Ready to get a headstart on your dream trip to Phuket, Thailand?
When it comes to a luxurious holiday, Phuket, Thailand ticks all the boxes: glorious blue beaches, colorful marine life, flavorful cuisine, bustling nightlife, and rich culture. If wanderlust is hinting at the tropics, a trip to this sunny island might just do the trick!
Where to begin? Keep scrolling for a comprehensive 2022 guide to Phuket, Thailand, curated by The Luxe Nomad!
When to Go to Phuket, Thailand
Where to Stay in Phuket, Thailand
Must-Visit Beaches in Phuket, Thailand
What to Do in Phuket, Thailand
Getting to Phuket, Thailand
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Thailand’s biggest island, located on the western side of the Andaman Sea, might seem hard to get to at first glance. But here’s the good news, nomads: Phuket International Airport has non-stop passenger flights scheduled to 36 destinations in 20 countries. Flying direct is not only convenient and time-efficient, but easily available, too!
If you’re coming in from Bangkok, there are also domestic flights that depart from Bangkok Suvarnabhumi International Airport several times a day (this takes approximately 1 hour) as well as Don Mueang Airport, Bangkok’s domestic airport.
When to Go to Phuket, Thailand
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To make the most out of your visit to paradise, we recommend booking a flight somewhere between November and April. During these months, weather conditions in Phuket progress from cool and dry during the ber months, and sunnier and warmer as we approach March to early May. If you’re planning on participating in beach activities and water sports, this would be the ideal time to go—though other tourists tend to agree, so get ready for a little company.
Starting mid-May until October, monsoon season comes by. For the island, this means high humidity at best, plus heavy rainfall, and choppier waters than usual. May, September, and October are the wettest months, but also great windows to drop by and avoid large crowds. Though consecutive days of rain are uncommon, beach closures are expected during monsoon season. The Similan and Surin Islands, for example, are closed between May 1-October 15 every year.
Interested in participating in some of the local festivals? Here’s a quick look throughout the year:
Local Festivals in Phuket, Thailand
January/February
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- Chinese Lunar New Year
February
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- Makha Bucha, a commemoration of the historical meeting between the Buddha and his first 1,250 disciples. Candlelit processions lead to major Buddhist temples like Phuket big Buddha or Wat Chalong.
April
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- Songkran Festival or Thai New Year from April 13-15 is the country’s biggest and wettest celebration, and definitely a must-try!
- Phuket Gay Pride Festival
June
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- Amazing Grand Sale offers exciting monthly discounts that usually start mid-June
August
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- Por Tor Festival, or Hungry Ghost Festival, is celebrated in the Por Tor Kong Shrine
October
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- Phuket Vegetarian Festival has local fanfare and exhibitions around Saphan Hin Park
- Mid-Autumn Festival
November
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- Loi Krathong, where locals build candlelit floats called krathong, and release them in honor of the water goddess Phra Mae Khongkha
December
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- Phuket King’s Cup Regatta, a celebration to honor the King
Where to Stay in Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is home to some of Thailand’s most popular beaches, resorts, and—you guessed it!—stunning villas. We recommend these stays for #ThatVillaLife:
1. Villa Praison
- Layan, Phuket
- Spacious and private, this 5-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom clifftop villa offers amazing views of the Andaman and comes fully staffed with a free private chef service. It sleeps 8 adults and up to 8 kids (with 4 bunk beds), making it ideal for big families.
2. Villa Viman
- Kamala, Phuket
- An elegant cliff-front villa, this 6-bedroom, 6-bathroom comes with an infinity-edge swimming pool, a sunken Jacuzzi, and breezy living spaces. It’s ideal for large families with kids or big groups of friends, with enough room for everyone to unwind and soak up the view.
3. Villa Rom Trai
- Kamala, Phuket
- Located in the same estate as Villa Viman, Villa Rom Trai offers a more intimate atmosphere overlooking the Andaman Sea, Naka Lay Bay and even Patong Beach. With 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, this homey villa is easily accessible for all ages thanks to its elevator, and can keep everyone occupied with expansive living, dining, sleeping, and entertainment spaces.
Must-Visit Beaches in Phuket, Thailand
With at least 30 beaches all around the island, there’s a perfect beach in Phuket depending on the kind of scene you’re after. Generally speaking, south coast beaches are were the crowds flock to, while the north coast has more of a chill vibe.
Meanwhile, you can expect major beaches (like Patong, Kata, Karon, Nai Han, Mai Khao and Nai Yang) to have lessons and equipment available for water sports like diving, snorkelling, windsurfing and sailing, though this depends on the time of year. During monsoon season, watch out for red flags in the water before you swim as these mean the waves might be too strong.
What’s your beach vibe?
The shore at Kamala Beach
Waves at Nai Thon Beach
1. Quiet and chill, please. Go over to the west coast to Kamala Beach, where you can opt to surf, swim, snorkel, sunbathe or just grab a drink at one of the beachfront establishments. Phuket Fantasea, a nighttime cultural theme park with a wonderful cultural show, is also in this area. Also along the west coast are Surin Beach and Nai Thon Beach, both with fine sand, turquoise waters, and a recluse from the hustle and bustle.
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2. I want to be where the people are! For sparkling beaches rivalled only by its buzzing party scene, popular beaches like Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata/Kata Noi Beach won’t disappoint. With golden sand, crystal clear waters, and a number of restaurants, cafés, and bars for whatever you fancy, drinks and dancing await these shores no matter what time of day.
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3. Here for calm waters and magnificent views. Set your sights on the East Coast and bask in Cape Yamu, which has calm waters all year round and also faces Phang Nga Bay. Because of its serene location, this area is home to lots of jaw-dropping villas and fine restaurants.
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4. Up for an adventure! A bit farther from Phuket is Natai Beach in Phang Nga. It’s more secluded than the rest, which works to your benefit because on lucky days, you might just enjoy the view all to yourself! Expect big waves, a cool breeze, and the undeniable urge to unwind.
What to Do in Phuket, Thailand
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1. Get a taste of Phuket’s local dining scene. Head to Phuket Old Town for Sino-Portuguese vibes, delectable street food, hole-in-the-wall restaurants, and mouthwatering local dishes. Bonus tip: every Sunday from 5pm onwards, a beautiful night market takes over Thalang Road, where you’ll find a little bit of everything.
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2. Shop and stroll at Boat Avenue and Porto de Phuket. Located at Cherng Talay, Boat Avenue is Thailand’s first container mall that carries a wide selection of international and local brands, restaurants, beauty and wellness establishments, and more. On Fridays from 5pm onwards, weekly night markets offer street food, arts and crafts, and souvenirs from Phuket and beyond. Right beside it, you’ll find Porto de Phuket, a trendy open-air mall with more stores from kids to sports, dining options, and a supermarket. You won’t regret a stroll down this area, whether you splurge or not!
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3. Stick around for the after hours! For a fun night out, grab a few drinks at Café Del Mar Beach Club (and stay for the fire shows) or Catch Beach Club in Choeng Thale. If you’re feeling adventurous, take a walk down Bangla Road where you’ll find Phuket’s red light district and your choice of beer bars, live music bars, rooftop bars, or go-go bars!