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Phuket for the independent traveler

Phuket Island It is a perfect target for back abs, but not only. Since it is a very large and very touristic island, it has Plenty of attractions, activities related to water and the sea, as you can guess, and also a host of treats, which turn the stay there into a vacation of real magic!

Usually you arrive in Phuket for a few days, a week more or less, and from there you continue to other islands or to more distant destinations. At the same time, due to its peace and beauty as well as the variety of options, travelers and other vacationers choose to spend a longer period of time there and take advantage of everything it has. Phuket is a very friendly island for the independent traveler, and for this reason it is possible to see quite a few travelers, who come to it by boat or not as part of an organized trip. Those who plan to travel in this way will find that it is relatively easy and simple to organize a vacation on the island, provided, of course, that all needs are defined in advance.

Phuket for the independent traveler
Phuket for the independent traveler

Planning the trip to Phuket

Due to the size of the island and the weather there, it is very important, as part of planning the trip, to examine several parameters and also refer to the budget. Phuket has a variety of options and a wide range of prices. to the side Expensive and luxurious hotels You will find Cheap hostels And next to restaurants with "fancy" dishes you will find cheap and fast street food. The cheapest is to spend time on the beach, and those who have a high budget will also be able to combine countless water-related activities. You should define the style and nature of the vacation you are interested in and accordingly choose the proposed activities and attractions on or near the island.

The weather in Phuket It is, as mentioned, a very important point that must be taken into account. One of the outstanding advantages of Phuket is the fact that it is warm throughout the year, so those who want to escape the cold will find it the perfect shelter! At the same time, there are periods with rains and relatively high humidity, and with them dry periods. It is important to know this in advance in order to prepare accordingly and plan the vacation properly.

The typical weather of the island is tropical weather with monsoons in the wet season. The hottest months on the island are April, May, September and October. The rainiest months are also September and October, which means these two are less recommended to visit. But, and this is a big but, even when it rains on the island, these are short and focused periods of time. In the afternoon you can be "caught" by a strong flood for many minutes, but then the warm sun will come out and everything will be forgotten. If you want to come in the best season, December to March are the most recommended months to visit, with average temperatures ranging from 24 degrees to 32 degrees and very low humidity.

Don't forget travel insurance to Phuket!

Due to all these reasons, and many more of course - it is very important not to go on such a trip without Appropriate travel insurance. The abundance of activities offered by the island, which you will surely want to enjoy with peace of mind, require you to be properly covered in terms of insurance. Any problem that arises outside of Israel will need separate coverage from the one you have in Israel, and no one wants to start walking around a foreign country that speaks a language they don't know in order to understand where to go in case of need, let alone pay a fortune for it. Close the corner with travel insurance before the trip, and go on your vacation with peace of mind. 

 

SAii Laguna Phuket

Accommodation in Phuket

There is in Phuket A huge variety of accommodation solutions, for every budget and every style and type of vacation. The Thais are known for their warm welcome and Phuket has a great selection of luxurious and expensive hotels and resorts. In fact, you can spend your entire stay on the island in the hotel itself without leaving it at all. The hotel will provide you with everything you need for a vacation of a few days, including good meals, swimming pools, access to bathing beaches, spa treatments and much more. Some of Phuket's hotels are located near the beach, some even have a private beach. Some are rated at the level of 5 stars, which is known to be the top of the top, and others for less - four stars, Or three. There are also guesthouses mainly for backpackers and holiday apartments. If you plan to arrive at the height of the tourist season, and due to the high demand, you should make sure to book the accommodation in advance.

Here is an example of some of the recommended hotels in Phuket:

In the luxury hotel category - 5-star hotels, you will find the Diamond Cliff Resort & Spa, You Amari Phuket and you Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa.

in the 4 star hotel category, which offer on the one hand high quality and on the other hand a very fair price, you will find The Kee Resort & Spa, You Patong beach hotel and The Charm Resort Phuket.

in the 3 star hotel category, hotels that are not luxurious but good enough for a pleasant and pleasant vacation, you will find the Ibis Phuket Patong and you ETK Patong.

Beyond that, the list goes on and on and you can find, alongside these hotels, plenty of other options that will provide you with exactly what you need for your vacation. It is very useful to compare them and check which one meets all the needs.

Recommended 5 star hotels in Phuket

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The resort, located near the main attractions on the island, offers well-equipped accommodation units and a variety of facilities at affordable prices.
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A resort in a quiet location on the island, close to the main sites and offers luxury accommodations and a variety of services and facilities
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A luxury hotel located in a comfortable area of ​​the island in a spectacular natural spot whose guests will enjoy the villas, the services and the luxurious facilities
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A luxury apartment hotel in the north of the island that will give you a peaceful vacation, a tropical view and proximity to a variety of attractions and recreation sites in the area
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A resort 100 meters from the beach that offers a pampering spa, 2 pools and beautifully designed rooms

Recommended 4 star hotels in Phuket

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A modern hotel located in the heart of the beach, is near the popular attractions in the city and includes services and facilities at affordable prices
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A resort located on the beach and offering spacious accommodation units that are well equipped and located near popular sites in the city
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A hotel located in the lively heart of the city, suitable for a variety of tourists and enjoying a variety of services at affordable prices
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The hotel enjoys a convenient location on the island near the main attractions and offers services and recreational facilities at affordable prices
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A resort in a convenient location on the island near the beach, has spacious accommodation units and offers many recreational facilities and excellent services

Recommended 3 star hotels in Phuket

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A 3-star hotel in the Kamala area, located 350 m from Kamala Beach. Price range: 99 NIS - 256 NIS per night. recommended!
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A 3-star hotel in the Talat Yai area, located 0.3 km from Bang New Temple in Phuket. Price range: 112 - 178 per night. recommended!
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A small and luxurious boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, close to a variety of attractions in the area, and will provide you with a peaceful vacation and a variety of services
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The hotel is next to the spectacular Kata beach and will be used by a variety of tourists, close to many sites in the area and enjoys various services and comfortable rooms
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An excellent 3-star hotel for those interested in a relaxed stay, not far from the lively part of Patong Beach.

Transportation and orientation in Phuket

Getting around the island is very convenient for the traveler, although most of them use their feet and usually stay, more or less, in the same area or in the places next to the accommodation where they are staying. For those who still want to take advantage of their vacation on the island and get to know it a little more deeply, there are several options: tuktuks, which are considered a very common transportation solution, but one that is mainly suitable for short trips, taxis, of course, which are much more convenient to travel in, local buses (open buses) and the buses that make it difficult between the airport and the various hotels, which are good for those landing or taking off from the island.

Transportation in Phuket

Recommended itineraries in Phuket

With an area of ​​over 500 square kilometers, it's no wonder Phuket is a perfect destination for a vacation that's not just a "backpack" vacation. The amazing beaches With its turquoise waters, as well as its rainforests and charming tropical landscapes, Phuket becomes a wonderful tourist attraction for a few days, or more, one that offers a wide selection of options: pampering and pleasant hotels, challenging sports and water activities, and some itineraries that are not to be missed .

Although it is a relatively large island, it is easy to get around and those who want (highly recommended) can hire a private driver to set off. Another option is to rent an off-road jeep and enjoy complete independence while exploring the length and breadth of the island. Either way, there are several day trip options and short itineraries that include stops along the gorgeous beaches. Charming bays that you will find while driving near the coast are definitely an opportunity to stop for refreshment. Some of the most prominent and beautiful of them are: Ban Karon, Ban Kata-Yai, Ban Patong and also Ban Kata-Noi, where you can even go swimming or diving.

This coastal road that will bring you together with the beautiful coves continues to several special observation points, which are recommended not to be missed. The first of them, which is located right in the southwestern part of Phuket is The beach Leam Phrom Thep. Above it is an impressive observation deck and also a small decorated temple - a perfect place to watch the sunset. And if sunsets do that to you, Ban Rawai Beach It is another place worth stopping by, especially if you come to it in the afternoon, when the fishermen of the area go out to bring the loot they have collected.

On the way you will pass Phuket City, which in itself is less interesting and justifies a stop and from there continue in that direction Bang Pae Reserve. Another reserve and perhaps one of the more recommended stopping points in Phuket is Khao Phra Thaeo Nature Reserve. This is a very ancient nature reserve, which offers easy walking routes that pass between the trees. You will also meet a waterfall, and if you want to go on a more challenging three-hour route, you can meet A group of magnificent waterfalls - Ton Sai.

If you are staying in Phuket City and are looking for a one-day itinerary that combines stops at several interesting attractions, here is an idea for some special stopping points. The first of which is The Pearl Factory in Naga, which shows you up close how pearls are grown, which are part of one of the most prominent and important industries in all of Asia. Another place near Phuket City is The Butterfly Garden and Aquarium (Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World) There you can see beautiful butterflies of different sizes and colors, flying freely in nature. And if marine animals interest you, don't miss the Phuket Aquarium and Biological Center (Phuket Aquarium), which is a habitat for a huge variety of different marine animals.

Recommended places to see and attractions in Phuket

The number of recommended places to visit, as well as the attractions, is large, and it is likely that you will not have enough time to see everything in a short or even longer visit. But, if you are coming for a few days, you should combine, in addition to a belly-back, a stop at various points of interest, which add quite a bit to the vacation.

The beaches of Phuket They are, as mentioned, an attraction in itself. Kate Beach He is among the most beautiful of them. Its clear water and the excellent surfing conditions it offers attract crowds, this along with its soft sand and beautiful turquoise water. Freedom Beach It is another beach in Phuket that you should not miss, and it is located in a small bay, which adds quite a bit to its special atmosphere. also Ya Nui beach It is located in a bay, and fans of snorkeling, fishing and also the various water activities will find it a great place to spend time. Those who seek luxury, Surin Beach is the correct address. Along it are some of the luxurious and luxurious resorts of Phuket, as well as the homes of the famous and rich.

For those who have exhausted the beaches and the sea, a few more points of interest are offered. One of the most well-known of them is Big Buddha, which rises to a height of 45 meters. Upon arrival there you can also enjoy a spectacular view of the entire island, a lovely panoramic view. For those who want to leave the island for a short trip, Similan Islands They are definitely not a bad option. You can reach them as part of organized cruises, between the months of October and May.

To get to know a little of the local culture, it is recommended not to miss the The old town of Phuket, with its special buildings, the galleries as well as the museums. Buddhist temple Wat Chalong is another recommended stopping point, and it is located in Chalong Bay (hence the name of the temple).

Good to know: There are quite a few tourism and travel companies on the island that will be happy to be at your disposal and offer you tours and trips on the island and beyond. You should conduct a market survey, examine the various options they offer and compare.

Food

If food is an integral part of your vacation, Phuket is definitely the right place to spend time. There are restaurants throughout the island that suit every taste and every palate and their cuisines are very diverse. You will find throughout the island, as requested, restaurants that focus on in the traditional local cuisine, great Asian cuisine, and also restaurants with western dishes familiar to us. Quite a few hotels and resorts around the island have good restaurants to eat at with fine wines and of course also Street stalls with fast and good dishes, which will expose you to the finest local flavors. Due to the location of the island, Phuket is known for its seafood restaurants, restaurants that offer good dishes at very reasonable prices.

Nightlife in Phuket

Phuket's nightlife is part of the vacation and its reputation as a party island is known worldwide. As one that attracts tourists from many countries, and quite a few young people, Phuket offers a very large number of bars, clubs, live performances and, in general, a night life scene that does not put even well-known capital cities to shame. Many young people flock to Phuket to take part in parties and spend the evening in its clubs. While almost everywhere on the island you will find a bar or party, the place to hang out after dark is Bangla Road Shabpatong, a long street that comes to life late at night and attracts crowds.

Credit: Максим Улитин – (CC BY 3.0)

unequivocally yes. Phuket offers plenty of attractions and options that are suitable for everyone - even for those who travel by themselves.

Phuket is full of entertainment areas full of bars, clubs, night markets and more. Patong Beach area and Bangla Road are the recommended areas to hang out.

The hotels in Phuket range over a very wide range of prices and service levels. On the Simple Thailand website you will find the list of the best places, including details about each hotel and the possibility of quick booking.

Phuket is the largest of the Thai islands, but compared to other places it is not very large, so getting around from place to place is not complicated. You can read on the website about all the options for getting around Phuket.

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