Phuket is one of the top tourist destinations in Thailand, welcoming millions of visitors each year. This brief travel guide is an essential starting point for those planning a trip to Phuket in 2023.
What is the best time to visit Phuket in 2023?
The best time to visit Phuket is between November and April; this is when the weather is best for enjoying the beach, island-hopping, and doing water sports. You can find cooler weather between December to March and full-on summer heat during April and May. The rainy season usually begins mid-May and lasts until October.
How to Get To Phuket?
There are several transportation options to get to Phuket, depending on your preference and itinerary.
1.Board a Plane
You can take a direct flight from many airports to Phuket International Airport, the second busiest airport in the country after Suvarnabhumi in Bangkok. A domestic flight from Bangkok takes just 1.5 hours.
2.Take a Train
Thailand has a reliable railway system; however, there are no direct trains to Phuket. You’d have to get off at Surat Thani from Bangkok, then take a three-hour bus ride to Phuket.
3.Drive a Car
You can opt to drive from Bangkok to Phuket, which is 840 kilometres away. It would take approximately 10-12 hours, so plan plenty of rest stops along the way!
4.Ride a Bus
Some may find it more practical to board an overnight bus to save on accommodation and travel expenses.
What to Do in Phuket in 2023?
You’ll never be stuck for things to do in Phuket. There are loads of activities available for visitors of all ages. We compiled a list of essential activities in this Phuket travel guide.
Hit the Beach
While there are more than 30 beaches around Phuket, we recommend you visit the most popular ones first, such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach, and Nai Yang Beach.
While each beach differs in what it offers, they all attract tourists year-round, and many have hotels, restaurants, and shops conveniently nearby.
Take to the Water
Snorkelling, scuba diving, surfing, banana boat sailing, canoeing, parasailing, waterskiing, and jet skiing are just some of the water activities you can do in Phuket. You can rent equipment and take lessons in many places, and your hotel can suggest reputable outlets.
Indulge in a Spa Visit
A spa session always works wonders for one’s well-being. Phuket is known for its many spa and wellness centres where you can get a foot massage, traditional dry Thai massage, a spa massage using aromatic oils, and many other treatments.
Go Island-hopping
Island-hopping is one of the most popular activities to do in Phuket. Any travel guide will tell you it’s essential to visit the other islands to appreciate the natural beauty of each one. Rent a private boat or join a tour group to nearby islands such as Phi Phi Island, Similan Island, Racha Island, James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay, and Coral Island.
Learn a New Skill
Being on vacation is a great time to learn something new. Phuket offers many opportunities to take lessons in almost everything that may strike your fancy, from painting and yoga to muay thai, cooking, and even mastering a new language.
Retail Therapy
Phuket has a wealth of malls, department stores, and supermarkets. There are also outlet shops with great bargain finds, and if you’re looking for a mix of local food and products, try the night markets.
Where to Eat in Phuket?
Trying traditional Thai and Phuketian cuisine is one of the highlights of a trip to Phuket. You’ll be spoilt for choice, whether you’re looking for more casual fare or a fine dining experience.
There are a number of Michelin-approved establishments ranging from street food to more established restaurants. Make sure to try the specialties and signature dishes these places are known for. Some traditional Phuketian cuisine must-tries are mee hokkien or Hokkien-style noodles, a pork offal dish called loba, moo hong or braised pork stew, and oh tao, a fried oyster dish.
Where is the best hotel to stay near Phuket beach?
Sugar Marina Resorts operates several boutique hotels in Phuket near the most popular Phuket beaches and the airport. We have ART near Karon Beach, FASHION and SURF at Kata Beach, NAUTICAL near Kata Noi Beach, and AVIATOR near Nai Yang Beach and Phuket Airport. Each of our hotels is centred around stylish design and service.
We offer fully-furnished rooms with ensuite baths, modern amenities such as a gym and swimming pool, and restaurants to provide our guests with a complete boutique hotel experience at a reasonable price.
We hope this essential travel guide gives you some ideas as you plan your trip to Phuket. Contact us to learn more about Sugar Marina’s different locations throughout Phuket and to inquire about our room packages and rates at your location of choice.
