Holiday rentals in Phuket

Thailand’s largest and southernmost island, Phuket is also one of the country’s most famous, revered for its white-sand shores, emerald hills, and incredible food. Tropical palms and mangrove trees blanket the island in brilliant green, giving way to dramatic limestone cliffs and the turquoise hues of the Andaman Sea. On the west coast, it’s one long series of gorgeous beaches, from peaceful Mai Khao Beach in the north to the more lively Patong and Karon beaches in the south.

On the island’s eastern side — about 30 minutes away — motorbikes zip past Buddhist temples and cafes brewing Thai iced tea. Food is everywhere on this island. Street vendors sell Hokkien-style noodles and grilled pork on skewers, there’s sweet shaved ice to stave off the afternoon heat, and fresh fish melds into curries and tarts. In Phuket Town, historic Sino-Portuguese buildings mingle with ultra-modern murals, boutiques, and art galleries. Bars and night markets blossom on the streets after sundown, energised by the cool evening air.

Booking a Thailand Phuket villa means staying in the tropics, where warm, heavy days are the norm. The most pleasant season, when it’s cool and dry, runs from October to April. This is the best time to enjoy the beaches, follow a shady trail through the rainforest, or spend a day out sailing on the Andaman Sea. October is also when one of Phuket’s biggest festivals occurs, celebrating ten days of ceremonies, parades, and delicious vegetarian food. Songkran, the Thai New Year, marks the end of the cool season in April. You’ll find September and May to be rainier but still pleasant. The monsoon season runs from July through August. Most of the time, this means tropical downpours once or twice a day, but a true monsoon can bring a week or more of heavy rain.

Phang Nga Bay

Between Phuket and the mainland lies the Phang Nga Bay — a watery blue wilderness of coral reefs, towering limestone cliffs, and islands adorned with lush mangrove forests. Koh Tapu island earned some star power after showing up in a Hollywood film, but Koh Phanak is just as deserving of awe; its caves and lagoons are a gorgeous playground for kayakers and boaters.

Phuket Indy Market

Night markets are a Phuket staple, but the Indy Market — also known as Lard Ploy Khong — has become a favourite for its smaller size, handmade (“indy”) goods and clothes, and a serious selection of street food. A small stage hosts live music, and you’ll find tables and chairs to sit back and take it all in. The market is open Wednesday through Friday nights on Limelight Avenue in Phuket Town.

Black Rock Point

This challenging hike up a steep rainforest path leads to one of the most stunning vistas in Phuket: Black Rock Viewpoint. The clifftop overlook — known as “Pa Hin Dam” to locals — faces out toward Promthep Cape in the south, with Koh Man island visible to its right. Getting to the trail requires a car or motorbike.