Places to Visit in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is Thailand’s most famous island destination, loved for its golden beaches, vibrant nightlife, and endless activities. From island-hopping to cultural temples and bustling markets, Phuket offers something for every type of traveler. For Singaporeans, it’s just a short flight away, making it one of the most convenient tropical getaways in Asia. With Circles.Life roaming plans, you can enjoy seamless connectivity to book rides, share memories, and navigate the island with ease.

About Phuket

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most visited destinations in Southeast Asia. Known for Patong Beach, the Big Buddha, and easy access to surrounding islands like Phi Phi and Similan, it attracts millions of visitors each year. Singaporeans favor Phuket for quick vacations, luxury stays, and a mix of cultural and adventure experiences.

Stay Connected while Travelling to Phuket

Traveling to Phuket is hassle-free with Circles.Life Borderless Plans. Forget about queuing for a SIM card at the airport—your eSIM activates instantly so you’re online the moment you land.

SIM Only and eSIM Plans for Thailand

Last updated on: September 2025

Steps to Activate Circles.Life Roaming for Phuket

1. Open your Circles.Life app.

2. Go to “Roaming” in your dashboard.

3. Select “Borderless Plan” (4G or 5G).

4. Activate roaming before departing Singapore.

5. Restart your phone when you arrive in Phuket.

6. Enjoy 100GB of seamless data with lifestyle perks included.

Top Attractions in Phuket You Shouldn’t Miss

Patong Beach

• Description: Phuket’s most famous beach, known for water sports, nightlife, and a bustling boardwalk lined with restaurants and bars.

• Location: West coast of Phuket.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: Open all day.

• Why Visit: Perfect for first-time visitors looking for entertainment, beach life, and nightlife in one place.

Big Buddha

• Description: A massive 45-meter white marble statue overlooking the island, offering panoramic views of Phuket.

• Location: Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata.

• Entry Fee: Free (donations welcome).

• Timings: 6:00 AM – 7:00 PM daily.

• Why Visit: Spiritual landmark with stunning sunset views.

Old Phuket Town

• Description: A charming district filled with Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful shophouses, cafés, and street art.

• Location: Central Phuket Town.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: Best visited during the day or evening for dining.

• Why Visit: Cultural heart of Phuket, perfect for walking tours and photography.

Phi Phi Islands (Day Trip)

• Description: World-famous islands with turquoise waters, cliffs, and snorkeling spots, including Maya Bay (filming site of The Beach).

• Location: 45 minutes by speedboat from Phuket.

• Entry Fee: Tour packages start from ~THB 1,200 (SGD 45).

• Timings: Day tours usually 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM.

• Why Visit: Iconic island-hopping experience, a must-do when in Phuket.

Wat Chalong

• Description: Phuket’s largest and most important Buddhist temple, beautifully decorated with pagodas and sacred relics.

• Location: Chalong, Phuket.

• Entry Fee: Free.

• Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily.

• Why Visit: Spiritual site showcasing Thai Buddhist traditions.

Phuket Night Markets

• Description: Popular spots like Chillva Market and Phuket Weekend Market feature local street food, souvenirs, and live music.

• Location: Various locations in Phuket Town.

• Entry Fee: Free (shopping/food varies).

• Timings: Evenings, usually 5:00 PM – 11:00 PM.

• Why Visit: Best way to sample local flavors and enjoy nightlife beyond Patong.

Phuket: What To Know Before You Go!

How to Get to Phuket

The fastest and easiest option is a direct flight from Singapore to Phuket International Airport (HKT). Flight time is less than 2 hours, with multiple daily services from Singapore Airlines, Scoot, Jetstar, and AirAsia. Phuket is also well connected to Bangkok and Chiang Mai if you’re combining destinations within Thailand.

Getting Around Phuket

• Public Transport: Limited options such as songthaews (open-air buses) and taxis. These may not always be convenient for tourists.

• Ride-hailing Apps: Grab works seamlessly in Phuket, making it the most reliable option for rides across beaches, towns, and nightlife spots.

• Bike & Car Rentals: Motorbike rentals are popular for short distances, while cars are recommended for families or groups exploring the island.

• Extra Perk: With Circles.Life, you can enjoy additional savings on certain ride-hailing and transport bookings in select destinations.

Best Time to Visit Phuket

• Dry Season (Nov – Apr): The most popular period, with sunny skies and calm seas. Great for beaches, diving, and island-hopping.

• Hot Season (May – Jun): Very warm but less crowded, ideal for those who don’t mind the heat.

• Rainy Season (Jul – Oct): Heavy showers are common, seas can be rough, and island trips may be limited.

• Festivals: Don’t miss the Phuket Vegetarian Festival (Sept/Oct) and Songkran (April) for cultural celebrations.

• Avoid: Peak holidays like Christmas and New Year if you want to skip higher hotel rates and crowded beaches.

Where to Stay in Phuket

• Budget Travelers: Hostels and guesthouses near Patong Beach or Phuket Town for under SGD 20/night.

• Mid-Range: Hotels in Kata and Karon areas (~SGD 40–80/night) for families and couples seeking quieter beaches.

• Luxury Stays: Resorts in Surin, Kamala, or Cape Panwa with ocean views, infinity pools, and private villas (SGD 150+/night).

• Booking Tip: Book your stay easily with Agoda through Circles Zerofy on the Circles.Life app and earn cashback from hotel or villa bookings that can offset your mobile bill.

Tips For Smooth Trip

• Use a Local SIM or eSIM: Avoid tourist SIM stalls at the airport by activating a Circles.Life eSIM before your flight.

• Carry a Power Bank: Long days at the beach or island tours drain batteries quickly, especially when using maps and Grab.

• Cash vs Card: Cash is still king in night markets, tuk-tuks, and small eateries. Cards are accepted in resorts, malls, and most mid-range restaurants.

• Recommended Travel Apps:

  • Grab for rides and food delivery.

  • Google Maps for navigation.

  • Klook for booking tours, transfers, and island activities.

Travel Smart – Get Roaming Plans Before Travel!

Landing in Phuket without a roaming plan often means paying expensive airport SIM rates or dealing with unstable Wi-Fi. Common issues include:

• Difficulty booking Grab rides right away.

• Trouble finding your hotel without Google Maps.

• Extra costs for buying physical SIM cards with limited validity.

With Circles.Life Borderless Plans, you’ll have 100GB of data from the moment you land, plus access to lifestyle discounts and AI-powered tools—all activated through eSIM in just a few taps.