Phuket
Phuket · Phuket Province, Thailand
Pearl of the Andaman Sea, a byword for southern Thai sunshine and beaches
Know before you go
- Don't be disrespectful about the royal family (as everywhere in Thailand)
- e-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- don't sunbathe topless or nude on beaches
This article is Not yet verified. Please check official announcements for prices, opening hours and dates.
Stories & people
Stories & people
History
The two heroines of Thalang
In 1785 a Burmese army attacked Phuket (then called Thalang). The island's military governor had just died, and the Burmese thought it would be easy to take; Captain Francis Light, based around Penang, had sent the island a warning in advance. The governor's widow and her sister organised the islanders to defend the town and tricked the Burmese into overestimating its defences; after a month-long siege the Burmese withdrew on 13 March 1785. Rama I granted the two sisters the titles 'Thao Thep Kasattri' and 'Thao Si Sunthon'. Today Phuket's provincial seal shows their monument.
Source: Wikipedia: Phuket Province
Culture
Culture & customs
Background
Thailand's largest island, where the past wealth of the tin and rubber trades has settled into the Sino-Portuguese shophouses of Phuket Old Town; today it is a world-class resort island — the buzz of Patong, the calm of Karon, the limestone pinnacles of Phang Nga Bay and the diving paradise of the Similans. The incense of Wat Chalong and the gaze of the Big Buddha add a touch of Thai devotion to the island.
Local customs
- Casual dress is fine in beach resorts, but dress appropriately for temples and the old town
- tipping in Thailand is optional (THB 20–50 at restaurants or for massages is polite)
- be safe on water activities and follow instructors.
Religion & beliefs
- Mainly Theravada Buddhism
- Wat Chalong is Phuket's holiest temple, with the same worship etiquette as temples in Bangkok
- respect the customs of Muslim communities (such as some fishing villages).
Etiquette
Etiquette & taboos
Rules that apply here
Drones must be registered in Thailand
- Register with Thailand's National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC) within 30 days of arrival or purchase, even if you don't plan to fly
- Bringing in an unregistered drone
Fines of up to THB 100,000 or 5 years in prison, or both.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
E-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- Leave e-cigarettes, pods and e-liquids at home before you travel
- Carrying or using e-cigarettes, pods, e-liquids or heated-tobacco devices
Confiscation, fines (usually THB 5,000–30,000), detention and prosecution; no exceptions for tourists or personal use.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Never insult the Thai royal family
- Treat portraits of the royal family and related topics with respect and care
- Posting or sharing any criticism of, or jokes about, the royal family, online included
The lèse-majesté law is interpreted very broadly and can bring long prison sentences; it applies to past and present members of the royal family.
Verified Oct 19, 2026Source: GOV.UK: Thailand travel advice
Don’t DON'T
- Don't be disrespectful about the royal family (as everywhere in Thailand)
- e-cigarettes are completely illegal in Thailand
- don't sunbathe topless or nude on beaches
- don't touch coral or feed marine life
- wear a helmet on motorbikes (accidents are frequent).
Locals appreciate DO
- Phuket people appreciate visitors who love the sea and know how to relax
- trying tom yum goong and mango sticky rice and seeing a Simon Cabaret show or a Muay Thai fight are classic experiences.
Plan your visit
Practical info
| Best time | The November–April dry season is best (May–October is the rainy season with big waves) |
|---|
Travel tips
- The November–April dry season is best (May–October is the rainy season with big waves). Book island-hopping trips (Phi Phi, Racha) only through licensed travel agents
- the Similan Islands are open from October to May each year and must be booked ahead
- sun protection and waterproof bags are essential.
Eat nearby
What to eat nearby
Must-try
- Phuket prawn noodles / Hokkien mee
- Tom yum
- Seafood barbecue
Phuket prawn noodles / Hokkien mee (Phuket version), tom yum goong, seafood barbecue, Phuket pineapple fried rice, Nyonya pastries (Phuket Old Town)
| Where to eat | Restaurants on the old streets of Phuket Town / the weekend night market, the seafood street at Patong Beach (ask prices first), beach food stalls |
|---|---|
| Dining etiquette | Seafood is priced by weight — confirm the total including cooking; dress appropriately for temples; during the Buddhist vegetarian festival some shops serve only vegetarian food (เจ, 'jay') |
| Typical price per person | THB 300–600 ≈ CNY 60–120, more for seafood meals |
| Tips | Patong prices are double those in Phuket Town; the old-town night market is liveliest on Sundays. |
Prices are typical rates as of October 2026, not exact quotes; CNY equivalents are approximate where exchange rates fluctuate.
Sharon Hahn Darlin · CC BY 2.0
Photos
Photos
This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov. Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Zelenov in the immediate vicinity of the image. If you use one of my photos, please email me (account needed) or leave me a short message on my discussion page. It would be greatly appreciated. Do not copy this image illegally by ignoring the terms of the license below, as it is not in the public domain. If you would like special permission to use, license, or purchase the image please contact me to negotiate terms. · CC BY-SA 4.0
This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov. Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Zelenov in the immediate vicinity of the image. If you use one of my photos, please email me (account needed) or leave me a short message on my discussion page. It would be greatly appreciated. Do not copy this image illegally by ignoring the terms of the license below, as it is not in the public domain. If you would like special permission to use, license, or purchase the image please contact me to negotiate terms. · CC BY-SA 4.0
This photo was taken by Anton Zelenov. Please credit this with : Photo : Anton Zelenov in the immediate vicinity of the image. If you use one of my photos, please email me (account needed) or leave me a short message on my discussion page. It would be greatly appreciated. Do not copy this image illegally by ignoring the terms of the license below, as it is not in the public domain. If you would like special permission to use, license, or purchase the image please contact me to negotiate terms. · CC BY-SA 4.0
Sources & verification notes
UK Foreign Office: Thailand travel advice — local laws
Compiled from Tourism Authority of Thailand seasonal guides
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