Phuket City Guide

Local specialties include Tom Yum Goong, Pad Thai, Massaman Curry, and seafood. Plenty of international options and growing vegan/vegetarian choices. Late-night street food is common, especially in Patong.

Nightlife ranges from busy bars and clubs on Bangla Road to relaxed beach clubs and live music. Options suit many tastes.

Growing scene with many specialty cafes and local roasters. Thai iced coffee is popular.

Tipping is optional but common in tourist areas. About 5-10% in restaurants; small tips for taxis and spas appreciated.

SIM cards are easy to buy at the airport or official stores (AIS, TrueMove H, dtac). Passport needed for registration. eSIMs available with some providers.

Cleanliness varies by area; tourist centers are tidy but some local spots have litter. Waste collection is regular.

Convenience stores like 7-Eleven are open 24/7. Night clinics limited but hospitals have 24-hour emergency. Late-night food stalls common in tourist areas.

Major supermarkets carry international products. Fresh markets offer local produce and seafood. Shops open 9 AM to 10 PM, including weekends. Bargaining is for markets only.

Cards work in hotels, big restaurants, and shops. Cash is needed for street food, markets, small shops, and some taxis. Mobile payments like PromptPay are popular with locals.

ATMs are easy to find at airports, malls, and convenience stores. Fees of about 220 THB per international withdrawal are common, so withdraw larger amounts to save on fees.

International schools teach mainly in English with some Thai. Apply early due to waitlists.

Active community with frequent meetups, co-living spaces, and online groups. Co-working spaces serve as hubs for networking.

Accessible parks like Saphan Hin offer green space but shaded paths are limited. Good for running and walking.

Beach roads and parks provide running routes. Generally safe but watch for traffic on busy roads.

Gyms and martial arts training centers are widely available, including Muay Thai and MMA.

Tennis courts are available at hotels and clubs with booking and coaching options.

Padel courts are emerging but still limited.

Many yoga studios offer a range of styles and wellness retreats. English-speaking instructors are common.

Phuket is a Muay Thai hub with many gyms offering classes in Muay Thai, BJJ, MMA, and boxing. English instruction available.

No skiing as it is a tropical island.

Kayaking, paddleboarding, and sailing are popular with rentals and tours available. Best during dry season for calm waters.

Surfing spots on the west coast are accessible. Kata Beach suits beginners; Kalim Beach has advanced reef breaks. Best waves May to October.

Excellent dive sites around Phuket and nearby islands. Clear waters from November to April. Many dive schools and gear rentals available.

Private hospitals offer high-quality care with English-speaking staff. Public hospitals are cheaper but busier and less English-friendly. Pharmacies are common and well-stocked.

Tap water is not safe to drink directly. Bottled water is cheap and widely available; many places provide free bottled water.

Playgrounds and kid-friendly cafes are common. Baby supplies are easy to find. Attractions include water parks, aquarium, and animal sanctuaries.

Generally tolerant, especially in tourist areas like Patong. Safe spaces and events exist, but discretion advised in conservative areas.

Pet policies vary, with some pet-friendly places and vet clinics. Limited dedicated pet parks. Import rules are strict.