Phuket: The Latest 2025 Travel Guide
🏝 Editor's Guide: A Complete Guide to Phuket Travel
Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is a world-renowned holiday destination. With its azure waters, white sandy beaches, vibrant nightlife, and abundant water activities, Phuket offers everything you need for a relaxing getaway, stunning photo opportunities, or exciting marine sports.
📍 Must-see attractions in Phuket
1. Patong Beach
- Features : The most lively beach in Phuket, with many restaurants, bars and shopping malls nearby.
- Editor’s Tip : Enjoy water activities during the day and experience the nightlife on Bangla Road.
2. Kata Beach & Karon Beach
- Features : Compared to Patong, it is quieter, the beach is clean, and it is suitable for families and couples.
- Editor's suggestion : The sunset at Kata Beach is super beautiful and suitable for taking photos and checking in.
3. Phi Phi Islands
- Features : A world-class island made famous by the movie "The Beach," offering snorkeling and island-hopping tours.
- Editor's note : It is recommended to take a one-day or two-day tour. Go early as there will be fewer people.
4. Racha Island / Raya Island
- Features : The water is crystal clear, very suitable for snorkeling and diving.
- Editor’s tip : There are fewer people than Phi Phi Island, and it feels more private.
5. Wat Chalong
- Features : The most important Buddhist temple in Phuket, with gorgeous architecture.
- Editor's suggestion : Dress modestly and avoid sleeveless clothing and shorts.
6. Phuket Old Town
- Features : Sino-Portuguese style buildings, colorful streets, hipster cafes and markets.
- Editor’s tip : On Sundays, there’s the Phuket Sunday Market, with tons of local specialties.
7. Big Buddha
- Features : Located on a hill, it overlooks the entire Phuket Island. The Buddha statue is 45 meters high and is awe-inspiring.
- Editor's suggestion : Go to see the sunset in the evening for a beautiful view.
🍤 Must-try food in Phuket
| gourmet food | Recommended locations | Editor's Thoughts |
|---|---|---|
| Tom Yum Goong | Seaside restaurants, night markets | The taste is sour, spicy and rich, and the seafood is fresh. |
| Pad Thai | Patong Night Market and Food Stalls | Stir-fried until sweet with a hint of burnt aroma. |
| Mango Sticky Rice | Markets and dessert shops | The mango is sweet and the glutinous rice with coconut milk is very comforting. |
| Phuket Seafood Platter | Rawai Seafood Market | Lobster, crab, oyster and shrimp are all available at once. |
| coconut ice cream | Beach vendors | Rich and refreshing, a must-have for cooling off in the summer. |
| Thai grilled fish | Night market, seafood restaurant | The skin is crispy and the fish is tender, and it is even better with spicy sauce. |
🚐 Phuket Transportation Guide
1. Taxi/Grab
- The most convenient, but the price is high.
- Editor’s Tip : Grab may add a surcharge in some areas of Phuket.
2. Motorcycle rental
- The rent is cheap (about 200-300 baht/day) and there is a lot of flexibility.
- Editor's reminder : You need an international driver's license and wear a helmet.
3. Charter a car
- Suitable for multiple people or day trips, the price depends on the route.
4. Songthaew
- Blue songthaews connect the main beaches with the city. They are cheap but have irregular service.
5. Airport to city/beach
- You can take a taxi, airport bus or book a shuttle bus to Patong, which takes about 45 minutes.
🎯 Editor recommends a 4-day itinerary
Day 1 : Patong Beach → Bangla Road Nightlife
Day 2 : Island Hopping Tour to Phi Phi Island
Day 3 : Wat Chalong → Big Buddha → Phuket Old Town → Sunday Market (Sunday only)
Day 4 : Snorkeling at Emperor Island → Seafood Dinner → Sunset at the Beach
