Phuket

Thailand's largest island offers stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to some of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. It's the perfect base for tropical adventure.

Phuket skyline
Best time to visit

Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Essentials

Currency: THB
Language: Thai
Timezone: Bangkok

Average temperatures
Jan 31°Feb 32°Mar 33°Apr 33°May 31°Jun 31°Jul 30°Aug 30°Sep 30°Oct 30°Nov 30°Dec 31°

Things to do

Island hop to Phi Phi IslandsSnorkel at Maya BayExplore Phang Nga Bay by longtail boatVisit Big Buddha viewpointRelax on Kata BeachEnjoy Phuket Old Town

Local cuisine

Pad ThaiGreen curryFresh prawnsThai iced tea

The Phi Phi Islands are a group of stunning limestone islands with crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and vibrant coral reefs. Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, is the crown jewel.

Travel Tips for Phuket

Best Time to Visit

The ideal months to visit Phuket are November, December, January, February, March, April, when the weather is at its most pleasant for sightseeing and outdoor activities. During these peak months, you can expect average highs of around 30°C in November, 31°C in December, 31°C in January, 32°C in February, 33°C in March, 33°C in April. Temperatures across the year range from 30°C to 33°C, so pack light, breathable clothing if you're visiting in the warmer months and don't forget sun cream. Right now in May, the average high in Phuket is 31°C.

Getting There

From the UK, you can reach Phuket in approximately 13h (with connection). As this involves a connection, it's worth comparing routes to find the most convenient stopover. Booking in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can help you find better deals and shorter layovers.

Money and Language

The local currency is the THB. It's a good idea to exchange some currency before you travel or withdraw from ATMs on arrival. Card payments are becoming more common, but carrying cash is recommended for local markets, street food, and smaller businesses. The main language spoken is Thai. While you may encounter some English speakers in tourist areas, learning a few basic phrases in Thai will go a long way and is always appreciated by locals.

What to Expect

Thailand's largest island offers stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and easy access to some of the most beautiful islands in Southeast Asia. It's the perfect base for tropical adventure. Whether you're interested in island hop to phi phi islands or snorkel at maya bay, there's something for every type of traveller. Phuket is also known for its food scene, with local specialities including Pad Thai, Green curry, Fresh prawns. With 6 months of great weather, Phuket is a fantastic year-round destination.

Popular Activities in Phuket

Phuket offers a fantastic range of activities for every kind of traveller. From cultural experiences to outdoor adventures, here are the top things to do during your visit.

Island hop to Phi Phi Islands

Hop between paradise islands and discover your favourite.

Snorkel at Maya Bay

Dive beneath the surface to discover vibrant marine life.

Explore Phang Nga Bay by longtail boat

Wander through and discover hidden gems at your own pace.

Visit Big Buddha viewpoint

A must-see attraction that draws visitors from around the world.

Relax on Kata Beach

Unwind and let the stress of everyday life melt away.

Enjoy Phuket Old Town

Sit back and savour one of the destination's finest offerings.

Food & Drink in Phuket

No trip to Phuket is complete without sampling the local food and drink scene. From street food to sit-down restaurants, there's an incredible variety of flavours to discover. Here are some dishes and drinks you absolutely must try:

Pad Thai

The signature dish of Phuket that every visitor should try at least once.

Green curry

A beloved local favourite that showcases traditional flavours and techniques.

Fresh prawns

Ask any local for their recommendation and you're in for a treat.

Thai iced tea

A delicious way to round off your culinary exploration.

Practical Information

Everything you need to know before travelling to Phuket. Use this quick-reference guide to help plan your trip.

Currency

THB

Language

Thai

Timezone

Bangkok

Visa (UK citizens)

No visa required for UK citizens (up to 30 days)

Best months to visit

Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr

Temperature (May)

31°C average high

Flight time from UK

13h (with connection)