Destination guideThailand
FROMLON
ABOUT 13 HRS ✈️
TOHKT

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.

NIGHTS AWAY10 to 14
BUDGET££
BEST MONTHSDec–Mar
Add Phuket to your ideasFree. One email per family.

Phuket at a glance

FLIGHT FROM LONDON
ABOUT 13 HRS
TIME DIFFERENCE
6 TO 7 HRS AHEAD OF THE UK
CURRENCY
THAI BAHT (฿)
ENTRY
NO VISA FOR SHORT STAYS
PLUGS
TYPE A / B / C / O · 220V

Thailand asks visitors to fill in an online arrival card before they fly. Check entry rules on GOV.UK before you book.

When to go

  1. JANDry, hot, best time to go
  2. FEBDry, hot, best time to go
  3. MARDry, hot, best time to go
  4. APRVery hot, a good time to go
  5. MAYRainy, quieter
  6. JUNRainy, quieter
  7. JULRainy, quieter
  8. AUGRainy, quieter
  9. SEPWettest, quieter
  10. OCTRainy, quieter
  11. NOVDrier, a good time to go
  12. DECDry, busy, best time to go

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.

Things to do with the family

FREE

Kata and Karon beaches

Long sandy beaches with gentle waves in the dry season, good for families.

TOUR

Phang Nga Bay

A boat trip among towering limestone islands, including the famous James Bond Island.

FREE

Big Buddha

A huge white marble Buddha on a hilltop, with views across the island.

FREE

Phuket Old Town

Colourful shop-houses, street food and a Sunday walking market.

TICKETED

Elephant sanctuary

Choose an ethical sanctuary where you watch and feed elephants rather than ride them.

DAY TRIP

Phi Phi Islands

A speedboat trip to snorkel in clear water round dramatic islands.

Phuket: common questions

Is Phuket good for a family holiday?

Yes. It's easy, with family hotels, calm beaches in the dry season and food children will eat.

Is Christmas a good time to go?

Yes, it's dry and sunny with calm seas. It's also the busiest time, so book early and expect higher prices.

Which beach is best for families?

Kata and Karon are calmer than Patong and better for families. Kata Noi is smaller and quieter still.

How long is the flight?

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.

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