Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, a place of jarring contrasts where serene turquoise waters collide with the neon sleaze of Bangla Road. The air is thick, hot, and smells of salt spray, grilled squid, and suntan oil. It is lush, mountainous, and surrounded by the Andaman Sea’s dramatic limestone karsts.
For many, Phuket is just Patong Beach—a crowded strip of jet skis and go-go bars. But this is a mistake. Drive 20 minutes north or south, and you find empty beaches, luxury clifftop villas, and the charming, history-filled streets of Old Phuket Town, which looks more like colonial Penang than a beach resort.
The light here is blindingly bright white sand and deep blue water. The noise shifts from the thump of bass music to the gentle lap of waves and the buzz of cicadas in the rubber plantations. It is an island that offers whatever you ask of it: a $500-a-night private pool sanctuary or a $10 hostel with a bucket of rum.
To enjoy Phuket, get out on the water. The real magic is in the surrounding islands (Phi Phi, Similan, Phang Nga Bay). And eat the local “Southern Thai” food—it is yellow, pungent with turmeric, and fiercely spicy.
The perfect plan for Phuket:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Heritage & Views
- Morning: Big Buddha. Go early (8 AM) for the 360-degree view of the island. It’s peaceful.
- Afternoon: Old Phuket Town. Walk Thalang Road. Admire the colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses. Lunch at Raya Restaurant or Tu Kab Khao. Order the Moo Hong (stewed pork belly) and Yellow Curry with Crab.
- Evening: Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai) if it’s Sunday. If not, drinks at The Library (speakeasy). It’s classy and far from the Patong madness.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Island Hopping
- Morning: Phang Nga Bay Tour. Book a sunrise tour to “James Bond Island” to beat the crowds. The limestone cliffs rising from the green water are prehistoric.
- Afternoon: Canoe through the sea caves (Hongs). Lunch is usually on the floating Muslim village (Koh Panyee).
- Evening: Back to Phuket. Sunset at Promthep Cape. It is the most famous sunset spot, so it’s crowded, but the view is worth it. Dinner at Mor Mu Dong (rustic, local, in the mangroves). adventurous food.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: Beach & Chill
- Morning: Nai Harn Beach or Freedom Beach (requires a hike or boat). These are cleaner and nicer than Patong/Kata.
- Afternoon: Relax. Massage on the beach ($10). Coconut water.
- Evening: Patong (Bangla Road). You have to see it once. It’s an assault on the senses. Neon, loud music, ping pong show promoters. Walk through, buy a beer, observe the madness, then leave. Dinner at No.9 2nd Restaurant for good value Thai food.
Weather
High Season (Nov-Mar): Perfect weather. Dry, sunny, calm seas. Expensive.
Hot Season (Apr-May): Very hot. 35°C+. Sticky.
Rainy Season (Jun-Oct): Monsoon. Rough seas (red flags on beaches—do not swim). Cheaper prices, green jungle.
Local Customs
1. Red Flags: If a red flag is flying on the beach, do not swim. Riptides are deadly and kill tourists every year.
2. Temples: Cover shoulders and knees. Take off shoes.
3. Taxi Mafia: Tuk-tuks and taxis in Phuket are notoriously expensive (flat rates, no meters). Negotiate hard or use apps.
History & Culture
Phuket was on the major trading route between India and China, attracting Portuguese, French, and British traders. It became wealthy from tin mining long before tourism. This mix of influences created the “Baba Nyonya” (Peranakan) culture visible in the Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old Town. The 2004 Tsunami devastated the west coast, but the island has fully recovered, albeit with more tsunami warning sirens now visible.
Getting Around & Safety
Grab / Bolt (Apps): Use these. Bolt is often cheaper. Taxis are the most expensive in Thailand.
Songthaew (Blue Bus): Cheap local wooden buses that run between town and beaches. Slow but authentic ($1).
Scooter Rental: Popular, but dangerous. Roads are hilly and sandy. Police frequently check for international licenses (you need a motorcycle endorsement).
Info for Nomads
Phuket has a large expat community, but it is spread out. Rawai (south) is the nomad hub with gyms and cafes. It is social if you stay in the right area.
Workation Vibe
Good internet. Coworking is growing in the south.
- Project Artisan (Layan): beautiful garden cafe, great food, very chill for working.
- Grind Time Co-Workspace (Chalong): Serious coworking for nomads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it more expensive than Bangkok? +
Yes. Phuket is the most expensive part of Thailand. Taxis are pricey. Food in tourist areas is double the Bangkok price. Eat where locals eat to save money.
How do I get to the islands? +
Speedboats depart from Rassada Pier (to Phi Phi) or Ao Por Pier (to Phang Nga). Book transfers through your hotel or local travel agents on the street (negotiate the price).
Is it sleazy? +
Only Bangla Road in Patong. The rest of the island is family-friendly, luxury, or local. You can easily avoid the “red light” vibe if you stay in Kata, Karon, or Old Town.