Phuket

Understand Phuket

Phuket is a Southern Thailand province on the Andaman Sea, centred on Phuket Island and including smaller surrounding islands. The province covers 543.034 square kilometres and is divided into three districts—Mueang Phuket, Kathu and Thalang—and 17 subdistricts. Phuket Province and Phuket Island are related but not identical geographic levels; use the island and district pages below when you need a more precise location.

Area choice strongly shapes a stay. Mueang Phuket District includes Phuket Old Town and southern and western bases such as Kata, Karon and Rawai; Kathu District includes Patong and inland Kathu; Thalang District covers much of the north, including the airport area and quieter beach communities. Compare journey times as well as distance, especially when plans cross the island.

Phuket International Airport is in the north of the island. Official airport information lists public transport, taxis, limousine services and car rental; availability and journey times vary by route and traffic. Phuket also has a road connection to the mainland, while boats serve selected offshore islands and marine routes. Check current operator information rather than relying on a fixed province-wide schedule.

The civil-registration population was 429,583 in 2024; this figure does not include every temporary resident or visitor. Conditions are generally drier from November to February, while southwest-monsoon conditions bring more rain and can make the sea rougher. Check Thai Meteorological Department forecasts and obey beach warning flags before entering the water.