Phuket
Thailand · Country profile
Phuket is Thailand’s island province on the Andaman Sea, a big, buzzing tropical destination where beaches, bays and long-tail boats string the coast and the old town and the temples hold the cultural cache. Patong’s beachfront promenade and night market carry the party energy, while the quieter bays of the island — Kata, Karon, Surin and the coves of the north — spread the sun-seekers wide. The capital town of Phuket City keeps an old Sino-Portuguese quarter of shophouses, markets and street food, and the full-moon parties of the small islands just offshore draw the crowds south. The diving, the boat trips to the Phi Phi islands and the sunsets over the Andaman make it one of Asia’s great holiday anchors. Warm, loud and welcoming, Phuket blends beach life, nightlife and a genuine island history.
About Phuket
Phuket is a city in Thailand. The city's documented population is around 445,000 people. For visitors from abroad, the local currency is the Thai Baht (THB) and Thai is spoken; the dialling code is +66. It is served by 1 airport in our guide: Phuket International Airport.
Bays, Bargains and the Party Promenade of Patong
Phuket is a large island province with a holiday rhythm — the beaches and the bays line the south and the west, the town and the locals’ island life sit inland, and the sea brings the boats, the diving and the sunset parties. It is Thailand’s biggest island resort, which means choice: the busy strips of Patong and the calm coves of the north share the same coastline. The day trips to the Phi Phi islands, the Similan dive sites and the coral bays run on a daily engine, and the evenings blend beach bars, night markets and the famous street life. The island is warm all year, wetter and calmer in the monsoon season, and its food is a brilliant mix of sea and spice.
Monsoon Timing, Boat Bookings and the Quiet North
The best weather runs from November to April, when the sea is calm and the sun is generous; the wetter months bring cheaper prices and emptier bays. Book the long-tail boat trips, the Phi Phi cruises and any big night out ahead in high season — they sell out. The baht is the currency, cards work in the bigger places and cash is needed for the market stalls and the small island excursions. The island has real temples and a lovely old town beyond the beach: the Big Buddha and the Sino-Portuguese streets make calm, interesting half-days. Dress carefully at the religious sites, and watch your belongings on the busy beachfronts at night.
Taxis, Long-Tails and the Temples and the View
The island runs on motorbikes, taxis and tours — hire with a licence or book through a reputable company, and always wear the helmet. Patong is the party strip and the transport hub, while Kata, Karon and the northern bays are the calmer eastern-slope choices. The sunset viewpoints of the west coast and the sunset cruise of the bay are the great free shows. The old town’s Sunday walking street market is the best of the island’s food and craft. The diving and snorkelling lean strong: the Similan islands and the full-day Phi Phi trips are the classics. Monsoon rains come fast but pass fast — the island’s wet season still offers plenty of sun between the showers.
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- Country
- Thailand
- Population
- 445,000
- Coordinates
- 8.1132, 98.3169
- Capital
- Bangkok
- Region
- Asia
- Currency
- Thai Baht (THB)
- Languages
- Thai
- Calling code
- +66
- Country code
- TH
Entry requirements for Thailand
Visa status for travellers from common origins visiting Thailand for tourism.
Getting to Phuket
Airports we list for Phuket:
Other airports in the area:
Cities in Thailand
Other cities we cover in Thailand:
Frequently asked questions
Is Phuket the capital of Thailand?
No — the capital of Thailand is Bangkok.
What currency do I need in Phuket?
The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Languages spoken in Thailand include Thai.
What is the dialling code for Thailand?
The international dialling code for Thailand is +66.
Which airport should I fly into for Phuket?
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the airport we list for Phuket.
How far is Phuket from the nearest airport?
Phuket is about 675 km from Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Do I need a visa to visit Thailand?
It depends on your passport. Among the origins we track, travellers from Australia and United States currently enter Thailand visa-free for tourism. Use the entry requirements tool to check your own nationality and purpose of travel.
Flying out of Phuket? Check the entry requirements for your destination in our entry requirements tool before you fly.