Often referred to as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, shaped like an irregular pearl. It is located 867 kilometers south of Bangkok and measuring approximately 21 kilometers long. Connected to the mainland by a causeway, it has a coastline fringed with white sandy beaches and quiet coves, bathed by the clear blue waters of the Andaman Sea and set against a backdrop of green hills, coconut groves, and rubber plantations.

Phuket formerly derived its wealth from tin and rubber and has a rich and colorful history. The island was on one of the major trading routes between India and China and was frequently mentioned in foreign ships’ logs.

Blessed by nature and the smiling hospitality of its people, and supported by superb tourism facilities, Phuket is today one of the world’s premier tropical resorts. Palm-fringed beaches, an island-studded sea, superb accommodation, delicious seafood, numerous sporting and leisure opportunities and, of course, year-round sunshine, are a few of what makes a trip to Phuket a truly memorable holiday.

Phuket has two main seasons: rainy from May through to October and hot from November to April. However, there are sunny days throughout the wet season; showers customarily lasting little more than 2-3 hours. The best months to visit are November to April. Average temperatures range between 22 and 34 degrees Celsius.

Phuket’s glory is its magnificent coastline. Beaches range from gentle crescents of white sand to rocky headlands. Counter-clockwise, from the island’s northern tip, where the Sarasin Bridge connects with the mainland, the major beaches and bays are:

Hat Mai Khao

This pine-fringed stretch of sand is Phuket’s longest beach. Each year, from November through to February, giant sea turtles struggle ashore to lay their eggs here. Every year, Hat Mai Khao organizes a “doen tao” festival in which the locals join hands in cleaning up the beach and taking care of the turtle’s eggs. Visitors who seek tranquility would enjoy a cluster of deluxe resorts available here.

Hat Nai Yang

This forms part of the Sirinat National Park and is backed by casuarina pines, as well as a mangrove forest. The tranquil surroundings are ideal for relaxation, picnics, swimming and snorkeling.

Hat Pansea & Hat Surin

The two scenic coves offer very picturesque settings although dangerous undercurrents can make swimming unsafe.

Hat Laem Sing

One end of Hat Laem Sing is connected to Hat Surin, whereas the other end is only 5 minutes walking distance from Hat Kamala. Even though it is dotted with rocks, this beach is popular amongst the foreign tourists for its beautiful white sandy beach and crystal-clear water.

Hat Kamala

This is another ‑ne stretch of sandy beach where the northern end is suitable for swimming and is partly shaded by casuarinas.

Hat Patong

Phuket’s most developed beach offers numerous leisure, sporting, shopping, and recreational options along its 3 kms. crescent bay. In addition to its daytime attractions, Patong is also known for its vibrant nightlife and prominent seafood restaurants.

Hat Karon & Kata

Both beaches are impressive, peaceful and eminently suitable for swimming, snorkeling, windsurfing and sunbathing.

Hat Nai Han

This white sandy beach fronts a shallow lagoon between rocky headlands. Conditions for swimming, windsurfing, sailing and sunbathing are all excellent.

Hat Rawai

The palm-fringed beach is best known for its village of “Sea Gypsies”, formerly a nomadic‑shing minority believed to be of Melanesian descent as well as a place where you can have fresh seafood.

Ao Chalong

A location popular for its several restaurants serving some of Phuket’s best seafood, Ao Chalong is also the largest port of Phuket that takes visitors to several nearby islands including Phi Phi Island.

Laem Phanwa

The southern tip of the cape is the location of the Marine Biological Research Centre and Phuket’s Aquarium, where visitors can see several hundred exotic and colorful marine species.

Ko Si Re

The small island separated from the mainland only by the Tha Chin Canal, is located 4 km. northeast of the town. There is a sea gypsy village considered the largest in Phuket.

Sirinat National Park

The Park, located near Phuket International Airport along Routes No. 402 and 4026, some 30 kms., occupies a total area of 90 sq. kms. And has an uninterrupted 13 kms. long stretch of beaches namely, Hat Nai Thon, Hat Nai Yang, Hat Mai Khao, and Hat Sai Kaeo.

Mueang Phuket (The Old Town Phuket)

The compact provincial capital serves mainly as a commercial and shopping center although traces of the old Sino-Portuguese architecture give Phuket a distinctive character.

Khao Rang

This provides a pleasant view of the town, also a park and series of hillside sculptural tableaux.

Phuket Fantasea

Inspired by Thailand’s rich and exotic heritage, Phuket Fantasea not only showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting-edge technology and special e­ffects.

The result is a stunning 140-acre theme complex packed with a multitude of activities and entertainment: a festival village with carnivals, games, handicrafts and shopping; a 4,000-seat restaurant offering a grand buff­et of Thai and international cuisine; a breathtaking Las Vegas-style theatrical show, where state-of-the-art technology and special e­ffects enhance the beauty of Thailand’s myths, mysteries and magic in a wondrous extravaganza certain to delight everyone. For more information, call +66 7638 5111 or www.phuket-fantasea.com

Siam Niramit

The theatre is located on Pracha Uthit 3 Road, Tamboon Ratsada. This is an entertainment venue of Phuket, presenting a beautiful show of Thai traditions and culture, with state of the art technology in light and sound spectacular performances and special effects in extravagant setting; such as, flying angel, lightning, rain, etc. It is open daily except Tuesdays. o­ffering one show time at 8.30 p.m. For more information, contact Tel. +66 7633 5001-2 Fax: +66 7633 5065 Bangkok Tel.+66 2649 9222 or www.siamniramit.com

Simon Cabaret

There’s not diva in the west who can compare, and many a catwalk model has turned green with envy at the sight of the lady-boy performers of Simon Cabaret. This hugely popular tourist attraction, on the hill just outside Patong has been wowing audiences for years with its exotic, hilarious, and transvestite cabaret. With sets and choreography that would do Broadway justice, and gowns dripping with diamante, the boy who are girls stiletto-strut their stu­ to full houses each night at 6.00 p.m.,7.30 p.m. and 9.00 p.m. Tel. +66 7634 2114-6, +66 87888 6888 or www.phuket-simoncabaret.com

Aphrodite Cabaret

It is situated on the Bypass Road opposite Tesco Lotus. The cabaret theatre is built to accommodate 950 seats and to offer an utmost comfort with cool elegance. The highly professional production team, sound, light and stage personal with high technical qualifications and the latest technology in stage set up ensure the highest quality entertainment. Show times are 5 .00 p.m., 6.30 p.m.,8.00 p.m. and 9.30 p.m. For more information, Tel. +66 7661 2888, +66 7624 8666 or visit www.phuket-aphroditecabaret.com

Phuket Seashell Museum

This museum is located near Rawai Beach on the island’s southwestern shores. The emphasis is on shells from Thai waters, which are among the most sought-after by collectors; however, shells from every part of the world are featured. There are numerous rarities and freaks including the world’s largest golden pearl (140 karats), large sections of sedimentary rock containing shell fossils, and a shell that weighs 250 kilograms. The Museum is open daily from 8.30 a.m. till 5.30 p.m. Tel. +66 7661 3777

Marine Biological Research Centre

The Marine Biological Research Centre at Laem Phanwa o­ers the opportunity to observe local marine life up close without the necessity of diving beneath the waves. More than a hundred a quatic species are housed at this facility, which is one of Thailand’s principle centers for research into the whales, dugongs, sharks, dolphins and sea turtles that make their home in the water around Phuket, The center is open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Tel. +66 7639 1126 or visit www.phuketaquarium.org for further information.

Ban China Pracha

It was built in 1903 A.D. in the later period of King Rama V by Phra Phithak Chinnapracha (Tan Ma Sieng), son of Luang Bamrung Chinnaprathet (Tan Neow Yee). He was born in Fujian province, China, and held the military title of “Boontek Chongkul”. Most of the furniture in the house was in the house was inherited from Chinese ancestors and other materials used were imported from foreign countries because trading between Penang and Phuket at that time flourished tremendously. The house is located at 98, Krabi Road, Tambon Talat Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket. It is open from 9.00 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. Tel. +66 7621 1281 Fax: +66 7621 1167

Phuket Thai Hua Museum

It has been renovated to be one of the historical tourist attractions of Phuket. The 74-year old Sino-Portuguese architecture displays a photos exhibition and video media which tells the history of the Chinese people in Phuket, mining, local costumes, Sino-Portuguese architecture, local foods, tradition and culture of Phuket. It is located on 28, Krabi Road, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Phuket. Tel.+66 7621 1224. The Museum opens daily from 9.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. or visit www.thaihuamuseum.com

Thalang National Museum

Located near the Two Heroines Monument, the museum contains a collection of exhibits of ancient artefacts and other materials illustrating life in Phuket in the past. Open Wednesday-Sunday except public holidays from 9.00 a.m.– 4.00 p.m. For more information, Tel. +66 7637 9895-7

Wat Phra Thong

Situated near Hat Nai Yang, the temple enshrines a famous, partially buried Buddha image. Local legend has it that a boy tethered his bu­alo to what he thought was a post sticking out of the ground. Subsequently, this boy and his animal fell mysteriously ill. Suspicious villagers uncovered the post and found that it was the decorative topknot of a buried golden Buddha. They were able to unearth no more than the upper part of the image, over which the present temple was constructed. When Burmese invaders attempted to remove the statue in the 18th century, they were attacked by a swarm of hornets.

Laem Phromthep

The southern most point of Phuket is the perfect place where picturesque sunsets are seen.

Ko Kaeo

This is an shores isle about 3 kms. from Hat Rawai and can be reached in 30 minutes by boat. There are sandy beaches and captivating underwater scenery, as well as a replica of the Holy Footprint on the island.

Ko Racha Yai

The gleaming beaches can be reached by chartered boat from Ao Chalong. It takes about 2-3 hours for the boat trip during the off­-monsoon season (December-April). At Ko Racha Yai, there is the most perfected and versatile of corals for visitors to see. Sightseeing services are available from tour operators in town. Accommodation is available.

Ko Nakha

A small island with a long stretch of peaceful beach, Ko Nakha is a great place to relax, sunbathing, and swimming. Small shops selling cold beverages are available on the beach.

Namtok Ton Sai & Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary

An idyllic setting cooled by sonorous cascades, this 22 sq. km. area is rich in wildlife, including bears, porcupines, gibbons, and macaques, as well as over 100 bird species. For nature enthusiasts, the sanctuary has also mapped out walking trails.

Wat Chalong

A few kilometres inland from Ao Chalong, the temple enshrines statues of Phuket’s two most revered monks – Luangpho Chaem and Luangpho Chuang.

Ban Bang Rong Community

Awarded Thailand Tourism Award for Outstanding Community Based Tourism Attraction, Bang Bang Rong Community is a Muslim community in Amphoe Thalang which provides visitors with various activities involving diverse nature as well as interesting cultures. The activities that based on the aim to develop the sustainable community include a boat trip along the mangrove forest, visit the goat farm, and observe the fruit plantations.

Pearl Farms

Several pearl farms are in and around Phuket. Please contact the TAT Phuket office at +66 7621 1036 +66 7621 2213 for details of arranging visits.

Native Handicrafts Centre

Located on Thep Krasattri Road, the Centre has artisans skilled in silk weaving, lacquerware, silverware, jewelry-making and the crafting of parasols.

A historical Phuket landmark, Wat Phra Nang Sang was originally a fort built to protect the country from Burmese invaders. Enshrined in the main hall are three large ancient Buddha statues made of tin.

Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach is a secluded beach getaway close to the vibrant Patong City. Idyllic for discerning global travelers looking for dynamic culinary delights and cultural experiences, we embrace the essence of Phuket that resonates the Southern Thai legacies. Through Marriott International Brilliant Hosting, our associates truly connect our guests to the root of charming Thai way of life.

Guest Room 

Deluxe Pool View

Enriching Experiences

With up to 9 outlets of food and beverage plus wide range of resort complimentary activities, your stay in this holiday oasis is inspiring every day. As a holiday hub for all walks of traveler, there’s something for everyone whether you’re t raveling in a romantic getaway, family escape or in large corporate group team-building activities.

Meeting Rooms

Merlin Grand Ballroom

Merlin Grand Ballroom is a versatile, multi-purpose venue capable of hosting creative meeting and inspiring event. Boasting a state-of-the-art lighting and sound system, this space allows for captivating visuals and immersive experiences for celebrations and meeting of all kinds.

Vanda Room

This well-appointed meeting room can seat up to 24 delegates which is an idyllic venue for review meeting and strategy meeting among closed group of executives.

Mokara Room

With natural light-filled ambience, this dynamic room allows delegates to organize purposeful meetings to inspire new ideas and explore new avenue of thinking.

Restaurants

Merchant Kitchen

The all-day dining restaurant features and made-to-order cooking. Indoor or outdoor seating at the swim-up pool is available.

OPERATING HOURS

Breakfast Buffet: 6.30 AM -11 AM

Lunch: 11 AM – 5 PM

Dinner: 6 PM -11 PM

Beach Grill

A casual grill restaurant, is located next to the family poolside and beachside seats The restaurant offers pizzas,

sandwiches. world-class burgers and catch of the day.

OPERATING HOURS

Breakfast Buffet: 6.30 AM – 10.30 AM

Lunch: 11 AM-5 PM

Dinner: 6 PM -11 PM

Thai Pantry

This signature Thai restaurant creates an authentic experience with national favorites across the kingdom. Tantalize your senses with an exquisite balance of local flavors and culinary craftsmanship.

OPERATING HOURS

Dinner: 6 PM -11 PM

D.O.C.G

Savor authentic Italian dishes at D.O.C.G. Our stylish family-friendly Phuket restaurant entices patrons with an inviting atmosphere, fresh and flavorful cuisine and a selection of Italian wines.

OPERATING HOURS

Dinner: 6 PM -11 PM

The Lounge

Take in picturesque views of the water as you indulge in light restaurant fare and refreshing libations at The Lounge. It’s the ideal place to meet friends or family after a day on the beach.

OPERATING HOURS

Open Daily: 11 AM -12 AM

Happy hours: 8 PM – 10 PM

Phuket Coffee Co

A beachside coffee house serving Starbucks coffee, vibrant, modern and chic. Hot-off-the-oven baked artisanal breads and pastries, freshly roasted coffee and other delectable deli items are available.

OPERATING HOURS

Open Daily: 8 AM -6 PM

The Sweet Spot

Nothing is better than an ice cream on a beautiful sunny day in Phuket. Our ice cream bar, The Sweet Spot. offers everyone’s favorite treat. Try our signature ice creams, bubble waffles or ice cream floats before setting out to explore the island.

OPERATING HOURS

Open Daily: 11 AM -6 PM

Swim-up Pool Bar

Experience our refreshing swim-up Pool Bar during your resort stay. Enjoy tasty cocktails, casual restaurant cuisine and a daily happy hour as you enjoy the backdrop of a Phuket.

OPERATING HOURS

Open Daily: 11 AM -7 PM

Happy hours: 4 PM – 6 PM

The Rum Shack

The Rum Shack, our enticing beach bar, is the place to kick back and relax with incredible views of the Andaman Sea, live Reggae music, tasty fare and signature rum cocktails.

OPERATING HOURS

Open Daily: 11 AM -12 AM

Happy hours: 6 PM – 8 PM

Spa

The Spa

With 7 spa treatment rooms and 1 spa suite for couple retreat, The Spa carries out traditional Thai ways of revitalization and relaxation through professional therapists.

2 SIGNATURE ECO-FRIENDLY CENTERS

The Merlin Butterfly Sanctuary

Visit Merlin Butterfly Sanctuary, our unique conservation-oriented effort aiming to sustain the health of the ecosystem by providing a sustainable, protected area to flourish and grow.

The Merlin House Reef Center

Our Reef Education Center is located at the beachfront of the resort. Just a short swim from the hotel’s ‘House Reef’ The Reef Center provides information about the resort’s unique marine ecosystem and opportunity to explore it.

NO.6 Restaurant

There are two Number 6 Thai restaurants on Patong Beach, one in the centre of Patong and another one on a nearby hill. The original one is on Ratuthit road, not far from Bangla road, and it probably has been existing for more than 20 years. The second one, called ‘No.6 On The Hill’, is also very popular but less crowded and with a panoramic view of the city.

Address: 186 Kathu District, Phuket 83150

Address : 3 Phrabaramee Rd, Tambon Patong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150 (up the hill)

Kan Eang at Pier

At Puket Restaurant, a 50-year-old Phuket restaurant, showcases the traditional Thai curry. Phuket’s local cuisine is very popular among Thais and foreigners. It is also a seafood restaurant that is always fresh and fresh.

Address: 44/1 Moo 5, Viset Road, Tambon Rawai, Phuket 83130 

Briley chicken and rice

Briley is one of the two famous chicken rice restaurants in Phuket, and it has been open for more than 20 years now. The chicken is very moist and tender, not dry as you as often find it in food courts, and the bone stock soup is also deliciously flavoursome. Chicken rice is an excellent dish for travellers who can’t eat spicy food.

Address: 102 Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150 

Khun Jeed Yod Pak

Khun Jeed’s Yod Pak Restaurant is an institution in Phuket Town and one of the best local restaurants on the island. It is open more than 20 years now. It became famous for a dish Thai people love called radna. Radna is a Thai-Chinese noodle dish served with pork, beef, chicken or seafood, but mostly known for a large amount of gravy served on top. Recently, Khun Jeed Yod Pak Restaurant has been listed in the Michelin Guide for Phuket.

Address: 8 Ongsimphai Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000 

Airport bus

The Airport Bus Phuket has been quietly around for years, but not many travellers ride it as it doesn’t go to any beach. It only goes from Phuket Airport to the old Phuket Town bus terminal. The ride costs 100 baht only and lasts 1h30 as the bus stops at eight stations along the way. The Airport bus departs every hour from 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Phuket’s old bus terminal (not far from the Royal Phuket City hotel).

Smart Bus

The Smart Bus is a recent and welcome addition to the Phuket transportation scene. The Smart Bus starts at Phuket airport, both Domestic and International terminals, and drives down the west coast from beach to beach for a minimal fee. It’s incredibly cheap but very slow. Read more and see a map of the Phuket Smart Bus route.

<SMART BUS Price & Time>

– Airport to Bangtao: 100 baht – 46 minutes

– Airport to Kamala: 150 baht – 1 hour

– Airport to Patong: 150 baht – 1 hour 25 minutes

– Airport to Karon: 150 baht – 1 hour 37 minutes

– Airport to Kata: 170 baht – 1 hour 46 minutes

– Airport to Rawai: 150 baht – 2 hours 16 minutes

These are estimated times provided by Smart Bus. Knowing the traffic in Phuket, we suspect they are somewhat optimistic. 

Taxi

Taxi costs for one way from Phuket Marriot Merlin beach to Patong is about 250-300 baht.  

Taxi meters are just outside domestic or international terminals. The taxi-meter counter is easy to spot and is open until the last flight. It is a little cheaper than the airport limousine, but there is an airport surcharge of 100 baht to add to the meter. A taxi from Phuket airport to Patong beach costs about 600 baht + 100 baht airport fee. As usual in Thailand, ensure your taxi driver turns on the meter when leaving. It doesn’t seem to happen anymore but better be sure to avoid endless bargains.

Airport Limousine

Airport limousines are newer, cleaner, and more comfortable cars. They ‘usually’ drive safer than taxi meters and are not that expensive since you don’t have to add the airport fee. Drivers often speak decent English and will not try to sell you a tour or excursion on the way to your hotel. The Airport limousine counters are inside the terminals, usually just outside the baggage claims. You won’t miss them since they will undoubtedly call you “Hello sir, you want a taxi?’. It sounds pushy, but they are legit.

Prices are displayed, but the board showing the fares is long and can be confusing. It seems more expensive than taxi meters, but you get to reach your hotel in a Camry that smells good.

Phi Phi Leh Island

Phi Phi Island, located in the Hat Noppharat Thara national park, is an island Group between the Islands of Phuket and the straits of Malacca Coast of Thailand. Tourists will be stunned by the rich environment of bleached Beaches, jungle views, and clear blue water which make them revisit this Island again. 

Although the scenery from the surface is stunning, beneath the waves are much more interesting than that. There are many living creatures under the sea as well as medium-sized coral reefs which make Phi Phi Island become one of the world’s best diving spots. One of the activities that tourists should not miss is to scuba dive to see several beautiful coral reefs in the diving spots which are Phi Phi Don, Maya Bay, Pi Leh Bay, and Bamboo Island. 

Getting to Phi Phi Island is pretty easy. You can buy a package tour from tour agents at Krabi, Ao Nang Pier, and Ao Chalong Pier, Phuket in which the tour agents will provide you with the speedboats to Travel, depending on the tour package you bought.

Similan Island

Similan Islands, a Group of Islands in the Andaman sea off the west coast of Thailand, has over ten beautiful diving spots which make this Island one of the top ten popular dive sites in the world. Another highlight of this Island is under the clear blue water and beneath the waves.

Bamboo Island

Bamboo Island, situated near Phi Phi Island, is a picturesque tropical getaway with stunning beaches, clear waters, and lush vegetation covering most of the island. The place is called Bamboo Island but it’s mostly covered by Casuarina trees and not much bamboo, maybe long ago it was a little bit more obvious. However, this serene haven is usually the last stop on most of the day trips to Phi Phi Island before returning to Phuket or Krabi.

Red Mountain Golf Club

Red Mountain Golf Course is considered one of the most beautiful and exciting golf courses in Phuket. Beautifully and strategically designed by Jon Morrow and AI Tikkanen, this 6,900yard, par 72, 18hole golf course will take you through an incredible variety of spectacular landforms and dramatic elevation changes as it winds its way through a former tin mine creating some of the most beautiful fairways views in Asia.

Located approximately 15 minutes from Patong, 35 minutes from Karon, and 35 minutes from Laguna districts.

Loch Palm Golf Club

Loch Palm has earned the title of being the most relaxing golf course in Phuket, and with its convenient location, makes it a great place to start your golfing tour of the island. Many locals take advantage of the cooler weather in the early mornings where players are encouraged to complete their rounds in 3.5 hours or less.

The course is a popular choice with residents due to its central location and is conveniently located a 10minute drive from Phuket Town and Patong Beach. The 18hole, par 71 course offers a relaxing 6,000yard challenge from the Blue Tees which offers enjoyment for golfers of all levels.

Phuket Country Club

Phuket Country Club established in 1989, is the first and one of the finest golf courses in Phuket, famous tourist site of Thailand. The stunning and elegant beauty of the course, together with Thai charm and hospitality will make your golfing time a joyful and memorable occasion.

Phuket Country Club contains two course: One is the 18-hole Old course stretching over 6483 yd; and the other is the Country Club course, a challenging 3375 yd, 9-hole, particularly suitable for the low handicap golfer. Both are positioned conveniently, 30 minutes out of Phuket town and 25 minutes from Patong beach.

Laguna Golf Phuket

Laguna Golf Phuket, the premier golf course in Phuket, is an 18-hole, par-71 golf course, set within the world-renowned Laguna Phuket, Asia’s first fully integrated destination resort. Hosted within the Banyan Tree Phuket property and measuring 6,756 yards, the course features undulating fairways, beautiful lagoons and fast green surfaces.

Mission Hills Phuket Golf

A championship world-class 18 hole golf course created by the one and only Nicklaus Design; Mission Hills Phuket Resort is a golfer’s dream situated on the paradise isle of Phuket. This Phuket Airport Hotel is located amongst mangroves with phenomenal ocean views, golfers play against a picture postcard backdrop featuring bunkers filled with white sand contrasting starkly against the lush green fairways and turquoise Andaman Sea.

Blue Canyon Country Club

Blue Canyon Country Club has 2 golfing marvels from the Canyon Course, “The Ultimate Championship Course” built in 1991 to Lakes Course “A Pleasurable Masterpiece” built in 1999, has hosted numerous world events such as Johnnie Walker Classics and Honda Invitational.