Phuket now reopens. From April 1, 2022, all international travelers don't need to take nucleic acid test before departure.
Phuket enjoys the reputation of being the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea". It is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most popular beach destinations in the world, with fine beaches, glittering seas, white sands, nodding palm trees, lively towns, and high-end seaside resorts.

1. How Long to Stay in Phuket: At Least 3 Days
A visit to Phuket usually takes 3 to 7 days, and you can plan a trip of suitable length according to your preferences.
It takes at least 3 days to explore Phuket, and spending 4 days there is the most popular choice.
Covering an area of about 540 sq km (200 sq mi), Phuket and its surrounding regions offer a variety of activities for families, groups of friends, and couples.
- Day 1: explore beaches freely
- Day 2: take a trip to Phi Phi Island
- Day 3: visit Phuket's Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
- Day 4: discover Phuket town
If you have a flexible schedule and enjoy your stay in Phuket, you can extend your stay from 5 to 7 days.




98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+
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I have never hear of this company…
I have never hear of this company before , and after reading all these reviews ,I decided to give it a try . The professionalism and communicative skill received by one of the agent , Sharon of Asia Highlights , convince me that She was the right travel agent for my trip in Asia . Very quickly she communicated with me and got all the detail of my desire vacation . Sharon made me a great itinerary with great experiences that I am dreaming to experience and I am looking forward to it . Thanks Sharon for been so great and crafting me a dream vacation with great suggestions. More
orge alvarez,
May 2023
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Coco Yang worked tirelessly to…
From the moment I landed in Bangkok, Ms Noi Ying was there to welcome me and get me settled into my hotel. We enjoyed several days together touring Bangkok and Kanchanaburi. In Chiang Mai, Mr Ekachai took my son snd I on an amazing trip to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and to visit a community Lanna home, gardens and a hands-on cooking class preparing an authentic Thai meal. Lisa arranged a last-minute speedboat tour of 5 breathtaking islands in Phuket. From start to finish, the guides exceeded my expectations!! Thank you, Asia Highlight!! Debbie Woods More
Debbie Woods,
May 2023
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Sharon from Asia highlights has been…
Sharon from Asia highlights has been amazing. She offered her amazing ideas to other tours I wanted. We have planned the perfect 9 day itinerary to Thailand. She worked in my budget and was very flexible when I had to change my flights. Thank you sharon. Can’t wait for the trip. More
Heather Stern Wilensky,
Apr 2023
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Ms. Ning first review 4-2023
Ms. Albee Ning has been doing a great job accommodating my requests and itinerary changes. Remember the first itinerary is a rough draft and you may modify it to suit your tastes. Remember you can not do it all and see everything in 3 weeks. If the flight wasn't so long I would visit Southeast Asia more often. I will update my review in a few months. We don't leave for 9 more months. Asia Highlights is working well for me so far! More
Chiefray,
Apr 2023
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Perfect Trip To Thailand…
We had so much fun in Bangkok with Tanni and Tom as they kept laughing at all of our silly jokes. Paul, our guide and Chiang Mai was really thoughtful, fun and full of great information about the temples and sights. Thanks so much! Brian and Michelle More
Scott Orchard,
Mar 2023
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I highly recommend Asia Highlights
I highly recommend Asia Highlights. I worked with Alisa and she is fantastic! I was planning my honeymoon trip, and I changed the destination multiple times. Each time, Alisa provided me an updated itinerary with activities that matched my interests. Whether I had a small change to an activity, a question about one of the arrangements, or a change or destination, Alisa was helpful, thoughtful, and knowledgeable, providing me with updated options in an extremely timely manner. In the end, despite the fact that I changed my mind on location multiple times, I ended up booking a 17 day trip to Thailand for this upcoming November. I am extremely excited to experience everything that Alisa planned for us. I recommend Asia Highlights to everyone and look forward to using them again on any other trips to Asia in the future. Thank you Alisa and Asia Highlights! More
Britt Rosen,
Mar 2023
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Three weeks encompassing Vietnam
A special shoutout to our last guide in Bangkok - Ms. Ka-Noon who spoiled us with her kindness and then got us through check in and security for our flight home in record time at that huge Bangkok airport. More
Deby,
Feb 2023
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Over the last 5 years we've used Asia…
Over the last 5 years we've used Asia highlights twice. And both times we've had fantastic vacations. Would not want to do it any different when we travel to Asia from now on. Sharon was fantastic. She was a wonderful agent who helped us nail down our trip and make everything go as smooth as possible. More
Todd Atwell,
Feb 2023
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Family Trip to Thailand
Our trip to Thailand comprised three generations of the family , ten people and an age range of 4 to 70 so a potentially difficult brief.Our itinerary over two weeks involved four locations, and a number of different trips and tours.From out arrival at an extremely busy Bangkok airport Asia Highlights were terrific.In each location we were met by a smiling , knowledgeable and professional guide who simply made everything easy and stress free for everyone.Our transportation was clean and comfortable . Transport was always ready for us at the agreed time and the drivers were excellent.There were so many highlights enjoyed by all the age groups. The floating houses , railway market and elephant sanctuary were particular favourites.We had one minor glitch with the accommodation in Phuket which was immediately dealt with by Tip. I think we would have struggled to resolve the problem by ourselves. So, thank you Asia Highlights , Cathy, Tip and tour guides Tanny, Sam and Lisa. It was a memorable holiday and we will be back. More
Roger Pyle,
Feb 2023
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Trip of a lifetime from Asia Highlights!
I recommend highly Asia Highlights as a travel company. Our travel consultant Albee took the time to connect with us during the planning process to make sure we were comfortable with our itinerary. When we arrived, we were met by our guide and all the details were attended to. They picked great hotels and tours. I often describe our trip as the trip of a lifetime! Would definitely use them again when we come back to Asia More
Nancy Parker,
Feb 2023
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Asia Highlights and Albee - highly recommended
Asia Highlights is very reliable agency and Albee is an amazing representative of the company. From the moment when we contacted her until our departure, the whole support we received was 6* level. She prepared our trip offer within few hours and afterwards she was extremely flexible to adjust as per our needs. In the period between the offer and the trip, Albee was always available for all our questions and supported us on the best possible way. During the trip she was again flexible to add new activities/transfers and this went on the smoothest possible way. Thank you, Albee and Asia Highlights. Definitely we will approach you again for our next Asian trip More
AZ,
Feb 2023
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5 STAR CUSTOMER SERVICE BY MONICA
Monica is a very sweet young lady who speaks excellent English via email/WhatsApp, and knows the importance of excellent customer service. More
Trent,
Jan 2023
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We had an awesome experience with Asia Highlights
We started our trip in Bangkok, where Mr. Prassert our tour guide, met us. He was on time and the van was clean and well-maintained. Mr. Prassert was our guide for the 4 days we spent in Bangkok. He was helpful, kind, and willing to accommodate our pee and coffee breaks. The driver was safe and punctual. Next, we went to Chiang Mai.Gemma exceeded every expectation we had for our tour of Chiang Mai! She had a great attitude that made exploring the city fun and exciting, as well as an abundance of knowledge and experience. She was always spot on with figuring out logistics and coming up with unique ideas that suited our interests and schedules. Gemma was incredibly generous with her time and even walked us to security at the airport to make sure we could carry all of our luggage. That’s just one example of how far out of her way she went to make our trip easier and more enjoyable. Gemma was sincerely interested in making every minute of our trip count. We’re very grateful to have met her and feel like we have found a friend in Gemma! Our driver in Chiang Mai was also great and very accommodating to our changes in schedules. More
Lois Paskow,
Dec 2022
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Thailand & Cambodia 2022
Albee went above and beyond to make our trip perfect. She rearranged flights due to a mistake of mine. She made sure we were still picked up and escorted to the airport. I felt comfortable and safe with all our reps. She did an excellent job and I highly recommend her booking your next trip. Thank you, Albee. More
Karen Brooks,
Dec 2022
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Perfect vacation thanks to Albee we…
I can’t say enough about how much we appreciate all the efforts, attention to details and immediate responses to all questions that Albee and her team provided. The Asia Highlights team deserves more stars than the maximum allowed because of continually going above and beyond all expectations. Thanks Albee for making our vacation through south east Asia absolutely perfect!!! More
Michael Sharp,
Dec 2022
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2023 Chiang Mai CAD Yipeng Festival
We got early bird ticket and Bella was assisting us through whatsapp. Easy, competitive price, front row tickets. Thanks Bella, for being patient explaining everything to me. Highly recommended. More
lily hartati,
Dec 2022
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Bella has been an outstanding customer service rep
Bella has been an outstanding customer service rep. She was responsive and knowledgeable. Buying tickets from their website was super easy and the whole process was straightforward. Highly recommended. More
Khai,
Nov 2022
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I was ever so grateful to have a point…
I was ever so grateful to have a point of contact while in a foreign country for the first time, alone, that helped me through the Ins and outs of getting to and from my destination. Albee was readily available which brought me much comfort and feeling of safety. If in this part of the world again, I will not hesitate to use your services.. More
Omega,
Nov 2022
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Memorable Experience!!!
I booked tickets to the Chiang Mai Yi Peng Lantern Festival in Nov 2022. Bella was extremely responsive and helpful!! More
Bowen,
Nov 2022
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Personalized
It is the attention to detail and what we specifically wanted to see that made the reservation experience so exciting. More
Peter Bongiovanni,
Nov 2022
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2. The Best Things to Do in Phuket
Indulge in Leisurely Beach Time
Most beaches in Phuket lie along the western coast. Surin Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach are recommended for their quiet, non-touristy vibe and are more suitable for a leisurely holiday.
Explore Phuket's Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
These two sacred Buddhist sites are very close to each other. Located on a hill, the glistening white Big Buddha is 45 m (140 feet) tall and can be spotted from Karon Beach. Wat Chalong is the biggest Buddhist temple in Phuket and is known for its unique building style.

Take a Trip to Phi Phi Island
Phi Phi stands out among more than 30 outlying islands around Phuket for its soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, natural rock caves, and the untainted tropical scenery, making it one of the most popular beach destinations in recent years.
Wander about in Phuket Town
Many visitors head straight to the beaches, so Phuket town is often forgotten. You can walk around the Old Town, which is rich in history and culture.
Explore the historical buildings and mansions built in the colonial style, wander into a temple or museum, visit the weekend market, and relax in a quaint cafe when tired.
Go Island Hopping
There are more than 30 islands around Phuket. The most popular contenders for island hopping are Phi Phi Island, the Similan Islands, Racha Yai Island, and Coral Island.
Take the Phang Nga Bay Cruise
Phang Nga Bay is considered to be the most beautiful location in Phuket and its surrounding areas. You can cruise through the dramatic limestone islands and occasionally stop to enjoy the quiet beaches.
Join a Thai Cooking Class
This is a great choice for those who love the exotic flavors of authentic Thai food and want to learn its secrets. A market tour to choose fresh and natural ingredients is included.
Savor Phuket's Night Markets
Night markets in Phuket are always fun, intense, colorful, surprising, and fascinating, with a variety of local merchandise available at a bargain as well as mouth-watering local delicacies. Naka Market, Lard Yai, and Chillva Market are recommended.
3. The Best Time to Visit Phuket

November to April is the best time to visit Phuket. This period is the dry season in Phuket and the weather is very pleasant. You can sunbathe in the warm sunshine and enjoy various water sports in the sea. This period is also the high season. If you plan to travel during this time, please avoid popular spots such as Patong Beach.
May to October is the rainy season and also the off-season for travel. If you plan to travel in this period, you may miss water sports such as scuba diving due to the rain. However, it is a good time to take advantage of quiet beaches and cost-effective rooms.
Learn more about Weather in Phuket on our website.
4. How to Get to Phuket
Phuket has an airport, Phuket International Airport (HKT). The best way to get to Phuket is taking a flight.
Sydney, Melbourne, Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Siem Reap, Beijing, Moscow, and Seoul have direct flights to Phuket.
In Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Koh Samui have direct flights to Phuket.
Phuket airport lies in the north of Phuket. From the airport, it takes about 30 minutes to Surin Beach, 50 minutes to Patong Beach, one hour to Karon Beach, and 40 minutes to Phuket town by road.
Learn more on How to Get to and around Phuket.
5. Where to Stay in Phuket

Tourism in Phuket is well developed, and you can expect accommodation of a good standard. From economy hotels to luxury villas, located in beach areas to the town, you can easily find one to suit your requirements.
Most hotels are clustered around Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and Kata Beach.
If you enjoy partying and are looking for a lively vibe, you can consider booking a hotel in the Patong Beach area. Patong Beach is the heart of Phuket and offers a colorful nightlife and a variety of bars, restaurants, and shopping options.
If you prefer a quiet vibe, you may like to choose a hotel on Karon Beach or Surin Beach.
Here are our recommended hotels on these beaches for your reference:
- Arinara Bangtao Beach Resort (Bangtao Beach)
- Twinpalms Phuket Resort (Surin Beach)
- Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (Karon Beach)
- Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach (Patong Beach)
- Burasari Resort (Patong Beach)
6. Meals in Phuket
Thai dishes feature sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavor profiles. Different regions of Thailand have slightly different preferences. Phuket is located in the south of Thailand. The dishes there are slightly spicier than in other regions.
Phuket is rich in lobster, oysters, squid, and other seafood. Seafood dishes cooked in the Thai style tend to have a unique taste profile. The most popular seafood restaurants and stalls can be found in Patong Beach. Karon Beach also has a seafood street that attracts visitors all around.
Another feature of Phuket's dishes is that they are cooked with coconut milk. Mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, chicken, and galangal are cooked in coconut milk, offering a special flavor.
Besides restaurants, night markets are the best place to explore local delicacies and immerse yourself in the local community.
Don't worry if you can't get used to the Thai style. You will find more international cuisine there — Western, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Turkish, Chinese, etc.
7. Need a Visa or No Need to Get a Visa
Passport holders from 57 countries are exempt from obtaining a visa to visit Thailand.
If you hold a passport from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, or 46 other countries, you can visit Phuket without applying for a visa.
If you are still not sure whether you need a visa or not, please check our How to Apply for a Thai Visa.
Explore Phuket with Us
We welcome the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Thailand. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodation, and activities that best suit your requirements.
Why Travel with Asia Highlights (98.8% positive customer reviews among 10,000+)
- Unique experiences tailored to your interests: Enjoy a premium trip that goes beyond the typical tourist attractions.
- Hassle-free travel and peace of mind: Every aspect of your trip will be carefully planned and organized by your 1:1 travel consultant.
- Experienced and knowledgeable guides: Your guides will be local and love to work for travelers' smiles.
Get Inspired with Our Sample Itineraries
At Asia Highlights, we create your kind of journey — your dates, your destinations, at your pace. You can have any trip tailor made for your travel.