Phuket Solo Travel Guide: Ultimate 2025 Tips

Heading to Phuket? This short, sharp guide skips the fluff—get the essentials for an epic trip (top hostels below)!

QUICK FACTS

Thailand’s largest island (48 km long and 21 km wide), with a metro population of 250,000.
One of the most popular beach and party destinations in Asia.
Very modern and chaotic, the culture here has begun to closely resemble that of Bangkok, especially among the island’s youth.
A top destination for scuba diving, yachting, and getting married.
Nickname: Pearl of the Andaman.

Currency: Thai Baht (THB).
Spoken languages: Thai. English is also widely spoken.
Best time to visit: from November to February (the cool, dry months). Shoulder season: March-May for lower prices and fewer crowds.
Arriving via airport to the city:
– Municipal A/C airport bus service is 85 THB, local bus is 20-40 THB
– Minibus is 100-180 THB, depending on destination.
– Taxis are 600 THB
– Grab is 300-500 THB, depending on the destination – an easier alternative to taxis.

Best Phuket hostel for solo travelers: Lub d Phuket Patong, a legendary establishment with great facilities and friendly staff. (make sure to book ahead to reserve your spot).
Party animals should head straight for Patong to hop in the fun at a world-famous party destination. Or head to Karon for a little more sanity without completely skipping the action.
Rawai Beach is a tranquil option for solo travelers seeking cultural immersion and fresh seafood. Guesthouses are ~800-1500 THB/night.
Luxury option: 5-star hotels in Surin or Kamala starting at ~4000 THB/night during low season.

Used regularly by working class locals, the red pickup buses (songtheaws) are a great bargain. Rides run about 25-40 THB.
– Note: while they connect major beaches and towns, songtheaws do not run on fixed schedules.
Tuk tuks are best avoided in Phuket, where drivers have the worst reputations in Thailand for scamming, overcharging, and even attacking foreigners.
– If you insist on using them, know how to bargain and agree on a price before getting in.
Rent your own motorbike for 200 THB per day or a car for 1000-2000 THB per day.
– Note: the fine for not wearing a helmet: 500 THB
Taxis provide a cheaper and safer alternative as well as more comfort in the heat. They may be hard to find but can be arranged at a hotel.
– Finding a taxi willing to use a meter can be a challenge; request them specifically when ordering through the hotel and stick with honest drives when you find them.
– More expensive, yet convenient, taxis can be found at the beaches. Motorbike taxis are an option as well.
Grab (ride sharing app) is very popular in Thailand for a reason – it’s often faster, cheaper, and much more convenient than dealing with taxis.

Drinking age is 20 (rarely enforced). Last calls is usually midnight, although police turn a blind eye until 1 AM.
Hip/local scene: for a less touristy, genuine Thai experience, consider spending a few nights in Phuket Town where locals have their fun.
There’s no doubt that Patong Beach is the place to go to experience Thailand’s wild side in all its glory. All the discos, beer bars, girlie bars, and ladyboy shows you can handle.
Check out Bangla for a good assortment of bars and dance clubs.
Karon and Kata Beach are the places to go if you want to step it down a notch but still find a great party.
Approximate drink prices: Local beer (~80-120 THB), cocktails (~150-300 THB).

Fancy a sunset? Prom Thep Cape, or “God’s Cape” in Rawai is a must.
For a unique theme park experience, visit Phuket FantaSea, where an onslaught of nighttime cultural and magic shows have earned it the name, “Disneyland of Southeast Asia.”
If you need a break from the heat or the crowds, take a cue from the Thais and go lounge about one of Phuket’s waterfalls. Popular Bang Pae, Ton Sai and Kathu Waterfall are all good places to start.
Sirinat National Park is a great spot for nature lovers, with entry fees around 200 THB for foreigners.
Planning to dive in Phuket? Go with Aussie Divers, it’s a professional operation with the best standards (no, this isn’t sponsored).
– Great dive sites are Phi Phi and Koh Bida Nok. You can stay in Phuket and take day trips — 3 dives, and you’ll be back in town by 5 PM.
– If you’re looking for accommodation, book something near Chalong Pier (90% of dive boats leave from there).
– Diving costs (approximate): Day trips with 2 dives cost ~3850 THB; full certification courses start at ~11,000 THB.
Koh Racha is great for snorkeling.
Phang Nga Bay day tours (starting at ~1200 THB) for its iconic limestone cliffs and James Bond Island.
Approximate tour costs:
– Phi Phi Islands day tour (~1500-2500 THB).
– Ziplining (~1400 THB).
– Elephant Jungle Sanctuary half-day visit (~2500 THB).

Note: walking in Thailand’s heavy, humid climate can be a chore for even the fittest among us.
When in paradise, a walk on the beach is always humbling. Kamala and Karon are particularly recommended in the evening time.
Wander through Phuket’s Old Town for old European architecture and endless peeks into local life.
Laem Singh Beach viewpoint: a scenic spot accessible by a short hike.
Explore Bang Wad Dam Reservoir for a peaceful walk surrounded by nature.

Some great dishes to try in Thailand: Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Som Tum (papaya salad). Cooking classes are also very popular with tourists – especially for the wide variety of spices you’ll get to use.
Great restaurants to try in Phuket: KiYo Sushi, Big Boys Burger Club (Kamala), Danny’s Place (Kamala), Krua Chom View (Patong), Istanbul (Kata), Kata Rocks, Baan Klaang Nam.
Budget choice: Rawai Seafood Market (~300 THB for fresh seafood cooked to order).
Mid-range: Raya Restaurant in Phuket Town (~500 THB/person).
High-end: Blue Elephant (~1000+ THB/person) for upscale Thai dining.

Strong currents sometimes cause drownings, especially in monsoon season. Take warning flags seriously.
Quieter beaches to get away from the crowds: Freedom Beach and Banana Beach.
Be respectful and dress conservatively (i.e. no flip flops) when visiting religious sites. Also, don’t ever insult the king in Thailand – it’s not a joke and is taken very seriously.
Ever wanted to try out Muay Thai (kickboxing)? Taking even a single class here can be exhilarating. They won’t go easy on you! Even if you don’t partake, see if you can catch a local Muay Thai fight – the energy is intense.
Dangerous areas: Phuket is a place to take extra caution, and tourist scams are plentiful. Avoid gambling (illegal and often wrought with scams). Do not walk alone, especially in dark areas, and beware of pickpockets.
It’s also a good idea to avoid renting jet-skis, as the jet-ski scammers are persistent and sometimes violent.
Local police rarely side with tourists when things go wrong – be sure to contact the Tourist Police if help is needed.

Recommended trip duration: 4-5 days (to allow for nearby island visits)