Phuket Living & Travel Guide

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.

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.

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

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

Top 10 Trending Activities On Phuket

4 to 8 hours Phuket Island Private Minibus Rental with Driver - The activity Phuket Island Private Minibus Rental with Driver is around 4 to 8 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Bus Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

7 to 8 hours Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Private Snorkeling Trip with Lunch - The tour Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Private Snorkeling Trip with Lunch is around 7 to 8 hours long, has 44 Reviews, it's based out of ตำบล เกาะแก้ว, Thailand, and this Phi Phi Islands activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

1 to 2 hours Phuket Private Airport Arrival Transfer Service - The tour Phuket Private Airport Arrival Transfer Service is around 1 to 2 hours long, has 53 Reviews, it's based out of Mai Khao, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

9 hours Small-Group Canoeing Day Tour with Lunch, Phang Nga Bay - The activity Small-Group Canoeing Day Tour with Lunch, Phang Nga Bay is around 9 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

8 hours 30 minutes Phuket: Full-Day Phi Phi Islands, Maiton island Trip by Speed Catamaran - The activity Phuket: Full-Day Phi Phi Islands, Maiton island Trip by Speed Catamaran is around 8 hours 30 minutes long, has 79 Reviews, it's based out of Chalong, Thailand, and this Day Cruises tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

1 hour Private Phuket Return Airport Transfer - The activity Private Phuket Return Airport Transfer is around 1 hour long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Airport & Hotel Transfers attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

8 hours Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Tour with Phuket Hotel Pickup, Lunch - The tour Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Tour with Phuket Hotel Pickup, Lunch is around 8 hours long, has 11 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

40 minutes Phuket Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel - The attraction Phuket Airport Arrival – Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel is around 40 minutes long, has 45 Reviews, it's based out of Mai Khao, Thailand, and this Private Transfers activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

1 hour 10 minutes Phuket: Phuket Airport Transfer – Private Mini Van - The activity Phuket: Phuket Airport Transfer - Private Mini Van is around 1 hour 10 minutes long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket, Thailand, and this Airport & Hotel Transfers activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

7 hours 30 minutes Phuket: Full-Day Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Tour with Meals - The tour Phuket: Full-Day Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Tour with Meals is around 7 hours 30 minutes long, has 28 Reviews, it's based out of Mai Khao, Thailand, and this Full-day Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

AQUA Villa Rawai In Rawai, Phuket - AQUA Villa Rawai can be found in Rawai on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 8.4 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Restaurant/cafe and Wi-Fi.

Sea Dream Patong In Patong, Phuket - Sea Dream Patong can be found in Patong on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 7.7 star rating and amenities include: Laundry service, Wi-Fi and Bar.

The WIDE Condotel – Phuket In Phuket Town, Phuket - The WIDE Condotel - Phuket can be found in Phuket Town on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 7.2 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Business centre and Gym.

Dlux Condominium Phuket In Chalong, Phuket - Dlux Condominium Phuket can be found in Chalong on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.4 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi and Gym.

Rabbit Mansion2 In Patong, Phuket - Rabbit Mansion2 can be found in Patong on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.6 star rating and amenities include: Parking, Wi-Fi and .

Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments In Kata, Phuket - Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments can be found in Kata on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 8.9 star rating and amenities include: Pets allowed, Wi-Fi and 24 hour Front Desk Service.

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.

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.

Ozone Condotel Apt 716 In Kata, Phuket - Ozone Condotel Apt 716 can be found in Kata on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.4 star rating and amenities include: Parking, Gym and Wi-Fi.

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.

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