Best Time to Visit Thailand: Phuket Travel Guide & Itinerary
- Ankitha
- Jun 26, 2019
- 5 min read
Updated: Sep 23
By now you know we are not big on beaches or beach vacations. Laying on a beach for four straight days is not our travel style. We like active trips. That being said, when we did this trip back in summer of 2017, we had already planned a whirlwind trip to Europe — which meant we just needed a relaxing getaway.
And that’s how Thailand happened. It was the perfect trip to escape the Dubai heat. As always, we skipped the capital city and went straight to the islands. If you’re planning your own
Thailand itinerary, this blog doubles as a Phuket travel guide with highlights like James Bond Island tour, Ko Phi Phi Islands, and Old Phuket Town.
Itinerary
Bangkok → Phuket → Patong
Local sightseeing in Phuket
James Bond Island tour
Ko Phi Phi Islands
Local viewpoints & attractions including Big Buddha Phuket and Old Phuket Town
Best Time to Visit Thailand
We went in June — it was pretty rainy during that time but we got lucky with the weather. The best time to visit Thailand is usually from November to February, when the skies are clear and the seas are calm. No matter when you travel, always carry a poncho or umbrella, especially in Phuket where showers come suddenly.
Flights + Visa
We flew direct with Thai Airways from Dubai. Be sure to pre-order your vegetarian meal — there won’t be any default vegetarian option.
Thailand has visa on arrival for Indians. Just pay cash at the visa counter when you arrive and clear immigration. It’s quick and simple. Language
Thai is the official language. Being such a touristy country, most people speak good English, especially in Phuket travel hotspots.
Currency
Baht is the official currency. Be sure to carry local currency as cash. They also accept dollars at most places, especially around Patong beach and tour counters.
Where We Stayed
We stayed at the Memory Patong Hotel. It was pretty close to a big mall — super convenient for lunch or dinner. The breakfast was delicious with fresh fruits and juice. If you’re looking for tips on the best areas to stay in Phuket, Patong is the liveliest, while Kata and Karon are more relaxed, and Old Phuket Town has a cultural charm.
Costs + Getting Around
Depending on where you’re flying in from, Thailand can be cheap or expensive. You can haggle for every single thing — including cabs, tours, and street-side shopping. Be sure you bargain for what you think is the best value. Alternatively, book your tours and packages ahead of time for peace of mind.
Safety
We had no issues with safety, but be mindful of your belongings at all times. Phuket and Patong are generally safe for tourists.
Vegan + Vegetarian Food
There wasn’t a lot of street food we could enjoy since most of the food had meat. In the city, we stuck to big brands like Subway and Pizza Hut. Highly recommend trying the Thai Pineapple Fried Rice — served in a pineapple shell — a highlight for vegetarian food lovers in Phuket.
Highlights
We landed in Bangkok in the morning and boarded our flight to Phuket. From the Phuket City airport to Patong took about an hour. Checked in at around 11:30 a.m. at the hotel.
After freshening up, we headed to Jungceylon Mall, just a 15-minute walk from the hotel. Post lunch, we ventured into the streets near the Hard Rock Café in Patong, where we booked our tours for the next two days.
You can opt for the Big Boat Tour or the Long Tail Boat Tour. There is a difference in price but the routes are similar. I recommend the Big Boat for comfort.
Note: there are plenty of agents around — most are similar. We walked around before picking one random tour operator since the rates were nearly the same everywhere. Expect to spend upwards of 1,500 Baht per day per person.
By 3 p.m., we were back at the hotel. Later, we walked down to Patong beach to catch a stunning sunset. Paragliding is an option, but it’s pricey here.
At 9 p.m., we had a booking for the Phuket Fantasea show, arranged via the same tour agent. It was a fun way to spend a few hours outside the city. The show goes on until midnight, after which you’re dropped back at your hotel.
James Bond Island Tour
Pick-up next morning was at 8:30 a.m. from the hotel. The day was spent exploring caves, rocks, and multiple small islands in Phang Nga Bay.
After a short boat ride, we sailed past picturesque limestone karsts before dropping anchor in Phang Nga Bay. The highlight was Khao Phing Kan, famously known as James Bond Island. The island got its name from the iconic film “The Man with the Golden Gun,” and its massive leaning limestone rock is a sight to behold.
Post lunch, we set out in canoes. An eerie silence descended as we glided through limestone caves, hearing nothing but the gentle splash of water. A magical moment in nature.
Ko Phi Phi Islands
Another day, another stunner.
The Ko Phi Phi Islands were more relaxed, with lots of swimming, sunbathing, and scuba diving options. This was a slower day compared to the James Bond Island adventure but equally rewarding.
Phuket Mainland
After breakfast, we rented a taxi from the hotel (300 Baht for 3 hours) to check out local attractions.
Our first stop was the peaceful and utterly gorgeous Big Buddha Phuket. The 45-meter-high statue is a highlight, free to enter, and you can easily spend an hour here soaking in the views.
Next stop: the stunning Leam Phromthep viewpoint, with Karon beach en route. This is the southern tip of Phuket and one of its most photographed spots. The short 0.3-mile walk to the top was worth it for the panoramic views.
This is easily the island's most photographed view point. Did a short 0.3 mile walk to the top and the panoramic views were stunning.
We then explored Old Phuket Town, with its Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful buildings, and vibrant street art. If shopping and culture interest you, this is the perfect place to end your day.
In the evening, relax with a Thai massage (haggle hard and don’t pay more than 500–1,000 Baht).
Tip: if you have the energy, Karon beach is amazing for sunrise views.
Tip: if you have the energy, I highly recommend checking out Karon beach for incredible sunrise views.
Final Thoughts
This was our first island getaway, and we made the most of our short trip. While many people stick to Patong beach, there’s so much more to see in Phuket. From the James Bond Island tour to the Ko Phi Phi Islands, the peaceful Big Buddha Phuket, and exploring Old Phuket Town, it’s a destination with layers of experiences.
Give yourself four to five days to hit all the major spots. Tours make it easy and affordable compared to planning on your own.
If you’re planning your next Thailand itinerary, use this blog as your personal Phuket travel guide.
Drop your comments below and show some love. Feel free to shoot me an email with your feedback.
Cheers,
Anki
Wayfarer Footprints has captured the imagination of explorers and dreamers across the globe. Our travel journey—filled with immersive adventures, honest insights, and practical tips—has resonated deeply with readers who seek meaning beyond the map. From solo travel stories to offbeat discoveries, we’re proud to have been recognized by both Indian and international media.
Comments