Phuket Travel, Life & Living Guide

Hotel Deals Phuket area guide to travel, life & living. From Phuket shopping, local FAQ and charity to being Eco-friendly in Thailand, visa’s and business tips, and property for sale on Phuket.

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

* Phuket province: Phuket consists of the main island of Phuket plus 32 small islands off the coast. Including all these smaller islands, Phuket province has an area of 576 km2 (222 mi2).
* 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

Phang Nga Bay Day Trip to Panak and James Bond Island by Speedboat from Phuket - Phang Nga Bay 7 hours 30 minutes Phang Nga Bay Day Trip to Panak and James Bond Island by Speedboat from Phuket - The attraction Phang Nga Bay Day Trip to Panak and James Bond Island by Speedboat from Phuket is around 7 hours 30 minutes long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Ko Kaeo, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..
Simon Cabaret Show Phuket Entrance Tickets - Phuket Simon Cabaret Show 1 hour 30 minutes Simon Cabaret Show Phuket Entrance Tickets - The attraction Simon Cabaret Show Phuket Entrance Tickets is around 1 hour 30 minutes long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Choeng Thale, Thailand, and this Phuket Simon Cabaret Show tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..
Phuket Small-Group Thai Cooking Class with Extra Dessert - Cooking Classes 4 hours Phuket Small-Group Thai Cooking Class with Extra Dessert - The activity Phuket Small-Group Thai Cooking Class with Extra Dessert is around 4 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of อำเภอเมืองภูเก็ต, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..
Phuket HYPE Boat Freedom Party Cruise with Transfers - Catamaran Cruises 7 to 8 hours Phuket HYPE Boat Freedom Party Cruise with Transfers - The activity Phuket HYPE Boat Freedom Party Cruise with Transfers is around 7 to 8 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Chalong, Thailand, and this Catamaran Cruises tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..
Thai Cooking Class in Phuket - Cooking Classes 3 hours 30 minutes Thai Cooking Class in Phuket - The tour Thai Cooking Class in Phuket is around 3 hours 30 minutes long, has 54 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Karon, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..
Koh Hey Half Day Small Group Tour - Half-day Tours 4 hours Koh Hey Half Day Small Group Tour - The attraction Koh Hey Half Day Small Group Tour is around 4 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Half-day Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..
Phuket - VIP HYPE Luxury Boat Tour - Full-day Tours 7 hours 30 minutes Phuket – VIP HYPE Luxury Boat Tour - The tour Phuket - VIP HYPE Luxury Boat Tour is around 7 hours 30 minutes long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Full-day Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..
Phuket Racha Coral Islands Sunset Dinner Catamaran Trip - Catamaran Cruises 7 to 8 hours Phuket Racha Coral Islands Sunset Dinner Catamaran Trip - The attraction Phuket Racha Coral Islands Sunset Dinner Catamaran Trip is around 7 to 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Catamaran Cruises attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..
Adventure Combo- Rafting 5 Km, Flying Fox, Jungle Walk with Thai Lunch on Sale - Adventure Tours 3 hours Adventure Combo- Rafting 5 Km, Flying Fox, Jungle Walk with Thai Lunch on Sale - The attraction Adventure Combo- Rafting 5 Km, Flying Fox, Jungle Walk with Thai Lunch on Sale is around 3 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Koh Kaew, Thailand, and this Adventure Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..
Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer - 4WD Tours 3 hours Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer - The tour Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer is around 3 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this 4WD Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

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Trending Rentals

Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

The Deck Condo Patong in Patong 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.
Banhalawee in Koh Yao Yai Banhalawee In Koh Yao Yai, Phuket - Banhalawee can be found in Koh Yao Yai on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.0 star rating and amenities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Parking.
Mala Apartment in Kata 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.
Tharawalai Resort in Rawai Tharawalai Resort In Rawai, Phuket - Tharawalai Resort can be found in Rawai on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Laundry service and Gym.
Sea Dream Patong in Patong 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.
Patong Rai Rum Yen Resort in Patong 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.
Lotus Bleu Resort & Restaurant in Nai Harn 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.
@Buasri By Ohm in Patong @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.
Namphung Residence Phuket in Rawai Namphung Residence Phuket In Rawai, Phuket - Namphung Residence Phuket can be found in Rawai on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.6 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Laundry service and Swimming Pool.
The Title KR Beach Condotel in Rawai The Title KR Beach Condotel In Rawai, Phuket - The Title KR Beach Condotel can be found in Rawai on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.5 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Gym and Wi-Fi.

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