The name Phuket instantly conjures pictures of beautiful white sand beaches, stunning clear waters and coconut palm trees to mind. But Phuket has much more to offer than just pristine beaches. The island city is a paradise for solo travellers and anyone looking to experience the Thai nightlife, or for families seeking a more interesting break than your classic beach holiday. A private villa will let you relax and discover Phuket at your own pace.
Getting to your Phuket accommodation
Phuket is situated on an island just off the coastline of Thailand. The majority of people arriving in Thailand will fly into Bangkok. Once you are in Bangkok, you will need to fly or take a train to Phuket. It is possible to drive, but the roads in Thailand can be challenging and the distance is over 800km.
The fastest way to get to Phuket is to take a short flight from Bangkok. A number of airlines, including Bangkok Airways, Thai, Thai Smile, and Nok Air all offer direct flights to Phuket. Once you land, you can take a taxi or hire a car to get to your accommodation in Phuket. The alternative option is to take a train from Bangkok to Surat Thani and a bus the rest of the way to Phuket. The train journey takes about a day, and the bus from Surat Thani to your luxury villa in Phuket covers a distance of about 250km.
Where to eat in Phuket: a street food paradise
Thailand is known for its delicious and spicy food. The best way to discover the local delicacies is to go to street stalls or to street food markets.
Try the traditional Tom Yang Goong, a spicy sour soup. This dish is usually accompanied with rice or noodles, however if you are sensitive to spices, do not try this dish as this is one of the spicier! For a milder soup, try the Kanom Jeen, a chicken, vegetables and lemongrass soup in coconut milk. This is perfect for you to get accustomed with spices while the coconut milk makes it more flavorful.
Phuket is also known for its tasty curries such as the Gaeng Keaw Wan Gai, a green curry chicken cooked with two types of eggplants or the mild coconut curry Massaman curry served with steam rice or noodles.
Get a quick snack and taste the delicious Por pia, a meat, prawns, vegetables and rice noodles spring roll. The por pia are served with an oily sauce to dip in, definitely not a healthy snack but still a must-try before leaving Phuket!
Family holidays in Phuket
Phuket is a family friendly destination and there is plenty to do to keep your kids entertained! Visit the Phuket aquarium and learn more about the local marine life. Walk through the underwater tunnel and head to the touch pool for a close encounter with marine life.
Head to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary to feed the elephants and find out why you should not ride any. This is a safe place for elephants to enjoy a tranquil life.
Featuring three attractions, FantaSea is a cultural theme park with shows inspired by Thai culture and heritage. The shows are mixing ancient dances and traditions with state-of-the-art light and music effects. This is a wonderful place that will blow your mind.
Discover Phuket's nightlife
Phuket nightlife is one not to be missed! For a food treat, head to the Naka Market, a favourite amongst locals. The market also features curious stalls of animals and vintage collectibles. For a more international night, visit the Bangla Road and its trendy and quirky bars and restaurants.
A visit to Thailand is not complete without a visit to one of the ladyboy shows so make sure to visit the famous Simon Cabaret for a fun night.
Phuket's top sights
Take a boat tour Phang Nga Bay to see the famous limestone cliffs that rise vertically above the emerald water. Here you can visit Koh Ta Pu, which was used in the filming of a James Bond movie, or enjoy a relaxing lunch at the floating village of Koh Panyee.
Discover the vibrant nightlife along Bangla Road in Patong. This road is home to the biggest collection of bars and nightclubs in Phuket and is a visual wonderland with the bright lights of clubs beckoning in every direction. Keep an open mind and a sense of humour, and you'll have a blast exploring the sights and sounds of Bangla Road.
With pale sands and clear waters, you're sure to find your perfect piece of paradise among Phuket's 30 beaches. Choose between lively party beaches with plenty of bars and restaurants or the peaceful, secluded coves in the north of Phuket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should I expect to pay for a holiday letting in Phuket?
Prices for Villa and Apartment rental for holidays in Phuket start at $27 per night.
How many holiday accommodation offers will I find in Phuket?
Visit Phuket in March for the greatest choice of accommodation. This is the month during which the largest amount of Villa and Apartment rental are available.
What holiday rental amenities do people typically look for when visiting Phuket?
In terms of holiday home amenities, travellers visiting Phuket most often look for Pool, Air conditioning and Internet.
How many accommodation offers are there in Phuket?
You can browse 39,922 holiday lettings in Phuket, and find great deals from $27 per night.
Are pets permitted in holiday accommodation in Phuket?
There are 2,826 pet-friendly holiday accommodation offers in Phuket, costing $579 per night on average.