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Phuket


Entertainment Quality: 3 / 5
Safety: 3 / 5
Nightlife: 4 / 5
Walkability: 3 / 5
Living Standards: 4 / 5
Free WiFi: 4 / 5

Phuket in Prices & Facts

$3.7 $3.7
Quick Lunch for One
Spoken Languages
Thai, English, Russian
$28.5 $28.45
Dinner for Two
Currency
Baht / ฿ / THB

View All Phuket Prices
$1.1 $1.14
Public Transport Ride



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Getting Around

Tuk-Tuk
Tuk-tuks in Phuket are available all day and typically charge between 300-500 THB for short trips around busy areas like Patong and Kata Beach, with negotiation being essential before you hop in. Always agree on the fare beforehand to avoid surprises and consider sharing a ride to save money!
Car
Phuket's Grab app is widely available, offering rides from as low as 100 THB for short trips around Patong Beach and beyond, making it economical and convenient for tourists. Insider tip: use Grab to avoid haggling with tuk-tuk drivers, who often charge inflated rates, especially at night.

Phuket Airports

Phuket International  /  HKT

56 minutes
average time to city center
$30 
Average taxi ride
$3 
bus

Tourist Reviews

All photos and texts belong to their authors
@irina.aksena
« Songkran
💦💦💦💦💦
Songkran, or the Thai New Year, is one of the most joyous and beloved festivals in Thailand. It falls during the night from April 12 to 13 according to the astrological lunar calendar, though it’s celebrated for several days in conjunction with tourists. During the festivities, one of the common practices is to splash water on each other — the more, the better! This leads to its second name, the "Festival of Water."
💦💦💦💦💦
In translation from Sanskrit, "Songkran" means "movement," referring to the change of seasons. The hot season transitions into the rainy season. Historically, a good wet season ensured a rich rice harvest, so it was an important time. The festival dates back to Ancient India but spread throughout Southeast Asia over time.

In Thailand, the festival has gained a spiritual element: people visit temples, make merit, and pay homage to their ancestors. Water has become a symbol and means of blessing, so it is traditionally meant to be pure and definitely not salty seawater. The idea is that water cleanses people of negativity accumulated over the year.
💦💦💦💦💦
How the festival unfolds in our days 🌊
Thais, children, and the youth take to the streets with large buckets of water, squirt guns, and all things that can provide a good drenching. In tourist areas, barrels of water are set up for anyone who wishes to "arm themselves," sometimes for a small fee.
💧 The phrases "Sawasdee pi mai!" (Happy New Year!) or "Happy Songkran" accompanied by cheerful smiles from participants splashing water on everyone, including tourists.

If you decide to hit the streets during these days in Pattaya and partake in the communal joy, make sure to do the following:
- Wear something quick-drying, with a swimsuit underneath;
- Bring dry clothing and a bag to protect your belongings;
- Safeguard your documents and tech — at this time, water-resistant bags are sold at every turn;
- Stay dry if possible, avoid main roads and highways, choosing narrow streets and alleys instead — although that might not always help 😉

Friends, have any of you experienced Songkran in Thailand? How was it? Fun? Or are you planning on making it this time? »
@
« 10 FACTS ABOUT THAILAND

📋 First and foremost, the Thai people are incredibly welcoming. I had a delightful experience with the locals during my visits!

📋 It was a bit nerve-wracking to ride a motorcycle, especially after witnessing a scary accident involving a Thai participant. I opted for a rental bike and quickly got the hang of it on the road, never exceeding 40 mph for my own safety.

📋 In stores, I often encountered attempts to overcharge me, but I remained vigilant and always negotiated. The staff were ultimately friendly and accommodating. The last incident happened at the airport, though it escalated to involving the police 😱.

📋 I stayed at a lovely Airbnb run by an adorable Thai couple who also had a small coffee shop. They made the best breakfast and were so friendly!

📋 Many locals casually enjoy cannabis 🌿, as it’s become a popular way to relax without the need for alcoholic drinks, which can lead to unexpected situations.

📋 One of my trips was to a massage parlor, and I unintentionally ended up with a rather interesting masseuse – let's just say it was quite an experience 😄!

📋 Thailand boasts numerous reggae bars, but keep in mind that narcotics remain illegal here.

📋 The cost of medical procedures in Thailand is considerably lower than in many other countries, making it a favored destination for those seeking affordable healthcare.

📋 Due to the periodic loss of life from falling coconuts, locals often take precautions.

📋 The calendar in Thailand is different from the rest of the world, as they currently use the year 2566. »
@the_dacha_project
« If you're taking a trip to Phuket, not visiting the botanical garden is a huge miss! 🌺 The enormous golden gates lead you into an unbelievably beautiful and serene world. 💚 All the plants are divided into thematic zones. Here, you can find a corner dedicated to American, English, French, Balinese, Japanese, and many other styles. There are over 30 zones in total.

There's also a winter garden where you can see plants that thrive in continental climates. Among the flora in the botanical garden are waterfalls, ponds, and a bamboo house designed in Thai style, various sculptures, and so much more that is intriguing.

I found it strange that there were very few flowering orchids in the garden; perhaps they are currently out of season. 🌸 In the pond, by the palm trees, golden carp are swimming, and for a small fee, you can buy food for them. However, after feeding fish in the Red Sea of Egypt, I’m content just to watch and admire the scene. 😄 I simply took selfies with them! 🤳 »
@foxi_an
« I absolutely love these vibrant photos that make you feel like you're right there and not just snapping pictures 📸. This is one of the best representations of authentic experiences, and why is that? 🤔 Because they show us the real spirit ✨

While in Thailand, we visited a famous theatrical show 🎭. It's a captivating performance featuring three acts that immerses you in the history, culture, traditions, and celebrations of ancient Thailand. Honestly, I enjoyed it dearly—especially the banquet 😂😂 with dishes like Thai 🍜, Indian 🍚, Chinese 🥡, European 🍰, Muslim 🥙, and Japanese 🍣, along with options for vegetarians 🌱 and kids. It filled my soul with joy 🌈🍴.

Before the show, they have a traditional performance ☯️ showcasing local dances 🎶, Thai boxing, soap opera excerpts 🥋 set to the sound of traditional instruments 🎶, and a small light show with fire 🔥.

During the performance, capturing some photos 📵📷 is already a no-go. Throughout the show, there are some surprise elements 💥 that create an even more realistic atmosphere: flying angels 👼🏽, real fog 🌧️ with pouring rain ☔, thunder and lightning ⚡️, and the river 🌊 right on stage...

How do they do it? 😅 What incredible costumes (I've always been fascinated by the décor) are hidden behind this striking design? They mentioned there were more than 500 of them! 🧳🌟

This show fills you with positivity and kindness 🤗, making you want to embrace the whole world 🌍. When the performers finally exit through the hall, at the exit (for example, around $4-5) stand the show’s heroes in their magnificent costumes, ready for anyone wishing to snap a photo together. Nice 👌🏽 »
@alenkinam
« Tomorrow, 16.02.2018, it's the Chinese New Year! And today, the whole city of Phuket is gearing up for the celebration! This morning, I woke up to the sound of firecrackers. It seems that today all the Thai people are preparing to meet the New Year, cooking delicious food, cleaning their homes, and making sure that evil spirits don’t come and spoil their celebrations. They are welcoming the New Year with firecrackers and red decorations! Today, firecrackers can be heard everywhere! Our neighbors already set off 4-5 firecrackers! I also decided to share a beautiful photo with red decorations 🌺. Also, today all the hotels have been fully booked! In the place where yesterday there was only one dark pink flower, today there are two lotuses and a bunch of yellow fish, 2 white ones, and little black ones. The atmosphere of the festivity is everywhere! P.S. I forgot to mention that the red firecrackers today went off 6 times, lasting about 2 minutes. What will the evening be like... »
@kolllka
« Somehow, we ended up far from Phuket 😤
There are so many people on all the beaches, and the taxis are ridiculously expensive. It's a bit annoying, especially when you realize how high the prices for housing are compared to other places like Pattaya 🚀
The cost of a room just a 20-minute walk from the beach, in a small, unremarkable hotel, equals the price of two-bedroom apartments with a larger base and a gym around the beaches in Pattaya. Plus, we already have familiar spots here, including a very nice kids' garden ❤️‍🧡🧚‍♀️
In general, we’re flying to Bangkok soon ✈️ and hopefully won’t come back here 😆

By the way, in the last photo, you can see that people are only going to the beach on a chain to swim on the right side. That’s because there are no rocks there, and you can just walk into the sea. It’s the only paid beach we found, which we reached with two transfers because we really wanted to swim in the beautiful water 🤣  »
@karasolga88
« Phuket is an island of contrasts – as you walk through the streets, you can grab street food right there, and nearby folks are selling deep-fried snacks or grilled chicken. The locals here are really friendly, especially with kids – they just love them! After visiting Dominica, where officials wore white shirts, it’s amusing that in Thailand they seem to be playing a different tune. 😄 I’m here on my second day...

As for the food, we were afraid it’d be quite spicy, but my husband and I are lovers of all things hot – the food seems pretty standard to us! 😜 »
@olesyalady
« In Phukettown, I absolutely love exploring the extraordinary old buildings. Here, they are commonly referred to as shophouses, as the first floor is typically dedicated to shops or cafes, while the upper floor is essentially the living area.

This is tied to an old property tax system that was calculated based on the building's width, while the length and number of floors were not taken into account — hence the Thai locals came up with this economical option. With this, the area of shophouses became vast, yet the tax remained manageable. A downside to such architecture might be the absence of side windows, but honestly, this hardly distracted me at the time.

The main distinction of local shophouses from those found elsewhere, particularly in Southeast Asia, is the beautifully adorned facades. Historians explain this phenomenon through the blend of Chinese and Portuguese architectural styles that you can clearly see here. 😊 »
@novikov_oleja
« It started off scary, but it turned out awesome! This place is in Phu Quoc, May Khai Beach. The international airport is nearby, and as a result, there are often flights landing just like city buses in a big city. »
@anastasiya_sungatullina
« Absolutely don’t want to leave this place 😍
Here we are leaving so many things unfinished and promising to come back, maybe not in the nearest future, but definitely in the not-so-distant future 😉
I still haven’t checked out the slides 🤣 »
@elechka_77
« The beach near the airport is definitely not the best place to swim, mainly because the plankton makes it difficult, but you can still get some epic photos like "airplane in hand" or "airplane on the head."

Also, there were great views from the top where the Big Buddha statue is located. The sight of the half of the island from there is unforgettable, and the temple itself is truly magnificent. »
@di_rayanovna
« Prom Thep Cape is the most southeastern point of Phuket. From here, you can enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets on the island. The locals call it Prom Thep (in Thai, it means "Cape of God"), but it was previously known as "Leam Jao" ("Cape of the God"). 🌅 »
@ms_kayuda161
« I have never felt this way while traveling before... usually, it's like this... I spend my weekends relaxing and enjoying myself, everything makes me happy, but after a week here, I started to think about what I want to take home... and then, suddenly, everything changes. I felt like leaving everything behind and flying back home with tears in my eyes... I've never wanted to escape back so much! This country captured my heart from the very first day, with its countless charming faces and the aroma of Thai cuisine. 😍 You can't even imagine how everything comes together. 😌 And the locals... they radiate warmth every moment, with no malice or grudges... they truly "delight in little things." 😊 I fell in love with every nook on the island, every little street... I'm grateful to my husband for convincing me to fly here. 🙏 I miss it already. 😘

Enjoy the little things! 😍 »
@keith_pro
« The power of relaxation 💪🏽
❗️On the small island beaches, you can have such a great time, whether on land or in the water. At any moment, you can gaze at something beautiful while enjoying yourself 🤩
Such scenery captures my soul 🌅🍹🍃 »
@guzel_lashes_73
« It's simply incredible, such vivid emotions... today we swam together with these wonderful animals, I'm completely in love with them. »
@aleksandrabutterfly
« I'm not saying goodbye to Asia for long! Every trip leaves me with new impressions. This vacation, like the others, will stick in my memory. However, for the first time, I'm quite dissatisfied with many aspects. Since I don't want to fall out of love with the country, I'm determined to come back! 😊 »
@ryabush_ka_
« Only a few days left until the end of the vacation... It's so wonderful here, and I'm savoring every moment... 🌴😊 »
@natali_3004
« This is the place where I feel great! There’s no such thing as a bad mood, lack of sleep, fatigue, or any of that stuff! I enjoy every hour spent here. 😊✨ »
@lishvanova
« I remember our fun month in Thailand! So warm, so sunny, so joyful. I want to go back with the same crazy energy as in carefree childhood. 🌞💖 »
@stasya_na
« My husband found a photo from Phuket on his phone. And of course, nostalgia hit us hard. Oh, how wonderful it was! Evening walks along the beach, mango cocktails, shrimp, and so much delicious food. 🌅🍹🍤 »
@yanaruban
« Friends, sorry, but I can't stop myself from this spam) I honestly didn't expect Thailand to leave such a positive impression on me, considering the rather mixed reviews. It's quite possible that a lot depends on the hotel, the beach, the area, but everything came together perfectly for me! Great country and amazing vacation) Instead of spending years listening to negative reviews, as I did, just go with your gut and everything will turn out great! 😊 »
@tripbest.ru
« Elephants? Who loves elephants? 🐘 Everyone loves elephants! 😹 Look at this happy one I captured! Have you ever heard an elephant laugh? 😹 In Phuket (and many places in Thailand), there are plenty of elephant farms where you can just show up and feed baby elephants bananas for about $5, or you can go for a ride on them. Riding an elephant is a must at least once in your life! The tactile sensations are hard to describe – it's a fascinating kinesthetic experience – the skin of an elephant is both soft and rough and tough at the same time. 😧😼 You always feel like you might fall off or the elephant might tip over, but they control everything! ☝️😼🐘🔥 »
@tripbest.ru
« Typical Thai Muay Thai trainers look just like this. Don't underestimate them – each has over 200-300 PRO fights under their belts, and when they hit the bag, the sound echoes for miles! These guys are definitely made of steel. The thing is, visual muscles (like biceps) hardly play a role in strikes, so there’s little connection between "gym rat" and "fighter." One doesn’t exclude the other, but it doesn’t always follow from it. Most of the striking power comes from the ability to shift body weight from feet to hands (or "invest" in your legs), giving total weight acceleration (this is where the muscles come into play). What's fantastic about a Thai group training session is that it's only group in name - for 20-30 people, there are about 10-12 trainers, so there's always someone watching you throughout the training. How much does it cost? Peanuts! It's around $5 for 2 hours, private sessions about $12. In major cities, similar levels start from $40/hour. How to get started? Just show up, hand over the money, and jump into the ring! 💪😼 »
@justkotch
« You just need to wander a bit off the main streets, and almost instantly, the street vendors, the tuk-tuk drivers offering cheap rides, the bustling crowds, and all that chaos just vanish. This is a different side of Thailand, one for the locals. The food is different, the prices in shops catering to residents are lower, and there's no queue or pushy street salespeople. It's fascinating to just stroll around for an hour or two, taking in the facades of buildings with remnants of the 2004 flood, the laid-back locals, and children finding joy in the simplest things. You’ll discover little shops and cafes that you won’t find in the touristy areas. 🏙️✨ »
@6iny
« How I long to be by the sea)) for example, in Thailand. We had an amazing ten days there in November 2013. That's when I realized why so many people are in love with this country :) »
@love_pattaya
« Today we reminisced about Phuket, and I instantly thought of the Phi Phi Islands. They're simply stunning... it feels like stepping into a movie with amazing CGI...😍🌊 This place should be on every traveler's list! You get to see those limestone cliffs... watch locals climb them using bamboo ladders for bird nests... and visit that crowded beach where "The Beach" was filmed...😅 »
@katya_kogut
« I'm in paradise ;) Emotions are overflowing! The beauty here is incredible! I've already fallen in love. The flight was smooth, and the 9 hours went by in a blink! The stunning island of Phuket greeted me with bright sunshine, unreal heat, and, of course, smiles! It's the "Land of Smiles," and I feel like I’ve landed in the perfect place because I also love to smile, and it’s definitely mutual! I stroll down the street, and I’m constantly... »
@alexandra_shlegel
« We're having such a great time here that we don't even have time to take photos! 😊 »
@trustmeiamnetesova
« Phuket was definitely a transit stop for us. The island felt quite messy. No need to argue about the places or whatever. The airport and the check-in desk for our flight to Bangkok—just no comments on that. »