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

7 to 8 hours Full-Day Tour to James Bond Island – Phang Nga Bay – 5 in 1 Canoe - The tour Full-Day Tour to James Bond Island - Phang Nga Bay - 5 in 1 Canoe is around 7 to 8 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this James Bond Island attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

1 hour to 1 day Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour - The attraction Phuket Self-Guided Audio Tour is around 1 hour to 1 day long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket, Thailand, and this Nature and Wildlife attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

8 to 9 hours Phuket Full-Day Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Tour - The activity Phuket Full-Day Phi Phi and Bamboo Islands Tour is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 7 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, Thailand..

3 hours Phuket Cabaret Show - The activity Phuket Cabaret Show is around 3 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phuket Simon Cabaret Show attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

8 hours Pai Tiao Private Tour with Phuket Hotel Pickup, Lunch - The activity Pai Tiao Private Tour with Phuket Hotel Pickup, Lunch is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Bus Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

9 hours Phuket Small-Group Phi Phi Premium Sunrise Tour - The tour Phuket Small-Group Phi Phi Premium Sunrise Tour is around 9 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Sunset Cruises activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

8 hours Phuket Full-Day Small-Group Cooking Class With Market Visit - The tour Phuket Full-Day Small-Group Cooking Class With Market Visit is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of ราไวย์, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

5 to 6 hours Phuket Private Customized Sightseeing Tour - The activity Phuket Private Customized Sightseeing Tour is around 5 to 6 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

5 hours Phuket – Hight-Light City Tour - The attraction Phuket - Hight-Light City Tour is around 5 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this City Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

8 hours Phang Nga Bay eco KAYAK tour By Two Sea Tour - The tour Phang Nga Bay eco KAYAK tour By Two Sea Tour is around 8 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

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.

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.

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 .

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.

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.

Bangtao Corner In Surin, Phuket - Bangtao Corner can be found in Surin on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.8 star rating and amenities include: 24 hour Front Desk Service, Restaurant/cafe and Laundry service.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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