Local Guide

Phuket is a world-class golf destination, with eight courses offering unique play, stunning landscapes and challenging play for beginner and experienced golfers.

Visiting Phuket in September requires a flexible itinerary because it is the peak of the island's rainy season. Travellers can expect heavy tropical downpours, but mornings often remain dry enough for outdoor exploration. The most successful September holidays pair morning outdoor activities with nearby indoor backup plans to ensure sudden weather changes do not ruin the day.

Patong is a bustling hub that offers incredible wellness retreats perfectly suited for escaping the midday heat or sudden tropical downpours. When the skies open up, having a reliable, indoor backup plan can turn a washed-out afternoon into the most relaxing part of your holiday.

Patong Beach is a vibrant destination that also offers relaxed, family-friendly café options for parents seeking a comfortable break. Parents travelling with children need cafés that provide reliable air-conditioning, ample stroller space, and menus that appeal to both adults and younger diners.

A successful 48-hour Phuket weekend trip requires choosing a central base, limiting long cross-island transit times, and focusing on high-quality dining rather than exhausting all-day boat tours. Travellers who try to pack too many dispersed attractions into a two-day schedule often spend more time sitting in traffic than enjoying the island.

Phuket is home to many beautiful beaches, but each one offers a different kind of island experience. Some beaches are better for swimming and family days by the water, while others suit nightlife, snorkelling, sunset views or quiet relaxation away from the crowds.  This 2026 guide helps travellers choose the best beach in Phuket based on location, atmosphere, activities and travel style, whether you want the convenience of Patong Beach, the calm scenery of Kata Beach or the peaceful coastline of Mai Khao Beach.

Experience the vibrant Phuket Pride 2026 celebrations this June. Discover parade locations, nightlife events on Bangla Road, and the best Patong accommodation. Phuket Pride 2026, one of Thailand’s top LGBTQ+ festivals, is slated for early June (tentative: 1–7 June) across Patong Beach and Phuket Old Town. The week-long celebration features a vibrant parade, drag shows, beach parties, and community events, attracting thousands of international visitors each year. This duality continues to define Phuket Pride as both an accessible cultural experience and a fully immersive celebration of identity, equality, and diversity.

Big Buddha Phuket is one of the island’s most iconic cultural landmarks, rising above Phuket from the summit of Nakkerd Hill with panoramic views and deep spiritual significance. Whether you are visiting for the scenery, temple atmosphere, or cultural experience, this guide covers how to get there, what to see on site, opening hours, visitor tips, and the best time to plan your visit.

Explore Thailand's iconic vegetarian festival, island adventures, and cultural experiences.

Located just to the east of Chiang Mai city, the village of Bo Sang (also written as Borsang) is famous for producing hand-made bamboo umbrellas and parasols. Its a long-standing tradition.

If you plan to travel to Phuket next year with your kids, make sure you read through this guide before booking your ticket. Find the best time of year to visit Phuket with your kids. When is the best time for your kids to enjoy the clear water and warm summer day.

A nine-day celebration of purity, good health, and compassion, unique to Phuket’s Chinese-Thai community.

Phuket, Thailand – Holiday Inn Resort Phuket invites guests to experience the magic of Loy Krathong 2024 at Patong Beach

Discover the best family-friendly things to do in Phuket near Patong Beach, from water parks and aquariums to elephant sanctuaries and island tours.

Discover the top 6 best family-friendly restaurants in Patong, Phuket, from authentic Thai dining to kid-friendly international favourites for stress-free family meals.

Discover the best snorkelling in Phuket with top shore beaches, island tours, seasonal advice, and expert tips to plan the perfect snorkelling trip.

Discover how to experience Visakha Bucha Day in Phuket 2026, from temple ceremonies and candlelit processions to travel tips and important holiday restrictions

Planning a trip to Phuket in June? Discover what the weather is like, the best things to do, key events, and practical travel tips for visiting Phuket in June

Uncover Phuket's Rich Heritage and Charm in Old Town

Thailand is a fascinating destination, blessed with a rich history and colourful traditions. To dive into the culture of Phuket, we offer a wide range of exciting excursions so you can explore the island and its various attractions.

Who are looking for more than just a crazy night out can also enjoy other activities at many of its fun venues including parasailing, banana boat, play beach volleyball or soccer or just lie back on the sand to see the sunset and enjoy the view.

Planning a trip during the Phuket rainy season? Learn weather patterns, indoor activities, safety tips, and family travel advice for a smoother island stay.

Become the first to experience the ultimate fun experience and venture into this largest brand-new waterpark in the heart of Phuket

Finding the right festival in Phuket can transform a standard beach holiday into a highly memorable cultural experience for the whole family. This guide provides verified 2026 dates, exact locations, distances from Patong Beach, and practical family advice for navigating the island's top eight festivals.

The Songkran Festival, also known as the Thai New Year is celebrated nationwide every 12 – 13 April. Historically, it is a tradition and custom to pay respect to elders, parents, family, and friends by pouring scented water over a person’s shoulder or palm. 

The highly anticipated Phuket Vegetarian Festival, renowned as one of Thailand’s most vibrant cultural and spiritual celebrations. This annual event, deeply rooted in tradition, invites visitors from across the globe to experience the island’s unique blend of cultural wisdom, spiritual rituals, and culinary delights.

Discover pool view villa Phuket stays by location, pool access, privacy, beach distance, facilities, and practical tips before planning your stay.

Patong is one of Phuket’s most convenient areas for families, with beach access, restaurants, shopping, and activities close together in one lively coastal neighbourhood. Choosing the right resort matters when travelling with children because a family stay often depends on spacious rooms, easy dining, safe pools, comfortable facilities and activities that help everyone relax throughout the trip.  This 2026 guide compares the best family resorts in Phuket Patong by location, room options, family facilities, dining convenience and overall suitability for a relaxed holiday.

Patong nightlife is a big part of Phuket’s appeal, especially for travellers who want music, food, beachside dining, and easy evening entertainment within a lively, walkable area. Bangla Road is where the atmosphere feels most energetic, with bars, nightclubs, DJs, and live music filling the street after dark. At the same time, families and couples can still enjoy a softer side of Patong through night markets, cultural shows, and relaxed restaurants away from the busiest party crowds. This guide helps you understand what nightlife in Patong is really like before going out, with practical ideas for clubs, bars, shows, markets, transport, and safety.

Phuket has a wide range of Indian restaurants, from casual curry houses and vegetarian-friendly spots to premium dining venues for a more refined night out. Travellers often look for authentic flavours, family-friendly settings, halal or vegetarian options and convenient locations near Patong, Kata, Karon or Phuket Town.  This guide helps you compare the best Indian restaurants in Phuket by location, cuisine style, opening hours and price range, so you can choose the right place for curries, biryani, tandoori dishes or a relaxed Indian meal during your trip.

The best Phuket family packing strategy is to bring essentials that are difficult to replace, such as passports, medication, and a child’s preferred formula, while buying bulky everyday items locally when convenient. Patong has supermarkets, pharmacies and shopping centres where families can usually find nappies, wipes, toiletries and simple beach equipment. However, product brands, sizes, and prices vary, so pack enough for the journey and the first day.

Plan your Blue Tree Phuket visit with this family guide covering tickets, activities, restaurants, kids’ zones, travel tips and what to do in one day.

A great holiday in Phuket always starts with a good morning. Before the island tours, the beach walks, or a lazy day by the pool, the first few hours set the tone for the rest of your day. When planning your stay in Patong, deciding whether to include breakfast can feel like a small detail, but it often makes a significant difference to how relaxed your trip feels. Right now, as we celebrate 39 years of creating memories at Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, we’re making that decision easier than ever.

Nightlife comes to life once the sunsets. The Bangla Road is closed to vehicle traffic and becomes a 400-metre festival of neon lights, loud music, and cheap beer.

Embrace the Excitement and Energy of Patong Beach

Trying street food is an essential part of the Phuket experience, offering travellers a chance to explore authentic Thai flavours at highly affordable prices. Most street food dishes range from 50 to 150 THB, making the local markets a highly cost-effective dining option for families, couples, and solo explorers.

Relaxation and Natural Beauty Await at Nai Harn Beach

Discover the best food in Phuket with 12 must-try local dishes, from Hokkien noodles to crab curry, plus where to eat and practical dining tips.

Explore family resorts with a swimming pool in Phuket by pool type, kids’ facilities, room layout, beach access, safety, location, and practical booking tips.

Travellers looking for the best cafes in Patong Beach usually want more than good coffee, especially when kids are coming along. They need somewhere comfortable for breakfast, brunch, snacks, or an easy break between beach time, shopping, and family activities. Patong has a helpful mix of hotel cafes, beachfront restaurants, casual brunch spots, and scenic cafes with relaxed family-friendly settings.  This guide highlights eight recommended cafes in Patong Beach, so families can quickly choose the right place for convenient locations, welcoming service, and stress-free dining with children.

Discover the best family hotel in Phuket Patong with family rooms, Kids’ Club, pools, dining options, Kids Stay & Eat Free benefits and beachfront location.

Plan your Phuket surf trip with the best beaches for beginners and experienced surfers, surf schools, rental prices, seasonal tips and accommodation.