Sitting in the gleaming blue waters of the Andaman Sea is Phuket. With beautiful beaches, lush forests, viewpoints and architecture, this island is truly one of the best things about Thailand.
Getting to Phuket
With plenty of transport options available, getting to Phuket is pretty simple. The island is served by Phuket International Airport, which welcomes direct flights from major cities worldwide. If you’re travelling from Bangkok, you can fly in just over an hour.
Overland transport is available as well – taking the bus or train is a great way to enjoy some scenery.
Ferries also connect Phuket with nearby islands like Phi Phi and Krabi.
Once you arrive on the island, you can get to your resort via taxis, airport transfers and ride-hailing apps.
Best Time to Visit and Places to Stay
The best time to visit Phuket is generally considered to be from November to April. These months bring the most spectacular weather, with dry and sunny conditions – perfect for beach activities and outdoor adventure. May to October is the monsoon season, which brings fewer crowds and, not to mention, lower prices too. The catch is occasional rains and rough seas. While many believe it’s a bad time to visit, it’s not. Phuket is a tropical destination, so the rain doesn’t last more than an hour or so at a time, meaning you can find plenty of sunny spells to head outdoors and enjoy the beaches.
Phuket’s accommodation sector offers diverse options, from budget to high-end stays. Families can enjoy spacious resorts near beaches with plenty of kid-friendly amenities. Some upscale resorts provide everything associated with a lavish holiday, including golfing, and even go as far as offering helicopter transfers. If you want to enjoy all that and more while also experiencing a range of Phuket attractions, consider a place like Anantara Layan Phuket Resort.
Explore Beaches and Islands
For a family beach day, head to Kata, Nai Harn, Karon and Banana beaches. The soft sand and the warm waters create the perfect setting for swimming, snorkelling and letting the kids play by the shore while you take a break. Restaurants and cafes line these beaches, so there’s no chance of you going hungry.
In Phuket, you have the opportunity to explore other beautiful islands like James Bond Island and the Phi Phi Islands. Join a guided island tour to make the most of your time.
Indulge in a Round of Golfing
Sun and sand instantly bring to mind water activities and beach holidays, but Phuket is also a golfing destination. Blue Canyon Country Club is the island’s premier golf venue.
Located just a short drive from Phuket International Airport, Blue Canyon boasts two world-class championship courses designed by the renowned architect Yoshikazu Kato – the Canyon Course, which poses a challenge, and the Lakes Course, which is a little more forgiving.
If you’re the sort of family who goes golfing over the weekend, you’ll love it here. Some resorts arrange trips to Blue Canyon Country Club.
Enjoy Culture Shows and Theme Parks
Phuket is an island steeped in culture, which gives rise to year-round cultural shows. Theme parks, on the other hand, offer a fun experience for both kids and adults.
For a memorable night out, visit Phuket Fantasea and Carnival Magic. Both venues offer packages that include buffet dinners.
Carnival Magic hosts the popular Kingdom of Lights, a 15-acre open-air wonderland with more than 40 million lights. It makes for an unforgettable sight for both children and adults. Your children will love Phuket Fantasea too, which hosts a carnival and offers arcade games to keep them entertained.
As for cultural shows, there are plenty, including Siam Niramit Phuket, Simon Cabaret Phuket, the Junkyard Theatre and Traditional Thai Puppetry.
Learn About Marine Life at Aquaria Phuket
Located under Central Phuket Floresta, Aquaria Phuket is the largest aquarium in Thailand. There are about 25,000 marine animals living here, so it’s an excellent opportunity to learn about ocean life.
The staff are incredibly friendly, sharing their knowledge of marine life at every opportunity. The aquarium is open daily from 10:30 am to 7:00 pm, and there are a few restaurants nearby.
Explore Night Markets
Phuket is famous for its many night markets. They aren’t just for shopping; these places are excellent for experiencing local life.
Head to Phuket Old Town’s night market for a stroll, to take pictures, and to discover Sino-Portuguese buildings. Other markets to visit include Naka Market and Chillva Market, where you can try delicious local food and buy gifts and collectables with Thai significance.
Most markets are open from about 5 pm to 9 or 10 pm, so you have plenty of time to plan a visit.
