Phuket is definitely worth visiting for its diverse, world-class beaches, vibrant nightlife, and convenient access to islands like Phi Phi and Similan, offering options for both luxury travelers and budget adventurers. While some areas are crowded, visitors can find quiet spots in places like Nai Harn or explore the historic Old Town.
Phuket is a great hub for island hopping. There are lots of options, from major tourist attractions like Koh Phi Phi, to smaller unknown islands like Koh Kai Noi. Other islands near Phuket include Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yao Noi, Koh Lon, Koh Racha and dozens of others. These are great for day trips.
Phuket has some nice beaches like Kata beach, Karon beach (in fact there are more nicer beaches, I could not explore due to time). I would definitely explore it again in my next visit to Thailand. So yes, you can enjoy Phuket with your kids. I would suggest avoiding Patong beach as it is a bit dirty.
Phuket is better for vibrant nightlife, diverse attractions, shopping, and international dining, while Krabi is better for stunning nature (limestone cliffs), island hopping, rock climbing, authentic Thai culture, and a more relaxed, budget-friendly atmosphere. Choose Phuket for a bustling, cosmopolitan, action-packed holiday with modern amenities, or Krabi for tranquil beauty, adventure, and a stronger sense of "real" Thailand, often with lower costs.
This budget can be comfortable anywhere in Thailand, but set your expectations lower if you want to live in Bangkok, Phuket or Koh Samui. This gives you approximately 700 baht per day for food. A cheap Thai dish is 50 baht, an expensive Thai dish is 150 baht.
Is Phuket, Thailand Worth It? (Complete Guide 2024)
How long will $10,000 last in Thailand?
✔ Avoid tourist traps– Bars in Patong/Phuket can drain your budget fast. ### **Final Verdict** With $10,000, you can comfortably live in Thailand for 6-12 months (or longer if frugal). If you want to stay beyond a year, consider remote work, teaching English, or a Thai Elite Visa for long-term stays.
Ferry from Phuket (Rassada Pier) to Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier)
The Phuket (Rassada Pier) to Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) ferry route is provided by 3 ferry companies. The ferry crossing from Phuket (Rassada Pier) to Krabi (Klong Jilad Pier) is approximately 2 hours on most ferries servicing this route.
In Phuket, DO respect local culture (dress modestly at temples, wai locals, smile), bargain politely, use sunscreen (bring your own!), and be cautious with scooters and at night; DON'T disrespect the monarchy, touch heads, point feet at people, get drunk in public, swim near red flags (monsoon season), or leave your passport as deposit for rentals.
In bars and restaurants, alcohol is sold around the clock. Look for the best spots in the Bars and Cafes & Restaurants sections. Be cautious when buying alcoholic drinks in Phuket: Never buy anything “on tap” from shady vendors, especially on beaches and streets.
Phuket is famous for its stunning, diverse beaches with white sand and clear waters, vibrant nightlife (especially on Bangla Road), rich cultural blend of Thai/Chinese influences seen in its food and architecture (like the Big Buddha), delicious cuisine, and beautiful natural scenery like limestone cliffs, making it a top tropical destination offering both lively parties and tranquil relaxation. Its accessibility via an international airport also boosts its popularity as Thailand's largest island.
Walking safety depends on the area and time when considering whether Phuket is safe after dark. Well-lit tourist areas like Patong, Kata, and Karon remain relatively safe with good foot traffic and security presence. Avoid isolated areas, dark alleys, and walking alone on remote beaches at night.
The worst time to visit Thailand is during the monsoon season, which runs from June to October. During this period, most parts of Thailand, including popular destinations like Phuket, Krabi, and Chiang Mai, experience heavy rainfall, high humidity, and occasional flooding.
Thai is the official language of Thailand and its island Phuket, but you'll find that most tourist operators speak proficient English. Still, you might want to carry along a Thai phrasebook just to be safe.
For longer stays for purposes of leisure and tourism, you should obtain a 60-day tourist visa from a Thai embassy or consulate prior to your arrival. A recent 6×4 cm photo is required and the fee is 30 $USD / 1,000 baht or equivalent.
To retire in Thailand comfortably with typical Western standards of living, we recommend budgeting 50,000–100,000 THB per month. That's not to say it's impossible to live comfortably on less. To put things in perspective, the minimum wage in Thailand is around 400 THB per day.
The best currency to use in Thailand is the Thai Baht (THB). Since it's the official currency, THB is accepted everywhere (from street vendors and tuk-tuk drivers to restaurants and high-end stores). You can carry it as cash or, better yet, load it on a forex card for convenience and peace of mind.
