Phuket Travel Blog by James Cutajar
My name is James and after living for 30 years in Malta (a tiny island) I wanted to explore more. I first visited Thailand in 2019 (just a few months before the travel industry went in total chaos) and since have lived in various parts of Thailand including Phuket for months.
This Phuket travel blog is your go to guide for inspiration and travel tips and advice about Phuket. I created this blog while living in Phuket and have covered all the useful topics.
How I plan trips
For best hotel prices
To plan transport
To find tours
Overview
On this ‘Phuket on my list’ homepage I have laid out the general information for travelers visiting Phuket. Scroll down and at a glance you’ll find a Phuket weather chart, how to find things to do in Phuket, where to stay in Phuket and how to get to Phuket. With this information it will be easier to start putting together a vacation to Phuket and you can book hotels and transport with ease.
Phuket Weather
For dry sunny days visit Phuket between February and August. Alternatively consider the shoulder months for fewer crowds and some great hotel deals.
Things to Do in Phuket
Did you know? Using →Viator is by far the easiest and most hassle free way to find things to do in Phuket (and any other destination).
Even-though it’s a platform to book tours and activities, I often use Viator for inspiration and to get an idea of what activities I want to add to my travel plan. Then depending on the activity I either do it independently or as a tour.
Booking Hotels in Phuket
Finding your dream hotel in Phuket is easy with →Agoda. With a user friendly platform offering and a wide range of accommodation from budget to luxury beachfront options, you’re sure to find that hotel that meets all your needs.
You may also want to know in which part of Phuket to stay in. Scroll down for an overview for the best areas to stay Phuket.
Where to stay in Phuket
It can take well over 1 hours to cross one side to the other of Phuket. So it’s important to not only find a hotel you like, but to that is also in a convenient location depending on your itinerary and travel style. Below is an overview that covers the most popular places and areas to stay in Phuket. This way you book your hotel with confidence and having a good idea of what to expect from that particular neighborhood.
Patong Beach
Phuket’s most famous beach destination, known for its vibrant nightlife, bustling markets, and a wide range of restaurants and bars. Ideal for party-goers and those wanting to be in the heart of the action, with plenty of shopping and entertainment options.
Karon Beach
Quieter than Patong, Karon offers a long stretch of beautiful beach, family-friendly resorts, and excellent local dining options. Perfect for families and couples seeking a relaxed atmosphere, with easy access to nearby attractions.
Kata Beach
Popular among surfers and families, Kata Beach features a laid-back vibe, great surf spots, and a variety of dining and shopping options. It has a picturesque beach, clear waters, and a relaxed nightlife scene, making it ideal for a chill vacation.
Kamala Beach
A peaceful and scenic area, Kamala Beach is great for those looking to escape the crowds. It offers luxury resorts, tranquil beaches, and the famous Phuket FantaSea show, with a friendly local community and beautiful sunsets.
Phuket Old Town
Rich in history and culture, Phuket Old Town boasts charming Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant street art, and bustling local markets. It’s ideal for those interested in exploring local culture, with cozy cafes, boutique shops, and a lively Sunday market.
Getting to Koh Phuket
There’s a few options to get to Phuket. Unless you are already in the Southern part of Thailand, the only sensible option is to fly to Phuket. If you are already in South Thailand, maybe on the Gulf islands (Koh-Tao, Koh-Phangan, Koh Samui), then booking the all-inclusive bus+ferry tickets is a hassle free and affordable option.
Below are your options ⤵
Flights
There are regular flights to Phuket from both Bangkok airports. Another popular route is Koh Samui to Phuket with a travel duration under 1 hour. If traveling from northern Thailand (Chiang Mai) there usually isn’t any direct flights to Phuket. In that case the best option is to first fly to Bangkok and then to Phuket.
Bus+Ferry Combo
The bus+ferry combo tickets are a hassle free way top travel from the island to destinations on mainland Thailand. The journey from Koh Samui to Phuket takes under 6 hours and tickets cost less than $40. If you are anywhere in South Thailand, land and sea transport is convenient and inexpensive. To find any route just search your origin and destination on the 12Go platform.
Where to eat in Phuket
Phuket is the most popular destination in Thailand. There is no shortage of restaurants from western to Thai dishes and everything in between. Below are 7 of the best restaurants in Phuket that are actually worth going out of your way to try their amazing dishes.
- Cuisine: Royal Thai
- Description: Set in a historic mansion, Blue Elephant offers traditional Thai dishes with a royal twist. The ambiance is elegant, and the menu features both classic and contemporary Thai cuisine.
- Cuisine: Italian
- Description: Located at Amari Phuket, La Gritta boasts stunning views of Patong Bay. It serves authentic Italian dishes, including fresh pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and a selection of fine wines.
- Cuisine: Modern Thai Fusion
- Description: Suay offers a creative take on Thai cuisine, blending traditional flavors with modern techniques. The menu includes innovative dishes that highlight the best of local ingredients.
- Cuisine: International Grill
- Description: Situated on the rooftop of Avista Hideaway, Sizzle provides breathtaking views and a menu focused on grilled meats and seafood. It’s an ideal spot for a romantic dinner under the stars.
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Description: Acqua is renowned for its sophisticated Mediterranean cuisine. Chef Alessandro Frau brings a touch of Sardinia to Phuket, with dishes that emphasize fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Description: This beachfront restaurant is famous for its fresh seafood, prepared in both traditional Thai and international styles. You’ll enjoy a meal with a view of Chalong Bay.
- Cuisine: French-Thai Fusion
- Description: Located in the heart of Kata Beach, Boathouse offers a unique blend of French and Thai cuisines. With its beachfront setting, guests can enjoy gourmet dishes paired with an extensive wine list while taking in the stunning sea views.
How to get around Koh Samui
Phuket is a popular tourist destination and offers a number of travel modes to get around the island. Songtaews are the main public transport and are pick-up vans with benches fitted in the back. Taxis are easily available in the touristic areas. Rental cars are a convenient option which will most likely be cheaper than using taxis. And for adventurous travelers, renting a scooter is the way to go.
If you’re going to Phuket during the peak season and want to rent a car, make sure to reserve in advance. This will result in getting a better rental price and more car options. I suggest using Rentalcars.com because they find the best deals from both local and foreign car companies.
And finally
Check out my other website Bangkok on my list and The Travel Deck for Asian destination guides.
Quick Resources ⤵
Book your dream hotel and find the best deals in Thailand. Wether it’s the beach or the city, Agoda offers a wide range of hotels at the best prices all on an easy to use booking platform.
Plan transport with ease on the 12Go platform. Just enter origin and destination. Bus+ferry combo tickets are also an available hassle free option to reach the famous islands.
Explore more of Thailand and be inspired with Viator. Book unique experiences and create lasting memories. Just enter the destination in the search and find the best tours either join in or private.
HEY, just so you know…
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