The First-Timers Phuket Travel Guide (2023)
As the biggest island in Thailand and a sought-after destination, Phuket is home to spectacular beaches, ornate temples, exciting night markets and vibrant cuisine. However, when you visit Phuket for the first time it is good to have a guide and some useful tips to save unnecessary hassle, time and money and yet have a good time carrying fond memories of the exciting holiday on this beautiful island.
Travel Formalities
Phuket has the second largest International Airport in Thailand, hence arriving by air is very convenient. Thailand has a visa waiver or visa exemption scheme that permits normal passport holders of certain countries to enter the country, visa-free for 45 days or less. Hence check whether you require a visa to visit Phuket depending on your passport. iVisa.com is a site that can be used to verify this, sometimes you may not need to apply for a visa.
As the travel guidelines for Phuket are constantly changing, have the latest guidelines checked prior to your departure and adhered to the same. Please note that a travel insurance policy with COVID-19 coverage is needed to enter Thailand.
Planning your trip
Considering your main focus of the holiday, whether it is to enjoy the beaches, explore most parts of the island, do some shopping etc decide on the period of travel. As a tropical destination, there are sunny months as well as wet periods in Phuket.
An ideal period for the beaches is late November to mid-April with bright and sunny days and calm seas. This is also the high season for tourists with the months of January and February receiving the highest arrivals, leading to crowded beaches and higher rates at your City Hotel in Phuket. Planning to travel in December or March is better with fewer crowds and better hotel rates to enjoy the beaches too.
With the monsoon season taking place from May to October sunny days are very few and they are unpredictable. This means enjoying the beaches and touring the islands by boat will be quite limited. On the positive side, hotel rates are better, and attractions are less crowded so exploring them will be a pleasure.
Arriving in Phuket and accommodation
To get to your hotel or resort from the airport there are multiple ways, the following are some of the options available.
Smart Bus – This cheap, comfortable, and regular transport service launched in 2018 takes passengers from Phuket International Airport (PIA) to Rawai on the southeast coast on a standard route stopping at designated points such as Bang Thao, Surin, Kamala, Patong, Karon, Kata and ending in Rawai.
Airport Bus – This operates from PIA to Phuket Old Town from where you can take a taxi to your hotel, it is possible to book this service on Bookaway.
Private Transfer – This is an efficient and convenient way to arrive at your hotel as done by many guests from resorts such as NH Boat Lagoon Phuket. Booking can be done through the hotel or on Bookaway.
Taxi from the Airport – Whilst there are taxis you can take from PIA on arrival your many drivers speak only Thai and may not ride on the meter. It is safer to go for a rental car.
For your holiday in Phuket, the popular beach areas are Karon, Patong and Kata along with the suburbs of these main towns whilst for those who appreciate the history and culture of Phuket the ideal is the Phuket Old Town.
Few additional Tips
- Book your hotel stay in advance as late booking, especially during peak months is costly.
- Check the benefits and additional perks given by the hotel such as free shuttle service to the airport and beaches. Happy hour facility in the evening which is complimentary.
- Rather than exchange your foreign currency at the airport opt for money exchange counters in the city.
- Agree on the fare beforehand when riding on tuk-tuks and haggle if appropriate.
- When you do longer trips always carry the address of the location written in Thai