Why visit
Phuket is Thailand's largest island. Phi Phi and James Bond island day-trips, Patong's nightlife, quieter Kata and Kamala beaches, and Old Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese architecture.
How to use this result
Use it as a travel-city prompt
Phuket is included because it has traveler appeal beyond being a dot on the map. Use the themes, neighborhoods, notes, and season guidance to decide whether it fits a weekend, longer route, or writing prompt.
Build a realistic route
For a real trip, check how Phuket connects with nearby cities, airports, rail or bus routes, local costs, weather, and entry rules for Thailand.
Phuket at a glance
City population
80k
Metro: 530k
Elevation
10 m
33 ft
Time zone
UTC+7
Asia/Bangkok
Airport
HKT
Phuket International
Founded
16th century
Getting around
Tuk-tuks + songthaews + Grab + scooter rental; airport bus limited
Signature dish
Mee hokkien, moo hong, o-aew, nam prik kung siap, Phuket-style dim sum
Neighborhoods for travelers
Phuket Old TownPatongKaronKataRawaiKamala
Thailand at a glance
Country center
15.0°, 100.0°
Coast
Has coastline
Country area
513,120 km²
198,117 mi²
Country population
71.7 million
140/km²
Subregion
South-Eastern Asia
Currency
Thai baht (฿)
THB
Dial
+66
Language
Thai
Demonym
Thai
Internet
.th
UN
Member state
ISO code
TH / THA
Where in the world
15.0° - 100.0°
Thailand
Open in Google Maps
Click the map to open in Google Maps. Outline via svg-maps/world - CC BY 4.0
Did you know
- Phuket's Old Town has some of Thailand's best Sino-Portuguese architecture, a legacy of 19th-century tin-mining wealth.
- The island once produced most of the world's tin; its Chinese-Thai community still runs much of the local business.
- Patong Beach is the island's party hub; Kata, Karon, and Nai Harn are mellower, and the Phi Phi Islands are a boat ride away.
- Thailand was never colonized by a European power: one of only a handful of Asian countries with this distinction.
- The official capital name is the longest city name in the world: Krungthepmahanakhon... (listed in the Guinness Book).
Bordering Thailand
Traveler notes
- Phi Phi Islands day-trip from Rassada Pier
- Old Phuket Town is underrated
- Big Buddha and Wat Chalong temple
Plan checks
- Build a three-day plan before extending. Most travel cities are easy to undersell to yourself.
- Check seasonal timing: high season can triple costs on some coastal destinations.
- Verify swim safety, ocean conditions, and water-quality reports by month.
- Reserve top restaurants 2–4 weeks out and plan two standout meals per city.
Explore more
Facts last reviewed June 2026 against GeoNames and national statistics sources. See the editorial policy for how destination data is maintained.
Frequently asked about Phuket
What currency is used in Phuket?
Phuket uses the Thai baht (฿), ISO code THB.
What languages are spoken in Thailand?
The primary language is Thai.
What is the international calling code for Thailand?
The calling code is +66.
What airport serves Phuket?
Phuket International (IATA: HKT).
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