Useful tips
Articles, advice, selections and recommendations about Phuket

Dangerous Insects in Phuket

Phuket is home to a diverse array of wildlife, and not all of its inhabitants are friendly toward humans. We’ve previously detailed some of them in our articles, The Most Dangerous Venomous Snakes in Phuket and Frightening Spiders in Phuket. Most of these creatures have an intimidating appearance but pose...

Border Run and Visa Run

Thailand is one of the most popular destinations for tourists from all over the world. Recently, the Kingdom has introduced a series of changes to simplify staying in Thailand as part of its efforts to promote tourism. Now, passport holders from most countries do not need a visa for a...

Top 10 Thai Dishes

Quick, spicy, and made exclusively with fresh ingredients – that’s Thai cuisine. In Thailand, food is a true cultural phenomenon, and many people visit the country to experience the unique mix of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors. The variety of fresh seafood, fruits, vegetables, and unusual flavor combinations are what...

Transport in Phuket

Transport on Phuket: How to Explore the Island Without Limits Phuket is an island covering 543 square kilometers, rich in beaches and attractions. A distinctive feature of this resort is that its appealing locations are spread out, requiring some mode of transportation to reach them. Spending your vacation solely within...

Public Transport in Phuket

Public transportation in Phuket is a somewhat enigmatic and not particularly popular choice for tourists. However, it is possible to travel affordably from Phuket Airport to various destinations via local buses. These buses stop at a terminal located on the street directly opposite the airport entrance. Clear signage will help...

Serfing in Phuket

Phuket is a perfect place for surfing. The best time for surfing in Phuket is from May to October, with May, June, and September being particularly ideal. All major surfing competitions take place in September. The island’s beaches are well-suited for beginners: the waves are small, barely reaching two to...

Weather in Phuket

Phuket is located just 872 km north of the equator, offering year-round warmth thanks to its tropical monsoon climate. It’s always summer here! Air temperatures vary only slightly depending on the season: in winter, they range from +28°C to +30°C, in spring (April-May) they rise to +32°C to +34°C, and...

The Thai Army: Lottery, Transgender Individuals, and Monks

In Thailand, many things can surprise foreigners: laws, traditions, tastes, and even the boundaries of normalcy. The Thai Army is another example. Transgender individuals and monks serve here, and joining the military can depend on winning a lottery. Here are some of the most interesting and unusual facts about the...

Surin vs Nai Harn

Phuket offers several popular areas for vacation. We’ve already covered Bang Tao vs. Karon and Kata vs. Patong. Now, it’s time to compare Surin and Nai Harn. What are the pros and cons of these Phuket destinations? Surin. Surin is a well-developed tourist area on the west coast of the...

Weather in Phuket in January

January is arguably the best month to visit Phuket. It’s considered the peak of the high season, attracting many tourists to the island 🏝 🌡 Temperature. The weather is extremely comfortable — very warm but not oppressively hot. Average temperatures range from +24°C at night to +32°C during the day....

Kids’ Menu in Thailand

Food in Thailand is spicy and flavorful. That’s why many parents traveling to Phuket with children often wonder: what can their kids eat on the island? Contrary to popular belief, Thai children aren’t born with a chili pepper in their mouths. Like all little ones, they eat natural foods with...

Where Can You Fly from Phuket?

Phuket is a fantastic place for both vacations and long-term living, but sometimes you might feel the need for a change of scenery. For some, leaving the island is necessary to extend their visa. If that’s the case for you, you can find detailed information in the Visa & Border...

10 Tips for Coping with Extreme Heat in Phuket

The high season in Phuket is always marked by hot weather. Air temperatures can reach up to 40°C, and the island’s high humidity intensifies the effect. Many visitors arriving in Phuket find themselves unprepared for such conditions and end up spending most of their vacation in their hotel under the...

10 Popular Mango Varieties in Thailand

Mango is one of the most popular tropical fruits, considered in Thailand not only an essential part of the culinary culture but also a source of national pride. There are over 200 different varieties of this fruit, each with its own unique characteristics: taste, size, color, and texture. Some varieties...

Thai Tom Yum with Shrimp added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list

This announcement was made by Thailand’s Minister of Culture, who emphasized that this dish is a source of national pride, a reflection of the Thai way of life, and the people’s deep connection to nature. The application to recognize Tom Yum Kung (the official name for the shrimp soup) as...

Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are an incredibly beautiful archipelago in the Andaman Sea, located about 100 km northwest of Phuket. UNESCO has recognized the archipelago as one of the most beautiful places on Earth. The name “Similan” means “nine” in the Malay dialect, reflecting the original number of islands in the...

Top 5 Russian Cuisine Restaurants in Phuket

For those missing food that tastes “just like at home” 🏡 🔸In House Cafe Bar Authentic homemade dishes. The top pick – borscht with lard, Borodinsky bread, and garlic. Handmade dumplings, cottage cheese, and other semi-finished products. The place is dog-friendly and has a lounge area with Russian movies. 🔸The...

Weather in Phuket in December

December is one of the best months to visit the island. The high (or dry) season begins ☀️ The rains stop, the waves calm down, and stable sunny weather sets in. Rainfall ☔️ Although it does occasionally rain, it’s rare and mostly happens at night. On average, about 70 mm...

How to find accommodation in Phuket

Phuket is a paradise island, and many people want to stay here longer than a one or two week vacation. That is why people often come here for wintering or even longer stays. In this case, it is necessary to find accommodation. We will tell you how and where to...

5 Best Cafes with a Petting Zoo in Phuket 🐶🐱🐇🦜🐢🐓🐭🐰🐠

Rabbit Hole 🐇Location: Pa Klok Located in the Pa Klok district. It has a large area where you can feed cute rabbits and goats, ride horses around the lake, and walk on a rope bridge. Afterward, you can enjoy a delicious meal at the local cafe. Tang Toh 🦜Location: Chalong...

Weekly Event Schedule: November 8-14

All events are listed chronologically. Amine KEnergetic African rhythms from a DJ from MoroccoWhen: November 8, 19:00 – 22:00, free entryWhere: Café Del Mar Phuket (Kamala) HOLYBEATS PartyTraditional DJ lineup + special guest from Australia, Benny McgrigorWhen: November 8, from 21:00, free entry before 21:00, 200 baht afterWhere: The Commune...

Loy Krathong – one of the most beautiful festivals in Thailand

The Festival of Water and Light, the Festival of Floating Lanterns, the Festival of Lights, the Celebration of Spirit, Water, and Light – all of these describe Loy Krathong, one of the most beautiful, mesmerizing, and meaningful festivals in Thailand. It is celebrated annually on the full moon of the...

What to visit in Phi Phi

Phi Phi is an archipelago of six islands in Krabi province, a true paradise on Earth with turquoise water, white sand, and incredible exotic nature. A trip to Phi Phi is a must-do on any tourist itinerary. You can join a tour (see more about this in the Excursions section),...

Weekly event schedule: November 1-7

All events are listed in chronological order. Royal Phuket Marina, Isola RistoranteGrow Boating Event – An evening of networking and inspiration.When: November 1, from 17:00. Free entry.Where: Ko Kaeo Hugo HubParty for those wanting one more chance to show off their Halloween costume.When: November 1, from 18:00. Free entry.Where: Bang...

Frightening spiders in Phuket

Disclaimer: Arachnophobes better skip this article! Phuket is undoubtedly a paradise island, but there’s one small (and sometimes not so small) catch: insects. In Thailand, there are thousands of species. But today, we’re not going to talk about them, but rather about a family of arthropods — spiders. There are...

Secret beach locations for a photo shoot

The high season in Phuket has begun, which means that the beaches will soon be quite crowded. You can find the most popular ones in our Beaches collection. However, many of us want to bring back beautiful photos from our vacation with a scenic ocean view and no one else...

Where to go snorkeling in Phuket

Where to go snorkeling in Phuket and nearby areas? Snorkeling is swimming just below the water’s surface with a mask and snorkel, allowing you to observe the fascinating underwater world. It doesn’t require extensive training or much physical effort, making it perfect for children and offering plenty of enjoyable moments....

The most dangerous venomous snakes in Phuket

Phuket is home to an incredibly diverse array of flora and fauna. This paradise island serves as a native habitat for many animals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Among them is a particularly intimidating group — snakes. Especially the venomous ones. Here, we talk about the most dangerous species you would...

A guide to spooktacular events in Phuket from October 25 to 31 🎃

During the Halloween celebrations, the island will host numerous events! We’ve selected the most interesting ones for you and listed them in chronological order ⬇️ NH Boat Lagoon Phuket ResortFamily Halloween charity event: treats, games, prizes, and lots of fun.When: October 26 from 14:00 to 4:00. Cost from 400 to...

Weather in Phuket in november

Rainy season – over! 🙌🏻 The amount of rainfall decreases, and the weather in November becomes ideal for beach holidays 🏖 From the second decade of the month, the dry season begins, and it becomes less humid, although still quite fresh. Rainfall ☔️ At the start of the month, there...

Where to watch the sunset in Phuket

Fact: Phuket has stunning sunsets! The Insider has gathered the top spots on the island where you can catch the most beautiful sunsets. 🔸Viewpoints ⚓️Promthep Cape A breathtaking panorama of the Andaman Sea and Nai Harn Beach. There’s also a lighthouse at the cape, which serves as a small museum....

Fresh event lineup for the upcoming week, October 18-24 💃🏻

Events in chronological order. 🔸Poët | Karaoke restaurant90s-2000s style partyWhen: October 18th at 8:00 PM. Free entry. 🔸The CommuneCelebration of NO MORE SNOW’s Third AnniversaryWhen: October 18th at 9:00 PM. Free entry until 9:00 PM, after that – 200 baht. 🔸Café del MarElectronic sets by the German duo Simon Haehnel...

6 restaurants with the best views in Phuket

🛟 Meg Khram the Sunshine & Submarine 223 BarLocated in the north of Patong. It offers a stunning view of the beach and the sea. Perfect for family dinners, romantic dates, and parties. 🌿 Tarzan Sea Side CafeA relatively simple cafe with a unique view of Chalong Bay. It is...

Event Schedule for the Upcoming Week (October 11-17)💃🏻

October 11 (Friday) 🔸The Commune in collaboration with A Blanket & A PillowThe famous Veshalka, opening the 24/25 season.80s-90s rave: lots of beats and dancing guaranteed.Entry: 300 THB. 🔸Café del MarElectronic music by Jamiie Hebdonis.Free entry, table reservations available. 🔸Catch Beach ClubMAYGA.Party starts at 23:00, dress code: glamorous chic.Free entry,...

Places to visit with kids in Phuket

Many people come to the island with children, and they need to be entertained to ensure everyone’s vacation goes smoothly. Insider has prepared a selection of places you can visit with kids. 🐘 Elephant sanctuaries: Green Elephant Sanctuary Park, Phuket Elephant Care, Phuket Elephant Care Kathu Here, they don’t offer elephant...

Top restaurants in Patong

Patong is the busiest and most vibrant tourist area in Phuket. It is rightly considered the island’s main nightlife hub, as it is home to the famous Bangla Road and a vast number of cafes, restaurants, bars, and other entertainment venues (see the full list via this link). We have...

Historical temples of Phuket

Historical temples in Phuket – unique architectural structures and important monuments of religion and art. They captivate the imagination with their incredible scale, abundance of gold, lavishly decorated altars, and majestic statues of Buddha. Visiting Buddhist and Taoist temples is a must to immerse yourself in the culture and religion...

Phuket night markets

Night markets are an essential part of Thailand’s culinary culture. They’re not just a place to try authentic dishes, buy souvenirs, and other trinkets; they offer a real experience that immerses you deeply in Thai culture. There is a theory that night markets first appeared in China during the Middle...

Top 5 cafes in the Kata area

Kata is one of the most popular areas in Phuket. It has a well-developed tourist infrastructure, and of course, there are many cafes and restaurants worth visiting — offering both authentic Thai food and dishes from other world cuisines. If you’re staying in the Kata area or planning to stay...

Where to watch the sunset in Phuket

A fact that hardly anyone would argue with: Phuket has amazing sunsets! The sunset, set against the incredible scenery of the Andaman Sea, is an art form in its own right. Insider has compiled the top locations on the island where you’ll see the best sunsets of your life. Spoiler:...

Wave-free beaches in low season

Phuket has summer all year round. The air and water temperatures are always about the same, but seasonality is pronounced. From May to October on the island is very rainy and windy, so many beaches are periodically closed for swimming due to large waves. But Insider knows the secret beaches,...

Michelin on a budget – it’s possible

Phuket has affordable cafes featured in the famous guide, which means the food is guaranteed to be delicious. Insider recommends what you absolutely must try. Ton Mayom Google Maps rating: 4.7 This place is renowned for its traditional Thai cuisine. A fiery dish in every sense — a signature dish...

Beaches without waves near Phuket

🗾Coral Island Goh Hee (also known as Ko He or Koh Hae) is a true gem just a few kilometers from Phuket. The local beaches are perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat in picturesque tropical jungles. It’s a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts, and thanks to its favorable location, there...

Weather forecast for the next few days

Phuket is experiencing heavy rainfall. It is expected that the coming week will set a record for the amount of precipitation. According to the forecast from Thailand’s Meteorological Department, from September 15 to 24, daily rainfall will range from 50 to 100 mm. A sharp increase in rainfall is expected...

Shopping malls in Phuket

Phuket is a large island, and there are not just one or two, but quite a few shopping malls here. Shopping abroad is an essential part of a vacation, especially when it’s raining on the island and you’re unsure of what to do. In this article, we offer a closer...

How to get to the Phi Phi islands

Phi Phi is an archipelago of six islands in Krabi Province. We are used to this name, but in Thai, it is pronounced more like “Pee-Pee” (the “h” is barely noticeable, like a soft breath). This place became especially popular among tourists after the release of the movie The Beach,...

Phuket Vegetarian Festival

The Vegetarian Festival is a large-scale celebration that takes place in Phuket every year during the first 9 days of the ninth lunar month. It is also known as the Nine Emperor Gods festival. In 2024, the Vegetarian Festival in Phuket will be held from October 3 to October 11....

Rainy season in Phuket: precautionary measures

Heavy rain, gusty winds, floods, and landslides – nature can be relentless, and natural disasters do occur during the low season in Phuket. To protect yourself and your loved ones from danger, we have prepared a special safety guide. Avoid going outside unless absolutely necessary. This will help you steer...

Bang Tao vs Karon

Two popular districts of Phuket: but which one is better? Which is more suitable for vacation? To make a choice, you need to consider all the pros and cons of these locations. Bang Tao Infrastructure. Bang Tao is considered an elite area with well-developed infrastructure, featuring many luxurious restaurants, some...

What you need to do if you are planning a long stay in Thailand

People come to Phuket for a relaxed lifestyle, delicious food, and eternal summer. Many prefer to stay on the island for the winter because some people enjoy the sea instead of snow and a swimsuit instead of a coat. If you have also decided to come to Phuket for an...

What fruit are you?

Thailand is a true paradise for exotic fruit lovers. Thanks to the hot and humid climate, virtually everything grows here. Many fruits, like coconuts, pineapples, and bananas, are well known and loved by us, while others are completely unfamiliar, leading to a natural question: how exactly do you eat them?...

Phuket weather in OCTOBER

You can relax now: October is the final month of the rainy season, which also means the end of the low season. Here’s what kind of weather to expect in Phuket. ☔️ Rainfall. October is one of the rainiest months of the year: rain can fall every day or every...

Where to go with kids in Phuket

Many tourists come to the island with children. While some parents are content with activities like trips to the beach, the pool, and the night market, children with boundless energy often need more. We’ve prepared a selection of places where you can go with kids so that everyone can enjoy...

Kata or Patong: which to choose?

Patong and Kata beaches are the most popular beaches in Phuket. They both have a gentle entrance to the sea, a good selection of hotels, restaurants and a variety of activities. However, there are differences between these beaches that can play an important role in choosing a vacation spot. In...

Rip currents: how to avoid danger

Officially, this natural phenomenon is called a rip current, but there are also different names: RIP, undertow or backflow. In Phuket, this is a common occurrence, especially during the low season. How rip currents form A rip usually forms in areas where there are sandbars, reefs, or shoals near the...

A trip around Krabi province

The picturesque province of Krabi is 200 kilometers from Phuket. Many people think that Krabi is a solitary island, but it is not. Krabi consists of mainland and archipelago and includes many islands with beaches, clear water, white sand and bizarre rocks. We suggest you take a short trip to...

Beaches without waves on Ko He Island

Coral Island, Goh Hee (Ko He or Koh Hey), is a true gem just a few kilometers from Phuket. It is known for its magical beaches, incredibly clear water, and fine, white sand as soft as snow. The beaches of Ko He are the perfect place for those seeking tranquility...

10 common mistakes tourists make in Thailand

Arriving in Thailand for the first time without knowing the local customs and life hacks can significantly spoil your vacation. To avoid getting sick, overpaying for unnecessary services, or breaking local laws, it’s important to be prepared. It’s best to learn from others’ mistakes rather than making your own. So,...

A journey through Krabi Province

Krabi is not just a single island. The province consists of both mainland and an archipelago, including many islands with picturesque beaches and quirky rock formations. We suggest taking a road trip to Krabi — it’s only about 200 km along the highway, with many colorful locations along the way!...

The best cafes for sunset dinner

Where to have dinner at sunset? Dinner with a view of the sunset is a unique pleasure. Phuket has many beachfront spots offering breathtaking panoramic views of the sun setting beyond the horizon. We’re sharing a selection of cafes and restaurants across different areas of the island so you can...
Join Insider on Social Media
We share the best places in Phuket and provide useful tips to make your stay on the island brighter and your life more comfortable. Subscribe to stay updated.