Thailand
Phuket
Our notebook to help you plan your trip to Phuket: the right season, where to stay and our ideas to make the most of it.
Thailand's biggest island: beaches on the Andaman Sea, a Sino-Portuguese old town and trips to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands.
Best weatherDuring the dry season: calm sea and sunshine. The monsoon brings showers, a lush green island and lower prices.
A question?
Wéa answers about this destination: neighbourhoods, seasons, ideas.
When to go
Every season has its charm. Here's how to choose yours, depending on what you want to experience.
Dry season
Calm sea and sunshine: perfect for Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands. Loy Krathong in November, and Songkran, Thai New Year, in mid-April.
Green season
Showers that are often short, a lush green island, waves for surfing on the west coast and much lower prices. In late September or October, the vegetarian festival is a unique sight.
Where to stay
The right neighbourhood depends on what you're after. Here are our favourite places to stay.
Patong
The liveliest beach: bars, restaurants and nightlife around Bangla Road.
Kata and Karon
More family-friendly and calm, with beautiful beaches south of Patong.
Kamala
Between beach and hills, peaceful, 15 minutes from Patong.
Phuket Town
The colourful old town, with its markets and cafés, away from the beaches.
Our favourites
What we love there: its history, its landscapes, its flavours and its festivals. Take your time, it's all there to enjoy.
Phang Nga Bay
Hundreds of limestone pinnacles rise from emerald water. By boat or kayak, you pass the famous James Bond Island and paddle into sea caves.
Ideal for great views
Phuket Old Town
Colourful Sino-Portuguese façades, cafés, street art and the Sunday night market: old Phuket Town is full of charm, far from the busy beaches.
Ideal for strolling
The Big Buddha
This white marble statue, about 45 metres high, watches over the island from a hilltop. The view of the coast is magnificent, especially late in the day.
Ideal for sunsets
Thai food
Green curry, pad thai, tom yum soup: the street food is delicious. In October, the Phuket Vegetarian Festival brings parades and colourful stalls across the city.
Ideal for food lovers