About
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.
FAQ
* Population: Phuket’s 2023 population is now estimated at 449,389. In 1950, the population of Phuket was 23,170. More than 115,000+ expats also reside in Phuket (pre-COVID).
* Tsunami: Phuket was heavily impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. Around 250 people died on the island.
* Future Transport: The Phuket Light Rail Transit, or Phuket Tram, is currently under construction. The tram will have 24 stations and connect Phang Nga province with Phuket City. The tram is expected to start running by 2026, maybe.
* Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7 (No daylight saving time, same UTC offset all year)
* The IANA time zone identifier for Phuket is: Asia/Bangkok.
* Sunrise: 06:15
* Sunset: 18:05
* Day length: 11h 51m
* Solar noon: 12:10
* Population: 386,605 (2015)
* University: Phuket Rajabhat University
* ISO 3166 code: TH-83
* Alternate Names: Phuket, Phuket Island
* Time zone: The time zone id for Phuket, Thailand is Asia/Bangkok.
* Currency: Currency in Phuket, Thailand is THB (Baht)
* Elevation: 10 meters
* Nearby Airports: Phuket International Airport (HKT) offering both domestic and direct flights to Phuket
* Phoning Thailand: 0011 + 66 + area code + local number
* Thailand Country Dialling Code: +66
* Phuket’s Area Code: 76 (Or 076 for local)
* Location: Andaman Sea
* Coordinates: 7°53′24″N 98°23′54″E
* Latitude: 7.8833333
* Longitude: 98.4
* Area: 576 km2 (222 sq mi)
* Island Length: 50 km (31 mi)
* Island Width: 20 km (12 mi)
* Average Annual Rainfall: 315 mm
* Holidays: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Chakkri Day, 6 April; Songkran Day, mid-April; Coronation Day, 5 May; Queen’s Birthday, 12 August; Chulalongkorn Day, 23 October; King’s Birthday, 5 December; Constitution Day, 10 December. Movable holidays include Makabuja Day, Plowing Festival, and Visakabuja Day.
* Shopping Malls: Central Festival Phuket, Jungceylon, Tesco Lotus, Big C
* International Hospitals: Bangkok-Phuket Hospital, The Phuket International Hospital, and Mission Hospital.
* Land measurments (In Rai, Ngan and Wah). A) 1 Rai = 4 Ngan (or 1600 Sq.m.). B) 1 Ngan = 100 Wah (or 400 Sq.m.). C) 1 Wah = 4 Sq.m. D) 1 Acre = 2.5 Rai E) 1 Hectare = 6.25 Rai
Charity
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.
Shopping
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
Eco-friendly
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
Trending Activities & Tours
Top 10 Trending Activities On Phuket
9 hours Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat - The attraction Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat is around 9 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Speed Boat Rentals tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand.. 
8 hours Phuket Private Boat Charters - The tour Phuket Private Boat Charters is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Private Sightseeing Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island.. 
10 hours Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Kayaking Excursion from Phuket - The tour Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Kayaking Excursion from Phuket is around 10 hours long, has 7 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Pa Klok, Thailand, and this Kayaking Tours activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand.. 
7 hours Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) by Luxury Catamaran - The activity Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) by Luxury Catamaran is around 7 hours long, has 10 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phang Nga Bay attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand.. 
2 hours Hanuman World Phuket: Zip Lines and Hotel Transfers - The activity Hanuman World Phuket: Zip Lines and Hotel Transfers is around 2 hours long, has 103 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Wichit, Thailand, and this Ziplining tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand.. 
10 to 11 hours Similan Islands Snorkeling Tour By Seastar Andaman From Phuket - The attraction Similan Islands Snorkeling Tour By Seastar Andaman From Phuket is around 10 to 11 hours long, has 8 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Lam Kaen, Thailand, and this Day Trips activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island.. 
8 hours Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch - The tour Whitewater Rafting & ATV Adventure Tour from Phuket including Lunch is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Adventure Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket, Thailand.. 
9 hours John Gray’s Sea Canoe Hong by Starlight Tour - The attraction John Gray's Sea Canoe Hong by Starlight Tour is around 9 hours long, has 11 Reviews, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Kayaking Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand.. 
6 to 7 hours Phang Nga Bay: Cave Kayak Tour from Phuket - The activity Phang Nga Bay: Cave Kayak Tour from Phuket is around 6 to 7 hours long, has 11 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this Kayaking Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island.. 
6 hours Phuket Town and Island Sightseeing Tour w/Lunch - The tour Phuket Town and Island Sightseeing Tour w/Lunch is around 6 hours long, has 3 Reviews, it's based out of Chalong, Thailand, and this Sightseeing Tours attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand.. See all Phuket Tours
Trending Rentals
Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket
The Unity Patong In Patong, Phuket - The Unity Patong can be found in Patong on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.4 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, 24 hour Front Desk Service and Gym. 
Ra Residence Phuket In Chalong, Phuket - Ra Residence Phuket can be found in Chalong on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.0 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, Laundry service and Parking. 
The WIDE Condotel – Phuket In Phuket Town, Phuket - The WIDE Condotel - Phuket can be found in Phuket Town on Phuket island. The Apartments has a 7.2 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Business centre and Gym. 
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. 
Phuket Lagoon Pool Villa In Koh Kaew, Phuket - Phuket Lagoon Pool Villa can be found in Koh Kaew on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 6.9 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Low mobility guests welcome and Gym. 
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. 
Majestic Villas Phuket In Nai Harn, Phuket - Majestic Villas Phuket can be found in Nai Harn on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Gym and Wi-Fi. 
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. 
The Deck Condo Patong In Patong, Phuket - The Deck Condo Patong can be found in Patong on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Wi-Fi 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. See all Phuket Accommodations
