Phuket Travel Tips: Beaches, Island Hopping, When to Go & Hotels

Why Phuket?

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and much more than Patong: in the south and along the west coast there are quiet beaches like Kata, Karon and Nai Harn, and in the north near Mai Khao almost empty stretches of sand. I was there in winter, when we're sitting in fog at home and it's 30 degrees in Phuket.

The best part is the boat trips: the Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island, snorkelling off Racha Yai. You book them the day before on the beach or online in advance – the prices are similar, but cancelling is easier online.

I stayed at the Mission Hills Golf Resort in the north of the island – quiet, with a golf course and close to the airport; the hotel page tells you more. Phuket combines well with Bangkok: a one-hour flight, city first, then the beach.

My tips for Phuket

Avoid Patong if you want peace and quiet – Kata Noi or Nai Harn are twenty minutes away and a different world.
Go island hopping on a small speedboat rather than a big excursion boat: fewer people, more time on the beaches.
Phuket Old Town on a Sunday evening: night market on Thalang Road among the Sino-Portuguese houses.

Book excursions

Tours & TicketsViator – guided tours, day trips and admission tickets in Phuket; usually free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Car HireDiscover Cars – compare every rental company, fully comprehensive cover with no excess available as an add-on.

Where to stay?

Kata or Karon for beach and restaurants within walking distance; Nai Harn or Mai Khao for peace and quiet; the resorts in the north for golf.

Hotels I know personally and describe on their own pages: Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort.

Find accommodation in Phuket

I almost always compare hotels, apartments and guesthouses on Booking.com – with genuine reviews and usually free cancellation.

View accommodation in Phuket Compare on Hotels.com Holiday rental on Vrbo

Affiliate links: if you book I earn a small commission – the price stays the same for you, and sometimes you even get an extra discount. Hotels.com is worth it for comparing prices and for the loyalty programme (every tenth night free), Vrbo for holiday homes and apartments.

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