Phuket travel guide

Where should you stay in Phuket?

Start with what you want to reach on foot. An address in Phuket Town does not automatically mean convenient beach access, and a sea-view hotel may sit on a steep road. Check the exact location before comparing rooms.

This is our framework for choosing a holiday style, rather than reviews of individual hotels. TAT describes both the island's west-coast beaches and its town architecture. For a short break, one base and a few planned outings can be simpler than several hotel moves.

Phuket in November, December and January

Phuket faces the Andaman Sea. Do not use weather advice for Koh Samui as a direct guide to your Phuket holiday. Our Thailand guide helps distinguish between the coasts.

November: leave room to move a boat trip

November can suit a mix of beaches and excursions, but plan a holiday that also works with rain. Choose a base with things to do nearby and keep at least one flexible day in case a sea trip moves. Our comparison of warm November destinations includes Phuket's historical climate figures and alternatives such as Bangkok and Tenerife.

December and January: choose your base before activities

TAT's weather overview places the Andaman coast's strongest monsoon influence in other parts of the year than winter. December and January are therefore worth investigating for a beach break. That does not guarantee calm seas or dry weather on any particular day. Follow flags and local advice, and do not let a prepaid itinerary determine whether you enter the water.

For Christmas and New Year, request prices for your exact dates, including compulsory dinners or other charges. Use the Thailand guide's month selector to plan the rest of your route; your next stop may have different weather and transport requirements.

Getting from the airport and around the island

Phuket Smart Bus lists a route from the airport via Patong, Karon and Kata to Rawai. Compare the stop, luggage arrangements and final stretch to your hotel with a direct transfer. The operator notes that times vary with traffic; check its current route and timetable before arrival.

For a private transfer, request an all-in price to your hotel's exact address and ask how flight delays are handled. For an excursion, check whether your hotel is within the pickup area. A tour departing from Phuket does not mean that every hotel on the island has free pickup.

Keep a boat-trip day clear of flights and other fixed appointments. Ask about the harbour, expected return time and cancellation terms. This is more useful than planning around the shortest driving time on a map.

What does a Phuket holiday cost?

For planning purposes, two adults sharing a double room can allocate DKK 550–1,000 per person per day: DKK 250–450 for their share of the room, DKK 150–250 for food and DKK 150–300 for local transport and smaller activities. These are our own budget assumptions, rather than collected offers or documented average prices.

Seven nights and seven full daily allowances total DKK 3,850–7,000 per person, or DKK 7,700–14,000 for two. Flights, luggage, insurance, major transfers, separate taxes and substantial boat excursions are additional. Allow extra for arrival and departure days if they require more meals or transport. Solo travellers taking their own room must adjust the accommodation allowance.

Price flights and accommodation for the same dates first, then add your chosen excursions. The daily allowance does not automatically cover a major outing every day. You can compare it with our budget models for five November destinations.

A five-day Phuket itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive, check in and eat near your hotel. Leave fixed excursions until the following day.
2. Day 2: Spend time at the beach and explore your area on foot, if swimming conditions allow.
3. Day 3: Explore Phuket Old Town or take the existing guided island tour. Compare its itinerary and pickup to avoid booking the same stops twice.
4. Day 4: Take a boat trip if conditions allow, with the option to swap it for a day on land.
5. Day 5: Try cooking in Kata or enjoy a quiet day. If you move a boat trip here, leave a generous buffer before travelling home.

This is a suggested pace, rather than a package holiday. You choose your accommodation, transport and experiences to book with our partners. You could add a separate Bangkok stop, allowing a travel day and transport budget for the move. Save your choices in the trip planner.