Phuket Holidays

All-night partying is a big draw for many travellers, but there are lots of other things to do in Phuket, too. From jungle trekking to taking lessons at PADI diving schools, there's a host of adventures to be had on the island.

• Love animals? Head into the mountains and discover Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town. Also known as Monkey Hill, this is a place where you can meet hundreds of cheeky monkeys in their natural environment, while also enjoying breathtaking views across the island from the amazing viewpoint.
• If you’re visiting for romance, one of the best things to do in Phuket is take a trip to Promthep Cape, right down on the island’s south coast. The views here are second to none, offering a great opportunity for you to gaze across the Andaman Sea all the way to the distant palm-lined islands.
• No traveller can afford to miss a trip to Phuket Town, the capital of Phuket Province. This is the heart and soul of the island, with bustling market stalls, speeding tuk-tuks, and some of Thailand’s top attractions, including the opulent Wat Chalong Buddhist temple, and the unusual Trickeye Museum.
• If you prefer to take things at a slower, quieter pace, there are plenty of places in Phuket where you can find a bit of tranquility away from the hustle and bustle. The Big Buddha statue in Chalong has a lovely serene atmosphere, while the moving Tsunami Memorial Park in Kamala is a wonderful place for some peace.
• Phuket also has a lot of family friendly attractions for anyone travelling with young children, especially amusement parks. Splash Jungle Waterpark boasts all sorts of flumes and rapids, while Phuket FantaSea has fun for all ages, with a tiger jungle adventure, entertainment centre, and stage shows.

Whether you’re a keen foodie looking to sample new dishes, or you prefer favourites from back home, Phuket won’t disappoint when it comes to food, and the cost of eating in Phuket is very low.

• The Old Town in Phuket City is home to some of the best restaurants in Phuket. From breakfast and brunch to lunch and dinner, you’ll find all sorts of establishments offering a wide range of dishes. The food in Phuket reflects the cultural influences of the island, with Chinese, Malay, and Thai tastes and spices.
• For breakfast, be sure to hit up the Gallery Cafe by Pinky in the Old Town, where you can enjoy a good old classic English fry up, or something more local such as Thai porridge. This is a tiny, quaint restaurant where the artwork and wall murals are just as interesting and colourful as the items on the menu!
• If you’ve got a spot of jetlag on your first morning and can’t sleep well, you’ll be pleased to hear that Boonrat Dim Sum in Chang Wat opens as early as 5.30am some days! And it’s never empty, even at that time in the morning, with locals flocking here for their morning dumplings and delicious steamed buns.
• For lunch, it’s got to be the Blue Mango Bar & Grill in Patong. The menu is a blend of Thai cuisine and Italian/Mediterranean flavours, with dishes using as many locally sourced ingredients as possible. For a dining experience to remember, sit on the terrace; here, you’ll enjoy stunning views across the bay.

Phuket family holidays make it easy for everyone, young or old, to join in with the fun. There are lots of fun family things to do in Phuket, with a great selection of top attractions for children of all ages.

• If your little ones are desperate to try their hand at surfing, but aren’t quite ready to be out in the open water, Surf House Phuket is the answer. There isn't even any wind to knock them off balance! While the kids attempt to stay upright in the flowrider, mum and dad can relax a little in the bar. Everyone wins!
• For even more water-based fun (but without the technical skills needed at Surf House!), head to Splash Jungle Waterpark, where kids can ride the super bowl, jump up and down in the wave pool, or take a family raft ride. There are great restaurants and swim-up bars here, too, so why not make a full day of it?
• Burn some rubber at the Patong Go-Kart Speedway, where all the family can race around the track to see who’s the fastest. There’s a huge range of kid karts, adult karts, and even 2-person karts if your little ones don’t fancy racing on their own. There’s also an off-road dirt track for driving buggies, too.
• And for kids that really can’t sit still, the Mid-Air Circus Arts Academy is incredible. This amazing gymnastics centre, a part of the British International School, offers lessons for kids in trapeze, aerial silks, aerial hoop, and many other aerial arts… and some events are free, so it’s worth keeping an eye out.

Phuket has a vast and rich cultural heritage, with Indian, Chinese, and European influences, from both trade and immigration. The result is a bustling, diverse, and unique cultural experience like no other.

• Buddhism is woven into everyday life in Phuket, with temples such as Wat Chalong offering a fascinating glimpse into the splendour and traditions of this ancient tradition. You’ll also find that you regularly brush shoulders with orange-robed monks as you’re strolling along the streets of Phuket.
• If you’re travelling to Phuket in October, you may be lucky enough to be on the island for the 10 day annual Vegetarian Festival, held in Phuket Town. This celebration of Phuket’s food and arts features fortune tellers, firecrackers, and street performers, and has a really colourful carnival atmosphere.
• To experience the very best of Phuket culture, you simply need to take a walk around the Old Town in Phuket City. Here you’ll find all sorts of cafes, bars, and restaurants that draw upon the historical influences of the region, serving up some fantastic dishes and cocktails with local flavours.

Phuket is home to more than 40km of perfect stretches of sand, with many of the beaches protected as part of the island’s national parks. The huge number of beaches means there’s something for everyone.

• Patong Beach and Karon Beach are considered to be two of the best beaches in Phuket. They’re both incredibly lively destinations, lined with buzzing bars, restaurants, and neon-lit nightlife. These beaches are also excellent places to try out some island watersports, and pick up souvenirs from local vendors.
• If you’re looking for a quieter, more peaceful beach experience, head to the secluded hideaways of Nai Thon and Layan on the north coast, for a serene atmosphere and stunning views. Nai Thon Beach especially has been largely overlooked by developers, so it’s still unspoilt and a true seafront paradise.
• Searching for a little more adventure? No problem! Some of Phuket’s best beaches can only be accessed by boat, making them almost completely isolated from the island crowds. Freedom Beach, which is surrounded by thick rainforest, can be reached in just 25 minutes from the town of Patong.

Phuket is the perfect destination for a non-stop holiday, with plenty to do in the day, and after sundown, too! From cabaret shows and discos to bars and nightclubs, there are lots of after-dark experiences to enjoy.

• Bangla Road is home to some of the very best Phuket Bars, and if it’s an intense, can’t-believe-your-eyes experience you’re looking for, you’ll find it here amongst the neon-lit venues. At night, the road is closed to traffic, making it a safe pedestrian street party where the fun never ends.
• Phuket bar prices are actually quite reasonable, especially in the adrenaline-filled nightclubs dotted around the island. Seduction in Patong is the place to be for a truly immersive nightlife experience, with sound and light shows every night and a whole host of international DJs hosting their own party nights.
• For something quieter, more relaxing, and a little more down to earth, Phuket’s coastline is filled with tiny, intimate, and cozy sunset bars where you can simply sit, unwind, and sample some of the local cocktails. Be sure to try the Siam Sunray, Thailand’s national cocktail featuring spicy chilli pepper!

Phuket Town and Patong boast some of the very best hotels in Phuket for couples, but that doesn’t mean you need to stay in these areas to enjoy a romantic getaway. The entire island is a paradise of passion!

• Exploring Phuket’s incredible nature is a top choice for a couple’s holiday. Tiger Kingdom in Kathu is a fantastic option, along with a trip to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project in Paklok, where you can learn about the hundreds of gibbons that are being treated and cared for before being released into the wild.
• One of the best attractions in Phuket for couples is a trip to the Band Pae Waterfall, located near to the Gibbon sanctuary. Surrounded by tropical greenery, you can cool off from the hot weather in the pools, or pack a picnic to enjoy on the rocks. This is Phuket’s biggest waterfall… though it’s still quite small!
• For views like no other, it’s got to be Promthep Cape, especially at sunset when the orangey glow makes this spot even more atmospheric. Located at Nai Harn Beach, the cape is one of the most photographed destinations in all of Thailand, and with its incredible beauty it’s not hard to see why.
• Many couples also love relaxing and lounging on the beach together. There's nothing you'll need to do except unwind and enjoy each other’s company. Freedom Beach, accessible only by boat, is fantastically isolated from the ‘real world’, while Band Tao Beach is the place to go for picture perfect golden sands.

Which airlines fly to Phuket?

Many airlines fly into Phuket International Airport, located on the north of the island. From the UK, TUI Airways offers seasonal flights to Phuket from Birmingham, London Gatwick, and Manchester Airport.

How long is the flight to Phuket from the UK?

It takes around 12 hours to fly from the UK to Phuket. However, depending on your airline, you may have layovers on your way to the island which could increase the time it takes to reach your destination.

Can you fly direct to Phuket?

TUI Airlines is currently the only airline offering direct flights from the UK to Phuket. Other airlines do offer indirect flights to Phuket, with layovers typically in the United Arab Emirates or in China.

What is the best way to get around Phuket?

For short distances, tuk-tuks are a great experience, although songthaews — the local open air buses — are also fun ways to travel. To travel further, consider motorbike rental which is common on the island.