What to see in Phuket, Thailand: beaches, sights and my tips

Phuket is worth it if you want beaches and day trips in one holiday, and in my view Thailand is never a bad idea. Where you stay should depend on what you want from the holiday. Don’t miss the Big Buddha, the Old Town, Wat Chalong temple or a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands. If you have time, go to Khao Sok National Park as well.

Quick factsby Milan Bez Mapy

Where I stayed

In the south of the island, first at The Vijitt Resort with its 40-metre pool, then at the Cape Panwa Hotel with its private beach

Patong or Kamala

Patong, where I stayed in 2012, is crowded and noisy; I preferred quieter Kamala Beach

Airport to hotel

Buy a taxi ticket in advance at the counter just outside arrivals; the cheaper Phuket Smart Bus costs about 100 baht in 2026

Watch out for

The Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay are extremely crowded around lunchtime; go early in the morning or late in the evening

Weather

Ignore the forecast on your phone; it showed rain for my whole holiday, but the showers never lasted long

Cash

Every ATM charges a fee, in 2026 usually 220 to 350 baht (about €6 to €9); I changed euros at the airport

What is there to see in Phuket, Thailand’s largest island? When I heard that Čedok was starting to sell direct flights to Thailand from Bratislava, Brno, Prague and Ostrava, I decided to give it a go. It was the only tour operator in the Czech Republic and Slovakia to offer them. My last trip to Thailand was before the pandemic, so my memories were due a dusting off.

Besides, Thailand is never a bad idea. Over the past few years, as part of our collaboration, I’ve also been to Zanzibar and Marsa Matrouh in Egypt with Čedok. I think direct flights to Thailand from Slovak and Czech airports are a pretty big advantage. Here’s what to see in Phuket, Thailand.

What to see in Phuket, what to watch out for and what to know before you go

Phuket with Čedok: direct flights from the Czech Republic and Slovakia

The tour operator Čedok launched direct flights to the Thai island of Phuket from Bratislava, Brno and Ostrava. For winter 2026/2027 it offers direct flights to Phuket from Prague and Brno, but currently none from Bratislava. You fly to Thailand on a modern Dreamliner, one of my favourite planes for long-haul flights. Why? Because it’s comfortable.

To be precise, it’s a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, known for its larger windows, better fuel efficiency and smarter handling of cabin pressure. In practice that means a more comfortable flight and less jet lag.

My flight from Bratislava to Phuket took exactly 11 hours. That’s quite a while, but nothing a decent eye mask, an inflatable neck pillow and a single milligram of melatonin can’t fix.

These charter flights are seasonal, so they run during Thailand’s high season, from November to March. That’s the ideal time to go, when the weather in Phuket is great.

Čedok is trying to make travel more comfortable and to cater for people who prefer to fly direct to far-flung destinations from their home airports. A direct flight also saves the time you’d otherwise spend changing planes. I should point out, though, that at the time of writing this was the only way to fly direct to Thailand from Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Many of you asked me on Instagram whether you can buy just the flight, without the package holiday. On some dates you can buy a flight-only ticket. The dates change, and you can check what’s available on the website or at a branch.

Where is Phuket and why is it such a popular tropical holiday destination?

So what is there to see in Phuket, Thailand? Phuket, the country’s largest island, is one of the most beautiful and most visited places in Southeast Asia. I’ve seen comments calling it the most overdone destination in Thailand, but I disagree. This tropical island has beautiful beaches, a rich culture, historic sights, modern attractions and food that every traveller should try.

Phuket is ideal if you like a mix of relaxing, getting to know local customs and tasting the flavours that make Thai cuisine what it is. More on the food below. Don’t be put off by Phuket: if you don’t like commercial resorts, avoid the Patong area and you’ll be fine.

When is the best time to go to Phuket and Thailand to avoid the rainy season?

The weather in Phuket depends on the season. The best time to visit Phuket, and Thailand in general, is from November to February, when temperatures are at their steadiest and most pleasant and there’s very little rain. It’s neither scorching hot nor endlessly wet.

That makes November to March the ideal time for sunny days, outdoor activities and the beach, because Thailand’s rainy monsoon season usually lasts from June to October. If you plan to travel outside the high season and avoid bigger crowds, March and April can be fine too, although temperatures start to climb and it can get uncomfortably hot.

• Tip from Milan Ignore the weather forecast on your phone. For my whole holiday in Phuket it showed rain and storms. This close to the equator the weather is harder to forecast, and although it did rain a little, it never rained all day. While my phone was showing rain, I was lying on a beautiful beach drinking from a coconut. At most, a storm would blow through in the evening, and that was it. So what is there to see in Phuket? Changeable weather.

Where to stay in Phuket: it depends on what you want from your holiday

Choose your accommodation in Phuket carefully. Most holidaymakers go for Patong, where I stayed too on my first visit to Phuket in 2012.

I didn’t like it there.

Patong is the cheapest part of the island for tourists, which means crowds, noise and non-stop partying. If that’s what you’re after, it’s made for you. Patong mostly attracts groups of young people out for endless fun.

Patong is Phuket’s busiest and best-known beach, ideal if you’re looking for nightlife and plenty of restaurants, bars and shops. It’s also a good base for all kinds of trips, but be ready for crowds and a pretty lively atmosphere.

The alternative is Kamala Beach, a peaceful area north of Patong with a great choice of resorts for people who come to relax. Kamala has lovely ocean views, its beaches are quieter and it’s a popular spot for romantic holidays. I’ve tried it too, and I liked it more than Patong.

So where did I stay in Phuket on my last visit with Čedok?
In the far south of the island, first at The Vijitt Resort, which has romantic villas and a perfect 40-metre pool where I swam almost every morning. Then I moved to the Cape Panwa peninsula, to the Cape Panwa Hotel with its private beach, one of the most beautiful I’ve ever seen.

Private beaches in Thailand: the law and the reality

In Thailand the law forbids private ownership of beaches, and the whole coastline is public and open to everyone. The reality is different: some hotels and resorts exploit legal loopholes. They buy the land next to a beach, which lets them control access indirectly through their reception or private paths.

Officially, though, nobody can be kept off the shore itself, so you can still reach the beach in other ways: by a public road, from another access point or by boat.

The downsides of staying in the south of Phuket

Does staying in the south of Phuket have any downsides? The south is a pretty, green part of the island, away from the tourist bustle, with a very Thai atmosphere.

One downside is that these places are further from the tourist attractions. If you’ve booked a trip with a hotel pick-up, they’ll probably come for you at around seven in the morning. Yes, that means setting an alarm on holiday. It didn’t bother me, though, because this part of the island is calm and quiet, with a wonderfully tropical feel. Especially Cape Panwa.

How to get from Phuket Airport to your hotel

The airport is in the north of the island, so the journey south takes a long time. Be prepared for taxis to cost much more here than in Bangkok. On my first visit, the two of us paid as much for a taxi from the airport to Kamala as we would have paid in Bangkok for a journey three times as long. If you want a fair price, buy a taxi ticket in advance at the counter just outside the arrivals hall, where there’s a price list by destination.

A cheaper option is the Phuket Smart Bus, which runs from the airport down the west coast to the south of the island. In 2026 a ride costs about 100 baht. Grab works here too, and the app shows you the fare before you get in.

The best beaches in Phuket

What is there to see in Phuket, Thailand? Beautiful beaches. I should say first that I haven’t been to all of them, so if you have tips of your own, I’d love you to add them in the comments. Phuket is famous for its beaches, which range from busy stretches of sand to secluded, peaceful spots under the coconut palms. The kind of kitsch you’d see on the calendar in your gran’s loo. I’ll start with the ones I know and have been to:

1. Ya Nui Beach: a small, intimate beach in the south-west of Phuket, excellent for snorkelling and kayaking. Windmill Viewpoint gives you a very photogenic view of it, and people love it for its natural calm.
2. Kamala Beach is a pretty, peaceful beach north of Patong. You’ll like it if you prefer quieter places, calm water and a relaxed atmosphere. There are a few restaurants, but bring cash, because most places in Thailand are cash only. I picked a coconut off a palm here, cracked it open with a stone and ate the inside. Just the kind of holiday everyone wants.
3. Patong Beach: skip it. Well, you can stop by, but I think Phuket has far more beautiful beaches that are worth a visit and a swim. If you’re staying here, though, it’s great for a nice evening walk at sunset. The swimming is average, and don’t expect any privacy.
4. Cape Panwa Beach is a private hotel beach that you can only use if you’re staying at the Cape Panwa Hotel. I was, and it’s one of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to. Just the right size, and ideal for watching the sunrise.

Other beautiful beaches in Phuket:

1. Freedom Beach is a place you can only reach by boat or on a hike through dense vegetation. It’s surrounded by tropical forest and has fine white sand and turquoise water. Because it’s harder to get to, it sees fewer visitors, which means peace and privacy.
2. Kata Noi Beach: a smaller, quieter version of the better-known Kata Beach. The fine sand and crystal-clear water are ideal for swimming and snorkelling, especially by the rocks at either end of the beach. The surrounding area is quiet but has excellent restaurants and pleasant cafés.
3. Nai Harn Beach: this beach at the southern tip of Phuket is popular with locals and tourists alike. The sand is fine, the water clear, and there are views of green hills. Nai Harn is ideal for swimming and sunbathing, without huge crowds.
4. Surin Beach: also called ‘Millionaires’ Beach’ because of the luxury resorts and villas nearby. Surin Beach has fine sand and excellent surfing conditions, especially during the monsoon season. It’s lined with tall palms and popular beach bars.
5. Laem Singh Beach: a hidden beach that you can only reach by boat or on a short hike. It lies between Kamala and Surin beaches, surrounded by rocks and jungle. The water is calm and ideal for snorkelling, and the beach has kept its peaceful atmosphere.
6. Bang Tao Beach: one of the longest beaches in Phuket, with beautiful white sand and clean water. It’s great for families looking for peace and space, and it also gives access to luxury resorts and beach clubs.
7. Mai Khao Beach: part of Sirinat National Park, this beach has complete peace and unspoilt nature. It’s the longest beach in Phuket, and it’s known as the place where planes fly low over the sea as they come in to land at the nearby airport.

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What to see in Phuket: the sights worth visiting

The Big Buddha and Phuket Old Town

But Phuket isn’t just about beaches, even if everyone comes here mainly for a good swim. Me included, but… if you want to get to know Thai culture, don’t miss a visit to the Big Buddha, which stands on top of Nakkerd Hill and is one of the island’s symbols. The statue is 45 metres tall and offers not just a spiritual experience for Buddhists but also a wonderful view over the whole area. It’s best to come in the morning or just before sunset, when the light is best for photos.

• Tip from Milan When I was there, the Big Buddha was closed because of a landslide. Since March 2026 the site has been open again, daily from 9am to 6pm. Before you go, check online so you don’t make the long trip up the hill for nothing. The good news is that you’ll see the statue either way: it towers high above the island.

Phuket Old Town is another place you should visit if you want to soak up the local history and architecture. This charming quarter is full of colourful houses in the Sino-Portuguese style.

Thalang Road and Soi Romanee are the prettiest streets, with little shops, pavement cafés and art galleries. They capture the spirit of a country that was never colonised, which is exactly why people come from all over the world to admire it.

Every Sunday the street closes to cars for the Sunday market, where you can try local snacks, buy souvenirs and take in Phuket’s atmosphere in a lovely setting.

• Tip from Milan Phuket Old Town has an excellent café with a brilliant view over the whole historic quarter if you go up to the third floor. It’s called MONDO Espresso & Tea Bar, and I’d order a matcha latte made with their premium Japanese matcha (not the cheapest one, if you want the real taste of matcha).

Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Thong temples

Phuket’s main temples include Wat Chalong, the largest and most visited Buddhist temple on the island, where you can learn more about local traditions. Wat Phra Thong is known for its half-buried Buddha statue, which legend says is sacred and cannot be fully dug out.

Boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island

• WARNING: Before you read on, one thing you need to know: the time of day you go to the Phi Phi Islands is crucial. In recent years these islands and Maya Bay have become hugely popular, and around lunchtime they can be extremely crowded. And by extremely I mean extremely, with a capital E. But if you go early in the morning or late in the evening, you’ll find a pleasant atmosphere worth sharing on Instagram.

So if you have time for a day trip, the Phi Phi Islands are the one not to miss. They’re close to Phuket, and their crystal-clear water, beaches and dramatic cliffs make them something special. If you don’t know what to see in Phuket, Thailand, you’ll definitely like Phi Phi.

The boat trip to Phi Phi is an experience in itself: cruising through turquoise lagoons gives you superb views and the chance to snorkel among colourful fish and corals. One of the best-known spots is Maya Bay, where the film The Beach with Leonardo DiCaprio was shot.

James Bond Island (Ko Tapu) is popular with tourists mainly because of the film The Man with the Golden Gun. It lies in beautiful Phang Nga Bay, famous for its limestone cliffs. It’s best to go in the morning to avoid the crowds, and to choose a smaller boat for a more authentic experience. Take plenty of water and sun protection, because it gets very hot.

Have your camera or phone ready, because the views are spectacular. For an even more intense experience, combine the trip with kayaking through the nearby mangroves and caves. So what is there to see in Phuket? Turquoise water.

A trip to Khao Sok National Park

With Čedok I went on a river rafting trip in Khao Sok National Park, home to one of the oldest rainforests in the world, older than the Amazon. After a short hike through the jungle we set off on rafts, taking in the ancient trees, limestone cliffs and rich wildlife, including monkeys and exotic birds.

Visiting an elephant sanctuary and bathing with elephants in Thailand

In 1989 Thailand banned logging, an industry that had employed a lot of elephants. Many of them then ended up in circuses or working with tourists. That’s how the so-called elephant sanctuaries came about: they rescued these elephants, and by visiting one you support it financially.

Thailand has plenty of places where you can meet elephants, but not all of them are genuinely ethical. If you want to support elephants and meet them responsibly, choose carefully. Ethical elephant sanctuaries rescue elephants from bad conditions such as circuses or hard labour and give them a free home where they aren’t forced to perform tricks or carry riders.

So how do you recognise an ethical sanctuary? Avoid places that offer elephant rides or shows. Check that the sanctuary works as a refuge for rescued animals and doesn’t put the elephants to work. Read reviews and other travellers’ experiences: ethical sanctuaries support the animals’ natural behaviour and give them plenty of room to roam. If you don’t know what to see in Phuket, Thailand, go and see the elephants.

• Tip from Milan I went on the elephant trip with a Čedok rep, so I could be sure we were heading to genuine elephant sanctuaries.

The Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are a group of nine islands in the Andaman Sea, known for their coral, white sandy beaches, clear water and scenery, and they’re home to sea turtles. What visitors love most is the bay and the hikes around the island.

What to eat in Phuket

Oh, the food. Phuket is also known for its culinary variety. The food here combines fresh local ingredients with exotic spices, and every dish has its own distinctive flavour that takes you deeper into Thai culture.

The classics you should try include:

1. Tom Yum is a spicy, fragrant prawn soup that combines sour, sweet and hot flavours. It’s made with lemongrass, galangal and lime leaves, and it’s one of the most popular Thai dishes.
2. Tom Kha is my favourite Thai soup, because it’s made with coconut milk, which I love. Do try it.
3. Pad Thai is stir-fried rice noodles with egg, tofu, peanuts and sometimes seafood or chicken. Every mouthful is a mix of sweet, sour and gently spicy.
4. Som Tam is a spicy green papaya salad with lime, tomatoes and fish sauce. It’s refreshing and light, ideal as a starter or alongside a main course.
5. If you prefer curry, don’t miss Massaman Curry. This mild curry is less fiery than other Thai curries and full of coconut milk, potatoes, nuts and the flavour of Thai spices.
6. And I’ve saved the best till last: Mango Sticky Rice, a lovely combination of sticky rice with coconut milk and fresh mango. This sweet treat is the perfect way to end dinner and taste an authentic Thai dessert. Sometimes I ate it on its own, without a main course. Simply delicious.

Frequently asked questions about travelling to Thailand

Do I need cash in Thailand, or can I pay by card everywhere?

Bring cash and change it, or withdraw it from an ATM. These days there are fees everywhere, and even if you have a card with free ATM withdrawals, it won’t do you much good in Thailand. Every ATM here charges its own withdrawal fee: in 2026 usually 220 to 350 baht, depending on the bank and the card, or about €6 to €9. I brought cash in euros and changed it at the airport, and when it ran out, I topped up from an ATM.

Do I need a visa for a holiday in Thailand?

Not for a holiday. Since 15 September 2026, with a Slovak passport you can stay in Thailand for 30 days without a visa, and you can extend your stay once by another 30 days. Before you fly, you have to fill in the free TDAC (Thailand Digital Arrival Card) online. Your passport must also be valid for six months after you get back from your holiday. Read why countries require your passport to be valid for six months after your return.

Do I need vaccinations to visit Thailand?

It depends on which part of the country you’re going to, but for a holiday in Phuket there’s no need to overthink it. If you were spending longer outside the tourist areas, I’d consider vaccinations against hepatitis A and B, tetanus and typhoid. Thailand only requires a yellow fever vaccination if you’re arriving from a country where the disease occurs.

Do buy mosquito repellent, though: dengue fever, which mosquitoes carry, has been spreading in Thailand recently.

Is there Wi-Fi in Thailand, and how do I sort out mobile data?

Hotels and airports have Wi-Fi. I use Airalo, a mobile app for buying eSIMs for any country in the world. One gigabyte of data cost me €9. To be completely honest with you, a local SIM card from a stall works out cheaper, but I still use Airalo because it’s so simple.

That gigabyte was plenty for me, because cafés and hotels have fast Wi-Fi and I only used data for WhatsApp. Here’s my full Airalo review.

• Tip from Milan With the code MILAN1877 you get a discount on your first Airalo eSIM.

In Phuket you can experience Thailand with everything it has to offer, from white sand under your feet to the authentic flavours of Thai food. The island lets you combine beach time, sightseeing and meals you’ll remember for a long time.

On another holiday, don’t miss Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, the big city of Bangkok or the other islands, especially Krabi, which you can reach on a direct flight from Prague.

Happy travels!

This article was written in collaboration with the tour operator Čedok.