Book a holiday to Phuket to explore Thailand’s largest island, in the country’s sun-kissed south.
Phuket offers both beach relaxation and opportunities for adventure. Surrounded by the bright blue Andaman Sea, there are plenty of buzzing beach resorts to choose from – not to mention incredible viewpoints to enjoy and animal sanctuaries to visit.
Explore the capital of the island, Phuket Town, where you’ll be greeted by brightly coloured shop fronts in a Portuguese architectural style. Here you’ll find local, independent vendors selling cute crafts and moreish chocolate.
Sink your toes into soft sands at the bustling Patong beach or head up into the hills and pay a visit to the Big Buddha statue that overlooks the island – it’s a view worth climbing for.
The largest island in Thailand is the ultimate beach destination, with plenty of activities on offer between days spent soaking up the sun.
Phuket’s capital offers incredible photo opportunities, thanks to its brightly coloured shop fronts and distinctive, Portuguese-influenced architecture.
Arrive early in the morning and you’ll spot monks clad in orange robes weaving through the roads, while the night markets offer a great chance to taste some authentic Thai cuisine, catch some entertainment and buy some souvenirs.
Dip into the pastel-hued cafes and restaurants in the evening for food or to meet fellow travellers – Phuket Town pier is often the last stop on Phuket before travelling on to other islands.
To slow things down, head to the summit of Khao Rang for a spectacular view of the island’s capital and the surrounding bays.
You’re never far from the beach in Phuket, so you’ll have a whole host of water-based activities to keep you entertained.
Get your adrenaline pumping with some jet skiing or kitesurfing. Learn to scuba dive and discover an underwater world filled with brightly-coloured coral and unique marine life.
If you're looking to take things easy, take a gentle kayak trip across the turquoise waters or simply grab a snorkel and explore the shallows.
Phuket boasts miles and miles of sand that are made for exploring – whatever your preferred beach vibe.
Patong Beach is undoubtedly the island’s hub for tourism, with plenty of resorts and hotels on offer.
The neon-lit Bangla Road leads right down to the beach. Here you’ll find an array of lively spots that stay open until the early hours of the morning.
Kata Beach stretches out for almost a mile, so you’re sure to have plenty of space – whether you want a game of beach volleyball or simply to relax.
Go off the beaten track and take a trip to Freedom Beach, a small cove that enjoys a tranquil atmosphere – it’s a bit of a hidden gem.
Phuket is brilliantly located as a hub for island day trips.
Catch a boat from Bang Rong Pier and visit the gorgeous Ko Yao Yai and Ko Yao Noi in Phang Nga Bay – two of the most unspoilt islands in the region.
Hire a bike and cycle the length of the island Ko Yao Noi or visit the famous James Bond island, Ko Tapu, which featured in The Man with the Golden Gun.
From Phuket Town, catch the ferry to the Phi Phi islands for the day.
With no cars to be seen, it’s a laid-back island which comes alive at night with beach parties.
The tropical climate in Phuket means it’s home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Visit an elephant sanctuary to see some of the world’s largest and gentlest animals.
If you’re feeling adventurous, you can head out in search of wild monkeys, which can be found on Monkey Hill that leads up out of Phuket Town.
Head to Bang Pae Waterfall for the day and tie it in with a trip to the nearby Gibbon Sanctuary.
Phuket is a great destination for family holidays with long beaches providing endless entertainment for the little ones.
Try Karon Beach, along the island’s west coast, which boasts a range of resorts, restaurants and shops as well as a bi-weekly market.
Alternatives include Mai Khao Beach to the north-west – the island’s biggest beach.
Stay at the Anantara Vacation Club Mai Khao Phuket – there are kids’ clubs, tennis courts, pools and rock climbing, not to mention a waterpark nearby.
Take the time to get to know the heritage and history of the island’s capital, Phuket Town.
We offer Phuket packages with hotels located right in the town centre – perfect if you're searching for a slice of authentic Thailand away from the beach crowds.
The Phuket Town Weekend Market is a real highlight – expect deep-fried insects alongside delicate jewellery.
There’s no denying that pretty Patong is the unofficial capital of the island.
Visitors flock here throughout the year, enticed by the lively atmosphere and blissful sands.
You can book your Phuket holiday package with Etihad Airways and stay at one of the resorts handily located near the beach.
The KEE Resort & Spa is a good option, offering a taste of luxury with its huge lagoon-sized pool.
As in the rest of Thailand, the local currency in Phuket is the Thai baht. Some tourist spots will also accept US dollars as payment.
The main language of Phuket is Thai, but in tourist hotspots, restaurants and hotels many people will speak English.
Phuket is a relatively small island and easy to get around. Taxis are readily available in all the main towns.
Phuket gets plenty of sunshine, especially in summer, so pack light layers for covering up, a hat, and plenty of sun cream.
Phuket has no shortage of great restaurants and markets, meaning you'll have plenty of opportunity to sample deliciously authentic Thai dishes.
Head to the night markets in Phuket Town or Patong to have a taste of the famous massaman curry or tom yum soup, followed up with some mango sticky rice or coconut ice cream. The street food is sensational here.
Phuket is particularly famous for its seafood, so make sure you try the fresh fish and shrimp before leaving the island.
For more formal dining, visit Blue Elephant in its handsome old mansion.
The Thai people are incredibly friendly, so much so that the country is known affectionately as ‘The Land of Smiles’.
A usual greeting in Thailand is the ‘wai’, in which a person holds their hands together in prayer and bows their head.
If you’re on holiday in Phuket in April, expect to get wet. Songkran, the traditional Thai New Year, takes place during this month and locals and visitors alike join in the purification ritual of covering others with water.
It's the cue for huge water fights - and nobody is safe from being splashed.
Just like in the rest of Thailand, the main religion on Phuket is Buddhism.
The religious sites are a big attraction for visitors to the island, with the Big Buddha statue the most recognisable landmark in Phuket.
Pay a visit to the temples dotted along the island for a moment of peace and quiet or to admire the beautiful architecture.
If you’re visiting a Buddhist temple, keep a few things in mind.
It’s customary to remove your shoes before entering a temple and to wear clothing that covers your knees and shoulders.
Abu Dhabi
After exploring Phuket Town's night markets and street food, get ready to see what Abu Dhabi’s traditional souk and array of impressive malls have to offer.
Abu Dhabi Holidays
Kuala Lumpur
With the beautiful Batu Caves, a buzzing shopping scene at Central Market and the iconic Petronas Towers, Malyasia's vibrant capital delivers on every front.
Kuala Lumpur Holidays
Manila
Head to the Philippines' capital and take in landmarks including San Agustin church and the historic Fort Santiago citadel, plus an array of fascinating museums.
Manila Holidays
Seychelles
Experience the soft sands and warm waters of the Seychelles, diving into the perfect destination for beach lovers as you enjoy your own slice of paradise.
Seychelles Holidays
