Choosing a baseWhere to stay in Phuket
Patong, Kata, Karon, Bang Tao, Rawai, Nai Harn: which part of Phuket fits your trip, and what it changes day to day.
Travel guide
Our Phuket travel guide, written from the island
This part of the site doesn't sell anything. It's what we tell the people who message us, written up properly: the areas, the seasons, the traps, and what's really worth the trip. If it helps you and you never book anything with us, that's fine too.
All our guides
Each one is written from what we see on the ground, and corrected when reality changes: opening dates, park closures and prices move fast here.
Where to stay
Areas, budget, renting by the month.
Choosing a base
On a budgetCheap accommodation in Phuket
What you pay for a room in Phuket depends first on the dates, then on how long you stay, and only then on the area. Where it's cheaper, the right type of place for your trip, and the traps we see every week.
Long staysRenting an apartment in Phuket by the month
On the island, the month is the norm and the best-value way to rent. Condo or apartment, which area, what the rent really covers, and the seven checks before you pay a deposit.
Choosing a baseWhich areas of Phuket to avoid?
No area here is dangerous. But each bay suits some trips very well and others very badly. Area by area, who it suits, and the alternative ten minutes away.
Visa & getting around Asia
The 30 days, stopovers, what's changed.
FormalitiesThailand's 30-day visa exemption
Since 15 September 2026, Thailand's visa exemption has dropped from 60 to 30 days. Extending on the spot, entry requirements, leaving the country: the full picture.
The stopoverBangkok before or after Phuket?
Most flights to Phuket go through Bangkok. Temples, Chatuchak Market, neighbourhoods: enough for two or three days, and how to carry on to the island afterwards.
Practical
Arriving, getting around, avoiding the traps.
Read this firstPhuket scams: the 6 to know
Phuket is a safe island, and most trips go without a hitch. Six commercial tricks do keep coming up, though. Knowing them takes five minutes and makes them useless.
Before you goThings to know before going to Phuket
The arrival card to fill in before you fly, airport money exchange, ATM fees, your first taxi, a scooter rented too fast: five habits for a smooth first few hours.
Getting aroundPhuket taxis: prices and apps
Most of what you read online is about Bangkok. Here, the real issue isn't the price, it's finding a car in the evening, and only one app picks up at the airport.
Renting with peace of mindThe Phuket jet ski scam
The best-documented dispute in Phuket always follows the same four steps. Knowing them is enough to stay out of it, and a jet ski is still a great outing when it's properly organised.
Renting with peace of mindRenting a scooter in Thailand: the traps
Rental disputes always follow the same four-step pattern, and break down the moment you remove one step. Two minutes of photos before you ride off, and you're covered.
Going out & exploring
Food, the islands, rainy days, shopping, nights out.
FoodWhere to eat in Phuket
Phuket food isn't the Thai food you know: Chinese and Malay influences, and four dishes you won't find elsewhere. Where to find them, area by area.
The islandsWhich island to visit from Phuket?
Phi Phi, Similan, Phang Nga, Racha, Coral: what each island really offers, when to go, and which one fits your trip.
NaturePhuket's waterfalls
Bang Pae, Ton Sai, Kathu, Ao Yon: Phuket's four waterfalls, what you'll find there and the season when they're at their best.
Weather & seasonsWhat to do in Phuket when it rains
Twelve answers, including two activities that are actually at their best in the monsoon. And the tip nobody gives you: on a 50 km island, it never rains everywhere at once.
Shopping & air conPhuket's shopping malls
A luxury giant near the Old Town, two malls in Patong, a whole open-air district in Bang Tao, an outlet on the airport road. Which one to pick, and for which brands.
Island nightsPhuket nightlife: clubs and beach clubs
Bangla Road and its clubs, Illuzion, Sugar Club, then the beach clubs of Patong, Kamala, Bang Tao and Natai: where to go for the vibe you want, and how to get a good table.
For twoWhere to take someone in Phuket: 15 ideas
A first date or a couple on holiday: fifteen date ideas, from the free sunset at Promthep to dinner suspended 50 metres above Karon.
For twoDate ideas in Patong
Freedom Beach by long-tail boat, the quiet bay of Kalim, a table facing the bay at sunset, the Simon cabaret, then Bangla Road if you're in the mood.
ShoppingGetting a football shirt printed in Thailand
The souvenir plenty of travellers bring home: a blank shirt printed with your name, your number or a group joke. How it works, ideas, the traps, and why never a club logo.
A question that isn't answered here?
Ask us directly. That's often how we choose the next guide, and we reply by hand.