Explore Phuket
Plan Your Trip to Phuket: Best of Phuket Tourism
Essential Phuket
My favorite outdoor bars in Phuket
- Baba Nest64Don’t wait to make a reservation at Baba Nest. It’s arguably Phuket’s sexiest rooftop bar, featuring 360-degree island views that make an Insta-worthy photo. A wraparound infinity pool is the centerpiece—it reflects the sunset over the Andaman Sea. A floating floor (imagine almost a yoga deck) ties into the optical illusion, with massive cushions and pillows, so you can curl up with your partner. As for the food: The Mexican tacos are a must.
- Malika Sky Bar By Kalima Resort498Clubby and cool is the vibe at Malika Sky Bar. Though you might initially go for the panorama—high on a hilltop overlooking Patong Bay and the Andaman Sea—you’ll stay for the poolside daybeds, moody music, and sophisticated cocktails with a tropical twist. Coconut mojito laced with spearmint? Don’t mind if I do. The seafood-focused menu is a nice perk, too. I love the grilled salmon with curry.
- Pine Beach Bar517Shady groves on Kamala Beach, elegant sun loungers, an infinity pool… what’s not to love? This breezy barefoot bar is a dreamy spot to while away the day. Linger after dark and dance with your toes in the sand or hang out with your friends on the grass beneath pine trees and market umbrellas. But, whatever you do, don’t miss the coconut gelato and sizzling pizza. I’d argue that it’s the best slice in Phuket.
- The Cove Phuket638On the south coast near Cape Panwa, The Cove is the perfect place for a romantic date night or anniversary. The indoor-outdoor space has a warm teak wood dining area, with retractable walls that lead straight to the water. In the evening, intimate tables are scattered around the sand, or for a more social environment among friends, there are low-slung counters and bean bags on the beach. Trust me, you won’t want to leave.
- Kee Sky Lounge447Kee Sky looks like the top deck of a cruise ship. A glass elevator whisks you up, opening to an electric blue circle bar. Want to get higher? Climb the staircase to a smaller second level with striped sofas, stadium seating, and a hidden hot tub. This nautical theme is a nod to the sweeping views across Patong Bay. Tip: Come between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. for bottomless cocktails.
- Vanilla Sky Bar & Gastro Pub257Perched on the third floor of Cape Sienna resort, this rooftop lounge feels more like a park than a bar. Artificial grass and plump bean bag chairs lend a laid-back ambience, but stay after sunset when Vanilla Sky really ramps up. Cocktails such as the Mandarin Lemongrass Mojito and Grand Sienna Salad Martini (with Thai sweet basil rum, vodka, rosemary, ginger, cucumber, and fresh lime juice) are a few favorites.
- Rim Talay862Set within the elegant Amari Phuket resort, Rim Talay is a family-friendly choice. First off: The service is attentive and warm. The atmosphere is relaxed, with tables organized around a waterfront lawn. When hunger strikes, you can choose a buffet (for breakfast and dinner) or à la carte plates. I always crave the authentic Thai dishes and shellfish specials. Try the platter piled with calamari, prawns, and lobsters.
Phuket Is Great For
Massages for mellow days
Thai cafe culture
Standout Phuket night markets
Travelers' pro tips for experiencing Phuket
In the words of those who've been there before ...
What is the best way to get there?
Airport:
Phuket only has one airport, the Phuket International Airport. International and Domestic terminals are separate.
Here is some information on the best airport transfer options available.
Do I need a visa?
If you’re visiting Phuket from overseas, find out if you need a visa here.
Visa on arrival is also available, you can find out how other travelers did it here.
When is the best time to visit?
November to February: The weather in Thailand varies between hot, and really, really hot. The hottest season runs from March through to June, with April and May as the hottest months of the year.
The cool season normally runs from November through February and will still feel hot to most visitors. Temperatures during this time typically range from 73 Fahrenheit (23 Celsius) to 86 Fahrenheit (30 Celsius).
Walk
Most of the resort areas are small enough to walk around, with popular resorts and hotels located close to the beach, restaurants and shopping areas.
Tuk-tuk
If your hotel isn't on one of the main beaches, tuk-tuks are some of the best ways to get around. The small vehicles can weave through the tiny streets with ease and are worth the ride alone.
Drive
If you prefer exploring Phuket on your own, there are plenty of places to hire cars or motorcycles. However, if you’re looking to drive around Phuket, remember that they drive on the left.
Bus
Songtaew refers to blue open-air buses that run between Phuket Town and the main resorts, while air-conditioned mini buses service the Phuket Town area.
Check out more tips on getting around Phuket here.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in Thailand, there is absolutely no mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated.
Get more tipping tips here.
Are there local customs I should know?
Here’s a great overview of customs and etiquette in Thailand generally.
- We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Phuket, which include:
- Some of the most popular restaurants in Phuket include:
- Phuket is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:
- We recommend checking out these popular tours when looking for something to do in Phuket:
- If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Phuket between June and August, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between December and February.