Phuket Vacation Packages
South of Bangkok, along the western coast of Thailand, lies a sun-and sand-lover's paradise—the island of Phuket. Here you'll find 6 spectacular beaches, resorts ranging from casual to chic, and clear, turquoise waters perfect for diving. After the excitement of Bangkok, Phuket is the perfect getaway to relax and rejuvenate.
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Phuket Vacation Packages
Outdoor activities top the list of things to do on this island destination. You’ll be able to enjoy superb golf courses and watersp orts, including parasailing, windsurfing, kiteboarding, snorkeling, diving, deep sea fishing, and sea kayaking. Serious outdoor ent husiasts will want to explore the beauties of Sirinath National Marine Park and Phang Nga Bay National Park—and the nearby is lands of Surin and Similan are a huge draw for scuba divers. The Chinese, Malay, Portuguese, and Burmese peoples have all left their mark on Phuket’s cultural melting pot, as reflected in the island’s temples, mosques, and delicious cuisines. Encounter Phuket’s indigenous cultures at Thalang National Museum, enjoy the col orful wonders of Phuket Butterfly Garden & Insect World, and admire the natural treasures on display at the Phuket Shell Museum, in cluding the world's biggest golden pearl. Package includes:- Choice of accommodations
- Hotel taxes
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should go?
Foodies
With a selection of dining options as varied as the culture surrounding Phuket, food lovers will enjoy a range of options from local Thai food to Swedish cuisine.
Lovers of Lazing on the Beach
Take in the beautiful scenery as you relax on the beach and enjoy a book or a nice cool drink. With a wide selection of beaches to choose from, you'll have no trouble winding down for a lazy day soaking up the sun. For actual swimming, take a cautious approach, since dangerous rip tides are prevalent on most beaches.
Shoppers
When the currency exchange rate is favorable, as it usually is, Phuket is a perfect place to stock up on all those souvenirs and gifts for your loved ones back home. Don't forget to indulge yourself as well with a wide variety of shops and market options to choose from.
What's the climate like?
| |
Dec-Feb |
Mar-May |
Jun-Aug |
Sep-Nov |
| Average High |
88° F |
90° F |
87° F |
86° F |
| Average Low |
74° F |
76° F |
78° F |
76° F |
| Average Rainfall |
1.5" |
7.2" |
9.7" |
12.2" |
Phuket's climate is balmy, with cooling breezes in the hottest months and refreshing winds in the summer months. The best times to visit are from December to March.
How do I get around town?
Transfers
Transfers from Phuket International Airport to your hotel are not included with your hotel package, but are available for purchase.
By Bus
Giant, colorful buses called Songtaews traverse the roads between Phuket Town and the main beaches on the western coast; they're only permitted to travel from beach to town and not beach to beach. Leaving when they're full (usually every 30 minutes), Songtaews are a great option for traveling to a single beach destination and cheaper than the beach-to-beach Tuk-Tuk prices.
By Tuk-Tuk
Three-wheeled, open-air taxis called Tuk-Tuks are a main form of transportation in Phuket. Drivers have exclusive rights to transportation from beach to beach and know how to get as much money out of you as they can. At night, prices for a Tuk-Tuk ride go up, sometimes doubling from the daytime prices; if you're traveling on a budget, keep this in mind so you don't get stuck on the beach late at night. Always state your destination and agree on the price for the ride before setting off in a Tuk-Tuk.
By Motorcycle Taxi
Made identifiable by colored vests, motorcycle taxis are good for short trips within town or along Patong Beach. Unless you're looking for a hair-raising experience on switchback roads, don't let a taxi driver talk you into anything but a short trip, and make sure to request a helmet before getting on the motorcycle taxi, or you may be fined for breaking the helmet law.
By Car/Motorcycle
Phuket's roads can be dangerous and unpredictable, with switchbacks, steep and winding roads, and reckless drivers, so renting a car is not recommended in Phuket. The same goes for motorcycles.
What kinds of dining and nightlife are available?
You'll have fantastic dining choices in Phuket. The beach areas in the west are packed with small eateries and hotel restaurants. Along the Patong strip, you'll find upscale diners and Asian chains, along with fast-food joints clustered around the beach. And the JungCeylon shopping mall also offers a selection of trendy restaurants in a gargantuan air-conditioned mall.
If you're interested in exploring local cuisine traditions, head to Phuket Town, where you'll find the greatest concentration of traditional eateries. Phuket has a number of dishes different in character and flavor from those of other areas in Thailand. Here is a brief guide:
Here are just a few suggestions:
- Kanohm Jin Phuket - Noodles served with a fiery curry sauce, eaten as a breakfast food—comes with an array of fresh vegetables and boiled eggs that are mixed in at the table.
- Lo Bah - Fried sausages served with fried tofu and spicy, sweet and sour sauce.
- Mee Hokkian - Yellow egg noodles stir-fried with leafy green vegetables in soy sauce, usually with pork or chicken.
- Mee Sua - Breakfast noodles served with the boiled rice dishes Khao Tohm or Johk.
- Oh Aew - An iced sweet made of flour, banana, and a little seaweed.
- Oh Tao - Oysters fried with flour, eggs, and taro root.
Check out a few of these exciting restaurants:
Baan Rim Pa Piano Bar and Restaurant
Phuket's best-known restaurant serves the finest in Royal Thai Cuisine, in a magnificent seaside setting with some of the best views on the island. Award-winning food and wines feature the best of Thailand from all 4 regions of the country, with an emphasis on wonderful, fresh seafood dishes. North Patong.
Joe's South
Joe's fresh and colorful décor, plus its delicious Asian style tapas, salads, local seafood, imported grilled delights, and homemade desserts, can be enjoyed al fresco or in glass-enclosed air-conditioned pavilions set in a soothing tropical garden with cascading water. Kata Gardens, Kata Noi.
Saffron
Wine and dine at this eclectic and award-winning restaurant located in the 5-star Banyan Tree Phuket. Renowned for its creative selection of Thai cuisine prepared using traditional methods, Saffron features delicacies such as crisp fried catfish and mango salad, stir-fried black crab with pepper and chili, and sticky rice with yellow curry ice cream. Bang Tao Bay (Laguna Resort Complex).
Siam Indigo Exotique Bar & Restaurant
Though it's a bit of a ride from the West coast beach areas, Phuket Town offers fantastic contemporary restaurants that include Siam Indigo. This stylish spot in the heritage area features fabulous Thai cuisine as well as steaks, cocktails, and a good range of wines. Phuket Town.
Nightlife
Patong is the center of nightlife on the island, with plenty of bars, nightclubs, karaoke lounges, and adults-only shows that are open all night. For a more sedate experience, check out the mesmerizing Thai dance shows at many of the hotels, or one of the options below:
Dino Park Mini Golf in Kata Beach
A great night out with the kids may include this themed mini golf course, featuring roaring mechanical dinosaurs, erupting volcanoes, and an outdoor Flintstones-inspired bar and restaurant.
Phuket Fantasea
The island's premier theme attraction, Phuket Fantasea, is a kitschy show set in a theme park at Kamala Beach, north of Patong. This 75-minute, entertaining spectacle of a show takes place in the Palace of the Elephants.
Simon Cabaret
A campy extravaganza, this glitzy burlesque cabaret in Patong Beach features male transsexuals who lip-sync to popular Asian and Western pop songs.
Where should I go shopping?
Phuket is cheap and affordable, depending on where you decide to shop. From upscale venues to street markets, Phuket is the ideal place for a bit of retail therapy and to come away with those perfect items to show for it. Pearls, batiks, and pewter ware are Phuket's best-known products. Tailors have shops everywhere; labor costs are inexpensive so a handmade suit is an attractive purchase. Tailors supply the cloth, or you can select your own from one of the many cloth merchants in Phuket Town.
Check out a few of these exciting shopping options:
Siam Paragon
The biggest mall in Southeast Asia, Siam Paragon is most popular for its lobby atrium and the Gourmet Paradise on the basement level. But if you're looking for some serious shopping therapy, the luxury brand stores of this upscale shopping structure are sure to please and entertain you for as long as you wish to stay.
Patong Beach
One of the most popular areas for tourists and the center of souvenir shopping, Patong Beach has great options for cheap shopping, and when you get tired, head down to the beach to rest your sore feet.
JungCeylon
To avoid rip-off merchants, head to the JungCeylon mall right on Patong Beach, which is perfect for a fun and hassle-free shopping experience.
When are the local events?
Thao Thepasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival
March. This event is more for locals, but tourists are encouraged to join in the celebrations, too. One of the largest festivals on the island, sports and culture are celebrated at the same time during this 2-week long festival. The highlight of the festival is a historical, open-air show that tells the story of 2 heroic Thai sisters who raised a defense against the Burmese troops over 200 years ago. Sample the local cuisine and shop at the many displays throughout the festival.
Thai New Year (Songkran Festival)
April. This festival celebrates the traditional Thai New Year. Locals sprinkle water on each other's hands as an act of wishing them good luck. Join the locals in visiting temples and reverently sprinkling water on Buddha images. Or, find a spot to watch the impish children use this tradition as an excuse for water fights; don't be surprised if they splash you, or you get wet from teams of water-throwers that ride around in the backs of trucks.
Por Tor Festival
July/August. Por Tor, meaning "hungry ghosts" in Chinese, is a festival marking the Chinese belief that for 1 month, their ancestors have been released from hell. Special food, flowers, and candles are left as worshipful offerings on ancestors' altars to satiate them. Head to the fresh market on Ranong Road for colorful decorations and enjoy many interesting activities from noon to midnight; make sure to sample local foods from the many stands open during the event.
King's Cup Regatta
December. A week of fun, partying, and sailing is what attracts some of the world's best yachts to Kata Beach in Phuket. First started in 1987 to celebrate King Bhumibol's birthday, contestants still vie for the trophy in a highly competitive race to the finish line.
Tried and True Travel Tidbits
Beach Safety
Keep an eye out for stinging creatures such as jellyfish and sea urchins, as well as rogue jet skiiers. Rip tides in Phuket also can be very dangerous, especially during the monsoon season. Lifeguard and safety resources might not meet the standards of many travelers. Never swim alone, swim only in designated areas, and if a red flag is flying, do not swim in that area. If in doubt, ask the locals to help you determine if the area is suitable for swimming.
Jet Ski Warnings
Although the Phuket governor pronounced jet skis illegal in 1997, the ban has not always been enforced and some jet skis are now legal only if they've been registered. Renting jet skis, however, exposes tourists to risks of damage-claim scams and extra, unannounced fees.
Etiquette
Etiquette in Thailand is very different than etiquette in the West, so do a little research before you leave for tips on how to behave and react to certain situations (how to show proper respect for the king, movie theater requirements, how to hail a taxi, temple behavior, etc.).
Good to Know
Airport Name:
3-letter Code:
|
Phuket International Airport
HKT |
| Best Weather: |
December-March (best overall); March-August (warmest) |
| Best Values: |
September - November |
| Currency: |
Thai Baht |
| Language: |
Thai; English is understood in most tourist areas |
| Time Zone: |
Phuket is 13 hours ahead of Central Standard Time (CST) and does not observe Daylight Saving Time. |
| Proof of Citizenship: |
Government legislation requires all people traveling via air to and from the United States and Canada to have a valid passport. For details on passports, visas, and health requirements, see Entry Requirements. |
| Tipping: |
Tipping is highly encouraged in Phuket; wages are low and tipping is always appreciated anywhere you travel (20-50 Baht is acceptable, and when converted into U.S. dollars, these tips are very affordable by American standards). |
| Dress: |
Swimming attire is not recommended off the beaches, though casual wear is acceptable. Choose "dressy casual" wear for a nice evenings out on the town; formal wear is not necessary anyplace. Check for special dress codes if you're planning to visit temples. |
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Phuket Vacation Packages
The following options are available when you book your vacation package to Phuket:
Transfer - Private Roundtrip Transfer
Relax as you are transferred in a private vehicle with a guide, between Phuket International Airport and your hotel. Vehicle will hold 1-2 passengers. Travel time between the airport and your hotel is approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the location of your hotel. Transfers are available 24 hours a day. Rate includes door-to-door service, 2 pieces of checked luggage per person, 1 carry-on piece of luggage, and taxes. Child seats are not available. Gratuity is not included. Full details on where to meet your driver will be included in your travel documents.
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Transfer - Shared-Ride Roundtrip Transfer with Guide
Relax as you are transferred in a shared-ride vehicle between Phuket International Airport and your hotel. A guide will meet your flight and accompany you to your hotel. Travel time between the airport and your hotel is approximately 60 minutes, depending on traffic and the location of your hotel. Transfers are available 24 hours a day. Rate includes door-to-door service, 2 pieces of checked luggage per person, 1 carry-on piece of luggage, and taxes. Child seats are not available. Gratuity is not included. Full details on where to meet your driver will be included in your travel documents.
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Tour - Half-Day 4-in-1 Tour with Junk Cruise
Today you will travel to Chalong province, by a 4-wheel drive Land Rover, into the Chalong highlands. Arrive at Siam Safari elephant camp situated on a mountain top to learn about the elephants and their caretakers. During this tour you will see how young elephants are trained, and you will also be allowed to touch and feed them bananas. Then it is on to an elephant for a ride through superb scenery overlooking a beautiful bay. You’ll also see how Thai jungle curry is made, see how rubber trees are “tapped” to produce natural rubber latex, watch how monkeys are trained to pick coconuts and then how coconuts are processed to make coconut milk and oil, learn about the water buffalo and their role in the Thai family life to this day, and so much more. Your tour ends with a cruise on a traditional wooden junk in Chalong bay, with its stunning views of the surrounding islands and where you will be served a delicious buffet lunch with a selection of Thai dishes. Return to your hotel after an active, educational and rewarding adventure. - Departure Time: 8:00am
- Return Time: 2:00pm
Includes:- All entrance fees
- Lunch including bottled water
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation via coach or mini-van
Other information:- Daily departures
- Children’s car seats are not available
- Full details will be in your travel documents.
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Tour - Half-Day Elephant Trekking
Travel today by 4-wheel drive Jeep to the Siam Safari elephant camp in the Chalong Highlands. The elephant camp and trek are on top of a mountain in a superb natural setting. Upon arrival you will receive information about Siam Safari’s elephant conservation project and go on to explore the hills and its beautiful panoramic views over Phuket Island, riding on an elephant back for 30 minutes. If you are lucky, you may see baby elephants and learn about their training methods. After this memorable experience, you will be transported back down the mountain and to your hotel. - Departure Time: 8:00am
- Return Time: 11:00pm
Includes:- All entrance fees
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation via coach or mini-van
Other information:- Daily departures
- Children’s car seats are not available
- Full details will be in your travel documents.
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Tour - Half-Day Phuket Island Tour
This half-day city tour features the highlights of Phuket’s cultural and architectural heritage. Your tour takes you to Phuket town to admire its historic buildings, built in Sino-Portuguese style in the late 19th-century. See the houses of the past tin and rubber barons, an aquarium full of Andaman sea wildlife, and “Wat Chalong,” the most reverend temple on the island. Finally, stand on the “Promthep Cape” hill overlooking the magnificent view of the offshore islands and the perfect half moon bay of the Nay Ham Beach. - Departure Time: 8:30am
- Return Time: 12:30pm
Includes:- All entrance fees
- Services of an English-speaking tour guide
- Transportation via coach or mini-van
Other information:- Tour available Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday
- Children’s car seats are not available
- Full details will be in your travel documents.
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