←Thailand travel guide
Phuket Province, Thailand
Phuket
Andaman coast beaches from busy Patong to quiet coves
AdventureBeachesNightlifeWellness & Spa
Phuket is Thailand's largest island, stretched along the Andaman Sea with a coastline that ranges from the lively sands of Patong to the calmer shores of Kata and Karon. Nearby Phang Nga Bay's dramatic limestone karsts and the diving sites around the Similan Islands draw water sports enthusiasts, while the island's interior holds mangrove forests and traditional fishing villages. Phuket suits those seeking beach relaxation, outdoor adventure, or a vibrant nightlife scene.
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Best time to visit
November to April (dry season)
Region
Phuket Province
Main airport
Phuket HKT (HKT)
Beyond the City
Day Trips from Phuket
Nature
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is a stunning marine park in southern Thailand where more than 40 limestone islands and karst formations rise dramatically from the Andaman Sea. Made famous internationally by the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, the bay's sea caves, mangrove channels, and hidden lagoons are best explored by kayak or longtail boat. Ko Tapu, the so-called James Bond Island, is the most visited feature, but quieter corners reward those willing to venture further.
Nature
Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park protects 738 square kilometres of ancient rainforest in southern Thailand, widely considered one of the oldest and most biodiverse forests in the world. The park's centrepiece is the stunning Cheow Lan Lake, where sheer limestone karsts rise from emerald water and floating raft houses offer an immersive overnight stay. Wildlife including hornbills, gibbons, and even wild elephants inhabit the forest, making it a compelling destination for nature lovers.
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Plan Your Trip
Getting Around Phuket
Tours, stays, transfers, and flights — curated partner options are on the way.
Tours & Activities
Skip-the-line tickets, guided tours, and day experiences — curated partner options are on the way.
Coming soonWhere to Stay
Hotels, apartments, and guesthouses across every neighbourhood — booking options are on the way.
Coming soonAirport Transfers
Private and shared rides between the airport and the city centre — partner options are on the way.
Coming soonFlights
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Coming soonTravel Guide
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Thailand
Entry requirements depend on your passport. Check your specific requirements on the Thailand page at Yoogo.
Thailand uses the Thai baht (THB). ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas, and credit cards are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, and larger shops. Currency exchange services operate throughout tourist zones, generally offering competitive rates. Carry some cash for markets, street food, and smaller establishments.
Thailand is generally safe for tourists, though petty scams targeting visitors are common in heavily touristed areas such as Bangkok's Grand Palace precinct. Thailand has strict lèse-majesté laws; any perceived disrespect towards the royal family carries serious criminal penalties of up to 15 years' imprisonment. Avoid overstaying your visa, as fines and blacklisting apply. Exercise normal caution with your belongings in crowded areas.
Thailand has a well-developed transport network. Bangkok is served by the BTS Skytrain and MRT metro, as well as buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, and river ferries. Budget airlines such as AirAsia connect major cities and resort areas quickly and affordably. Long-distance trains link Bangkok with Chiang Mai and southern destinations. Motorbike rental is popular but requires care, especially on busy roads.
November through February is the most comfortable time to visit, with cooler temperatures and lower humidity across most of the country. March and April are very hot, with temperatures reaching 40°C in many areas. The monsoon season runs roughly May through October, bringing heavy rainfall, though the south and north experience different wet season patterns. The Songkran water festival in April and Loy Krathong in November are popular times to visit for cultural events.
Thai is the official language, a tonal language that can be challenging to learn quickly. English is widely spoken at hotels, tourist sites, and in major cities, but proficiency drops significantly in rural areas. Staff at guesthouses and restaurants in tourist towns generally manage conversational English. Learning a few basic Thai phrases, such as greetings and thank you, is warmly received by locals.
No vaccinations are legally required for most travellers entering Thailand. However, travel health professionals commonly recommend being up to date on hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations. Travellers arriving from countries with yellow fever risk must carry a valid yellow fever certificate. Consult your doctor or a travel health clinic at least 4–6 weeks before departure. Pharmacies are well stocked throughout the country.