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Phuket

Thailand

Phuket, city and island, southern Thailand. The island lies in the Andaman Sea, off the west coast of peninsular Thailand. Phuket city, located in the southeastern portion of the island, is a major port and commercial centre. Its harbour exports tin, rubber, charcoal, lumber, and fish products south to Malaysia and Singapore and north to Myanmar (Burma). Rice and manufactures are imported. The city airport has regular flights to Bangkok, towns of southern Thailand, and George Town, Malaysia.

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand, country located in the centre of mainland Southeast Asia. Located wholly within the tropics, Thailand encompasses diverse ecosystems, including the hilly forested areas of the northern frontier, the fertile rice fields of the central plains, the broad plateau of the northeast, and the rugged coasts along the narrow southern peninsula.The island’s surface area is mostly level land but is dotted with isolated hills that reach a height of 1,700 feet (520 metres). It was settled as early as the 1st century BCE. The island was part of various Tai states from an early time and was incorporated into the Ayutthaya kingdom about the 16th century. After the 18th century, large numbers of Chinese arrived; more than half the population is now Chinese. Called Ujong Salang (“Cape Salang”) by Malays, the island has also been known as Tongka, Junk Ceylon, and Jonsalam.

Phuket is noted for its rich tin mines. The ore, found in lowland gravels and on the shallow seafloor, is recovered by river and ocean boat dredges and pumps. The island has also become a major seaside resort. It is reached by bridge from the mainland to the north across a narrow strait. A road links the major settlements of Thalang, Phuket, and Ban Rawai. In December 2004 the island was severely damaged by a large tsunami triggered by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean near Indonesia. Several thousand people, many of them foreign tourists, were killed. Area island, 210 square miles (543 square km). Pop. (2000) city, 66,685; (2018 est.)

 city, 79,755.

You're Going to Love Phuket

This island paradise in Thailand will surprise you with its hidden delights. The varied geography of Phuket allows for beautiful scenery and a wide range of activities. Forested hills, mangroves, and beaches can be freely explored, so there's always a quiet corner to discover away from the tourist centers. 

The beaches on the northwest coast are mostly deserted, with deep water and often wild waves. Further down the west coast lie the most popular beach resorts. Bang Tao and Kamala offer a quiet atmosphere with small bars, shops, and restaurants. A little further south is Patong, the busiest resort town on the island. As you head toward the south coast, Karon, Kata, and Rawai have a lively, small town feel; relaxing but still with plenty to do. The east coast offers authentic cuisine in seaside restaurants and stunning mangrove scenery.

From laid-back reggae bars to exquisite dining venues, Phuket has nightlife options to suit everyone. Balmy nights in bustling Patong offer shopping, dining, drinking, and entertainment. In the more quiet areas you'll get to know your friendly bar workers well and enjoy the cozy vibe.

A more reflective atmosphere can be discovered in the many Buddhist temples around the island. Visitors are welcome to wander the grounds and ornate buildings that often house sacred Buddha statues. Special events and festivals held throughout the year offer a glimpse into local culture.

Top 5 Reasons to Visit Phuket

1. Beautiful Beaches

There's a beach to suit everyone in Phuket. From busy beaches with fun water sports to serene idylls, perfect for relaxing in peace.

2. Sample Delicious Food

Try small roadside restaurants for authentic Thai food at low prices. At the other end of the spectrum, high-end restaurants, such as Joe's Downstairs in Patong, offer elegant dining with fantastic views over the sea.

3. Experience Natural Beauty

The hilly regions of Phuket are wonderful for hiking and many have picturesque waterfalls. Bang Pae Waterfall in Thalang is a short walk from the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center.

4. Nightlife

From the bars of Bangla Road to the tongue-in-cheek Simon Cabaret, late-night shopping to a glass of wine in the hotel bar - there are options for an evening out to suit every sensibility.

5. Cultural Sights

There are temples in most areas. The largest is Wat Chalong, which can be visited by everyone. Intricately built, often adorned with dragon designs or statues, and decorated with colorful, shimmering tiles, temples are a wonderful sight to behold.

• How to Get to Phuket
  Plane
  Phuket International Airport (HKT) is located at the northern end of the island, and most hotels are in the center (20 miles away) and south (up to 30 miles away). Taxi is the best option for traveling from the airport, and prices range from ฿500 to over ฿1,000, depending on the destination.
  
  Train
  Trains do not run to Phuket. The nearest station is over three hours away in Surat Thani. However, transfer tickets are available to travel the remaining distance by bus. Ticket prices from Bangkok are approximately ฿1,000 for second class and ฿1,600 for first class.
  
  Car
  There are two roads from Bangkok and Koh Samui that head towards Phuket, and a short bridge links the island to the mainland. For long journeys, taxis can be booked; the price must be agreed upon in advance.

There are two roads from Bangkok and Koh Samui that head towards Phuket, and a short bridge links the island to the mainland. For long journeys, taxis can be booked; the price must be agreed upon in advance.

Bus

Bus is a great option for traveling long-distance on a budget. There is a good network of public buses from Bangkok and there are private buses from many companies, such as Sri Trang Tour. There are various classes of bus available, some will stop at several locations while others will only stop at Phuket Town. There is an airport bus, which only travels to a few stops around the island.Where to Stay in Phuket

When deciding where to stay in Phuket you should consider the kind of vacation you would like. Do you enjoy being in the heart of all the action, just minutes from everything you need? Or do you prefer peace and quiet with the option to travel to see the sights? Patong has global hotel chains, such as Marriott, Holiday Inn and Novotel, as well as independent Thai hotels of all grades. There are private villa rentals available everywhere that offer a home away from home and optional extras, such as hot tubs and personal chefs. Luxury villas in Phuket include Villa Padma and Villa Paradiso, while standard villas include Villa Sea View and Villa Emere.

Popular Neighborhoods in Phuket

Southwest Coast - this is the most popular region, with Patong, Kata, and Karon offering various beaches, shopping, dining, and nightlife choices. Patong is busy all year round, while Kata and Karon are more relaxed.

Phuket Town - the capital of the island, filled with busy streets, temples, and small stores. It's popular with backpackers due to the lower prices and reduced number of tourists than other areas.

Northwest Coast - high-end hotels and villas with deserted beaches and exclusive shopping venues abound here, as do peaceful and luxurious resorts surrounded by nature, with forested hill backdrops and extensive rubber tree plantations.

1

Ao Sane

Nai Harn

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Families
• Photo

Ao Sane is a 200-metre-long beach next to Nai Harn Beach in the south part of Phuket. It has 2 distinct snorkelling areas – one is a sharp drop off into deeper waters populated by parrotfish, clownfish, and eels. 

Another prominent snorkelling area in Ao Sane is to the right of a beach restaurant. It's only accessible at high tide as the coral is close to the surface. The waters surrounding the beach are clear and safe year-round. 

Read more

Location: Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

2

Kata Noi

South of Kata Beach

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Families
• Photo

Kata Noi Beach is one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. The sea here is bright turquoise, especially at the rocky promontories at both ends of the 850-metre beach. 

The best time to snorkel is around midday when the beach, especially at its northern part, enjoys the highest water visibility. During the low season (May to October), Kata Noi Beach becomes quite a popular spot for surfers. 

Read more

Location: Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

3

Paradise Beach

South of Patong Beach

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Families
• Photo

Paradise Beach lies around 5 km southwest of Patong, with a coral reef about 100 metres offshore. This 150-metre sheltered beach is managed by Paradise Beach Phuket Club, which offers snorkelling, kayaking, SUP boarding, and scuba diving. You can enjoy good and safe snorkelling as jet skis aren't allowed to get close to the beach.

Read more

Location: 109, Muen-Ngern Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand

Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm

Phone: +66 (0)83 743 9009

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8 Best Snorkelling Beaches in Phuket

Where to Enjoy Snorkelling in Phuket

Content

The best places to snorkel in Phuket are just a short distance from some of the island’s most fantastic beaches, making them conveniently accessible and making snorkelling a nice addition to a relaxing day by the sea. However, not all offer the same clear waters and exotic marine habitats. 

Snorkelling beaches in Phuket are where you can swim past anemones, parrotfish, and various types of coral. Take a deep breath and kick down the few short metres to take a closer look at lively marine ecosystems in Phuket.

1

Ao Sane

Nai Harn

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Families
• Photo

Ao Sane is a 200-metre-long beach next to Nai Harn Beach in the south part of Phuket. It has 2 distinct snorkelling areas – one is a sharp drop off into deeper waters populated by parrotfish, clownfish, and eels. 

Another prominent snorkelling area in Ao Sane is to the right of a beach restaurant. It's only accessible at high tide as the coral is close to the surface. The waters surrounding the beach are clear and safe year-round. 

Read more

Location: Rawai, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

MAP

2

Kata Noi

South of Kata Beach

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Families
• Photo

Kata Noi Beach is one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. The sea here is bright turquoise, especially at the rocky promontories at both ends of the 850-metre beach. 

The best time to snorkel is around midday when the beach, especially at its northern part, enjoys the highest water visibility. During the low season (May to October), Kata Noi Beach becomes quite a popular spot for surfers. 

Read more

Location: Karon, Muang, Phuket 83100, Thailand

MAP

3

Paradise Beach

South of Patong Beach

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Families
• Photo

Paradise Beach lies around 5 km southwest of Patong, with a coral reef about 100 metres offshore. This 150-metre sheltered beach is managed by Paradise Beach Phuket Club, which offers snorkelling, kayaking, SUP boarding, and scuba diving. You can enjoy good and safe snorkelling as jet skis aren't allowed to get close to the beach.

Read more

Location: 109, Muen-Ngern Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand

Open: Daily from 9 am to 7 pm

Phone: +66 (0)83 743 9009

MAP

4

Ya Nui

Between Rawai and Nai Harn Beaches

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Families
• Photo

Ya Nui Beach, located in the south part of Phuket, has a rocky promontory with lots of brain coral surrounding it. The further you go out, the better the snorkelling gets. If you have a boat, you should head out to the opposite islet, where the waters are teeming with tropical fish.
There’s also good snorkelling along the base of Windmill Hill. The actual beach is usually crowded but you'll enjoy tranquil waters after passing the ubiquitous moored yachts.

5

Laem Ka

Rawai

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Photo

Laem Ka is the only eastern-facing beach in the south of Phuket that offers good swimming. The southern end of this sheltered, 150-metre-long beach is rocky but it's possible to swim out and snorkel at high tide.

The middle part of the beach is dominated by large granite boulders – the habitat of many crab species – while the northern end is a nice swimming spot. Laem Ka Beach is kid-friendly, thanks to its safe waters and shade-giving trees.

Location: Rawai, Muang, Phuket, Thailand

6

Laem Singh Beach

Good for:

• Adventure
• Budget
• Families
• Photo

Laem Singh Beach lies on the west coast between Kamala and Surin beaches in Phuket. This 150-metre beach is right below a steep promontory, with palm trees and giant boulders dotting the sandy expanse. The southern part of the beach is excellent for swimming and snorkelling, with loads of fish to see around a rocky headland.

Read more

Location: Kamala, Kathu, Phuket 83120, Thailand