What country is Phuket in?

Phuket is a postcard-perfect island with turquoise waters and white sand beaches. It’s no surprise people come here to escape the cold and often don’t want to leave. So, what country is Phuket in? The island is part of Thailand — one of the most welcoming, warm, and flavorful destinations in Southeast Asia.

Thailand is located on the Indochina Peninsula and partially on the Malay Peninsula. It borders Myanmar and Laos to the north, Cambodia to the east, and Malaysia to the south.

The country covers an area of 513,120 square kilometers. Interestingly, despite its size, Thailand operates under a single time zone — very convenient for travelers.

Thailand is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the west and the Gulf of Thailand (part of the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean) to the east.

The capital of Thailand is Bangkok — a city of contrasts, home to ancient temples, royal palaces, and modern skyscrapers. We highly recommend visiting the capital on a guided tour to experience the country’s authentic spirit.

Thailand is a constitutional monarchy. The country is ruled by King Maha Vajiralongkorn (Rama X). Thai people deeply respect the royal family and expect tourists to do the same. Be careful with any image of the king — for example, don’t tear or crumple banknotes with his portrait.

Buddhism is the dominant religion in Thailand, followed by about 90% of the population. Temples are found all over the country, and locals observe religious holidays with great reverence. We’ve covered them in our article on Holidays, Festivals and Major Events in Phuket.

To avoid coming across as an ignorant farang (foreigner), it’s worth learning about Thai customs and etiquette so you can blend in with the locals.

Culture and symbolism run deep in Thailand — even in its geography. Some say the shape of the country resembles an elephant, with its “head” in the north and “trunk” in the south. So where exactly is Phuket in Thailand? It’s right at the “trunk” — in the southern part of the country. The island is separated from the mainland by the Pak Prah Strait, which is crossed by two bridges. The Sarasin Bridge was built in 1967 and was the only land connection to the island for decades. To handle growing traffic, the Thepkasattri Bridge was added in 2011, reflecting the growth of tourism. Part of the Sarasin Bridge is now a pedestrian walkway and a tourist attraction.

Geographically, Phuket is part of the province of the same name, which includes 32 nearby islands. Among them, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. It stretches 50 km from north to south and about 21 km from west to east. In many ways, it feels like its own world — with its own vibe, traditions, and role as the tourism capital of Thailand. The western coast is lined with beaches, and the island offers entertainment for every taste. We’ve compiled the best places to visit in our Places to Visit and Entertainment sections.

And what sea surrounds Phuket? The island is washed by the Andaman Sea, which is part of the Indian Ocean. The water stays warm year-round, but during the low season (May to October), the sea can get rough with big waves and rip currents. Read up on dangerous currents and flag systems used on beaches. Despite the challenging conditions, you can still enjoy swimming — we’ve listed the best wave-free beaches for the season. The Andaman Sea is also a vibrant underwater world full of coral reefs and marine life. Don’t miss the chance to go diving around the scenic islands near Phuket.