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Phuket holidays: Relax and unwind on Thailand's best beaches
Phuket is the perfect holiday destination. The largest island in Thailand, it has white sand beaches, palm jungles and crystal-clear water. Whether you're looking for a honeymoon destination or a place for family fun, you'll find it here. Spend your holiday chilling on the beach, or explore Phuket as part of a bigger island-hopping itinerary or even an adventurous trip across Asia.
Planning a Phuket holiday: Everything you need to know
Due to its tropical location, Phuket has a rainy season and dry season. The dry season, from November to April, sees the best weather, but flights to Phuket and accommodation are more expensive. In particular, December and January are Phuket's peak season. During the rainy months from May to October, you can enjoy a cheaper holiday, but you'll have to cross your fingers for good weather!
Phuket at a glance
Flight duration (from London): 12 hours 30 minutes, with many routes featuring a stopover
Main airport: Phuket Airport (HKT)
Population: 75,000
Language: Thai, but English is commonly spoken in tourist areas
Currency: Thai baht (฿)
Socket type: Type A and Type C are both common
Time zone: ICT (GMT+7)
The best places to find hotels in Phuket
There are hundreds of hotels in Phuket, so it can be hard to decide where to stay. This is a big island with different vibes, depending on where you go. Some areas are better for family-friendly fun or relaxing days on the beach, while others are strictly for adults only! Here are some of the most popular places to stay in Phuket:
Where to stay for a beach holiday in Phuket
Kata is ideal for a laid-back beach holiday. This resort town is popular with surfers, so if you want to catch a wave during your trip, you're in luck. If you're travelling with the kids, look at the child-friendly beaches of Karon. The shallow waters and small waves make this resort town an excellent option for families. This is where you'll find some of Phuket's best all-inclusive hotels and resorts, perfect for an easy family getaway.
Where to stay in Phuket for a cultural break
Many of the colourful buildings of Phuket Town were built by the Portuguese, so they have a slightly European vibe that's quite different from the rest of Thailand. Explore the narrow alleyways of the town, where you'll find lovely restaurants and bustling markets.
The best things to see and do in Phuket
Phuket is a thrilling destination, packed with plenty of things to do. Spend your evenings enjoying the famous Thai night markets, where you can indulge in some street food or pick up a souvenir. By day, relax on the beach or explore the beautiful natural surroundings. You'll never be bored.
Natural things to see and do in Phuket
Spend a day in Sirinat National Park: The area is home to some of Phuket's best beaches. If you're lucky, you may even see sea turtles on the sand. The beaches here are a popular nesting site between November and February.
Hike up Monkey Hill: You'll enjoy amazing views from above. Hold on tight to your sunglasses, as the resident troops of macaques will sometimes pester tourists.
Visit the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park: Elephant tourism is often problematic in Thailand, but this dedicated sanctuary is home to rescue elephants, and their stories are sure to touch your heart.
Other activities for a Phuket holiday
Go wild at the full moon party: Phuket's Paradise Beach hosts both full moon and half moon parties. These are popular with young travellers from all over the world.
Try your hand at water sports: Phuket is a hotspot for surfing and snorkelling, and many resorts will let you rent a kayak. Thailand's Andaman coast is also home to the best scuba diving in the country, although you'll have to take a boat trip from Phuket.
Enjoy the tasty local cuisine. Thai food has a well-earned reputation as some of the best in the world. If you've got a taste for spicy dishes, you'll love the fiery green and red curries. Can't handle the heat? Opt for a mild stir-fry, and grab a fresh coconut to wash it down.
Discover why the Land of Smiles is the perfect place for your next beach holiday. Book a trip to Phuket today!
FAQs about Phuket holidays
Q: What time of year is it cheapest to fly to Phuket?
A: The low season, from June to August, is when flights to Phuket tend to be very cheap. However, this is also the height of Phuket's rainy season, so it may not be the best time for a blissful beach holiday.
Q: What are the cheapest months to visit Phuket?
A: A trip to Phuket is usually cheapest from June to August, but this is also the rainy season. For a cheap holiday with even better weather, visit in April or May. You'll still get some rain, but it won't be as bad.
Q: How many days in Phuket is enough?
A: It's a good idea to spend at least four to seven days in Phuket. This will give you enough time to soak up the culture and enjoy the beaches. Some people enjoy a full two weeks of relaxation on Phuket's beaches, while others prefer combining a few days there with a trip to Bangkok.
Q: Which airline flies direct to Phuket from the UK?
A: Thai Air and British Airways both offer direct flights to Phuket from London. However, you'll usually find more flights to choose from if you take a stopover in Bangkok or in the Middle East.
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