Flights from London (LON) to Phuket (HKT)

About Phuket

Discover Thailand's island gateway

Phuket is Thailand's best-known island escape, balancing soft-sand beaches with lively towns and scenic coastal drives. From the moment you arrive, you feel the pace slow, with warm seas, swaying palms, and colourful long-tail boats setting the scene for your stay.

Beyond the shoreline, Phuket offers a mix of historic streets, night markets, and viewpoints that reveal the island's green hills and bays. Whether you prefer quiet coves or a stay close to dining and nightlife, you will find an area that matches how you like to unwind.

The island is also a convenient base for exploring the wider Andaman Sea, with day trips to nearby islands, marine parks, and snorkelling spots. With a wide choice of hotels, cafes, and activities, Phuket works just as well for a short break as it does for a longer holiday.

Top sights in Phuket

Patong Beach

Stroll this famous stretch of sand for a mix of swimming, water sports, dining, and nightlife in one of Phuket's liveliest areas.

Old Phuket Town

Explore streets lined with restored Sino-Portuguese buildings, cafes, and galleries for a glimpse of the island's trading past.

Promthep Cape

Head to this southern viewpoint for sweeping sea views and memorable sunsets over the Andaman Sea.

Phi Phi Islands day trip

Take a boat tour to nearby islands with clear water, dramatic cliffs, and sheltered bays ideal for swimming and snorkelling.

Karon and Kata Beaches

Relax on these long, gently curved beaches that offer a quieter alternative to Patong with easy access to local dining.

Experience Phuket's coastal lifestyle

Days in Phuket often revolve around the sea, whether you are swimming off the main beaches, joining a snorkelling tour, or trying stand-up paddleboarding in calm bays. Many visitors also enjoy boat excursions to nearby islands, which combine island hopping, swimming stops, and scenic cruising between limestone cliffs.

On land, you can explore Old Phuket Town on a guided walking tour, learning how trade shaped the island's heritage architecture and food. There are plenty of options for cooking classes, where you can learn to prepare local dishes using fresh herbs and produce, and then enjoy the results of your work.

If you prefer to stay active, look for coastal hikes to viewpoints, join a cycling tour through quieter villages, or take a Thai boxing fitness class. For a slower pace, many resorts and independent spas offer treatments that make the most of the tranquil surroundings, helping you ease into the island atmosphere.

A taste of Phuket

Phuket's food scene reflects its island setting and trading history, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood, vibrant herbs, and balanced flavours. Beachfront restaurants grill fish and prawns to order, while local eateries serve stir-fries, curries, and noodle dishes made to family recipes.

In Old Phuket Town, you will find a growing number of cafes and bistros alongside long-established shophouse restaurants. This is a good place to try regional specialities and snacks, from noodle soups to flavourful rice dishes, often in relaxed, characterful settings.

Night markets offer an informal way to graze on different tastes in one place, from grilled skewers and stir-fried noodles to cooling desserts. For a different experience, many hotels and upscale venues offer modern interpretations of classic flavours, with sea views and considered service.

Retail therapy by the sea

Shopping in Phuket ranges from small beachside stalls to modern malls and independent boutiques. Around the main resort areas, you will find casual shops selling beachwear, summer clothing, and simple souvenirs to bring home.

Phuket Town offers a more local experience, with weekly walking streets and markets that showcase handicrafts, textiles, and contemporary design from Thai brands. Browsing here is as much about the atmosphere as the purchases, with food stalls and music adding to the evening.

For air-conditioned comfort, several shopping centres on the island bring together international labels, beauty products, and lifestyle stores. These are convenient places to pick up anything you may have forgotten, explore local brands, or simply take a break from the midday sun.

Best time to visit Phuket

Cool and dry season (November to February, peak season). Temperatures average 24°C to 31°C (75°F to 88°F), with lower humidity and calmer seas. It is ideal for swimming, boat trips, and evenings outdoors, and many visitors choose this period for longer stays and festive breaks.

Warm and humid season (March to May, shoulder season). Expect 27°C to 33°C (81°F to 91°F) with higher humidity and plenty of sunshine. Short showers can bring welcome relief from the heat, and the sea remains inviting, with slightly fewer visitors on many of the island's beaches.

Green season (June to October, low season). Temperatures hover around 25°C to 31°C (77°F to 88°F), with more frequent rain showers and occasional stronger seas. Clear spells are common, the landscape is lush, and a calmer atmosphere makes this an appealing time if you prefer quieter resorts.

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