Phuket is an extremely popular tourist destination, and this Thai island attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors yearly. The great party scene, cheap prices, beautiful beaches, and fun vacation atmosphere make this a top-notch holiday destination.

Where to stay

One of the best tips for traveling to Phuket, especially if you have some money to spend, is to stay in one of the many gorgeous Phuket villa rentals. Available homes range from one-bedroom houses, to villas, which can sleep 24 guests. For those who really want to go all out, a small island off the coast is for rent too, with a luxurious private villa, perfect for 38 guests.

The vacation rental villas are perfectly maintained, and most, if not all, feature pools and breathtaking views. Private chefs can be hired for your comfort as well. If you’re after a luxury experience you won’t forget, bypass the tourist filled hotels and head to your private home away from home.

When to visit

The island of Phuket is a year round beach destination. Rather than having four traditional seasons, it is easier to group Thai weather into rainy, and not-so-rainy. The rainy season lasts from September to October. Don’t let the rain scare you off though, as normally a day during the monsoon season will be mostly sunny, with a massive downpour lasting briefly each afternoon or early evening. In a lot of ways, September and October make good months to visit Phuket because there are less tourists around, and prices are often slightly cheaper during these months too.

If you prefer to visit during the drier months, that’s fine too. April and May are definitely the hottest months of the year, with temperatures soaring to 36 degrees with frequency. That said, April is a really cool time to visit because Thai New Years falls on April 13th, and the country celebrates magnificently.

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The weather is best during the months of June, July and August, and during this time temperatures will usually be between 20 Celsius and 33 Celsius. Be aware that because these are the top tourist months, beaches will be busy during this time, and some local places will take advantage of the high demand and bring their prices up too.

Places to see

While laying on the beach, cocktail in hand is a perfectly acceptable way to spend your hard earned vacation, here are some great sights to see during your trip:

Big Buddha is exactly what the name implies. A really big (statue of a) Buddha. This iconic landmark stands 45 meters tall, and is one of the islands top tourist attractions. From the statue you’ll be able to enjoy great views of Phuket town, and the coastline and its beaches. Personally I enjoy the trip up to the statue, as the road leading there winds through the ‘real’ Thailand, and as such visitors get to see a little more then just the touristy main drag.

Khao Sok National park is one of the worlds oldest rain forests, and here visitors can bask in the glory of the luscious vegetation, and explore grand waterfalls housed in limestone rock formations. For those hoping to see elephants, this is a great place to find them!

Wat Chalong is another great spiritual sight to see during your stay. This is the biggest temple on the island, and it’s an awesome sight to see due to its colorful decorations, featuring imagery from Thai and Buddhist mythology.

Things to Do

As mentioned earlier, lounging by the beach is one of the best ways to spend a day in Phuket. Patong beach is perhaps the most well-known, and therefore the busiest, but it won’t disappoint. Other great beaches include Kalim Bay and Cherng Talay.

Phuket’s crystal clear waters are well suited for scuba diving and snorkeling. Snorkeling gear is abundantly available for rent, and for those wishing to get their scuba diving certification, that is possible on Phuket too.

Another unique way to spend an afternoon is to visit one of the islands viewpoints. Radar Hill is a great one, and it is said to be the highest point on whole of Phuket. Visitors will reach this viewpoint by traveling up long winding roads through the countryside, but will be rewarded with views over Patong, Chalong and Phuket town. Other viewpoints worth checking out are Rang Hill, for an inland view, and Panwa, which allows for 360 views over the island.

Get a famous Thai massage! Don’t leave the island before you’ve treated yourself to a massage. The country is famous for its massages, and they are cheap too! Throughout Phuket Town and all over the beaches you’ll find them offered.

Phuket makes a great vacation destination, and with these tips in hand you’ll surely have the experience of a lifetime. Enjoy your trip!

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