Guide to Luxury Holidays in Phuket
With its awe-inspiring mix of activities and attractions, Phuket is loved by families and honeymooners alike. Whether you choose to relax on the beach, swim in the turquoise water, or experience the authentic facets of Thai culture, luxury holidays in Phuket are sure to live long in the memory. Home to pristine white sand and alluring azure water, Phuket has established itself as Thailand's most beloved tropical destination for those wanting both relaxation and revelry. Along with idyllic beaches guaranteed to take your breath away, Phuket also has cultural highlights, stunning landscapes, and hedonistic pleasures that will amaze and enchant in equal measure. Surrounded by the aquamarine Andaman Sea where jutting peninsulas and craggy rock formations perfectly frame coastal vistas, Phuket is Thailand's biggest island in terms of size, standing, and seduction. Its rich variety of lively bars, boutique hotels, and luxury spas allows all types of traveller to enjoy their own slice of paradise. Spend your hours relaxing on a beach, sunbathing and swimming or choose to explore all four corners of Phuket for an unforgettable insight into island life. Take in the epic sunsets at Promthep Cape, search for tranquillity beneath the Big Buddah, or set sail over Phang Nga Bay...its all possible in Phuket.
With temperatures hovering around 30 degrees throughout the year, you're always guaranteed warm weather in Phuket. To avoid monsoon season, consider visiting between November and March. During this time, the Andaman Sea is also known for being calm as a lake. Outside of peak season, the weather remains quite warm but is often tempered by cooling sea breezes. Most activities are on offer year round too, whether you fancy hiking through dense unspoilt forests or pampering yourself at a luxurious spa resort.
British passport holders arriving by air or land into Thailand can stay for up to 30 days without a visa. Your passport will need to be valid for a minimum period of 6 months though.
Thai cuisine, particularly in Phuket, reflects the diversity of the country's history, culture, and inhabitants. Food is typically flavoured with coconut milk, citrus and spices, whilst most menus will feature traditional pad thai and red curries amongst other national staples. During the day, great-value street eats enable you to snack with the locals. By night, international fine dining is possible at several of Phuket's high-end restaurants and resorts, where freshly caught fish and seafood will be laid out on ice, ready to be grilled.
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Resorts & hotels in phuket
The best hotels in Phuket, in walking distance of the live music and neon lights, or away from the crowds on a soft sand beach
While Phuket’s sublime ocean views often take centre stage, our collection of Phuket hotels and resorts have also been chosen for their gorgeous style, location, and a standard of service that makes them stand out from the rest. Retire to a five-star retreat just ten minutes from boisterous Patong, where glorious sunsets and spa treatments await if you want a break from the action. Discover a home-away-from-home in a villa shared with friends or family, or escape to a lavish resort where you can find everything you need without leaving the manicured grounds.
Our recommended Phuket hotels
Kamala Beach
With long stretches of pristine white sand and calm azure waters, simply relaxing on Kamala Beach is enough of an activity in Phuket. If you feel like your day needs more purpose, you can still take it easy by visiting one of Phuket's many luxurious spas, where an authentic Thai massage awaits.
Party in Patong
Even if you don't dance the night away or party until the early hours, checking out the neon-lit Patong is an essential after dark activity. Countless bars and clubs are located along this 2.5-mile stretch of beachfront, particularly down Bangla Road, where fire-spitters, magicians, samba dancers, and other street performers all vie for your attention.
Phuket Scenery
Phuket's diverse natural beauty has to be seen to be believed. The staggering limestone landscape of Ao Phang Nga National Park is the result of wind, rain, and fault movements over millions of years. At Phuket's southernmost point, Promthep Cape, which translates to “God’s Cape”, is where you'll experience sunsets that evoke a sense of pure serenity.
Discover Thai Culture
Keeping a watchful eye over Phuket from the top of the Nakkerd Hills is the cross-legged Big Buddha, which stands 46 metres tall and 24 metres across. In addition to 360-views over the beaches of Kata and Karon, you'll also see monks praying at this place of worship, which alongside the dharma music, adds an uplifting ambience.
Phuket Snorkelling and Scuba Diving
If you're feeling adventurous, Phuket has an abundance of water sports on offer, both above and below the waves. Snorkelling and scuba diving will unveil the mesmerising marine world, while surfing and parasailing is bound to get the adrenaline pumping. Slow-paced sailing to the breathtaking Phang Nga Bay also makes the most of Phuket's inviting waters.
Thai. English is widely spoken at beach resorts.
Passport and Visas:
• You need a full EU 10-year passport. We recommend that the expiry date is at least six months after your arrival back in the UK.
• You only need a visa if you’re staying longer than 30 days (29 nights), and you can get one from the Thai Embassy.
Events & Festivals:
January
Phuket International Boat Show
Join an illustrious crowd in the Royal Phuket Marina as people peruse yachts to buy.
February
Phuket International Blues Rock Festival
See performances from artists from Thailand, Australia and America at this two-night event.
Phuket Chinese New Year
The island’s celebrations include a Chinese opera and delicious food.
June
Laguna Phuket International Marathon
Runners tackle a 42.2km route along sandy bays and rubber plantations.
July
Phuket Film Festival
Watch fascinating films, attend workshops and meet film-makers at this entertaining festival.
November
Laguna Phuket Triathlon
In this thrilling race, contenders tackle a swim, cycle and run through tropical surroundings.
December
Phuket King’s Club Regatta
This thrilling boating event is Asia’s leading yacht race.
Tipping:
Tip porters and hotel staff if you’re happy with their service. If a service charge isn’t added to your restaurant bill, tip 10-15%.
Best time to visit Phuket
Climate & Weather
| Day time maximum temperature | Night time minimum temperature | Average water temperature | Average rainfall | Average amount of sun hours | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 31°C | 22°C | 28°C | 48mm | 8h |
| February | 32°C | 23°C | 28°C | 34mm | 8h |
| March | 32°C | 23°C | 30°C | 84mm | 8h |
| April | 32°C | 25°C | 30°C | 173mm | 8h |
| May | 31°C | 25°C | 30°C | 307mm | 6h |
| June | 30°C | 25°C | 30°C | 228mm | 5h |
| July | 30°C | 25°C | 28°C | 235mm | 5h |
| August | 30°C | 25°C | 29°C | 280mm | 5h |
| September | 29°C | 24°C | 29°C | 413mm | 4h |
| October | 30°C | 24°C | 29°C | 309mm | 5h |
| November | 30°C | 23°C | 29°C | 205mm | 5h |
| December | 30°C | 23°C | 29°C | 52mm | 5h |
