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

2 hours Simon Cabaret Show Ticket - The activity Simon Cabaret Show Ticket is around 2 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phuket Simon Cabaret Show activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

5 hours Phuket Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour - The attraction Phuket Private Half-Day Sightseeing Tour is around 5 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Kathu, Thailand, and this Half-day Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

10 hours Krabi Islands by Big Boat and Speedboat from Phuket - The attraction Krabi Islands by Big Boat and Speedboat from Phuket is around 10 hours long, has 5 Reviews, it's based out of Pa Tong, Thailand, and this Jet Boat Rentals tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

4 hours 18 minutes Phuket to Koh Lanta by Ao Nang Princess Ferry via Ao Nang - The tour Phuket to Koh Lanta by Ao Nang Princess Ferry via Ao Nang is around 4 hours 18 minutes long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of tambon Rassada, Thailand, and this Ferry Services attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

3 hours Rainforest Zipline Adventure Tour in Phuket - The tour Rainforest Zipline Adventure Tour in Phuket is around 3 hours long, has 9 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Ziplining activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

8 to 9 hours Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat with World Famous Maya Bay - The attraction Phi Phi Island from Phuket by Speedboat with World Famous Maya Bay is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 6 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Maya Bay activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

1 hour 30 minutes Quick & Easy Small-Group Thai Cooking Class in Phuket - The activity Quick & Easy Small-Group Thai Cooking Class in Phuket is around 1 hour 30 minutes long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

2 days Phuket Freediving 2-Day Course With Racha Yai Boat Tour - The activity Phuket Freediving 2-Day Course With Racha Yai Boat Tour is around 2 days long, has 23 Reviews, it's based out of Rawai, Thailand, and this Freediving attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

9 hours Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat - The attraction Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat is around 9 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Speed Boat Rentals tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

3 hours Phuket Nui Beach Private Photo Shoot - The tour Phuket Nui Beach Private Photo Shoot is around 3 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Photo Shoots activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

See all Phuket Tours

Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

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.

Studio 77 In Chalong, Phuket - Studio 77 can be found in Chalong on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 8.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Restaurant/cafe.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort In Nai Yang, Phuket - Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort can be found in Nai Yang on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 7.5 star rating and amenities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Bar.

Raya Rawai Place In Chalong, Phuket - Raya Rawai Place can be found in Chalong on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.8 star rating and amenities include: Laundry service, Concierge service and Wi-Fi.

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.

See all Phuket Accommodations