Phuket
A Haven of Relaxation: The perfect place for a tropical getaway
Located in the Andaman sea, home to exotic beaches, high end resorts and spas, top-notch cuisine, the city of Phuket is the capital of the Phuket province, Thailand. The city of Mountains is the largest part of Thailand and earlier was one of the major trading routes between India and China. The city is a mix of cultures derived from Thais, Thai-Chinese, ethnic Malays and even sea gypsies.
Phuket is the your go to place if you love adventure sports and water. Snorkeling, diving, canoeing, swimming, sun-bathing, surfing and a lot more, you name it and Phuket has it! Whe in the island, there is a never ending list of things to do and experiences to have. Get married in Phuket, it's beautiful! But if you are not looking for a serious commitment treat yourself to a relaxing spa appointment, shop in the lively local markets or go explore the surprisingly cosmopolitan cuisine of Phuket.
If you think Phuket is nothing more than a beach place then we’ll make you think again, introducing you to some unseen shades of the city which often get overshadowed by the iconic beach life of Phuket. With so much on offer, from a hustling markets and street life to marvellous museums, the city makes sure you don’t return home with only beach pictures in your gallery.
GEOGRAPHICAL FEATURES OF PHUKET
Being the largest island city in Thailand, Phuket comprises an estimated population of more than 400,000 people of which around 71% are Thai Buddhists, 24% are Malays, and Chao Leh make up the remainder. The climate in Phuket is mostly tropical, remaining hot all year round. However, the best time to visit Phuket are the months between November and February with the weather being relatively cooler.
CULTURE OF PHUKET
Having a mixed culture influenced by Thai, Chinese, Indian and European traditions, Phuket introduces you to a plethora of food cuisines which you can savour. Theravada Buddhism comprises the majority of Thailand. Close to 30% of the population belongs of Chinese descent and migrated to the city to work in tin mines. The food you find in Phuket is deeply influenced by the culture and traditions, the migrants brought along them years ago.
PLACES TO VISIT IN PHUKET
It's justified, to begin with, the most crucial element tourist come here to witness is indeed the charismatic beaches of Phuket. Phuket has a collection of famous beaches including the likes of Patong beach, Banana beach, Freedom beach, and Laem Singh beach making it a perfect place for couples and families to make everlasting memories. Apart from this, another highly favoured tourist attraction is the Big Buddha Statue offering a calming and spiritual experience to visitors throughout the year. Kids can have an experience of a lifetime at the local dolphinarium and the famous Phuket Zoo.
THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
If you’re bringing your kids along, Phuket makes sure they have a blast of a trip having spots like the Trick Eye Museum, Phuket Bird Park, and the FantaSea theme park. The Old town of Phuket is perfect to take a walk through the vibrant cafes and shops, some of which are preserved in their old architecture. You can take a jungle safari at the Khao Sok National Park where you can enjoy some spellbinding views of wildlife. Spots like Friendship beach and Nai Yang are the best spots to indulge in exciting water activities like snorkelling and surfing. Once, you’re done with the city exploration, you can head back to one of the luxury hotels to relish a rejuvenating spa session.
Getting in Phuket
Phuket Airport is the third busiest airport in Thailand after Suvarnabhumi Airport and Don Mueang International Airport. It attracts lots of tourists each year as Phuket is the most popular resort destination in Thailand. Flights from India to Phuket Airport generally cost the same as a flight to Suvarnabhumi Airport.
| DEPARTURE | DURATION | LOWEST ROUND TRIP DEALS |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi | 17h, 1 stop | Rs 20,905 |
| Chennai | 8h, 1 stop | Rs 15,683 |
| Kolkata | 6h, 1 stop | Rs 18,787 |
| Mumbai | 8h, 1 stop | Rs 25,788 |
| Bengaluru | 8h, 1 stop | Rs 20,198 |
| Tiruchirappalli | 8h, 1 stop | Rs 19,785 |
| Kochi | 7h, 1 stop | Rs 17,619 |
| Hyderabad | 8h, 1 stop | Rs 18,739 |
Getting out from Phuket
One can travel to several neighbouring countries of Thailand and their top tourist cities. Some of the best tourist destinations near to Phuket are Singapore, Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh, Bali and Kuala Lumpur. Several flights operate from Phuket Airport to these countries. However, travellers can save a lot of time and money taking their flight directly from Bangkok airports.
| POPULAR DESTINATIONS | IDEAL STAY | MODE OF TRANSPORT |
|---|---|---|
| Singapore | 5 nights | 2 hrs |
| Phnom Penh | 3 nights | 7 hrs |
| Ho Chi Minh | 3 nights | 6 hrs |
| Kuala Lumpur | 3 nights | 2 hrs |
| Bali | 6 nights | 7 hrs |
How to Move Around Phuket
Public Transport
The local buses in Phuket also known as Song Taews are bright-blue coloured buses which run regularly between 7am and 6pm. These buses don't have any designated bus stops. They can hail them by waving anywhere and get off the bus anywhere you wish. The buss ply on a fixed route and the destination is mentioned in English right outside the bus.
Taxi & Airport transfer
You can hire Taxis in Phuket. The GrabTaxi App is also available to help you get a cab. There are metered taxis available across Phuket town and even in Airport areas. Fares are set at 50 Baht as the minimum charge and additionally cost 7 Baht per kilometer. For short distances, you can take tuk tuks. However, any journey longer than 30 minutes could make it really uncomfortable. Another option is to take Motorbike taxis which can be found at taxi stands throughout Phuket.
Transport & city passes
There are no city transport passes in Phuket. However, you can take the public buses or a taxi which is very well connected throughout Phuket and other areas.
Driving & Car rental
You can rent motorbikes in Phuket. However, given the risks involved in driving and additional challenges like insurance not being included, in the event of an accident you may be liable for damages. Hiring a car on the other hand is a lot more easier and safer. The vehicles cost anywhere between Rs. 1500 for a hatchback to Rs. 3500 for a luxurious sedan. The costs are on a per day basis.
Phuket Survival Guide
Good to Know
The ocean gives out strong currents especially during the summer-monsoon season, it is advisable to swim between areas marked with flags and declared safe as drowning is a common occurence. Gambling is illegal in Phuket and if you see locals luring you into deals it's best to ignore. Keep in mind that the crime rates have also increased in the city, mugging and pickpocketing late at night in the popular areas is a common occurence. Also remember to use only bottled water as tap water in Phuket is not potable.
Essentials
As of 2016, 60% of the electricity generated in Thailand is sourced by natural gas and the rest by oil. The standard voltage and standard frequency in Phuket are 220 Volts and 50 Hertz respectively and the power sockets are of type A, type B, type 0 and type F. Your appliances with plug D, and M will not fit into the type A, C, O or F socket and you need a power plug adapter to use in Phuket.
Expenses
Average cost of living for a couple in Phuket is INR 2500 per day.
Food & drink
| Meal for two | Rs.200 |
| Meal for two (Fine Dining) Rs. 1810 Water | Rs.70 |
| Water | Rs. 15 |
| Coffee/Tea | Rs. 85 |
| Beer | Rs.81 |
| Bottle of Wine | Rs.500 |
Essentials
| Tourist Visa | Rs. 2000 |
| Taxi 1km (Normal Tariff per km) | Rs. 35 |
| International SIM (Calling & Data) | Rs. 635 |
Emergency contacts
Indian Embassy
Embassy of India, Ocean Tower 2, 75/120-121, 42nd Floor [75/32-33, 20th Floor for Consular, Passport and Visa Services], Soi Sukhumvit 19, Bangkok-10110
Contact No.: 02-2580300-6
Email address: enquiries.bangkok@mea.gov.in
Lost children
The Hub Saidek Youth Club, 402-408 Maitri Chit Road (cnr Maitri Chit & Soi Nana), Pomprab District Bangkok 10100, Thailand
Contact No.: (+66) 02 623 3814
Email address: info@childlinethailand.org
Police
327 Yaowarat Road, Talad Yai, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000 Thailand
Contact No.: +66 (0)76 223 891
Email address: webmaster@royalthaipolice.go.th
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