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Phuket – a brief overview
Thailand’s best-known island destination remains one of the world’s finest places to kick back on the beach, indulge in first-rate watersports or party until the sun comes up. The weather is almost always faultless, even during the rainy season from May to October. So much more than its resorts, hotels and bars, this is a place to explore and discover new things about Thai and ethnic culture, as well as a great jumping-off point for seeing more remote islands.
Don some sunscreen and get ready for a summery adventure in one of Thailand’s beach paradises.
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Top 10 sights in Phuket

Shrine of the Serene Light
Phuket
Thailand
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Hidden away in the backstreets of Phuket Old Town, the Shrine of the Serene Light is one of the area’s most underrated sights. It’s a Taoist temple with plenty of Chinese influence, and there’s always incense burning and fresh flowers on the altar.
Big Buddha
Phuket
Thailand
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Opening times:
Daily 0800-1930
This 21st-century alabaster Buddha stands at 45m tall and towers over Phuket on a hill between Chalong and Kata. Head here to marvel at its sheer scale and enjoy some of the best views on the entire island.
Phang Nga Bay
Phuket
Thailand
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Take a tour to the towering limestone cliffs and stacks of Phang Nga Bay. This striking place has beautiful beaches, mangroves and even some small islands where you can stay. Ko Tapu, also known as James Bond Island after it starred in The Man With The Golden Gun, is one of the bay’s most beautiful spots.
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park
Thalang District
Phuket 83110
Thailand
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Home to Phuket’s last remaining virgin rainforest, this beautiful park is ideal for wildlife lovers and those looking for a day away from the beach. Hire a guide and keep an eye out for some rare species.
Sirinat Marine National Park
Phuket
Thailand
Tel: +66 7632 8226
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This marine national park is stunning. Visitors can stay here in simple, government-owned accommodation and explore the gorgeous mangrove forests and saltwater swamps. Nature trails and well-marked paths make it easy to explore.
Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre
83110 Phuket
Thailand
Tel: +66 7626 0491
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Opening times:
Daily 0900-1600
In the east of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, this centre aims to rehabilitate and reintroduce pet gibbons into the wild. The focus is on educating people about the abuse of these beautiful animals, as well as giving them a chance to see them up close.
Racha Yai diving
Phuket
Thailand
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Phuket’s best-known diving spot. Coral forests and rocky reefs make this great for first timers, as well as those who’d rather snorkel. Be careful choosing an operator for diving tours. Make sure guides are PADI accredited and check equipment before diving. Super Divers are one of Phuket’s best.
Old Phuket Town
Taladyai, Muang
Phuket
Talat Yai
Mueang Phuket District
Thailand
Tel: +66 7632 8226
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Colonial architecture, sleepy backstreets and great restaurants make Old Phuket Town well worth exploring. The area is much quieter than the chaos of Patong, with its bars and clubs, and offers a fascinating insight into the Chinese and Portuguese influence on the island.
Jui Tui Shrine
Phuket
Thailand
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Opening times:
Daily 0800-2030
Another Old Town gem, Jui Tui shrine is a Chinese temple that comes alive during the island’s vegetarian festival in late September and early October. Colourful and bright, this temple attracts locals celebrating birthdays, weddings and everything in between.
Wat Chalong
Phuket
Thailand
Tel: +66 7628 0343
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Opening times:
Daily 0700-1700
Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple. Its towering spires can be seen for miles, while its peaceful halls are the place to come if you’re looking to ease off a heavy evening’s excess in one of the island’s many nightlife spots.
Flight and accommodation
Country Information
Country overview
The jewel of the Southeast Asian travel circuit, Thailand offers astonishing diversity and a truly fascinating and accessible culture that, along with the revered Thai hospitality, makes it an incredibly popular destination. With an enticing mixture of established destinations such as Phuket, and out-of-the-way palm-fringed islands, Thailand has a very exotic appeal.
It caters for grungy backpacking types wanting to party into the wee hours through to those who prefer white tablecloth dining and clinking wine glasses. From staying on a converted rice barge, clambering into a jungle tree house or bedding down in a hill tribe village, the country offers a wealth of choice for all tastes and budgets.
Geography
Thailand is bordered to the west by Myanmar and the Indian Ocean, to the south and east by Malaysia and the Gulf of Thailand, to the east by Cambodia, and to the north and east by Laos.
Central Thailand is dominated by the Chao Phraya River.
General Information
Key facts
Population: 67,2 million (estimate 2019)
Capital: Bangkok (Krung Thep).
Language
Thai is the official language. English is widely spoken, especially in establishments catering for tourists.
Currency
Baht (THB; symbol ฿) = 100 satang. Notes are in denominations of ฿1,000, 500, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of ฿10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1 satang.
Electricity
220 volts AC, 50Hz. Flat and round two-pin plugs are used.
Public holidays
Listed below are the public holidays for the period January 2020 to December 2021.
Note
Buddhist festivals are declared according to local astronomical observations and it is not possible to forecast the date of their occurrence exactly.
2020
Wan Khuen Pi Mai (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2020
Wan Chakri (Chakri Day): 6 April 2020
Songkran (Thai New Year): 13 to 15 April 2020
Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat (Labour Day): 1 May 2020
King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation (National holiday): 4 May 2020
Wisakha Bucha: 18 May 2020
Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s birthday: 3 June 2020
Asanha Bucha: 26 July 2020
Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun Birthday (HM The King’s Birthday): 28 July 2020
Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Somdet Phranang Chao Phra Boromma Rachininat (H.M. Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother’s Birthday): 12 August 2020
Wan Piyamaharat (Chulalongkorn Day): 23 October 2020
Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Phrabat Somdet Phra Chao Yuhua (Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday): 5 December 2020
Wan Rattha Thammanun (Constitution Day): 10 December 2020
Wan Sin Pi (New Year’s Eve): 31 December 2020
2021
Wan Khuen Pi Mai (New Year’s Day): 1 January 2021
Wan Chakri (Chakri Day): 6 April 2021
Songkran (Thai New Year): 13 to 15 April 2021
Wan Raeng Ngan Haeng Chat (Labour Day): 1 May 2021
King Maha Vajiralongkorn’s coronation (National holiday): 4 May 2021
Wisakha Bucha: 18 May 2021
Her Majesty Queen Suthida’s birthday: 3 June 2021
Asanha Bucha: 26 July 2021
Maha Vajiralongkorn Bodindradebayavarangkun Birthday (HM The King’s Birthday): 28 July 2021
Wan Piyamaharat (Chulalongkorn Day): 23 October 2021
Wan Chaloem Phra Chonmaphansa Phrabat Somdet Phra Chao Yuhua (Bhumibol Adulyadej’s Birthday): 5 December 2021
Wan Rattha Thammanun (Constitution Day): 10 December 2021
Wan Sin Pi (New Year’s Eve): 31 December 2021
All information subject to change.
Flight and accommodation
Nightlife in Phuket
Nightlife is arguably what Phuket is all about.
From down-and-dirty bars and clubs in Patong to fancier joints found in the island’s 5-star resorts and hotels, there’s something to keep everyone entertained once night falls.
Joe’s Downstairs
Patong
Phuket
Thailand
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Relaxed, upmarket and serving mean cocktails, Joe’s is perfect for an evening of kicking back.
Soi Easy
Patong
Phuket
Thailand
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Loud, brash and often boozy, this complex is close to the beach and has a massive 25 bars to choose from.
Baya Beach Nightclub
Kathu
Phuket, 83150
Thailand
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One of Phuket’s original nightspots (and definitely one for younger revellers), this place is jumping every evening.
Gossip Boutiq Supperclub
Patong, Kathu
Phuket
Thailand
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Opened in late 2013 and achingly hip, this place is a tad classier than most other beachside clubs.
After Beach Bar
83100 Phuket
Thailand
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Just as the name says – head here for sundowners and a chilled vibe.
Flight and accommodation
Restaurants in Phuket
Phuket has some of Thailand’s best seafood thanks to its location right on the water.
Those tiring of rice, noodles and curries can find some excellent international alternatives thanks to the island’s global reputation as a holiday hotspot.
Breeze at Cape Yamu
Phuket 83110
Thailand
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Price: Expensive
One of Phuket’s hottest fine dining restaurants, with a constantly changing menu focusing on fresh seafood.
Boathouse Wine & Grill
Kata Beach
83100 Phuket
Thailand
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Price: Expensive
French and Asian dishes are served in this boutique hotel’s highly rated restaurant.
Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Kata Noi Beach
Phuket 83100
Thailand
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Price: Expensive
Come here for fancy takes on Thai and Western classics, right on Kata Beach.
Raya
Talat Yai
Phuket 83000
Thailand
Tel: +66 7632 8226
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Price: Moderate
Set in a colonial building in Phuket Old Town, Raya is one of the best places for traditional Thai food on the island.
Kamala Beach
Phuket
Thailand
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Price: Cheap
Great for cheap eats and plentiful options without having to leave the sand behind.
Flight and accommodation
Calendar of events
Wat Chalong Fair
February 2020
Venue: Wat Chalong, Chaofa West Road
Roughly coinciding with Chinese New Year, this vibrant week-long fair sprawls across the grounds of Wat Chalong temple. Hundreds of food stalls sell enticing Thai curries (and fried insect snacks for the daring), while flashing, whirring rides challenge you to keep your meal down.
Chinese New Year
Held simultaneously with the Old Town Phuket Festival, the island’s Chinese New Year celebrations last for a couple of weeks and are crammed with dragon dances, traditional food, colourful processions, banging firecrackers and art displays. Shops and houses are adorned with red decorations to bring good luck.
Thao Thepkasattri-Thao Sri Suntorn Festival
An open-air dramatic show depicting the history of Phuket is the centrepiece of this two-week festival, which commemorates the defeat of the Burmese army by a force led by sisters Thao Thepkasattri and Thao Sri Suntorn. Other events include bike races and takraw (kick volleyball) matches.
Songkran Festival
Thais go wild with water chucking during this three-day festival marking the beginning of the solar calendar. Armed with water pistols and buckets (often loaded into pick-up trucks), kids and adults alike drench anyone in their sights – police officers are a favourite target. Be prepared for a soaking!
Por Tor Festival
Meaning ‘hungry ghost’, Por Tor is a significant festival for Phuket’s Chinese population, who make offerings to spirits, the most popular being a large red turtle cake. The biggest festivities take place at Phuket Town’s Ranong Road market, where traditional ceremonies, musical performances and lion dances draw huge crowds.
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
Firewalking and self-mutilation are among the shocking spectacles seen at this festival. Phuket’s Chinese community abstains from meat during the ninth lunar month and believes those carrying out such acts are protected from harm. Gruesome sights aside, there are lively street processions and veggie food stalls galore.
Loy Krathong
Flickering lights glimmer across rivers, lakes and the sea during Thailand’s festival of lights. Thousands of krathongs, small baskets decorated in flowers, are launched into the water after dark with candles to illuminate them. If the krathong floats away, it’s believed to bring good luck in the year ahead.
All information subject to change. Please check the dates on the relevant event organizer’s website.
Flight and accommodation
Hotels in Phuket
Beachside flophouses, 5-star luxury and plenty in between. Whether you’re looking to spend up a storm or keep costs down, Phuket has got what you want.
As with Bangkok, even the fanciest rooms come in at affordable prices.
The Bliss South Beah Patong
Patong
83150 Phuket
Thailand
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Category: Expensive
A fancy boutique joint right on Patong beach. Beautiful rooms with sea views.
Marriott’s Phuket Beach Club
Maikhao Talang
Phuket City 83110
Thailand
Tel: +66 7626 0491
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Category: Expensive
Not like your usual Marriott – this place comes with a palm-lined pool, swish apartment-style rooms and Thai décor.
B-Lay Tong Phuket
Patong
83150 Phuket
Thailand
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Category: Moderate
Fancy, Feng Shui-led rooms, a gorgeous pool and easy access to the beach.
Metropole Hotel
83000 Phuket
Thailand
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Category: Cheap
Great rooms, an excellent pool and sweeping views: 4-star style on a shoestring.
Flight and accommodation
Paradise found: Best of Thailand

Teeming with people, Thailand is a country that buzzes and booms. Over 30 million tourists visit Thailand each year, and the trend is rising.
Our reporter went in search of Siam’s treasures – and found them off the beaten tourist track.
Ko Yao Noi
Phang-nga, Thailand
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Hippies head east to Ko Phangan, the party island in the Gulf of Thailand, and complain about the parties. In the west, there’s the tourist hell hole Phuket, and next to it Ko Yao Noi (“small, long island”), a getaway for stars like Angelina Jolie, Beyoncé and Cristiano Ronaldo, and famous for its unspoilt beaches. The islanders earn their living with coconuts and rubber plants. The food here is really good, for example at the „Je T’aime“, a French/Thai fusion restaurant. Neighboring Ko Yao Yai (big, long island) is even more peaceful and enchanting.
Tab Tim Grob
Thai cuisine has a reputation for variety, and yet most visitors stick to either phat thai (stirfry noodles) or khao phat (fried rice). That’s a great shame because the country has a dish many tourists have never heard of: tab tim grob, a sweet dish of water chestnuts served in young coconut milk with red tapioca pearls and crushed ice. It’s one of those dishes that, once tasted, becomes a firm favourite. It’s such a delicious and refreshing treat, especially in humid Thailand, that it’s also easy to convince yourself that it is somehow healthy. Restaurants don’t always include it on the menu, but it’s definitely worth asking if they serve it.
Ko Phayam
Ranong
Thailand
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If the authentic hippie Thailand is what you’re after, go to Ko Phayam (preferably via Ranong). It’s a small island roughly 35 kilometers off the northwest coast of Thailand and still one of the few remaining idylls on earth, with sandy beaches that stretch for miles, bamboo cabins and devoted sunworshippers. It’s one of those islands, where people spend the evening eating, drinking and talking between palmtrees and weird timber structures like the Hippie Bar. Minor downside: overcrowded ferries make for an uneasy crossing.
Chanthaburi
Chang Wat Chanthaburi
22000 Thailand
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Located close to the Cambodian border, the provincial capital is largely ignored by tourists, or at best used as a stopover. Their loss! Chanthaburi has all that is quintessentially Thai. Religious differences are amiably set aside, and Christians (there is an imposing replica of Paris’ Notre-Dame here), Buddhists and Muslims live together in harmony – so there’s always some feast to celebrate. Just 20 kilometers from the ocean and with so few tourists, it’s hardly surprising that Chanthaburi – and not an island – is where some of Thailand’s loveliest undiscovered beaches are found. The city lives off its exports of fruit and precious stones, has mines to visit, malodorously tasty durians to sample, dense jungle to explore and Buddhist holy sites to see. Its tourism infrastructure is geared almost exclusively to Thai visitors; prices have barely changed in 20 years. Chanthaburi is Thailand’s last insider tip.
Bangkok Vanguards
Hiranruchi, Thon Buri
Bangkok 10600
Thailand
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It is easy to lose your way in the capital, so it’s a good idea to hire a guide. As most city guides show tourists only what they want to see, a specialist is the answer, someone like Michael Biedassek, who is half-Thai, half-German. “I came here to find my Thai roots,” he says. He ended up staying. Finding the city hard to navigate, he began making maps as a teenager. Later, he started offering visitors bicycle tours of the “real” Bangkok. His most popular tour is the Bangkok Three-sixty, which takes visitors by bicycle, boat and local buses to see the sights people generally overlook: a tiny icecream parlor or the fabulous home of a once wealthy Chinese family with a huge swimming pool. Small groups and one enthusiastic guide – that’s all it takes to feel at home in possibly the most confusing city in the world.
See the country by car or taxi?
Judging by the chaos on Bangkok’s streets, driving in Thailand is stressful. But outside the city of eight million, the traffic (people drive on the left) is moderate. The most popular tourist destinations are: Chiang Mai in the north, Pattaya in the center, Phuket in the south, and the islands in the Gulf, but there’s an entire country crying out to be explored in between. Rent a car and drive south on the good asphalt road network. Great places along the way are Khao Sok National Park with its impressive reservoir and floating cabins (with beds for visitors) and the beaches south of Ranong. Not keen to take to the wheel? Then hire a taxi. The official price list (back of driver’s seat) puts the 700-kilometer trip at roughly 120 euros.
Homestay
People rave about friendly hosts in Thailand, but often they are just talking about friendly hoteliers and attentive restaurant owners. Thailand has a long tradition of homestays and there are plenty of offers around, so you don’t have to wait for invitations to find out what life is really like there. Perceptive visitors will soon notice even local differences. The amazing thing is that most homestay hosts – fishing families in the south, farmers in the north, middle-class people at the heart of the country – aren’t so much interested in financial gain as in getting to know their guests. It’s this genuine Asian hospitality that makes their home yours for a while.
Doi Inthanon
Changphuak
Muang Chiang mai
Thailand
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The country’s tallest peak at 2565 meters, Doi Inthanon is high in the north of Thailand. Making your way up it is far more satisfying than being at the top, though. Motorcycles can be rented in the town of Chiang Mai, which is a good starting point for an exhilarating ride through deserted streets, dense jungle and villages untouched by time in a country that seems all but unchanged. Your trip through the mountains brings you to the virtually tourism-free heart of Thailand. If you have time, take a tour of the Golden Triangle via Laos and Myanmar down to the mountain 100 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai. Doing the tour on foot takes six days and is as good as a detox – promise!
Take to the tracks
Bangkok train station, 6pm; experience a truly Asian moment when everyone pauses as a mark of respect for their country and their beloved king. Except for the package-deal tourist groups, the journey itself is the attraction. Thailand’s three-class trains are special – shabby on the outside, clean and comfortable on the inside. Third class is loud and lively, and second class offers real beds, but if you want some peace on the 12-hour trip north or south, it’s best to book a private first-class compartment. Don’t bring food, make the most of the legendary dining cars with their singing ladyboys serving chicken with cashews. For the ultimate train ride, take the Eastern Oriental and enjoy breathtaking colonial luxury – all the way from Bangkok to Singapore.
Ko Nok
Phang-nga
Thailand
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This is it – paradise. No, truly it is! There is absolutely nothing here but a broad sandy beach, a small area for campfires and a bamboo-covered hill. The island is just about the size of a noi (see tip 1) and perfect for a night spent far from the madding crowd, like Robinson Crusoe. Ask for Mr. Bean on Ko Yao Noi. He will help you to cross to the island, to build yourself a Thai minihouse, to fish and to lead the life we all secretly long for: a simple, decelerated life without distractions and with achievable goals – amid the most beautiful natural scenery in Phang Nga Bay.
Flight and accommodation
Best time to visit
Today: Friday, 15.01.2021 07:00 UTC

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Climate & best time to visit Thailand
The weather in Thailand is generally very hot, particularly between March and May. The monsoon season runs from June to October, when the climate is still hot and humid with torrential rains. The best time for travelling is November to February (cool season), although the southern islands are best from June to September.
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absolute max | absolute min | Ø absolute max | Ø absolute min | relative humidity | Ø precipitation | days with deposit > 1mm | sunshine duration | |
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Jan | 34 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 23 °C | 70 % | 30 mm | 3 | 9.2 h |
Feb | 36 °C | 16 °C | 32 °C | 23 °C | 68 % | 21 mm | 2 | 9.6 h |
Mar | 36 °C | 20 °C | 33 °C | 24 °C | 69 % | 49 mm | 4 | 9.1 h |
Apr | 37 °C | 20 °C | 33 °C | 24 °C | 73 % | 122 mm | 9 | 8.3 h |
May | 35 °C | 21 °C | 32 °C | 24 °C | 80 % | 319 mm | 19 | 6.1 h |
Jun | 34 °C | 21 °C | 31 °C | 24 °C | 79 % | 269 mm | 17 | 4.7 h |
Jul | 35 °C | 19 °C | 31 °C | 24 °C | 79 % | 291 mm | 17 | 5.6 h |
Aug | 34 °C | 20 °C | 31 °C | 24 °C | 78 % | 273 mm | 17 | 5.6 h |
Sep | 35 °C | 21 °C | 30 °C | 23 °C | 78 % | 399 mm | 21 | 4.8 h |
Oct | 34 °C | 20 °C | 30 °C | 23 °C | 81 % | 310 mm | 20 | 5.8 h |
Nov | 34 °C | 19 °C | 31 °C | 23 °C | 79 % | 176 mm | 13 | 6.6 h |
Dec | 34 °C | 17 °C | 31 °C | 23 °C | 74 % | 59 mm | 6 | 7.9 h |
year | 36 °C | 16 °C | 31 °C | 24 °C | 76 % | 2318 mm | 148 | 6.9 h |
Flight and accommodation
Phone calls & Internet
Telephone/Mobile Telephone
Dialing Code: +66
Telephone
Roaming charges make phone calls with foreign providers’ SIM cards pretty expensive in Thailand. The far cheaper option is to buy a SIM card from a Thai mobile telephony and mobile Internet provider, such as Advanced Info Service (ais.co.th) and True Move (truemoveh.truecorp.co.th), for example. SIM cards can be ordered online from these and other providers in advance or purchased at the airport.
Internet
There are plenty of internet cafés, some even found in remote areas visited by tourists. Free Internet access via Wi-Fi is possible in many busy tourist spots. When using public Wi-Fi networks, it is a wise precaution to ensure encryption of all passwords, credit card details and banking TANs entered. Use of a VPN app or security software to check the safety of a hotspot is recommended.
Flight and accommodation
Shopping in Phuket
Key Areas
With a huge influx of tourists, shopping has boomed in Phuket. The Old Town remains one of the best places to pick up local handicrafts, while Patong is teeming with places selling cheap clothes and souvenirs. Some major resorts even have their own shopping centres.
Markets
Karon Bazaar (Karon Beach) is a great covered market selling all the usual suspects: cheap knock-off bags and clothes and local treasures abound. Phuket Weekend Market (Chao Fa West Road) is a bit more lively, with great vintage clothes and some superb food stalls to keep your energy up.
Shopping Centres
Malls are everywhere in Phuket. The Jungceylon shopping centre (Rat-u-thit 200 Pee Road) dominates Patong, with high-end global brands, a massive department store and even a cinema. Also check out Central Festival, on the Bypass Road just outside Phuket Town. On the ground floor, Jim Thompson, named after the American silk entrepreneur, is the place to go for local silks.
Flight and accommodation
Traveller etiquette
Western visitors will generally receive a handshake on meeting. A Thai will be greeted with the traditional closed hands and a slight bow of the head – the wai. Buddhist monks are always greeted in this way.
The Thai Royal Family is regarded with an almost religious reverence. Visitors should respect this. It is very bad manners to make public displays of anger, as Thais regard such behaviour as boorish and a loss of ‘face’. Public displays of affection between men and women are also frowned upon, and it is considered rude to touch anyone on the head or to point one’s feet at someone.
Shoes should be removed before entering someone’s home or a temple.
Informal dress is widely acceptable and men are seldom, if ever, expected to wear suits. Beachwear should be confined to the beach and topless sunbathing is frowned upon.
Thailand has banned smoking altogether in bars, restaurants and on several popular beaches across the country including the popular tourist destination of Phuket, Koh Samui and Krabi.
Flight and accommodation
Health
Main emergency number: 1155
Food & Drink
Use only bottled or boiled water for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice. Unpasteurised milk should also be boiled, although pasteurised or homogenised milk is available. Tinned or powdered milk is safe as long as it is reconstituted with sterile water. Beware of dairy products that may have been made with unboiled milk. Stick to meat and fish that have been well cooked, preferably served hot, but not reheated. Avoid raw vegetables and unpeeled fruit.
Other Risks
HIV is rife in Thailand, especially among prostitutes in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Amoebic and bacillary dysentery and hepatitis E may occur. Hepatitis B is highly endemic. Japanese encephalitis may occur, particularly in rural areas, and precautions should be taken to guard against mosquito bites. Dengue fever is also becoming increasingly widespread, particularly in central Thailand, and is also transmitted by mosquitoes. Travellers to Thailand are unlikely to be affected by avian influenza, but should avoid visiting live animal markets, poultry farms and other places where they may come into close contact with wild or caged birds; also ensure poultry dishes are thoroughly cooked.
Flight and accommodation
Visa & Immigration
IATA Travel Centre
The IATA Travel Centre delivers accurate passport, visa and health requirement information at a glance. It is a trusted, centralized source for the latest international travel requirements. The IATA Travel Centre is the most accurate source available because it is based on a comprehensive database used by virtually every airline, and information is gathered from official sources worldwide, such as immigration and police authorities.