Phi Phi Islands
Turquoise bays, Maya Bay and snorkelling. The classic day trip from Phuket.
Day trip · optional extra
Phuket, Thailand
Phuket: beaches, islands and our home base
Thailand's biggest island and the heart of nearly every trip we plan. Our operations team lives here, and so do the hotels, drivers and boat operators we trust.
Phuket is Thailand's largest island, on the Andaman Sea in the south of the country. It's the best base for beaches and island trips: Phi Phi, James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay are all day trips away. We recommend at least 8 nights. Thai Journey's own operations team is based in Phuket, so you have local support for your whole stay.
Phuket facts
Phuket at a glance
- How long
- 8 nights or moreEnough for beaches, two or three island trips and some slow days
- Best time
- November to AprilMay to October is greener and cheaper, with showers and rougher seas
- Getting there
- Direct or one stopDirect from Ben Gurion when flights run, or via Abu Dhabi or Dubai
- Best for
- Families, couples, first-timersThere's an area for every kind of trip
- Halal food
- Easy to findEspecially around Patong and Phuket Town
- Next stops
- Krabi or BangkokKrabi is about 3 hours by road; Bangkok about 1h20 by air
Where to stay
Choosing your area in Phuket
Phuket is bigger than people expect, so the area you stay in shapes your trip. We'll suggest the right one.
Lively and central
Patong
Phuket's busiest beach, with shopping at Jungceylon, restaurants, markets and nightlife all within walking distance.
Families
Kata and Karon
Wide, calmer beaches with a relaxed feel, still close enough to Patong for an evening out.
Quiet and upscale
Kamala and Surin
Smaller bays, villas and resorts. A favourite with couples and honeymooners.
Culture and food
Phuket Town
Colourful old streets, cafés and local food. Best for a half-day visit rather than a base.
What to do
The best of Phuket
Beach days are the point of Phuket, but these are the experiences our customers talk about afterwards.
James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay
Limestone towers rising out of green water, explored by speedboat and canoe.
Day trip · optional extra
Big Buddha
A 45-metre white marble Buddha on a hilltop, with views over Chalong Bay and the south of the island.
Old Phuket Town
Pastel shophouses, street art, cafés and the Sunday evening walking street market.
The beaches
Patong for energy, Kata and Karon for families, Kamala and Surin for quiet.
Viewpoints and sunsets
Karon Viewpoint by day and Promthep Cape at sunset are worth the drive.
Halal in Phuket
Halal food and mosques in Phuket
Phuket has a long-established Muslim community, with mosques around the island and many halal restaurants, especially around Patong and Phuket Town. Look for the green Thai halal logo, or ask your Arabic-speaking rep for places near your hotel.
Packages with Phuket
Every Thailand package starts here
Phuket is part of all four of our Thailand packages.
Phuket · Krabi · Bangkok
Phuket, Krabi & Bangkok
Our most balanced route and the one customers love most: beach, islands and city.
Phuket
Phuket Holiday
One island, one hotel, no rushing. A favourite with families and first-timers.
Bangkok · Phuket
Bangkok & Phuket
The city and the sea: three nights of temples and shopping, then eight on the beach.
Phuket · Krabi on request
Thailand Honeymoon
A private pool villa, a luxury sea-view hotel and private transfers, planned around you.
What you get
Included in every Thailand package
Included
- Return flightsFrom Ben Gurion, or from Amman when it's cheaper or more convenient
- Hotels we contract directlyChosen for your budget, your style and who you're travelling with
- Transfers and travel between citiesAirport pick-ups and every move between cities, arranged by us
- Thai SIM cardYou're online from the moment you land
- Arabic-speaking repMeets you at the airport, looks after your transfers and stays reachable for the whole trip
- 24/7 support from our Phuket teamReal people on the ground, not a call centre
Optional extras
- Island trips and day toursPhi Phi, James Bond Island, Krabi's islands, city tours and more. Paid separately, at discounted rates, because we contract the local operators directly.
Every trip is priced in shekels for your dates, hotels and group. Pay at our office by cash, bank transfer or credit card, in up to 12 instalments.
FAQ
Questions we get asked a lot
How many nights should we spend in Phuket?
At least 8. That gives you time for the beach, two or three island trips and a few slow days. If you're adding Krabi or Bangkok, keep Phuket at 8 nights and add the other stops on top.
Where should families stay in Phuket?
Kata and Karon are our usual choice for families: wide beaches, calmer water in season and a relaxed feel. Patong suits families who want shopping and restaurants on the doorstep.
Is Phuket good in the rainy season?
Yes, with the right expectations. From May to October showers are common but often short, the sea on the west coast is rougher, and some boat trips can be cancelled for safety. Hotels are cheaper and the island is quieter.
Are island trips included in the Phuket package?
No. Trips like Phi Phi and James Bond Island are optional extras. We book them for you at discounted rates because we contract the operators directly.
Is there halal food in Phuket?
Yes. Phuket has a large Muslim community and halal restaurants are easy to find, especially around Patong and Phuket Town.
Phuket is waiting
Tell us your dates and how many are travelling. We'll suggest the right area and hotel and send a quote in shekels.
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