Phuket Holidays

An emerald island of karsts, golden sands and night-time revelry, Phuket is Thailand’s ultimate island playground.

Peering out of the plane window, a surprising sight awaits. You might be just an hour from Bangkok, but suddenly the high-rise buildings have disappeared and, in its place, an idyll of jade-coloured sea and islands topped with forest green. This is Phuket, Thailand’s biggest island and most popular destination for nightlife and golden beaches.

The word ‘busy’ sums up Phuket nicely. Travellers arrive as though en masse; you only need to step foot in Patong, the original party beach resort, before noticing everyone else. Most first-timers visiting Thailand feel drawn to Phuket and for many, its raucousness is part of its attraction. If you’re curious, you can stroll down one of the main nightclub stretches and watch the spectacle of neon lights, beer bars and dancing, but on an island this big it’s also easy enough to keep away from the hedonism. Stroll around a night market, sampling delicious Thai food and bartering for souvenirs; or spend a day getting into Phuket Town’s growing arts-and-crafts scene. And if you want a dazzling beach with the option of venturing into populated spots when you feel like it, you only need to head 20 minutes north or south down the coast before you find gorgeous, infinitely quieter beaches.

Whatever way you want to experience Phuket, talk to us and we’ll help plan your ideal Phuket holiday.

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Phuket Hotels

Our recommendations for the best places to stay in Phuket

Cape Panwa Hotel

This hotel's superb location makes it one of the most popular in Phuket.

Katathani Phuket Beach Resort

A deluxe hotel on Kata Noi Beach with a range of fantastic dining options.

The Shore at Katathani

This sophisticated beach resort that’s just for adults offers ultimate pool villa relaxation in K...

Amari Phuket

Traditional Thai décor and unrivalled sea views epitomise this chic hotel.

Banyan Tree Phuket

Experience the finest in indulgence, relaxation and pampering at Banyan Tree Phuket.

DoublePool Villas by Banyan Tree

A stay in a DoublePool Villa feels like a stay in a miniature Thai palace.

Marina Phuket Resort

This wild resort is tucked away in a jungle just off Phuket’s Karon Beach.

SALA Phuket Mai Khao Beach Resort

A stylish and contemporary retreat on a quiet stretch of a glorious golden beach.

The Nai Harn

An exclusive resort on the cliffside overlooking Phuket’s Nai Harn Beach with VIP treatment.

Paresa Phuket

Paresa is a peaceful pool villa hideaway perched high above the glistening Andaman Sea.

Head into the dense rainforests of Thailand for an unforgettable encounter with elephants

Enter the deep green foliage of Thailand’s rainforests and discover the rugged beauty of Khao Sok National Park just 3½ hours from Phuket. At Elephant Hills, you can cruise across a pristine lake on a traditional long-tail boat; trek through rainforests and spend some quality time with Asian elephants in a sanctuary. Our two-night Jungle Lake Safari includes luxury tented camps with one night in a floating camp, a close-up experience in an elephant sanctuary and an optional jungle trek.

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Head into the dense rainforests of Thailand for an unforgettable encounter with elephants

Enter the deep green foliage of Thailand’s rainforests and discover the rugged beauty of Khao Sok National Park just 3½ hours from Phuket. At Elephant Hills, you can cruise across a pristine lake on a traditional long-tail boat; trek through rainforests and spend some quality time with Asian elephants in a sanctuary. Our two-night Jungle Lake Safari includes luxury tented camps with one night in a floating camp, a close-up experience in an elephant sanctuary and an optional jungle trek.

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Andaman Sea Kayaking

Phang Nga National Marine Park is dotted with tiny islands adrift in the Andaman Sea, with spectacular scenery that invites thorough exploration. On this memorable visit, you’ll be paddled by an expert local guide around its most appealing sights in a super-stable inflatable kayak, so all you have to do is sit back and relax. During the trip, you’ll venture into atmospheric sea caves, check out pristine beaches and marvel at extraordinary rock formations. You’ll stop on spectacular islands such as Koh Panak, where your guide will take you through the caves, pointing out the local wildlife, and Koh Hong, known for its beautiful hidden lagoon. You’ll pause for photos at Khao Phing Kan, otherwise known as James Bond Island because it features in The Man with the Golden Gun. And along the way, there’ll be opportunities to swim in the crystal-clear water or pick up the paddles yourself.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 9.30am to 7pm
• Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under four. The itinerary is not completely set in stone, as it depends on conditions on the day.

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Phi Phi Islands Cruise from Phuket

Enjoy a relaxing day discovering the natural delights of Koh Phi Phi, a scenic archipelago of six specks of land in the Andaman Sea roughly halfway between Koh Lanta and Phuket. Travelling by speedboat, you’ll make your first stop at low-lying Bamboo Island to snorkel along its pristine coral reef. From here, you continue on to Phi Phi Don, the largest island and the only one that’s inhabited, where you’ll have time to swim, hike to the viewpoint or browse the tiny street stalls before lunch. You’ll motor on to Monkey Beach, home to a colony of long-tailed macaques, and “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls. At beautiful Ao Pileh lagoon on the second-largest island, you’ll have a chance to plunge into its emerald waters for a swim and a snorkel, before a final stop at Koh Rang Yai where pearls are farmed.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 8am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women.

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Similan Islands Cruise from Phuket

Fringed by powder-soft beaches lapped by crystal-clear azure waters, the Similan Islands are everyone’s idea of a tropical paradise. You’ll spend a day travelling by speedboat and taking in their natural charms, above and below the waves, with plenty of opportunities for swimming, snorkelling and hiking. The first port of call is the wonderfully named Donald Duck Bay on Koh Similan, where there’ll be time to climb up to the curiously shaped granite boulder known as Sail Rock to take in the views. After a stop to check out the colourful world underwater, you’ll drop anchor at Koh Similan. Enjoy a delicious picnic lunch on the picture-perfect sands of Princess Bay before following the short nature trail to Honeymoon Bay, a stunning spot where you can swim or sunbathe. There’s one final stop at either Koh Similan or Koh Bon for a snorkelling session over a pristine coral reef teeming with life before you head, reluctantly, back to the mainland.

• Duration: Full day
• Time: 5.30am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates November to April
• Group experience

Good to know
You’ll need to provide a copy of your passport at time of booking to comply with new Similan Islands National Park regulations. The trip is suitable for all except children under four, those who are physically challenged and pregnant women. Travel is by speedboat.

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Surin Islands Cruise from Phuket

A cluster of tiny specks of land adrift in the Andaman Sea, the Surin Islands have an unspoiled beauty that will enchant everyone who comes here. After an early start, you’ll reach Ao Mae Yai, a picturesque bay on the main island of Ko Surin Nuea blessed with a sweep of white sand and calm, clear waters - it’s a perfect spot for snorkelling. From here, you’ll cruise past a tiny village that houses the Moken, sea nomads who traditionally lived from and on the sea between Thailand and Burma, and who have a fascinating history. After another swim-and-snorkel session, you’ll head to the National Park’s rustic restaurant overlooking another sheltered beach, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch. There’s just time before heading back to the mainland for another snorkelling stop and, in season, for a whale shark watching session.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 5.30am to 6pm
• Departs Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays
• Operates from November to April
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women. The itinerary is not completely set in stone, as the choice of snorkelling spots depends on conditions on the day.

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Avoid The Crowds Phi Phi Island Cruise from Phuket

Make an early getaway to Koh Phi Phi to enjoy this scenic archipelago in the Andaman Sea at its tranquil best. Travelling by speedboat, you’ll arrive first at Koh Khai, a tiny island tucked away in Phang Nga Bay. Here, you’ll stop to take in the powder-soft white beach lapped by crystal-clear turquoise waters and have a serene swim surrounded by tropical fish. On arrival at Koh Phi Phi, you’ll make for stunning Ao Pileh lagoon on the second-largest island, whose emerald waters are a delight for photographers and snorkellers alike. Other sights include the so-called “Viking Cave” which owes its nickname to the images of different types of boats - including one that looks like a Viking longboat - painted on its walls, and Monkey Beach, home to a colony of long-tailed macaques. After lunch, on the way back to port, there’s a final stop at low-lying Bamboo Island to snorkel along pristine coral reef: the perfect finale to a scenic adventure that will appeal to all.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 5am to 6pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year round
• Group experience

Good to know
This trip is not recommended for the under fours, the over 70s and pregnant women. Early morning start.

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Discover Phuket

Go behind the scenes of Phuket and get to know its famous highlights and island industries on a full-day group tour. The day begins with a scenic drive along the coast road, hugging some of Asia's most beautiful beaches. You’ll arrive at Nakkerd Hill to visit the Big Buddha, a 45-metre-tall marble Buddha. Savour the panoramic view over southern Phuket before moving on to Wat Chalong, Phuket's largest and most revered monastery. There’s a late morning visit to a traditional cashew nut factory before visiting the oldest Chinese temple in Phuket Town to learn about Chinese influences on the island. Before lunch, there’s time to visit Chin Pracha House, a Sino-colonial mansion. Lunch is served at a local farm in Old Phuket. You’ll visit a typical farmhouse and watch a demonstration at a local rubber plantation and see how rice is planted and grown.

• Duration: full day
• Time: 7.30am to 5.30pm
• Daily departures
• Operates daily
• Group experience

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Elephant Care Experience in Phuket

This half-day trip is a fantastic opportunity to get close to Thailand’s remarkable elephants, where the emphasis is on learning from the sanctuary’s caretakers. After a scenic drive through a local village, you’ll arrive at the elephant sanctuary in a picturesque jungle dotted with ponds, open fields, and hills for the elephants to roam around. Your visit starts at the Tree Top Lounge, where you’ll be shown a documentary to prepare you for your encounter with the elephants. Next, you will feed the elephants. While they enjoy their baskets of fruits, you have a chance to learn from the caretakers about the background of each elephant. You’ll venture into the sanctuary and explore Thailand’s longest canopy walkway and nature trails to locate the elephants and observe them foraging and bathing freely. By keeping a safe and respectful distance, the elephants can express their natural behaviour, play and socialise with each other. Before your trip ends, a delicious vegetarian Thai lunch is served.

• Duration: half day
• Time: 9am to 1pm
• Daily departures
• Operates year-round
• Group experience

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Get to know Phuket and those important practicalities when planning your perfect holiday.

Capital
TIME DIFFERENCE

GMT +7 hours

CURRENCY

Thai Bhat

FLYING TIME TO DESTINATION

Bangkok 11½ hours

RELIGION

The most common religion in Thailand is Buddhism

LANGUAGE

Thai; over 73 languages are spoken throughout Thailand

Where is Phuket?
Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, an hour’s flight south of Bangkok. It’s on the west coast of Southern Thailand and is connected to mainland Thailand via the Sarasin Bridge. From Phuket, you can reach smaller islands including Koh Phi Phi in an hour’s speedboat ride, Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai in 30 minutes’ speedboat ride, Krabi in 3½ hours by road or up to 2¼ hours by speedboat or ferry, and Khao Lak in an hour’s road transfer.

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The island
Imagine a dramatic landscape of gravity-defying karsts rising out of the water, where long-tail boats sail between golden beaches bathed in sunshine. Although Patong – the neon-coloured epicentre of Phuket’s party scene – may occasionally overshadow Phuket’s beautiful scenery, the island is large enough to hide quieter spots for relaxation too.

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Beaches
Phuket’s beaches – draped in golden sand and lapped by the marine-rich Andaman Sea – are definite postcard material. If you’d prefer a more leisurely kind of play, you can nestle away in Kata, where there’s a friendly vibe and lazy days dipping in and out of an infinity pool is the norm. Then as night approaches, catch one of Phuket’s famous sunsets as the sky is painted dusky pink, yellow and amber.

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