Islands from Bangkok · Thai Islands
Phuket
The grand island of the Andaman
Island guidePhuket island guideTowns & sights · Beaches · Restaurants · Bars & nightlife · Hotels · Yachts & boats · Things to do · Getting thereOpen the guide
About Phuket
Thailand’s largest island: Phuket Old Town’s Sino-European shophouses, the beaches of the west coast, Laem Phromthep at sunset and the best dining on the coast.
The back story
Phuket grew rich on tin, and its traders, Chinese, Indian, European and Muslim, built the terraced shophouses in the style now called Sino-European along Thalang, Dibuk, Phang Nga, Yaowarat and Krabi roads (TAT).
The west coast
Patong is the busy heart; Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin and Nai Han each have their own character, and the island’s grandest resorts stand on the headlands (TAT).
Our advice: stay on the west coast for the beaches, and spend an evening in the Old Town.
Our advice: stay on the west coast for the beaches, and spend an evening in the Old Town.
Why it's on our list
- Phuket Old Town
- West-coast beaches
- PRU, one MICHELIN star
- Marinas and yachts
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with Phuket before you go.