How to Plan a Trip to Phuket
The complete 2026 guide — flights, hotels, things to do and airport transfers, all in one place. Everything a first-time visitor to Thailand needs.
Your 4-step Phuket plan
Step 1 — Book flights to HKT
Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the main gateway to Phuket. Compare fares across major airlines and OTAs before locking a date.
See flight deals to HKTStep 2 — Pick a neighborhood
Base yourself in Phuket Old Town (Sino-Portuguese) for the best first-time visit — Pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Thalang Road.
Where to stay in PhuketStep 3 — Plan your itinerary
Start with Mai Khao + Nai Yang beach (closest to airport), then build outward. Most first-time visitors need 3-5 days to see the highlights of Phuket.
Things to do in PhuketStep 4 — Sort your airport transfer
Smart Bus to Patong is THB 170 and takes 60 min. Pre-book a private transfer for stress-free arrival.
HKT arrival guideBefore you book — visa check
Visa-free for 60 days for US, UK, EU, Canada, AU, NZ, Japan, Korea, China + 90+ nationalities (since 2026). India + Taiwan: visa-on-arrival THB 2,000 (15 days). Confirmation of departure flight may be requested.