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Thailand’s largest and most popular island, Phuket is known for its gorgeous sunsets and perfect blue oceans.

Located just off the west coast of the Thai mainland in the Andaman Sea, and is famous for its many beach resorts, such as Patong, Karon Bay and Beach, Bang Tao, Siray Bay, Hat Surin and Kata Noi.

However, there’s much more to this destination than just lounging around on the beach, with loads to see and do, from numerous parks and forests to explore as well as plenty of historical and cultural sights to see.

For example, you can take a trek through the forest on the back of an elephant, or even take a bamboo raft.

The Wat Phra Thong Temple and Chalong Temple are also well worth a visit, but be sure to be respectful if you choose to do so.

The famous ‘James Bond Island’, also known as Khao Phing Kan is also worth a visit and is one of the locations used in the 1974 movie The Man with the Golden Gun.

The island is also well known for its lively and hedonistic nightlife, with loads of beachside bars and clubs, as well as restaurants serving both local and international food.

5 Things You Need to Know About Phuket

If you’re busy planning your dream trip to Phuket, here are five things which you need to know before packing your bags, including the time zone and sales tax.

Time Difference: UTC +7 Hours
Currency: THB (?)
Native Language: Thai
Weather: The hottest month in Phuket is March, with an average of 83°F, and the coldest is January, with an average of 81°F
Sales Tax: 7%

Flying to Phuket from the US

Here’s everything you’ll need to know when booking flights from the US to Phuket, including what sort of flight time to expect, and which airlines offer flights to Thailand.

Flight Times

Flights from the US to Phuket will take a long time wherever in the country you fly from, but it will vary depending upon where abouts in the country you’re leaving from.

Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from the US, so a one-stop flight could take anywhere between 19 and 32 hours depending on where you’re flying from.

For example, from New York City you can catch a 19-hour flight with a one hour stop in Doha, and in Los Angeles, you could catch a 20-hour flight with an hour and a half stop in Peking.

Entry Requirements

US citizens with a valid passport and valid return airline ticket traveling to Thailand for tourism purposes will not require a visa.

Those who are staying for over 30 days, or who are visiting for purposes other than tourism will require a visa and should contact the Thai Immigration Bureau.

Airlines That Fly to Phuket

While there are no airlines offering direct flights to Phuket, there are a number offering indirect services, including…

- China Southern
- Thai Airways
- Etihad
- American Airlines
- Singapore Airlines
- Qatar Airways

The Airport
 

Phuket International Airport (HKT)

Phuket is served by Phuket International Airport (HKT), which is located on the north side of the island, about 20 miles north of Phuket City.

There’s a reliable bus service which runs on an hourly basis, but unfortunately, there is no rail system.

10 Phuket Must-Dos

If you’re traveling to Phuket for the first time, and are wondering what the main attractions are which you need to tick off during your stay, here are your top ten must-dos for visiting Phuket.

- Patong
- Karon Beach
- Phuket FantaSea
- Promthep Cape
- Phuket Simon Cabaret
- Splash Jungle Water Park
- Kata Beach
- Wat Chalong
- Flying Hanuman
- Phuket Zoo

Book Cheap Flights to Phuket with Globehunters

So if you’re thinking of booking cheap flights from the US to Phuket, look no further than Globehunters, where our experienced team of travel consultants will be happy to work with you to find the best fare and route for you, at the best possible value.