Phuket Holidays

Enjoy fabulous beach holidays in Phuket. Thailand’s premier resort island features a coastline fringed with beautiful white sand beaches and spectacular scenery. Phuket holidays include so many beautiful beaches to enjoy, including golden Patong Beach, its most famous beach, lined with cafes, restaurants and bars.

Karon Beach is much quieter, popular with families, couples and art enthusiasts and home to a great selection of restaurants, shops and entertainment. Kata Beach boasts a small village atmosphere and is offers a variety of water sports. There are numerous islands nearby to Phuket where you can explore and have fun. The closest of these is Coconut Island, just a short ride from Phuket by water boat. Like those further afield, this unspoilt slice of heaven features a lush jungle interior and palm-fringed beaches. And then there's Old Phuket Town, known for its traditional architecture, and excellent shopping and dining opportunities.

Why visit Phuket

Aside from Phuket’s beautiful beaches, there are hundreds of islands nearby to explore where you can go snorkelling and diving.
The food, especially the seafood, is superb.
The weather is glorious year-round.
The nightlife is exceptional.
The island is teeming with history and culture.
Shopping at the open-air village food markets is an experience.
The scenery is exceptional.

Phuket is a popular holiday destination for honeymoons, family getaways and beach breaks with friends. Let Thompsons Holidays put the perfect 2023 Phuket package together for you. Get in touch today.

Things to do in Phuket

Phuket is a popular paradise island resort offering picture-perfect beaches on the edge of the Andaman Sea as well as a variety of exciting adventure activities. With its clear turquoise water, lush green interior, fascinating culture and history, Phuket offers a paradise holiday full of fun, sun and plenty to do.

There’s a choice of shopping opportunities when you’re tired of sunbathing, a variety of watersports including snorkelling and scuba diving, and over 30 beautiful beaches to visit. Phi Phi, the Similan Islands and Phang Nga Bay are nearby, giving you even more to explore. With so much to see and do on a Phuket holiday, you’ll never tire of places to go and activities to keep you busy.

Things to do in Phuket

Enjoy kayaking in a sea cave.
Explore Old Phuket Town.
Visit a gemstone factory to see how pearl jewellery is made.
Laze on Kata Noi beach, renowned for its scenery.
Visit the Big Buddha, located on the top of Nakkerd Hill.
Spend time taking photographs at the popular Karon Viewpoint.
Explore Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest temple and home to the Grand Pagoda, which contains a fragment from the bone of Lord Buddha.
Barter for bargains at the Phuket Weekend Night Market.
Learn to cook traditional food at a Thai cooking class.
Party in the bars along Bangla Road.
Search for celebs on jet-set Surin Beach.

Thailand’s largest island and one of its most popular holiday destinations, Phuket is full of exciting possibilities for the ultimate beach holiday. Thompsons Holidays can arrange the perfect Phuket package, tailor-made to suit you and your travelling companions, whether you’re taking the family, friends, or your significant other. Browse our deals below and let's start planning!

Know before you go...

When is the best time to visit?

Thailand is an all-year-round destination. However, there are factors to consider when planning your holidays, such as seasonal weather and prices of flights and accommodation.
Thailand has a tropical climate throughout the country, which means it is hot and humid year-round. The average temperature ranges from 18 to 38°C.
March to May: High humidity and temperatures.
November to February: Dry, cool temperatures and low humidity, the best time to travel.
May to October: Rainy season, general sunny with quick showers in the late afternoon and evening.

Getting there

Flight duration from South Africa to Phuket: 13 hours, 45 minutes with a stopover in Singapore.

Do I need a visa?

South African passport holders do not require a visa for Thailand for a stay of up to 30 days.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after travel to Thailand.
Make sure your passport has at least 2 unused pages for any required entry/exit stamps.
On arrival in Thailand, you will have to present a return ticket or onward travel arrangements.

What time is it?

Time zone – Phuket is 5 hours ahead of South Africa.

Money matters

Currency: Thai Baht.
Accepted currencies: US Dollars are the most common, although UK Pounds and Euro are also accepted.
ATMs are found all over the country.
Credit cards are widely accepted.
Tip taxi drivers, waiters, guides and porters at your discretion.
Bartering is expected.

Language & phrases

Thai is the country’s official language.
English is fairly widely spoken in the popular tourist areas.

Culture & religion

Theravada Buddhism is Thailand’s main religion and a strong element of its culture. It is practised by 95% of the population.
When visiting sacred sites and temples, dress conservatively.

Health information

Drinking water is not safe. It is preferable to drink bottled water in Thailand.
No vaccinations are currently required. Please check with your doctor before you travel.

What must I pack?

Depending on when and where you visit, lightweight clothing for summer, warmer layers for winter.
Lightweight rain jacket.
Dress modestly when visiting sacred sites – no shorts or tank tops. Legs & shoulders must be covered. Long, loose pants and long-sleeved cotton shirts are best.
Comfortable walking shoes.
Sunscreen, lip balm, hat and sunglasses for summer holidays.
Mini first aid kit and regular prescription medication.
Hand sanitiser and insect repellent.
Camera.
Travel adaptor. Power outlets in Thailand generally feature flat, two-pronged plugs, though some feature holes for round plug ends. Few outlets feature three holes (grounded outlets) so it is often necessary to have a three-to-two-prong adapter. Thailand operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.