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Kata Beach, Phuket

No. 47 Top 100 City Destinations 2025

Phuket

Thailand

Thailand's biggest island: Andaman Sea beaches, a colourful old town and island-hopping trips.

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Photo: ADwarf, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview

Phuket is No. 47 in Euromonitor International's Top 100 City Destinations Index 2025. Thailand's largest island lies in the Andaman Sea off the country's south-west coast, linked to the mainland by a bridge.

Its west coast is lined with beaches, from busy Patong to quieter bays, while Phuket Town has a historic centre of Sino-Portuguese shophouses. It is also the main base for boat trips to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands.

Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Thalang Road, Phuket Old Town
Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Thalang Road, Phuket Old Town. Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0, source

Best time to go

November to April is the dry season, with calm seas and the best beach weather; it is also the peak season.

From May to October the south-west monsoon brings rain and rough seas on the west coast, but prices are lower.

Top sights

  • 1

    Beaches

    Patong is the busiest, with lively nightlife; Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn are calmer.

  • 2

    Phuket Old Town

    Thalang Road and its neighbours are lined with restored Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and a Sunday walking street market.

  • 3

    Big Buddha

    A 45-metre white marble Buddha on a hilltop, with views over the south of the island.

  • 4

    Wat Chalong

    Phuket's most important Buddhist temple, with a tall pagoda.

  • 5

    Promthep Cape

    The island's southern tip is a popular spot for watching the sunset.

  • 6

    Phang Nga Bay

    Boat trips weave between limestone islands, including Khao Phing Kan, known as James Bond Island.

  • 7

    Phi Phi Islands

    Day trips by boat visit the islands' beaches, snorkelling spots and Maya Bay.

Getting there

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is in the north of the island, with domestic and international flights. The drive to the west-coast beaches takes 45 minutes to an hour or more.

Long-distance buses run from Bangkok, a journey of about 12 hours.

Getting around

Public transport is limited. Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab and Bolt are widely used; agree taxi fares in advance.

Renting a scooter is popular, but you need a valid licence and a helmet, and roads can be dangerous.

Practical tips

Currency
Thai baht (THB). Cards are accepted in hotels, malls and larger restaurants; carry cash for markets, street food and small shops.
Language
Thai. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Safety
During the monsoon, strong rip currents are common; swim only where lifeguards are present and obey the red flags. The Tourist Police can be reached on 1155.
Visa & entry
Citizens of 60 countries and territories, including the US, the UK, Canada, Australia and most EU countries, can visit Thailand visa-free for tourism for up to 30 days (the earlier 60-day exemption ended on 15 September 2026). All foreign visitors must complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) online at tdac.immigration.go.th within 72 hours before arrival.
Power
220 V, 50 Hz; plug types A, B, C, F and O.

Official information: Tourism Authority of Thailand (official tourism website). Check opening hours, prices and entry rules there before you go.

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