Phuket Travel, Life & Living 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 hours Phuket Thai Cooking Class Half Day + Local market tour + Thai Fruit tasting - The tour Phuket Thai Cooking Class Half Day + Local market tour + Thai Fruit tasting is around 4 hours long, has 117 Reviews, it's based out of Karon, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

1 day Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Snorkeling from Phuket - The activity Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Snorkeling from Phuket is around 1 day long, has 38 Reviews, it's based out of Chalong, Thailand, and this Snorkeling activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

8 hours Full-Day Kayak Tour of Phang Bay with Pick Up - The tour Full-Day Kayak Tour of Phang Bay with Pick Up is around 8 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

3 hours 30 minutes Phuket Coast To Coast E-Bike Tour - The tour Phuket Coast To Coast E-Bike Tour is around 3 hours 30 minutes long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Choeng Thale, Thailand, and this E-Bike Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

8 hours Full-Day Tour to James Bond, Panyee and Naka Island - The attraction Full-Day Tour to James Bond, Panyee and Naka Island is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Full-day Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

8 hours 30 minutes Phang Nga Bay Cruise with Lunch, Kayak, and James Bond Island - The attraction Phang Nga Bay Cruise with Lunch, Kayak, and James Bond Island is around 8 hours 30 minutes long, has 21 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Speed Boat Rentals attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

5 hours 30 minutes Banana Beach, Koh Hey by Catamaran Phuket - The activity Banana Beach, Koh Hey by Catamaran Phuket is around 5 hours 30 minutes long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Rawai, Thailand, and this Catamaran Cruises attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

6 hours White Water Rafting 5 km, Flying Fox and ATV Adventure - The activity White Water Rafting 5 km, Flying Fox and ATV Adventure is around 6 hours long, has 7 Reviews, it's based out of Song Phraek, Thailand, and this White Water Rafting attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to 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..

4 hours Phuket Private Minivan Service With Driver and Guide - The activity Phuket Private Minivan Service With Driver and Guide is around 4 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket, Thailand, and this Bus 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

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.

Green House Phuket In Paklok, Phuket - Green House Phuket can be found in Paklok on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.3 star rating and amenities include: Laundry service, Wi-Fi and Restaurant/cafe.

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.

@Buasri By Ohm In Patong, Phuket - @Buasri By Ohm can be found in Patong on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.6 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Restaurant/cafe and Wi-Fi.

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.

The Title Beach Front In Rawai, Phuket - The Title Beach Front can be found in Rawai on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.6 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi and .

Patong Rai Rum Yen Resort In Patong, Phuket - Patong Rai Rum Yen Resort can be found in Patong on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.4 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool and Gym.

Orchidacea Residence In Karon, Phuket - Orchidacea Residence can be found in Karon on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.9 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Parking and Wi-Fi.

Kata Pool Apartments In Kata, Phuket - Kata Pool Apartments can be found in Kata on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 8.0 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, Laundry service and Parking.

Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment In Patong, Phuket - Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment can be found in Patong on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 8.3 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Parking and 24 hour Front Desk Service.

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