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Thailand·Andaman Sea, South Thailand
Phuket
Thailand's pearl of the Andaman
BeachesNightlifeDiving
OverviewAt a glance
Thailand's largest island fringes the Andaman Sea with powder-white bays, limestone karsts and turquoise water. Days drift between longtail boat trips to Phi Phi and James Bond Island, and nights glow along buzzing Patong.
- Best season
- November – April (dry season)
- Getting there
- Phuket Int’l Airport (HKT) — direct flights from Bangkok, Singapore & Hong Kong
- Known for
- Andaman beaches & island-hopping
Signature beachesShores
Kata Noi
A quiet white-sand bay for swimming and sunsets
Freedom Beach
A hidden bay reached only by boat or on foot
Nai Harn
Locals’ favourite clear half-moon bay
Things to doTo do
Phi Phi island-hopping
Longtail-hop Phi Phi and snorkel Bamboo Island
Old Town food walk
Hunt Phuket Hokkien noodles and sweets in Sino-Portuguese shophouses
Big Buddha viewpoint
Climb to the white jade Big Buddha for island-wide views
Good to knowTips
- 1Rainy season (May–Oct) means big swell — only flagged operators for snorkel trips
- 2A red flag means a dangerous rip — do not enter the water
- 3Patong nightlife is buzzing — watch your belongings
Next island
Jeju