Travel to Phuket

Travel to Phuket

Thailand is home to many beautiful islands and out of all of these, Phuket is both the largest and the most commercial. It has some stunning beaches, a lush mountainous centre, excellent facilities for tourists and good transport links. The island is ideal for families and those tourists who are in search of water sports, good hotels, an abundance of night-time pursuits and some fantastic seafood.

Transportation to Phuket

Phuket International Airport can be found about 40 minutes north of the centre by car. There are a number of daily flights from Bangkok as well as from international cities across the world. Taxis, minibuses and hotel shuttles are available for ground transfers. Alternative transport to Phuket includes buses from Bangkok as well as minibuses from Surat Thani, Krabi, Nakhon Si Thammarat and Ranong.

To get around the island, there are a number of options including the infamous tuk-tuks, songtaews, taxis, motorcycle or cars. The roads however, like many other places in Thailand, are notoriously dangerous and caution should always be taken when driving or riding a bike.

What to see

Most people travel to Phuket for the beaches and the range of water sports of offer here. There are, however, many sights to see including temples and museums. The most famous temple in Phuket is Wat Pra Tong, although many of the smaller, lesser known temples are just as spiritual and beautiful. Also of interest to many is Thalang National Museum. It provides a fascinating insight into Phukets native cultures as well as tracing the history of the Thais on the island.

Sea gypsies, the indigenous people of Phuket, are related to the Malaysian Orang Laut and the southern Thai Sakai tribes. They have a few small settlements on Phuket which can be visited by tourists and are found on Koh Sirey, east of Phuket Town and Rawai Beach, south of Chalong Bay. Visits to some of the larger settlements in Pha Nga Bay are included in many of the islands daytrips.

Daytrips

There are many popular daytrips in and around Phuket, with many of them including trips out on the sea. One of the most popular trips is to the islands of Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Lay, made famous by the film The Beach. The islands are a must-see if you are visiting Phuket. Other popular daytrips include trips to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island.

Activities and leisure

Patong Beach is ideal for tourists looking for a resort which is brimming with good beaches and plenty of water sports. For a quieter beach, try Karon and Kata bays. Bang Tao, Kamala and Hat Nai are perfect for soaking up the sun as well as signing up for scuba diving at the Similan Islands. After-dark entertainment includes: muay Thai (Thai boxing) and the wild Patong nightlife of bars, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, go-go bars and dance shows.

Safety issues

Phuket was damaged in the tsunami, mostly around Patong Beach. The debris has been completely cleared and it is now safe to visit. Always take care when on the beach as there are no lifeguards and the currents can sometimes be very strong. You should always be on your guard against pickpockets as they tend to target unsuspecting tourists. Taking out comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended.