Phuket General Tips by WSH80

Favorite Thing: Where is Phuket Island? Here's the map for you to see in case you're wondering. :-)


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Favorite Thing: Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate. It's warm all year 'round, but the two periods of April-May and September-October are the hottest. The September-October period is also the wettest.

The best time to visit Phuket is during the cool North-East monsoon season, from November though March, when it isn't so humid, and the cool breezes keep things comfortable. The average temperature is around 75ºF to 89ºF (24ºC to 32ºC).

The hottest time is from April through May, with temperatures ranging from 80ºF to 95ºF (27ºC to 36ºC). There are frequent short heavy thundery showers, offering welcome relief from the temperature and humidity. The Thai New Year occurs on April 13th and everyone sprinkles (or throws) cool water on each other. No wonder!

Locals enjoy June, July and August, since the weather is usually fine and the favourite haunts remain uncrowded. The usual pattern is brief but heavy showers, with plenty of sunshine between downpours. Everything is a little less expensive at this time of year, as well. Temperatures range between 70ºF and 90ºF (20ºC to 33ºC).

During September and early October, locals start to remember their umbrellas. This makes an ideal time to visit abroad. One consolation for those who remain is that the beaches, outdoor restaurants and streets are relatively uncluttered by visitors. And even at this time, Phuket still gets long intervals of sunshine between the heavy showers. Anyway, plenty of lowseason activities, both water- and land-based, still offer themselves on Phuket during this wettest part of the summer season.

Fondest Memory: I miss the beach, the massage, the people and Phuket FantaSea! I will definitely come here again. :-)

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Favorite Thing: Remember to get these packets when you reach the airport. You'll find them useful and handy.


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Favorite Thing: It's pretty safe on Patong Beach despite the huge waves as there are life guards on duty. So, don't worry. :-)


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Favorite Thing: There is a special Tourist Police station in all major tourist areas. They will assure your visit is as safe and as pleasant as possible. Most tourist police will speak English and a few will speak Japanese or other European languages.


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Favorite Thing: * Ambulance - 212 297
* Fire - 199, 211 111
* Immigration - 212 108
* Marine Police/Sea Rescue - 211 883
* Patong Hospital - 340 444
* Phuket International Hospital - Emergencies 210 935
* Police Emergency - 191
* Tourist Police - 1699


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Favorite Thing: As of February 1, 2007, TWO things happened at exactly the same time 1) the departure fee went to 700 baht; 2) the system of collecting the departure tax by means of a separate payment, evidenced by a receipt, which would be punched by someone just before the immigration windows, was abolished, and was replaced by having the price included in your airline ticket.

At some point well prior to February 1, 2007, ticket agents and airlines began including the 700 baht departure fee in the price of the ticket, for departures out of Thailand set for on or after February 1, 2007. So if you bought a ticket in November for departure from Thailand after February 1, the fee was probably included in your ticket.

If you are departing after February 1 then the price of the departure fee should be in your ticket. If it is not, I understand that there is some interim means by which you pay it separately. I don't know how they will know if it is included or not. I guess the airline check in staff have to peruse your ticket in some detail. If it was not included, and they catch it, you will have to pay 700 baht. Eventually, in a few more months, the change will have completely worked its way through the system.


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