Flights from Shanghai (PVG) to Phuket (HKT)

About Phuket

Island escape in southern Thailand

Phuket is a tropical island where clear waters, soft sands, and lush hillsides come together in one easy-to-explore destination. From lively beach towns to quiet coves, it offers a blend of relaxation and activity that you can tailor to your own pace.

Beyond the beaches, you will find a characterful old town with colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, vibrant street markets, and a growing café and gallery scene. Whether you are planning a short beach getaway or using Phuket as a base to explore the surrounding islands, the island combines comfort, scenery, and easy access to the sea.

As day turns to evening, Phuket shifts into a different mood, with waterfront dining, sunset viewpoints, and a wide choice of night-time entertainment. You can keep things low-key with a quiet drink by the shore, or head to busier areas to experience the island after dark.

Top sights in Phuket

Patong Beach

Stroll along Phuket's most famous beachfront, where soft sand, water activities, and a lively promenade come together.

Phuket Old Town

Explore streets lined with pastel shophouses, small museums, cafés, and markets that showcase the island's trading heritage.

Promthep Cape

Head to this southern viewpoint for sweeping sea vistas and one of Phuket's most memorable sunset panoramas.

Phi Phi and nearby islands

Join a day trip by boat to nearby islands for swimming, snorkelling, and dramatic limestone scenery.

Karon and Kata beaches

Relax on these wide, gently curving bays that offer a slightly quieter alternative to Patong with plenty of facilities.

Experience Phuket on land and sea

Phuket offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from gentle beach days to more energetic adventures. You can try snorkelling in clear bays, join a boat tour to explore offshore islands, or take a sea kayaking trip through caves and hidden lagoons to experience the coastline from the water.

On land, explore Phuket Old Town with a guided walk that highlights architecture, local eateries, and street art. Scenic viewpoints such as Karon View Point and Promthep Cape are easy to reach and provide rewarding photo opportunities. If you enjoy hiking, head into the island's greener interior for short trails with views across the Andaman Sea.

Families will find plenty to do as well, with water activities, calm beaches, and family-friendly attractions scattered around the island. Whether you prefer a packed itinerary or unstructured days by the sea, you can shape your time in Phuket to match your ideal holiday rhythm.

A taste of Phuket

Phuket has a rich food scene that reflects influences from across Thailand and beyond. Beachfront areas are lined with casual restaurants where you can enjoy freshly cooked seafood, grilled meats, and classic Thai dishes with a view of the sea.

In Phuket Old Town, restored shophouses now host cafés, bistros, and dessert shops that put a modern twist on local flavours. Street-side stalls remain an essential part of the experience, offering quick bites such as stir-fries, noodle soups, and savoury snacks that are ideal between activities.

Many hotels and standalone restaurants also offer international menus, giving you options ranging from simple comfort food to refined dining with tasting menus. From a relaxed meal with your feet in the sand to a carefully plated dinner in town, Phuket makes it easy to find a setting and style that suit your mood.

Retail therapy by the beach

Shopping in Phuket ranges from small beach stalls to modern air-conditioned malls. Around Patong, Karon, and Kata, you will find an assortment of boutiques, market-style shops, and convenience stores offering beachwear, clothing, accessories, and daily essentials.

In Phuket Old Town, independent shops and weekend markets are good places to look for local crafts, home décor, clothing, and souvenirs with a more distinctive design. Exploring these streets at a relaxed pace lets you discover small businesses and pick up gifts or keepsakes linked to the island.

If you prefer an enclosed environment, larger malls on the island offer international brands, cinemas, and a wide selection of dining options under one roof. Whether you are browsing for a few casual items or planning a dedicated shopping day, Phuket offers a variety of places to explore.

Best time to visit Phuket

Dry season (November to February, peak season) brings plenty of sunshine, lower humidity, and calm seas, with average temperatures around 27°C to 30°C (81°F to 86°F). Clear conditions make this a popular time for beach days, snorkelling trips, and island-hopping excursions.

Hot season (March to early May, shoulder season) sees temperatures climb to around 28°C to 33°C (82°F to 91°F), with stronger sun and still relatively low rainfall. Longer daylight hours and warm evenings are ideal for sunset viewpoints, late swims, and relaxed dinners by the sea.

Green season (May to October, low season) features more frequent showers and occasional brief storms, with temperatures typically 26°C to 30°C (79°F to 86°F). Rain often comes in short bursts, leaving time for spa visits, café hopping in Phuket Old Town, and quieter beaches between showers.

Frequently Asked Questions