Top 5 Things To Do In Phuket

Located in the Andaman Sea, near Indonesia and Malaysia, and somewhat isolated from the rest of Thailand, Phuket is one of Thailand’s best and most visited cities, with over 10 million visits annually. This article discusses the top five things to do in Phuket.

Best Time To Visit Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is between December and March. This is also the busiest period, with Christmas and New Year’s festivities. 

The off-season, also known as the low season, green season, or monsoon season, lasts from April to around October.

Temperatures rise throughout the country from April to June. Although many tourists still visit Thailand during this time, it is not advisable.

How to Get to Phuket 

• Take a flight from Bangkok to Phuket. Thai Viet Jet Air will cost you approximately THB 2,400, including luggage. If you book on short notice, you will most likely pay over THB 3,300. Therefore, it is advisable to book in advance.
• Most tickets are non-refundable as these are low-cost airlines; consider that before booking.
• If you are already in Thailand, you can take a bus from Bangkok or Pattaya. The bus from Pattaya to Phuket takes about 15 hours and costs approximately THB 1,000. The bus I took left Pattaya at 4 pm and arrived in Phuket at lunchtime the next day. It is an overnight and tiring drive, but one that is worth experiencing.

Where to Stay in Phuket for first timers

First, Phuket is big, and the distance from Phuket International Airport |HKT  to Patong Beach is over an hour. The distance from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 to Patong Beach is approximately 45 minutes by scooter.

Second, traffic, like most Thai cities, is crazy.

Third, Patong is the heart of Phuket. Therefore, as a first-timer, you have two options:

• Stay in Patong city centre, preferably on Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road, between Sawatdirak Road and Bangla Road or
• Stay in Patong city centre along the beach road (Thanon Thawewong Road).
• As should be the case, Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road properties are cheaper than those along the beach.
• However, staying along the beach is unnecessary if you cannot afford it. It is only a quick 2 to 3-minute walk from Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road to Thanon Thawewong Road.
• Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road and the beach road are one way. This is intended to control traffic and reduce congestion and accidents.
• The Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road location provides quick access to Bangla Road, restaurants, cafes, massage parlours, and bars.
• Accommodation in Phuket is affordable. You can get a good ensuite room for THB 500 (about A$24) per night. If visiting during the off-peak season, DO NOT book beforehand, as online travel agencies will overcharge. As an example, for a “superior double room” for 12 nights with breakfast at the now-closed Heaven’s Guesthouse, booking.com billed me over THB 11,774.88 (approx A$550), which comes to A$45 per night, double what we paid when we inquired in another hotel. If you are in doubt, I strongly advise booking online for a day or two only. Once on the ground, walk around and look for a bargain. Check for signs “ROOM FOR RENT”. You will get a room of THB 500 ONO.

What to eat in Phuket

• Thailand has a rich cuisine, and Phuket does not disappoint. My favourite dishes are Thai fried rice, Pad Thai, green curry, and red curry, which come with rice; I love spicy food. I prefer street food from go-carts or small restaurants – usually, the food is cheap and delicious.
• One more thing: Thailand has an abundance of tropical fruits to make fresh juice, and they are cheap, about THB 60 – 90 a cup. Amen loves Phuket because of fresh juice!

Now, let’s talk about the top 5 things to do in Phuket.

Top 5 Things To Do In Phuket

1. Hire a scooter

The first thing to do is hire a scooter to explore the city, including pubs, shopping centres, and out-of-town beaches, such as Karon Beach.

A scooter costs between THB 300 and 500 per twenty-four hours, which is cheap.

Alternatively, you can use a Phuket minivan or tuk-tuk to take you around town.

2. Visit Pa Tong Beach

The second thing you should do is visit Pa Tong Beach. If you are staying on Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road, it is just a two — to three-minute walk away.

Pa Tong Beach is beautiful and offers water activities. A few food carts are allowed to vend along the beach.

3. Visit Bangla Road

Bangla Road is the go-to area for nightlife in Phuket. It is lined with beautiful pubs, bars and restaurants. Although quiet during the day, it turns into a crazy spot in the night.

From Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road, it is about 5 to 8 minutes walk to Bangla Road.

4. Visit Big Buddha Phuket

I suggest you buy a tour package that includes Big Buddha Phuket and the Elephant Sanctuary. You can buy a tour package from several tourist shops on Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Road.

Alternatively, you can ride a motorbike to Big Buddha Phuket and the elephant sanctuary; however, you may not enjoy the tour – you need someone to guide you.

5. Visit Chalong Elephant Retirement

The final activity is to visit one of several elephant sanctuaries in Phuket. I recommend Chalong Elephant Retirement:

• Chalong looks after rescued elderly elephants. The two rockstars are Lulu and Sombat. Lulu is the older female born on 11 October 1972 while Sombat was born on 15 January 1977. They are Asian elephants.
• The elephants have special handlers called Kwang.
• From Phuket, it is about 20 km to the sanctuary. The road is hilly, windy and forested. A brief lesson is given before meeting the elephants. After the activity lunch is provided to guests.
• The address for the sanctuary is Chalong Elephant Retirement R8JC+VQV Unnamed Road Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand.
• You can call or WhatsApp them at +66989556522 or email on

   info@chalongelephantretirement.com

Any questions? Please shoot.

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