Phuket Travel Guide 2025 — Complete Deep Guide for First-Time Travelers
Phuket is Thailand’s most famous island destination — a mix of turquoise beaches, mountains, nightlife, luxury resorts, and amazing food. This guide goes deeply into where to stay, real updated prices, transportation, areas to avoid, local tips, and the best time to visit.
1) Quick Facts
Location: Southern Thailand
Airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT)
Best Areas: Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala, Bangtao
Best Time to Visit: November–April
Average Budget: 1,200–3,000 THB/day (mid-range)
Recommended Stay: 3–6 nights
2) Why Visit Phuket
Phuket offers everything in one island:
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30+ beaches with different vibes (party / quiet / family / romantic)
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Luxury resorts with sea views starting only 3,500–5,000 THB/night
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Island-hopping hub to Phi Phi, Similan, Racha
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Big nightlife zone at Patong (Bangla Road)
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Strong transport options (taxis, minivans, motorbikes)
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Huge food scene from Michelin street food to seafood markets
Phuket is perfect for couples, families, solo travelers, and honeymooners.
3) Best Places to Visit in Phuket
• Big Buddha
One of Phuket’s main landmarks, located on a mountain with 360° views.
Price: Free
Transport: Grab / taxi 300–600 THB from Patong
• Old Phuket Town
Colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, cafés, murals, and weekend night markets.
Price: Free
Best time: Evening / Sunday Market
Cafés (recommended):
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Campus Coffee Roaster (60–120 THB)
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The Tent (80–150 THB)
• Promthep Cape (Sunset Point)
Best sunset on the island.
Price: Free
Nearby: Windmill Viewpoint
• Patong Beach
Busy, nightlife-heavy, full of shops, bars, and restaurants.
Best for: First-timers who want convenience + nightlife
Not great for: Quiet trips
• Kata Beach
Popular with surfers, calm area for families.
Surfboard rental: 150–250 THB/hour
Beach chairs: 100 THB/day
• Karon Beach
Wide, beautiful beach, less crowded than Kata.
Perfect for: Couples, families
• Kamala Beach
Quiet upscale beach with beach clubs.
Café del Mar Phuket: 200–600 THB drinks
• Bangtao Beach
Far from Patong but very premium: resorts + restaurants + Laguna area.
Ideal for: Digital nomads, long stays
4) Island Tours from Phuket
• Phi Phi Islands
The most popular day trip.
Price:
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Speedboat tour: 1,200–2,000 THB
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Private speedboat: 11,000–18,000 THB
Includes lunch, snorkeling gear, hotel transfers.
• Similan Islands (Seasonal: Oct–May)
Crystal-clear water, best for diving/snorkeling.
Price: 2,200–3,000 THB
• Racha + Coral Island
Closer to Phuket → less travel time.
Price: 900–1,500 THB
• James Bond Island (Phang Nga)
Famous limestone scenery + canoe.
Price: 1,200–1,800 THB
5) Where to Stay in Phuket
⭐ Patong — Best for Nightlife & Convenience
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Walk to Bangla Road
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Tons of food, shops, massage
Recommended:
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The Kee Resort (2,500–4,000 THB)
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Holiday Inn Patong (2,200–3,500 THB)
⭐ Kata — Best for Surfing & Families
Recommended:
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Chanalai Flora Resort (1,500–2,500 THB)
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The Shore at Katathani (Luxury) (10,000–18,000 THB)
⭐ Karon — Best for Couples
Quiet beach, nice sunsets.
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Mandarava Resort (2,800–4,500 THB)
⭐ Kamala — Best for Premium Quiet Trips
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Hyatt Regency (4,000–7,000 THB)
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InterContinental Phuket (6,000–12,000 THB)
⭐ Bangtao — Best for Long Stays & Luxury
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Banyan Tree (12,000–20,000 THB)
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Cassia Phuket (1,800–2,500 THB)
6) How to Get Around Phuket
Taxi / Grab
Convenient but can be expensive.
Airport → Patong: 600–800 THB
Patong → Kata: 200–350 THB
Minivan
Budget option
Airport → Patong/Kata/Karon: 180–220 THB
Motorbike Rental
Common option, but ride carefully.
Price: 250–400 THB/day
Fuel: 40 THB/litre
Helmet required
Blue Songthaew (Local Bus)
Budget traveler favorite
Price: 20–40 THB
Connects major beaches → Old Town
7) Food & Restaurants
Street Food
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Pad Thai: 60–90 THB
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Fried rice: 60–80 THB
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Mango sticky rice: 80–120 THB
Seafood
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Restaurants at Patong/Karon: 300–800 THB/person
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Seafood Market weight-based pricing
Lobster: 900–1,800 THB each
Tiger prawns: 600–800 THB/kg
Popular Places
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No.6 Restaurant Patong (Thai food)
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Chillva Market
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Central Phuket Food Court
8) Nightlife in Phuket
Bangla Road (Patong) — bars, music, clubs
Clubs:
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Illuzion
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Sugar Club
Drinks:
Beer 80–150 THB
Cocktail 180–350 THB
9) Safety Tips
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Avoid renting a motorbike if inexperienced
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Beware “jet ski scam” → use operators with official vest/ticket
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Keep belongings safe on Patong Beach at night
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During rainy season, waves in Kata/Karon can be dangerous (red flags)
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Always check tour operator licenses
10) Suggested Itineraries
3 Days
Day 1 — Patong + Nightlife
Day 2 — Phi Phi Tour
Day 3 — Old Town + Kata Sunset
5 Days
Add: Racha Island / Big Buddha / Karon Viewpoint
Thailand Travel Guide 2025 — Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
