Apps to Download Before Your Trip to Thailand
We’re used to making life easier with mobile apps — and they’re just as useful on vacation. So if you’re heading to Phuket, make sure to download these apps! They’ll help you navigate the island, find key locations, book tours, and handle many everyday tasks more smoothly.
NAVIGATION
Google Maps
No explanation needed — it’s the most popular app for finding locations, building routes, reading honest user reviews, viewing photos, checking business hours, and more.
Maps.me
One of the best offline navigation apps. Especially helpful in the jungle or mountains. Just download the map in advance and voilà! You can even leave “tips” for other users, like where to find a campsite, drinkable water, a bench to rest on, etc.
COMMUNICATION
Google Translate
Another must-have app to communicate easily with locals. Most Thais in tourist areas do speak English, though sometimes not very clearly. Google Translate is super handy — you can even use your camera to translate product labels or signs in real time.
COMMUNICATION
Line
Thailand’s equivalent of WhatsApp and the most popular messenger in the country. All the locals use it. However, you’ll need a Thai phone number to register.
WEATHER
Windy
This app provides up-to-date weather forecasts, including temperature, precipitation, wind, and even wave height and direction — especially useful during the rainy season.
It also offers satellite images of cloud coverage, storm and typhoon alerts, and if you’re into surfing, Windy is an absolute must-have.
TIDES
Tides
Many beaches in Phuket are strongly affected by tides. This app helps you check the tide schedule so you don’t end up arriving for a swim at the worst possible time.
TAXI
Bolt
A well-known taxi service operating in many countries around the world. One of its handy features is the ability to schedule a ride in advance — perfect if you have an early morning flight.
Vehicle classes are simple: a regular car for up to 4 people, XL for up to 6 passengers, and Van for 8 people — great if you’re traveling with the whole family and luggage. You can also order groceries or food delivery via Bolt couriers.
Maxim
Maxim offers some unique features: there’s a “Female driver” option, and several ride categories including Car (standard), Car+ (more comfortable), and Car Premium (larger vehicles with engines over 120 kW). You can also order food in the “Delivery” section of the app.
Grab
One of the first and most popular apps in Asia. Grab is a multifunctional platform that includes taxi services, food and grocery delivery, and parcel shipping. The Grab taxi app has a built-in Thai-to-English translation feature, making communication with your driver easier.
InDrive
With InDrive, you choose who you ride with and how much you pay. Just enter your destination, see the recommended fare, and receive offers from drivers. You can compare prices, car models, and driver ratings, and choose the best option. You can also use it to call a courier for deliveries or food drop-offs.
For more details, check the Taxi in Phuket section.
FOOD DELIVERY
Aroi Dee
Grocery delivery from supermarkets and food from restaurants. Pickup is also available. Restaurants are conveniently sorted by cuisine, so whether you’re craving Italian pizza, Thai tom yum, or a German schnitzel, you’ll find it quickly. Delivery available across all of Phuket.
Grab Food
A food delivery service powered by Grab. Order from fancy restaurants or budget-friendly street food vendors. Restaurants are sorted by distance, cuisine type, or minimum order amount. You can also add special notes to your order (like “no spicy”).
SHOPPING
Lazada
The largest and most popular online marketplace in Thailand, offering literally everything. From household appliances and 20-baht T-shirts to luxury brands, toys, cosmetics — and much more. You can even find items not typical for Thailand, like buckwheat, sunflower seeds, dried bagels, or instant noodles like “Doshirak.”
Orders are delivered by courier directly to your hotel, house, or condo. You can choose to pay by card or cash. If you pay by card, the courier can leave the package at the location specified in the app. But if you’re paying in cash, you’ll need to meet the courier in person.
FLIGHTS
AirAsia Move
An app where you can find affordable flights across Asia. From Phuket, you can easily and cheaply fly to Thailand’s capital Bangkok, Chiang Mai province, or neighboring countries like Malaysia and Singapore.
For more details, check out our article Where You Can Fly from Phuket.
ACCOMMODATION BOOKING
Agoda, Booking, Airbnb, Facebook Marketplace
You can quickly book hotels and apartments using Agoda and Booking. You’ll also find private rentals on Airbnb and in the Facebook Marketplace section. Just be sure to read listings carefully and never send money before viewing the property in person!
ACTIVITIES
You can discover the best activities and entertainment on Phuket through the relevant sections on our website — Phuket Event Schedule (where we regularly post about the most exciting parties, gourmet dinners, festivals, etc.), Entertainment, and Excursions.
And one more incredibly useful source of information in Phuket – our free Telegram bot: https://t.me/phuket_insider_bot. There you’ll find all the essential locations on the island and can submit requests for housing rentals, transportation, visa services, excursions, and much more.