Thailand, Phuket - A Personal Favourite for Beach Vacations

Phuket is amongst one of my favourite holiday destinations whenever I craved for  a vacation by the sea.

While I do not embark on snorkelling and diving trips during my visits to Phuket, I do enjoy staying at resorts located by the beach. Relatively mundane activities such as taking strolls along the beach at dusk and beach combing at night are typically on my things-to-do list whenever I am in Phuket.

Another favourite activity is dining at the many eateries on the beach while at the same time feeling the sand on my feet and listening to the sounds of the waves. This definitely takes away the stress from my daily rat race when I am back at home working like crazy.

Afternoon tea while on vacation is a relaxing past-time, JW Marriott Resort and Spa, Mai Khao, Phuket, Thailand (2016)

History and Geography 

Phuket is a southern province of Thailand. The province includes the main island of Phuket and 32 other islands located on the western coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. 

Phuket was previously known as Thalang and Jung Ceylon. 

The main Phuket island consists of mostly mountainous terrain covered by tropical rainforest. Development on the island for agriculture and its related industries include rubber and palm oil plantations.

Climate

Phuket has a tropical climate. There are no seasonal climates in Phuket. The only difference in the year round temperature cycle is whether it is hot or hotter! The climate here is also one of relatively high humidity.

The so-called dry season which means less rain typically runs between the months of December to March. If you are traveling to Phuket to enjoy sea-based actives such as snorkelling, diving or island-hopping, these will be the months to visit. Rain is more common in the months between April and November and will thus be more suitable for touristy activities on the main island itself.

Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

Getting There

The Phuket International Airport (IATA: HKT, ICAO:VTSP) has relatively good air connectivity to neighbouring Malaysia, Myanmar and Singapore and also further afield to Australia and China. It is also offers domestic connectivity to airports in Bangkok and Chiang Mai.

Airlines flying to Phuket International Airport include Aeroflot (Russia - Moscow), AirAsia (Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur and Penang), Air China (China - Beijing and Hangzhou), Asiana Airlines (South Korea - Seoul), Bangkok Airways (Thailand - Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hat Yai, Ko Samui and Pattaya), Cathay Dragon (China - Hong Kong), China Eastern Airlines (China - Shanghai), Emirates (UAE -  Dubai), Etihad (UAE - Abu Dhabi), Hainan Airlines (China - Beijing, Haikou and Shenzhen), Jetstar Airways (Australia - Melbourne), Korean Air (South Korea - Seoul), Malaysia Airlines (Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur), Scoot (Singapore - Changi) and Silkair (Singapore - Changi))  amongst others.

Bus services to Bangkok and some major cities in Thailand are also available.

Check with the main Phuket Tourist Information site for more detailed and accurate information on transportation to and from Phuket.

What To Expect

A relaxing vacation by the beach, great food, friendly locals and a tropical island paradise.

Patong Beach at dusk, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

The main tourist area of Phuket is centred around Patong. This is where the main shopping thoroughfares are located. Also situated here are the businesses that cater to the vibrant nightlife of Phuket. Potong Beach is just minutes walk away from here. The beach is dotted with many family-run eateries which are open for business both in the day and at night. During daytime, much sea-based sporting activities are available at the beach area include Ski Jets, Paragliding and Swimming.

Jet ski, Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

Shopping at Patong offers a wide variety of local and imported goods. Souvenir shops selling locally made handicrafts are also plentiful. Foot massages can be enjoyed at relatively reasonable rates.

A newly built market in Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

Local Thai cuisine and international fare can also be found almost everywhere within the main tourist areas including at Patong Beach. Enjoy a fresh coconut as you relaxed on the beach by the sea working on a good suntan to take home from that tropical holiday.

A refreshing glass of freshly squeezed fruit juice helps to beat the heat and humidity, Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

Food ordered from a locally-run stall at Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

Seafood is relatively inexpensive in Phuket even at "mark-up" tourists' prices, Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

A local kid playing on the beach while tourists dine nearby at the many locally-run food stalls, Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

After dark, enjoy a cocktail or two at the many pubs in Patong. 7-11 stores are opened 24 hours if you need to get a grocery item or two in the middle of the night. 

Stalls near Patong Beach at night, Patong Beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

Last but not least, relax and enjoy your Phuket vacation!

Tourists at Patong Beach at low tidePatong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)

Tips and Advices

If you intend to shop and dine at the small local stores, do remember to have local currencies in Thai Baht with you.

The larger establishments like hotel and restaurants do accept major credit cards including Amex, Visa, Mastercard and UnionPay. 

As in all other countries and cities, travelers should remember that we are guests. Thus, respect for the local culture, customs and law are important things to remember and follow.

For those engaging in water sports, do look out for and obey all safety instructions and procedures. Rip tides near the shore along the beaches can be dangerous even if they "look safe" as they can drag unsuspecting swimmers out to sea. When red flags along the beaches are raised, do not venture into the sea. 

Suntanning at the beach, Patong, Phuket, Thailand (2017)