PHUKET, THAILAND: THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO THAILAND’S LARGEST ISLAND

If you have plans to explore Thailand‘s incredible west coast, chances are you will visit Phuket – whether it be for a few hours or a few days. If time permits, it’s worth spending some time on the country’s largest island. There are loads of luxury resort options to choose from, and plenty of things to do including beach days, palm swings, night markets, temples and even day trips to offshore islands. Below is my complete guide to Phuket to help you plan your trip. It includes the best beaches, sights, viewpoints, restaurants, Phuket hotels, tour operators and more.

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Up, up and away over beautiful Nui Beach.

HOW MANY DAYS IN PHUKET

THREE TO FOUR DAYS. Phuket might be the largest island in Thailand, but three to four days is all you need to see the best beaches, night markets and tourist sights. There are far more epic destinations in this part of Thailand, so I would save those itinerary days for Phuket’s more epic neighbors including Koh Phi Phi, Krabi, Khao Sok, Koh Lanta and the Similian islands.

Woke up at 4 AM to make it to Samet Nangshe at sunrise. Outfit details: Fortunate One Store dress, linked here.

PHUKET TRAVEL TIPS

• CURRENCY – The official currency of Thailand is the Thai baht. And while a lot of places take credit card, you’ll need cash for the night market, tuk tuks and smaller purchases.
• PHUKET IS BIG – Most people underestimate the size of Phuket because it’s an “island.” Well, this island is massive, measuring 222-square miles. Driving distances can be long, depending on where you stay. And it’s impossible to see everything on the island in a couple of days.
• GOOGLE VS REALITY – When people Google Phuket, most of the photos that pop up are not places on the island. Most of these photos are from Maya Bay, Krabi, Khao Phing Kan and other neighboring destinations. While these places can be visited as day trips, they aren’t what the actual island of Phuket looks like. Just to manage expectations.

Wat Chalong dates back to the 19th century.

WHEN TO VISIT PHUKET

• NOVEMBER-FEBRUARY (high season). Like most of Thailand, high season spans November through February when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal. Hotel prices and tourist crowds peak during these four months, but it’s the closest guarantee you’ll get for good weather.
• MARCH-JUNE (shoulder season) – The hottest months of the year are March through June when temperatures average an unbearable 95 degrees.
• JULY-OCTOBER (low season) – The country’s monsoon season coincides with low season. It’s statistically the rainiest time of the year, although rainfall could last anywhere from 10 minutes to 10 hours. The tropical climate is very unpredictable, but hotel prices will be at their lowest with far fewer crowds.

At Ma Doo Bua Cafe, you can pay to have your photo taken by drone in this lotus lake. Outfit details: Free People jumpsuit, linked here.

Me feasting 24/7 on Phuket.

EXPLORE PHUKET

BIG BUDDHA

A massive Buddha sits perched on Nakkerd Hill, completely covered in blinding white marble. It’s an easy climb up the the 90+ white steps to reach the base of the Buddha. Keep an eye out for monkeys here – they like to grab food from visitors.

CHILLVA MARKET

A bustling night market where you’ll find little stalls selling all the street food favorites including fresh juice, roti, mango sticky rice, sushi, noodles, boba, stir fry and more.

FREEDOM BEACH

A tropical oasis protected by lush green jungle, swaying palms and granite rocks. Freedom Beach sits on the west coast of the island, home to blistering white sand and sparkling turquoise water. Tricky access makes this beach a bit more off-the-beaten-path – it’s a 20-minute steep hike down, or pay for longtail boat hire from neighboring beach.

KHAO PHING KAN

Known to many as James Bond Island, Khao Phing Kan is a stop included on many boat tour itineraries. Alternatively, you can skip the tour groups and head to Hinrom Village, in Phang Nga. From here, hire a private longtail boat (runs approximately 3,000 baht) to take you to the stunning Khao Phing Kan, and the surrounding limestone karsts.

KOH HEY

Koh Hey is located just a few kilometers off of Phuket, and can easily be visited by longtail boat. Also known as Coral Island, this little oasis boasts a stunning stretch of white sand backed by lush tropical jungle.

NAI THON BEACH

Follow the pathway of narrow wooden steps down through the jungle, and you’ll find yourself at the quiet oasis that is Nai Thon Beach.

NUI BEACH

Stunning boulder encrusted bay that is home to a Bali-style beach swing that hangs from two soaring palm trees. The road to Nui Beach is rough – trucks shuttle visitors down to the beach for a small fee. The staged photo opps might seem a bit touristy, but the beach itself is beautiful.

OLD TOWN PHUKET

Old Town is the historical center of the island, made up of colonial facades and colorful shopfronts. Soi Romanee is particularly charming, a narrow boulevard of picturesque boutiques and cafes – one of the most photographed streets on Phuket.

SAMET NANGSHE

For an iconic Thailand viewpoint, head to Samet Nangshe, located just north of Phuket in Phang Nga. It’s a dreamy spot to soak in views of limestone islands rising up out of the water, especially at sunrise.

SOI DOG FOUNDATION

Animal rescue created in 2003 to help the street dogs and cats that roam the island. Soi Dog spays, neuters and vaccinates thousands of animals a year throughout Thailand, and fights the Asian dog meat trade across Southeast Asia.

SUNDAY WALKING STREET

Popular Sunday night market located along Thalang Road in Old Town. Frequented by both locals and tourists, Lard Yai Market offers street food, crafts, souvenirs, clothing and more.

WAT CHALONG

Beautiful temple complex surrounds a stunning red, white and gold Chedi that dates back to the 19th century. This is the largest (and most visited!) temple on Phuket.

Couldn’t think of a more perfect start to the morning than a floating breakfast in my private infinity pool at V Villas Phuket.

PHUKET HOTELS

AMAN PURI

For guests looking to splurge on the fanciest resort on Phuket, look no further than Aman Puri. Celebrities flock to this ultra-exclusive resort where the beach is only accessible by guests (or by boat) – keeping it very private. The property houses 40 luxury pavilions and 40 luxury villas, all ultra posh with vaulted ceilings, dark woods, plush linens and surrounded by swaying palms and lush jungle.

BABA BEACH CLUB

Baba Beach Club sits north of the airport, so a bit far removed from most of the tourists sights on the island. Hotel exudes an upscale party atmosphere – definitely don’t book here for a serene getaway. The property is beachfront, but the water is usually rough and not swimmable. Rooms are clean, modern and stylish – very well appointed.

BANYAN TREE PHUKET

It isn’t the newest or flashiest resort on Phuket, but Banyan Tree is still a fine luxury option on the island’s west coast. The all-pool villa concept ensures intimate privacy for all guests – each individual villa sits surrounded by high stone walls. There are several restaurants on-site, as well as a spa, gym and golf course.

KEEMALA

For all the feels of Bali, book a villa at Keemala, one of the most stunning properties in all of Thailand. Perched in the hills of Phuket’s west coast jungle, this Boho oasis is made up of tree houses, bird’s nest villas and airy safari-style spaces.

THE NAI HARN PHUKET

Set on beautiful Nai Harn Bay, The Nai Harn offers up a dazzling stay on Phuket. The stunning white tones and minimalist design elements are reminiscent of summer on the Mediterranean. This property is exceptional featuring hard wood floors, rich textured fabrics and a neutral palette with pops of color.

ROSEWOOD PHUKET

Yes, the resort is located uncomfortably closea to Patong, but Rosewood Phuket feels a world away nestled along the sparkling coast of Emerald Bay. Guests can choose from 71 luxurious suites and villas, several with private plunge pools and beach access.

SRI PANWA

Sprawling resort located on Cape Panwa in the most southern corner of the island. The 90-minute journey from the airport might seem a bit far removed, but Sri Panwa sits just 15-minutes from Old Town. The resort is home to three stunning pools, a full-service spa, a beach, tennis courts, international restaurants and the famous Baba’s Nest rooftop sunset bar.

THE SURIN

The Surin sits on Pansea Beach located next to the iconic Aman Puri (but offers a price point that is far more reasonable). The sprawling beachfront property is one of the most stunning settings on the island. A collection of 109 bright white villas and cottages weave up the rolling hills surrounded by lush tropical greenery. This place is beautiful.

TRISARA

Trisara sits on a private cape in the northwest hills of Phuket, home to the resort’s villas, residences, restaurants and wellness spa. All villas are standalone with a private plunge pool. This place is a splurge, but the quiet serenity on this part of the island promises guests a truly restful beach holiday. Rooms are modern with hints of classic Thai design cues.

V VILLAS PHUKET

V Villas Phuket is a boutique property that offers guests a five-star villa experience in southern Phuket. Each individual villa is surrounded by high walls for privacy with living rooms and bedrooms that open up to a private infinity pool. The villas themselves are stunning – high ceilings, ultra modern, massive walk-in closets, bidets, living spaces, bedrooms, sundecks and ridiculously comfortable beds.

This grand Buddha sits perched on Nakkerd Hill, watching over Phuket Outfit details: Free People dress, linked here.

The colorful shopfront of Soi Rommani, in Old Town Phuket. Outfit details: Free People two-piece set, linked here.

PHUKET RESTAURANTS

AKOYA STAR LOUNGE

Rooftop bar at V Villas Phuket that hosts a spectacular setting for drinks and bites at sunset. All the vibes overlooking Ao Yon Bay with roomy loungers, water features and delicious cocktails.

CHILLVA MARKET

A bustling night market where you’ll find little stalls selling all the street food favorites including fresh juice, roti, mango sticky rice, sushi, noodles, boba, stir fry and more.

DAY & NIGHT

Newish restaurant located next to Raya – very inviting space with lots of windows, high ceilings, brick walls, eclectic floor tiles and pops of turquoise around every turn. Day & Night serves brunch, lunch, dinner and drinks.

MAA DO BUA

Serene open-air restaurant that serves both traditional and contemporary Thai cuisine including curries, noodles, pineapple fried rice, grilled seafood and more. Maa Do Bua is built over a pond filled with hundreds of floating lotus – guests can pay extra to take a drone photo in the middle of the water surrounded by the giant lily pads.

PUNTE FOOD COURT

Adorable food court tucked away on a quiet street in Old Town. More than a dozen stalls occupy an open-air space, serving up dim sum, noodles, Thai iced tea and more.

RAYA

Raya is a must-visit on Phuket for homestyle southern Thai cooking. Tables are always full at this charming restaurant that sits in a 130-year old house. Popular dishes include crab meat in coconut milk, crispy shrimp in chili sauce, fish with yellow curry and spicy seafood soup.

SRI PANWA’S BABA’S NEST

Baba’s Nest is one of the coolest rooftop bars on the island. Sunset reservations recommended.

SUNDAY WALKING STREET

Popular Sunday night market located along Thalang Road in Old Town. Frequented by both locals and tourists, Lard Yai Market offers street food, crafts, souvenirs, clothing and more.

TORRY’S ICE CREAM

Popular dessert cafe in the heart of Old Town, on colorful Soi Rommani. The menu is filled with sweet tooth cravings including Phuket style crepes, banana butterscotch croissant, s’mores, ice cream sundaes, sticky rice & coconut milk ice cream, skillet cookies and more.

Freedom Beach is my favorite beach on Phuket. You can get here via a semi-steep 20-minute hike, or a long tail boat ride from a neighboring beach.

GET AROUND PHUKET

The easiest modes of transport within Phuket are scooter rental, tuk tuk and private taxi. If you’re interested in hiring a private guide, or having a tour company plan out your trip, I highly recommend Trikaya Tours.

Wheeee!

GET TO PHUKET

Phuket is home to an international airport that connects the region to a handful of international destinations including Doha, Frankfurt, Kuala Lumpur, Dubai and Singapore. Most tourists visit Phuket via Bangkok, a quick (and cheap!) 80-minute flight. Phuket is also accessible by ferry with routes connecting it to Krabi, Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi and Koh Jum.

Naithon Beach.

We hired a long tail boat from Hinrom Village to visit Khao Phing Kan. It was 3,000 baht for the boat, and another 300 baht for the entrance fee on the island.