Phuket Living & Travel Guide

Phuket, which is 867 km or a one hour flight from Bangkok, is Thailand’s largest island and the country’s only island province.

Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which dates back over 500 years.

Today, Phuket is Thailand’s major tourist destination. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life and the island itself is blessed with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.

Phuket Town also has some wonderful examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture. The dream of escaping to an idyllic tropical island becomes a reality on Phuket; Thailand’s island paradise in the Andaman Sea.

Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 km wide by 48 km long, the island has excellent roads and infrastructure whilst still retaining most of its original natural beauty. The landscape is one of lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted with a dozen or more spectacular beaches.

Unspoiled stretches of fine white sand are found along the entire west coast of the island. Each sun-drenched beach has a character and charm of its own, and is separated from its neighbours by picturesque headlands and backdrops of wooded hills. Lapping the shore are the sparkling warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea which are perfectly safe for swimming for much of the year.

Phuket charities, Orphanages and animal welfare rehabilitation centres on Phuket, and in Asia. You can also help, donate and contact directly by visiting our supported charities on our ‘Tsunami Day‘ page.

Besides the above we also bring awareness to all credible charities and volunteer organizations on Phuket and Thailand. To see a full list please visit our Thailand and Phuket charities and volunteer organizations guide page.

Here you will find an in-depth guide to Phuket’s shopping. From Phuket boutique shops and shopping centres to the vibrant night markets and your daily mini market needs.

Bottom line is that Phuket island is a shopaholic’s paradise! The island has a great variety of shopping, from bustling open-air village food markets, noisy night markets, street stalls and local shops to western-style department stores and up-market specialist boutique shops. Prices naturally vary, going from amazing bargains to credit card-melting designer labels. More details

Being Eco friendly around Phuket means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. While Phuket homes and Hotels may not pollute or cause massive deforestation as much as the world’s logging, mining and beef cattle ranchers do, Palm plantations, over construction and population increases on Phuket has stripped away the natural habitat, polluted the streams, rivers and ocean, and the diesel and petrol cars, motorbikes and coaches have filled the air with massive amounts of of CO2 emissions. This must change.

As of 2000, 60% of Phuket was tree cover. From 2001 to 2021, Phuket lost 7.50kha of tree cover, which is the equivalent to a 23% decrease in tree cover since 2000. This lost, or deforestation, is due to over tourism, palm / rubber plantations, logging and population increases, which intern brings a massive increase in over construction, loss of habitat and wildlife, and the ever increasing amount of vehicles on the roads.

The Eco-friendly way of life is becoming increasingly important, as we need to protect Phuket, and the rest of our planet from more human-made damage, and respects the environment and wildlife, and not destroy it.

Our comprehensive guide covers all aspects in our life, including; Planting a LOT more tree, using non toxic cosmetics or cleaning products and renewable energy sources, to help locals, expats and tourists make a contribution to reducing climate change effects, and being more eco friendly in our daily life. Read more

Top 10 Trending Activities On Phuket

1 hour 30 minutes Private Thai Temple Ceremony in the Morning - The activity Private Thai Temple Ceremony in the Morning is around 1 hour 30 minutes long, has 21 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Chalong, Thailand, and this High Tea activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

9 hours Phi Phi Snorkeling Day Trip by Speedboat – Phuket Sail Tours - The activity Phi Phi Snorkeling Day Trip by Speedboat - Phuket Sail Tours is around 9 hours long, has 8 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Snorkeling activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

8 to 9 hours James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay with Canoeing By Big Boat From Phuket - The activity James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay with Canoeing By Big Boat From Phuket is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 10 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Pa Klok, Thailand, and this James Bond Island tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

10 to 11 hours Highlights of Ko Phi Phi & Khai Islands: Khao Lak Day Tour - The tour Highlights of Ko Phi Phi & Khai Islands: Khao Lak Day Tour is around 10 to 11 hours long, has 14 Reviews, it's based out of Kukkak, Thailand, and this Maya Bay tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

4 hours Phuket Private Minivan Service With Driver and Guide - The activity Phuket Private Minivan Service With Driver and Guide is around 4 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket, Thailand, and this Bus Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

9 hours Phang Nga Bay Long Boat Tour - The tour Phang Nga Bay Long Boat Tour is around 9 hours long, has 66 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this James Bond Island tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

8 to 10 hours Maya Bay, Phi Phi Don Island, and Khai Island Boat Tour - The activity Maya Bay, Phi Phi Don Island, and Khai Island Boat Tour is around 8 to 10 hours long, has 228 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phi Phi Islands activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

2 to 6 hours Carnival Magic Theme Park in Thailand - The activity Carnival Magic Theme Park in Thailand is around 2 to 6 hours long, has 27 Reviews, it's based out of ตำบล กมลา, Thailand, and this Carnival activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

6 to 8 hours Raya Island Tour by Speed Boat from Phuket - The activity Raya Island Tour by Speed Boat from Phuket is around 6 to 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Racha Island activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

5 hours Koh Khai Islands Premium Tour with Transfer - The tour Koh Khai Islands Premium Tour with Transfer is around 5 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Snorkeling tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort In Nai Yang, Phuket - Ruan Mai Naiyang Beach Resort can be found in Nai Yang on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 7.5 star rating and amenities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Bar.

Green House Phuket In Paklok, Phuket - Green House Phuket can be found in Paklok on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.3 star rating and amenities include: Laundry service, Wi-Fi and Restaurant/cafe.

Kamala Cool Hotel In Kamala, Phuket - Kamala Cool Hotel can be found in Kamala on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 8.1 star rating and amenities include: 24 hour Front Desk Service, Parking and Wi-Fi.

Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment In Patong, Phuket - Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment can be found in Patong on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 8.3 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Parking and 24 hour Front Desk Service.

Ozone Condotel Apt 716 In Kata, Phuket - Ozone Condotel Apt 716 can be found in Kata on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.4 star rating and amenities include: Parking, Gym and Wi-Fi.

Sirikul Mansion In Thalang, Phuket - Sirikul Mansion can be found in Thalang on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.5 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, 24 hour Front Desk Service and Parking.

Raya Rawai Place In Chalong, Phuket - Raya Rawai Place can be found in Chalong on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.8 star rating and amenities include: Laundry service, Concierge service and Wi-Fi.

Grande Elegance Serviced Apartment In Patong, Phuket - Grande Elegance Serviced Apartment can be found in Patong on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.9 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi and Parking.

Rabbit Mansion2 In Patong, Phuket - Rabbit Mansion2 can be found in Patong on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.6 star rating and amenities include: Parking, Wi-Fi and .

Mala Apartment In Kata, Phuket - Mala Apartment can be found in Kata on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 7.7 star rating and amenities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Concierge service.

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