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

1 day Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Snorkeling from Phuket - The activity Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Snorkeling from Phuket is around 1 day long, has 38 Reviews, it's based out of Chalong, Thailand, and this Snorkeling activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

6 hours 10 minutes Phuket Private James Bond Island Longtail Boat Tour - The tour Phuket Private James Bond Island Longtail Boat Tour is around 6 hours 10 minutes long, has 37 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Ko Panyi, Thailand, and this James Bond Island tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

8 hours Full-Day Tour to James Bond, Panyee and Naka Island - The attraction Full-Day Tour to James Bond, Panyee and Naka Island is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Full-day Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

5 hours Koh Khai Islands Premium Tour with Transfer - The tour Koh Khai Islands Premium Tour with Transfer is around 5 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Snorkeling tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

9 hours Small-Group Canoeing Day Tour with Lunch, Phang Nga Bay - The activity Small-Group Canoeing Day Tour with Lunch, Phang Nga Bay is around 9 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

1 hour Aerial Yoga Class in Kata, Phuket - The tour Aerial Yoga Class in Kata, Phuket is around 1 hour long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Karon, Thailand, and this Yoga Classes activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

9 to 10 hours Phuket Phang Nga Bay Island-Hopping Day Trip with Sunset Views - The activity Phuket Phang Nga Bay Island-Hopping Day Trip with Sunset Views is around 9 to 10 hours long, has 10 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Pa Klok, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

4 hours Phuket Island Introduction Tour Half Day - The activity Phuket Island Introduction Tour Half Day is around 4 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Half-day Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

8 to 9 hours Thailand Islands Tour by Speedboat - The tour Thailand Islands Tour by Speedboat is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 83 Reviews, it's based out of ตำบล เกาะแก้ว, Thailand, and this Jet Boat Rentals activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

10 hours Blu Anda Catamaran to Phi Phi from Phuket - The attraction Blu Anda Catamaran to Phi Phi from Phuket is around 10 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Catamaran Cruises tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

See all Phuket Tours

Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

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.

Grande Elegance Serviced Apartment In Patong, Phuket - Grande Elegance Serviced Apartment can be found in Patong on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.9 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi and Parking.

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.

Rabbit Mansion2 In Patong, Phuket - Rabbit Mansion2 can be found in Patong on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.6 star rating and amenities include: Parking, Wi-Fi and .

Casuarina Shores Apartment In Bang Tao, Phuket - Casuarina Shores Apartment can be found in Bang Tao on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.9 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Gym.

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.

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.

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.

Surin Loft by Holiplanet In Surin, Phuket - Surin Loft by Holiplanet can be found in Surin on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.9 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, and Gym.

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