Holidays in Phuket
Thailand's biggest island, with soft sandy beaches, limestone islands and great food, at its sunniest over Christmas. Here's what Phuket is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.
Thailand's biggest island, with soft sandy beaches, limestone islands and great food, at its sunniest over Christmas. Here's what Phuket is like with the family, when to go and how long to stay.

Thailand asks visitors to fill in an online arrival card before they fly. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.
November to April is the dry season, with calm seas and sunshine, and Christmas and New Year are the busiest and dearest weeks. May to October brings the monsoon, with rough seas on the west coast.
Long sandy beaches with gentle waves in the dry season, good for families.
A boat trip among towering limestone islands, including the famous James Bond Island.
A huge white marble Buddha on a hilltop, with views across the island.
Colourful shop-houses, street food and a Sunday walking market.
Choose an ethical sanctuary where you watch and feed elephants rather than ride them.
A speedboat trip to snorkel in clear water round dramatic islands.
Yes. It's easy, with family hotels, calm beaches in the dry season and food children will eat.
Yes, it's dry and sunny with calm seas. It's also the busiest time, so book early and expect higher prices.
Kata and Karon are calmer than Patong and better for families. Kata Noi is smaller and quieter still.
There are no direct flights from the UK, so it's about 14 to 16 hours with one change, often in the Gulf or Bangkok.
Put Phuket on standby with everyone's other ideas. You each spread your points in secret, get one veto, and the draw picks where you go.