What Should You Pack for Phuket?
Phuket is hot and humid, so light and airy clothes are the way to go! During the rainy season, a rain jacket or umbrella is a good idea for those quick tropical downpours. Pack plenty of short sleeves and tank tops, and you’ll definitely want a swimsuit for the beach or pool. In the dry season, it’s still warm, so casual, lightweight clothes will keep you cool. If you’re planning on visiting temples, remember to pack modest clothes to cover your shoulders and knees.
Make sure you’re prepared for: Visiting Patong Beach, exploring Big Buddha, snorkeling, island hopping, and enjoying a sunset boat cruise.
Dress Code
Phuket is a laid-back, beachy destination, so casual clothing is perfect for most activities. You’ll spend a lot of time in swimwear if you’re hitting the beaches, but when visiting temples like Wat Chalong, modest clothing is required—cover your shoulders and knees. In the evening, beach bars and restaurants are casual, but a nice sundress or light outfit is great if you’re planning a night out in Patong. Comfortable sandals or flip-flops are ideal for beach hopping!
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Spring
77 – 93°F
(25 – 34°C
)
Summer
77 – 93°F
(25 – 34°C
)
Fall
75 – 90°F
(24 – 32°C
)
Winter
73 – 90°F
(23 – 32°C
)
Spring: Warm and humid, with occasional rain
Summer: Hot and rainy, with high humidity
Fall: Warm with some rain, humid
Winter: Hot and dry
Spring
7.1 inches of rain
Summer
10.7 inches of rain
Fall
12.6 inches of rain
Winter
1.7 inches of rain
Tops & Layers
1. Short Sleeve Shirts: Great for beach days and exploring Phuket Old Town—I loved having these for hot afternoons!
2. Tank Tops: Perfect for the hot and humid weather.
3. Long Sleeve Shirts: Useful for temple visits or evenings when it cools down.
4. Casual Jacket: Ideal for cooler nights or if you’re planning to take a boat ride—I really liked having mine on the water!
5. Sweater: A light sweater is great for cooler mornings or air-conditioned places.
Bottoms & Dresses
1. Shorts: Essential for exploring beaches and casual outings—I loved how comfortable these were for walking around.
2. Dresses: Perfect for beachside dinners or sunset cruises.
3. Pants: Light, breathable pants are great for temple visits or cooler evenings.
4. Skirt: Perfect for casual outings or dining at a beachside café.
5. Leggings: Ideal for flights or long days exploring the island.
Shoes & Accessories
1. Shoes: Comfortable shoes are important for walking around, especially if you’re visiting markets or temples.
2. Sandals: Perfect for beach days and casual outings—I loved having these for walking along the shore!
3. Sunglasses: Phuket gets a lot of sun, so sunglasses are a must!
4. Hat: A wide-brim hat is great for sun protection on the beach or during boat trips.
5. Swimsuit: Absolutely essential for enjoying Phuket’s beaches and pools!
6. Sarong: Useful for covering up at the beach or for temple visits.
7. Beach Coverup: Perfect for relaxing by the pool or between swims.
8. Pajamas: Lightweight and breathable for warm nights.
Luggage & Packs
1. Carry-On: Perfect for keeping your essentials close during a weekend beach getaway.
2. Daypack: Great for carrying gear while exploring beaches or going on island-hopping trips.
3. Purse: Practical for carrying personal items like sunscreen, a phone, and water while exploring markets and beaches.
4. Tote Bag: Useful for carrying your beach essentials like towels, sunscreen, and snacks.
Travel Essentials
- Reusable Water Bottle: A must-have for travel days and while exploring for the day.
- Packing Cubes: Helpful for staying organized rather than ending up with a heap of clothes in your luggage.
- Luggage Tags: Even if you’re not checking luggage, still good to have in case you misplace your bags.
- Luggage Locks: Can be handy even if you’re not checking luggage, making your backpack more pickpocket-proof.
- Sleep Mask: An eye mask is a game changer for helping you get quality sleep each night.
- White Noise Machine: Same as above. White noise machines have helped me get more consistent sleep.
- Ear Plugs: Much better than the generic foam ones that never stay in my ears.
- Jewelry Case: Especially nice for organizing necklaces and not getting them all tangled.
- Dry Bag: An item to bring if you plan to do a lot of water activities or boat trips.
- Water Shoes: Same as above. Great to bring if you plan to do water activities or boat trips.
- Travel Umbrella: Only if you’re going somewhere where it’s going to be wet and rainy (but not too windy).
- Deck of Cards / Fox in the Forest: I love playing card games while traveling. It’s a fun way to pass the time.
- Portable Charger: It’s surprising how often you don’t have an outlet when you need one, and your phone is essential for everything from directions to your mobile boarding pass.
- Universal Travel Adapter: This universal adapter works in 200+ countries. Great for airports too.
- E-sim: I’ve used Airalo in four different countries now, and it’s the best solution for using data abroad.
- Phone: Currently travel with an iPhone 13 Pro, which also works as my camera for most trips.
- Tablet: I use my iPad mainly for watching shows and movies and checking emails while traveling.
- Headphone Splitter: I use this one with my iPad Air so I can watch shows with my husband on long flights.
- GoPro: A great camera for underwater photography or adventure activities.
- Memory Card for GoPro: This is the one I use for my GoPro, high-quality and reliable.
- Waterproof Phone Case: Even with my GoPro, I end up using this all the time since phone quality photos are so good now.
- Kindle: I love traveling with my Kindle and being able to read multiple books on a trip without the extra weight.
- Noise-Canceling Headphones: These wraparound ones are a must for long plane rides if I want to get any sleep. I also bring Airpods for local bus trips or on-the-go travel when I want to carry something smaller.
- Air Tags: Great if you’re checking luggage in case it gets lost or stolen.
- Chargers: Don’t forget all the chargers you’ll need for the electronics listed above.
- Toiletry Bag: Great for going through security, and they make it easier to find what I want to use.
- Reusable Containers for Toiletries: I use reusable containers so I don’t need to buy expensive travel-sized products.
- Electric Toothbrush: I’ve tried those tiny travel toothbrushes, and they just don’t work for me.
- Toothpaste: These are the perfect travel size that lasts about a month or so for two people.
- Floss: Any floss will do.
- Natural Deodorant: I finally discovered a good natural deodorant. Plus, it’s small, so it’s perfect for travel.
- Shampoo: I get the large size and then just put it in my mini travel containers.
- Conditioner: Same as above. I don’t worry about bringing body wash since I’m okay using whatever’s provided.
- Panty Liners: For when you want some extra protection. Also great for sweaty travel days to keep you more dry.
- Tampons: I like that these are made without plastic, and they’re easy to put into small purses and travel with.
- Tide to Go Pen: Surprisingly handy for getting out those random stains or spills.
- Travel Laundry Detergent: These are useful because you can use them for hand washing or as washer detergent.
- Travel Clothesline: Handy when you need to wash your clothes but realize most of the world doesn’t use dryers.
- Hairbrush: I don’t use a travel-size version because it’s not worth it for me. I’d rather have a full-size brush.
- Hair Ties: Any brand works, but I also make sure to have plenty on hand in my bags.
- After Sun Lotion: Great to have if you’re traveling during the hotter months and expect to get a lot of sun.
- Face Sunscreen: I’ve tried many sunscreen brands, and this is the best face sunscreen I’ve found.
- Body Sunscreen: Reef-safe, easy to spread, and smells good.
- Face Cleanser: I usually get a regular-size bottle and then put it into my refillable travel containers.
- Moisturizer: I’ve tried many fancy moisturizers, and I’ve realized that the simplest ones often work best for me.
- Overnight Face Mask: I use this in daily life as well, but during travel it’s especially good because it’s so hydrating.
- Lip Balm: I’ve been a Burts Bees stan for over a decade, and I don’t think I’ll change anytime soon.
- Makeup: The three essentials I always bring are lip gloss/lipstick, my Clinique CC Cream + makeup brush, and mascara. Everything else is added on depending on the vibes of the trip.
- Travel Razor: I love this size and how easy it is to change the razor heads once a week.
- Razor Replacements: I usually bring enough to replace the razor head once per week while traveling.
- Hydrating Face Sheets: I pack a couple of these to use after long plane rides, great for hydrating your face.
- Travel Mirror: This is a luxury item, but it’s surprising how often I use it when there’s only one bathroom.
- Dry Bar Blow Dryer Brush: Another luxury item. It’s bulky to bring (and I don’t always bring it), but it’s a versatile tool for looking more put together in non-humid destinations.
- Heat Protectant Spray: For the Dry Bar Brush.
- Bug Spray: The most effective spray I’ve found that doesn’t use DEET.
- Tylenol: The best remedy when a headache strikes.
- Motion Sickness Pills: You never know when you might get motion sickness, especially if you’re prone to it like me.
- Tums: Handy for dealing with indigestion or heartburn when eating foods different than you’re used to.
- Pepto Bismol: Another thing to help soothe an upset stomach.
- Other Travel Medications: Make sure to research what else you might need to bring for the destination.
- Electrolyte Powder: Great for staying hydrated, especially after a day in the sun or a long flight.
- Band-Aids: Useful for minor cuts and blisters.
- Anti-Septic Wipes: Keeps wounds clean and prevents infection.
- Unisom SleepMelts: Obviously optional, but these are the only way I’m able to sleep on planes.
- Melatonin: Helps with sleep, especially if you’re adjusting to a new time zone.
- Hand Sanitizer: Essential for keeping your hands clean when soap and water aren’t available.
- Passport
- Travel Visas (if needed)
- Travel Documents, Tickets, Boarding Passes & Booking Confirmations
- Driver’s License / International Driving Permit (if needed)
- Photocopy of Passport (hidden in your pack)
- Emergency Cash – I usually bring US $200 and hide it in 1-2 packs/purses I have with me on travel days in case of an emergency. I make sure it’s separate from my wallet.
- Credit / Debit Cards
- Travel Insurance – Nice to have in case of any medical or travel emergencies.
What to Know Before You Pack
- Light clothing: Phuket’s tropical heat means light fabrics like cotton or linen will help you stay cool.
- Rain gear: If you’re visiting in the rainy season, pack a rain jacket or compact umbrella for tropical showers.
- Swimwear: You’ll spend a lot of time in and around the water, so pack multiple swimsuits!
- Modest attire: For temple visits, you’ll need clothes that cover your shoulders and knees.
Phuket Travel FAQs
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT PHUKET?
December is the best month to visit Phuket because it’s part of the dry season, with warm and sunny weather, and low humidity. December’s also great because it’s less crowded than the high tourist season that follows in January, and the beaches are perfect for enjoying snorkeling, swimming, and other water activities.
WHAT FESTIVALS & EVENTS ARE THERE IN PHUKET?
Phuket Vegetarian Festival (September/October): A colorful, nine-day festival with parades and food offerings, perfect for families and culture enthusiasts.
Loy Krathong (November): A beautiful festival where locals release floating lanterns onto the water, ideal for couples and families looking to experience a traditional celebration.
Songkran (April): Thailand’s famous water festival celebrated with water fights, great for solo travelers and families alike.
WHERE SHOULD I GO IN PHUKET?
Phuket is filled with stunning beaches, lively markets, and iconic temples. One of my favorite spots is Patong Beach, where you can enjoy the sun, sea, and vibrant nightlife. Don’t miss a visit to the Big Buddha for panoramic views of the island, and head to Old Phuket Town to explore its charming streets and local markets. If you’re up for some adventure, take a boat trip to the Phi Phi Islands or Phang Nga Bay for incredible snorkeling and diving opportunities.
HOW MANY DAYS DO I NEED TO VISIT PHUKET?
5-7 days is ideal for exploring Phuket’s beaches, temples, and surrounding islands. A shorter stay can still cover the highlights.
Suggested Itineraries:
2 Days: On day one, relax at Patong Beach, visit Big Buddha, and enjoy dinner in Old Phuket Town. Spend day two island hopping to Phi Phi Islands for snorkeling and beach exploration.
5 Days: Copy the 2-day itinerary and add: On day three, explore Wat Chalong and take a sunset cruise around Phang Nga Bay. Spend day four relaxing at Kata Beach and exploring the nightlife in Patong. On day five, visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and spend the evening shopping at the night market.
1 Week: Copy the 5-day itinerary and add: On day six, take a boat trip to James Bond Island for stunning rock formations and kayaking. On day seven, visit Nai Harn Beach for a relaxing day at one of Phuket’s quieter spots.
10 Days: Copy the 1-week itinerary and add: On day eight, visit Karon Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the island and enjoy a seafood dinner at Rawai Beach. Spend day nine visiting Sirinat National Park for a peaceful retreat. On day ten, explore the lively streets of Phuket Town for shopping and local food.
2 Weeks: Copy the 10-day itinerary and add: On day eleven, visit Similan Islands for world-class diving. Spend day twelve exploring the nearby Coral Island. On days thirteen and fourteen, relax at the luxurious resorts in Bang Tao Beach or Layan Beach.
WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR 2 DAYS, 5 DAYS, 1 WEEK, 10 DAYS, AND 2 WEEKS IN PHUKET?
2 Days
- 2 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 1 Long Sleeve Shirt
- 1 Sweater
- 1 Dress
- 1 Pair of Pants
- 2 Pairs of Socks
- 2 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
5 Days
- 4 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 5 Pairs of Socks
- 5 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
1 Week
- 5 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 2 Sweaters
- 2 Dresses
- 2 Pairs of Pants
- 6 Pairs of Socks
- 6 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
10 Days
- 6 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Sweaters
- 3 Dresses
- 3 Pairs of Pants
- 7 Pairs of Socks
- 7 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
2 Weeks
- 7 Short Sleeve Shirts
- 4 Long Sleeve Shirts
- 3 Sweaters
- 4 Dresses
- 4 Pairs of Pants
- 9 Pairs of Socks
- 9 Pairs of Underwear
- 1 Comfortable Shoes
- 1 Casual Jacket
- 1 Daypack
WHAT SHOULD I NOT PACK FOR PHUKET?
Heavy winter clothing: Phuket’s tropical climate means you won’t need anything heavy, even at night.
High heels: Phuket’s beachy vibes mean casual, comfortable shoes are more practical.
WHAT SHOULD I BUDGET FOR A TRIP TO PHUKET ?
Airfare: $600-$1,200 depending on your starting location and season. Prices increase during the winter holiday season.
Accommodation: $50-$200 per night depending on whether you stay in a budget hotel or resort.
Transportation: $10-$30 per day for taxis, tuk-tuks, or motorbike rentals.
Meals: $15-$40 per day, with plenty of affordable street food and mid-range restaurants.
Activities: $20-$50 per day for boat tours, snorkeling, and other excursions.
IS THERE A TIPPING CULTURE IN PHUKET? WHAT IS APPROPRIATE TO TIP?
Tipping is not mandatory in Phuket, but it’s appreciated for good service. At restaurants, it’s common to round up the bill or leave 10%. Hotel staff and taxi drivers often receive small tips as well.
WHAT ARE SOME LOCAL TIPS I SHOULD KNOW ABOUT PHUKET BEFORE I VISIT?
- Avoid peak season: If you want to avoid crowds, visit in the shoulder season (November or March).
- Rent a motorbike: It’s an affordable and convenient way to explore the island.
- Sun protection: Phuket is sunny year-round, so don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- Respect local customs: When visiting temples like Wat Chalong, dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering.