Phuket Travel Guide

The discovery of tin brought a huge influx of Chinese migrant workers and they changed the face of the island forever. The capital was moved from Thalang to Phuket Town and saw a rise in Sino-Portuguese buildings rivalling those from Melacca, Penang and Singapore. From the 1980’s Phuket appeared on the world tourist map and saw an increase of direct flights from all over the world.

Today Phuket has regained its status of a tropical paradise where one never gets bored. Even during the monsoon period, which lasts from May till October, there are plenty of things to do. Sunbathers obviously find their spot on one of the white sandy beaches while the thrill-seekers will go bungee jumping, fly through the jungles on ziplines, go on a jungle hike, improve their driving skills on the go-cart circuit or go to one of the many shooting ranges.

Shopping-addicts will find their thing in the huge malls in Patong and Phuket Town or on one of the charming local markets and if you are hungry, Phuket offers you a variety of food from all over the world. If you don’t want to stay in your resort or friendly guest-house you can participate in one of the many excursions to local islands, jungle hikes or cultural visits. And if you get thirsty after all of this, you can go for a drink in the many bars, nightclubs or beach-clubs.

Located in the north of the island, Thalang is well-known for its peaceful vibe as it is remote from the urban chaos. Thalang is the district connecting Phuket with its neighbour, Phang Nga, and includes six expansive sub districts, covering an area of 252 square kilometres.

If you are looking for a calm, indulging and relaxing holiday destination, this area is the answer. You will find choices of accommodation from affordable local resorts to luxury 6-star hotels and private pool villas, which are surrounded by local food vendors as well as a wide range of international bistros, restaurants, bars and beach clubs.

This attractive district offers a wide range of activities as well as interesting historical landmarks that attract millions of visitors every year. Kathu covers three big sub-districts including the world-famous Patong. The district is located on the west of the island and covers 67 square kilometres with wide smooth roads and shortcuts making it convenient to access the other areas of the island.

While Kathu itself is to be considered a residential area with affordable housing and condominiums scattered throughout, the coastal cities of Patong and Kamala are more tourist-oriented, with a vast selection of hotels and resorts, international restaurants, nightclubs, and everything you would expect from a seaside town.

Mueang Phuket is the capital district covering an expansive area of 224 square kilometres that includes Phuket Town, Chalong, Rawai and Karon sub-districts. As you can see, this area offers a wide diversity from old charming town and the unique sea gypsy villages to beaches, clubs and bars.

Mueang Phuket attracts a large number of travellers who expect to explore the true touch of Phuket. You can find plenty of backpacker hostels as well as some high-end hotels in the Mueang Phuket area, especially in Phuket town which is the best place to find local markets, small bistros that offer you the authentic taste of Thai Southern cuisine, and plenty of chic ’n cool coffee shops.