Phuket International Airport (ท่าอากาศยานนานาชาติภูเก็ต)
The gateway to Phuket Island as well as to
Phangnga and
Khao Lak,
all of which are very popular destinations over the years for tourists from any origins looking for a holiday paradise of tourists in the South of Thailand.
Airport code is HKT is now under supervision of the Airports of Thailand Public Company Limited.
Many domestic and international carriers are servicing the island as well as long haul charters, some of which are available year-round.
Most of the traffic is staying on the
Island of Phuket, but more and more sub-destinations are gaining in popularity.
Let aside the many
beaches and
night entertainment, Phuket and the Andaman Islands have something for every taste
and from young travelers to families and retirees the combination of warm climate and developed infrastructure made Phuket on the center of longer staying tourist.
The easy reach to the stunning white powdery beaches of
Koh Racha or the more private and adventurous
Koh Yao Noi
as well as
Koh Phi Phi in the South and the
Similan Islands
in the North make Phuket an ideal gateway and/or access point for unforgettable holidays.
Hotels near Phuket International Airport
Thaland District (อำเภอถลาง)
Thalang was the original center of Phuket province, of which the
Island had its former name : Mueang Thalang.
The district borders to the south
Mueang Phuket and
Kathu,
while to the north is Takua Thung of
Phang Nga Province, separated by the Pak Prah strait,
crossed by nowadays by Sarasin bridge, thus connecting Phuket to the mainland.
The Khao Phra Thaeo Natural reserve protects more than 20 km² of rainforest within the hills of the district.
The three highest peaks of this reserve are the Khao Prathiu (384 m), Khao Bang Pae (388 m) and Khao Phara (422 m).
The Sirinat National Park on the northwestern coast was established in 1981 and protects an area of 90 km² (68 km² marine area),
including the
Nai Yang beach known for being a sea turtles sanctuary and breeding area.
In the South of the district a branch
museum of the National Museum was opened in 1989 at the heroines monument.
The monument itself commemorates the local heroines Thao Thep Kasattri and Thao Sri Sunthon, who forced the Burmese army besieging the town of Thalang to retreat.
Phuket International Airport is located in the Northern part of the district.
The main road is Highway 402, which runs from Sarasin bridge over the Pak Prah strait till Phuket city in the South East of the Island.
Hotels on Thalang
Boat Lagoon (ท่าเทียบเรือ)
The Boat Lagoon, a unique maritime township on the east coast of idyllic Phuket is offering an easy-living homes surrounded by tropical green garden,
full service marina, resort hotel, commercial plaza, bank, med park, supermarket, restaurants and other sporting facilities.
An increasing number of both sailing and motor yachts are moored year round there as yachting in the emerald seas around Phuket Island
as well as the smaller
islands around the Phang nga Bay rapidly gains in popularity.
Hotels near Boat Lagoon
Phuket Town (เมือง ภูเก็ต)
Mueang Phuketis the capital district of Phuket Province. The town Phuket itself is in the northwest of the district.
The district covers the southern part of the
island Phuket.
The western and southern coast consists of several more or less touristical
beaches,
from the northwest:
Karon,
Kata,
Kata Noi,
Nai Harn,
Rawai and the Friendship Beach along the
Chalong Bay.
The beaches are separated from each other by rocky capes, most notably the
Promthep Cape with the southernmost trip of the island.
The cape is popular for Thai as well as International tourists for its dramatic views of the sunset.
The most important of the 29 buddhist
temples of Phuket is
Wat Chalong (วัดฉลอง, วัดไชยธาราราม).
It is dedicated to two highly venerable monks, Luang Pho Chaem (หลวงพ่อแช่ม) and Luang Pho Chuang (หลวงพ่อช่วง),
who with their knowledge of herbal medicine helped the injured of a tin miners rebellion in 1876.
Hotels on Phuket Town
Mai Khao Beach (หาดไม้ขาว)
Mai Khao Beach is located on the northwest coast of Phuket. The main
beach which stretches a bit over 10km is still much less developed as the other destinations.
Mainl as it is part of the
Sirinat National Park and the only significant constructions along it is
Phuket International Airport as well as a few high end resorts,
such as
JW Marriott and
Anantara.
Although the sand is not the finest, and perhaps the coarsest in Phuket, the beach is so positively secluded that visitors can enjoy endless privacy.
Both due to the isolation and the
National Park status, Mai Khao is a very popular camping spot .
At the far north of the beach, where the waters from Phang Nga Bay meet the Andaman Sea, surfers sometimes ride the waves, otherwise the beach is mostly devoid of activities except fishing and hiking.
Due to a sharp drop off in to the Andaman Sea, swimming may be limited in the low season due to strong underwater currents.
Mai Khao is as well where the endangered giant leatherback turtles come to lay their eggs in the spring.
In addition, every year young hatchlings are released into the sea in an effort to repopulate the sea.
Hotels near Mai Khao
Nai Yang Beach (หาดในยาง)
Is a very popular beach for local and residents alike. Only located 5 minutes south of
Phuket International Airport,
it is as well where the National Park office is located. The beach itself is on a long curving bay lined with casurina trees that provide shade to picnicker.
The large coral reef is home to many different species of fish, and Nai Yang is well known as a site where sea turtles come to lay their eggs during the period from November to February;
unfortunately the population of these has however, dropped off greatly.
First class accommodations are available and small food vendors cater to the many day trippers. To get there take the Nai Yang Rd., and look for signs indicating the park entrance.
Aside of some informal restaurant and bars in the sand – there is not much of evening entertainment available to the visitor.
All very laid back, it recalls the early days of Phuket Island, before it made it to be listed in nearly every travel agency programme.
Hotels near Nai Yang
Nai Thon Beach (หาดในทอน)
This quiet bay nestled at the foot of high hills has a fine strip of the sand. It is a beautiful beach, and until now not developed commercially.
There are some accommodations but virtually no other business. Ideal for swimming and dining in the small restaurants in high season,
the area is very isolated and nearly forgotten in low season, when the occasional stormy sea make the bay unattractive or even dangerous.
Located between
Bang Tao Bay and
Nai Yang Beach,
Nai Thon Beach can be reached by taking Thep Krasatri Rd. Turn at the first traffic light north of
Thalang Town
to Nai Yang Rd. Look for signs indicating the turn-off to Nai Thon. The journey is definitely worthwhile, especially from the south,
as the long winding road reminds a lot of the Southern areas of Europe.
Aside of swimming there are very good
diving and
snorkeling spots,
most of them accessible only by boat which can be arranged at local dive shops on the Beach Road.
Entertainment and nightlife are very limited to a few beach bars
and shopping is pretty much the selection of a few mini marts.
Hotels near Nai Thon
Layan Beach (หาดลายัน)
Layan Beach is at the northern end of
Bang Tao area where the beach meets a river and a lagoon.
Many birds and other wildlife call this area home as they can enjoy the peacefulness of the lagoon.
The many small tracks which cover the hillside of the beach are well known by climbers and bird watchers.
You can reach the beach by walking pass the
Laguna Phuket Resort
or by following the highway and turning in to Nai Thon beach at the road sign.
Layan Beach Resort & Spa Village is the only resort on this beach.
The beach can be accessed by a small road passing close by the
Banyan Tree Golf Club.
Altogether though the beach is quite limited and for swimming tourists and residents prefer to head to Bang Tao Beach,
a 10 to 15 minute walk south.
Hotel on Layan Beach
Bang Tao Beach (หาดบางเทา)
Bang Tao is a large open bay with one of Phukets longest beaches. In the older days the whole area was used for tin mining,
but has since been developed into a number of luxury resorts and apartments. Most of Bangtao Beach is occupied by the Laguna complex,
a massive five-hotel development with
golf course. During the Dry Season (November to April) swimming is excellent,
during the summer months the swimming is restricted due to strong currents. At the Northern end there is a smaller bay,
almost completely enclosed, at the mouth of which is some fine coral.
Plenty of places to eat, tour companies, and other tourist facilities available either at Laguna or in the nearby town of Choeng Thale,
which has kept its traditions alive with most of the inhabitants living off fishing, rubber taping and farming.
In terms of nightlife and entertainment, the area is rather undeveloped as most of the upmarket hotels have their own activities for guests
and thus there are not many alternatives in the immediate vicinity.
Hotel near Bang Tao Area
Pansea Beach (หาดพันซี)
Pansea Beach is refined luxury by excellence.
Small, intimate and exclusive,
the Northern end is reserved for the top end
Amanpuri Phuket
and
Chedi resorts – home away from home for the rich and famous
and numerous celebrities from fashion designers to industrial magnates are known to be regulars.
The only access to Pansea Beach is through the hotel grounds and it therefore quite restricted.
Hotel on Pansea Beach
Surin Beach (หาดสุรินทร์)
Swaying casurina tress in the sea breeze rim this small, curvy bay beneath the foothills north of Kamala.
A bit off the beaten track, Surin has seen a lot of mid to upper market development in the recent years and it rapidly gaining in popularity
by couples and families alike.
As well Surin is home to Phuket's first
golf courses, a nine-hole course laid out more than sixty years ago
during the reign of King Rama VII. It is now largely in disuse except as a park.
Word to the wise, the steep incline of the beach, turbulent water, and big waves make Surin a dangerous place to swim during the rainy season,
but during the dry months, it is a perfect location to collect perfect holiday memories.
Suring Beach is located at the end of Sri Sunthon Rd., the road running west from the Two Heroines Monument.
Nightlife is very limited, but both accommodations and restaurants can be found.
Some of the hotels do run Sunday brunches which have long been very popular to the locals and foreign residents alike.
Hotels in Surin Beach
Kamala Beach (หาดกมลา)
Kamala is a Muslim fishing village north of hustle and bustle of
Patong Beach.
Tourist development on this much more laid back and quiet beach have become a preferred place for long stays and retirees,
although much of the area is covered by a Muslim graveyard and a police outpost has been slow in coming.
Buffalo herds still come down to the beach to cool off in the afternoon. The beach is very beautiful and spans over about 2 km in length.
There are accommodations ranging from guesthouses to international class hotels and self catering apartments as well as a number of small
Thai restaurants specializing in seafood for the tourist.
Kamala is the perfect place to get away from it all and has little to offer in the way of entertainment for that go across the mountains to Patong.
On a scenic drive along the headland to the south, can be found a number of luxury villa developments, with great views of Kamala Bay and beyond.
Kamala is more the type of place to meet and relax with friends in a local seafood restaurant or bar, so night entertainment is rather low-key.
This said, Kamala is also home of the acclaimed Phuket FantaSea entertainment complex which has become one of the must-see places when visiting
Phuket.
Hotels near Kamala Beach
Nakalay Beach (หาดนาคาเล)
Nakalya Beach is the private and secluded beach of
Thavorn Beach Village.
The entrance to the beach bears a DO NOT ENTER sign, clearly limiting it to the residents of the resort. Swimming is only possible at high tide.
In the center of the Beach, a long pier has been built and the Nakalay Junk moores not too far away, providing both day
and sunset trips as well as being available to be fully chartered for parties.
Nakalay Beach is located in Nakalay Bay near the Patong/Kamala border sign and 4 km north of Patong Beach.
It is suitable for people who like it quiet but still want to be near the entertainment area of Patong.
Hotel on Nakalay Beach
Kalim Beach (หาดกะหลิม)
Kalim Beach, Phuket is in fact a continuation in the North of Patong's main beach, of which it is separated by some cliffs.
Kalim beach with its extensive coral reef is more for
snorkeling
than for swimming and the views over the bay are very charming.
Despite the more quiet edge to the beach, the vicinity to Patong Beach make it an ideal alternative for travelers
who like to have a bit more of a quiet time, albeit easy access of the
nightlife, restaurants and entertainment.
It is though recommended to use solid footwear if planning to enter the water in that area as the corals do have very sharp edges.
The Northern part of the bay is quite exposed to strong winds in low season (June to September)
and occasional surfers are to be found on the breaking surf.
Hotels near Kalim
Patong Beach (หาดป่าตอง)
Patong Beach is Phuket's central tourist and night time entertainment district. Over the past ten years,
Patong has turned from a quiet fishing village into one of the island's two cities.
Mainly due to the development of tourism, the beach has seen a massive number of restaurants catering to any taste and cuisine,
pubs and bars, tour and travel agencies. As well a lifestyle shopping complex, Jungceylon,
opened recently offers more international goods and brands in
air-conditioned space in addition to the usual endless night market popping up
at sunset all along the side walk of beach road, turning the whole of Patong into one extensive market.
The famous bay and about 4 km long beach is more often referred to when tourists are aiming for Phuket to be their holiday destination. Accommodations range from budget to five-star. Live music can be found in most pubs and bars.
Motorbike rentals as well as paragliding and jet ski rental are widely available on the beach.
Nightlife is centered around Soi Bangla (Bangla Road), but is virtually found all over, in either shape or form.
Nevertheless both North and South end of the bay are however there are quieter and family friendly.
Patong Beach is ideal for swimming as well as
water-sports.
Tri-Trang Beach (หาดไตรตรัง)
Tri Trang beach is located in a scenic bay South of Patong Beach in front Merlin Beach Resort.
The cosy atmosphere and peaceful silence is only interrupted by the occasional
longtail boat to and from Freedom Beach.
As popular the beach is for snorkeling, Tri Trang is definitely not to be recommended just for swimming, as by low tide there are many rocks in te rather flat seabed.
In addition, Tri Trang is very near the popular possibly finest beaches of Phuket, namely Freedom Beach, which can only be accessed by boat.
Hotel on Tri-Trang Beach
Karon Beach (หาดกะรน)
The second largest of Phuket’s main tourist beaches. Many large resort complexes line the road back of the beach,
such as Thavorn Palm Beach Resort, Ramada
or Hilton Arcadia but the beach itself, long and broad, has no development.
Due to its extensive size, and despite being very popular, the beach never is too crowded and there is always ample space between the sun loungers.
It is therefore a very popular beach for families as well as longer staying travelers.
The sand is very white, and squeaks audibly when walked on. The southern point has a fine coral reef stretching toward Kata and Poo Island.
Restaurants, bars, tour companies and other non-hotel businesses are at the northern end of the beach, near the traffic circle, and at the south,
on the little road connecting the back road with the beach road. The narrow road between Kata and Karon has a number of small shops and galleries.
Karon Noi Beach (หาดกะรนน้อย)
Karon Noi Beach, in the North of Karon, is in principle the private beach of
upmarket Le Meridien Resort and Spa and is basically only accessible through the resort.
Kata Beach (หาดกะตะ)
The smallest of Phuket's three main tourist beaches, Kata is different in appearance and style from Patong or Karon,
while only a few minutes drive away. The beach itself is broad and curvy, and structures bordering it are low–rise. Very popular with families,
Kata is an all round favourite due to mainly its spectacular palm-lined beach, great restaurants, lively but not raucous nightlife.
The clear water is perfect for swimming, and at the north end is a coral reef with a rich variety of colorful tropical fish and corals
which stretch out toward Poo Island, about 500m off shore.
Kata Noi Beach (หาดกะตะน้อย)
South of Kata is Kata Noi, a smaller beach with only a few hotels and little other development.
The beach is superb and the scenery is breathtaking from the popular Kata Viewpoint.
Swimming can be difficult due to the abundant rocks and corals but Kata Noi has long been a popular spot for surfers during the summer months.
To get there take the narrow beach road up over the hill from Kata.
Nai Harn Beach (หาดไนหาน)
Nai Harn Beach is located South of Kata Noi and north of Promthep Cape,
while by far not not Phuket's longest beach, it borders the most gorgeous lagoon on the island, and is therefore definitely worth a visit.
The center of the beach is dominated by the Samnak Song Nai Han monastery,
which has obstructed excessive development and is the reason
why the beach is generally less crowded than other spots on the southern part of the island.
A wide variety of water sports can be enjoyed,
but swimmers should be alert for the red flag which warns of dangerous currents during the monsoon season from May to October.
As well, and not too far away, Ao Sane Beach offers outstanding snorkeling.
In addition one can walk to nearby Promthep Cape to observe sunsets,
which are often fiery and spectacular, and thus a very popular destination for tourists and photographers alike.
Rawai Beach (หาดราไวย์)
Rawai Beach is the site of the famous Chao Ley or Sea Gipsy villages as well as the very first tourist beach of the island.
Indeed in the earlier days, the residents of Phuket town would prefer to drive out to Rawai
to enjoy the shady Casurina fringed beach rather than take a chance with the hilly and (then) treacherous winding roads across the island's hills
to go onto the West shores of Phuket.
Many restaurants and bungalows, shell handicraft shops, and both fishing and charter boats to the nearby islands are available in Rawai Beach,
which is very suitable for swimming. Rawai is 7 kms. West of Chalong Circle.
In the current times, Rawai is more of a transit beach and launching point for day boat excursions out to the numerous islands surrounding Phuket.
Many longtail boats are available for hire and trips to Coral Island, Koh Lone or Racha Island.
Rawai is home to some of the island's the five-star resorts and has become a very popular living area for foreign residents lending a bit a bohemian
and laid-back touch to the area.
Chalong Bay (อ่าวฉลอง)
Chalong bay is a very popular an safe mooring place for many yachts and tour boats because it is protected from strong winds.
As well, many day trips to the nearby islands starting here so it is crowded between sunrise and 9am, when the boats leave,
and between 4pm - 5pm when they return.
A vast parking area and a number of restaurants, shops, tourist information kiosks and open-air waiting areas have been built to serve
the many visitors passing through. There's also a one-stop customs, immigration and harbor master service to assist visiting vessels,
as well as a new marine rescue centre. In addition, the Ao Chalong Yacht Club, which organises regular sailing races, makes its base here,
and its bar is a favourite spot for sailors to swap yarns and party.
In the evening the beach restaurants are a favorite place for tourists coming back from watching the sunset at Promthep Cape
as well as all the day tourists. A number of quality restaurants, British pubs and bars have developed in the recent years offering a taste of both
international as well as local fare
Panwa Cape (แหลมพันวา)
The southernmost tip of this cape is home to a
Marine Biological Research Center and Phuket's Aquarium
where visitors may inspect several hundred exotic and flamboyantly colourful marine species found in the teeming waters of Phuket and elsewhere,
comfortably and without risk of getting seasick on a snorkeling trip.
It is in principle more of a functional beach – due to both the Marine research center as well as a marine base with a large pier,
mainly for commercial and military use.
There are a few accommodations developing in the area in the recent years and some of the hotels also have an attractive beach,
but often reserved for their guests only.
Ao Por / Yamu Cape (อ่าวปอ / แหลมยามู)
Ao Por or Yamu Cape is located in the East Coast of Phuket, in close access to both Boat Lagoon and
Royal Phuket Marina.
The stunning scenery overlooking the numerous limestone islands of Phang Nga Bay is prominently advertised
by the real estate developers setting up properties in this lesser known part of Phuket.
The easy access to
Phuket town as well as the boating / yachting areas will attract a different public
and thus create a new destination.
There are currently not too many developments there, but rather hi-end quality ones, with more to be developed by international investors.
As yet still a bit away from the crowds, Yamu will rapidly gain momentum in the years to come.
Naka Yai Island (เกาะนาคาใหญ่)
Naka Yai Island used to be a rather simple destination with mainly a small fisherman village on the West.
In the meantime, major developments are seen to be made resulting in hi-end hotel properties.
The island is therefore becoming more of a exclusive destination than what it used to be.
The stunning views in the East towards Phang Nga Bay are simply stunning and most of the fine white sandy beaches are currenly occupied
by day – trippers from Phuket. Lazying in the sun and swimming are pretty much the only activities on Koh Naka and due to the scarcity of restaurants,
one may consider bringing a picnic along if planning to stay during the whole day.
Although most of the visitors are coming as part of a day trip around Phuket and many a boatload of simmers and snorkellers are
generally stoppiong off at some point during the afternoon off the Eastern coast.
The most direct access to the island is with longtail boats which can be hired at Ao Por pier.
Accommodations are about to be completed, so mainly still a day trip destination.
Lone Island (เกาะโหลน)
This large, mountainous island is only 20 minutes by regular passenger boat from Chalong Bay, in the south of Phuket.
The mainly Muslim inhabitants engage in fishing, rubber and coconut planting.
There is a long stretch of beach on the northeast coast.
Boats to Koh Lone leave daily in the early morning from Chalong Pier.
Else the island has so far not been developed much and is therefore a perfect hideaway for travelers who want to have a break from the hustle
and bustle of Phuket’s main touristy and commercial areas.
Coral Island or Koh Hae (เกาะเฮ)
Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae, is located 9 km southeast of Phuket.
Koh Hae is part of a marine park, but accommodations, local restaurants,
watersports, and above all diving and snorkeling are widely available.
To access the island, boats leave from Rawai beach and Chalong bay.
Also, package tours are available, which tend to bing a large amount of day trippers to the island and its reefs.
The main attraction of Coral Island is its very rich marine life and is therefore a favourite scuba diving and snorkeling location.
Main beaches are Long Beach and the smaller Banana beach.
Currently there is not too much choice in terms of accommodation aside of the long established Coral Island Resort.
Racha Yai Island (เกาะราชาใหญ่)
Racha or Raya Island as sometime refered to consists of Racha Yai and Racha Noi. The island is located about 12 KM south of Phuket and can be access by boat,
speedboat or though a excursion tour. Mostly travelers are heading to Racha Yai as the west coast is probably the most stunning fine white sand beach available in the area.
It is closed in by the hill that stretch away from it like to arms of a horseshoe called alternately Ao Tawan Tok or Ao Bungalow.
A very clean powdery sandy beach and crystal clear waters of Racha Yai attract day-trippers from Phuket.
In the recent years, aside of the original bungalow accommodations, some upmarket resorts have been developed and combining outstanding service
with the breathtaking sceneries making Koh Racha a all-time favorite for couple and honeymooners.
As well, from the top of the hill to the south of the bay is the viewpoint from which the whole island can be seen.
On the east, at Ao Kon Kae Bay, is an excellent site for diving.
Yao Noi Island (เกาะยาวน้อย)
Koh Yao Noi is one of the larger islands in Phang Nga Bay, an archipelago of 44 islands.
It is easily accessible from both Phuket and
Krabi Provinces
and sports some of the most beautiful sea scenery in South East Asia. Great for bicycling and walking,
the island covers about 50 square kilometers and has about 18 kilometers of dirt track and concrete road around.
There are a few hotels developed in the last years ranging from budget to a high end exclusive resort.
As one of the major island, Koh Yao Noi is home the District Administration office as well as to a hospital, several schools and a post office.
24 hour electricity supply, Internet access, mobile telephone connection and ATMs are available.
Attractions include Tha Khao Beach, about five kilometers away from the Koh Yao District Administrative Office.
This beach has many colorful rocks and pebbles. As well, a short distance away from the beach is a small island called Koh Nok
which can be reached on foot during low tide or by canoe during high tide.
Yao Yai Island (เกาะยาวใหญ่)
Yao Yai is the largest island in Koh Yao District and has many interesting beaches, such as Ao Thi Kud, Ao Klong Son, Ao Sai, Lo Pa Raed beach, Ao Laan,
Ao Hin Kong, and Laem Nok Og. Lo Jaak pier is an important pier from Koh Yao to Phuket.
The water at the pier is clear and schools of fish swim near the bridge at the pier.
Visitors can see the production of dried anchovies (pla ching chang) here.
There are inexpensive bungalows on the island along with home-stay accommodation with the local people, who make a living by fishery or agriculture,
to learn their lifestyle. Attractions of Koh Yao Yai are Loh Jaak Beach and Loh Jaak pier, which is an the main transit point from Koh Yao Yai to Phuket.
The beach here is white, and the water is clean and very clear.Visitors can also go fishing or search for shells or see the production process of
making dried anchovies (pla ching chang). Long-tail boats can be hired to go to Koh Kai Nok or Koh Kai Nai.
There are two trips leaving the pier to Phuket everyday at 8 pm and 2 pm daily.
List of Phuket hotels
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A Guide to Phuket
Kathu District (อำเภอกะทู้)
Kathu is the district which covers the most touristical beach of Phuket, namely Patong beach.
Kamala beach to the North is much less developed, but rapidly gaining in popularity.
Once arrived in Phuket International airport, getting around
the Island can be done in many ways. Depending on budget and time at disposal, one way opt for either the usual
Tuk Tuk - the small open-air taxis, or Songthaew
- the open-air local buses. Taxi Meter – are generally advertised,
but more than often are either not using or missing the meter completely, therefore only use them when they apply the meter.
Motorbike Taxi or Rentals are widely available and very popular,
although the roads can be treacherous at day time, so let alone at night but they are fast, cheap and bring you wherever you want.
