Travel Guides: All Countries / Asia / Thailand / Phuket
 |  | Fact File : Phuket |
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| | | Phuket | | Did you know?
Phuket's culture is unique, combining Chinese and Portuguese influences with that of the chao naam or sea gypsies, an indigenous, ocean-going people.
Language
Thai.
Visas
None required for a visit of less than 30 days.
Getting there
There are regular package deals available direct to Phuket.
Flying time from London
14 hours.
Getting around
Thai buses run frequent trips to the various beaches. There are also tuk-tuks and samlors (motorised and cycle rickshaws) and taxis.
Currency
Baht.
Costs
Prices are around £2 for a local beer; £1.60 for a roll of film; £4 for a moderate restaurant meal; and £1.50 for a short taxi ride.
Weather
Phuket is hot and humid year around with temperatures hovering around 30C/86F, but there's less rainfall between November and March.
Time difference
Seven hours ahead of GMT.
International dialling code from the UK
00 66.
Voltage
220V. Local electrical shops will stock suitable adapters.
Opening hours
Shops usually open between 10am and 7pm and banks tend to open weekdays only.
Health – before you go
No jabs are compulsory but hepatitis A, polio and typhoid are recommended. Check in advance with your GP.
Health – when you are there
Drink bottled water and don't eat unpeeled fruit bought in the street. Avoid coral cuts when swimming or snorkelling over reefs as they can become infected. If you get a scratch, wash with boiling water, apply antiseptic and protect until healed. Be aware there has been considerable damage to the underlying health care in Phuket following last December's tidal wave (tsunami). Those in affected areas are advised to purchase bottled water, as local water sources may be contaminated.
Warnings
Although Thailand is not a dangerous country to visit, be cautious when travelling on public transport and be careful about your valuables. Also make sure your hotel room is firmly locked at night.
Emergency
Tourist police – 1699.
Customs
Skimpy dress, speaking loudly or losing your temper are all definite no-nos as Thai social behaviour is more genteel and refined than in the west. Never insult the monarchy or Thai religion.
Pets
Not allowed back into the UK without going into quarantine.
Tipping
It's not normal practice but it's polite to leave any small change from a large bill.
Tourist Office
Tourism Authority of Thailand, 3rd Floor, Brook House, 98-99 Jermyn Street, London. SW1Y 6EE. Tel: 09063 640666.
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| | Available rental properties in Phuket |
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| |  | | Baan Panom, Karon, Phuket
On the hillside above Karon beach, this 3 bedroom luxuriously furnish residence with roof-top infinity pool swimming. Enjoy the beautiful sunset view from pool.
|  | | Baan Sa-moot Sa-wan
Luxurious 4 story villa with spectacular ocean views close to superb beach. Roof top infinity pool. 4/5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, maximum sleeps 12.
|  | | The Stunning Penthouse Andaman Cove Evason Phuket
The Penthouse Evason Phuket. Situated within the 5-star Evason Resort. Enjoy all the resorts facilities, including; 4 restaurants, 4 swimming pools.
|  | | The Retreat, Naka Yai Island, Phuket, Thailand
A luxurious private beachfront family villa with infinity edge pool in a tropical island setting just offshore from Phuket with panoramic dreamscape v
|  | | The Retreat, Naka Yai Island, Phuket, + annexe
A luxurious private beachfront family villa with infinity edge pool in a tropical island setting just offshore from Phuket with panoramic views
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Holiday Rentals in Phuket |
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