Phuket Travel Guide: Beaches, Islands and Nightlife

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and its most popular beach destination, an easy gateway to the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea. It mixes lively resort strips with quiet coves, making it suit everyone from party-goers to families with young children.

From the Gulf, there are convenient one-stop connections from Dubai and Doha, and many travellers combine Phuket with a few days in Bangkok. Visa-free or visa-on-arrival entry keeps the logistics simple, and the island's airport sits close to the main beach areas.

Choosing your beach

Phuket's west coast is lined with beaches that differ greatly in atmosphere. Picking the right base shapes your whole trip, so choose carefully before you book.

• Patong is the busiest, with nightlife, shopping, watersports and crowds
• Kata and Karon are family-friendly with a relaxed, laid-back vibe
• Kamala and Surin are quieter and noticeably more upscale
• Nai Harn in the south is scenic, peaceful and beautifully framed by hills

Island hopping

The real magic lies just offshore. Phuket is the launch point for some of Thailand's most famous islands, reachable on day trips or longer overnight stays.

The Phi Phi islands, with their towering cliffs and clear lagoons, are the headline act and deservedly popular. Phang Nga Bay, dotted with limestone karsts and the famous James Bond Island, is best explored by longtail boat or sea kayak. For fewer crowds and superb diving, the Similan Islands are a rewarding option in season.

Phuket Old Town

Away from the beaches, Phuket Town reveals a different and often overlooked side of the island. Its Sino-Portuguese shophouses, painted in soft pastel shades, line streets full of cafes, galleries and colourful street art.

• Wander Thalang Road for the prettiest heritage architecture
• Visit the Sunday walking street market for food, crafts and live music
• Sample local Phuket dishes shaped by the island's Chinese heritage

Nightlife and entertainment

Patong's Bangla Road is the epicentre of Phuket nightlife, a loud strip of bars, clubs and cabaret shows that runs late into the night. It is lively and not to everyone's taste, so choose your base with this in mind.

For something calmer, the beach clubs along the west coast offer sunset cocktails and a more relaxed scene. Cultural shows, night markets and seafood dinners by the water provide family-friendly evening options well away from the main party strip.

Getting around

Phuket has limited public transport, so most visitors rely on taxis, ride-hailing apps or hired scooters. Distances between beaches can be longer than they appear on a map, so plan journeys with some buffer time.

• Agree taxi fares in advance or use a ride-hailing app where available
• Only ride a scooter if you are experienced and properly insured
• Hiring a car gives the most freedom to explore the quieter southern beaches

Best time to visit and Gulf tips

The dry season from November to April brings calm seas and the best beach weather. The monsoon from May to October is greener and cheaper, but the sea can be rough and some boat trips pause for safety reasons.

• Halal restaurants are common, as Phuket has a notable Muslim population
• Several mosques serve the island, particularly in the central and northern areas
• Modest beachwear is fine, and resorts are relaxed about dress codes
• Phuket is well set up for families, with plenty of halal-friendly dining

Frequently asked questions

How many days do I need in Phuket?

Four to five days lets you enjoy a beach base, take an island-hopping trip or two, and see the old town at leisure. Add more if you want to dive or visit the further islands like the Similans.

Which beach is best for families?

Kata, Karon and Nai Harn offer calmer water and a relaxed atmosphere well suited to families, comfortably away from the intensity and late nights of Patong.

Is halal food easy to find?

Yes. Phuket has a sizeable Muslim community, so halal restaurants and food stalls are widely available, especially outside the main tourist strips and in the local towns.

With its spread of beaches, world-class island trips and options for every kind of traveller, Phuket remains a top tropical pick. Choose your base wisely and the Andaman Sea will take care of the rest.