Thailand · Asia#14 most-visited city

Phuket

Edited by the ErBiage editors

TL;DR

Plan a family trip to Phuket. What to do with kids, best time to visit, where to stay, and family tips from ErBiage.

Phuket is Thailand's beach factory — and yes, it earns the reputation. Direct flights from most of Asia and Europe, resorts pitched at every budget from $30 guesthouses to $2,000-a-night villas, and a coastline of coves, snorkelling islands, and hidden beaches once you get out of Patong. Families do best on the west or south coast: Kata, Karon, Kamala, Surin, Bang Tao, or the quieter Nai Harn. Skip Patong with young kids — the nightlife strip is not what you want on the walk to breakfast. Day-trip out to Phi Phi and Maya Bay by longtail or speedboat, snorkel James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, and give at least one afternoon to a Thai cooking class — kids love the market walk beforehand. Elephant sanctuaries: choose an ethical, no-riding, no-bathing sanctuary (Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and Phuket Elephant Sanctuary are the recognised ones).

What to do in Phuket

Phi Phi + Maya Bay

Full-day speedboat tour — go early to beat crowds.

Phang Nga Bay

James Bond Island by longtail — surreal karst limestone.

Ethical elephant sanctuary

Feed and observe only — never ride or bathe. Half-day tour.

Old Phuket Town

Sino-Portuguese shophouses, coffee shops, Sunday walking street.

Kata / Karon beach days

Family-friendly resorts, gentle waves, easy dinners on the beach.

Start planning your Phuket trip.

Your first trip is free. Bring the whole family — grandparents to toddlers.

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More cities in Thailand

Bangkok Pattaya

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