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
9 hours Phi Phi Snorkeling Day Trip by Speedboat – Phuket Sail Tours - The activity Phi Phi Snorkeling Day Trip by Speedboat - Phuket Sail Tours is around 9 hours long, has 8 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Snorkeling activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
11 hours Day Trip to James Bond Island by Premium Speedboat includes National Park Fees - The activity Day Trip to James Bond Island by Premium Speedboat includes National Park Fees is around 11 hours long, has 158 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Ko Kaeo, Thailand, and this James Bond Island attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
6 to 8 hours Raya Island / Mai Ton Island Private Boat Tour - The activity Raya Island / Mai Ton Island Private Boat Tour is around 6 to 8 hours long, has 17 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Racha Island activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket.. 
1 day Phuket Small-Group Whitewater Rafting and ATV Tour - The tour Phuket Small-Group Whitewater Rafting and ATV Tour is around 1 day long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket, Thailand, and this White Water Rafting tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand.. 
8 to 9 hours Phi Phi Islands and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat - The tour Phi Phi Islands and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 120 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.. 
9 to 10 hours Phi Phi, Maiton, Khai Island Sunset Romantic Trip By Phuket Seahorse Marine - The activity Phi Phi, Maiton, Khai Island Sunset Romantic Trip By Phuket Seahorse Marine is around 9 to 10 hours long, has 16 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Pa Klok, Thailand, and this Sunset Cruises attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
1 day James Bond Island with Big Boat, Canoeing and Swimming - The attraction James Bond Island with Big Boat, Canoeing and Swimming is around 1 day long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Kayaking Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
6 hours Racha and Coral With Speed Boat Sucuba Dvining With Photo/ Video - The attraction Racha and Coral With Speed Boat Sucuba Dvining With Photo/ Video is around 6 hours long, has 5 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Speed Boat Rentals activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand.. 
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.. 
1 hour Phuket Private Airport Arrival Transfer - The attraction Phuket Private Airport Arrival Transfer is around 1 hour long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Mai Khao, Thailand, and this Airport & Hotel Transfers attraction 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
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. 
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. 
Ban Elephant Blanc Apartment In Kata, Phuket - Ban Elephant Blanc Apartment can be found in Kata on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.3 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, and . 
Royal Kamala Phuket In Kamala, Phuket - Royal Kamala Phuket can be found in Kamala on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.7 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Laundry service and Gym. 
Prince Edouard Apartments & Resort In Patong, Phuket - Prince Edouard Apartments & Resort can be found in Patong on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 8.7 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Gym. 
Majestic Villas Phuket In Nai Harn, Phuket - Majestic Villas Phuket can be found in Nai Harn on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Gym 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 Boutique Phuket In Rawai, Phuket - The Title Boutique Phuket can be found in Rawai on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 8.7 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Restaurant/cafe and Low mobility guests welcome. 
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. 
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. See all Phuket Accommodations
