travel-to-Phuket

Travel to Phuket

Phuket is the sunny heart of southern Thailand. Once a quiet island with fishing villages, it’s now a popular destination full of beaches, fun, and culture. White sand and clear water sit next to lively markets, temples, and busy town streets. You’ll find beachside cafés, local food stalls, and colorful night markets, along with luxury resorts and shopping malls. With its mix of nature and city life, Phuket is a place where you can relax, explore, and enjoy the best of both worlds.

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Phuket Travel Guide

Explore top attractions, activities, and experiences in Phuket.

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👑 Best of Phuket

Explore top attractions, hotels and restaurants in Phuket.

📷 Phuket Through Travellers' Eyes

Explore Phuket through traveller photos, stories, and insights.

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🌴 Don’t just lie flat on Karon Beach! Head towards the rocky area, at low tide you can pick up starfish and sea urchins, bring a bottle to fill with seawater, it makes for a super atmospheric photo (remember to put them back in the sea before you leave)

🥥 For roadside stalls selling fresh coconuts, choose ones with a bit of green! Too yellow might mean it’s old. Stick in a straw and take a big sip, coconut juice mixed with crushed ice drips down, wipe your face casually, and the sea breeze cools you off gently

⛱️ Patong Beach night market hides divine stir-fried noodles! Look for the stall run by an auntie wearing a floral headscarf, add double eggs and crab meat, the wok’s aroma wrapped in seafood fragrance, squat by the roadside to eat, don’t mind sand rubbing on your shoes

🌌 Chalong Temple is more spiritual at night than during the day! Go at dusk, monks chanting mixed with the evening breeze, donate 20 baht to get a string of jasmine flowers, wear it on your wrist while strolling the temple, the golden spires shine under the moonlight, photos look like they’re gilded without any filter

🛵 Rent a small electric scooter to circle Phuket Island! Stop by the Angel Peninsula, the sunset dyes the sea honey-colored, fishing boats in the distance look like silhouettes, every snap is wallpaper-worthy

⚠️ Don’t trust the “cheap island tours” from touts! If you really want to visit the islands, go straight to the pier to buy boat tickets. When snorkeling at Coral Island, wear a long-sleeve jellyfish suit, or else sunburn peeling will hurt so much you can’t sleep
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Imagine this: the sun is just right, the breeze is gentle, and I’m standing on Kamala Beach, with soft, fine white sand beneath my feet and the sparkling sea before my eyes. At that moment, I felt a special connection with the world, as all worries drifted away with the wind. 🌊 Today, let me take you through the wonderful moments I experienced at Kamala Resort in Phuket, feeling every touching instant there. ✨

🌟 Stunning views outside the window that captivate the heart 🌟
When I opened the window of my room, what greeted me was not only the fresh sea breeze but also a magnificent seascape. The room’s design is simple yet cozy, with every detail reflecting the designer’s care. Especially the floor-to-ceiling window that can be opened anytime, like a ticket to endless beauty, making you want to open it again and again to embrace that vast blue. 🏡

🌈 A culinary journey, a feast for the taste buds 🌈
Visiting Phuket, how could you miss the authentic local cuisine? The hotel’s Western restaurant offers a wide variety of dishes, whether it’s the breakfast bread, lunch salads, or dinner seafood, every dish leaves a lasting impression. I especially recommend the nearby Pan Yaah Thai Restaurant, where the yellow curry crab and curry shrimp are an ultimate delight for the taste buds, making you want more after every bite! 🍽️

🏊‍♀️ Leisure time, relax your body and mind 🏊‍♀️
At Kamala Resort, there are plenty of leisure and entertainment facilities. The crystal-clear outdoor pool is my daily must-visit spot. Lying on a comfortable lounge chair, listening to soft music, and watching the blue sky and white clouds, time seems to stand still. If you prefer a quiet indulgence, the hotel’s massage room is also a great choice, where professional masseuses will help you fully relax. 💆‍♀️

🎉 Explore the surroundings, surprises nonstop 🎉
Besides the charm of the hotel itself, the nearby attractions are worth exploring. For example, the Phuket Fantasea theme park, not far from the hotel, is a great place combining entertainment and performances. There’s also the Phuket Kalim Cliff Restaurant, which offers not only beautiful scenery but also authentic Southeast Asian cuisine, making it an unforgettable experience. 🚗

Every trip is a cleansing of the soul. Kamala Resort in Phuket not only gave me a perfect stay but also left me with beautiful memories. If you long for a trip like this, why not come here and find your own piece of peace and beauty? 🌈
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As a J-person (planner), I actually believed the “P-person (go-with-the-flow) can blindly follow” Phuket guide, and these 7 days turned into a chaotic adventure! Families with kids, please don’t follow this! Listen to my detailed warnings.

Full of itinerary pitfalls, be cautious with kids:
DAY 2 Similan Islands day tour: ‼️An absolute nightmare for kids! A 1.5-hour speedboat ride one way, with big waves and bumps that felt like your soul was shaken out. Everyone on the boat, adults and kids alike, were seasick, ruining the beautiful scenery. The so-called “lazy version” just means a different boat, but the suffering is the same. The kids were exhausted all day after getting off the boat.
DAY 3 Phuket Town + Night Market: Phuket Town is just some colorful houses, kids didn’t care. The night market was crowded and stuffy, the food hygiene was worrying, so I didn’t let the kids eat much.
DAY 4 Emperor Island diving: Diving has an age limit (usually 10+), so kids can’t join. What do the kids do? They just wait foolishly on the boat or play on the beach, but the beach is scorching hot, making the experience very unpleasant.
DAY 5 Return from Emperor Island + Coral Island stop: The itinerary was still exhausting, dragging luggage on and off boats. Renting beach chairs on Coral Island costs extra, it felt like being “sold like a piglet,” shuttling between islands.
DAY 6 Sunset viewing + Rawai Seafood Market: The sunset at Promthep Cape was packed with people, no good spot for holding kids. Rawai Seafood Market is notorious for ripping off tourists, prices need to be bargained down by half, taking kids there to bargain is mentally draining.

The right approach to traveling in Phuket with kids (my regret):

Absolutely do not island hop! Do not island hop! Do not island hop! Important things said three times. Choose a hotel with a good beach (like Kata Beach) and stay put, at most join one half-day trip to Egg Island (short boat ride).

Don’t change hotels frequently: We changed hotels 4 times, packing and unpacking was exhausting, and the kids lacked a sense of security. It’s best to stick to 1-2 hotels.

Focus activities on kids: Fantasea Park, Nemo Dolphinarium, ethical elephant sanctuaries—these are what kids enjoy. Not diving, shooting, or sunset watching.

Eat at malls: Central Phuket and Jungceylon have clean, hygienic restaurants with air conditioning and kids’ meals. Isn’t that better?

Plan transportation in advance: Airport transfers and trips to malls can be booked ahead on Taobao, which is more convenient than hailing taxis last minute.

Real insights:
When traveling with kids, avoid “rushing the itinerary” and “chasing trendy check-ins.” The P-person’s casual style is based on having no kids to worry about. We J-person parents need careful planning, but the focus should be on “comfort, safety, and fun,” not “check-ins, thrills, and photo ops.” In Phuket, a good hotel is half the happiness, so invest your budget and energy there.
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One of the most photogenic and atmospheric spots in Phuket, this location has become a true mecca for Instagram enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Location: "Ma Doo Bua" - A café with a pond of giant water lilies

🚩Google Maps link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bVUq4DXPCd1jgZwJ9?g_st=ic

This is not just a café, but rather a large garden, restaurant, and art space built around a massive pond where a rare species of giant water lilies, Victoria amazonica, is cultivated. Their leaves can grow over 2 meters in diameter and can support the weight of a small child. The name translates from Thai as "Maa Doo Bua" — "Come and see the lotuses."

What makes this place special?

1️⃣ The giant water lilies are the main attraction. They are at their peak size and beauty from December to May (dry season).

2️⃣ Stunning photo zones:
🛶 Boat Noodle: You can book a photoshoot on a traditional Thai boat, which will be taken to the middle of the pond. Photos are taken with a drone, creating the effect of "floating on giant leaves." This is a paid service.
🧊 Viewing platform with a mirrored floor — creates the illusion of floating above the water.
🪷 Bamboo bridges and pathways, hammock nets around the pond.
🗿 The area is designed in the style of an "abandoned temple" with modern sculptures and neon signs that are beautifully lit in the evening.

What else to do besides taking photos?

· Try Thai cuisine: The restaurant menu offers a good selection of classic dishes (Tom Yum, Pad Thai, curry), snacks, desserts, and, of course, coffee and signature drinks (often with floral and fruity notes). The food is of good quality.
· Buy souvenirs: There is a shop with products made by local artisans.
· Simply relax: The area is large and green, making it a pleasant place to sit in the shade, watching the water and lilies.

Practical Information

· Location: Near Bang Tao Beach, also close to the airport.
Exact address: 310/51 M.1 Baandon-Cherngtalay Rd, Thep Krasatti, Thalang. Nearby is the famous Wat Phra Nang Sang temple.

· Opening hours: Daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM (restaurant open until 10:00 PM, but the lilies are not visible in the evening).

· Entrance: Free. You only pay for food/drinks and additional services (a boat photoshoot costs around 300-400 baht).

· Best time to visit: Morning to noon (9:00 AM - 11:00 AM). The lighting is better for photos, there are fewer tourists, and the lilies are fully open. After noon, they may start to "close."

🪷🪷🪷Ma Doo Bua is the perfect place for unique photos and a peaceful retreat in an extraordinary setting. It’s a blend of nature, Thai aesthetics, and modern pop culture. If you love beautiful locations, it’s worth a visit. However, if you’re only interested in lunch and not in photos or lilies, it might not be as appealing.
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Thailand's iconic White Temple, Wat Rong Khun, is located in Chiang Mai. However, now there is an alternative right in Phuket.

In December 2025, the White Temple Wat Kanan 🛕 opened. It takes just 40-50 minutes to get there.

On the temple grounds, you can rent a traditional costume for 150-250 baht, available in various styles and colors, and take authentic photos. We didn't do this because it was crowded before the New Year, and people were celebrating their own holidays.

Surrounding the temple is a pond with turtles and large fish. You can feed the fish for just 10 baht.

This beautiful place is definitely worth a visit 🤍
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We chose China East Airlines, which flies daily from Moscow, and the ticket price is around 20,000 rubles per person one-way!

What we got for our money! Firstly, it was a scheduled flight, not a charter. Secondly, short layovers of 2-4 hours at comfortable airports in major Chinese cities! And, of course, significant savings on a family flight!

I often read bad reviews about them, and I want to point out that the food may not be perfect, they won't pour you wine, and they won't show a new movie in Russian, but let's be objective about the reviews! Economy is a comfortable class, and the services provided are completely worth the price!

We flew to Moscow and back with a family of three for 120,000 rubles, and I have no words for this airline other than gratitude for this opportunity! If you want more, pay more.

And don't forget that entry regulations to Thailand have changed, and you must fill out an electronic immigration card (TDIS) before flying! Clear instructions and a link are in my previous video! Stay in touch. With me in Thailand, you'll definitely be on your way!
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This hotel I stayed at in Phuket 💎 is truly timeless~ The photos come out amazing! I’ll definitely stay here again next time!

📍The location is unbeatable! Only a 15-minute drive to Patong Beach 🚗, but once you enter the hotel, you instantly feel like you’ve stepped into a tranquil tropical rainforest, perfectly balancing peace and excitement 🌿!

🛏️ The "Rainforest Pool Suite" is absolutely stunning!
▪️ Step out the door to your private pool + tropical garden view, the scenery is truly breathtaking
▪️ The bedding is Marriott’s signature "Heavenly Bed" ☁️, lying down feels like sinking into clouds
▪️ The bathroom features a starry sky bathtub 🛁, so you can soak while gazing at simulated starlight
▪️ The entire suite is controlled by an iPad, so curtains, lights, and air conditioning are just a tap away

✨ Hidden hotel highlights!
1️⃣ Floating breakfast delivered right to the poolside 🍽️, got flooded with questions when I posted photos on social media
2️⃣ Five different themed pools throughout the resort, absolutely gorgeous 🌊
3️⃣ Daily complimentary cocktail hour 🍹, enjoy a Mojito by the pool while watching the sunset

🌿 The public areas feel like stepping into a movie set!
▪️ The lobby is designed as an open jungle pavilion
▪️ White spiral staircase + rattan chandeliers are super photogenic
▪️ The spa center is hidden in a century-old banyan tree grove 💆

🚤 Nearby activities unlocked!
✔️ Only 10 minutes from the popular speedboat pier, island hopping is even more convenient than staying in Patong
✔️ A small path from the hotel’s back door leads directly to a secluded beach, fewer people, clear water, and you can catch the orange sea sunset 🌅
✔️ A 25-minute taxi ride to Phuket Town, where you can hit the weekend night market and colorful houses all in one go
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To make your evening at Carnival Magic perfect and hassle-free, I've gathered the latest schedule and logistics information for 2026. This place is massive, so timing is everything!
I've attached a map in the photos☝️

📅 Schedule and Opening Hours
The park doesn't operate every day, so plan your visit in advance.

Operating Days: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday.

Park Hours: 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM.

Dinner (Bird of Paradise): 5:30 PM – 8:30 PM (it's best to arrive by 6:30 PM to enjoy your meal before the show starts).

Main Show-Parade "River Carnival": Starts at 9:00 PM (doors to the hall open at 8:30 PM). The show lasts about 50 minutes.

Kingdom of Lights: Opens right after the parade ends (around 10:00 PM) and operates until closing. This is the best time to stroll among millions of lights.

🚕 How to Get There:
Best Options
The park is located on Kamala Beach (in the same area as Phuket FantaSea).

Official Transfer (Most Convenient): When purchasing your ticket, add the transfer option (usually +350–400 baht). You'll be picked up directly from your hotel lobby around 5:00 PM–5:30 PM and brought back after closing. This is the safest and easiest option if you're traveling with a friend.

Taxi (Bolt or InDrive): If you're coming from Patong, the trip takes 15–20 minutes (cost ~300 baht). From Phuket Town or the Wichit area, it takes about 35–40 minutes (~450–550 baht).

Own Bike: The road to Kamala through the hills is very scenic, but be cautious on the curves in the evening. The park has a large free parking area.

💡 My Timing Tips
Arrive by 6:00 PM. This gives you 2.5 hours before the show. This time is enough to:

Have dinner in the golden hall of Bird of Paradise.

See the world's largest popcorn machine and grab a portion.

Watch mini street performances, bubble shows, and catch giant balloons.

Don't forget the dress code. The park has a lot of air conditioning (especially in the restaurant and show hall), so it might feel chilly. Bring a light scarf or cardigan.

Storage Lockers: Before entering the River Palace (for the show itself), you'll need to store your phones in a locker. Don't worry, it's very well-organized, and everything is returned quickly upon exit. But make sure to take all your photos in the park and by the popcorn machine before 8:30 PM!

🎈Tip:
The best light photos are taken in the "Kingdom of Lights" at the very end of the evening (after 10:00 PM). There are fewer people, and you can capture empty spots among the lights.

Check out the video about this place on my profile.
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I've been to Phuket eight times, and I stay here every time!
It's really cheap and incredibly comfortable💥
Everyone! This is what a seaside resort hotel balcony should look like🌊
Open the door and you can see the stunning sea view
On good weather days, you can enjoy dreamy sunsets every day🌅

✨✨✨Highlights✨✨✨
🏖️Exclusive 300-meter private beach
🏓5 tennis courts free to use
📸Never worry about crowds when taking photos
💤Already thinking about the next stay at checkout

📍Hotel location:
Le Méridien Phuket Beach Resort
Address: 275 Moo 3, Karon Beach, Muang, Phuket 83100

🚗Transportation guide:
- 1 hour drive from the airport
- 10-minute walk to Big C supermarket
- 15 minutes to Central Festival Mall

💰Money-saving tips:
Lots of benefits in the low season from May to July!
✔️Almost half price
✔️Stay 3 pay for 2
✔️Free breakfast for two
✔️100 THB spending credit
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We stayed at Kata Central Resort located on Kata Beach, Phuket, at 54 Ked Kwan Road. The location is very convenient, just a 10-minute walk to the beautiful Kata Beach! There are also plenty of delicious food options and shops nearby, so you don’t have to worry about where to eat, drink, and have fun. 🚗 If you don’t want to walk, the hotel offers a free shuttle bus to the beach, which is incredibly thoughtful~

When we first arrived, the front desk staff were super friendly and checked us in quickly. They also kindly asked if we had any special requests. The whole hotel has a vacation vibe, with bright and cheerful colors and surrounded by greenery, giving you a true holiday paradise feeling. ✨ As soon as you walk in, you see several large swimming pools, designed very spaciously and beautifully, including a kids’ pool and an adults-only infinity pool, which honestly exceeded our expectations!

The overall comfort of the room was very good. We booked a family room. The room size was just right, the bed was big and soft, and with the cool air conditioning, we had a very comfortable sleep. 🔥 There are even rooms with direct pool access! Friends staying on the ground floor can sip drinks while lounging on the poolside sofas, instantly entering a zen vacation mode~ However, one thing to note is that some guests complained about a slight odor from the pillows in certain rooms, so the cleaning might need to be checked again.

If you stay here, I highly recommend exploring the nearby restaurants and shops. I especially love eating Thai curry and mango sticky rice at Eightfold Restaurant—50 baht for pure happiness! 🍛 A bit further away is Kata On Fire Bar And Grill, where the barbecue smells amazing~ If you like shopping or custom clothes, Rahul Fashion Custom Tailor and Simon's Boutique Tailors Phuket are worth a visit. For more relaxation, there are several massage and spa centers within walking distance from the hotel, perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring.

Of course, nothing is perfect. For example, the hotel’s WiFi can be a bit hit or miss, sometimes uploading files requires some luck 😂 Also, some rooms don’t have elevator access, so guests staying on higher floors need to carry their luggage upstairs. But for most travelers with a relaxed mindset, this probably isn’t a big issue.

Overall, Kata Central Resort is especially suitable for families with kids or multi-generational trips. The vacation atmosphere is top-notch, the service is thoughtful and comprehensive, and the value for money is excellent. If you haven’t decided where to book your hotel yet, this is definitely a place you can keep coming back to 💎!
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Hi everyone! ✨
Let's start with the flight tickets for our first day in Phuket.

We booked our tickets through the Trip.com app.
The main reason is their excellent customer service. You can contact them 24/7 if you have any problems.
And let me whisper softly… it's not a bot responding! 😆
It's a real person, and you can communicate with them. This really impressed me, because many other apps I've used are all bots.

We chose an early morning flight.
🛫 Departing Don Mueang at 7:45 AM
🛬 Arriving in Phuket at 9:10 AM
Perfect timing, not taking up too much time for sightseeing.

After landing, we immediately called the rental car company we had contacted.
For this trip, we chose to rent a motorbike for all 4 days.
The price was 200 baht per day, which works out to only 400 baht per person.
It's incredibly economical and super convenient for exploring.

After picking up the motorbike, we drove straight to Sirinat National Park.
There are several beaches to stroll along, including Nai Yang Beach and Mai Khao Beach.
The atmosphere is great, quiet and peaceful, perfect for starting the trip.

A little highlight that many people may not know:
You can ask the park staff for a stamp and an airplane signature! It's a cool souvenir for travelers like us! ✈️

Then we drove into the city to check in to our accommodation, Horang Phuket.
The drive into the city took quite a while, so we stopped for a quick bite to eat along the way.

In the evening, we had dinner at
Kobent Khao Tom Haeng, a famous Michelin-starred restaurant in the province.
I can tell you it was really delicious, no exaggeration!
We went there two days in a row! If you're coming to Phuket, I highly recommend trying it!

We ended the first day by stopping at Hoyy Phuket.
A chill place with a great atmosphere and 90s music that was so relaxing.
It was a super fun and memorable way to end the first day! 🎶✨

In my next post, I'll recommend
cafes with beautiful sunset views for Day 2.
Please leave comments and follow me! Thank you! 🤍🌅
#PhuketTravel
#SirinatNationalPark
#PhuketAccommodation
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Thailand! Phuket Island!!! Discovered a fairy seaside resort~ lying flat for a few days is just too comfortable! Perfect for both bringing kids👶🏻 and couples dating💑!

🌟Private entire beach
7 unbeatable swimming pools (including a children’s pool👶🏻)
Thai lawn massage💆🏻‍♀️
📍Address: Southern tip of Phuket Island · Kata Beach, by Little Kata Beach

🏖️Amazing location!
Located at the center of Little Kata Beach
Hotel with zero distance direct access to the beach🏝️
Side gate 5-minute walk to 7-11🏪
10-minute walk to Kata shopping area🛍️

💯Room experience
Extra-large Thai-style suite🛏️
Sliding door partitions, very thoughtful
Sea view balcony so beautiful it makes you cry🌅
Recommended to enjoy a Tiger beer🍺 at dusk
Sea breeze + sound of waves is simply healing!

✨Hidden gems of facilities
Choose from 7 large pools🏊
Super thoughtful children’s area👶🏻
Super comfortable Thai massage💆‍♀️
Soaking in the bathtub is pure enjoyment🛁

Really a “once you come, you don’t want to leave” series!!!
The ultimate lie-flat vacation confirmed~~

FAQs

  • What is the best time to visit Phuket?

    The best time to visit Phuket is from November to April, during the dry season. The weather is sunny and perfect for beach activities, island hopping, and exploring the outdoors.
  • How do I get around Phuket?

    Getting around Phuket is easy with tuk-tuks, taxis, and motorbike rentals. For longer trips, you can use ride-hailing apps like Grab. Some areas also offer local minibuses known as songthaews.
  • What are the must-see attractions in Phuket?

    Top attractions include Patong Beach, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, and Old Phuket Town. Don’t miss the island-hopping tours to Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island, or a sunset at Promthep Cape.
  • Is Phuket expensive for tourists?

    Phuket offers options for every budget. You’ll find affordable street food, guesthouses, and local markets, as well as luxury resorts, fine dining, and beach clubs for high-end travelers.
  • What local food should I try in Phuket?

    Phuket is known for southern Thai flavors. Try dishes like moo hong (braised pork), mee hokkien noodles, tom yum seafood soup, grilled satay, and mango sticky rice from night markets or seaside stalls.
Aesthetic_foodie

Aesthetic_foodie

Adventurer, Curiosity-Driven Traveller

I spend my days chasing sunrises in new cities, hunting down the best local eats, and getting lost in markets and alleyways. I write about my travels, little adventures, and the quirky moments.

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