, and Phuket Town is perfect for cultural experiences.
I stayed at the Aurico Kata Beach Hotel. It’s in a more quiet street not too far from the beach. Altho, the water in the pool was very cold, unfortunately, during peak season!
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Phuket worth visiting?
Phuket is worth visiting due to its stunning beaches, nightlife, and rich culture. As the largest island in Thailand, it offers a variety of attractions that cater to all types of travelers.
When is the best time to visit Phuket?
The best time to visit Phuket is between November and February, when the weather is dry and cool. This is peak tourism season, making it a perfect time for outdoor activities and exploring the island.
How far is Phuket from Bangkok?
You can go to Phuket from Bangkok by taking a direct flight, which takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can travel by bus or train, but this will take significantly longer.
Is it safe to travel to Phuket?
Yes, Phuket is generally safe for travelers. However, like any tourist destination, it is important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and when enjoying nightlife.
Traffic can be chaotic, and I’ve actually seen two scooter accidents happen in one week. So if you are renting a scooter, drive safely.
How to pronounce Phuket?
Phuket is pronounced with a “p” sound, not an “f” sound. So it’s “poo-ket”.
Is Phuket Expensive?
Phuket offers prices similar to the rest of Thailand and may even be slightly cheaper than smaller islands, as goods don’t have to be transported long distances.
How to get around in Phuket?
Download the Grab app to get taxis and tuk-tuks, or consider renting a scooter. Just remember, in Thailand, traffic drives on the left side of the road
