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 to 5 hours Khai Island Half-Day Tour from Phuket - The attraction Khai Island Half-Day Tour from Phuket is around 4 to 5 hours long, has 33 Reviews, it's based out of Ratsada, Thailand, and this Half-day Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

3 hours 30 minutes Thai Cooking Class in Phuket - The attraction Thai Cooking Class in Phuket is around 3 hours 30 minutes long, has 87 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Karon, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

4 hours 30 minutes Phang Nga Bay and Koh Panyee Sunset Cruise - The tour Phang Nga Bay and Koh Panyee Sunset Cruise is around 4 hours 30 minutes long, has 51 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 in Thailand..

4 to 5 hours Coral Island Half-day Tour from Phuket City - The tour Coral Island Half-day Tour from Phuket City is around 4 to 5 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Half-day Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

8 hours Raya and Coral Island Tour Speed Boat with Lunch - The activity Raya and Coral Island Tour Speed Boat with Lunch is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Tambon Chalong, Thailand, and this Racha Island activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

8 hours Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour - The tour Phi Phi Islands Early Bird Tour is around 8 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Jet Boat Rentals activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

1 hour Simon Cabaret Show in Phuket - The tour Simon Cabaret Show in Phuket is around 1 hour long, has 147 Reviews, it's based out of Kathu, Thailand, and this Phuket Simon Cabaret Show tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

8 hours Small Group Phi Phi Maya Bay & Khai Islands Great snorkeling - The tour Small Group Phi Phi Maya Bay & Khai Islands Great snorkeling is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Maya Bay activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

10 hours John Gray’s Cave Canoeing Tour in Phang Nga Bay - The attraction John Gray's Cave Canoeing Tour in Phang Nga Bay is around 10 hours long, has 15 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Kayaking Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

1 hour 20 minutes Phuket to Ao Nang: Island Transfer by Boat with Hotel Drop-Off - The activity Phuket to Ao Nang: Island Transfer by Boat with Hotel Drop-Off is around 1 hour 20 minutes long, has 5 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Thep Krasatti, Thailand, and this Shark Diving tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Baan Rosa In Bang Tao, Phuket - Baan Rosa can be found in Bang Tao on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 9.3 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, Bar and Restaurant/cafe.

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.

Kamala Cool Hotel In Kamala, Phuket - Kamala Cool Hotel can be found in Kamala on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 8.1 star rating and amenities include: 24 hour Front Desk Service, Parking and Wi-Fi.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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