Phuket Travel Tips You Should Know Before Visiting Phuket

Are you traveling to Phuket, Thailand, in the near future? Traveling the world and experiencing different cultures is outstanding, and obviously everyone wants to have a wonderful holiday, however it is paramount to know important travel information before you start on your journey.

Visiting Phuket is sure to be a memorable experience, so to enhance your holiday, we have put together an informal Phuket vacation guide with Phuket traveling tips. While staying with us, please feel free to reach out to our staff at any time should you have questions or need further recommendations as we are always happy to help!

Phuket Vacation Guide

When visiting Phuket, you will want to make sure to visit the island’s popular tourist attractions such as Phuket Old Town, the Big Buddha, and Bangla Road in Patong. For this, you will likely need public transportation. If you choose to rent a car when you land at Phuket International Airport, do ensure that you have an international driving license as well as car insurance. The same is applicable to scooter rental in Phuket.

Traveling to Phuket, Thailand, you are likely to bring a large amount of cash with you. When you arrive at your accommodation, please make sure to lock your extra cash and valuables in the in-room safe. That way, you know where these valuable items are at all times. Also, when going out and about at night, there is no need to carry large amounts of cash. However, if you do, please be discreet when taking out your wallet. Crime is minimal in Phuket, but it would be terrible if you were robbed on your holiday due to flashing large amounts of cash around.

One last thing to remember is to be aware of credit card fraud. If you have any trouble at any ATM across Phuket, please contact your home bank or Credit Card Company immediately as sadly, ATM skimming does occur in Phuket.

While the above might sound grim, it is just common sense advice to help enhance your holiday and food for thought to think about before visiting Phuket.

Phuket Traveling Tips

Here are a few Phuket traveling tips that we have put together for visiting Phuket. These tips will ensure that you will have easy interactions with the local people, and an enjoyable time on this beautiful tropical island.

1. Respect Thai Culture and Customs

Thai people, by nature, are very pleasant and not confrontational. Their demeanor is quiet and calm, and they always offer a big smile. If you find yourself upset or irritated during your holiday and ask a local Thai for help, please remember to not lose your temper. Stay focused and breathe, and surely, a friendly smile or helping hand will come your way.

When visiting Buddhist temples or Chinese shrines, please make sure to dress appropriately. Both men and women should cover themselves - no bare shoulders, plunging necklines or skirts or shorts above the knees. Also remember to take off your shoes when visiting these sites.

For women, wearing a bikini in public is entirely inappropriate. While swimwear is fine at the beach, if you are venturing beyond the beach, please cover up and be modest. Always remember that you are a guest in this country and should respect the local customs.

2. Mind the Red Flags

We cannot stress this enough! If you are visiting Phuket in the low season, from May until late October, the sea can be very rough and dangerous at this time. If you venture beyond our private beachfront and head to Kamala Beach, Patong Beach, or Karon Beach, any Phuket beach really, please mind the red flags and obey the orders of the lifeguards if they are asking you not to swim. Yes, you came to Phuket for a beach holiday, but it is better to be safe than sorry.

3. Pick the Right Hotel

If you are coming to Phuket for a beach holiday, then we suggest that you book your accommodation at a beachfront hotel. Otherwise, you will spend a lot of time going back and forth in public transportation to and from the beach. If you aren’t fussed about the beach, then we recommend that you stay in Phuket Old Town.

4. SIM Cards

It’s possible to pick up a SIM card at Phuket International Airport as there are many mobile network companies offering SIM cards with multiple packages designed especially for tourists. SIM cards to choose from include TrueMove H, DTAC and AIS and all work well, but DTAC and AIS are better for internet. If you need to buy a mobile data package or top up the SIM card, take your passport and visit a 7-11 convenience store.

5. Bargaining and Negotiating Prices

It is fine to bargain for a cheaper price in Phuket only if you are in a local market or dealing with a street vendor. In small shops and big department stores and restaurants, this practice is unacceptable. Before you get in a taxi or a tuk-tuk, make sure to negotiate the price with the driver or you might be overcharged.