Phuket, Thailand has become one of the world’s best tropical destinations, renowned for its white sand beaches and crystal clear, turquoise waters. Whether lounging on the beach, surfing, snorkeling, scuba diving, or any other myriad of beach activities tickles your fancy, Phuket has it all. Luxury resorts and high end accommodations dominate the island, but even a budget backpacker can find a place to enjoy on Phuket.
Quick Facts
Capital: Phuket City
Population: 321,802
Size: 543 square km. (209 square mi.)
Power Outlets: 220V, 50Hz
Official Languages: Thai
Currency: Thai Bhat
Time Zone: UTC +7
Calling Code: +66
Weather: The climate in Phuket is tropical with consistent average temperatures. Highs average highs of 29-33C (84-91F) and lows of 23-26C (73-79F). Rainy season is May-October and dry season runs November-April.
Cost and Budgeting in Phuket
Phuket is more expensive than most of the rest of Thailand, with the island covered with expensive resorts, hotels, and restaurants. While it is still possible for a backpacker to visit Phuket, it is becoming increasingly difficult to make it on a shoestring budget. One can get by on $30-$35/day, but street food, limited activities, and less than favorable accommodations will be the norm. It is more realistic to set aside at least $50/day for Phuket, more if you plan on eating on out or enjoying the activities that Phuket has to offer.
Phuket History
Phuket was a major point of interest for traders along the India-China trade route in the 17th century. Tin and rubber were the main source of trade for the people of Phuket. Indian, Chinese, Arab, Malay, and Portuguese traders exchanged goods for tin and rubber, and in the 1680’s, the Dutch, English, and French competed with each other for Phuket’s rich source of tin. The French gained control of Phuket for several years before being overthrown and expelled from the island following the Siam Revolution of 1688. In 1785, the Burmese attacked Phuket but were fought off, with the island becoming the center of the tin producing southern provinces of Thailand. The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami destroyed much of the western coast of Phuket, killing 250 Thai people and tourists, with at least 1000 illegal Burmese workers also perishing. Almost all of the major west coast beaches suffered extensive damage, but the majority were back up and running a few months later.
Phuket Culture
Phuket’s residents consist of a variety of religious and cultural groups, ranging from Buddhists, Muslims, Thai-Chinese, and sea-gyspies. The majority of the rural population are Muslim and speak a unique dialect that is even difficult for other Thais to understand. The economic boom from the tourism industry has many of Phuket’s residents living quite well, comparable to those in Bangkok.
Things to see and do in Phuket
Ao Band Thao: home to mega resorts and a picturesque 8km long crescent shaped, white sand beach
Hat Kamala: one of the prettiest beaches and hardest hit by the tsunami. There are newer resorts on Kamala that can provide a good deal
Patong: the largest resort beach that is most popular and most crowded. If you’re looking for nightlife, look no further than Patong, sometimes described as next Pattaya. Take that for what it’s worth.
Hat Nai Thon/Hat Nai Yang: quiet and secluded on the northwestern coast of the island in Sirinat National Park. Lost of space and quiet, especially during the week.
Hat Surin and Pansea Beach: described as “the next big thing” in Phuket. Some top end resorts mixed in with other, more affordable options. Getting more and more crowded.
Kata Beach: busy, clean, beach with lots of tourists. Good for surfing and nightlife. If you want to sleep, stay at nearby Karon beach, just a short cab ride from Kata.
Karon: second most developed beach behind Patong. Developing rapidly, but still has a sense of isolation. Not far from Kata Beach, which has more of a nightlife.
Nai Ham: one of the least crowded and least developed beaches that is located on the southern end of the island.
Kalim Beach: Small beaches just north of Patong
You can also take part in many other activities on any of Phuket’s beaches. Surfing, swimming, sailing and yachting, windsurfing, and deep sea fishing are just a sampling of the activities available to tourists visiting Phuket. Rent kayaks on any of Phuket’s main beaches and paddle out to sea. If you want to get out for some exercise, get away from the beaches for a while to experience day hikes to several waterfalls located on the island. If you want to vary your activities, you can always check out the Phuket Aquariam in Cape Panawa, FantaSea, also known as the Disney Land of Southeast Asia, the butterfly farm, and the Chalong Temple.
Phuket Geography
Phuket is the biggest island in Thailand, located in the south in the Andaman Sea. 70% of the island is covered in mountains. The highest elevation is Mai Thao Sip Song (Twelve Canes) at 529 meters. The total area of the island is 570 square km. and it lies 862km (536mi.) south of Bangkok. Phuket is 48km. (30mi.) long and 21km. (13mi.) wide, and has many islands that lie to the southeast. Several coral islands lie to the south, with the Simian Islands to the northwest and Phi Phi to the southeast.
