About
Phuket, which is 867 km or a one hour flight from Bangkok, is Thailand’s largest island and the country’s only island province.
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which dates back over 500 years.
Today, Phuket is Thailand’s major tourist destination. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life and the island itself is blessed with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.
Phuket Town also has some wonderful examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture. The dream of escaping to an idyllic tropical island becomes a reality on Phuket; Thailand’s island paradise in the Andaman Sea.
Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 km wide by 48 km long, the island has excellent roads and infrastructure whilst still retaining most of its original natural beauty. The landscape is one of lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted with a dozen or more spectacular beaches.
Unspoiled stretches of fine white sand are found along the entire west coast of the island. Each sun-drenched beach has a character and charm of its own, and is separated from its neighbours by picturesque headlands and backdrops of wooded hills. Lapping the shore are the sparkling warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea which are perfectly safe for swimming for much of the year.
FAQ
* Population: Phuket’s 2023 population is now estimated at 449,389. In 1950, the population of Phuket was 23,170. More than 115,000+ expats also reside in Phuket (pre-COVID).
* Tsunami: Phuket was heavily impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. Around 250 people died on the island.
* Future Transport: The Phuket Light Rail Transit, or Phuket Tram, is currently under construction. The tram will have 24 stations and connect Phang Nga province with Phuket City. The tram is expected to start running by 2026, maybe.
* Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7 (No daylight saving time, same UTC offset all year)
* The IANA time zone identifier for Phuket is: Asia/Bangkok.
* Sunrise: 06:15
* Sunset: 18:05
* Day length: 11h 51m
* Solar noon: 12:10
* Population: 386,605 (2015)
* University: Phuket Rajabhat University
* ISO 3166 code: TH-83
* Alternate Names: Phuket, Phuket Island
* Time zone: The time zone id for Phuket, Thailand is Asia/Bangkok.
* Currency: Currency in Phuket, Thailand is THB (Baht)
* Elevation: 10 meters
* Nearby Airports: Phuket International Airport (HKT) offering both domestic and direct flights to Phuket
* Phoning Thailand: 0011 + 66 + area code + local number
* Thailand Country Dialling Code: +66
* Phuket’s Area Code: 76 (Or 076 for local)
* Location: Andaman Sea
* Coordinates: 7°53′24″N 98°23′54″E
* Latitude: 7.8833333
* Longitude: 98.4
* Area: 576 km2 (222 sq mi)
* Island Length: 50 km (31 mi)
* Island Width: 20 km (12 mi)
* Average Annual Rainfall: 315 mm
* Holidays: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Chakkri Day, 6 April; Songkran Day, mid-April; Coronation Day, 5 May; Queen’s Birthday, 12 August; Chulalongkorn Day, 23 October; King’s Birthday, 5 December; Constitution Day, 10 December. Movable holidays include Makabuja Day, Plowing Festival, and Visakabuja Day.
* Shopping Malls: Central Festival Phuket, Jungceylon, Tesco Lotus, Big C
* International Hospitals: Bangkok-Phuket Hospital, The Phuket International Hospital, and Mission Hospital.
* Land measurments (In Rai, Ngan and Wah). A) 1 Rai = 4 Ngan (or 1600 Sq.m.). B) 1 Ngan = 100 Wah (or 400 Sq.m.). C) 1 Wah = 4 Sq.m. D) 1 Acre = 2.5 Rai E) 1 Hectare = 6.25 Rai
Charity
Phuket charities, Orphanages and animal welfare rehabilitation centres on Phuket, and in Asia. You can also help, donate and contact directly by visiting our supported charities on our ‘Tsunami Day‘ page.
Besides the above we also bring awareness to all credible charities and volunteer organizations on Phuket and Thailand. To see a full list please visit our Thailand and Phuket charities and volunteer organizations guide page.
Shopping
Here you will find an in-depth guide to Phuket’s shopping. From Phuket boutique shops and shopping centres to the vibrant night markets and your daily mini market needs.
Bottom line is that Phuket island is a shopaholic’s paradise! The island has a great variety of shopping, from bustling open-air village food markets, noisy night markets, street stalls and local shops to western-style department stores and up-market specialist boutique shops. Prices naturally vary, going from amazing bargains to credit card-melting designer labels. More details
Eco-friendly
Being Eco friendly around Phuket means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. While Phuket homes and Hotels may not pollute or cause massive deforestation as much as the world’s logging, mining and beef cattle ranchers do, Palm plantations, over construction and population increases on Phuket has stripped away the natural habitat, polluted the streams, rivers and ocean, and the diesel and petrol cars, motorbikes and coaches have filled the air with massive amounts of of CO2 emissions. This must change.
As of 2000, 60% of Phuket was tree cover. From 2001 to 2021, Phuket lost 7.50kha of tree cover, which is the equivalent to a 23% decrease in tree cover since 2000. This lost, or deforestation, is due to over tourism, palm / rubber plantations, logging and population increases, which intern brings a massive increase in over construction, loss of habitat and wildlife, and the ever increasing amount of vehicles on the roads.
The Eco-friendly way of life is becoming increasingly important, as we need to protect Phuket, and the rest of our planet from more human-made damage, and respects the environment and wildlife, and not destroy it.
Our comprehensive guide covers all aspects in our life, including; Planting a LOT more tree, using non toxic cosmetics or cleaning products and renewable energy sources, to help locals, expats and tourists make a contribution to reducing climate change effects, and being more eco friendly in our daily life. Read more
Trending Activities & Tours
Top 10 Trending Activities On Phuket
10 to 11 hours Highlights of Ko Phi Phi & Khai Islands: Khao Lak Day Tour - The tour Highlights of Ko Phi Phi & Khai Islands: Khao Lak Day Tour is around 10 to 11 hours long, has 14 Reviews, it's based out of Kukkak, Thailand, and this Maya Bay tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
10 hours Nang Yam Thai Cooking Experience Full Day Tour, Museum & Samet Nangshe Viewpoint - The attraction Nang Yam Thai Cooking Experience Full Day Tour, Museum & Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is around 10 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Kata Noi Beach, Thailand, and this Full-day Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
8 hours Phuket Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Snorkel Tour - The activity Phuket Full-Day Phi Phi Islands Snorkel Tour is around 8 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Phi Phi Islands attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand.. 
8 hours Phuket James Bond Island Day Trip - The attraction Phuket James Bond Island Day Trip is around 8 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this James Bond Island tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand.. 
4 to 6 hours Phuket Full-Day Sightseeing Tour - The activity Phuket Full-Day Sightseeing Tour is around 4 to 6 hours long, has 245 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island.. 
8 hours Full-day Phang Nga Bay Cruise from Phuket - The tour Full-day Phang Nga Bay Cruise from Phuket is around 8 hours long, has 60 Reviews, it's based out of Bang Tao Beach, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
2 hours Phuket Old Town Private Photo Walk - The tour Phuket Old Town Private Photo Walk is around 2 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Thailand, and this City Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket.. 
2 hours ATV-ing through Rugged Phuket - The attraction ATV-ing through Rugged Phuket is around 2 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this ATV Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand.. 
2 hours Phuket Airport (HKT) Arrival Transfer to Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private) - The tour Phuket Airport (HKT) Arrival Transfer to Phuket Hotels (Shared or Private) is around 2 hours long, has 40 Reviews, it's based out of Mai Khao, Thailand, and this Airport & Hotel Transfers activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island.. 
4 hours Phuket Tour to Karon View Point, Big Buddha and Wat Chalong - The tour Phuket Tour to Karon View Point, Big Buddha and Wat Chalong is around 4 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Temples tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand.. See all Phuket Tours
Trending Rentals
Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket
Nice Bangtao Beach In Bang Tao, Phuket - Nice Bangtao Beach can be found in Bang Tao on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Gym. 
Kamala Cool Hotel In Kamala, Phuket - Kamala Cool Hotel can be found in Kamala on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 8.1 star rating and amenities include: 24 hour Front Desk Service, Parking and Wi-Fi. 
Baan Rosa In Bang Tao, Phuket - Baan Rosa can be found in Bang Tao on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 9.3 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, Bar and Restaurant/cafe. 
Ocean12 Chic Hotel In Chalong, Phuket - Ocean12 Chic Hotel can be found in Chalong on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, Spa and Gym. 
Lamai Apartment In Patong, Phuket - Lamai Apartment can be found in Patong on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 6.9 star rating and amenities include: Concierge service, Spa and Medical Service. 
The Deck Condo Patong In Patong, Phuket - The Deck Condo Patong can be found in Patong on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi and Gym. 
Sirikul Mansion In Thalang, Phuket - Sirikul Mansion can be found in Thalang on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.5 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, 24 hour Front Desk Service and Parking. 
Mala Apartment In Kata, Phuket - Mala Apartment can be found in Kata on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 7.7 star rating and amenities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Concierge service. 
Studio 77 In Chalong, Phuket - Studio 77 can be found in Chalong on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 8.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Restaurant/cafe. 
Lotus Bleu Resort & Restaurant In Nai Harn, Phuket - Lotus Bleu Resort & Restaurant can be found in Nai Harn on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 9.5 star rating and amenities include: Laundry service, Bar and Restaurant/cafe. See all Phuket Accommodations
