An island the size of a small country

Phuket is Thailand's most-visited island and its most misjudged: dismissed as overrun by people who saw one beach road, adored by people who learned its layout. It's the size of Singapore — there are a dozen Phukets, and choosing yours is the whole game. This site is the map.

Know the island

• Beaches, decoded

  West-coast character guide from Mai Khao to Rawai.

• Phuket Old Town

  Sino-Portuguese shophouses, coffee and the island's soul.

• Viewpoints & the Big Buddha

  The hilltop island — capes, ridges and the white marble Buddha.

• Island day trips

  Phi Phi, Similans, Yao pair — choosing boats wisely.

• Eating Phuket

  Hokkien noodles, southern curries and market mornings.

• Nights out

  From Bangla's neon to night markets and beach bars.

Travel smarter

• Seasons & the sea

  High season, green season and flag-respect on the beaches.

• Getting around

  The transport truth on an island built for wheels.

• Where to base

  Matching coast and town to your temperament.

• Diving & snorkelling

  Why Phuket is the Andaman's dive doorstep.

• Phuket with kids

  The family island hiding in plain sight.

• Return-trip itineraries

  Templates for visit two onward.

Plus the FAQ. Exploring the mainland too? Our sister site Thailand Addicts covers the whole country.