Phuket Travel Guide
The practical stuff, from someone who lives here.
π Arrival & visa
Most nationalities get a visa exemption stamp on arrival (30β60 days). Phuket International (HKT) is in the north of the island; allow 45β75 minutes by car to the west-coast beaches. Pre-book an airport transfer or use the official taxi/Grab counter.
π΅ Money
Currency is the Thai baht (ΰΈΏ). ATMs are everywhere (expect a ~220ΰΈΏ foreign-card fee). Cards are accepted at hotels, restaurants and tour operators; markets and songthaews are cash. Our checkout prices are all in THB.
π¦οΈ Weather by month
NovβFeb: dry, breezy, peak season. MarβMay: hot, still mostly dry. JunβOct: green season, short heavy rain, larger west-coast swell β great value and fewer people. Island and snorkel tours run year-round except the Similans (closed mid-Oct to mid-May).
ποΈ Which beach?
Patong: action, nightlife, water sports. Kata / Karon: family-friendly, good sunsets. Nai Harn / Rawai: quiet, local. Bang Tao / Surin: upscale resorts. Mai Khao / Nai Yang: long, empty, near the airport.
π Respect
Dress modestly at temples (shoulders and knees covered). Remove shoes when entering homes and temples. Never touch someone's head or point your feet at people or Buddha images. The monarchy is deeply respected β avoid disrespectful comments.
π Ethical wildlife
Choose no-riding elephant sanctuaries. Don't touch or feed wild animals, don't buy shell or coral souvenirs, and use reef-safe sunscreen on snorkel trips.
π¨ Safety
Rip currents are real on the west coast in green season β swim between the red-and-yellow flags, never past a red flag. Wear a helmet on scooters. Agree taxi fares before you get in, or use Grab.
