Cheap Holidays to Phuket

How Hot?

Phuket has a tropical monsoonal climate and is generally warm all year round with the hottest periods being April-May and September-October. Although the weather is mild, Phuket can occasionally experience heavier rains in September and October but nothing like the Typhoons and tropical storms that sometimes batter Hong Kong and the Philippines.

The most popular time to visit Phuket is usually November to March when it's a little cooler and visitors can expect temperatures in the region of 75°F - 89°F (24°C - 32°C). Beware though, Phuket can be very busy at this time of year and prices will be at their peak.

April and May tend to be the hottest months, with temperatures ranging from 80°F - 95°F (27°C - 36°C). Heavy thunderstorms can be quite frequent at this time of year. Temperatures in June, July and August are a little cooler and range from 70°F - 90°F (20°C - 33°C) and again, brief, heavy showers are quite popular at this time.

Out and About

Phuket, in southern Thailand, boasts mile upon mile of impressive, long, white sandy beaches backed by palms and evergreen trees. There are also a number of small islands just off the coast to which you can take boat trips. The clear waters and coral reefs are a paradise for swimming, snorkelling, scuba diving, watersports and fishing.

You can stroll amid the charming architecture of the shopping streets in Old Phuket and, for markets, visit the Naka Weekend Market, which is held in the evenings. Visitor attractions include the Phuket Zoo, Phuket Aquarium and the Phuket Butterfly Farm and for a dazzling evening show, head for the Phuket Fantasia. Cultural attractions in Phuket include the Thalang National Museum, the Big Buddha Temple and the Thai Village and Orchid Farm.

From most of the south of Phuket, you will be able to see the Big Buddha which is 45m high and stands on the top of the Nakkerd Hills, looking down over Chalong, Kata and Rawai. There is also a smaller brass Buddha that stands next to it and there is a shrine close to the temple's car park. The drive up to the site is quite spectacular itself, taking you through the 'real' Thailand and offering some fantastic views.

If it's views you are after there is no shortage of viewpoints looking out over east and west Phuket with some amazing sunset and sunrise views. Other popular spots are Promthep where you can get great views over the ocean, stretching as far as Phi Phi island. Three Beaches hilltop venue is another great place to go and you can watch the sun go down whilst enjoying a cocktail at the After Beach Bar.

Out for Lunch!

Phuket is well known for it's succulent fresh seafood but a lot of Italian, Middle Eastern, Indian and Japanese food is also eaten here. Places to eat vary from floating restaurants, restaurants with great views, roadside noodle stalls and fast food outlets.

Phuket's most famous dish has got to be Khanom Cheen which is a Chinese breakfast consisting of a plate of rice noodles covered with a spicy fish flake curry and served with a plate of fresh fruit, vegetables and herbs.

A dish which is considered to be the national dish of Thailand is Som Tam which is a papaya salad. Thin slices of green papaya are combined with peanuts, dried seafood and vegetables and mixed in with a spicy salad then eaten with sticky rice and fresh grilled chicken.

Another speciality is Khao Mok Khai which is a fragrant yellow rice served with chicken. The dish is not particularly spicy unless you dip the chicken into the sweet hot sauce that is provided with the dish.

There is such a variety of foods to try so whatever you enjoy to eat, whether it be simple food or something more adventurous, I'm sure you will find it here.

Quick Facts

Flight Time - From London 13 hrs 20 mins, From Manchester 14 hrs 35 mins, From Glasgow 15 hrs 30 mins

Currency - Baht

Nightlife - Restaurants, Bars, Nightclubs - mixed

Best Time to Visit - October to March

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