boats on sea near mountain during daytime

Phuket, Thailand

An island escape shaped by sandy shores, colourful streets and days on the Andaman Sea.

boats on sea near mountain during daytime

Plan a visit for:

Beach mornings, island-hopping trips, Thai flavours and walks through Phuket Old Town. Spend your days exploring the coast, heading out on the water or settling into a slower holiday by the sea.
Visa Requirement

Indian ordinary passport holders can currently visit Thailand for tourism without a visa for up to 30 days. Complete the free Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) within three days before arrival. The arrival card is a separate entry requirement, including for visa-exempt travellers.

Ideal Duration

4–5 days for beach time, Phuket Old Town and an island-hopping excursion. Allow 6–7 days for a more relaxed stay, with additional boat trips and time to explore different parts of the island.

Planning Money

The local currency is the Thai Baht (THB). Carry local cash for markets, food stalls and smaller purchases, alongside a card for larger payments. Budget separately for airport transfers, boat excursions and travel between beaches.

Experiences to Look Forward To

  • A view of a tropical beach with a mountain in the background
    Beaches and coastal escapes
  • Boats on the turquoise water of Maya Bay between limestone cliffs in Thailand
    Island hopping and snorkelling
  • person wearing Asian conical hat
    Thai flavours and local markets
  • a yellow building with a clock on the top of it
    Phuket Old Town and colourful streets
About the Destination

Phuket’s beaches may be the first reason you visit, but there is plenty to discover between days by the water. Along the west coast, lively stretches of sand give way to smaller bays, with places to stop for lunch or watch the evening settle over the sea. Boat excursions take you further into the Andaman’s island scenery, with opportunities to swim and snorkel when conditions allow.

Away from the coast, Phuket Old Town offers a different pace. Colourful shophouses, Chinese shrines and cafés line streets shaped by the island’s trading and tin-mining history. Spend a few hours walking, trying local dishes and browsing the shops before heading back to the beach. Your choice of where to stay can shape the holiday, whether you prefer lively evenings or somewhere quieter to return to.

Best time to Visit
  • November–April generally offers the best conditions for beach holidays and boat excursions.

  • December–February is a popular period, so book ahead for more choice of accommodation.

  • May–October brings monsoon weather and rougher seas; boat trips may change or be cancelled depending on conditions.

Planning the flights
  • Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT).

  • Direct flights are available from Delhi, with a flying time of approximately 4½–5 hours.

  • Connecting options via Bangkok can suit departures from other Indian cities.

  • Allow time for the onward road transfer, which varies depending on your beach or resort location.

Curated Holiday Packages

Ideas for Your Next Holiday

Explore pre-planned itineraries across some of our most popular destinations. Choose a package as it is or speak to our travel consultants about personalising it.

Create a free website with Framer, the website builder loved by startups, designers and agencies.