Phuket Living & Travel 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

10 hours Choeng Thale Rice Fields, Jungle Trekking, and Tubing - The tour Choeng Thale Rice Fields, Jungle Trekking, and Tubing is around 10 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Choeng Thale, Thailand, and this Tubing activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

6 hours Private Sightseeing & Photographer Tour - The tour Private Sightseeing & Photographer Tour is around 6 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Private Sightseeing Tours tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

8 hours Phuket Racha Island Tour - The activity Phuket Racha Island Tour is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Racha Island tour can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

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..

8 hours Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat With Lunch - The tour Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat With Lunch is around 8 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Jet Boat Rentals attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island in Thailand..

7 hours Phuket Andamanda Waterpark Ticket - The activity Phuket Andamanda Waterpark Ticket is around 7 hours long, has 14 Reviews, it's based out of Kathu, Thailand, and this Water Parks attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket in Thailand..

2 days Phi Phi Islands and Beyond Overnight Island-Hopping Tour - The attraction Phi Phi Islands and Beyond Overnight Island-Hopping Tour is around 2 days long, has 12 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this James Bond Island attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

2 hours Simon Cabaret Show Ticket - The activity Simon Cabaret Show Ticket is around 2 hours long, has 1 Review, it's based out of Patong, Thailand, and this Phuket Simon Cabaret Show activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island..

5 hours The Best Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket - The activity The Best Cooking Class and Market Tour in Phuket is around 5 hours long, has 2 Reviews, it's based out of Tambon Patong, Thailand, and this Cooking Classes activity can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket island, Thailand..

8 hours James Bond Island by Speedboat with Canoeing - The tour James Bond Island by Speedboat with Canoeing is around 8 hours long, has 4 Reviews, it's based out of Phuket Town, Thailand, and this James Bond Island attraction can be booked online here, or when you arrive to Phuket..

See all Phuket Tours

Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket

Sea Dream Patong In Patong, Phuket - Sea Dream Patong can be found in Patong on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 7.7 star rating and amenities include: Laundry service, Wi-Fi and Bar.

Tharawalai Resort In Rawai, Phuket - Tharawalai Resort can be found in Rawai on Phuket island, Thailand. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Laundry service and Gym.

The Front Hotel and Apartments In Patong, Phuket - The Front Hotel and Apartments can be found in Patong on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 7.5 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Restaurant/cafe and Wi-Fi.

Nice Bangtao Beach In Bang Tao, Phuket - Nice Bangtao Beach can be found in Bang Tao on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 6.1 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Spa and Gym.

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.

Sirikul Mansion In Thalang, Phuket - Sirikul Mansion can be found in Thalang on Phuket, Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.5 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, 24 hour Front Desk Service and Parking.

@Buasri By Ohm In Patong, Phuket - @Buasri By Ohm can be found in Patong on Phuket island in Thailand. The Apartments has a 9.6 star rating and amenities include: Swimming Pool, Restaurant/cafe and Wi-Fi.

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.

Lotus Bleu Resort & Restaurant In Nai Harn, Phuket - Lotus Bleu Resort & Restaurant can be found in Nai Harn on the island of Phuket. The Apartments has a 9.5 star rating and amenities include: Laundry service, Bar and Restaurant/cafe.

Ban Elephant Blanc Apartment In Kata, Phuket - Ban Elephant Blanc Apartment can be found in Kata on Phuket in Thailand. The Apartments has a 8.3 star rating and amenities include: Wi-Fi, and .

See all Phuket Accommodations