Where to go to Phuket. Which area of Phuket to choose for your holiday

I decided to do this in November. After all, November is considered last month low season. At this time, Europeans begin to fly to the island for a colorful holiday. So I decided to try it.

Weather conditions

In November, the thermometer reaches 30 degrees during the day and 22 at night. The number of rainy days is gradually decreasing. I’ll even say this: the rains were mostly at night, so in the morning there was no trace of them. In November the number of rainy days is about 10-11 days. However, as the amount of precipitation decreases, the sun becomes more and more dangerous, and a light sea breeze does not help at all. Although it was easy for me to breathe, due to the decrease in the percentage of moisture in the air. The sea is gradually calming down, so you can swim more or less comfortably. Indeed, the difference in waves was felt when comparing the first and tenth days of my stay in Phuket. Of course, waves hit me more than once, but I didn’t even want to think about how the sea behaves during the rainy season.

Treats in Phuket

Despite the fact that in Thailand you can buy fruit at any time of the year, each month has its own characteristics. When I got to the local market, my eyes ran wide large selection fruit. On the shelves there were mangoes, papaya, pineapple, dragon fruit, guava, watermelon and coconuts. There were also fruits unknown to me, the name of which I never learned. I may note that Thai watermelons come in two colors: yellow and red. I bought the yellow one to try. I liked its rich taste, despite the unusual color. They also offer already cut fruits, but the price is different from when you buy fruit by weight.

Also in the market you can find a lot of specific Thai food, such as fried insects. But, being a vegetarian, I didn’t even think about trying this whole diet. I quite liked the Thai rice with vegetables, which you can buy at any eatery.

Holidays in November

In November, Thais celebrate the so-called Loy Krathong. A very beautiful spectacle in which both locals and visitors take part. On this day, local residents say goodbye to the rainy season. The streets are decorated with flowers, parades and dance shows are held. Krathong boats made from banana peels are decorated with flowers and nuts on the inside. Setting fire to the krathong, it is launched on the water, while making a wish. All reservoirs are transformed on this day, and after that fireworks sparkle in the sky. I personally was impressed by this spectacle, I also launched the boat, making a wish.

Beginning of the beach season

Tourists are just starting to open in November beach season. As we approach December, the number of holidaymakers stays. But for now, I enjoyed the relative solitude with nature and the beach. The half-empty beaches of Phuket made me happy.

Insects and other inhabitants

With the end of the rainy season, the number of insects decreases, but not completely. I stocked up on mosquito repellent, which in the evening appeared out of nowhere. And it didn’t matter where you were. Mosquitoes followed me everywhere. Also, ants often tried to settle in the room. In case of ants, I already bought local repellents, because I did not expect such an attack. As soon as you left food somewhere, ants immediately appeared. There could also be other inhabitants in the jungle who did not inspire me with absolutely any confidence. That’s why I didn’t go there, having heard enough stories about snakes.

Last year, when we found ourselves on the island, we were faced with the question - where to go to Phuket? Which area to choose? Where to stay so that the environment has exactly what we need. What is the best area in Phuket? After 7 months of living on the island, we were able to explore the main areas of Phuket and now we will briefly analyze the most popular ones in order to find out which area will be optimal for you.

Districts of Phuket

To decide where to go to Phuket, read the description of each area, look at photos of the beaches, compare the advantages and disadvantages of each of them. Let's start with the most popular destinations among our tourists. We ourselves, when we first arrived and were still inexperienced, thought that we would live on Karon or Kata

Karon - a huge beach and Russian tourists

The Karon area is almost always filled with tourists, as many vacationers have chosen this place. It is crowded, developed and not boring. There are many restaurants and bars on the right and left sides. Shops, pharmacies, stalls with excursions and everything that a tourist might need on his vacation.

There are 2 markets, one of which is on the temple grounds. The nightlife is not as developed as in Patong, the most party area of Phuket, but you won’t be bored here, since in the Karon ring area there are always a couple of places to go in the evening.

Karon Beach

Karon city

A variety of people vacation on Karon. Everyone was decent, they didn’t notice the inappropriate ones. There are many Russians, many European pensioners, but also many young people and even tourists with children. Although the waves in the Karon area are not childish at all. More details about beach holiday read the article -.

Patong - noise and crowds of tourists of all nationalities

No less popular than Karon, and to be more precise, Patong is the most popular place on the island. There are crowds of tourists here and this is where you can meet all the nationalities of the world.

The Patong area is the most developed. There is an embankment, a large shopping center, and a huge number of cafes with shopping arcades.

View of Patong

Life is in full swing even at night. After all, the famous Bangla Road is located in Patong - an analogue of Walking Street in Pattaya. It is noisy, crowded and there is always something to do. Nightlife establishments are open until the morning. We advise all those who are looking for an exciting youth holiday with discos and round-the-clock action - choose Patong, this is definitely for you.

Bangla Road

On the contrary, we would not recommend this area to vacationers with children, as it is too noisy and the sea may not be very clean. By the way, the best place to swim in Patong is on the right side of the beach, where the water is always cleaner, even in the off-season. We swam in Patong and overall it was fine. For more information about the beach, see the article -.

Photo of Patong beach in high season (January)

Patong in low season(May)

Kata - another Russian district

This is where most of the Russian people are, especially those who came to Phuket on a package tour. So, don’t be surprised that Russian signs will periodically flash before your eyes. The area is developed, there are many bars and restaurants, there is a small supermarket Makro and several Tesco Express, several markets. The Kata and Karon areas are almost identical and are not much different if you don’t compare the beaches.

Kata city

Beach street on Kata

A considerable number of people prefer family holidays here, despite the fact that Kata, like Karon, does not have the calmest sea, especially for small children. The nearby beaches of Kata Noi and Karon are within walking distance. If you stay on the right side of Kata, you will have to walk along a very smelly river to get to the beach. And the sea on the right side smells, since this river flows into it at the end of the beach. So the left side of the Kata is more preferable. For more information about the beach, see the article -.

Photo of Kata Beach

Kamala - a relaxing holiday on a beautiful beach

Kamala is a very pleasant and quiet area. Less developed than the previous one. There are significantly fewer tourists. There are practically no Russians. But there is still one large Big C supermarket and a medium-sized Tesco Lotus Express, open twice a week, shops and clothing stalls. The Kamala area is an excellent option for those who do not want to spend their holidays in the epicenter of noise and traffic, but at the same time want to be in civilization. The beach here is one of the best, which we constantly recommend to both young and old people. Read more about the beach here -.

Photo of Kamala beach

View of Kamala

Main road in Kamala

Where can I order a transfer from the airport?

We use the service - KiwiTaxi
We ordered a taxi online and paid by card. We were met at the airport with a sign with our name on it. We were taken to the hotel in a comfortable car. You've already talked about your experience in this article.

Bang Tao is a quiet resort, ideal for families with children

The Bang Tao area is very different from everyone else. Everything here is like in the village. Roosters and chickens walk the streets, cows graze in the meadows, small one-story houses. Bangtao is predominantly inhabited by Muslims. Local people are friendly and kind. Very quiet and peaceful. Those who want only silence, birds singing and roosters in the morning will like the Bang Tao area. And, of course, who needs just a few small shops in the area? The beach is also excellent, just like in Kamala. There is no more ideal beach for children, as the sea is always calm, the waves are small, and there is a lot of natural shade. Read more in the article -.

Photo of the beach in Bang Tao

Central street in Bangtao

Beach street

Bang Tao village

Surin - considered a VIP area

It is considered an elite area, and prices for tickets here are simply off the charts. All because here nice beach With clear water and many expensive hotels on the nearby hills. Despite the fact that the beach is cool, the sea in this area is often choppy, with high waves almost all year round. The infrastructure is not very well developed. There is not a large selection of cafes and restaurants, just as there is no market. The contingent of vacationers is mainly Europeans. I would recommend the Surin region to young couples. More details about the beach in the article -.

Photo of Surin beach

Descent to Surin Beach on the right side

Streets of Surin

Condominium in Surin

Nai Harn is the southernmost beach for a relaxing holiday

Like Surin, Nai Harn Beach has been awarded the title of not only an expensive resort, but also the most beautiful beach all over Phuket. It was not assigned by us, but we partly agree with this opinion and believe that Nai Harn Beach is worthy of attention. There is a kind of cove here. There are many mothers with children, many families who have settled here for a long time. The area is poorly developed. There are no shopping centers here, not many cafes and shops. There is a Russian restaurant near the beach; posters with the inscription “KVAS” flash from time to time. This is a good area and is suitable for those who value, first of all, silence and relaxation, and not the night noise outside their windows. More details at the link -.

NaiHarn Beach
Beach street
Nai Harn village
Lake and condo in Nai Harn

Yanuy - a tiny beach among the mountains

It’s a stretch to call Yanui district, since the beach itself seems to be considered either a continuation of the Nai Harn district, or western part Rawai. Yanuy is surrounded by greenery, with small mountains on both sides. There are only a few hotels here. Moreover, there is only one near the sea, the rest are either on the hills or closer to Rawai beach. The sea on Yanui beach is perfectly clean during the season. Many come specifically for snorkeling. You can swim with children, as the sea is calm. But the infrastructure is almost zero. You can only eat at the hotel and have nowhere to go. You will have to go to the Nai Harn area, which is very close and convenient, or even closer to the Rawai area. More details - .

Photo of Yanuy beach high season

Beach street

Lots of greenery

Rawai - not a swimmable beach

There is plenty of life in the Rawai area, although it is not entirely hustle and bustle. There is a good seafood market, shops and simple cafes. You can get around those places where there is life in 10 minutes. When it gets dark, everyone goes to bed except for a couple of bars, and there's no fun to be had. And most importantly - there is no beach! More precisely, you can’t swim, it’s shallow and dirty, there are a lot of fishing boats. More about the beach, more photos and watch the video in the article -.

Photo of Rawai beach

Beach street

Chalong - bad beach, boat pier

The Chalong area has a beach that essentially doesn't exist. There is a pier on Chalong from where boats depart to the islands near Phuket. Therefore, when moving to this area, do not expect to swim, as the beach is very dirty. It is also shallow here, and during low tides the water goes far away, exposing the muddy bottom. But feel free to expect that there will be a shopping center, cafes with low prices and tents with excursions nearby. If you are more or less solo traveler with personal vehicles, then this area is acceptable. But it cannot be considered as a holiday option. More details in the article -.

Bay in Chalong

Chalong Ring - roundabout to Karon, Kata, Rawai beaches and Chalong Pier

Kathu area - no sea

The Kathu area is popular among winterers and other “long-livers” in Phuket. It is far from the sea, in the very center of the island, the closest beach from this area is Patong. The advantages of the area are that Kathu has low housing prices in any season, there are normal Thai prices in markets and cafes without tourist markups. Many locals don't speak English. Within a 10-minute drive you will find yourself in the Macro, Big C, Tesco shopping centers with a large selection of food and clothing. The Kathu area is not suitable for vacation or recreation, since housing there is often rented out on a monthly basis. According to our impressions, this is the most unsuitable area for recreation. Only if you have your own transport.

Condominium Plus in Kathu

Phuket Town - no sea, no tourist life

The central area, where all the life of the local population is concentrated. Apart from the old town center, Phuket Town is not a tourist area. Public catering is well developed here, there are many cafes, shops, shops and markets for locals, and well-developed public transport in the form of pink buses. There are several condominiums in the town where you can rent an apartment at a good price in any season. Main shopping centers are also located in Phuket Town.

View of Phuket Town

But there is not a single beach in Town, so this area, if you are a tourist, is suitable for you only if you do not mind getting to the beaches of Phuket every time not on foot, but by transport. If so, then this is not the most pleasant activity. So, it’s better not to consider it without your own transport either.

Evening traffic jams in the town

Brief summary of Phuket districts

While you are thinking about the question “Where to go to Phuket,” I will summarize and briefly outline the main gist of each area of the island.

The noisiest, party and most developed area is Patong.
The most tourist area, with numerous restaurants and cafes - Patong, Kata and Karon
The most family-friendly areas are Bang Tao, Kamala
Area with luxury hotels – Surin
The quietest and most undeveloped area is Yanuy
Areas where there are many Russians are Nai Harn, Karon, Kata.
The most non-tourist areas are Phuket Town, Kathu, Chalong, Thalang

Cost schedule for tours to Phuket

Which beach to choose for a holiday in Phuket

Which beach should you choose for your holiday? It all depends on how you want to relax.

If you want to have fun, drink, go to bars, then definitely Patong.
If you want peace, tranquility and privacy, then consider the options on the beaches of Bangtao, Maikao and Yanui.
If you want something in between, choose the popular Karon, Kata or lesser known ones - Kamala, Surin and Nai Harn.
For those who are planning to rent a car to travel around the entire island and neighboring provinces, the areas of Kathu and Phuket Town are suitable, since they are located in the center of the island, it will be convenient to get everywhere.

Don't know where to go in November yet? To Thailand, of course!!!

Good day everyone!
My name is Svetlana, I’ve been reading “We Went-We Know” for a long time and with pleasure. This is the best travel forum for me - useful, “no frills”, everything is always “short and to the point.” Now I have also decided. I’ll write about a holiday at sea: how to go to Thailand in November, where is the best place to go, how to do it as cheaply and comfortably as possible. Additionally, I decided to make step-by-step instructions for beginners, how to travel to Thailand on your own at any time of the year - I hope it will be useful to someone. After all, we all once went to Thailand for the first time and felt what a thrill it was! Sitting on the white sand on a tropical island, watching the sunset, and then choosing a table in a restaurant on the beach, and enjoying fresh seafood by candlelight and the sound of splashing waves...

For me the most best month for a trip to Thailand - this is November. At this time, the lowest prices for holidays, excellent weather, and not as many tourists as in other months. I have had the opportunity to vacation in Thailand many times, been there in all seasons, in the most different parts Thailand. Therefore, I advise all my friends: if possible, go to Thailand in November!

Weather in Thailand in November

On the Andaman coast of Thailand in November it sets good weather. Rains do occur, but they are becoming less frequent and shorter. And it’s even joyful when they go. I love swimming in the pool when it rains.

Prices for holidays in Thailand in November

If you go to the sea, the best prices are until November 15th. I usually go to Thailand for the whole of November - I generally think it’s strange to go for 2 weeks - you just get the hang of it and then leave: (Before November 15th we take some luxury hotel (which we can’t afford in high season), and after November 15th – something simpler, usually a house or guesthouse.

Thailand in November: where is the best place to go?

In November, it is best to go to the Andaman Sea: , (Ao Nang). I liked going to Phuket first, then to Krabi - it’s nearby and both places are interesting.

I’ll say right away that you should forget about tours to Thailand, you should only go to this paradise on your own. You'll never find it on a ticket comfortable rest and secluded beaches.

After you go on your own for the first time, you will never go on a tour again, because... more interesting and comfortable. When my family and I went on our own for the first time, I immediately appreciated that it was finally possible to: 1. Choose the beach I want; 2. Take a comfortable hotel, an apartment with a kitchen, or even a whole hotel at a reasonable price, and not those terrible hotels with poor service that travel agencies offer; 3. Freedom of movement - not to be tied to one hotel, but to change them - 5 days in Phuket, 10 days in Krabi, a couple of days in, 5 days in and finally go to amazing

If you have never traveled without a ticket, then know that it is easier than going to Sochi. Use my instructions, thanks to which many of my friends have already discovered a completely different Thailand. I inserted all the necessary links that helped me on the trip right into the text, so it turned out not just instructions, but a full-fledged guide to Thailand for a beginner :)

Step by step instructions on how to travel to Thailand on your own

Step 1. Buy cheap tickets to Thailand

Start looking for flights 2-5 months in advance. It sometimes happens that cheap tickets to Thailand for November can be found in September, but there is still a better chance of buying the cheapest tickets in July-August. Good price for a flight – it’s about $400 for a round-trip flight from Moscow. It’s best to book flights to Phuket right away.
If there are no cheap flights, then look through Bangkok. For example, Moscow - Bangkok, then Bangkok - Phuket or Bangkok - Krabi. In this case, you can stay for a couple of days in Bangkok.

So, for example, you are flying from Moscow:
1. If you are traveling to Phuket, look for the flight Moscow - Phuket (click on the link and you will see the calendar of the most low prices) or Moscow – Bangkok – Phuket
2. If you are traveling to Krabi, look for flights Moscow - Bangkok, then Bangkok - Krabi or direct Moscow - Phuket. But from Phuket you will have to drive 3 hours to Krabi, so it is still more convenient to fly to Krabi via Bangkok. Air flight Bangkok-Krabi will be the cheapest (in Bangkok you will need to change the airport, take a bus from Suvarnaphumi airport to Don Mueang, at least 1 hour)

Step 2. Book a hotel in Thailand

As soon as you buy air tickets to Thailand, immediately start looking for a hotel - the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be. I recommend trying different hotels. Nice hotels Thailand is cheaper than in Europe or Russia, so it’s worth pampering yourself and living in heavenly conditions. It's a vacation!

Which beach to choose in Phuket?
If you are with your family, then choose the respectable beaches of Surin or Kamala, or the calm Nai Harn, and for a budget family holiday - Kata or Karon. For those who like to have fun and nightlife- Patong. If you are only interested in the beach and nothing else around, then Nai Harn.

I liked the Baan Phu Prana Boutique Villa hotel on Surin Beach. It’s better to take one with a sea view – amazing view! In addition, it is on a hill and a little remote, and therefore quiet. A hotel of this level somewhere in Europe by the sea will cost from 800 euros. And here... yourself - incredible, right?

Step 3. Buy travel insurance

Insurance is not required to enter Thailand, but if something happens... I highly recommend taking it. The year before last, my friend found himself in a stupid situation: he fell out of nowhere, had an open fracture, and there was no insurance; he had to pay about $1,200! He no longer flies to Thailand without insurance.
By the way, be sure to take insurance with the option “ active recreation” – suitable if something happens on a motorbike. I use it - everything has always been paid for, no problems.

Step 4. Book an interesting excursion

In addition to the standard excursions that you can easily find in Thailand, pay attention to unusual excursions - you can book them online. Tours are conducted in Russian.

Step 5. Getting ready for the trip

Take all printouts with you: air tickets, insurance, hotel reservations. Russians do not need a visa if their vacation lasts no more than 30 days. We just arrive at the airport and board the plane.
If you are flying through Bangkok, check which airport the plane flies from to Phuket or Krabi. If you have taken an AirAsia ticket, you will need to transfer to another Don Mueang airport (plan on at least an hour's drive) by free bus (shuttle, see schedule).

In the photo: look for your flight number on the “Departure” board

If you don’t understand something at Suvarnabhumi Airport, you don’t need to know English; sometimes you just need to show the staff your tickets for the next plane, and they’ll show you where to go. But in general, everything is very clear and convenient at Bangkok airport, it cannot be compared with Domodedovo. To find the departure area, go to the top floor and look at the “Departure” board for your flight number and the number of check-in counters.

Phuket in November

Having decided to go to Phuket in November, tourists take the right decision. This month, the tropical rainy season is coming to an end and you can see the sun more and more often, which is noteworthy: almost all the rains fall at night, some vacationers don’t even notice them. The sun coming out from behind the clouds can be dangerous for European holidaymakers, so stock up before your trip sunscreen so as not to get burned.

The tourist season in Phuket opens in November, and more and more tourists come here. Cafes and nightclubs operating seasonally are beginning to open. On the streets you can find more and more more people. During this time, local residents hold various festivals. At the end of the rainy seasons, tourists can get to any attraction in Phuket without any restrictions, weather conditions will not interfere.

In November, it is almost impossible to see storms in the sea; its temperature rises. Vacationers can spend the whole day on the beach and swim in the sea without restrictions. Beach bars and cafes begin to open.

Most people specifically plan a vacation in November to get to Phuket. Holidays this month are favorable!

November. With friends

Thailand, Phuket island

This year we decided to spend our holiday in Phuket. I absolutely love exotics! We went there in November, since the price suited us, and the agency told us that the low season ends in November, and with it the rains. We had long dreamed of going to Thailand, imagining a piece of paradise, but Phuket greeted us with weather that did not fit in with the “paradise” ideas. It was pouring rain, so heavy that the water covered the road like a continuous river. Fortunately, the rain soon stopped. But half of our vacation was watered in this way.

We went on excursions and liked everything except one. We were taken to an exotic leather goods store; the store itself turned out to be terribly expensive and the selection was so-so. We stayed there for quite a long time, but the imprint remained extremely unpleasant.

Andrey and Arina

November. As a couple

Thailand, Phuket island

We were in Phuket in November. We bought tickets at a big discount, since November is still the rainy season in Phuket, but the good news is that it’s the last one. When we arrived, we realized what the rainy season was like, it was pouring like buckets. But fortunately it was the first and last rain during our entire vacation.

We got right to local holiday Loi Krathong was unforgettably beautiful. I would characterize the weather as hot and humid; to be honest, at first I felt some discomfort, but then I stopped noticing it, I probably got used to it. And so I think that November is the time to relax in Phuket. The only terrible impression was left by the excursion to the Similan Islands. We spent the night on the island, the dirt was terrible. I don't recommend it to anyone.