Phuket is one island with very different areas. The best beaches are on the west coast and are calm from November to April. History is in Old Town, Kathu, Thalang and Chalong. Food follows the history, from Hokkien pork dishes to Muslim-Thai curries and vegetarian festival fare. This guide links every area, and it shows how Chinese, Muslim and Buddhist traditions made Phuket one of Thailand's most multicultural places.
All the Phuket areas at a glance
Best beaches by season
From November to April the west coast is calmer. Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn are the usual choices, and our best family beaches guide ranks them for children. From May to October the southwest monsoon brings rip currents, and a red flag means do not swim. In those months, spend your time in Phuket Old Town, the temples and the markets, and take boat days when the sea allows. See the best time to visit the Phi Phi Islands.
How Phuket became multicultural
Phuket's story has three main threads. Malays are the earliest recognised inhabitants, and Muslim communities remain central. Hokkien Chinese came for tin from the 1700s and 1800s, and shaped Old Town and the Vegetarian Festival. Thai Buddhism, with Wat Chalong as its best-known temple, runs through daily life. Read the three history guides: Phuket history from tin to tourism, how Phuket became multicultural and Old Town's Peranakan heritage.
Which shrine, mosque or temple we recommend
- Shrine: Kathu Shrine, where the Vegetarian Festival began. See our Kathu guide and our donation post.
- Temple: Wat Chalong, which sheltered people in 1876. See Wat Chalong history.
- Mosque: Yameay Mosque in central Phuket Town, visited politely. See our halal food guide.
What to eat, and what the history means for your plate
Eat by market zone and local dish, not by restaurant. Phuket Town's morning market area and Sunday Walking Street are the main zones, with Kata, Patong and Karon offering night markets, and Rawai offering seafood. Read Phuket local food. Many Hokkien dishes use pork, and many Muslim residents do not eat it, so see pork in Phuket cuisine and the halal food guide.
Where our tours fit
Hotel transfer is included in our tour price. The Phi Phi Island and Bamboo Island tour and the James Bond Island and Panyee Island tour each run 8 hours and cost 3,900 baht for adults and 2,900 baht for children aged 4 to 11. Read where to stay in Phuket and what to expect on a speed catamaran tour. Our community work is in giving back in Phuket.
