Phuket for first-timers

If you have never been to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, then there is always the first time. All the information that you seek is right here for you to soak in and let your stay run smoothly. From the best time to visit to how to arrange your activities and what to eat, we have got you covered on all sides during your Phuket stay. Read on find out the stuff to make it happen!

How to get there and the most suitable time to visit

Tourists need to take a flight to Phuket International Airport if they are planning to holiday in this destination. From there, it is a one-and-a-half-hour drive to popular tourist locations like Khao Lak. You can book a taxi via a ride-hailing app like Bolt or Grab.  A bus ride will take longer but is cheaper. You can take the bus at Phuket Bus Terminal 2 and get on the one which travels to Ranong.

The ideal time to place your vacation on this island is between November and April. This is the dry season, with an abundance of sunshine. The seas are calm, making way for great snorkelling adventures. The shoulder season, which is from March to April and also November, offers better deals at accommodations. So if you have a budget-friendly trip in mind, then this is the best time to head there. 

What to experience in Phuket 

Known as one of the most popular tourist locations in Thailand, Phuket welcomes millions of international visitors annually. Place yourself in a popular, tranquil beach destination like Khao Lak, and you will have plenty to do at your fingertips. From relaxing in tranquil and picturesque settings to visiting prominent tourist attractions in the area, Khao Lak offers activities suited for travellers of all ages.  

If you are the daring sort, head out to the Andaman coast limestone cliffs, where you can engage in rock climbing. Phang Nga Bay is a short distance away from this area, and you can scale 20-meter limestone formations there. If you are new to this activity, Avani+ Khao Lak Resort can get you started on their rock climbing expeditions by letting you hone your skills on their climbing wall at the resort's gym. This will help you tackle some of the epic coastal climbs with confidence. Since it is close to the sea, many Khao Lak hotels offer enthralling watersports to draw tourists to their premises. Snorkelling and diving are the most popular. You can also engage in kayaking, tubing, canoeing, bamboo rafting, surfing and jet skiing.  Other activities in store for you include visits to places like the International Tsunami Museum, Bang Niang Market, Supaporn Elephant Camp, and Ton Chong Fa Waterfall.

Mouthwatering dishes to try 

 Focused on Southern Thai cuisine, the dishes in Phuket feature seafood heavily in their menus. So this is a great spot to sustain your appetite by chomping down some barbecued fish, squid, shrimp and shellfish. This is because fresh catch is available aplenty as the island is surrounded by sea. Authentic and bold flavours are characteristic of the dishes in Phuket. You get restaurants offering local favourites as well as some trendy hotels and eateries which offer international dishes for those who would like to eat something close to home during their stay. 

Some of the best dishes to try in Phuket include signature dishes like kaeng som (sour fish curry) and moo hong (braised pork). Southern Thai specialities boast of bold, spicy, and tangy flavours. Some of the well-loved treats to try in this category include stir-fried melinjo leaves with egg and Southern crab curry. Most of these local treats can be sought out for budget-friendly prices at places like the Bang Niang market.