Should You Visit Phuket?

Is Phuket worth visiting?

Phuket is worth visiting for three to seven days so that you can explore everything that the resort island has to offer. We first visited in 2009 and have returned several times. During our time here, we fell in love with its vibrant energy and world renowned beaches. Phuket is loved by visitors for many reasons, and is routinely on national "best of" lists, including U.S. News Worlds Best Places to Go in 2023. Phuket is one of the most famous islands in Thailand. It's popular with tourists who come to party, swim, and experience the sights and culture. The capital of the island is Phuket City, but most visitors stay at one of the many resorts by the beaches around the island.

Phuket Elephant Sancturary

Reasons to Visit Phuket

Nightlife
The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.

Resorts
It's easy accessibility and larger size make this the premiere resort destination in Thailand. There are five star resorts, family-friendly resorts, and everything in between. Many people use the island as a base for exploring other nearby islands. Any resort or tour company can arrange excursions or activities for guests.

Beaches
The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.

Scuba Diving & Snorkeling
You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.

Food
Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."

Shopping
Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.

The Costs
Depending on your budget, schedule, and travel style, Phuket might be a very affordable destination for you. Check out the travel costs for Phuket here or see if Phuket is expensive here.

Is Phuket worth visiting in the Summer?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 28°C (82°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

The low season for travel in Phuket is during the summer. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the low season you'll still see plenty of other travelers when you visit, but less than other times of the year. Good deals are to be found on hotels and tours because it's not the best time of year to visit.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Phuket looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. This is a great time of year to relax at the beach, enjoy the amenities of a resort, and dance the night away. Also, you'll be able to take in the beautiful scenery.

Is Phuket worth visiting in the Autumn?

Autumn is the shoulder season for travel in Phuket. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 27°C (81°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Phuket looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. You'll find plenty to do during autumn, as you'll be able to admire the wonderful scenery, lounge on the beach, and relax at a luxurious resort.

Is Phuket worth visiting in the Winter?

The high season for travel in Phuket is the winter, so expect to see more tourists than usual. This destination is very popular with tourists, and in the high season it's even busier than usual as this is when most people like to visit. Expect tourist crowds to be very large, and prices to be higher than normal. However, there's plenty to do here this time of year, too.

The weather this time of year is terrific, and averages around 28°C (82°F) through the season. This is one of the main reasons that travelers come, because they are looking for beautiful weather and a fun escape.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Phuket looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. During this season it's fun to experience the cuisine, the nightlife scene, and the beaches. Also, you can relax at a resort and take in the beautiful scenery.

Is Phuket worth visiting in the Spring?

The weather here is somewhat warm for most of the season, with average temperatures around 29°C (84°F). However, this time of year it's also rainy, so it might not be ideal for many activities.

Spring is the shoulder season for travel in Phuket, which means slightly less visitors than in the peak season. This is an extremely touristy destination, so in the shoulder season you'll still see plenty of other tourists when you visit. However, good prices and deals are to be found on hotels and tours.

With the warmer weather, the beach is very popular this time of year. Spend time enjoying the waves and sand during your visit. Resorts are quite popular in the area, so you might want to prioritize staying at one. Many visitors choose to come to Phuket looking for a relaxing vacation, so the resorts have plenty of nice amenities. This is a great time of year to browse the shops, admire the wonderful scenery, and enjoy an evening out. Also, you can check out the beaches and the beautiful resorts.

Things to Consider Before Visiting Phuket

Lots of Tourists
Phuket sees a high number of visitors every year, which means you might have to wait in line and deal with large crowds during your visit.

Not As Family-Friendly
While there are some family activities, it's not as child-friendly as other destinations.

Getting Around
The area is not very walkable, and public transit is not great here, so it might be difficult to get around without arranging your own transportation.

Related

What is Phuket most famous for?

Phuket is most famous for its long sandy beaches, wild nightlife, colorful resorts, and easy access to day tours. The resort island is very popular for its nightlife, resorts, and beaches. It's also known for scuba diving & snorkeling. And many travelers come for the food and shopping, as well. It is often described as party-hard, stunning, activity-filled, and energetic.

What is the most famous sight in Phuket?

The most popular sight in Phuket is The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha) . You can see prices and costs for this and other sights in Phuket on our travel costs page.

Or, see tickets, activities, and tours for The Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha) and other attractions here.

How touristy is Phuket? Is it a popular resort island to visit?

Phuket is a very touristy resort island that attracts travelers from around the globe. Here are some of the most popular activities and tours. (Prices in US Dollars)

• John Gray’s James Bond Island Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking: $99
• Small Group Phi Phi Islands Sunrise Tour with Seaview Lunch: $119
• Private local city tour with english speaking driver: $89
• Phang Nga Bay Island Boat Tour By Speedboat By Phuket Sail Tours: $122
• Full-Day Canoeing Tour by John Gray's Cave in Phang Nga Bay: $125
• Phuket Private Local Guide Customized Sightseeing Tour (8 hrs): $163
• Phuket Coral Island Private Snorkeling Adventure All Inclusive: $262
• The Phuket Rites of Passage Eco Adventure: $67

How long should I spend in Phuket?

The ideal length of time for a trip to Phuket is at least three or as many as seven days. Since Phuket has a variety of activities such as nightlife, resorts, and beaches, most people need this much time to see and do everything here.

If you have a specific amount of time for your trip, see our advice about how much time to spend here: Should I spend 1, 2, or 3 days in Phuket?, Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Phuket?, and Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Phuket?.

More Things to Do in Phuket

• Is Karon Beach Worth Visiting?
• Is Patong Beach Worth Visiting?
• Is Green Elephant Sanctuary Park Worth Visiting?
• Is Phuket Elephant Care Worth Visiting?
• Is James Bond Island Worth Seeing?
• Is Phuket Fantasea Worth Seeing?
• Is The Big Buddha Worth Seeing?
• Is Scuba Diving Worth Doing?
• Is Andamanda Phuket Worth Visiting?
• Is Aquaria Worth Visiting?
• Is Siam Niramit Worth Seeing?
• Is Phuket Old Town Worth Seeing?
• Is Naka Market Worth Visiting?
• Is Wat Chalong Worth Visiting?
• Is Bangla Road Worth Visiting?