Is it worth visiting? How to get around the island? What to see?
P h u k e t
Table of contents
The truth about Phuket
Best beaches in Phuket
Getting around Phuket
Trips from Phuket
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The small island of Phuket has become Thailand’s main tourist hub - which unfortunately means that many people see the entire country through its lens. But Thailand is not just Phuket, just as Poland is not only Zakopane and Krupówki Street. It’s worth keeping that in mind when planning your trip. Of course, how you perceive a place is always subjective - it depends on what you’re looking for at that moment. We chose to visit Phuket deliberately. We hadn’t been on vacation for two years, stuck at home and at work during that difficult period when a certain virus took over the world... When we visited Sri Lanka in 2021, there were practically no tourists. Locals would clap and even cry when they saw us. The beaches were all ours, and bars and restaurants stood empty. Although that trip to Ceylon was one of the most beautiful we’ve ever taken, we missed human interaction - the energy of people and shared experiences. In short, we were craving some fun.
The whole truth about Phuket
There are a lot of Russians here – and that’s not an opinion, it’s a fact (you can even read about it on Al Jazeera).
Being in Phuket can sometimes feel like being in Moscow. Nail salons run by Katyushas are everywhere - a surprising sight at first. We love supporting local Thai businesses, but it was often hard to tell what’s local and what’s not. Locals themselves are not particularly enthusiastic about this situation. Many Russian immigrants take jobs from Thais or run businesses catering exclusively (and often illegally) to their own community.
They also buy yachts - and have even entered the local sex industry. On the famous Bangla Road, there are now clubs featuring only “white women,” mostly Russians. With this population increase, the cost of living has gone up too. Real estate prices are rising, and land is limited, meaning Phuket is slowly losing its lush, tropical character.
Why does this matter? Thais generally don’t distinguish between Slavic languages. You might be mistaken for Russian - so if you chat with locals, tell them you’re from Poland; it might save your Pad Thai from being overloaded with chili. 😉
Bangla Road - the party chaos you have to see!
This street is not for everyone. It’s loud, crowded, and chaotic, filled with people trying to sell you everything imaginable - from overpriced drinks to “ping pong shows.” But the atmosphere - bars packed together, girls dancing on poles in colorful costumes, neon buckets of cocktails, and overlapping music from every direction - is something truly unique. Personally, I prefer the vibe of Krabi, which also has its own lively street… but Phuket’s version near Patong Beach is practically a whole district. Visiting Bangla Road is a must if you want to experience Phuket’s famous nightlife 🙂
Traffic jams everywhere. More tourists mean more traffic - especially around Patong Beach. Walking is often the fastest way to move around that area.
It’s expensive - and the food Is average. Compared to other parts of Thailand, Phuket is pricey and over-commercialized. The food is often mediocre - greasy, fried in old oil, and far more expensive. We even got a bit sick once or twice. Locals here don’t seem to try as hard as in less touristy areas. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also much pricier than in Krabi or Chiang Mai, so stick to public transport whenever possible.
The beaches are beautiful. Despite everything, Phuket does have stunning, clean beaches - many lined with bars, restaurants, and shops. You can try jet skis, parasailing, or even beach Zumba. It’s hard to get bored here. However, if you’re looking for peace and quiet or deserted beaches, this isn’t the place - you’ll want to pick another destination.
Top-notch tourist infrastructure. Phuket has everything you might need - malls, supermarkets, bustling city centers, 24/7 taxis, and endless food options.
It’s also well connected with the rest of Thailand and nearby islands, making it a great starting point for island hopping. You can easily check transport options on 12Go Asia.
What Is Phuket really like - and what should you expect? Here are a few key facts to keep in mind before visiting.
Below is, of course, my subjective opinion, and the order is completely random. I’d like you to remember one key thing: when you see all those stunning photos of Thailand - the crystal-clear water and white sandy beaches - they are always on the islands. If you want to find a beach that looks like the first picture in a travel agency brochure, you’ll need to take a boat. That’s the basic rule when we talk about the top of the top beaches. From Phuket, you can easily reach all the beautiful nearby islands - however, there are more of them in Krabi province.
Best beaches in Phuket
Patong Beach
Some say it’s too crowded. But honestly - going to Phuket and complaining about the crowds is like going to the Polish seaside in high season and wondering why others came too. It might sound surprising, but yes - there will be people. Lots of them. Still, this beach has a vibe of its own, and it can be enjoyable - especially if you want to really feel the Phuket atmosphere. Personally, I try to be a conscious traveler. When I go somewhere, I know where I’m going, why I’m going, and what to expect. If you come to Thailand wanting to truly experience the spirit of this country, you can’t avoid its colors, sounds, and smells. Patong Beach is clean, the water is clear (not Maya Bay-clear, but still beautiful). You’ll find bars, sunbeds, and umbrellas - you can usually use them if you buy a beer or a cocktail (around 100 THB). There’s also a good selection of restaurants nearby. But if you’re looking for peace and quiet - keep reading.
Karon Beach
In my opinion, this beach has less atmosphere than Patong but is much calmer. It’s easier to find a quiet spot and not overhear your neighbors’ conversations. The downside? Parachuting boats - they fly quite close to people, and sometimes you can smell the engine fumes. The beach itself is beautiful and long, and it’s located near the Big Buddha, which you can actually reach on foot from Karon. The walk is moderately challenging and takes about an hour.
Freedom Beach
An absolute gem! In my humble opinion, this is the most beautiful beach on the island - just as stunning as Railay in Krabi, but much wilder. Getting there isn’t easy (not a climb, but still a bit of a trek). The easiest way is by boat from Patong Beach. Alternatively, you can take a Grab or rent a scooter - but I recommend that only for very experienced riders. It’s steep, sandy, and your scooter might get stuck. There are several paths down to the beach - all of them gorgeous. The beach itself is wild, hidden in a small jungle, and you’ll need to descend via stairs (or rocks, depending on your route). Bring plenty of water! We actually walked there from Patong - yes, it’s possible! But we’re a bit crazy about walking, so don’t take us as an example 😅. We were totally wiped out by evening. If you decide to go, don’t return after dark - the path is unlit, the road is rough, and you might meet stray dogs and pigs 🐖
Kata Beach
Just a few minutes from Karon Beach. The waves here are quite big, so it’s not ideal for families with kids - it’s more of a surfers’ beach, and you can rent a board on the spot. In late October, this is where Thailand’s biggest sailing regatta takes place - under the patronage of the King himself. It’s less crowded than Patong but still one of Phuket’s most popular beaches. You’ll find drink and snack stalls, souvenir stands, and near the shore - Ko Pu Island, surrounded by coral reefs, perfect for a bit of snorkeling. There’s also a nearby viewpoint just a few minutes away.
Surin Beach
A lovely, cozy beach. There aren’t many restaurants here, and they’re pricier than on the southern beaches. There are also lots of Russian-owned businesses, and some places even gave us menus written in Cyrillic instead of English 😤. That’s one reason it dropped in our ranking - the other was that we got stung by jellyfish for the first time and ended up looking like we’d wrestled a hot iron. Thankfully, there are lifeguards, who poured vinegar on us (so yes, we smelled like old socks afterwards). The beach is small, so it fills up quickly in high season, and there are so many sunbeds that they kind of ruin the view. But off-season, it’s truly peaceful and beautiful
Bang Tao
A long and lovely beach with plenty of trees providing shade - a huge plus, since without shade or umbrellas, beach time can be brutal. It’s quiet and clean because it’s surrounded by resorts. It’s rarely crowded due to its size, though prices are a bit higher here. The trade-off? You’re quite far from most island attractions - but if you’re after peace and comfort, Bang Tao is a great choice.
Best beaches in Phuket
As you might have noticed, the best beaches in Phuket are located on the island’s west coast and around its central area. It’s definitely something to keep in mind when booking your accommodation 🌴
Phuket - the most popular, most touristy, and most expensive island in Thailand - runs by its own rules. Of course, the most convenient way to get around Thailand - anywhere - is by scooter. However, it can be risky if you’re not confident or experienced with driving on the left side of the road. The roads are often congested (especially around Patong Beach and other tourist areas), and everyone drives like maniacs - tourists included. Within just one week, we witnessed three accidents — one of them right in the middle of an intersection, at a red light, with someone lying on the road. Thais drive scooters anywhere they can - on sidewalks, across pedestrian crossings, against traffic, even in the wrong lane - and the red light is usually obeyed only if the police are around or if it’s been red for more than five seconds. Before hopping on a scooter, take some time to observe the traffic and, above all, wear a proper helmet. And don’t forget your international driving permit, category A - this is especially important for insurance coverage. Thais don’t recognize category B (unless, well… you offer a small “tip”).
As for local transport, the most common are tuk-tuks - but not the same as in Bangkok. Here, they’re more like open mini-vans, usually red or yellow. You can find them everywhere, day or night, at least in tourist areas. They fit around 6–8 people and are relatively expensive, with fares ranging from 300 to 700 THB, and drivers are not very eager to negotiate. Still, if you’re traveling with friends, it’s one of the best options for getting around the island. Alternatively, there’s Grab - the Asian version of Uber.
Getting around Phuket
The cheapest way to travel around Phuket is by bus. Here’s a quick rundown of the main types, so you know what’s what and where to catch them.
1 - Airport Bus (SMART BUS). This one runs along the coast from the airport, and a one-way ticket costs 100 THB. It’s by far the most affordable way to get from the airport to other parts of the island. A taxi to the city center will usually cost between 500 and 700 THB, so you’ll save quite a bit by taking the bus.
2 - Phuket Blue Bus (Song Taew) This is the most popular local bus, running between the city center and the island’s main beaches. It looks more like a truck than a bus, and services run roughly every 30 minutes between 6:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Tickets cost 30–50 THB depending on the distance. We’ve used them many times - and let’s just say, the schedule is… flexible 🙂 You’ll need some patience, but they always show up eventually. Drivers also tend to fill them to the brim, so rides can take a while - but hey, it’s the most budget-friendly way to get around Phuket, so it’s a fair trade-off.
3 - Pink Bus - This cheerful pink truck-bus hybrid operates only within Phuket Town, running across four different routes. The fare? Just 5 THB, no matter how far you go - a great deal for exploring the city!
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Trips from Phuket
Phuket is the perfect starting point for countless amazing adventures. The nearest gems are the stunning islands on the eastern side - like Racha and Coral Island - but the island also makes a great base for trips to Phi Phi, Similan Islands, Surin Islands, or even the lush Khao Sok National Park. If you prefer something more organized, there are plenty of great tours around Phuket itself. It’s a perfect option for those who don’t want to rent a scooter, figure out the local buses, or plan everything on their own - especially if you’re short on time and want to see several highlights in one go.
Below you’ll find some of the best organized tours you can join while staying on Phuket.
Big Budda
The Big Buddha is an absolute must-see while on Phuket. Standing 45 meters tall, this impressive statue was built in 2004 entirely from donations by locals and visitors.Getting there is quite straightforward, though some sections of the road are narrow and a bit steep, so drive carefully. If you’re heading there on your own, double-check your route - the signs aren’t very clear, and Google Maps can be misleading at times.
The statue sits on a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views across the island. Entry is completely free.
If you’d rather not organize it yourself, I’ve included two great guided tour options that include hotel pickup. The itinerary also features a visit to Wat Chalong - Phuket’s largest temple - plus a cashew nut factory and Old Town sightseeing.
You can book your tour directly through our link below!
Coral & Racha Islands
Both islands are absolutely gorgeous - we loved our trip there and highly recommend it! The water is crystal clear, and the sand feels wonderfully soft under your feet. Just a small tip: bring water shoes and watch out for sea urchins at the last stop. One of our friends slipped and put his hand right on one - not the best experience.
Other than that... pure paradise
Other great tours & activities on Phuket
Of course, you can find many more tours and activities - both online and once you’re already in Thailand. However, I’ve selected for you only the most interesting and top-rated ones, which I believe will truly inspire you when planning your trip.
If you have any questions or need help organizing your journey to Thailand, feel free to reach out - I’ll be happy to help!
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