Phuket Travel guide.
Sometimes, when reality gets too much, you've just got to say "Phuket!" and journey to a place where the drinks are cheap, the beaches are idyllic and the good times just keep on flowing. Phuket is the ideal hub for traveller who want to explore Thailand's southwestern islands: Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, Krabi and Khao Sok National Park are all within easy reaching distance.
Phuket is an ideal beach break destination - not only does it have so much going on, it has all of the other most beautiful parts of Thailand within a few hours drive... or sail away. We hope you have the time, and energy, to take a guided adventure around Khao Sok National Park, cast away to Koh Phi Phi or soak up the chilled vibes on Koh Lanta. Here are our favourite four places which are accessible from Phuket
Phang Nga Bay.
An easy day trip from Phuket, Phang Nha Bay is home to dozens of limestone karst formations, the most insane of which is the towering, top-heavy James Bond Island.
Khao Sok National Park.
A three hour drive inland from Phuket, Khao Sok is home to insane limestone cliffs, turquoise blue lakes surrounded by jungle... and even tigers. Cruise the waters by day and spend the nights on water too, in bamboo cabins.
Railay.
Railay, part of the Krabi province, is a two hour boat ride, or three hour drive from Phuket Town. Its wacky and wonderful topography is popular with rock climbers, but it's not all about action packed adventure. Haad Phra Nang Beach is regularly voted one of the best in the world. Small enough to walk around, but with endless pocket of paradise to discover.
Koh Phi Phi.
Need to escape the holidaying hoards of Phuket? Koh Phi Phi, the location of The Beach, and hands down Southeast Asia's most unmissable beach, is a two hour cruise away. Amazing diving, snorkelling and amazing Instagram opportunities await.
How to get to Phuket
Phuket is a popualar holiday destination in its own right, so it's really easy to find flights that head straight to this part of Thailand from pretty much anywhere in the world - many of them have a short transit in Bangkok.
If you're already in Thailand, you can take advantage of the country's cheap transport network of busses, ferries and catamarans to hop from island to island.
Best time of year to visit Phuket?
Like any tropical island, Phuket swings from scorching hot and dry, to rough-watered and rainy throughout the year. From November 'til April, Phuket and all of the rest of the western islands on Thailand's Andaman coast stay hot and dry. Brave it between May and October, and you'll experience a much quieter Phuket - meaning you'll find cheaper accommodation and have the beaches to yourself. September is usually the rainiest month in Phuket.
