Phuket
Thailand's largest island with beaches for every vibe
About Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's biggest tourist destination. Stunning Andaman beaches, world-class diving, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. Yes, it's touristy, but escape the main beaches and you'll find hidden coves, authentic Thai villages, and some of the best sunsets in Southeast Asia.
Watch Before You Go
Ultimate Phuket Food Tour with Paddy Doyle (The Roaming Cook)
12 Days in Thailand with My Family — Phuket (Paddy Doyle)
4 Days in Phuket — Things to Do
Price Breakdown
| Category | Budget | Mid-Range | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | ฿600 | ฿1,500 | ฿6,000 |
| Food & Drink | ฿400 | ฿800 | ฿1,500 |
| Transport | ฿400 | ฿500 | ฿1,000 |
| Activities | ฿400 | ฿700 | ฿1,500 |
| Total / day | ฿1,800 | ฿3,500 | ฿10,000 |
Where to Stay
3 areas in Phuket — each with a different vibe and price range
Patong Beach
Bangla Road, neon lights, the whole circus. Love it or hate it but it has the most options for everything. Best beach infrastructure. Can be loud — pick a hotel away from the main strip.
฿600–5,000/night
Kata / Karon
Two beautiful beaches south of Patong. Calmer, cleaner, better for swimming. Good restaurants without the chaos. 15 min from Patong if you want a night out.
฿800–4,000/night
Rawai / Nai Harn
The south tip where expats actually live. Rawai seafood market is unbeatable. Nai Harn beach is arguably the prettiest on the island. No nightlife — pure chill.
฿500–3,000/night
Things to Do
via GetYourGuideMore Activities & Prices
Big Buddha
Free entry. 45m white marble statue. Dress modestly.
Old Phuket Town walking tour
Free. Sino-Portuguese architecture, street art.
Tourist Traps to Skip
- ×Patong (unless you want party scene) — loud, touristy, overpriced.
- ×Beach clubs with ฿2,000 minimum spend — bring your own drinks instead.
- ×Jet ski rental — notorious for scams.
How to Get There
Local Tips
Rent a car or scooter — the island is 543 km² and taxis are expensive.
Book Phi Phi trips from Rawai/Chalong pier, not tourist agencies — half the price.
West coast = best sunsets, east coast = calmer and cheaper.
Bangla Road walking street comes alive after 9pm.
Avoid Patong unless you want the party scene.
Latest from the Blog
Thailand Island Guide — Which Island Fits Your Budget and Vibe?
19 Mar 2026
Phuket vs Krabi: The Real Budget Breakdown (2025/2026)
7 Mar 2026
Phuket shop owner's racist outburst caught on video — what this means for tourist prices
17 Feb 2026
Unlicensed Dental Clinic Busted in Phuket — What This Means for Medical Tourism
14 Feb 2026
Related Destinations
Calculate Your Phuket Budget
Get a personalised daily budget based on your travel style, accommodation, and activities.
Open Budget Calculator