Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and its most famous beach destination, on the Andaman coast. It packs in everything from package-holiday beaches and raucous nightlife to boutique Old Town cafes and luxury resorts — plus boat trips to some of Thailand’s most spectacular islands.
Where to stay
Patong is the lively, nightlife-heavy hub — fun but full-on. Kata and Karon are calmer, family-friendlier beaches. Kamala and Surin are more upscale. Phuket Old Town offers Sino-Portuguese charm and great cafes away from the beach. Rawai and Nai Harn in the south are relaxed.
Top things to do
Beach-hop the west coast, take a speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island or the Similans, see the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, wander Old Town’s painted streets, and catch a sunset at Promthep Cape.
Getting there from Pattaya
Phuket is across the country on the Andaman coast, so the practical route is to fly — short domestic flights connect Bangkok (and sometimes U-Tapao near Pattaya) to Phuket. Overland is long (10+ hours).
Best time to visit
The dry season (roughly November to April) has the calmest seas and clearest water — peak season. The monsoon (May to October) is cheaper and greener but brings rougher seas and rain.
Food & nightlife
Fresh Andaman seafood, southern-Thai curries and Old Town cafe culture lead the food scene. Nightlife centres on Patong’s Bangla Road, with everything from beach clubs to bars.
Day trips
The Phi Phi Islands, Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island), the Similan Islands and Khao Lak are all classic day or overnight trips from Phuket.