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.
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
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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
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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