Where is the best place to relax in Phuket: areas, beaches, places, food

One of the best places to relax in Thailand is the island of Phuket, which is deservedly called the “beach capital of Thailand”. Paradise places with white sand, relaxation under coconut palms, swimming in the warm sea, incomparable views of the mountains and incredibly delicious cuisine – the Thais know how to surprise guests. And there are also very beautiful sunsets and incomparable locations for filming. 

Why Choose Phuket for Your Holiday

Holidays in Phuket are a special pleasure, because there is everything here to disconnect from daily worries, the eternal rush, the fuss and allow yourself to do only what you like and what brings pleasure. 

1. Beach holidays . Most vacationers go to Phuket for sunbathing and swimming in the warm sea.
2. Water sports . The island offers diving, snorkeling, surfing, parasailing and more.
3. Delicious cuisine . Tom yum, pad thai, som tam, many dishes from freshly caught seafood and fish, exotic fruits and vegetables – believe me, you will not try such delicious food anywhere else outside the island.
4. Culture . Lovers of history and unusual architecture come to Phuket to see luxurious buildings with unique decoration, visit ancient temples and monasteries, and get to know the customs and traditions of Thai culture better.
5. Sunsets . Thai sunsets are famous for their unreal beauty, and the pictures you get against their backdrop are breathtaking!

You must admit, these are quite good reasons to travel to Phuket . 

Phuket : Island Overview

Phuket is a large island on the west coast of Thailand. It is washed by the clear, warm waters of the Andaman Sea, in which both adults and children love to swim.  

Geographical location and climate

The island has a diverse nature and impressive landscape. It is surrounded by crystal clear sea, white beaches, palm groves and dense tropical forests. Here you will find both picturesque mountain peaks and secluded bays.

Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate, with two main seasons – dry and rainy. The dry season lasts from November to April, with temperatures reaching 30-35ºC. The rainy season begins in May and lasts until October. Precipitation occurs in short showers, with temperatures hovering around 25-30ºC. 

Language and Culture

In Phuket, the official language is Thai, but because of the tourism industry, many people also speak English. These are mainly hotels, agencies and other organizations and places related to tourism. The island is home to many Thais, whose ancestors came from China. Their traditions and customs are reflected in holidays, religious ceremonies and architecture. Western culture is also widespread, for example, restaurants and clubs offer multinational cuisine and you can hear music from all over the world. 

Planning a trip to Phuket

You should prepare for a trip to an unfamiliar country in advance. This will save you from unpleasant surprises and problems during your vacation . 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Phuket is November-April. At this time there is sunny, favorable, dry weather. The air temperature is warmed up to +30ºC, the sea is very warm. From May to October, the monsoon season with frequent rains and high humidity begins on the island. The flow of tourists weakens, the cost of air tickets and payment for accommodation in hotels decreases. 

Visa Process

Russians do not need a visa to enter Thailand, including Phuket, for up to 30 days. At the airport, they will simply put a stamp in your passport. If you need to spend 30-90 days in this country, you will need to apply for a single-entry TR visa. The document is issued for 60 days, then extended for another 30 days, but this time while abroad. 

The best beaches in Phuket

For those who like to lie in the sun on the hot Thai sand, there are many beaches on Phuket Island . 

Patong

Patong Beach is famous for its wide sandy strip, warm and clean water, entertainment for every taste and age. Here you can rent sun loungers and umbrellas to relax in the sun and enjoy the sea views. There are also plenty of bars and restaurants around with local cuisine and refreshing drinks. Patong Beach comes alive closer to the night. In the evening, clubs, bars and discos open here, where you can dance and have fun from the heart.

Caron

Karon Beach is located next to Patong, but has a calm, peaceful atmosphere. It offers beautiful views of the ocean, and you can also soak up the sun while listening to the sound of the waves. Compared to Patong, Karon is usually less crowded with tourists. There are also countless restaurants and shops offering a variety of food and goods.

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Kata is another popular beach in Phuket . For lovers of active recreation , there is a huge selection of water activities: surfing, windsurfing, diving, excursions to neighboring islands. There are also many restaurants, shops and souvenir shops. The beach is often visited by families with children, as there are playgrounds and special places for games and entertainment. In the evening, various entertainment shows and concerts are held near the water.

Nai Harn

This beach is considered one of the most beautiful in Phuket . It is located 20 km from Patong and 30 km from Phuket Airport. This is a popular place for a beach holiday due to the incredibly clean sea water, pleasant fine sand and amazingly beautiful landscapes. People come here for peace, quiet and dreams. 

Bang Tao

Situated on the west coast of the island, Bang Tao Beach is a long strip of sandy beach and calm waters. Here you will enjoy the privacy and beauty of nature, dream about something of your own and experience true relaxation.

 

Best Areas to Live in Phuket

There are several areas in Phuket that are good for living. We tell you about the best of them.

Patong

One of the popular areas for living with the beach of the same name and well-developed infrastructure. There is everything for a comfortable life: shops, pharmacies, restaurants, shopping centers, etc. A popular street among tourists is Bangla Road, where many places for evening and night entertainment are concentrated . Tourists are also attracted by the beach, which is 3 km long. 

Kamala 

The Kamala area is located in the western part of Phuket, between Patong and Surin. There are many hotels of different levels of comfort and cost, there are villas and condominiums (residential complexes with parking, a fitness center, a spa area, a swimming pool and other amenities). Kamala has its own, very cozy atmosphere, where you can both while away a short vacation and stay for a long time. The area is full of good restaurants, shops, at a distance of about 400 m from the beach there is a supermarket, banks, cafes, and along the beach there are massage parlors. The beach is 2 km long and 30 m wide, but less noisy than, for example, the beaches of Karon or Patong. 

Bang Tao

One of the presentable areas of Phuket, most of which is occupied by a beautiful lagoon. The northern part of Bang Tao is suitable for people who love peace and quiet, while the south is home to most of the entertainment venues, cafes, and shopping outlets, and there is always a lively atmosphere here. The beach has fine sand, and evergreen casuarinas grow there, reaching a height of over 30 m. Tourists who have experience living and vacationing in this area recommend coming here in early December. The sea is calm at this time .

Nai Harn

One of the favorite areas among vacationers. The beach here is clean, with fine white sand and a smooth entrance to the sea. Its length is just over 1 km. Nai Harn is a great place to relax and live with children of any age. Not far from the coastline there are many good cafes, restaurants with different types of cuisine, shops, etc. 

 

Interesting excursions in Phuket

Phuket offers a wide range of excursions that allow you to appreciate the beauty of the island and get to know its sights. 

Sea excursions

One of the popular sea excursions is to Coral Island . It got its name from the coral thickets that surrounded the area. In addition, there are beaches in the north and west of the island. You will relax on one of them, swim, try scuba diving and parasailing, and take fantastic photos. 

No less popular is the excursion to the Phi Phi Islands . They became “famous” thanks to the film “The Beach”, where Leonardo DiCaprio starred. Snow-white sand, a rich underwater world, a serene holiday await you.

An excursion to James Bond Island , also known as Ko Tapu, is one of the most interesting and favorite among vacationers . The island became popular after the release of the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”. 

Be sure to visit the Similan Islands . They are located in a nature reserve and are one of the most beautiful places in Phuket . Here you will swim in crystal clear waters, explore the underwater world, diving into the sea abyss with fins and a mask, and take memorable photos.

Cultural Tours

Phuket has a variety of cultural tours to suit all tastes:

• visiting Buddhist temples, such as Wat Chalong with its unusual architecture;
• walks through museums with interesting exhibits and displays;
• visiting Thai shows with unusual dances and fiery music;
• walks through local markets, for example, the night market in Town or Banzan in Patong with local cuisine, souvenirs;
• getting to know historical places , such as Phuket Town. 

This is only a small part of the available excursions, for other information please contact your tour operator. 

Active Holidays in Phuket

There are plenty of entertainment and types of recreation in Phuket, choose according to your taste and the size of your wallet.

Diving and snorkeling

The water in Phuket is so warm and clear that the underwater life here does not boil, but bubbles. When diving into the sea depths, divers are presented with magnificent coral gardens, surrounded by tropical fish of different sizes and colors and other inhabitants. The best places for diving are the islands of Rok and Ha, Phi Phi and Similan. 

Snorkeling in Phuket is no less popular than diving. Many hotels and tour operators offer excursions that include diving on nearby islands and reefs. You will be provided with a mask, snorkel and fins to explore the underwater world. Are you ready to get closer to the coral reefs, watch the fish, see mysterious rays and sea turtles? Then go ahead, for sea adventures!

Surfing

The best beaches for relaxation and surfing in Phuket are Kata Beach and Surin Beach. There are equipment rental shops and surfing schools offering lessons for beginners and board rentals for experienced surfers. The waves at Kata Beach usually reach 2 m, and at Surin Beach they can be a little stronger. Professional surfers will find it boring here, the beaches are more suitable for beginners and inexperienced athletes. It is better to surf in the low season – the time of storms and big waves.  

Parasailing

Parasailing points behind a boat on Phuket are located on the beaches of Patong, Kamala, Kata, Bang Tao, and Karon. The entertainment is available all year round. After payment, the participant receives a short briefing, then a life jacket, a rope connecting the person to the boat, and a parachute are attached to him. Then there is a short run to create lift, after which the person soars into the air. The flight lasts about 10 minutes at an altitude of 300-500 m. Special skills or physical training are not required. Needless to say, what stunning views open up to a person from a bird’s eye view!

Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae is the largest, full-flowing waterfall on Phuket Island, located in its northeastern part, in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Bang Pae consists of several cascades, the highest reaches 15 m in height. There are trees growing around, huge boulders. At the foot of the waterfall there is a stone bowl created by nature (you are allowed to swim in it). A rocky path leads to the reservoir, which can be slippery during the rain (be careful, wear non-slip shoes). After the end of the rainy season, Bang Pae becomes even more beautiful and full-flowing.  

Where to eat in Phuket

Phuket has an incredible number of restaurants, cafes, bars and street vendors selling local cuisine. 

Traditional Thai cuisine

Traditional Thai cuisine is a fusion of Chinese, Indian and Malay cuisines. Perhaps the most popular dish in Phuket is Tom Yum. This is a spicy soup with seafood or meat, prepared on the basis of good Thai spices, lemon grass, lime leaves and coriander. 

Tourists also love fried noodles with seafood or meat, vegetables and sauces. Som tam, a fresh green salad with papaya, nuts, fish sauce and lemon juice, is also worth trying. 

Seafood

The most popular seafood in Phuket is shrimp. They are prepared in different ways: fried with garlic and soy sauce, added to tom yum or pad thai – fried noodles. Fish is also constantly present in the diet of Thais, for example, they adore sea bass, red mullet or tuna. Grilled fish, fried with spices, added to soups and curries are popular. 

Street food

In Thailand and Phuket in particular, street food is in great demand. This includes traditional Thai soups, fried rice and noodles, seafood, grilled meat, fruits and desserts. Often, such food is prepared right in front of visitors. For example, vacationers are very fond of satay – pieces of chicken or pork, skewered and grilled. The dish is usually served with peanut or tamarind sauce.

There are also stalls selling fresh fruits, juices and desserts all over the streets of Phuket . Mango with gluten and coconut milk, durian or mangosteen ice cream are just some of the best desserts you can try on the run. 

FAQ

We answer the most frequently asked questions about Phuket.

What documents are required to enter Phuket?

To enter Phuket, and Thailand in general for vacation, foreign citizens must have a passport and, if necessary, a visa (if staying in the country for up to 30 days, it is not required). The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the expected date of departure from the country.

What should you take with you to Phuket?

A list of what you should have with you for your trip to the island:

• passport and its copy;
• visa;
• air ticket;
• money;
• hotel reservation;
• medical insurance;
• medicines;
• sunscreen;
• beachwear;
• smartphone, camera;
• map/guide;
• chargers for gadgets;
• beachwear;
• waterproof bag or container to protect jewelry, documents, phone from moisture and sand.

What seasonal features in Phuket should you consider when planning your trip?

Before traveling to Phuket, familiarize yourself with the weather and tourist nuances on the island. From May to October, there is a monsoon season with frequent rains, high humidity and storms. From November to April, there is good, sunny weather, and the sea is warm and clean. From December to February, there is a massive influx of vacationers, the cost of housing instantly increases. From May to October, the beaches are empty, prices go down. 

What are the restrictions and rules for tourists in Phuket?

There are some restrictions and rules for tourists in Phuket that should be taken into account.

1. An entry visa is required.
2. Observe the terms of stay and vacation in Thailand. 
3. Respect local culture and etiquette.
4. It is prohibited to destroy or harm natural resources.
5. It is prohibited to use, store and sell drugs.
6. Smoking is only permitted in designated areas (there are signs).
7. Show respect to local people, avoid conflicts and remain friendly.

What safety precautions should be taken in Phuket?

Please follow the safety rules on the island to avoid misunderstandings and problems.

1. Do not leave personal belongings unattended on beaches or in public places . 
2. Do not openly display expensive items, an open wallet, or jewelry.
3. Avoid conflicts with locals or other tourists.
4. Don’t ignore water safety rules.
5. Do not participate in illegal activities (drugs, weapons, prostitution).
6. Do not accept food or alcohol from strangers.
7. Rest only where it is unsafe and there is a possibility to contact the guide. Do not go to unknown or little-known areas without a guide.

What money is better to take with you to Phuket – cash or a card?

In Thailand, it is best for Russians to have cash. As for non-cash, at present Russian cards work almost nowhere abroad, in Thailand in particular. 

Conclusion

Phuket offers everything you need for a great holiday : beautiful beaches, a lot of entertainment for any age and budget, acquaintance with the culture and customs of the Thais, unrivaled cuisine. We strongly recommend relaxing on this island if you are planning a trip to Thailand. We are sure that you will be very pleased, and good photos will remind you of an incredible holiday under the palm trees for a long time.