PhuketTravel Tips

Typical weather seasons by month.

When the city is peak, balanced, or quieter.

Typical monthly AQI index trends.

What to know before drinking water, eating street food, or dining out.

• Drink sealed bottled water; resort tap water is for brushing, not drinking.
• Seafood is best at high-turnover kitchens near Rawai, Chalong, and Phuket Town.
• Street food is safest when cooked to order and served hot.
• Ice is usually factory-made in tourist areas, but skip cloudy hand-chipped blocks.

Common scams and safety precautions during your stay.

• Inspect scooters and jet skis with photos before renting; damage disputes are common.
• Use Grab, Bolt, hotel cars, or agreed taxi fares before starting a ride.
• Patong after midnight is transactional; keep cards, phones, and drinks controlled.
• Red flags on beaches are serious during monsoon months; lifeguards do not negotiate with surf.

Respectful behavior for temples, neighborhoods, and restaurants.

• Dress modestly at temples: shoulders covered, shoes off before entering halls.
• Keep voices low in shrines, hotel lobbies, and family-run restaurants.
• Do not touch anyone's head or point feet at sacred objects.
• A calm tone solves more here than urgency or volume.

Plugs, voltage, and electrical charging standards.

Tipping customs for dining, taxis, and services.

• Tipping is appreciated, not expected; round up taxis and casual bills.
• Leave 40-100 THB for good restaurant service if no service charge is added.
• For hotel porters, 20-50 THB per bag is normal.
• Private drivers and boat crews value direct cash tips after reliable service.

Essential local laws and regulations to respect.

• Carry a passport photo or digital copy; hotels and rentals may request ID.
• International driving permits are expected for scooter and car rentals.
• Helmets are required and police checks are common near beach roads.
• Alcohol sale hours can be restricted on election and public observance days.

Health advice for climate, insects, and well-being.

• Use strong mosquito repellent at dusk, especially near gardens and canals.
• Reef cuts infect quickly; clean wounds and avoid seawater until sealed.
• Heat exhaustion is common in April and May; schedule shade before fatigue starts.
• Travel insurance should cover scooters, boats, and private hospital care.

Simple local phrases that help with greetings and polite conversation.

Useful phrases for shopping, bills, and price negotiations.

Phrases for dietary preferences, vegetarian choices, and water.

Polite ways to decline offers, transport, or street vendors.

Directions for finding toilets, basic shopping, and asking help.

Emergency calls, hospitals, and help phrases in the local language.