About Phuket
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.
Bang Thao in Choeng Thale has numerous venues for live music, be it in restaurants, bars or nightclubs. You can find a variety of bands and genres, including reggae, blues, soft rock, and Thai music, with specific Bangtao live music frequently playing at certain venues, and many other clubs, bars and restaurants with Dj’s around Bang Thao, Choeng Thale in Phuket.
Shopping
Here you will find an in-depth guide to Bangtao and 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 trees, using non toxic cosmetics or cleaning products, using solar panels or wind turbines, 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
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.
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
Trending Activities
Below you can search through our online listing of Phuket activities and tours, or you can visit our Bangtao & Phuket Eco activities page for an indepth view of what to do while you are in Phuket.
Top 10 Trending Phuket island Activities
Half-day Tours 5 hours Activity From Pa Tong, Thailand - Khai Island Half Day Tour in 3 Islands (Khai Nai,Khai Nok,Khai Nui) from Phuket. Day Trips in Phuket. Check out 15 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Khai Island Half Day Tour in 3 Islands (Khai Nai,Khai Nok,Khai Nui) from Phuket 
Markets 4 hours Activity From Tambon Karon, Thailand - Phuket Cooking Course Half Day Class and Market Tour. Cooking Classes in Phuket. Check out 53 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phuket Cooking Course Half Day Class and Market Tour 
Jet Boat Rentals 10 hours Tour From Pa Tong, Thailand - Krabi 4-Island Full-Day Boat Tour from Phuket. Day Trips in Phuket. Check out 13 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Krabi Islands by Big Boat and Speedboat from Phuket 
Cooking Classes 4 hours Activity From Karon, Thailand - Phuket Thai Cooking Class Half Day + Local market tour + Thai Fruit tasting. Cooking Classes in Phuket. Check out 293 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phuket Thai Cooking Class Half Day + Local market tour + Thai Fruit tasting 
Bike Tours 2 to 3 hours Activity From Patong, Thailand - Phuket Small-Group ATV Tour with Transfer. Mountain Bike Tours in Phuket. Check out 30 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Great 2 hrs Phuket ATV bike Tour with Transfer 
James Bond Island 8 hours Activity From Patong, Thailand - Phuket James Bond Island Day Trip. Day Trips in Phuket. Check out 14 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's James Bond Island Sightseeing Tour by Longtail Boat from Phuket 
Phuket Old Town 3 hours Tour From Khok Kloi, Thailand - Phuket Best Sightseeing with Photographer. Photography Tours in Phuket. Check out 9 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phuket Best Sightseeing with Photographer 
Day Cruises 7 to 8 hours Activity From Khok Kloi, Thailand - Phuket Hype Luxury Boat Club. Day Cruises in Phuket. Check out 18 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Hype Luxury Boat Club 
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 
Phuket Old Town 5 hours Tour From Patong, Thailand - Phuket Small-Group City Tour with Rum Cocktail. Day Trips in Phuket. Check out 22 activity reviews and tour photos of Bangtao Beach Bar's Phuket Real City Tour with Rum Cocktail See all Phuket Tours
Trending Rentals
Top 10 tending accommodations and rentals on Phuket
Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment - Green Harbor Hotel & Service Apartment is located at 168/46-48 Soi Nanairuamjai 8 Phuangmuang, Sai Gor Rd., Kathu, Phuket in Patong on Phuket island. This Patong Apartments has a guest rating of 8.3 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Parking. 
Casuarina Shores Apartment - Casuarina Shores Apartment is located at 20 Moo 2, Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket in Bang Tao on Phuket island. This Bang Tao Apartments has a guest rating of 8.9 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Spa. 
Sirikul Mansion - Sirikul Mansion is located at 15/43 Soi Naiyang 13, Moo1, Sakoo, Thalang, Phuket in Thalang on the island of Phuket. This Thalang Apartments has a guest rating of 8.5 and facilities including: Wi-Fi & 24 hour Front Desk 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. 
OYO 303 Phoomjai House - OYO 303 Phoomjai House is located at 75/154 Moo 10, Patak road, Chalong, Muang, Phuket in Chalong on Phuket, Thailand. This Chalong Apartments has a guest rating of 9.1 and facilities including: Wi-Fi & Laundry service. 
Phuket Lagoon Pool Villa - Phuket Lagoon Pool Villa is located at 59/20 M.5 Kohkeaw, Muang, 83000 Kathu, Thailand TO 59/20 M.5 Kohkeaw, Muang, 83000 Thailand in Koh Kaew on Phuket, Thailand. This Koh Kaew Apartments has a guest rating of 6.9 and facilities including: Swimming Pool & Low mobility guests welcome. 
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. 
Baan Rosa - Baan Rosa is located at 69/18 Moo 3, Bangtao Beach in Bang Tao on the island of Phuket. This Bang Tao Apartments has a guest rating of 9.3 and facilities including: Wi-Fi & Bar. 
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. 
Ocean12 Chic Hotel - Ocean12 Chic Hotel is located at 54/22-23 Moo1, Soi Ta iad, Chalong, Mueang, Phuket in Chalong on Phuket island in Thailand. This Chalong Apartments has a guest rating of 6.1 and facilities including: Wi-Fi & Spa. See all Phuket Accommodations
Property Sales
Bangtao & Phuket Property For Sale
Phuket Real Estate and property guide. Here you can see some of our past and present Bangtao beach and Phuket properties for sale or resale, including Bangtao, Naithon, Kamala beach, Layan, Cherngtalay, Surin and Laguna beach houses, Villas, Hotels, Resorts, Guest Houses, and Apartments for sale.
You can search for Bangtao or Phuket area Villas, Apartments or other properties for sale or resale using the below link.
See all Phuket properties for sale
