Fantastic Phuket
Book flights to Phuket, Thailand’s southern paradise. Snorkel in coral reefs, sail in a longtail boat or soak up the tropical rays on soft white beaches.
Phuket is the country’s largest island, filled with lively beach spots, secluded bays and tantalising flavours. There’s a corner of Phuket for every traveller.
Take some time away from the crystalline ocean to see the sacred Big Buddha and panoramic views of the island.
Get lost among the throng of beeping tuk-tuks and bustling markets before heading to one of the beaches to experience the world-famous snorkelling on offer.
After your flights to Phuket you can find colourful architecture, museums and traditional markets throughout the city. Visit the Old Town, tour the ornate temples and enjoy a little retail therapy at the Weekend Market in Phuket Town.
Fly to Phuket with Etihad and get ready to explore.
Reasons to visit Phuket
See the sacred sights
The Big Buddha is a renowned Phuket landmark. The statue sits at just under 150 feet tall atop the Nakkerd Hills and can be seen from all over the island.
It’s just under a four-mile climb up a winding road to the Buddha itself. Once there, marvel at the 360-degree views of Phuket Town, Chalong Bay and Karon.
In Phuket Town, you’ll find Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham – a golden sitting Buddha. At this holy temple you’re likely to see monks and generations of pilgrims among the intricately painted shrines and statues of mythical creatures. This colourful Rang Hill Buddhist temple is an oasis of calm, built with fire-breathing dragons and a gilded roof.
Snorkel in the deep blue
Phuket’s beaches are whiter than white, and the ocean is a pristine blue. It’s the perfect location for exploring underwater wildlife beneath the surface. The best places to snorkel in Phuket can be found on the island’s smaller beaches.
Ao Sane is one of these gems – a long stretch of sandy beach on the island’s southwest coast. Gigantic boulders separate two snorkelling zones which are bursting with marine life. Prepare to be dazzled by kaleidoscopic colours whizzing by – look out for clownfish, parrotfish and bright coral. Merlin Beach is another secluded paradise where you might spot incredible sea turtles.
Breathtaking landscapes
Discover the pastel-coloured architecture in Phuket Town, then head to the countryside and explore the wilderness. Brimming with natural beauty, much of the island is filled with luscious green mountains, tropical rainforest and there is even an elephant sanctuary – inviting you to explore off the beaten track.
Adventure seekers will love the thrill of jungle hikes, cooling off in natural streams and spectacular waterfalls.
If you don’t want to miss a thing, there are also guide-led tours of the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, offering a unique opportunity to see the canopy at its wildest.
Flying to Phuket: FAQs
Where should I stay in Phuket?
The nightlife in Phuket is clustered around Patong. If you prefer days at the beach over nights in the town, stay in Karon. Families might consider opting for quieter resorts like Kata Beach.
A more luxurious option – perhaps for a honeymoon – is Bangtao, the longest bay in Phuket.
Which airport do you fly into for Phuket?
All flights to Phuket land at Phuket International Airport (HKT). You can reach all the resorts from here when you prebook an Etihad airport transfer, or you can use public transport.
How long should you spend in Phuket?
It’s easy to enjoy weeks under Phuket’s tropical sun, but you can still get a taste of the area with a three-day itinerary before heading off to explore more of Thailand.
Spend a day relaxing on Patong Beach, before heading to the Big Buddha and seeing the urban attractions in Phuket Town.
Why fly to Phuket with Etihad?
When you fly to Phuket with Etihad, you’ll take off in style with seats in all cabins designed for comfort.
Tailor your journey with us to suit your needs. Select how you check in, add extra baggage, or book airport transfers to pick you up from arrivals and take you straight to your destination.
Business and First tickets include access to our worldwide lounges. Head to a lounge before your Phuket flight and tuck into an a la carte meal at the restaurant. You can also connect to the Wi-Fi to keep in touch with family and friends or check your emails before you fly.
All guests can enjoy the stellar inflight entertainment while on board. Select from box office hits, award-winning TV shows and specially curated playlists.
You can tuck into a seasonal, complimentary meal on every flight, inspired by your destination and made with deliciously fresh produce.
*Aircraft, cabins and services may vary by route and flight. You can check this when you search for your flight. This page was last updated January 2023.