How to Plan the Perfect Trip to Phuket - Guidelines for Organising the Ultimate Phuket Getaway

As Thailand's largest island, Phuket is a dream destination for beach lovers the world over. Phuket is home to some of the country's finest beaches, and the water sports activities and the island's street food scene make this island the perfect beach holiday hotspot for honeymooners, families and solo travellers. Whether one is heading to the island for a weekend getaway or a lengthy holiday, here's how to plan the ultimate vacation in captivating Phuket.  

Timing the Trip 

The first step in planning a holiday in the paradise island is deciding when to travel. Although Phuket is a decent beach hub for most of the year, it's important to steer clear of the rainy season between May and October. This is due to the fact that most outdoor activities including water sports will be deemed off-limits or too dangerous during the low season. The best time to tour Phuket, therefore, is between November and April when sunny and dry conditions are prevalent and the weather is ideal for all manner of outdoor excursions and water-bound adventures. This is, of course, the most expensive time of the year to head to Phuket as the official tourist season drives up the cost of tourist commodities.  

Secure Beachfront Accommodation  

One of the biggest mistakes that first-time visitors make when searching for accommodation on the island is securing a resort that doesn't boast a beachfront location. It's essential to find beachfront accommodations that offer access to the island's main attraction - its beaches. So whether it's Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas or any other Phuket luxury resort, it's important to check the actual location of the property in addition to exploring its on-site amenities.  

Create a Sightseeing Game Plan 

While there's nothing wrong with planning to spend every day on holiday relaxing by the poolside or sunbathing next to the ocean, there's more to explore for those with the inclination to understand the island's history and heritage. A temple tour can be a great way to discover iconic religious monuments in Phuket such as the Big Buddha, Wat Khao Rang and Wat Chalong Temples. Spending time in Phuket's daytime bazaars and night markets can also be a cultural experience for avid shoppers. Phuket Old Town is another heritage area on the island lined with cafes and traditional Chinese shophouses.  

Sign up for Activities  

Thrill-seekers will find that Phuket offers idyllic conditions for engaging in activities such as bungee jumping and ziplining. The lush forests of the island are ideal for enjoying ziplining adventures while bungee jumping is considered a year-round adventure sport in Phuket. As a trip to Phuket would not be complete without enjoying water sports, tourists may also want to look into diving and snorkelling tours around the islands. Phuket is also one of the best places to sign up for diving lessons as the dive sites around Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island are just a short boat ride away. Children as young as 8 years can attend PADI-certified diving courses in Phuket where nearly every resort has its own dive centre or diving instructor. Kayaking, banana boating, windsurfing and parasailing are some of the other exciting water-based activities that holidaymakers can sign up for online. Nature lovers can also go hiking in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, one of the island's breathtaking wildernesses.  

Image via Anantara Mai Khao Phuket Villas

Add a Spa Day to the Itinerary 

If you're planning a stay in Phuket, don't forget to treat yourself to a relaxing spa day at one of the island's top healing centres. These spas offer a wide variety of treatments, including Thai, Swedish, Balinese, and Ayurvedic therapies, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. In addition to traditional foot massages and facials, these spas provide a range of other services to help you unwind and rejuvenate.