Phuket
Pearl of the Andaman
Thailand's largest island: world-famous beaches, limestone islands, Sino-Portuguese old town and warm sea all year round.
About Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island and the gateway to the Andaman Sea. The west coast is lined with sandy bays — from lively Patong to quiet Nai Harn — while the east coast is the launch point for island hopping to Phi Phi, Racha and Phang Nga Bay.
Inland you find rainforest, waterfalls and viewpoints, and in Phuket Town a colourful Sino-Portuguese old town with street food, shrines and cafés. The sea stays warm all year, and the dry season from November to April offers the calmest water.
Quick Facts
420,000
Population
30+ beaches
Beaches
576 km²
Area
Tropical monsoon
Climate
Daylight, UV and air quality in Phuket
Live conditions, updated continuously — sun times calculated for this exact location.
- Sunrise
- 06:17
- Sunset
- 18:25
- Golden hour
- 17:58
- Blue hour
- 18:46
Sources: Open-Meteo and our own solar calculations
Map of Phuket's highlights
Beaches, towns, temples and nature — tap a marker to explore
38 places
Must-See Attractions
Big Buddha
45-metre marble Buddha on Nakkerd Hill with views over the whole south of the island
Wat Chalong
Phuket's most important temple, richly decorated and open to visitors
Phuket Old Town
Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art and street food along Thalang Road
Promthep Cape
The island's classic sunset viewpoint at the southern tip
Phang Nga Bay
Limestone karsts and sea caves, including James Bond Island
Phi Phi Islands
Day trip to turquoise bays, snorkelling and Maya Bay
Beautiful Beaches
Patong Beach
Three kilometres of sand with water sports, beach clubs and nightlife
Kata Noi Beach
Small, calm bay framed by green hills — a local favourite
Nai Harn Beach
Clear water and shade under the trees at the quiet southern end
Freedom Beach
Hidden white sand bay reached by longtail boat
Bang Tao Beach
Wide six-kilometre beach with resorts and beach clubs
Mai Khao Beach
The island's longest and quietest beach, next to the national park
Things to Do
Island hopping
Speedboat and longtail trips to Phi Phi, Coral Island and Phang Nga Bay
Diving & snorkelling
Reefs at Racha and Similan, with visibility best from November to April
Surfing
Monsoon swell at Kata, Kalim and Nai Harn from May to October
Thai cooking classes
Learn curries and som tam with market visits included
Street food in Old Town
Night markets, dim sum and Hokkien noodles in Phuket Town
Spa & wellness
Thai massage and detox retreats across the west coast
Travel Information
Best Time to Visit
November to April (dry season)
Currency
Thai Baht (THB)
Language
Thai, English widely spoken
Visa
Visa exemption for most nationalities
Discover Phuket
Stories and guides about Phuket's beaches, islands and food