Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, and it is very diverse. From parties and ping pong shows to relaxed beaches and great restaurants, there is something for everyone. Plus, from Rassada pier it’s easy to get to many of the Thai Islands. You can also get to Langkawi, an island off of Malaysia.
Weather
May through October are considered rainy season here, so for the best weather, visit between November and April.
Recommendations
If you get the chance, definitely spend some time here. It’s really easy to island hop and Phuket itself is a great getaway. I’ve listed below some of the different areas in Phuket to visit.
Getting There
Getting to Phuket is straightforward. You can fly into the Phuket International Airport from many major cities, including both Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Bangtao
This is the nicer and less touristy part Phuket.
Hotels
To Do
Cherngtalay Village: Cute village with a market and lots of street food.
Sirinat National Park: 30 min north towards the airport, good hikes.
Wat Choeng Thale: Spiritual center of Bangtao.
Restaurants
Bampot Kitchen: European, great bartenders.
DeDos: Chef worked in a 2-Michelin star restaurant in France.
Siam Supper Club: Jazzy, Western food with a good wine list.
The Boat Avenue Villa Market: Cool spot with lots of restaurants and food trucks.
The Corner Restaurant: Casual spot, great food.
Cafes
Phuket Coffee Lab: Not many coffee shops here, but this one is pretty good.
Clubs
Catch Beach Club: Same as above, good during the day and night.
Dream Beach Club: Cool spot on the beach with volleyball courts, a DJ, good food, and a pool.
Xana Beach Club: Fun, swim up bar.
Patong
Patong is the more touristy area, worth seeing but a little seedy. This is where they have all the partying and ping pong shows. You can take a taxi from other parts of Phuket if you just want to go for a night, or there are plenty of nice places to stay here too.
Hotels
To Do
Bangala Road: This is when everything is going on. Great night life.
Restaurants
Acqua Restaurant: Relaxed vibe, Italian food.
Home Kitchen: Really cool venue.
Joe’s Downstairs: Great view.
La Gritta: Italian restaurant on the water.
Sizzle: Great seafood.
Cafes
Hern Coffee and Bistro: Cute spot.
Clubs
Illuzion: EDM music, open late.
Paradise Beach Club: On the beach.
Seduction: Night club.
Old Town
If you want to do some exploring here, the Old Town is cute, and you can find the Big Buddha Statue and Wat Chalong Temple in the Chalong part of the city.
Hotels
To Do
Big Buddha: Over 45 meters tall, one of the biggest tourist attractions here.
Khao Rang Viewpoint: Cool view of the city.
Toh Sae Hill: Lots of monkeys.
Wat Chalong Temple: Huge temple.
Weekend Market: Go in the late afternoon.
Restaurants
Blue Elephant: Amazing food, also offer cooking classes.
Raya: Great food.
Suay: Asian fusion.
Cafes
Feelsion Cafe: Really unique spot found down an alley.
Bars
Music Matter: Live music venue.
Zimplex: Good cocktails.
Karon/Kata Beach
A more relaxed version of Patong with lots of shopping, restaurants and nightlife.
Hotels
To Do
Kata Noi: Small bay near Kata Beach with a nice viewpoint.
Karon Viewpoint: most popular viewpoint in Phuket.
Surf House Phuket: Good beach and surf spot.
Restaurants
Pad Thai Shop: Amazing Pad Thai.
Cafes
Coffee House Cafe: Again, not a lot of options but this one is pretty good.
Clubs
Ska Bar: Live performances.
Kamala
Perfect mix of jungle and beach.
Hotels
To Do
Night Market: On Fridays. This is really it to do other than the beach.
Restaurants
Silk Restaurant: Amazing food.
Cafes
Cafe del Mar: Cool, casual spot on the beach.
Bars
HQ Beach Lounge: Trendy spot with good drink selection.
