Phuket Travel

Phuket Weather Overview

With a tropical climate, the weather in Phuket broadly varies between warm, cool and rainy. It never really gets too cold. The high tourist season is from November to February when it’s cool and dry, after which it remains quite hot until May. Monsoon season begins mid-May and goes on till October.

Here is the general overview of Phuket weather in different periods of the year.

November to February: This is the coolest season in Phuket after the rains are over. With the best weather, naturally, this is also the busiest time with most tourists planning their trips around this period. The temperature varies around 23°C and 30°C. While December is the coolest month in Phuket, February is the driest. This is the perfect time to spend the day relaxing on one of the gorgeous beaches in Phuket and enjoying water sports in the calm sea. You can then party it out till the wee hours of the morning at one of the many nightclubs.

March to mid-May: These are considered as the hottest months in Phuket just before monsoon hits the island. The temperatures vary in the mid-thirties, with humidity levels steadily on the rise. One of the good reasons to visit Phuket in April is to witness the Songkran Festival, the Thai New Year, when people sprinkle water on each other!

Mid-May to October: Monsoon season in Phuket lasts from May to October. Average temperature during monsoons is 28 °C-29 °C. While the weather is at its humid best, the prices are at an all-time low, making this one of the cheapest seasons to plan a trip. Apart from being cost effective, it’s also a peaceful time to visit because it’s not as crowded as the high season. The wettest months are May, September and October, but it’s rare that the island would get continuous days of heavy rainfall.

Check the below table for the general idea of Phuket weather throughout the year.

Best time to go to Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is between November and April when weather conditions are ideal for beach activities, such as swimming and boating. The six months between May and October are monsoon season, and although accommodation prices are much lower this time of year, the water conditions can be dangerous.

Phuket Current Weather & 7-Day Forecast

PHUKET WEATHER

There are plenty of really memorable things to do in Phuket. The island itself has a beautiful historical old town, great viewpoints and iconic cultural attractions. It is also a good base for exploring the nearby islands and must-see attractions. These include world-famous places like Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands.

1. Take a Trip to Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi beach is a small bay just a short drive from Kata beach, it is a small beach but the scenery is breath taking, take some time to relax, walk along the beautiful sands or maybe go for a swim. From the Kata viewpoint you can look across at the bays of Karon, Kata and Kata Noi, The best time to visit the beach is between November and April as swimming can sometimes become dangerous during the monsoon season.

2. Have a Tour of The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

For any keen rum drinkers the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is sure to whet your appetite, the company produces high end white rum which is now starting to be noticed around the world. There is lots to do when you arrive at the distillery, you start by taking a tour where you will learn about the way the rum is produced before taking a look at the work that goes on behind the scenes. The final part of the trip is in the cocktail workshop and bar, here you will learn how to make various cocktails that all include Chalong Bay Rum and then relax while you sample them.

3. Come And See The Phuket Big Buddha

This huge Buddha is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Phuket, sitting at the top of the Nakkerd Hills and standing at forty five meters tall it is very difficult to miss. From the top of the hill you are able to get a panoramic view of the island. When you are at the Buddha you will notice that it is very quiet apart from the sound of dharma music and some little bells. The Buddha is made from white Burmese marble and sparkles elegantly in the sun.

4. Nai Harn Beach

Situated in the south of the island is Nai Harn Beach, it is a popular beach with thousands of visitors every year but it is still relatively untouched and maintains a lot of its originality.  With beautifully soft sand and crystal clear water you will immediately see why the beach is so popular. Settled up under the shade of the large trees you will find various restaurants selling popular Thai cuisine as well as various souvenir shops selling local novelty items as well as beach wear and floats.

5. Take a Wander to Karon View Point

Sitting just to the south of Kata Noi Beach is Karon View Point, it is the most popular viewpoint in Phuket and is normally crowded with tourists on a daily basis. The viewpoint looks out over the Andaman Sea in one direction and the other direction points towards the three west coast beaches on the other side of the island. If you like looking at white sandy beaches and beautiful blue seas you will understand why it is so busy at the top.

6. Take a Trip to Wat Chalong

For over a century Wat Chalong has been open to visitors, when you arrive there is a lot to see, starting with Poh Jao Wat which houses two statues of elderly men, one is Ta Khee-Lek (a local who won various lotteries after he had been to visit the Poh Than Jao Wat statue, the other is called Nonsi. Probably the highlight of your visit will be the Grand Pagoda which contains a small splinter from the bone of Lord Buddha, The pagoda is beautifully decorated with Buddha images and pictures that depict his life story.

7. Go Shopping at Phuket Town Weekend Night Market

Known by the locals as Naka Market and sitting just a little way from Phuket Town is a night market like no other. There are all sorts of things to buy such as fruits, old curiosities, animals and clothes. A popular event with both the locals and tourists it is best to arrive late afternoon to ensure you get a good look around before it become packed. Make the most of the cheap local foods on sale like the golden buttered corn on the cob.

8. Hang Out at Tiger Kingdom

If you have ever wanted to get up close to a tiger this is the place to do it, the Phuket Tiger Kingdom hand raises Indochinese tigers in captivity from birth until their final days. The tigers typically get fed at around 19:00 hours but it is also worth a visit when they open first thing to avoid the crowds. The kingdom has two restaurants on site should you be hungry, one of which allows you to look out at the tigers. There are many rumors about Tiger Kingdom, one of them is that they drug the animals (which seems NOT to be true). 

9. Get Learning at a Thai Cooking Class

Phuket has so many different locations that offer cooking classes that it is certainly worth taking a lesson whilst you are there. You will notice that a lot of the local food you eat in Thailand is different to the Thai food you have in your native country, it somehow lacks the edge that it does when cooked in Thailand.  By taking a class you will learn about the ingredients as well as picking up the useful skills to continue cooking when you return home. Many places offer morning, afternoon or whole day packages and you always get to eat what you have cooked.

10. Spend a Night Out on Bangla Road

When the sun goes down the Bangla Road gets closed to traffic and the road becomes alive. The street is full of bars, many of which are outside so you seamlessly move from one bar to the next. There are normally street entertainers looking for you to part with your hard earned cash in return for a few minutes’ entertainment as well as touts trying to get you into their ping pong shows or tailor shops.  A positive vibe fills the air as you work your way down the street, all the beer girls and restaurant owners compete for your business keeping the prices low and the fun never ending.

11. Celebrity Spot at Surin Beach

Commonly known as ‘Millionaires Row’ Surin Beach is surrounded by houses for the rich and famous as well as luxury resorts. One look at the beach and you can see why the place is so popular with both the Thai’s and foreigners. Eating out in this part of the island is expensive and the majority of restaurants overlooking the beach serve high-end cuisine, there are also a lot of trendy wine bars to choose from.

12. Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Considering riding an elephant? Don’t!, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary instead and you’ll learn why you should never ride an elephant. You’ll meet the elephants, learn all about them and support ethical elephant tourism.

13. Visit the Soi Dog Foundation

For anyone that has been in Thailand for any length of time will notice that there are stray dogs and cats roaming the streets everywhere, for any animal lovers the Soi Dog Foundation in Phuket is worth visiting, Soi Dog sterilises approximately 12,000 animals a year making the streets and roads safer for everyone. You can volunteer your time to look after the animals or just go for a guided tour around the grounds of the foundation, whatever you choose to do it is a little bit different to the normal things tourists find to do in Thailand

14. Watch the Monkeys at Monkey Hill

Also known as Toh Sae Hill, Monkey Hill is the highest hill in Phuket Town, there are about 400 macaques living on the hill and they live in little groups all over the hill. The monkeys are not know to attack humans but it you should keep an eye on your belongings. The bottom of the hill houses a shrine that is popular with Thai people, a lot of whom come here to ask for lucky lottery numbers, the shrine is in honour of three different holy spirits, Toh Sae Dang, Toh Sae Dam and Toh Sae Kaow.

15. Make a Visit to Phang Nga Bay

Whilst visiting all the sites in Phuket you must take a visit to Phang Nga Bay, the bay is home to approximately 40 small islands that come straight out of the sea. The area is full of lagoons, caves and mangroves all of which you should take the time to see although seeing everything in one day could be a challenge. The bay is protected from a lot of the bad weather in monsoon season due to the way it is naturally protected because of its location. Visiting Phang Nga Bay with a tourist guide is the best way to ensure you don’t miss anything.

16. See The Ladyboys at the Simon Cabaret Show

For over two decades the now very famous Simon Cabaret show has wowed tourists to Phuket with the most beautiful of ladyboys performing night after night. For one hour you will be treated to spectacular cabaret by the various performers including a big fat transvestite who always wipes her sweaty boobs on an unsuspecting gentleman sitting in the front row. The amphitheatre is very comfortable with large comfy seats, tickets can be booked here.

17. Sit Back And Enjoy The Phuket FantaSea Show

Offering entertainment on a grand scale the Phuket Fantasea Show is a 140 acre complex that is filled with a range of entertainment and activities for all. There is a 4000 seat restaurant serving up a humongous buffet of both Thai and international food, a Las-Vegas style theater show that showcases the best of Thailand’s myths and mysteries. A carnival village, shopping complex and handicrafts section also compete for your time and attention. With so much to do it is best to arrive early to give yourself the time to see it all.

18. Check the View at Khao Rang Viewpoint

Located in the northwest of the city center, the Khao Rang viewpoint offers an excellent place to look out over the town, neighboring islands and hills that make up the ‘spine’ of the island (where the Phuket Big Buddha sits.) There are three restaurants and bars at the viewpoint along with a panoramic terrace where all the mentioned views can be had.  For those feeling energetic there is also a fitness park to be explored as well.

19. Be Inspired At Jui Tui Shrine

Following a series of renovations the Jui Tui Shrine house three large statues, each of a different Chinese god, the most prominent of these is Tean Hu Huan Soy, the god of performing arts and dancing, Next to his statue are a dog and a chicken as they were said to be his favorite childhood pets. The shrine itself was not always in its current location but following a fire many years ago that nearly destroyed it they decided is should move. To the left of the shrine is a firecracker house, you will often see people throwing burning firecrackers during various celebrations.

20. Walk Around Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is the provincial capital of Phuket, it is a historically rich part of town where you will see an abundance of temples (Chinese and Buddhist), beautiful ‘shophouses’, small printing shops and a disused red light district. The Old Town was created during a boom many years ago when metal was a valuable commodity. The town itself is not that big so you can easily walk around it rather than taking any transport and has a large selection of restaurants to stop for something to eat.

21. Discover The Shrine of the serene light

Built by a local family nearly 150 years ago and hidden away at the end of an alley way is the Shrine of the Serene Light. With Taoist etchings covering the walls and a vaulted ceiling there is much to see. Recently renovated the shrine has been completely repainted on the outside but kept completely original on the inside. There is always burning incense and freshly laid flowers, a live in caretaker makes sure that things are always kept just the way they should be.

22. Go Wild In Patong

Patong Beach is known as the heart of Phuket, tourists swarm here in their thousands and parking is often impossible but it is worth the experience at least once on any trip to Phuket. There are two things people come to Patong Beach for, its beach and the wild nightlife. The beach is about 2 kilometres long and you can try parasailing, jet skiing or just rent a sunbed to relax for a few hours. The nightlife centers aound Soi Bangla and you can witness many a ladyboy strutting their stuff whilst enjoying a drink or two.

23. Help at The Gibbon Rehabilitation project

Over 3,000 gibbons are killed each year in Thailand by hunters and this figure is on the rise, the Gibbon Rehabilitation project was set up to help look after the sick and unhealthy survivors with the intention of rehoming them back in the wild in the future. The project is always looking for volunteers to work at the project on a variety of tasks, such as working in the souvenir shop, fixing broken fences, feeding the gibbons or carrying out research. If you are expecting to see a normal zoo then you may be disappointed as the project is very much about making the gibbons better to return them to the wild.

Hotels in Phuket offer more than just 'rooms to stay'. With the well known Thai hospitality, your hotel or resort will be fully part of your holiday experience. From there, start off your discovery of the prime destination in southern Thailand which features amazing beaches and nearby islands, Buddhist temples and Chinese shrines, a tremendous nightlife entertainment scene, and a great choice of leisure activities.

For Couples & Families: North & South Patong

Patong is the busiest and most commercial area in Phuket. It’s a lively place with plenty of bars, shops and restaurants.

Value For Money

Sea Sun Sand Resort & Spa: A clean and well-maintained place with an amazing breakfast spread. If possible, book a room with a sea-view balcony on the highest level.

The Bliss Hotel: The ideal place for couples and families, it has a beachfront location and is quite close to the shopping and entertainment venues, yet far from the noise of Bangla Road.

Premium Experience

The Nap Patong Hotel: A chic place with cosy rooms and comfortable beds, the staff at Nap is exceptionally friendly.

Kalima Resort & Spa: This 5-star hotel is just 2 kilometres from the city centre, and offers top-class amenities – right from outdoor pools to a fitness centre and an in-house spa.

For Singles & Party-Hoppers: Central Patong

Undoubtedly the heart of all nightlife action in Phuket, Central Patong is the busiest part of Phuket.

It’s exactly at the centre of Patong Beach and the closest to Bangla Road, the party hub of Phuket, and one of the craziest streets in all of Thailand.

A mellow street by day, it becomes a carnival of neon-lit bars, deafening music and cheap alcohol at night. It’s also the centre of Phuket’s adult entertainment industry.

Value For Money

Swiss Palm Beach Hotel: A place that will give you a homely feel, Swiss Palm Beach Hotel is a hit with families. It’s a spacious apartment hotel with a small but clean pool, ideal for kids to splash around.

Patong Beach Hotel: It offers close access to the beach, shopping and entertainment options, but is still secluded enough. Also, excellent staff!

Premium Experience

Millennium Resort: It has an excellent location, with Bangla Road, Jungceylon Mall, pubs and many good restaurants nearby.

Holiday Inn Resort: One of the best accommodations in Patong, the hotels comes with fully furnished suites, swim-up bars, amazing pools, and a delicious breakfast spread.

For Honeymooners, Couples & Families: Karon & Kata

Spread across the beautiful golden sands of Karon Beach, Karon is the second-biggest beach town after Patong. Here, you’ll find plush resorts, nice cafes, restaurants and bars.

Kata is a smaller beach town near Karon. It’s bordered by Kata Beach – a beautiful white-sand beach with crystal clear waters – and lined with tall palm trees.

Value For Money

Hotel De Karon: It’s a great value-for-money hotel, with clean and spacious rooms, an excellent location, and friendly and helpful staff.

Best Western Phuket Ocean Resort: A nice hotel, just a 10-15-minute walk from the beach. Rooms are cosy with good sea views. The hotel has two pools, so you can always go to the non-busy one.

Premium Experience

Karon Sea Sands Resort: Sitting right on Karon Beach, it’s in a good area with lots of shops and cafes. With its cosy rooms and easy beach access, it’s ideal for couples.

Centara Karon Resort: This classy hotel has 3 swimming pools, spacious rooms, great bars and an in-house spa – and it’s just a 10-minute walk from the beach.

For Culture & History Buffs: Phuket Old Town

The capital of Phuket province, Old Town is a place steeped in history. It’s a world away from the urbanised jungles of Phuket.

The architecture is heavily European, and the streets are lined with Sino-Portuguese buildings, quaint mansions, charming cafes and boutique shops.

Value For Money

The Memory at On On Hotel: A little gem in the heart of Phuket Town, this was the first hotel built in Phuket during the tin-mining times. Adorned in traditional décor, the hotel is comfortable and conveniently located.

Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel Phuket: It makes for a good base to explore the rest of the city. Rooms are tastefully decorated, with the ones on the ground floor opening out to a garden outside. Walking in feels like entering a quaint country house.

For Luxury & Privacy: Bang Tao

The area is close to Bang Tao Beach, one of the lesser-known but incredibly beautiful beaches, having a 6-kilometre-long white-sand stretch and crystal-clear waters. It has a few sunbeds and umbrellas scattered around for beach bums to lounge about on.

Luxury Villas

Banyan Tree Phuket: Banyan Tree Phuket is like a fantasy abode, with its 5-star service, world-famous spas, award-winning cuisine, plush restaurants and bars.

Dusit Thani Laguna Pool Villa: This is luxury and elegance combined into one. The resort’s exceptional service and suite of facilities make it a top-class getaway.

For Easy Airport Access: Mai Khao Beach

One of the lesser-known beaches that has managed to escape commercialisation, possibly because of its proximity to the airport, Mai Khao is part of Sirinat National Park and is usually deserted. It’s an 11-km long beach, perfect for long walks and magical sunsets.

Value For Money

Grand West Sands Resort & Villas: One of the few places you will find with a water park inside, its huge and comfortable rooms are ideal for families with kids. Besides, it’s very close to the airport.

Holiday Inn Resort Phuket: Situated in a peaceful spot right on the beach, its rooms are spacious and clean with comfortable beds. Also, there is plenty of open space along the lovely pool.

Premium Experience

SALA Phuket Resort and Spa: The resort is a quiet retreat, offering ultimate relaxation and quality service. The private pool villa is perfect for couples. 

JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa: On the edge of an untouched beach and set amid lush greenery, this resort is a sanctuary for the senses – it’s the ideal resort to get the me-time you crave for.

If you love food, you will love Phuket. There are restaurants to suit every taste, serving a huge selection of western and Asian food. The variety of cuisine and dining experiences is one of the major attractions of the island. You can eat breakfast at your hotel, lunch at a local noodle stall, and have dinner with fine wines in a sophisticated air-conditioned restaurant. While Thai food is world-renowned for its wonderful flavors and fresh ingredients, Phuket is especially famous for its seafood and, you don't have to empty your bank account to enjoy the most sumptuous of dishes.

#1 - Tom Yam Goong

Tom Yang Goong is basically known as the mixture of spicy prawn and sour soup which is one of the most favorite dishes of the Thai. Tom Yang Goong Mae Nam is the original version of all variations of Tom Yang which includes Tom Yam Talay (Seafood), Tom Yam Gai (Chicken), Tom Yam Kradook Moo (Pork ribs). The most important part of all Tom Yam is its soup made from coconut milk, red chili, mushroom, herbs and other spices.

If you don't like spicy, look away! Tom Yam soup is hot, spicy and delightful at the same time. Tom Yum Goong goes great with rice or noodles.

Where to eat:

•    Bang Pae Seafood restaurant, PA Khlok, Thalang, Phuket, 10.00 AM – 8.00 PM.

•    Ang Seafood restaurant, Phuket rd, on the way to Saphan Hin (not far from Bang Niaw Chinese Temple, opposite side), 5.00 PM – Midnight.

#2 - Mee Hokkien noodle

This simple dish of stir-fried noodle with prawn keeps noodle fans coming back over and over agan. The thick yellow fried noodles, prawns, pork, squids, egg and bean sprouts are all in a perfect combination that makes everything taste extra good. Noodle is served with sambal chili and a squeeze of lime juice.

Where to eat:

•    Mee Ton Poe restaurant, Phuket rd, facing both the Metropole hotel and the Surin Clock Tower at the traffic circle, 8.00 AM – 8.00 PM.

•    Loktien restaurant, Thanon Dibuk, Phuket old town, (it’s right at the intersection of Yaowarat rd and Dibuk rd), 10.00 AM – 5.00 PM

#3 - Massaman Curry

It seems that Thai food is a hard treat for spicy haters. With Massaman curry, you shound't worry about it anymore.
This curry is beloved by many people who are crazy in love with curry of all kinds. Its flavor is suprisingly good with the sweetness of coconut milk, a little sourness of lime juice, the flavorful aroma of lime leaves and basil, the thickness of peanuts and tomatoes. They are go perfectly together and make a toothsome dish in one bowl. Massaman curry has several versions depending on what the main ingredient is. It can be pork, beef or fish. As usual, a curry appears at its best with steamed rice or noodles.

Where to eat:

•    N.C. restaurant 183/6 Phang-Nga, Talad Yai, Muang, 8.00 AM – 6.00 PM.

•    Oriental Spoon restaurant: 106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Road | Twinpalms Phuket Resort,Phuket, Thailand

#4 - Dim Sum

When it comes to Dim Sum, you will be totally shocked with a huge collection of this Chinese fusion food in Phuket. As there are several kinds of dim sum ready to be ordered, it's smart to plot out which is highly recommended by the local. The best kind of dim sum is the one which is folded at least seven times with a glowing fluffy outlook. The fillings are diverse ranging from shrimp, pork, prawn or green beans. Dim sum is amazingly super smooth and super rich in flavor.

Where to eat:

•    Boon Rad Dim Sum 1, 26/41 Thanon Bangkawk, Phuket Town, Phuket, 6.00 AM – 10.00 AM.

•    Wang DimSum, 269/1-2, Phuket Rd, Phuket Town, 6.00 AM – 11.00 AM.

#5 - Gaeng Keaw Wan Gai (Green Curry Chicken)

Next up is GaengKeaw Wan Gai, another unique Thai curry that attracts foodies worldwide for its distinctive feature. The curry is made with chicken, cooked with two types of eggplants cut in quarters. Eggplants are used to lower the choleterol level. Even you don't try this dish, oberving the smiling faces of those who indulged, the food must be delicious.

Where to eat:

•    Kaab Gluay restaurant, 58/3 Phrabaramee rd, Patong, Phuket, lunch time & dinner time.

#6 - Kanom Jeen Phuket

Kanom Jeen is another well-liked soup using chicken, mushrooms, galangal, tomatoes and lemongrass cooked in coconut milk. Normally, the dish is added with some chili but it's not that spicy, it's sure flavorful. To make a mind blowing bowl of Kanom Jeen, you need to pick up some of the best ingredients of beef, chicken, fish, crab and vegetables.

Where to eat:

•    Khanom Jeen Mae Ting Shop, 28 Satul rd, Muang Phuket, 8.00 AM – 12.00 PM noon.

•    Pa Mai Kanom Jeen Restaurant, Satun rd, Phuket Town, just next to the Blue Elephant restaurant, 5.30 AM – 11.00 AM.

#7 - Khao Man Gai

Khao Man Gai is definitely a soul satisfying chicken rice for all diners. It issues a new taste among hundreads of usual chicken rice in Southeast Asia. Khao Man Gai hosts the most delightfully flavorful and pleasingly textural items as boiled chicken, steamed jasmine rice, chicken broth and a unique sauce of ginger, garlic, chili and soyal sauce. Khao Mai Gai is truly tapped into the local and global culinary scene.

Where to eat: The food is widely solde in several street vendors, you can

•    Kota Khao Man Gai, 16 - 18 Soi Surin Montri (near the traffic circle with the clock in the middle), 10:00 AM to when supplies run out

#8 - Por Pia

Sping roll, spring roll and spring roll!

It's always a sneak peak of what to order for every trip to Phuket. If you are grabbing a belly satisfying food in Phuket, Por pia - a Thai spring roll is more than a good option.

In Phuket, spring roll is eaten both in sit-down restaurants and also on the street. The food is simply made by wrapping fillings of meat, prawns, vegetables, rice noodles and crunchy pastry into a roll. Then, the fresh spring roll will be deep fried. At the end, you are served with a crunchy, greasy and packed full of tastiness of spring roll.

Where to eat:

•    Loktien restaurant, Thanon Dibuk, Phuket Old town, (it’s right at the intersection of Yaowarat rd and Dibuk rd), 10.00 AM – 5.00 PM.

•    Natural restaurant, 62/5 Soi Phutorn Bangkok rd, Talad Yai, Muang, 9.00 AM – 8.00 PM.

#9 - Satay

It's such a huge mistake if you miss out satay culture in Thailand, especially in Phuket. There is a large selection of satay from chicken, pork to beef satay. The satay is normally eaten with peanut sauce. What people like about the dish most is its peanut sauce. The sauce is a perfect combination of fish sauce, ginger, green onions, cilantro leaves, jalapenos, pepper, peanut butter, sesame oil, lemon juice, and coconut milk. For all foodies, satay is absolutely a greasy favorite treat along the way.

Where to eat:

•    Khun Jeed’s Rad-Na Yod Pak, Phang Nga rd, under the Mung Pheng Hotel, not far from On On Hotel and Kasikorn Bank, 9.00 AM – 8 .30 PM.

•    Mee Ton Poe restaurant, Phuket rd, facing both the Metropole Hotel and the Surin Clock Tower at the traffic circle, 8.00 AM – 8.00 PM.

#10 - Roti Pancake

Roti pancake is a very unique Thai style of sweet pancakes. A Thai roti pancake has two parts - dough and filling. The dough is a mix of flour, egg, condensed milk, sugar and salt. The filling can be any of the fruits that you want to eat. At some places, these pancakes are served with thick coconut milk or ice cream on top. Make your way to any street hawkers with signs selling Roti pancake for this treat.

Where to eat:

•    Easy to find it in many street vendors on Patong beach, Phuket.

•    French Crepe Thai Pancake Vendor

By flights

The compact Phuket International Airport (IATA: HKT) is in the north of the island, and is Thailand's second largest hub, second only to Bangkok.

There are very frequent flights to and from Bangkok as well as direct flights to many other airports in the region, including Singapore and Kuala Lumpur, and direct charters to Europe and Australia in the high season.

International flights

•    Australia - Air Asia via Kuala Lumpur; Jetstar (direct or via Singapore with sister airline Jetstar Asia) with flights from/to major cities in Australia.

•    China - Spring Airlines has a daily direct flight from Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) to Phuket. Air China, Hainan Airlines and Thai Airways International flies from Beijing. China Eastern flies from Chengdu. China Southern flies from Guangzhou. Beijing Capital Airlines flies from Sanya, Hainan island plus a number of Airlines to other Chinese cities such as Chengdu, Chongqing, Kunming, Nanjing, Shenzhen etc .

•    Hong Kong - Thai Smile, Cathay Dragon, Hong Kong Express and Air Asia have non-stop direct flights from Hong Kong to Phuket. Hong Kong can connect you to the rest of the world via Cathay Pacific or other major airlines.

•    Indonesia - AirAsia flies from/to Jakarta and Medan in Sumatra, and often this is the cheapest connection between Thailand and Java and more eastern parts of Indonesia (promotional fares are often USD30-50 for a 3h flight)

•    Korea - Asiana Airlines and Korean Air] have non-stop services from Seoul with connections from Japan and North America.

•    Malaysia - AirAsia flies to Kuala Lumpur (LCC), FireFly flies to Penang, using small ATR-Turboprop aircraft, and Malaysia Airlines has flights from/to Kuala Lumpur

•    Qatar - Qatar Airways operates direct daily flights from/to Doha

•    Singapore - SilkAir up to 35 flights a week. Low cost alternatives are Thai AirAsia and Scoot. In addition, Jetstar flies there too.

•    Switzerland - Edelweiss Air has seasonal flights from Zurich

•    United Arab Emirates - Emirates flies to Dubai and Etihad Airways flies to Abu Dhabi.

•    United Kingdom - TUI Fly flies directly to London.

Other low cost direct connections include India, Macau, Seoul, and Busan.

Charter flights

There are some charter flights in high season from European and Asian countries such as Taiwan, Japan, etc. The airlines charge a very cheap fare.

Domestic flights

Several domestic airlines fly from Bangkok Donmueang Airport (DMK) to Phuket (HKT), including Nok Air,Thai Air Asia, Orient Thai,Thai Lion Air. Tickets from either of Bangkok's two airports can cost around 1,300 baht one-way if booked well in advance, or around 2,000-2,500 baht (including taxes) if bought on the day of the flight.

Thai Airways flies from Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) several times every day, as well as once daily from Chiang Mai (but there are no direct flights in the opposite direction). Additionally, they sell tickets from/to many domestic and international destinations with a stopover in Bangkok. They are usually cheaper (especially international) than if one books separate tickets. Cheapest (non-exchangeable and non-refundable, though taxes are refunded even in the unfortunate case of no-show, if you call them later) one-way ticket from Bangkok, as of April 2008, costs 2,320 baht.

Worth checking if you book just a few days before flight, as low-cost airlines may cost only 200-300 baht less in this situation, but you get full Thai Airways service, and free on-board meals too.

Nok Air flies to Bangkok Donmueang Airport six times a day.

Air Asia fly from Phuket to Chiang Mai (CNX) direct, twice a day at 10:35 and 10:20, affording an opportunity to combine a beach holiday with experiencing the wildlife and exotic cultures of northern Thailand. From Chiang Mai to Phuket, flights depart at 13:00 and 21:45. They fly to a city in Isaan as well, daily to Udon Thani (UTH) (handy for a trip into Laos).

Bangkok Airways has a monopoly on direct flights between Phuket and U-Tapao-Rayong-Pattaya International Airport (UTP) and Ko Samui (USM). They also have 6 daily flights from Bangkok. Fares are usually the same as Thai Airways, but sometimes they have very inexpensive promotional fares as low as 1,390 baht including taxes (that was a promotion in May 2011) when purchased on the airline's website. Bangkok Airways flights are usually less crowded and the entire journey is more relaxed, plus you can use their lounges for free even as an economy-passenger.

IMPORTANT: Thai Airways International and Bangkok Airways fly to Suvarnabhumi (pronounced: Soo-wan-na-poom), whereas Air Asia, Nok Air and Orient Thai fly to Don Mueang Airport (DMK). This may be of importance when you have a connecting flight.

Contact us for the latest flight schedule and price. Or you can check via some online platform such as SkyScanner.com or Kayak.com

Here you can find some tips to book the cheapest flight

By train

There are no direct rail services to Phuket.

However, many trains leave from Bangkok's central station going south all the way to Singapore. The most comfortable are the sleeper trains (c. 685 baht for a berth in a 2nd class air-con car. Get off at Phun Phin railway station near Surat Thani and continue for another 5 hours by regular bus to Phuket. Do not buy the bus ticket until you actually see the bus and can make sure it is not standing room only as it picks up passengers at the popular Ko Samui ferry. If full, wait for the next one.

By bus

There are two bus terminals in Phuket, the new number two a few Km north of the City and the old number one in the centre of Phuket Town (where the airport bus stops).

From the new terminal go all the long distance buses, as well as some minibuses. Many of the buses and minibuses go to places close to here, such as Phang Nga, Krabi, Chumphon, Khao Lak etc.

From the old terminal go buses to Takua Pa, and minibuses to Phang Nga. Also songteows go from here to all of the beaches, as well as a non aircon bus to Patong.

The most reliable buses from Bangkok are the public BKS buses from the Southern Bus Terminal and North-Norteastern Bus Terminal to Phuket. The journey takes 13 hours and costs between 650-950 baht. There are also some private bus companies, Phuket Travel Tour, Bus Express, Phuket Central Tour and Phuket Travel Service. Most of these private bus companies like Bus Express and Phuket Travel Service can be booked in advance online. Advance booking is advisable because this type of long distance bus service has limited schedule per day. Khao San Road operations have a bad reputation for theft, often turn out to include a "surprise" transfer to a minibus at Surat Thani, and are best avoided.
Some private bus companies can be booked online as well. The government buses also have an agreement with ThaiTicketMajor to operate online bookings for their long distance buses, however, most of them require the tickets to be mailed or picked up at ThaitTicketMajor outlets, which are usually located in major cinemas in large malls.

There are however reliable buses from Phantip (1970) concession (as name suggests, running on schedule for many years), running routes Phuket-Suratthani, Phuket-Koh Samui and Phuket-Koh Phangan. These can be booked in advance, and already include ferry fee where applicable. A route to/from Koh Samui would cost between 450 THB and 1,300 THB depending on the ferry class (slow car ferry or a speedboat).

From bus terminal 1 to bus terminal 2 you can take a 10 baht pink songthaew (line 2) or Potong (leaves every 30 minutes) . There are also 3 regular songthaew lines within Phuket Town, and both bus stations are served by them. There is a very useful big map just outside the bus stations (look around where the taxis are waiting at the old bus station and at the very rear, not towards the entrance at the new bus station) that displays the three songthaew routes within Phuket Town. Fare is 10 baht, last one at 19:00.

Before exiting the Phuket bus terminal, grab a free Phuket map from the information window. While supplies may always not be on hand, the map is a great way to get your bearings before jumping-off.

From both Phuket bus terminal to your final destination, you can take a motorcycle taxi, tuk-tuk, metre-taxi, or bus. A motorcycle taxi into Phuket Town will be about 20-100 baht; to most beaches 100-200 baht (hard negotiable).

Form Phuket bus terminal 1 you can take the local non aircon bus to Patong beach for only 40 Baht and it goes there quite slowly. It runs along Rat U Tit 200 Pee Road, which is the road inland on removed from the beach, and parallel. They are both one way streets.

At the both bus terminals, be aware the tuk-tuk and motorbike taxi touts very expensive fare to the beaches.

We recommend you check the latest bus schedule and price via rome2rio.com

By car

Phuket is directly connected to the mainland by the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge. From Bangkok, take Highway 4 through Nakhon Pathom, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Chumphon, thence through Ranong Province’s Kra Buri and Kapoe districts, Phang Nga Province’s Takua Pa and Thai Muang districts and onto Phuket Island. The total distance is 862 km. Cars can be rented easily in Phuket.

All vehicles entering and leaving Ko Phuket will pass through a police checkpoint, Tha Chat Chai, about 5 km south of the bridge to Phang Nga. Most proceed without stopping, but suspicious vehicles will be stopped and searched.

By boat

Ferry services connect from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town to Ko Phi Phi, from which you can connect to other destinations. The ride takes 1.5 to 2.5 hours and costs 600/1000 baht one-way/return at the port. You may be able to obtain a discount (or a free transfer to Rassada Pier) from a tour agency.

From the harbour, you could avoid the minibuses and take a ten baht songthaew to Phuket Town. If it doesn't show up at the bus stop right outside the terminal, you'll have to walk past the gate outside the harbor and along the road, turning left at the first T-junction, for about 600 metres. then on the big main road you can catch a cheap songthaew. There's a picture of all the routes posted just outside the terminal near the bus stop inside the complex. Last one leaves at 7PM.
There are also speedboats from/to Ko Racha (45 minutes), Phi Phi (1 - 1.5 hours), the Similan Islands (about 3 hours) and other islands. Boats and yachts can be chartered all year from Phuket at Chalong Bay, Rawai Beach, the Boot Lagoon, the Yacht Haven and Royal Phuket Marina. Boats from Phi Phi and Phang Nga can be found by visiting the local beaches. A search for Phuket Speedboat Charters will turn up many companies providing inter-island charters and services.

Prices for transfers on-board a tour speedboat are typically between 1,500 to 2,500 baht depending on destination. Phi Phi speedboat transfers (no tour) are provided by Phuket Harbour, which has dedicated speedboats for Phi Phi Island. Most companies doing Phi Phi Speedboat Tours will not accommodate transfers including baggage due to space limitations.

Prices for speedboat charters to/from Phuket range from 3,000 baht to 60,000 baht+ depending on distance / size of boat:

•    Coral Island: 3,000 - 5,000 baht

•    Racha Yai Island: 8,000 - 15,000 baht

•    Phi Phi Island: 15,000 - 25,000 baht

•    Phang Nga: 15,000 - 25,000 baht

•    Krabi: 20,000 - 30,000 baht

•    Similans: 30,000 - 60,000 baht+ (November through April only. Lower prices from Khao Lak, higher prices from Phuket.)

It's possible to visit Phuket by cruise ship. For cruises from Singapore, try Star Cruises