Phuket - The pearl of Andaman Sea

General info

Located 867 km south of Bangkok, Phuket is Thailand's largest island with its shape like an irregular pearl and about 543 km². Therefore, the island is dubbed as the pearl of the Andaman Sea. Phuket is blessed by nature with long blue beaches and white sand, magnificent coves and bays, palm-filled, small surrounding islands, friendly and hospitable people and special seafood.

Phuket has an area of 48km long with the same size as Singapore and its population is about 1.6 million people. In the past, the main industry here is rice cultivation. Nowadays, the tourism is developing and increasing the income for local people.
Not only famous for the beautiful beaches such as are Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn Beach, the island also offers delightful Chinese-Portuguese architecture, numerous sporting and leisure opportunities, a lush tropical paradise. This is an ideal place for sailing, diving, snorkeling, golfing and all kinds of sports and entertainment... etc. All brings visitors plenty of experiences for a truly memorable Thailand trip.

Best time to visit Phuket

Phuket is hot and humid all year round. The best time to go to Phuket is from December to May because at this time there is no storm, the weather is very cool and pleasant. The sea is blue and calm, suitable for outdoor activities, especially beach activities.

However, the time between June and July is also a good time to visit this beautiful island, because at this time, the weather is not too hot. However, please note that the water is not calm in some areas, making it unsafe for swimming or snorkeling.
From August to October, Phuket starts the rainy season. Around this time, fewer tourists plan to visit there.

In November and December, it is the cold season and the weather can tolerate. There is less rainy and if any, short and thunderous rain often occurs in the afternoons and evenings. Surfing is possible on western shores.

Attractive places to visit in Phuket Patong beach

Patong beach is the main and famous beach located West of Phuket. It is considered as a paradise for beach lovers with all facilities and sea sports. Every year, Patong Beach receives millions of visitors from all over the world. Unlike other beaches of Phuket, Patong is not suitable for those who are looking for the peace and relaxation. This beach has a wide range of facilities, facilities for water sports such as scuba diving, windsurfing, water skiing, canoeing, water skiing with tugboat, ... Patong beach is really a destination for dynamic and modern people.

Karon beach

About 20 km from the city, Karon Beach stands out by the long white sand. If Patong is a bustling beach that suits for fun activities, Karon offers a private space for families, couples and small groups. This is also a place where you can experience the feeling of conquering the sky and watching the beautiful sunset from the colorful paragliders on Karon beach.

Karon beach

Kata beach

Located about 20 km from the city center, Kata beach is considered as the cleanest beach and the smallest of Phuket’s three main tourist beaches. This beach differs in appearance and style compared to Karon and Patong. The beach is wide and curved with a variety of corals and fishes that extend out from Poo Island. The weather and water is perfect for swimming.

Kata beach

Karon Viewpoint

Karon viewpoint is located between Nai Han and Kata beach. This place is considered as the best panoramic view of Phuket in Thailand. Just 10 minutes driving from Kata beach, from this viewpoint, you can see all the big and small beaches of Phuket, from Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beach to Ko Pu island. It may be an suitable place for you to admire the stunning views of Phuket at sunrise or sunset.

Karon panoramic viewpoint

Koh Phi phi

Phi Phi Island is known as the star island of Thailand, especially known for its beauty that is hard to resist in the 2000 movie The Beach. Koh Phi Phi Island has all the interesting things waiting for you to explore, from the beach to the caves and beautiful limestone mountains. Besides, Koh Phi Phi also offers you ine of the best dive sites in Thailand, with its crystal clear water and diverse marine life. The island is where you should defenitely visit when coming to Phuket, andstay on the island for at least 1 night to explore the best beaches or party all night.

Koh Phi Phi is one of the best dive sites of Thailand

Phuket Old town

Besides the beauty of the “blue pearl”, while traveling to Phuket, you can admire the serene beauty and ancient of Phuket Old town with a deep history and culture of the first people who came here to live. Old streets with old buildings along the road appeared 100 years ago. Houses and cafes were built in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The old town is not large so it is perfectly possible to walk. It only lasts about 2km, including 6 roads and 2 alleys. Coming here, you can find many Buddhist temples, Chinese-style temples, Catholic churches, Sikh mosques and Hindu temples which show the diversity of Thailand culture.

Night market in Phuket Old Town - where you can try all Phuket delicious specialties.

Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is Thailand's most important Buddhist temple of the 29 temples surrounding the island in Phuket. This Chinese-style temple was built in 1876 during the reign of King Rama V. There are two towers, Luang Pho Chuang and Luang Pho Cham, two beautiful buildings of the temple.

Due to the threshold of the majority of Thais, Wat Chalong is decorated splendidly that makes everyone admire when they first visit.

Wat Chalong

Big Buddha

The large Buddha image of Phuket is one of the most important spiritual destinations and also the famous sights of this beautiful island.

The 45 meters statue is located on Nakkerd hill, between Chalong and Kata. By this length, it’s very easy to see from afar. This excellent location also offers a stunning panoramic view of Phuket island with spacious views of Phuket town, Kata beach, Karon beach, Chalong bay and more places. It’s worthy place for you to visit.

Big Buddha in Phuket

Above are our recommended highlights that you should not miss out when visiting Phuket. But the Phuket discovery will never end at these. Have a self journey to find out where you love most in this Pearl of Thailand.