About
Phuket, which is 867 km or a one hour flight from Bangkok, is Thailand’s largest island and the country’s only island province.
Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket derived much of its former glory and its enormous wealth from tin production, which dates back over 500 years.
Today, Phuket is Thailand’s major tourist destination. The surrounding waters contain much varied marine life and the island itself is blessed with lovely seashores and forested hillsides.
Phuket Town also has some wonderful examples of Sino-Portuguese architecture. The dream of escaping to an idyllic tropical island becomes a reality on Phuket; Thailand’s island paradise in the Andaman Sea.
Shaped like an irregular pearl and measuring approximately 21 km wide by 48 km long, the island has excellent roads and infrastructure whilst still retaining most of its original natural beauty. The landscape is one of lush green hills, coconut groves, rubber plantations and a coastline dotted with a dozen or more spectacular beaches.
Unspoiled stretches of fine white sand are found along the entire west coast of the island. Each sun-drenched beach has a character and charm of its own, and is separated from its neighbours by picturesque headlands and backdrops of wooded hills. Lapping the shore are the sparkling warm blue waters of the Andaman Sea which are perfectly safe for swimming for much of the year.
FAQ
* Population: Phuket’s 2023 population is now estimated at 449,389. In 1950, the population of Phuket was 23,170. More than 115,000+ expats also reside in Phuket (pre-COVID).
* Tsunami: Phuket was heavily impacted by the Indian Ocean tsunami on December 26, 2004. Around 250 people died on the island.
* Future Transport: The Phuket Light Rail Transit, or Phuket Tram, is currently under construction. The tram will have 24 stations and connect Phang Nga province with Phuket City. The tram is expected to start running by 2026, maybe.
* Time zone: Indochina Time (ICT), UTC +7 (No daylight saving time, same UTC offset all year)
* The IANA time zone identifier for Phuket is: Asia/Bangkok.
* Sunrise: 06:15
* Sunset: 18:05
* Day length: 11h 51m
* Solar noon: 12:10
* Population: 386,605 (2015)
* University: Phuket Rajabhat University
* ISO 3166 code: TH-83
* Alternate Names: Phuket, Phuket Island
* Time zone: The time zone id for Phuket, Thailand is Asia/Bangkok.
* Currency: Currency in Phuket, Thailand is THB (Baht)
* Elevation: 10 meters
* Nearby Airports: Phuket International Airport (HKT) offering both domestic and direct flights to Phuket
* Phoning Thailand: 0011 + 66 + area code + local number
* Thailand Country Dialling Code: +66
* Phuket’s Area Code: 76 (Or 076 for local)
* Location: Andaman Sea
* Coordinates: 7°53′24″N 98°23′54″E
* Latitude: 7.8833333
* Longitude: 98.4
* Area: 576 km2 (222 sq mi)
* Island Length: 50 km (31 mi)
* Island Width: 20 km (12 mi)
* Average Annual Rainfall: 315 mm
* Holidays: New Year’s Day, 1 January; Chakkri Day, 6 April; Songkran Day, mid-April; Coronation Day, 5 May; Queen’s Birthday, 12 August; Chulalongkorn Day, 23 October; King’s Birthday, 5 December; Constitution Day, 10 December. Movable holidays include Makabuja Day, Plowing Festival, and Visakabuja Day.
* Shopping Malls: Central Festival Phuket, Jungceylon, Tesco Lotus, Big C
* International Hospitals: Bangkok-Phuket Hospital, The Phuket International Hospital, and Mission Hospital.
* Land measurments (In Rai, Ngan and Wah). A) 1 Rai = 4 Ngan (or 1600 Sq.m.). B) 1 Ngan = 100 Wah (or 400 Sq.m.). C) 1 Wah = 4 Sq.m. D) 1 Acre = 2.5 Rai E) 1 Hectare = 6.25 Rai
Charity
Phuket charities, Orphanages and animal welfare rehabilitation centres on Phuket, and in Asia. You can also help, donate and contact directly by visiting our supported charities on our ‘Tsunami Day‘ page.
Besides the above we also bring awareness to all credible charities and volunteer organizations on Phuket and Thailand. To see a full list please visit our Thailand and Phuket charities and volunteer organizations guide page.
Shopping
Here you will find an in-depth guide to Phuket’s shopping. From Phuket boutique shops and shopping centres to the vibrant night markets and your daily mini market needs.
Bottom line is that Phuket island is a shopaholic’s paradise! The island has a great variety of shopping, from bustling open-air village food markets, noisy night markets, street stalls and local shops to western-style department stores and up-market specialist boutique shops. Prices naturally vary, going from amazing bargains to credit card-melting designer labels. More details
Eco-friendly
Being Eco friendly around Bangtao and the whole of Phuket means living in a way that is not harmful to the environment. While Bangtao and Phuket homes and Hotels may not pollute or cause massive deforestation as much as the world’s logging, mining and beef cattle ranchers do, Palm plantations, over construction and population increases on Phuket has stripped away the natural habitat, polluted the streams, rivers and ocean, and the diesel and petrol cars, motorbikes and coaches have filled the air with massive amounts of of CO2 emissions. This must change.
As of 2000, 60% of Phuket was tree cover. From 2001 to 2021, Phuket lost 7.50kha of tree cover, which is the equivalent to a 23% decrease in tree cover since 2000. This lost, or deforestation, is due to over tourism, palm / rubber plantations, logging and population increases, which intern brings a massive increase in over construction, loss of habitat and wildlife, and the ever increasing amount of vehicles on the roads.
The Eco-friendly way of life is becoming increasingly important, as we need to protect Bangtao, Phuket, and the rest of our planet from more human-made damage, and respects the environment and wildlife, and not destroy it.
Our comprehensive guide covers all aspects in our life, including; Planting a LOT more tree, using non toxic cosmetics or cleaning products and renewable energy sources, to help locals, expats and tourists make a contribution to reducing climate change effects, and being more eco friendly in our daily life. Read more
Trending Activities
Top 10 Trending Phuket island Activities
ATV Tours 2 hours Tour From Patong, Thailand - Phuket Small-Group ATV Tour with Transfers. Private and Luxury in Phuket. Check out 16 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phuket ATV Tour 2 hrs with Free Transfer 
Cooking Classes 3 hours 30 minutes Activity From Tambon Karon, Thailand - Phuket Thai Cooking Class. Cooking Classes in Phuket. Check out 1276 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phuket Thai Cooking Class 
Jet Boat Rentals 8 hours Tour From Patong, Thailand - Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat With Lunch. Day Trips in Phuket. Check out 9 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phi Phi Early Bird Premium Tour by Speed Boat With Lunch 
Phang Nga Bay 8 hours Activity From Koh Kaew, Thailand - Hype Yacht : VIP tour Krabi Islands & Phang Nga Bay from Phuket. Day Cruises in Phuket. Check out 110 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Hype Yacht : VIP tour Krabi Islands & Phang Nga Bay from Phuket 
Kayaking Tours 8 hours Activity From Tambon Patong, Thailand - Phuket Small-Group James Bond Island Tour with Lunch. Day Trips in Phuket. Check out 145 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phang Nga Bay (James) Sea Canoe Tour with Lunch by Long tail Boat 
Cooking Classes 3 hours Tour From Tambon Patong, Thailand - Discover Thai Cuisine: Phuket Cooking School. Cooking Classes in Phuket. Check out 27 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Cook Your Own Thai Dishes From Scratch in Phuket 
Lunch Cruises 5 to 6 hours Tour From Tambon Karon, Thailand - Bon Island Tour by longtail boat with Lunch. Day Cruises in Phuket. Check out 11 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Bon Island Tour by longtail boat with Lunch 
ATV Tours 2 hours Tour From Patong, Thailand - Phuket ATV Riding Group Excursion to Big Buddha. 4WD Tours in Phuket. Check out 111 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's 2 Hour ATV Riding and Big Buddha From Phuket 
Phuket Old Town 8 hours Tour From Phuket Town, Thailand - Phuket Private Car or Minibus With Driver. Day Trips in Phuket. Check out 19 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phuket: Private Car or Minibus Rental with Driver 
Phang Nga Bay 4 hours 30 minutes Activity From Patong, Thailand - Phang Nga Bay and Koh Panyee Sunset Cruise. Half-day Tours in Phuket. Check out 184 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phang Nga Bay and Koh Panyee Sunset Cruise See all Phuket Tours
Trending Rentals
Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket
@Buasri By Ohm - @Buasri By Ohm is located at 11/1 Soi. Nanai 2, Nanai Road, Patong, Phuket in Patong on Phuket island in Thailand. This Patong Apartments has a guest rating of 9.6 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Restaurant/cafe. 
Studio 77 - Studio 77 is located at 45/35, M.1, Soi Ta-eid, Chalong, Muang, Phuket in Chalong on Phuket, Thailand. This Chalong Apartments has a guest rating of 8.1 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Spa. 
Tharawalai Resort - Tharawalai Resort is located at Saiyuan 18 Rawai,Naiharn,Phuket in Rawai on Phuket island in Thailand. This Rawai Apartments has a guest rating of 6.1 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Laundry service. 
Raya Rawai Place - Raya Rawai Place is located at 7/19 Moo5 Soi Ruamjai, Wiset Road, Muang in Chalong on Phuket in Thailand. This Chalong Apartments has a guest rating of 7.8 and facilities including: Laundry service & Concierge service. 
The Title Beach Front - The Title Beach Front is located at 456/33 - 456/83 Moo 6 Viset Road, Muang, Phuket in Rawai on Phuket in Thailand. This Rawai Apartments has a guest rating of 8.6 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Wi-Fi. 
The Title Boutique Phuket - The Title Boutique Phuket is located at 456/54 Wiset Road, Muang, Phuket in Rawai on the island of Phuket. This Rawai Apartments has a guest rating of 8.7 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Restaurant/cafe. 
AQUA Villa Rawai - AQUA Villa Rawai is located at 87/4 Moo 7 in Rawai on the island of Phuket. This Rawai Apartments has a guest rating of 8.4 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Restaurant/cafe. 
The Unity Patong - The Unity Patong is located at 206/1 Phrabaramee Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket in Patong on Phuket, Thailand. This Patong Apartments has a guest rating of 8.4 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & 24 hour Front Desk Service. 
Kamala Cool Hotel - Kamala Cool Hotel is located at 73/100 Moo 3, Surin-Rawai Beach Rd., Kamala, Kathu, Phuket in Kamala on Phuket island, Thailand. This Kamala Apartments has a guest rating of 8.1 and facilities including: 24 hour Front Desk Service & Parking. 
Lamai Apartment - Lamai Apartment is located at 29 / 95 Rachapathanusorn Road in Patong on Phuket island in Thailand. This Patong Apartments has a guest rating of 6.9 and facilities including: Concierge service & Spa. See all Phuket Accommodations
Trending Property
Property For Sale
Phuket Real Estate and property guide. Here you can see some of our past and present Bangtao beach area properties for sale or resale, including Bangtao, Naithon, Kamala beach, Layan, Cherngtalay, Surin and Laguna beach Villas, Hotels, Resorts, Guest Houses, and Apartments. To view, or to ask any questions, please feel free to email us from our ‘Bangtao Property For Sale Inquiry‘ page.
Alternatively, you can search for Bangtao or Phuket area Villas, Apartments or other properties using the below location links.
Search by West coast Phuket location
Bang Tao – Laguna – Cherng Talay – Naithon – Kamala – Layan – Surin Beach
See all Phuket properties for sale
