Thailand

The largest island in Thailand, Phuket, stretches into the Andaman Sea in the southwest of the country. As Thailand's most popular tropical paradise, Phuket offers dream beaches, nature excursions, incredible underwater worlds, and delicious cuisine, making it a delight for visitors.

History of Phuket Island

Phuket was not always known by its current name. Europeans initially referred to it as Djonkseylon or Junk Ceylon. It wasn't until much later that it received its definitive name, "Phuket," derived from the Malay word "Bukit," meaning "hill." The island particularly attracted Europeans due to its tin reserves. In 1685, the French agreed with the then Thai authorities on a treaty to exploit this mineral, but were forced to leave the country in 1688. Around 1770, British traders arrived in Phuket.

The island was also affected by the war against the Burmese. Initially, it managed to avoid enemy attacks thanks to Francis Light, who, while patrolling the coasts of Phuket, encountered Burmese fleets preparing to attack the island. He sent a warning to the islanders about the imminent invasion. Despite the precautions, the Burmese did manage to take possession of Phuket, but this occupation was short-lived. The local counterattacks forced the Burmese to retreat and leave on March 13, 1785.

The 19th century saw the arrival of the Chinese, who began mining tin. When Rama V ascended the throne, Phuket became the administrative center for tin production. When the country transitioned from a monarchy to a parliamentary system, Phuket became an autonomous province, and rubber plantations were established on the island. These plantations contributed to Thailand's global recognition for rubber production, a reputation that continues to this day.

Phuket gained fame in the tourism sector in the 1970s, when hippies began to discover this earthly paradise. By the early 1980s, it had become one of the most popular destinations in the world.

The December 2004 tsunami

This natural disaster left a heavy legacy for the island's residents, resulting in many lost lives and the destruction of much of the coastal infrastructure.

Today, a popular vacation destination in Thailand

Phuket attracts many tourists from around the world with its numerous attractions. The island is especially renowned for its beautiful beaches, diving spots, markets, temples, and more.

Phuket Town, particularly its old quarter, immerses you in a colorful setting with its colonial houses painted in yellow, blue, green, etc. Many of these charming buildings have been converted into hotels, restaurants, or small shops. Along the beach, the city presents a more modern face, with large hotel complexes and other tourist-friendly infrastructure.

Why visit Phuket?

Its gastronomy is worth savoring

Phuket's cuisine caters to all tastes. The island offers an incredibly varied range of dishes, covering all world cuisines. You'll find a rich assortment of both traditional and modern Thai food, as well as numerous international options for those who prefer to stick to familiar culinary comforts.

A unique nightlife

Phuket is famous for its exceptional nightlife, which is ideal for adult visitors. Located at Patong Beach, Bangla Road is the heart of the nightlife scene, with numerous bars, clubs, and lounges. Its advantage lies in the proximity of these establishments, making it easy to move from one place to another. Full moon parties on the beach, held every month, also attract many tourists.

Its idyllic landscape

With its diverse landscapes—beaches, islands, mountains, jungles, and cities—Phuket will amaze you at every turn. The region's beauty will always encourage you to capture memories to share with your loved ones.

Luxury hotels with all the latest technology

Phuket's high-end resorts and beachfront properties are equipped with modern amenities such as gyms, relaxing spas, swimming pools, children's entertainment activities, and organized excursions. Additionally, you can enjoy gourmet restaurants, room service, and poolside bars.

Friendly and safe

Here, the warm welcome from the locals and their reliance on tourism contribute to a friendly and safe atmosphere. 

Regarding safety, Thailand is known as one of the safest countries in Asia. Phuket, in particular, is a safe and vibrant destination where help is always available if needed.

Reasonable prices

Phuket is an attractive destination due to its affordable rates, a characteristic highly appreciated in Asia. You’ll find good deals at every corner! Additionally, the weaker Thai currency compared to other countries makes the island even more economically accessible.

Pleasant climate

Its sunny weather year-round is another great reason to visit Phuket. Temperatures generally remain constant between 76 and 93 °F (24 and 33 °C). This is ideal for all types of planned activities, as it’s warm without being stifling. Of course, it can get very hot at times, but overall, the climate is quite pleasant compared to other parts of the world.

What to do in Phuket Province?

Diving

Diving attracts many enthusiasts to Phuket Province. It can be done year-round, with many spots to explore. For excellent visibility during underwater excursions in Phuket, it's best to visit between December and April. From April to October, the sea becomes rougher, reducing visibility. The average water temperature generally ranges from 27°C to 31°C throughout the year. The island also has many dive centers where beginners can learn the sport.

Marine life in Phuket's waters

Regardless of when you plan to explore Phuket's underwater world, one thing is certain: the marine life will always provide an exceptional spectacle. You can expect to encounter schools of tuna, barracudas, moray eels, parrotfish, cuttlefish, triggerfish, manta rays, turtles, sharks, and more.

Must-see diving spots

Shark point

Located about 20 kilometers east of Phuket City, this spot features a small rock with three pinnacles that provide a natural shelter for many tropical fish. As its name suggests, it is also frequented by sharks, particularly leopard sharks, that often rest on the sandy ocean floor.

King Cruiser

Named after a ship that sank in this area in 1997 after hitting an anemone reef, this ferry has since become a haven for marine life. This site is mainly for professional divers, including those with CMAS and PADI certifications.

Anemone Reef

Located east of Phuket, this rocky pinnacle lies about 3 meters below the surface. As the name suggests, it is largely covered with sea anemones and corals. Most divers consider this spot one of the best in the region. The presence of anemones and plankton attracts several fish species, including mackerel, jacks, barracudas, and more.

Paradise beaches of Phuket

Patong Beach

This beautiful beach stretches about 4 km and is lined with numerous tourist establishments. It is particularly lively at night with its electric atmosphere. During the day, the atmosphere is more relaxed, with tourists enjoying sunbathing or engaging in water activities such as jet skiing or parasailing.

Jungle Beach

If you seek tranquility, this beach in southern Phuket is ideal. After relaxing on the shore, you can enjoy snorkeling.

Surin Beach

Located on the west side of the island, this beach is famous for its turquoise waters bordered by a beautiful strip of white sand. It is also renowned for its many seaside restaurants. It is a popular spot for surfers between April and October.

Weather in Phuket

Due to its proximity to the equator, Phuket experiences a tropical monsoon climate. The island has two seasons: the dry season and the rainy season. The dry season generally runs from December to March. However, even during this period, there are often some showers in the late afternoon. The rainy season begins in April and ends in November.

The best time to visit Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is between December and February. The average temperatures range from 22°C to 34°C.

How to get there

To reach Phuket, you can choose between flying, taking a bus, or driving. Train travel is also an option, but note that there is no railway on the island. The nearest train station is in Surat Thani. From there, you will need to take a bus to the island.

By bus

From Bangkok, you can take a bus to Phuket from Mo Chit Bus Terminal. The distance from the capital to the island is about 900 kilometers. Various comfort levels are available depending on the company, including VIP buses with air conditioning and comfortable seats. For such vehicles, expect to pay around 1,000 baht for a one-way ticket.

By car

If you prefer traveling by private vehicle, it takes about 10 hours to drive to Phuket, but you'll be able to enjoy the beauty of southern Thailand. Many rental cars are available at Bangkok Airport.

By plane

More than 50 flights per day go to Phuket from Bangkok Airport, often operated by local airlines such as Nok Air, Bangkok Airways, Thai Airways International, and others.