Planning your next trip to Thailand and wondering where the island is located? In this article, I will give you an overview of the island’s location, including its geography and what to expect when you visit the tropical paradise.
Did you know? Phuket is the largest island in Thailand
Whether you’re an adventure seeker or simply looking to relax on stunning beaches, Phuket has something for everyone. So let’s dive in!
Phuket Location Overview
| Coordinates | 7.8804° N, 98.3923° E |
| Distance to Phuket from Bangkok | 668 KM (by plane) |
| Main city | Phuket |
| Island size | 543 km2 |
| Population | 400k+ |
| Seasons | Wet Season & Dry Season |
| Average temperature | 32 °C (90 °F) |
Data Reference https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phuket_province
Location & Geography of Phuket
The island of Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is situated in the southern region of Thailand and is surrounded by the Andaman Sea. With an area of approximately 543 km2, about the size of Chicago in the US.
The island is conveniently connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge, making Phuket accessible by road. The bridge connects Phuket with the Phang Nga Province in the south of Thailand, where you’ll find Khao Lak.
Its sandy beaches, fresh waters, and rich natural environment make it a perfect tourist destination.
The island is divided into three districts, Muang, Lathu, and Thalang, and has a diverse environment that includes a wild mix of terrains such as sandy beaches, forested nature reserves, rocky coastlines, and mountainous ranges. The Khuan Wa mountain standing at 546 meters above sea level, is the highest point on the island.
The island’s western coast is well-developed, including the international airport and many of Phuket’s popular tourist beaches, resorts, and hotels.
Phuket is surrounded by many smaller islands, including:
- Coconut Island
- Koh Racha
- Koh Yao Yai
- Koh Yao Noi
- Ko Rang Yai
- Koh Bon
- Koh Khai Nok
- Koh Khai Nai
- Koh He (Coral Island)
- Ko Kaeo Noi
- Ko Lawa Yai
- Ko Pa Yu
- Phae island
- Ko Nakha Noi
- Na Ka Island
The island comprises several major bays: Patong Bay, Kamala Bay, Karon Bay, and Kata Bay. These bays offer unique attractions and beaches to explore.
Climate in Phuket
Phuket is popular with travelers because of its tropical climate and mild weather year-round, so let’s look at the main seasons, temperatures, and some suggestions for the best time to visit.
Phuket has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the rainy and dry seasons.
Rainy season: May to October with moderate rainfall and temperatures ranging from 25-31 Celsius or 77-89 Fahrenheit
Dry season: November to April with templates ranging from 25-32 Celsius or 77-91 Fahrenheit
The ideal time to visit the island for outdoor activities such as beach days or island exploring is from December to March, as this period has the least rainfall, more sunshine, and higher temperatures. Although the dry season is often regarded as the optimal time to visit, it is also the peak tourist season with higher prices and larger crowds.
The rainy season can still be a good time to visit Phuket because temperatures are hot all year round, but rain showers are usually short. Although you’ll need to monitor the weather forecast if you want to do any all-day outdoor activities because the island is prone to tropical storms.
Culture and Lifestyle in Phuket
Phuket offers up a unique set of customs and traditions to keep any traveler from getting border. Immerse yourself in the local culture or indulge in the laid-back island vibe.
The population of Phuket is predominantly Buddhist, so you can expect to see lots of templates dotted around the island, the most notable being Wat Chaithararam in the south of the island and Wat Phra Thong in the north.
The island’s cultural background is a fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Malaysian influences, which have given rise to unique cuisine and architecture.
Phuket’s lifestyle is a major attraction for tourists, with a wide range of activities to keep them entertained day and night. During the day, tourists can relax on the beaches and indulge in Thai massages or spa treatments, and in the evening, they can explore the many bars, clubs, and restaurants.
The island is renowned for its stunning beaches, such as Patong Beach, Karon Beach, and the longest beach on the island, Mai Khao Beach. It is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to unwind and watch the sunset with a drink in one hand and a good book in the other.
Getting to Phuket
Phuket is one of the most accessible islands in the region by plane, car, bus, or train. Whether you are traveling domestically or internationally, there are multiple ways of getting to the island.
Plane: Phuket International Airport is the main airport on the island, located at the north top in the Mai Khao region.
Insider tip:
- Flights fly across Mai Khao beach upon landing at the airport, so it’s possible to go plane spotting along the beach (always follow government regulations)
Car: Getting from Bangkok to Phuket takes around 12 hours in a taxi and costs around 8,000 THB one way.
Bus: Multiple bus routes are available from Bangkok city or downtown to Phuket, with the journey taking around 14 hours, costing from 783 THB per person for a single ticket.
Train: Although there is no direct train to Phuket, you can get one to Surat Thani and then take a minivan or taxi to the island. The total trip will set you back around 547 for standard seated on the train and take around 16 hours.
Summary
Thailand is geographically located in a perfect location in the south of Thailand with a diverse environment surrounded by tropical islands. With temperatures ranging from 25-32 Celsius year round, it’s no wonder it’s one of the most popular destinations in Thailand.
Phuket’s diverse culture, stunning beaches, distinct cuisine, and convenient accessibility make it an essential destination when traveling to Thailand.
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