Phuket Travel, Life & Living 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 Go Ziplining in the Jungle in Patong, Phuket - The tour Go Ziplining in the Jungle in Patong, Phuket is around 1 hour long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Ziplining tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

10 hours Racha Noi and Racha Yai Dive Trip from Phuket - The activity Racha Noi and Racha Yai Dive Trip from Phuket is around 10 hours long, has 5 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Chalong, Thailand, and this Snorkeling activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

4 hours Phuket Private Night Time Street Food Walking Tour - The tour Phuket Private Night Time Street Food Walking Tour is around 4 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

8 to 9 hours Phuket Small-Group James Bond Island Tour by Longtail Boat - The attraction Phuket Small-Group James Bond Island Tour by Longtail Boat is around 8 to 9 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this James Bond Island activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

3 hours Phuket Jungle Trekking - The tour Phuket Jungle Trekking is around 3 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Thep Krasatti, Thailand, and this Hiking Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

6 hours Phuket Khao Phra Taew Jungle Trekking Tour - The activity Phuket Khao Phra Taew Jungle Trekking Tour is around 6 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Nature and Wildlife tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

3 hours Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer - The tour Best Ziplines Adventure 30 platforms with free transfer is around 3 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this 4WD Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand..

5 to 6 hours Carnival Magic Phuket - The attraction Carnival Magic Phuket is around 5 to 6 hours long, has 20 Reviews, it's based out of Kamala, Thailand, and this Carnival tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

6 to 8 hours Phuket Sunset Chaser Tour (Private & All-Inclusive) - The activity Phuket Sunset Chaser Tour (Private & All-Inclusive) is around 6 to 8 hours long, has 9 Reviews, it's based out of Kata Beach, Thailand, and this Phuket Old Town attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

8 hours Racha Noi Island + Racha Yai Island + Maiton Island by Speedboat - The activity Racha Noi Island + Racha Yai Island + Maiton Island by Speedboat is around 8 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Inter-Island Flights activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

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Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Bangtao Corner In Surin, Phuket - Bangtao Corner can be found in Surin on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.8 star rating and amenities include: 24 hour Front Desk Service, Restaurant/cafe and Laundry service.

Royal Kamala Phuket In Kamala, Phuket - Royal Kamala Phuket can be found in Kamala on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.7 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Laundry service and Gym.

Banhalawee In Koh Yao Yai, Phuket - Banhalawee can be found in Koh Yao Yai on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.0 star rating and amenities include: Restaurant/cafe, Wi-Fi and Parking.

Surin Loft by Holiplanet In Surin, Phuket - Surin Loft by Holiplanet can be found in Surin on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.9 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, and Gym.

Orchidacea Residence In Karon, Phuket - Orchidacea Residence can be found in Karon on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.9 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Parking and Wi-Fi.

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 .

Patong Rai Rum Yen Resort In Patong, Phuket - Patong Rai Rum Yen Resort can be found in Patong on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.4 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Swimming Pool and Gym.

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.

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.

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.

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