Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most popular island, boasting beautiful beaches, a colourful old town, a lively nightlife scene and numerous attractions.
I’ve been living in Phuket for several years and one question I get asked a lot is ‘Is Phuket worth visiting?’
And that’s why I wrote this blog post ….
When I moved to Phuket in 2020, during the COVID lockdown, the island was so empty that you could have an entire beach to yourself!
In recent years, I’ve seen Phuket change drastically, and in some ways, it’s become unrecognisable from the place I first arrived in.
But has Phuket changed for the better? Or has it gone downhill?
And with rising prices, Is Phuket worth it still?
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Is Phuket worth visiting in 2026?
This is a hot topic among travellers and expats in Thailand right now, with some claiming it’s no longer worth visiting, and others describing it as better than ever.
So what is the truth? Is Phuket still worth visiting in 2026?
So here’s my honest take on whether it’s worth visiting Phuket, Thailand – including both the pros and the cons, so that you know what to expect and can make up your own mind.
Hopefully my tips will also help you avoid some of the mistakes first time visitors to Phuket make as well!
What is Phuket like now
Phuket is kinda misunderstood, it may technically be an island, it’s the largest one in Thailand, and its vibe is far from sleepy.
In fact, Phuket is a province that contains both a lively, bustling city and many beautiful beach resorts all with modern facilities, accommodation for all budgets, and an abundance of things to do.
As well as enjoying the stunning popular beaches you can also discover hidden bays and secret beaches, and explore lush national parks and waterfalls in less developed parts of the island.
And no trip to Phuket would be complete without a stroll around the cultural hub of Phuket City, specifically Old Phuket Town, where you’ll see colourful, historic Sino Portuguese architecture, visit shrines and temples, cute cafes and boutiques and lively markets.
Phuket has something for everyone, yet, this popular Thai island is not perfect by any means, and in recent years it has faced many problems, including overdevelopment, overtourism, and heavy traffic.
Let’s take a deeper look at these pros and cons so that you can decide for yourself if Phuket is worth visiting.
Is Phuket Worth It? The Pros and Cons of Visiting Phuket
Pros of visiting Phuket
There are some incredible things about this island that keep travellers (and expats like me) coming back. Here are my top reasons to visit Phuket in 2026…
Welcoming, tourist-friendly atmosphere
One of the things I love the most about Phuket is how welcoming it is. The moment you walk out of the airport, you feel the warmth, both literally and metaphorically.
Not only are the locals very friendly and helpful, but they also go out of their way to communicate with you despite the language barrier, which is not something you’ll find in every non-English speaking country. Because of this, you instantly feel incredibly comfortable and at home in Phuket.
Diversity and Versatility
Phuket has it all, making it a wonderful place to visit for travelers of all types and all budgets. There are so many different beaches and areas to stay in Phuket that there is something for everyone, so where to stay in Phuket depends on what you’re looking for:
- Patong for party animals
- Kata for families
- Karon for couple
- Chalong for fitness enthusiasts
- Naiharn for digital nomads
- Rawai for authentic island vibes
- Cape Panwa for peace and quiet
- Kamala for laid back coastal living
- Bang Tao for luxury resorts and western comforts
- Mai Khao for untouched nature
Check out the full guide to where to stay in Phuket for more
So Many Attractions And Things To Do
Phuket has so much more to offer than just beaches and bars. When it comes to things to do in Phuket, you’ll find everything from beaches to waterfalls, temples and viewpoints and charming old towns to lively nightlife hubs.
While Phuket is known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant nightlife, you’ll also find many other activities and attractions to enjoy during your visit so you’ll never get bored.
You can enjoy watersports, boat trips, wellness retreats, waterparks, family attractions, lively night markets, shopping malls and so much more.
One of the best experiences is jumping aboard one of the many island hopping trips from Phuket to explore nearby islands like Koh Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay. There’s plenty of other, smaller under the radar islands you can visit from Phuket too – the island hopping opportunities are endless!
There’s also a cute old town where you’ll see historic, colourful sino-Portugese shop houses, Chinese shrines, street art, cafes and a massive Sunday night walking street market. It’s well worth taking a day off the beach to check out Phuket old town and discover the island’s history and culture too.
Check out the full guide to the many attractions and things to do in Phuket here.
Modern resorts, facilities and amenities
Phuket may be a developing country but it’s more modern than many parts of the world and the island has all the modern facilities and amenities that a city has.
Here you will find huge western-style shopping malls, international schools and hospitals, state-of-the-art fitness gyms, world class Muay Thai training facilities, plenty of 5 star hotels and luxury beach resorts as well as private pool villas and condos if you’re looking to stay longer than just a few weeks.
Some may argue that Phuket is becoming too commercial and westernized, but its fast development shows that Phuket is a destination on the rise. In 2026, Phuket boasts an idyllic balance between natural beauty (beaches, jungle etc) and modern living (gyms, villas, malls).
Check out the best 5 star hotels and luxury resorts in Phuket for accommodation tips.
Stunning natural beauty and incredible beaches
Of course, one of the main reasons to visit Phuket is to enjoy the incredible beaches both in Phuket and on nearby islands. Known for its soft white sand and clear turquoise waters, Phuket’s beaches are truly postcard-perfect.
What’s more, there are many stunning islands you can take a short boat trip to, such as Koh Yao Yai, Koh Yai Noi, and the famous Phi Phi islands.
The vibrant blue of the ocean contrasts perfectly with the lush green of the jungle, making the island incredibly vibrant and picturesque come rain or shine.
In fact, during the rainy season, you can swap beaches for waterfalls in the untouched jungle or national parks, such as Khao Phra Thaeo, Phuket’s last remaining evergreen rainforest!
Cons of visiting Phuket
While Phuket has a lot going for it, the island is also often misunderstood and, like anywhere, it also has several downfalls.
It wouldn’t be an honest review without talking about these realities, but I’ve also got some tips on how to avoid these to have the best experience possible.
Here’s the cons of visiting Phuket now…
Construction and development
When the world reopened after COVID, Phuket became a hot spot for tourists, digital nomads, and expats, and demand for accommodation skyrocketed.
This demand led to a surge in the construction of luxury condos and villas across many areas of the island. For example, just a few years ago, Bang Tao, in the north of the island, was a relaxed beach town with a strong local vibe. Today, it’s full of lavish hotels, beach clubs, villa complexes, condos, and Western-style shopping plazas.
Phuket is developing rapidly, so it’s not uncommon to see and hear construction during your Phuket vacation. This is not just an eyesore; it can be incredibly frustrating if you turn up at the hotel you booked only to realise there is a construction site next door.
If you’re planning on being out at the beach and exploring all day then it might not bother you, but if you’re coming to Phuket for a special occasion being next to a big construction site isn’t great.
Tips for avoiding Phuket’s construction: Check on the satellite image on Google Maps and for the most recent reviews of the hotel/accommodation you’re planning to book to see if construction is currently underway. Also consider staying in already established areas like Patong and Phuket Town or quieter, least affected beach areas, such as Nai thon or Mai Khao, in the north. Up and coming areas like Bang Tao and Rawai have a lot of construction happening right now.
Traffic and Congestion
With more and more people flocking to Phuket each year, the island gets incredibly crowded during the high season (December – April). So if you’re expecting a small, peaceful island vibe, you might be disappointed.
Because attractions are spread out across the island, getting around can be incredibly frustrating and time-consuming. In certain spots, the traffic is so heavy that it comes to a standstill, and it can take 2 to 3 hours to drive from the north to the south at the worst time of day (without traffic, this journey is 1 hour).
Phuket is actively trying to combat this problem and has recently made its public transport more tourist AND eco-friendly with the introduction of the Phuket EV Buses. The island now has:
- 6 public bus routes with electric, air-conditioned buses
- A smart bus running from the airport to all major tourist towns
- A free electric bus route around Phuket Town
- A dedicated app (Phuket OneMap) showing all the routes and timetables
With the new Phuket EV Buses, the hope is that more tourists will use public transport. Hopefully this will ease congestion and make getting around Phuket much easier!
You can easily take Grabs (car taxis or motorbike taxis) to places the bus doesn’t yet reach, ordering them from the dedicated Grab app, which services the whole of Phuket. Or flag down a Tuk Tuk on the street for an authentic Phuket travel experience.
Lastly, it’s common to rent motorbikes/scooters in Phuket, but you should only do so if you have previous experience, and ALWAYS wear a helmet and make sure you have an IDP (International Driving Licence) as the police do check and can fine tourists for not having these.
Tips to avoid the traffic: Download the Phuket One Map App and take the bus, and avoid traveling during rush hour (4-7 pm).
Crowded beaches
It’s not just the roads that get busy. During the high season, the beaches are so full of tourists that taking a leisurely sunset walk becomes a stressful game of “dodge the kid/dog/volleyball/ landing parasailer!”
Tips for avoiding the crowds: To fully enjoy Phuket’s beautiful beaches without the crowds, opt for the less-popular beaches in the north, like Naithorn or Mai Khao. You can also find luxury resorts on hidden bays that are in a secluded location away from the crowds and traffic (and usually have a private beach), such as Siray Bay, and Cape Panwa.
You can even find pristine and jungly Freedom Beach, a hidden gem that’s not far from busy Patong Beach. Freedom beach provides an escape from the crowds if you don’t mind a small trek to reach it! There’s also plenty of other smaller bays like Yan Nui beach in the south and Banana beach in the north so you just need to make a bit more of an effort to escape the crowds.
Rising prices
During the high season, accommodation prices can rise up to 5 times the usual low-season price. And even low-season prices are considerably higher than they were 5 years ago, demonstrating that Phuket is no longer a cheap Southeast Asia destination – but it still offers good value for money.
That being said, a trip to Phuket will still be much more affordable than a holiday in most parts of Europe or the USA, and a sunny escape from harsh winters so for many people it’s still well worth it!
Tips for avoiding high prices: Choose accommodation away from the beach (Phuket town is one of the most affordable places to stay), travel during the low season when flights are cheaper, and eat out at food markets or local restaurants.
Unethical animal practices
Another thing I want to touch on is the number of unethical elephant camps and other animal-related venues, from parks where tourists take selfies with wildlife and others where animals perform tricks.
Many elephant sanctuaries claim to be ethical because they no longer ride elephants, but the majority still offer elephant bathing, which is also unnatural and inhumane. So make sure you only visit ethical animal attractions, Phuket
Tips for avoiding unethical animal practices: Refrain from attending any animal shows, and research elephant sanctuaries, only visiting those that offer observation-only experiences, such as Phuket Elephant Nature Reserve and Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Thalang.
These elephant sanctuaries do not harm elephants by offering rides or bathing sessions. Instead you can feed, learn about and observe these rescued elephants from above on a scenic canopy walkway as they freely roam, bathe, and socialise in their natural environment.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offer half day (morning or afternoon) or full day packages which include transfers and a vegetarian lunch. I recommend doing the morning with the elephants package.
Sex tourism and girly bars
Phuket has a bit of a seedy reputation, and unfortunately, there are ‘girly bars’ and ‘massage parlours’ that target Western men looking to pay for some female company.
However, the seedy side of Phuket is largely confined to Patong (particularly Bangla Road). These things are very ‘in your face’ in Patong, but the rest of Phuket doesn’t have this vibe (and Phuket is huge), so don’t let this put you off.
In all other touristy areas like Kata, Karon and Bang Tao, you’ll find regular bars, legit massage shops, and an atmosphere that feels safe rather than seedy!
So, Is Phuket still worth visiting?
Yes, absolutely, if you come with the right expectations and mindset.
Phuket is developing rapidly, which is both exciting and worrying. Its recent popularity has really cemented Phuket’s place on the map, but that brings many challenges.
Because it’s one of the trendiest tourist destinations in the world right now, you can’t expect Phuket to be the cheapest, quietest, and most peaceful place to visit. It has evolved from a hidden gem into a thriving island that some people will love, and others will hate.
The authorities are working to tackle the issues, for example by introducing more public transport, and, on the plus side, in a few years time there will many more beautiful places to stay and live in Phuket.
So if it’s your first time visiting Thailand, Phuket is still worth it, but for a quieter experience I recommend visiting in the shoulder seasons; late April (just after high season) or the beginning of December (just before the peak season crowds arrive). However, note that there can be heavy rainfall during these periods. Learn more about the best time to visit Phuket here!
With its international airport, beautiful beaches and huge variety of attractions, Phuket is a great place to start a southern Thailand island hopping adventure (or to live and enjoy all the western comforts) But, to really experience the Thai islands, make sure you go beyond Phuket, exploring beautiful destinations like Krabi, Koh Lanta, and the Phi Phi Islands!
Another thing to note is that other popular destinations in Bali and Vietnam also experience a lot of traffic and have many construction projects underway. Asia is booming right now and whilst that comes with some challenges it’s exciting to be part of it and these places are still beautiful and rewarding destinations to visit, despite some of the work in progress.
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