How to Plan Your Phuket Vacation without Any Problems - Tips for Planning a Stress-Free Getaway in Phuket

While Phuket is the most popular beach Mecca in Thailand, the picturesque island is not exactly the most hassle-free holiday hotspot in the country. The large number of tourists heading to the island each month means that enjoying a stress-free vacation on the island might prove to be a challenge for first-time visitors. From deciding when to go to knowing what to wear on excursions, here are some tips anyone can follow to eliminate any problems that might crop up during the holiday. 

Time the Tour

Tourists who wish to spend their Phuket holiday soaking up the sun and enjoying outdoor activities around the island should ensure their getaway does not take place between June and October. This is the wet season in Phuket where inclement weather conditions and heavy rains make water sports activities and other excursions impossible and even dangerous. Schedule your holiday during the peak travel season, which coincides with the driest months of the year so you can enjoy all that the island has to offer without bad weather literally raining on your parade. 

Find a Convenient Base

Although there are a great many luxury hotels in Phuket, first-timers might be surprised to find that not all accommodation hubs offer beach access. This is why it is important to secure a beachfront property and one that is strategically situated for sightseeing activities. This means whether you choose the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort or any similar hotel, it should be by the beach and be a stone's throw from Phuket's iconic temples and activity bases. Getting around Phuket can be a hassle for those who are not based in a convenient area of the island and it is crucial to gauge if the property is too far removed from basic necessities and transport hubs.

Temple Wear Vs. Beachwear 

Like most beach destinations in Thailand, Phuket is a liberal and non-conservative vacation hotspot where one can comfortably wear a bikini or skimpy beachwear. Although this is permissible within the confines of the resort and on the beaches, those who intend to visit cultural sites around the island must dress according to local customs. This is especially relevant for those who want to hike up to the Big Buddha Temple or pay homage to Wat Chalong as temple attire in Phuket should be conservative and modest. It is equally important to follow the local behavioural rules when touring a temple as making loud noises, boisterous behaviour and touching Buddha sculptures is likely to land one in hot water. 

Image via Anantara Layan Phuket Resort

Getting Around

Getting from Point A to Point B without a hassle in Phuket depends on your ability to navigate the public transport options available on the island. Unlike Bangkok, Phuket is not connected via subway network and this means tourists must rely on taxis, three-wheelers and Songthaews to get around. Using unmetered taxis and tuk-tuks can be a recipe for disaster in Phuket where some drivers will attempt to swindle unsuspecting travellers. This is why relying on local taxi booking apps and using only metered vehicles is necessary. 

Avoid Sunstroke 

A problem-free holiday is one where you do not face any health challenges on or off the beach. Staying hydrated is a surefire way to avoid one of the main threats that face visitors in Phuket. As a tropical island where one will be spending hours outdoors, it is important to hydrate often so as not to face heatstrokes, dehydration and dizziness. While soft drinks and energy drinks might be on hand, these are poor substitutes for bottled water in terms of keeping the body's moisture levels up. Don't forget to apply sunscreen whenever you step outside of the hotel to avoid sunburn.