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Welcome to our Phuket travel guide! Whether you're planning a relaxing beach getaway or an adventurous exploration of this stunning Thai island, we've got you covered. This page offers information on the best accommodations, top food recommendations, exciting activities, and transport options to help you make the most of your visit to Phuket. Get ready for an unforgettable experience on one of Thailand's most popular destinations!
We had the pleasure of staying at the Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach, located just outside of Patong, and it quickly became one of the highlights of our trip to Thailand. This hotel offers exceptional service, delicious dining options, and top-notch amenities. One of the standout features is the resort’s house reef, where we spent hours snorkeling along the private beach. The reef is teeming with vibrant tropical fish, offering an unforgettable underwater experience right at your doorstep. The resort also serves as an excellent base for exploring the island and enjoying day trips to both Phuket’s coastline and nearby islands.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure to some of Thailand’s most stunning destinations with this expertly curated boat tour. Highlights include the iconic Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach, and breathtaking snorkeling experiences in crystal-clear waters teeming with marine life.
Tour Highlights:
Convenient hotel pickup and a scenic speedboat journey to Bamboo Island, perfect for swimming and snorkeling.
A visit to Monkey Beach for memorable photo opportunities with playful monkeys.
A high-quality lunch at Phi Phi Holiday Resort.
Guided exploration of Koh Phi Phi Don, including snorkeling in vibrant coral reefs.
Stops at Viking Cave and the stunning Pileh Lagoon for off-the-boat snorkeling among tropical fish, turtles, and more.
The iconic Maya Bay, one of the world’s most picturesque beaches.
This premium experience is enhanced by expert guides, like the highly praised “Tuk Tuk” and his team, who ensure impeccable service throughout the day. With all snorkeling equipment, refreshments, and even sea sickness remedies provided, every detail is taken care of. Priced at approximately $100, this tour offers exceptional value for its polished itinerary, expert guidance, and once-in-a-lifetime moments. Perfect for adventure seekers and nature lovers alike, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.
This curated tour blends natural beauty, adventure, and cultural exploration into an unforgettable experience. Starting with a convenient hotel pickup, the journey begins at AA Marina, where your adventure unfolds.
Explore the Hong Islands
Begin with kayaking and canoeing through the serene Hong Islands. Paddle through crystal-clear waters framed by dramatic limestone cliffs and explore hidden grottos while canoeing through caves. The Emerald Lagoon, a tranquil oasis nestled within the islands, is a standout highlight.
Visit Iconic Landmarks
Continue to the fascinating Ice Cream Cave, renowned for its unique stalactite formations, before heading to the iconic James Bond Island, celebrated for its towering limestone formations featured in The Man with the Golden Gun.
Experience Panyee Island
Next, visit Panyee Island, a remarkable floating village built on stilts by the local Muslim community. Explore its unique way of life and marvel at features like the floating football pitch, a testament to the locals’ ingenuity. A delicious lunch featuring regional seafood and traditional dishes adds a culinary highlight to the day.
Relax and Reflect
The tour concludes with relaxation on the tranquil shores of Naka Island Beach, offering a perfect spot to unwind before returning to AA Marina and your hotel.
An Evening Wonder
While this daytime tour is extraordinary, the twilight version adds an extra layer of magic. The glowing plankton tour, where bioluminescent plankton illuminate the waters, is a must-see. This breathtaking natural phenomenon is one we’ll ensure to experience on our next visit to Phuket.This tour delivers an exceptional combination of adventure, culture, and relaxation, making it an unforgettable addition to any Phuket itinerary.
Phuket's Only Ethical Elephant Sanctuary:
Discover the beauty of nature and wildlife at Phuket’s first and largest ethical elephant sanctuary, set within 30 acres of lush jungle. Here, elephants roam freely, foraging, socializing, and bathing in their natural habitat. Visitors can feed these gentle giants and learn about their care, while enjoying a delicious vegetarian meal prepared with locally sourced ingredients. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to connect with elephants in an ethical, humane environment. Watch the video for more details.
Wat Chalong, Viewpoint and Old Town Guided Tour:
Embark on a half-day walking tour of Phuket, immersing yourself in the island's rich culture. With hotel pickup and drop-off included, this tour takes you to the iconic Wat Chalong temple, where you can admire its stunning architecture and serene atmosphere. You’ll also visit scenic viewpoints offering panoramic views of the island’s beauty, before strolling through Phuket’s colorful Old Town, where vibrant buildings and historic charm await. This guided tour provides an authentic taste of Phuket’s cultural heritage and scenic wonders.
Raya Restaurant - Phuket town l 48 New Dibuk Road Phuket Old Town, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand (Michelin Guide Recognised, fairly cost effective and great food)
Day & Night of Phuket - Phuket Town l 1/5 Dibuk Rd. Taladyai, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand (One of our absolute favourites, extremely close to Raya must be a bit of a spot).
Mee Ko Lan - Phuket Town l V9QP+C5C, Tambon Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand (Extremely cheap and delicious. You must arrive early to avoid disappointment.)
Three Monkeys Restaurant - Central Phuket l Mueang Phuket District, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand (touristic vibes, but extremely cool place. A little on the expensive side but food is great and cocktails are even better!)
Chao Leh Kitchen - Patong l 198/8-9 Thawewong Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
Ta Khai - Tri Tang Beach l 88/28 Muen-Ngern Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District Tri Trang Beach / Rosewood Phuket, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
Pine Beach bar - Kamala l 333, 333/3 Moo 3 InterContinental Phuket Resort, Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
The Blue Mango Bar and Grill - Patong l 97 Mhuen Nguen Road,Tri Trang Beach Absolute Twin Sands Resort and Spa, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
12go.asia Is this preferred booking method for long distance train and coach trips around Thailand.
Grab & Bolt are both used widely around Phuket. They're relatively cheap for longer journeys. Although there is a minimum charge for shorter journeys. Our average journey price around Phuket was around 300bhat and that was irrespective of journey time.
Motorbikes Please take care when renting motorbikes. Make sure you always wear a helmet and have an international driving license. Tourists crashing is an very common occurrence on the island.
Airport Transfers Incase of late night/early morning airport transfers we advise to book with GetYourGuide. As Grab & Bolt can be unreliable at those times.
Tourist sims are widely available in Thailand. We used to purchase our DTAC tourist sim card from any 7 eleven before we started using E-Sims. Just make sure you carry your passport or a print out copy of your passport to as it is necessary to purchase a tourist sim card.
E-Sims we now globally use Saily e-sim as it is the most cost-effective and convenient way of staying online while abroad.
Rosewood Phuket is absolutely stunning. The villas are spacious and beautifully designed, with private pools and lush greenery all around—it feels like your own little paradise. The service is exceptional; the staff are warm, attentive, and make you feel so well cared for. It’s far enough from Patong to be peaceful but close enough if you want to explore. It’s pricey, but if you’re looking to splurge on luxury, this is the place. Highly recommend!
Four Points by Sheraton Patong Beach is perfect for a modern, clean stay in the heart of Patong. Great location, steps from the beach, with sleek rooms and a beautiful pool. Feels upscale but still affordable—excellent value for the area!
Sea Pearl Beach Resort Sea Pearl Beach Resort offers a peaceful escape with stunning views, spacious rooms, and a relaxing vibe. It’s a bit away from the hustle of Patong, perfect for a quiet getaway.
