The best guide to Phuket. A guide to Phuket and reviews from tourists about their holidays. Cuisine and restaurants

Phuket is the most big Island, located in the south of the country, in the Andaman Sea of the Indian Ocean. Occupying an area of 540 sq. km, it has a length of 50 km from north to south and 21 km from west to east. It is connected to the mainland by three bridges. The distance to the capital of Thailand is 863 km.

Why go

Phuket rightfully bears the title of “beach capital”. These are paradises with snow-white sand, coconut palms, warm sea, gentle sun and mountain views. The infrastructure of Phuket is well developed - there are numerous hotels to suit every taste and budget, restaurants, bars, huge shopping centers, souvenir shops, food and clothing markets, banks, nightclubs, discos and entertainment venues. Phuket is also famous for its fantastic and vibrant sunsets.

Tours to Phuket

Prices for tours for 2 people for 7 nights with departure from Moscow are given.

Holidays in Phuket are suitable for both noisy groups thirsty for adventure and eventful activities, as well as for a quiet family holiday. It’s easy to find a place here where you will be alone with exotic nature, away from crowds of tourists - just you, the warm sea, snow-white sand and palm trees.

Beaches

When choosing a tour to Phuket, it is important to make the right choice in favor of one or another beach where your vacation will be most comfortable. East Coast The island is not suitable for swimming due to strong tides and muddy bottom. There are several ports here, where you can see not only snow-white yachts, but also a variety of boats of local residents. But on the northwestern, western, southwestern and southern coasts there are gorgeous beaches for every taste. Almost every beach has coral reefs, so you can go snorkeling and snorkeling. The inhabitants - bright tropical fish - are not afraid of people.

In the summer of 2014, sun loungers were removed from almost all the beaches of the island. Thus, the beaches were restored to their pristine beauty and “bounty” status. Umbrellas that protect from the sun can be rented in markets near the beach.

From November 1, 2017 in Thailand Smoking is prohibited on Patong beaches(Phuket Island), Bophut (Samui Island), for all Pattaya beaches, Hua Hin and Cha Am, Lanta Islands. Smoking will be allowed in specially designated areas. The maximum penalty for violating the ban will be a year in prison and/or a fine of up to 100 thousand baht (almost $3 thousand)

Round-trip flights to Phuket

Prices for tickets per person departing from Berlin are shown.

Karon Beach. Another favorite beach among Russian tourists is ( Karon Beach). Karon is located south of Patong, 50 km from the airport. This beach is perfect place for relaxation of large companies and families with children. Karon Beach is the second largest beach on the island, stretching for almost 3 km. The beach will be remembered for its white and unusually creaky sand. In the evening you can find a lot of entertainment here, but they all close before midnight. Many restaurants play pleasant live music during dinner.

Kata Beach. Also worth highlighting is (Kata Beach), which is divided into two parts: Kata Yai and Kata Noi. The beaches are located even further south than Karon and Patong, the distance to the airport is 50 kilometers. The holiday here will be more measured and calm than on Karon. Kata is an ideal resort for couples and families with small children. Kata Noi is famous for its respectable hotels on the seashore. Near the beaches there are restaurants and cafes for every taste, but all of them are usually open until 22:00.

Hotel Features

In Phuket you can rent a room in a comfortable five-star hotel or a place in a hostel. The largest number of hotels were built in popular resort islands. The disadvantage of accommodation in Patong is the location of the hotels literally on top of each other. The cheapest options can be found in.

In less common resorts than Patong, there are hotel options on the coast. Here you can rent not only a comfortable room, but also a bungalow.

As a rule, every hotel has a restaurant or cafe.

What to see

One vacation will not be enough to explore everything Phuket has to offer. The second and subsequent vacations will definitely be remembered for something new and interesting.

A few ideas on how to diversify your holiday in Phuket:

Visit at least one of them located near Phuket. By boats you can easily reach the beautiful islands: James Bond, Racha, Similan, and more.
If you are vacationing with children, visit or Phuket by looking there.
Visit any Buddhist temple and look at it, located on Mount Chalong.
Climb to at least one (observation deck) island to enjoy beautiful view to the island, mountains and sea.
Choose something from an active holiday: it could be rafting on a mountain river, surfing and much more.

Don't forget to pamper yourself with something good for your soul and body, delicious tropical cocktails right on the beach, as well as exciting shopping!

From Phuket you can get to other no less wonderful resorts such as the province of Phang Nga.

Cuisine and restaurants

In all corners of Phuket you can find a large number of restaurants with. IN tourist places In addition to Thai, Indian, Chinese and European cuisines are also common. Russian restaurants are also not uncommon here, so lovers of borscht and sauerkraut will also not be disappointed.

The menu in all restaurants is written in English, but in many places it is also duplicated in Russian. A number of the island's restaurants are located on beaches or in panoramic locations, so visitors can not only eat great food, but also admire beautiful views.

There are markets in all areas of the island where you can buy vegetables at the cheapest prices. There is also a huge selection of street food to suit every taste. The food at the markets is fresh and delicious, don’t be afraid to experiment!

Transport

The central highway, located inside the island, connects all cities and regions. It is also possible to move around the perimeter of the island, along the sea. All roads along the sea are mountain serpentine roads.

Public transport on the island is poorly organized. To move around the resort, it is convenient to use tuk-tuk services. Tuk-tuks are colorful cars with a body, in which benches are organized for passengers. Be sure to check the cost of the trip in advance: drivers can set their own prices.

In addition to tuk-tuks, you can use a taxi service by car or motorbike. IN tourist areas As a rule, taxi drivers work around the clock.

Helpful information

The international airport, which receives direct flights from Moscow, is located in the north of the island. Travel time to the hotel can be 40-60 minutes.
Do not leave valuables unattended, especially on the beach!
Observe, use anti-tanning cosmetics.
Don't skimp on purchasing a medical policy. If you need to use the services of medical institutions while on vacation, use the information about.

We present to you a unique Phuket travel guide in continuation of the story about this amazing island! So, tickets in hand, suitcases packed, the usual bustle of the airport, a 9-hour night flight - and finally, you are in the land of smiles, eternal summer and sun! You are welcomed by the pearl of Thailand - the island of Phuket with its beauty, beautiful beaches and unique attractions.

But before you start exploring the island, how do you independent traveler, who is not met at the airport by a travel agency representative, it is necessary to resolve two main issues: where to live and what to use to get around the island. Let's figure it out. putevoditel-po-phuketu

Mobile communications in Thailand

To begin with, we take a free SIM card from the stand at the airport with local number and a map of the island - they will be useful on the farm. In general, in Thailand there are 3 cellular operators GSM: TrueMove, AIS (1-2-call), DTAC (Happy).. If you need to call Russia, then for the TrueMove operator, dial 006-7 - Russian number from city code, with the operator AIS (1-2-call) 009-7 - Russian number with the city code, with the operator DTAC (Happy) 004-7 - Russian number with the city code. You can buy SIM cards, they are inexpensive (about 100 baht), and 100 baht will already be in your account. SIM cards are sold absolutely everywhere, and neither a passport nor any other documents are required. You can top up SIM cards in 7 Eleven stores (minimarkets), they are on every corner. Ask the cashier - they will tell you how to top up. Communication prices are inexpensive, 1-3 baht/min in Thailand and 4-5 baht/min in Russia. If you need an unlimited tariff for a tablet, for example, then it will cost around 600 to 800 Bt per month. The connection quality and speed are decent.

And so, we decided on the connection, “let’s move on,” namely by taxi or public transport to the nearest Thai tourist office (in case you haven’t taken care of this at home) and ask you to book us a hotel room, for example on Patong Beach.

Patong is the most popular and inexpensive beach in Phuket, and at the same time the dirtiest, so swimming there is not as pleasant as on other beaches, but you can find anything you want - this is the main advantage of choosing Patong as the starting point of our trips. Having booked a hotel room for 3-5 days, we set off to look for transport. By the way, the cost of hotel accommodation will pleasantly surprise you. A room in a three-star hotel near Bangla Road, the central street of Patong, will cost 500-1000 baht/day, including a sauna and a rooftop pool.

Transport rental in Phuket

There are no problems with renting transport on the island either. Vacationers in large groups or families are more likely to choose a car. The hotel will tell you where you can rent a sedan or jeep. Renting a car in Thailand will cost approximately 15,000-20,000 baht/month. However, the most common and economical means of transportation in Phuket are mopeds and motorcycles. People ride bikes in Thailand both alone and with whole families. For very young children (up to about 2 years old), local hardware stores sell special chairs that are attached between the steering wheel and the seat, so that the child is comfortable and the parents are at ease. I advise you to opt for two-wheeled transport.

Free movement around the island “with the breeze” guarantees more colorful impressions and gives you the opportunity to visit the most remote corners paradise island and allows you to better experience the local flavor without being stuck in traffic jams. The offered range of mopeds consists of various models of the brands Honda and Yamaha. The most popular are the women's models Honda Scoopy, Yamaha Vino and the faster and more massive Honda PCX, Honda Forza and Honda Click. The price range in the off-season (that is, from May to November) varies from 3,000 to 6,000 baht per month.

Climate in Phuket

The main feature of this period is rain. At this time, you should be constantly prepared for the fact that even with an absolutely clear sky and bright sun, there is a possibility that in the next moment the sky will be covered with clouds coming out of nowhere, and a real tropical downpour will pour down on you, which, however, will end like this just as abruptly as it started. As for the period from November to May, called “high season”, at this time prices for rental housing and transport at least double, which should also be taken into account by vacationers who plan to stay on the island for more than a month.

Rent a villa in Phuket

So, our next step. Having at your disposal personal transport and a map of the island, you can spend 1-2 days searching for a house or villa that suits you. First, decide on the area of your future residence. For lovers of active nightlife the Patong and Surin beach areas are more suitable for connoisseurs family vacation, leisurely walks along the embankment and gatherings in cozy street cafes and fish restaurants - the areas of Kata, Karon, Kamala will appeal to you. Tourists looking for a relaxing beach holiday, will find what they want on Nai Harn beach. Having chosen the area of the island that interests you, feel free to go there and just drive along the streets, paying attention to the signs with the inscription “HOUSE FOR RENT”, which you will see very often. If you see such a sign in front of the house you like, call the phone number listed below and agree with the owners about renting. This way you will save money by not contacting local real estate agencies. Renting a small house (bedroom, living room, kitchen, bathroom, veranda) with air conditioning, full furniture and free Internet access will cost you about 10,000-15,000 baht per month. A villa with a swimming pool and surrounding area, accordingly, will be more expensive: from 30,000 baht per month and above.

Having solved the problem of housing and movement, you can finally relax and begin a more detailed acquaintance with the historical, cultural and natural wealth of Phuket.

Phuket attractions and entertainment

Speaking of relaxation, we cannot fail to mention the local herbal steam saunas. Here, for only 70-80 baht and without a time limit, you can take a steam bath or just relax in peace and quiet, sitting comfortably under a bamboo canopy in a sun lounger or at a table, enjoying a cup of hot tea with honey and lemon for 60-100 baht . Also, in every sauna you will definitely be offered the famous Thai massage, which I do not recommend refusing. Depending on the intensity, there are “Oil massage”, “Thai massage” and “Sport massage”. This pleasure costs 250-300 baht per hour session, and it makes no difference what type of massage you choose. Thus, for just 500 baht you are guaranteed an unforgettable pleasure with benefits for body and soul and the opportunity to feel “born again”.

As for active pastime, here you will find entertainment for every taste. Tourists vacationing with children can have a great time at the SplashJungle water park, located in Mai Khao Bay in the north of the island. Price entrance ticket for the whole day for an adult it is 1300 baht, for children 5-12 years old - 650 baht. Children under 5 years old are admitted free of charge.

Traditional elephant riding will give you and your child an unforgettable experience, and you can choose the route and duration of the trip that suits you best.

The Phuket Zoo with its exotic inhabitants will not leave either children or their parents indifferent. It also makes sense to visit a snake farm, where you will be offered a unique show with the participation of cobras. An ideal evening entertainment option for families with children is a visit to the Fantasy amusement park and the Siam-Niramit show, which reveal the history and ancient traditions of the Thai people in their programs.

Nature lovers will be able to enjoy the beauty of the local Kathu, Ton Sai and Bangpe waterfalls, located in the northern part of the island. You can swim in the clean and cool pools near the waterfalls; the journey there from the beaches of Kata, Karon and Nai Harn will take about 30-40 minutes. Phuket and its surroundings are also of significant interest to fans of diving: unique “sea fans” and “staghorn” corals, spotted garden eels, stingrays, leopard and whale sharks, huge tunas - these are just a small part of the inhabitants of the sea waters of Phuket and its neighboring islands: Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Ley and the famous Similan Islands national park. At the same time, when planning diving in Similan, it is necessary to take into account the fact that due to the natural features of the region, diving here is allowed only from November to May.

Shopping in Phuket

While vacationing in Phuket, it is impossible to stay away from such a pleasant activity as shopping. For those who like to shop, there is something interesting on the island besides the numerous shopping centers. Representatives of the fair sex will undoubtedly be interested in the products of Thai jewelers, made of silver and the purest bright yellow gold of 999 and 950 samples, using pearls and precious stones: diamonds, sapphires and rubies. A wide range of high-quality and certified jewelry is offered by Phuket jewelry centers - Wang Thalang and Gems Gallery.

Once you visit the famous night market, you definitely won’t leave without shopping. After strolling through the shopping arcades, where you can find and buy absolutely everything, you can walk through the food section of the market, where the most interesting dishes are presented local cuisine and the most exotic Thai delicacies. Delicious fruits (mangosteens, pitahayas, rambutans, etc.) coexist on the shelves with larvae, grasshoppers, scorpions and other insects fried in oil. The night market is located in the historical center of the island - Phuket Town and is open every Friday and Saturday from five to ten in the evening.

Visa subtleties

And so, before you even have time to look back, the thirty-day period of a tourist’s permitted stay in Thailand has come to an end, and you don’t want to leave at all, because you haven’t been everywhere yet, haven’t tried everything! In this case, one interesting Thai service called “VISA RUN” will come to your aid, which is a trip to neighboring countries - Myanmar or Malaysia, lasting one day or 2 days, respectively. The purpose of such a trip is to travel abroad from Thailand and then return back, where a new 30-day visa period begins to expire when traveling to Myanmar, and a 90-day period when traveling to Malaysia. The cost of this service is 1000-1500 baht per person if you go to Myanmar, and 5000-8000 baht per person if you choose Malaysia. You can extend your visa this way an infinite number of times. We can say that “VISA RUN” is a real salvation for those who are not yet ready to say goodbye to the unique beauty, originality and eternal summer of Phuket! By the way, upon arrival in Thailand, do not forget to fill out the migration card, mark it with the officer when passing the border and keep it until the end of the trip.

Phuket is located in the southern part of Thailand. Among the many islands, Phuket is the most large area. It is connected to the mainland big bridge, located near the western coastline.
It is a territory almost similar in area to Singapore. Present great amount deposits of tin and rubber, the sales of which bring good income to the islanders. Most of the income comes from well-developed tourism.
There is an interesting story behind the name; translated from the Malay language it means “hill”. In fact, if you look from afar, you might mistake it for a huge hill in the middle of the ocean. True, this region was originally called Thalang, which means “cape”. It must be said that this name has been preserved to this day in the northern provinces.
Since the 16th century, one of the main sources of income has been tin mining. Many workers and businessmen from China were engaged in the development of mines from which minerals were extracted. But when the value of tin dropped significantly, this line of activity was abandoned.
The economy is built on two main areas of activity. This includes tourism (think about it, several thousand scuba diving enthusiasts come every year) and rubber production.
Since the 1980s, sandy beaches turned into real ones entertainment centers where everyone has the opportunity to relax and unwind. The most popular are Karon, Kata and Patong. Over the past ten years, after powerful tsunami, everything here has been reconstructed.
The majority of the population are representatives of the Buddhist religion. But there is also a small part of Muslims (about 30%). A lot of residents come from China.
Timezone
In the region there is a difference of seven hours compared to Moscow; in winter there is a difference of four hours, and in summer - by three hours.
Districts
There are many small islands concentrated around. Sights are often shown to travelers during excursions. Some of the islands are available for settlement for the entire holiday period. Some islands are characterized by silence and privacy. Perfect for travelers who prefer a relaxing holiday in nature. Other islands near Phuket attract huge numbers of tourists. These include, in particular, Father James Bond and Phi Phi. Guides recommend travelers to visit He, Racha, Naka, Panyi, Yao.
Cities
The main city is named Phuket Town, serves as an administrative center. The majority of the population lives there - approximately 700,000 people.
The historical center attracts the attention of many tourists. There are many Chinese temples and buildings with a characteristic Sino-Portuguese accent.
Another major city - Patong, was formed around the largest beach of the same name. Patong is constantly bustling with life at night; it has the status of the city's main resort. In the territory resort center there are many shops, shopping centers and restaurants.
At a distance of 6 kilometers from Phuket Town there is an important town called Chalong. Chalong is characterized by the largest in the region transport hub, has a significant port.
Climate
Rains continue from late spring (May) until mid-autumn. The rainy season is accompanied by strong winds. But the bad weather does not last long. IN summer period There are very few sunny days; it mostly rains. Level average temperature during the rainy season it varies between +20 C and +33 C. It is not very comfortable to relax. In summer, windsurfers come here, and the cost of living during rainy periods is significantly reduced.
Connection
Communication is provided by GSM 900/1800 standards; mobile phones purchased in Russia will work. The cost of mobile calls (outgoing and incoming) here, according to many tourists, is overpriced. The territory of Phuket is included in the roaming zone of Russian mobile operators. Coverage is provided by several cellular companies in Thailand. It only makes sense to purchase company products if the tourist plans to spend more than one month on the island.
A SIM card from local mobile operators costs about 300 baht. When buying it, you must show a copy of your passport, and also pay separately for unlocking your mobile phone.
If you call using a local SIM card, the cost of the service will be cheap. However, calling abroad will still cost a little more. There are no charges for incoming calls.
There are a large number of Internet cafes where you can access the Internet by paying about 30-150 baht per hour of use. The cost of Internet services will be cheaper the further the club is located from the beach.

HOLIDAY IN PHUKET

Representatives tourism business We advise you to pay special attention to safety. Over the last period of time in resort areas and tourist center The crime rate has increased significantly. When meeting locals, a traveler should be especially vigilant and careful.
In summer, when the monsoons intensify in all areas of Phuket, the likelihood of drowning increases. During such periods, local police usually place warning signs on the beaches that prohibit tourists from coming here during times of danger.
When walking around the island in the evening or at night, you should stick to well-lit roads. If difficult situations arise, the traveler always has the opportunity to contact the local police. As a rule, all police officers are fluent English language, but this does not apply to local police officers. Without understanding the situation, they often take the side of a local resident, even if he is to blame.

HOW TO GET THERE

There are many charter flights from Russian cities. You can do it yourself, and it would be better to do it from Bangkok, the capital of Thailand.
Air Transport
The plane flies from Bangkok in about 1 hour. If tourists fly from Moscow, they will have to spend about 9 hours on the road to Phuket. Air traffic in the region is quite well established, since some tourists still prefer to get there on their own. At the same time, Bangkok offers the opportunity to explore several attractions.
The most reliable airlines providing their services:
- AirAsia. Every day the air carrier operates flights from the capital, offering passengers to pay for transportation from $53 to $70. When making a ticket reservation, you should remember that this airline does not refund tickets, the only option is replacement. At AirAsia there is no concept of an adult and children's tickets. If the passenger has luggage, you will also need to pay for it. Check ticket prices and other useful information each passenger will be able to visit the official website of AirAsia.
By cost of flight local airlines will cost more depending on the class. There are price categories for children and adults, and costs 7600-9700 rubles.
- Bangkok Airways. Another air carrier offering its services. The planes of this carrier make several flights every day. The price is in the range of 5500-6700 rubles. Return tickets are not accepted, but it is possible to change the date or time of departure.
- There are daily flights and small aviation company Phuket Air. Planes fly from the capital airport to Phuket and back. You can take advantage of the charter services also offered by this carrier.
In addition to direct flights, tourists travel with transfers (one or two). All of the above-mentioned airlines provide services in this direction. However, the flight in this option will cost more.
Bus
You can also get there by bus, which is much cheaper than by plane. There are daily flight routes from capital Thailand. Vehicles vary in levels of comfort (of which there are 4 in total). Departure is from Bangkok South Terminal. For the fare The time of day chosen by the tourist for travel will also influence.
If we consider the cost depending on the class, then the most inexpensive option there will be third grade. Considering the tropical humid climate of the region, the trip becomes difficult for unaccustomed Russian tourists. I'm glad that the fare is low.
With the second category of comfort, the driving speed is higher and the amenities are better. Passengers can comfortably ride in soft, cozy chairs. Tickets are more expensive, the departure time is chosen as convenient as possible for each passenger. They depart from the starting point around the clock; it is more convenient to travel at night. The price is three times higher.
It’s even more comfortable to travel in first class. Carriers offer tourists single-decker and double-decker buses, the interiors of which have air conditioning and televisions. The language in which the films are broadcast is aimed at the majority of the tourist audience, but if necessary, you can ask the driver to turn on subtitles. In the first category of comfort there are 34 seats, travel costs approximately 784 baht.
For particularly fastidious tourists, VIP class routes are offered, which are vehicles with an increased degree of comfort. They have 24 seats, each seat reclining for relaxation. Equipped with air conditioning, you are invited to enjoy watching a movie on TV. Wide aisles allow you to walk around the salon. The price for a VIP bus is 920 baht. Included in the price, except comfortable travel includes a healthy and delicious dinner.
Water transport and railway communication
This may seem surprising, but despite the close location of the sea, it is almost impossible to reach the sea. The port accepts only cargo ships and bulk carriers. But the swim is different water transport, passenger ships prohibited. The same situation applies to railway traffic.
Automobile
If you wish, you can find a large number of companies providing car rental services. Their offices are always located in major cities Thailand.
Rental conditions and price will depend not only on the level of amenities and category, but also technical condition. Many people say that traveling by car is much more interesting than traveling by other means of transport. This travel option will be especially comfortable and convenient if families with children and elderly people are traveling to the island. When leaving Bangkok, you should prepare for a long journey (about 9 hours), because you will have to cover 897 km. Driving by car, you can see all the local beauties, but it is worth considering that on the streets of the Thai capital and island car traffic quite intense, so the driver behind the wheel of the car must be quite experienced.
Prices vary, if it is an international agency, then the cost of one day is 1200 baht. In this case, it is mandatory to take out insurance. Renting a car from local companies is much cheaper, ranging from 500 baht.

TRANSPORT IN PHUKET

Transport is varied; tourists have a choice of taxis, buses and motorcycles. Possibility of renting a car, and small minivans, which are jokingly called tuk-tuk here.
Motorcycle taxis
Motorcycles are found almost everywhere. The fare for them is 10 baht and above. But passengers should always be willing to bargain for lower prices. This travel option is suitable if a tourist needs to get to a certain place quickly. But it should be understood that such transport is characterized low level security. Officially employed motorcycle carriers always wear a uniform.
Taxi
Taxi rental costs 800 baht for use up to 8 hours at a time. If the taxi is not licensed, it will have to stop at various shopping centers, for which the driver receives a voucher for gasoline or commission money. The passenger needs to very persistently ask the driver to take him to exactly the place where he needs it.
Taxi fares range from 50 baht and above. The fare depends on the distance covered and the time spent on the journey. A taxi is sometimes ordered directly from the hotel where the tourist lives, but you will have to pay a few baht extra for such a service. In Phuket, many taxi drivers operate without a license. When using their services, the price for travel should be agreed upon in advance.
Public transport
Directly on the streets of the city you can see several regular buses plying on certain routes. Unfortunately, they don’t go to other areas. The vehicle stops in strictly designated places; if a passenger needs to get off in the middle of the road, he can simply ask the driver.
Knock Knock
Tuk-tuk services are available in all areas. Although the main part is centered around Patong Beach. Most Tuk-Tuks are red vans, the doors are always open. No more than 5 passengers are allowed in the cabin at the same time. Tuk-tuks have four wheels (unlike Bangkok tuk-tuks, which have three wheels). Passengers agree on the fare with the driver in advance, not forgetting to bargain. The price for 10 km of road in such transport will be approximately 200 baht. If you wish, you can rent a tuk-tuk for the whole day. In this case, one hour rental will be 200 baht.
Car rental
You can also take a ride by car, fortunately, many companies provide rental services vehicle. You can rent one directly at the airport, although the cost of the service is higher. An economical option is a Suzuki jeep. A tourist will have to pay 600 baht for it. Passengers and the driver must wear seat belts. Otherwise, if stopped by the police, you will face a fine.
Motorcycles
When riding a motorcycle, the driver must protect his head with a helmet. Otherwise, local police reserve the right to issue a fine.
You can rent a motorcycle for transportation in special centers. They are located in the busiest areas of the island area. The cost of daily rental of a Suzuki or Honda motorcycle is 150 baht or more. Before you start your trip, you need to take out compulsory insurance, the coverage applies to the whole of Thailand. Why is there a strict condition regarding the availability of insurance when riding a motorcycle? This type of transport is one of the most unsafe; insurance will protect the tourist from unpleasant situations during vacation, and in the event of an accident, it will provide the necessary medical care.

ACCOMMODATION IN PHUKET

Pleases with a wide variety of hotels different types. You can rent a regular room or an apartment. For a night's stay, the traveler will have to pay a price of 500 baht or more. A monthly stay in houses with 2-3 rooms costs 7,000 baht and more. For sophisticated tourists available special offer- villa rental.

ATTRACTIONS

The area is famous not only for the best beaches in all of Thailand. Rest can always be combined with an eventful cultural program. Among the most popular and sought-after attractions among tourists are the following.
Snake farm
There are three similar organizations, but the snake farm is the most popular among tourists. The main highlight of the establishment is a show lasting 45 minutes, in which poisonous snakes (various types of vipers, pythons and cobras) take part. The price of admission also includes coffee, which you can drink after the end of the performance. Next to the snake farm there is a shop with medicinal products made from snake venom. Here travelers are offered haberdashery and snakeskin bags. After the show is over, the visitor can take a photo with the farm's pets.
Statue Big Buddha
This unique sculpture, installed near the observation deck, is located on Mount Nakaked, near Chalong. Near the Buddha statue you can admire the panorama of the western part of the Kata coast and the eastern coastal region of Chalong. Today, on the first level of the construction temple complex travelers will be able to see not only the temple itself, but also the monument to King Rama 5.
Pearl farm
Located on the island of Maprao Yai. Pearls are exported to many European countries. A suitable climate contributes to good nutrition for pearl oysters, which necessarily contributes to the growth of pearls. At the farm, travelers have an exhibition hall where they can learn about the intricacies of gemstone production. There is also an exhibition of pearls of various colors and shades, as well as a gallery with photographs.
Seashell Museum
A unique collection of shells collected by the founders of the museum is presented. It has about two thousand rare exhibits of seashells. Among them there are also very unusual specimens. The entire collection is located in the exhibition hall.
Monkey Mountain
Represents the hill, the top of which is considered the most high point. From the top you have an excellent view; you can see almost the entire island. It is recommended to follow safety rules; monkeys living on the mountain can bite, and more nimble ones can steal valuables. Never leave vehicles unattended. Keep your distance when feeding.
Oceanarium
It is a major research center. This establishment presents tourists with various inhabitants from sea waters. The huge pool, equipped with a long tunnel, is home to wrasses, butterfly fish, glass catfish, sharks and groupers.
Tiger Kingdom Park
It is one of the branches of the tiger nursery in Chiang Mai and has the status ecological park. Currently, there are 19 tigers, varying in age. In the morning and evening hours, visitors have the opportunity to take part in demonstration feeding of animals.
Bang Pae Waterfall
This waterfall is the highest. A picturesque path will lead tourists to it, and they will have the opportunity to swim in the Bang Pae pool. In the immediate vicinity of the waterfall there is a Gibbon Rehabilitation Park, where specialists nurse monkeys left without parents or injured in the forest. Nursery workers conduct excursions during which tourists have the opportunity to learn more about the life of gibbons. Near the waterfall there is paid parking for cars and motorbikes. Access to the waterfall is also paid, and the cost of tickets varies depending on whether they are purchased for an adult or a child.
Botanical Garden
The so-called green zone, on the territory there is Botanical Garden, occupying an area of 1 hectare. The garden is divided into 30 departments, in which exhibits of a certain theme are exhibited.

ENTERTAINMENT

Everyone can find something to their liking. Of course, the main attraction here is the beaches. People come in the warm season to swim and enjoy the sea views. There is a lot going on interesting events. Among them: festivals, holidays, gay pride parades, Patong Carnival. Other interesting options to while away your leisure time include surfing, fishing, spa treatments and diving.
Surfing
It begins in July and continues until October, when the rainy season begins in the region and windy weather sets in. For beginners just mastering the art of surfing, it is better to seek help from an experienced instructor, who charges only 1,000 units of local currency per day of work. In this case, the student also receives a surfboard for rent. You can pay more high price, while studying at a professional surfing school.
Fishing
Perhaps the most favorite activity of many travelers who come to relax. In that paradise planet there is the opportunity to fish both in the sea and on the lake. Fishing is very well developed in Phuket. For local residents, fishing is the main source of income. Fishermen even take on the role of guide, demonstrating their fishing skills to visiting travelers. Fishing enthusiasts are invited to rent a boat for sea fishing; the cost of the service for one day of rental will vary between 17,000-20,000 TNV. The price for renting a boat for fishing on the lake will be slightly cheaper, and the cost of services in both cases includes equipment for a fishing rod. Best time in order to go fishing, the period is from spring to mid-autumn. From March to November the bite is sea fish It is more active here and tourists have the opportunity to catch big fish.
Diving
Exciting entertainment offered to tourists. Numerous diving centers offer services to travelers. Equipment rental services are provided, and excursions to a variety of diving sites are regularly organized. The most famous diving spots are Anemone Reef, Bida Islands, Racha Noi, Bida Islands.
Excursions
Excursion tours are varied and attractive. From the huge list of places offered by guides for visiting, even the most fastidious traveler will be able to choose the best option for himself. Here are some examples of popular places.
Bungee Jumping
The attractions traditional for the area are called, Russian tourists known as bungee. One of the bungee jumps is located near Patong Beach, on the territory where tin mines used to be located. The height of the attraction is 50 m, from it you can make both standard water jumps, and in the company of another person, with immersion in water or using a catapult. The height of the second bungee is 60 m, located in Patong Park, jumping is paid.
Flight of the Gibbon
An attraction consisting of 28 interconnected platforms connected by a multi-meter cable. Travelers move along the platforms, fastened to the cable using special mechanisms - carbines. The attraction runs through the park, total area 8000 sq.m., it is not so easy to overcome the distance between the platforms by rope, especially considering that you have to cross suspension bridges over the abyss, steep spiral staircases, twisted around tall trees, etc.
Thai cooking school
The Thai Cuisine School offers travelers the opportunity to master the art of cooking in Thailand. The establishment is located in the suburban part of the main island city, Phuket Town, on west coast. The duration of school is five days, each day students have to study for five hours in a row. Culinary masters teach their students how to prepare basic Thai dishes during their classes. In addition, students will learn how to choose the right products at the market for preparing Thai dishes, and how the table is set in Thailand.

SHOPPING

Phuket is a great place for those who like to make a variety of purchases. A large number of shops are concentrated here, there are many shopping centers and designer boutiques. There are private shops and huge bazaars.

THAI CUISINE

The main and traditional dishes of Thai cuisine include:
- classic noodles served here for breakfast along with fresh vegetables;
- highly salted rice with chicken, rice for this dish is boiled in water along with bay leaf;
- fried and boiled noodles in various variations, cooked together with milk chicken or chicken; this dish can be purchased in many stores in the city;
- Pad Kanaa Moo Grob - a dish consisting of crispy fried pork and leafy greens;
- pineapples with cashew nuts. If nuts on the island are sold everywhere, both dried and fried, then pineapples can only be bought here, since they local residents not grown.

CAFE, RESTAURANTS

Dishes in restaurants operating on the island are distinguished by their variety and richness of taste. Thai dishes made from seafood are especially popular among tourists. It must be said that food in Thailand is spicy. Local chefs add many different fiery spices to their dishes. If you are not one of those who like spicy food, you should warn the waiter about this in a restaurant in advance.
The cost of meals in restaurants varies depending on the location of the outlets Catering and their level of development. You can dine at completely different prices - from 5 to 100 dollars per serving.
I would like to draw the attention of tourists to Thai fast food. It is sold in local mobile kitchens called makashnitsy. They prepare delicious seafood and chicken skewers, banana spring rolls and noodles, as well as grilled shrimp right in front of the client. A traveler can have a delicious meal on the street for just $1.

PRICES

When it comes to the financial part, tourism in Phuket may seem quite cheap to Russian tourists in terms of its cost. You can dine at a street eatery for about 400 rubles, but a meal at a higher-class establishment will cost several times more.
If you want to ride a motorbike, you will have to pay 80 rubles. The price of a taxi here varies between 250-350 rubles, and travel by minibus from funny name knock-knock 15 rub.

I hope the article will be useful to you and act as a guide to this picturesque place- the island of Phuket, a stay on which will leave a huge number of pleasant memories.

Brief and to the point how to organize independent trip to Phuket. Useful tips and actual information for tourists. Where to buy tickets and book a hotel? How to get from the airport and rent a bike? What to see on your own? When to go and which beach to choose?

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Our review of independent holidays in Phuket

We love Phuket for good beaches and that elusive flair of tropical laziness that lies over everything. Thai people are very relaxed and optimistic.

We lived in Phuket three times and always came on our own. Why is this better? We're not saying that vacationing on tour is bad - often it is! It’s just that when you travel independently, you have more freedom of choice: you can move to another beach or change the hotel, eat in different restaurants, live not for 7-14 days, but while your visa is valid. However, if you prefer not to plan anything or the vacation is very short, choose a package.

How to get to Phuket on your own?

(Photo © kurt.clifford / Flickr.com)

How to get from the airport to the beach?

Optimally - by minivan for 180 baht directly to the hotel! You can find cash desks on both sides of the exit from the terminal. There are a lot of buses, they depart as they fill up. There is not enough space not only for people, but also for luggage - but it is cheap. You can use them to get back to the airport - you will see transfer announcements more than once.

There is also a bus for 120 baht to the major beaches, but we never got on it. Runs on schedule.

Taxi is an expensive but comfortable option. We ordered a car on Kiwi Taxi from Patong to Phuket airport for $25. They provided us with a whole minivan for two - we drove like kings.

(Photo © grolli77 / flickr.com / Licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0)

Visa to Thailand

Are you planning to vacation in Phuket for no more than 30 days? Then you. At the border they will put a stamp in your passport. If you want to spend more time, get a visa in advance - in Russia or neighboring country. We applied for a Thai two-month visa in Malaysia (Penang).

You can also apply for a visa-run once, and only then receive a tourist visa. Numerous visa wounds, as before, no longer apply - the requirements have become more stringent.

When is the best time to go to Phuket?

The high season on the Andaman coast is from December to April. That's when Phuket is crowded, especially (including Chinese). There are short periods of rain, mostly in the evening or at night, but this is rare.

From May to November is the rainy season. The waves are rising, the sea is muddy. The weather is unstable: there may be several sunny days in a row, and several rainy ones. If we get lucky! You should not swim in the sea: debris and jellyfish wash up, and rip currents appear.

Advice: do not swim if there is big waves and there are red flags.

Which beach to choose?

This is an important question not only for those traveling to Phuket on their own, but also for package tourists. The quality of your vacation depends on the choice of beach. Decide what you want: privacy, vibrant nightlife, a relaxing family vacation?

All the beaches here are good - choose according to your taste! , and universal - it all depends on the area of the resort. But with less popular or small beaches it is more difficult; there are nuances there. For example, Nai Harn is wonderful, but on the beach itself there are only expensive hotels. Read the link below for an article about all the Phuket beaches we visited - our tips and reviews.

How to book a hotel in Phuket on your own?

We like Phuket for its huge selection of accommodation - from modest guest houses for $10 per day to villas and luxury resorts. Booking a hotel in Phuket on your own is very easy - on Booking.com. Find villas and apartments on Airbnb.

A great option for a long stay: stay for a while in a hotel or resort, and then explore the surrounding area on a bike in search of houses for rent.

Holidays in Phuket low season- cheaper: hotel prices can be halved. Also, hotel prices greatly depend on the distance to the sea. During high season, book accommodation in Phuket several months in advance before the best options disappear.

Food prices. Where to eat?

It is believed that Phuket is more expensive than other islands and resorts. But the prices are reasonable - it all depends on your needs. Almost everywhere you can find inexpensive food for locals for 50-100 ฿ per dish and .

Prices on the beach are higher than in the depths of the resort: in a cafe a dish costs 150-200 ฿, in a restaurant the average bill is about 500 ฿. On the second and third lines it is already significantly cheaper: in a restaurant or cafe a dish starts from 110 ฿.

Advice: The cheapest place to eat in Phuket is in and on.

Sights of Phuket on your own

Most often in Phuket, tourists do not bother with organizing and take excursions. We prefer independent holiday- it's more exciting.

What to see in Phuket yourself? Yes, that’s it, if there’s a desire! Part interesting places You can visit by songthaew (buses) or taxi, but this is inconvenient and expensive. It is much easier to rent a bike or car if you have a license.

To search for attractions in Phuket, use the application:

Beaches. Some are very beautiful: Nai Harn, Banana Beach, Kata Noi, Yanui, Ao Sein, Mai Khao.
Observation platforms. We were at Phromthep Cape, Windmill Viewpoint and Karon Viewpoint, view of three beaches.
Entertainment. There is a zoo, an aquarium, a dolphinarium, parks, gardens, and farms. Extreme: "Flight of Hanuman", elephant rides.
Show. The most famous are the transvestite shows Simon Cabaret and FantaSea.
Temples scattered throughout the island.
Islands: Similan, Phi Phi, Racha, James Bond, Coral. Some you can visit on your own - just find someone who will take you. Mostly the islands are visited on a guided tour.

Our advice: Organize your own excursions around Phuket! Why do you need to walk in a crowd?

Bike and car rental

There are more rental offices in Phuket than massage parlors or bars. But this only applies to bikes - with cars it’s more difficult. You can rent a car on the Skyscanner Car Hire website from 700 baht per day. Keep in mind that traffic on the roads is chaotic and expressive.

We rented a bike on the website. Cost - 250 baht per day. A real find because the owners passports are not taken as collateral. This is very important for us (and for many people). Do not trust documents to strangers! There are many horror stories on the Internet about scams of tourists who trustingly gave up their passports. But the owners of the bikes can also be understood: tourists crash their vehicles and fly home without paying a deposit. That's why they started asking for a passport.

Tips for renting a motorbike in Phuket:

A driver's license is needed (there is a fine), but no one asks for it.
Do not give your passport as collateral.
ALWAYS take photographs of any damage to the bike.
Don't ride without a helmet.
Do not park near the red and white markings - the bike will be chained, they will demand that you pay a large fine, or they will take you to the impound lot.
Don't drive - the roads are mountainous and the turns are sharp.
If you have little driving experience, practice on safe roads.

Read about independent travel on a motorcycle.

Money and ATMs

Exchange offices in the major resorts of Phuket (Patong, Kata, Karon) are everywhere; changing currency is very easy. The rate at exchange offices is very good. If you are changing a large amount, we recommend walking down the street and comparing the rate at several exchange kiosks to choose Best offer. Come to Thailand with dollars or euros; changing other currencies, including rubles, is not profitable.

Another option to get cash in Thai Baht is to withdraw money from automated teller machines (ATM). There are a lot of them in Phuket: on the streets, in shopping centers, supermarkets. All ATMs charge a fee of 200 baht per transaction. Almost all Russian banks will also charge their own withdrawal fee (usually 300-500 rubles). It allows you to withdraw money all over the world without commission.

Insurance

Before your trip, take out insurance, especially if you plan leisure. We had free annual insurance around the world from Tinkoff - it is given upon registration. Try it too! Suitable for those who travel actively.

Another option is to buy it on the website. The service selects the most profitable policy - we have also used it more than once.

Internet

Hotel Wi-Fi is usually good, but it's best to read reviews before booking. You can buy a local SIM card from mobile internet and use your phone as a router. We didn’t do this in Thailand - hotel Wi-Fi was always enough.

Read about our experience independent travel And .

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