Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. Before planning your trip to Phuket, it is important to know some essential things to make the most of your visit. Here is a summary of the top 10 things to know before going to Phuket.
A land of beaches, beauty, and bliss
Phuket’s island charm is hard to miss
Escape the hustle, leave the fray
And let yourself unwind today
First things first, you must be clear
On entering Thailand without fear
Though COVID lurks in every place
Thailand has opened up its space
The visa rules are now relaxed
Extended stays are now a fact
So book your flight without delay
To catch this offer while it stays
But when’s the best time to arrive?
The peak season’s where you’ll thrive
From October to May’s the time
To bask in sunshine so sublime
A week’s the least you ought to stay
To make the most of each new day
And if you lack the time to roam
Three to four days will bring you home
Where to stay in Phuket’s the next
A choice you must make with no pretext
From Patong, Kata, to Karon
Take your pick and come along
Phuket’s got much to explore
Top things to do will leave you in awe
Stunning beaches, elephant sanctuaries
And island-hopping to leave you merry
You cannot skip the food, it’s true
Phuket’s cuisine will make you rue
The extra pounds you’ll gain for sure
With its tempting delights galore
A little planning’s all you need
To keep your budget on track, indeed
From taxi fares to visa runs
Follow these tips and have some fun
Phuket’s allure is hard to miss
A gem that cannot be dismissed
With these tips in mind, you’re all set
Phuket’s beauty you’re sure to get.
How to Enter Thailand:
Thailand has waived all COVID-related entry requirements, including vaccination proof and COVID-insurance, making it easier for tourists to enter. The visa-free stay has been extended up to 45 days, with a possible month-long extension until March 31, 2023.
Best Time to Visit Phuket:
Mid-October to mid-May is the peak season, while mid-April to mid-October is considered the rainy season. The latter is a more affordable time to visit, with fewer visitors.
How Many Days to Stay in Phuket:
Allocate at least a week to explore all of the island’s tourist attractions fully. If you have less time, 3 to 4 days is recommended to see the lush jungle, unique seascape, nightlife, and wellness services.
Where to Stay in Phuket:
Phuket has a variety of accommodations, with Patong, Kata, and Karon being the most popular places for first-timers. Patong is best for those who want to take advantage of the island’s nightlife, while Kata and Karon are more suited for families.
How to Move Around in Phuket:
While taxi fares can be exorbitant, renting a scooter for 250-500 baht per day or a car for 600-1200 baht per day is an excellent option for venturing to hidden sites with fewer tourists. Alternatively, chauffeur-driven cars are also available for 2200 baht for eight hours.
Top Things to Do in Phuket:
Phuket offers a wealth of tourist attractions, from stunning beaches and unique architecture to cultural experiences like visiting the Elephant Sanctuary, Big Buddha, or the sea-nomad village at Rawai. Island-hopping tours to James Bond Island, Ko Phi Phi, and more are a must-do.
What to Eat in Phuket:
Phuket is a foodie’s paradise, with bustling weekend markets and seafood markets in Rawai, Phuket Town’s signature restaurants like One Chun Cafe, and authentic Thai dishes.
Cost of Traveling to Phuket:
Plan to spend around 3,000 baht per day on your vacation in Phuket, based on the expenses of other visitors. Meals cost around 600 baht per day, while local transportation is around 300 baht per day.
What to Pack:
While most daily necessities can be found in 7-Eleven stores, comfortable shoes, clothing, a swimming suit, sunglasses, and an adaptor are recommended to bring along. Sunblock, insect repellent, raincoats, and daily necessities can be purchased in convenience stores. It is also important to bring your passport and international driver’s license if you plan to rent scooters or cars and show your accommodation reservations.
Is it Possible to do Visa Runs:
With Thailand’s reopening, visa runs to neighboring countries like Burma, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, India, and Indonesia are possible. However, travel to Burma is not advised due to political turmoil, and pandemic restrictions are still onerous in the Philippines.
Phuket is an exciting destination with something to offer everyone. To make the most of your visit, it is important to consider the above factors, from the best time to visit to the top things to do and what to eat. With proper planning, your trip to Phuket is sure to be a memorable experience.
