PHUKET

HOW TO GET TO PHUKET

Phuket is served by Phuket International Airport (HKT), connected with direct flights from Bangkok and many Asian cities.

From the airport to the center/beaches:
• Taxi or Grab (about 45–60 min to Patong)
• Cheap shuttle bus to Phuket Town
• Private transfer to hotels and resorts

👉 Tip: if you land in the evening, book your transfer in advance: airport taxis have fairly high fixed rates.

Where to sleep

• Patong→ Famous and lively area, ideal if you want clubs, shopping, and nightlife

• Phuket Old Town → Ideal if you want a more local experience among Sino-Portuguese architecture, markets, and typical restaurants.

WHEN TO GO TO PHUKET

Useful tips

• Phi Phi, James Bond Island and Similan are among the most requested. Book with reliable operators and always check sea conditions

• Taxis are expensive: use Grab or negotiate the price before leaving. For more freedom, you can rent scooters or cars (drive on the left).

• Ideal for stays of 2–3 nights

The best time to visit Phuket is from November to April, during the dry season: calm sea, sunny days, and ideal weather for beaches and excursions.

From May to October is the rainy season: showers are often brief but the sea can be rough and some excursions may be limited. On the other hand, you'll find fewer tourists and lower prices.

GateFree tip:
December–March is the perfect time for crystal-clear sea and snorkeling.

3-day itinerary in Phuket

1. Beaches and sunset

3. Authentic Phuket

Patong Beach
The most famous beach on the island, sea, water activities, seafront with bars and restaurants

Freedom Beach or Kata Beach
More beautiful and less crowded alternatives for relaxation and crystal-clear sea.

Promthep Cape
One of the best spots for sunset on the island.

👉 Evening: seafood or Thai food dinner and evening stroll in Patong.

Big Buddha
Panoramic statue with a view of the island.

Wat Chalong
Most important Buddhist temple in Phuket.

Phuket Old Town
• Colorful Sino-Portuguese houses
• Local markets
• Typical cafés and restaurants

2. Dream islands

Phi Phi Islands or Phang Nga Bay Excursion
Boat trip among limestone cliffs and turquoise sea.
• Snorkeling
• Tropical beaches
• Lagoon and caves

Scenic stops and swimming
Full day dedicated to the sea.

EATING IN PHUKET

Food GateFree Tips:
Fresh seafood dishes are a local specialty
Try som tam (papaya salad) and Thai curries
Portions are often generous, perfect for sharing
Some places close early: it's better to have dinner between 6:30 pm and 8:30 pm

Must-try dishes:

• Pad Thai – stir-fried noodles with shrimp or chicken
• Tom Yum Goong – spicy and aromatic soup
• Som Tam – green papaya salad
• Thai curry – green, red or massaman
• Mango Sticky Rice – iconic dessert

Patong – restaurants and street food
Ideal area if you want a wide choice between Thai cuisine, fresh seafood, and international venues.

• Banzaan Market

Local food court with street food and fresh seafood

• No.6 Restaurant

Authentic, inexpensive, and very popular Thai

Phuket Old Town – authentic local cuisine
The best area to taste typical specialties from southern Thailand.

• One Chun Café

Traditional local cuisine, much loved

• Raya Restaurant

Historic, perfect for trying typical Phuket dishes