Phuket
Thailand’s largest island has seen large scale development and attracts huge numbers of tourists every year. The 2004 tsunami had a major impact on Phuket, both personal and financial, but the island has bounced back and has re-established itself as a favourite destination for Thai and overseas tourists.
Where to Stay
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The beaches and bulk of the accommodation lies on the west coast of the island. Phuket Town towards the south-east of the island is the main urban area with some of the cheapest accommodation. The town does have regular daytime transport to and from the beaches, but not so at night.
Patong Beach
The best known of Phuket’s beaches and the busiest and most developed. Plenty of accommodation choices, restaurants, shopping and entertainment.
Karon Beach
A quieter option than Patong situated 5 miles to the south, but still with an abundance of accommodation choices.
Kata Beach
Kata Yai and Kata Noi (Big Kata and Small Kata) are separated by a small headland. There is less in the way of accommodation than Patong or Karon.
Kamala Beach
Very tranquil with no major hotel development being undertaken here. Despite its lack of hotels the area is popular with long-stay tourists and the area has evolved into a pleasant community.
Getting To Phuket
From Overseas
Some airlines and tour operators operate direct international flights to Phuket, avoiding the need to transfer at Bangkok.
From Bangkok
Air
Flights are 1 hour 20 minutes.
Road
12-14 hours by bus from Bangkok’s Southern Bus Terminal. Although it’s an island, a road bridge connects Phuket with the mainland.
Train
No train service to Phuket. The best option would be train to Surat Thani and then bus (5-6 hours) across to Phuket.
Getting Around
Mini-buses from the airport to Phuket Town are approximately 100 Baht per person. To Patong, 150 Baht and to Kata and Karon 180 Baht. Private taxis to Phuket Town 400 Baht, Patong 550 Baht, Kata and Karon 650 Baht.
In Phuket Town there are plenty of taxis and motorcycle taxis. Minimum taxi fare 50 Baht. In addition, micro-buses run around town for a fare of 10 Baht. To get from the town to the beaches, there are regular daytime buses/songthaews. In the evening a trip from the town to Patong will mean hiring a tuk-tuk and negotiating a fare (at least 220 Baht).
Weather
Phuket has two seasons; the hot season from November-April and the rainy season May-October. September and October are the wettest months. November-February heralds the peak tourist trade coinciding with the most comfortable weather and pleasant sea breezes.
| Month | Average Minimum Temp. °C |
Average Maximum Temp. °C |
Average Rainfall (mm) |
Average No. of Days with Rain |
| Jan | 22 | 32 | 42 | 6 |
| Feb | 22 | 33 | 30 | 4 |
| Mar | 23 | 33 | 60 | 6 |
| Apr | 24 | 33 | 157 | 12 |
| May | 25 | 32 | 345 | 22 |
| June | 25 | 31 | 286 | 21 |
| July | 25 | 31 | 284 | 20 |
| Aug | 25 | 31 | 272 | 20 |
| Sept | 24 | 30 | 417 | 23 |
| Oct | 24 | 30 | 351 | 23 |
| Nov | 23 | 31 | 188 | 16 |
| Dec | 23 | 31 | 71 | 9 |
