Everything You Need to Know When Visiting Phuket Province, Thailand With Your Kids
Phuket wasn’t part of our original plan, but looking back, it was one of the best decisions we've made.
After spending time in Bangkok for the city life and Chiang Mai for some peace and nature, we were supposed to head to Laos.
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But we were enjoying Thailand so much that we changed our plans and decided to head to Phuket to experience the country's coastal side, and we’re so glad we did because we totally loved it!
Phuket Province is the biggest island in Thailand, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea— it was far more beautiful than we expected.
What surprised us most was how much energy and variety the island has, on top of the gorgeous beaches. It’s lively, fun, and packed with things to see and do!
We spent time at Patong Beach, one of Phuket’s most famous beaches along with Kata Beach.
The beach was busy and full of life, with plenty of space for our kids to play in the sand and paddle in the sea.
What made Phuket even more special was how welcoming and family-friendly it was.
From local markets and great food finds to the warm people we met along the way, we felt right at home.
Phuket gave us a perfect mix of adventure, natural beauty, and family fun, and for us, it turned out to be one of the highlights of our time in Thailand.
So, we've created this in-depth guide to help you prepare for a worry-free Phuket getaway with your family.
What You Need to Know BEFORE Going to Phuket
Fast Facts
Language: The official language in Phuket is Thai, but English is widely spoken in tourist areas, so communicating with locals is easy. Key phrases like "khop khun" (thank you) helped us connect better with locals. When communicating was difficult, we relied on translation apps.
We liked how Thai speakers use polite particles— "kráp" (ครับ) for males and "ká" (ค่ะ) for females— to show respect, which added a nice cultural touch to our interactions.
Examples:
“Hello” is "Sawasdee kráp (สวัสดีครับ)" for male and "Sawasdee ká (สวัสดีค่ะ)" for females
“Thank you” is "Khop khun kráp (ขอบคุณครับ)" for males and "Khop khun ká (ขอบคุณค่ะ)" for females
“Yes” is "Chai kráp (ใช่ครับ)" for males and "Chai ká (ใช่ค่ะ)" for females
The locals are warm and welcoming, making every exchange enjoyable despite the occasional language barrier.
What It's Known For: Phuket is famous for its many beautiful beaches— from lively spots like Patong Beach to more relaxed, family-friendly beaches like Kata Beach and Karon Beach. With over 30 beaches to choose from, there’s something for everyone— whether you want to swim, play in the sand, or just enjoy the views. Phuket is also the perfect base for island-hopping adventures, with easy trips to stunning places like Phi Phi Islands and Banana Beach, where you’ll find crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores. Add to that family-friendly attractions like Splash Jungle Water Park and Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, and vibrant markets and temples like Wat Chalong, and Phuket becomes an ideal spot for families looking for beaches, adventure, and culture all in one place.
Local Currency: The Thai baht (THB) is the official currency used in Phuket. As of March 2025, 1 GBP ≈ 43.50 THB, 1 USD ≈ 33.60 THB, and 1 EUR ≈ 36.6- THB.
Local Cuisine: Phuket's local cuisine offers vibrant flavours, combining Chinese-Peranakan influences with southern Thai specialities, perfect for adventurous families. Must-try dishes include mee hokkien (stir-fried egg noodles with seafood), kanom jeen (fermented rice noodles with curry), and moo hong (slow-braised pork belly in soy and spices). For kids, milder options like Pad Thai, khao pad (fried rice), and roti (pan-fried flatbread) are widely available, while tropical fruits and refreshing coconut drinks provide sweet, healthy treats.
Best Time to Visit Phuket
Peak Season (November to April)
Phuket’s high season, running from November to April, is known for its sunny skies, calm seas, and warm temperatures ranging between 23°C (73°F) and 30°C (86°F), perfect for beach days, island hopping, and outdoor adventures.
It’s also a great time to visit attractions like Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or explore the bustling night markets that come alive in the evenings.
And if you’re in Phuket in April, you’ll get to experience Songkran, Thailand’s famous water festival, where the whole city bursts into a giant water fight filled with music and colour.
We visited Phuket in January, and honestly, the weather made all the difference.
It was beautifully sunny every day, which was perfect for all the beach days we had planned.
We spent mornings at Patong Beach, enjoying the lively atmosphere, and took amazing day trips to Phi Phi Islands and Banana Beach, both of which offered stunning scenery and clear, calm waters.
Banana Beach, in particular, felt like a hidden gem. It was more peaceful and isolated compared to other beaches.
The calm seas also made our boat rides smooth and enjoyable, which was such a relief, especially for our toddler, Jere, and infant, Kay.
The evenings were perfect for wandering night markets, trying local food, and just soaking up the vibe.
Of course, with the incredible weather come larger crowds and higher prices, so it’s something to keep in mind when planning.
But for us, the chance to explore Phuket at its best, with clear skies and warm days, made it completely worth it.
Off-Peak Season (May to October)
Phuket's off-peak season from May to October offers a unique tropical experience with lush green landscapes and fewer crowds.
While rain showers are more frequent, they're often short-lived, leaving plenty of time for outdoor adventures.
Temperatures remain warm, averaging around 28°C (82°F) to 29°C (84°F)
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Splash Jungle Water Park remain popular attractions, providing fun even on overcast days.
Indoor options like The Upside Down House Museum and Fun Attractions offer entertaining alternatives during occasional downpours.
Budget-conscious travellers can time their visit around this period since rates on accommodations and activities are usually discounted.
The Vegetarian Festival in October showcases vibrant cultural celebrations, giving kids a glimpse into local traditions.
Best Time for Specific Activities
Phuket Old Town Festival (February): Explore Sino-Portuguese heritage with cultural performances, street food, and art exhibitions.
Songkran or Thai New Year (April): Join Thailand's biggest water festival, which has street parties and water fights across Phuket.
Kathu Village Street Festival (July): Experience the local culture with traditional performances, games, and delicacies in Phuket's Kathu district.
Vegetarian Festival (October): Witness colourful processions and extreme rituals during this nine-day Chinese community celebration.
Loy Krathong (November): Float candlelit baskets on the water to honour river spirits in this serene Thai festival.
Entry Requirements
As UK passport holders, we weren't required to obtain a visa to enter and stay in Phuket for up to 60 days as tourists.
We only had to ensure our passports were valid for at least six months beyond our planned departure date.
The same visa-free entry policy and requirements apply to US citizens.
When travelling to Phuket with kids, remember that each child needs their own passport, regardless of age.
Although not required, it's advisable to have proof of onward travel and sufficient funds for your stay, as immigration officers may request these documents.
Always check the latest travel advisories before your trip, as regulations may change without prior notice.
Vaccinations & Immunisations
Entering Phuket doesn't require travellers from the UK and the US to have specific vaccinations, but it's highly recommended to have routine vaccines, such as measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, and polio, up-to-date.
Before our trip, we got vaccinated for hepatitis A and typhoid to avoid potential foodborne and waterborne risks.
For longer stays or rural travel, additional vaccines like Japanese encephalitis and rabies may be advised.
As of February 2025, Phuket has no COVID-19-related entry requirements, but it's wise to check for any updates closer to your travel date.
Lastly, it's best to have comprehensive travel insurance, as it provides financial protection against unexpected medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and potential activity mishaps.
Where to Stay
Plenty of accommodations in Phuket are family-friendly, especially those in these neighbourhoods:
Patong: Known for its mix of family-friendly hotels, lively entertainment options, and easy access to beautiful beaches.
Kata: Offers a beautiful beach with calm waters (except during monsoon season), various family-friendly activities, and a good selection of restaurants and shops.
Kamala: Peaceful and family-friendly area boasting a lovely beach with restaurants lining the shore, many of which have toys for children to play with.
Bang Tao: Promises a great balance of stunning beaches and family-friendly attractions, and a more upscale experience.
Karon: Features a long stretch of white sand beach that's less crowded than Patong, and a good selection of family-friendly resorts, restaurants, and activities.
Rawai/Nai Harn: Provides a quieter, more authentic Thai experience with their beautiful beaches and local vibe.
Find out more about why we chose to stay in Patong during our trip by checking out our in-depth blog here.
What to Do
Phi Phi Islands: Offers a perfect family getaway with activities like island hopping, snorkelling, and exploring stunning beaches.
Banana Beach: Boasts a serene environment with crystal-clear waters, exciting activities like snorkelling and banana boat rides, and a relaxed atmosphere.
Muay Thai: Allow kids to learn about Thailand's national sport through safe and engaging activities like watching training sessions or attending family-friendly matches.
Andamanda Phuket: A massive Thai-themed water park with thrilling slides, wave pools, and family-friendly zones perfect for all-day aquatic adventures.
Aquaria Phuket: Thailand's largest aquarium featuring over 25,000 marine creatures, interactive exhibits, and a mesmerising underwater tunnel.
Splash Jungle Water Park: An exhilarating water park with exciting rides like the Boomerango and Super Bowl, plus gentler attractions for younger children, ensuring fun for the whole family.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: An ethical elephant sanctuary where you can observe and interact with rescued elephants in a natural, cruelty-free environment.
Hanuman World: An eco-adventure park offering thrilling zip lines, skywalks, and roller coasters through the jungle canopy, suitable for adventurous families with older children.
Phuket Bird Park: A lush aviary showcasing over 1,000 colourful birds from 100 species, with interactive shows and feeding sessions that delight children.
Dino Park: A prehistoric-themed mini-golf course featuring life-sized dinosaur replicas and fun obstacles.
The Upside Down House Museum and Fun Attractions: A quirky, gravity-defying museum where you can take mind-bending photos and enjoy interactive optical illusions.
Rawai Park: A comprehensive family entertainment centre with indoor and outdoor play areas, water features, and activities designed for children of various ages.
Sunday Walking Street Market: A vibrant weekly market offering local food, crafts, and entertainment that immerses you in Thai culture.
James Bond Island: A stunning limestone karst island made famous by a James Bond film, offering breathtaking views and exciting boat tours to explore Phang Nga Bay.
Learn more about these Phuket attractions and activities by checking out our latest guide here.
Communication
Mobile Phone Data: We relied on Holafly's eSIMs with unlimited data plans during our stay in Phuket, so we were able to enjoy a seamless internet connection. If you prefer to use traditional SIM cards, you can purchase one from local carriers, such as AIS and DTAC. These providers have various packages with ample data allowances and unlimited plans.
WiFi: Many hotels, resorts, and restaurants offer free WiFi to guests. To enjoy secure browsing while connected to these public networks, ensure you use a VPN like NordVPN. If you seek constant connectivity for multiple devices.
Stroller Accessibility
Some popular beaches and modern shopping centres in Phuket offer smooth surfaces, so navigating with a stroller is easy.
However, many streets and sidewalks in the old Phuket town and Patong can be uneven, narrow, or nonexistent, making stroller navigation challenging.
For easier mobility, consider using a lightweight, compact stroller in tourist-friendly zones, or opt for a baby carrier when exploring less accessible areas like markets or older parts of the island.
Getting Around Phuket: Transportation Options
Ride-Hailing Services
Ride-hailing apps, such as Grab and Bolt, have become popular in Phuket, offering a convenient and often more affordable alternative to traditional taxis.
These services allow you to easily book rides with upfront pricing and track your journey in real-time.
However, availability may vary depending on location and time of day, and some drivers may be hesitant to pick up passengers in areas with strong taxi stand presence.
Taxis
Taxis are readily available throughout Phuket and can be a convenient transportation option.
Many taxi services offer spacious vehicles and child safety seats upon request, providing comfort and peace of mind.
However, it's important to negotiate fares in advance or use metred taxis to avoid overcharging.
Public Transportation
Phuket Smart Bus: Air-conditioned service running from Phuket International Airport to Rawai Beach, providing comfortable ride with stops at major beaches along the west coast.
Blue Songthaews: Open-air passenger trucks operating on fixed routes between Phuket Town and various beach areas.
Pink Songthaews: Runs shorter routes within Phuket Town, providing a budget-friendly option at only 5 THB (≈ 0.12 GBP) per ride.
Car Rentals
Renting a car offers the ultimate flexibility to explore Phuket at your own pace.
Many car rental companies, such as Europcar and Thai Rent a Car provide child seats upon request, ensuring safety for young travellers.
However, driving in Phuket can be challenging due to unfamiliar roads and local traffic patterns.
What You Need to Know Upon ARRIVAL in Phuket
Phuket International Airport is the gateway to Thailand's largest island.
Airport Facilities & Services
Arrivals: Upon arrival at Phuket International Airport, you'll find many immigration counters, where officers will process your entry. The clearing process is quick, especially when you have all pertinent documents ready.
WiFi Access: You can connect to the airport's free WiFi, "AOT Airport Free Wi-Fi by NT", for 60 minutes by entering your email and accepting the Terms and Conditions of use.
Dining: Dining options at Phuket International Airport include fast food favourites like Burger King and Subway, as well as local Thai cuisine at establishments like Thong Kitchen and the Thai Airways Restaurant.
Shopping: The airport has duty-free shops offering liquor, tobacco, perfumes, cosmetics, fashion accessories, and popular Thai snacks, and stores like 7-Eleven and Boots Pharmacy, perfect for stocking up on necessities.
Luggage Services: AIRPORTELs, a convenient luggage storage and delivery service, operates between 6am and 12am daily in the International and Domestic terminals. You can avail of its services, which start at competitive rates of 150 THB (≈ 3.57 GBP) per piece per day.
Family-Friendly Features at the Airport
TV Screens: These installations show cartoons and digital games to keep children engaged while waiting.
Baby Care Facilities: Changing stations and areas for preparing milk and food are available, so you can easily attend to your infants' needs.
What You Need to Know DURING Your Stay in Phuket
Shopping for Food
Lotus's, Big C, and Makro provide extensive selections of both local and international products, including fresh produce, meats, and household items, often at competitive prices.
For a more premium experience, Villa Market and Tops Market offer a wide array of imported goods and organic options, catering to specific dietary needs and preferences.
You can also explore local markets like Banzaan Fresh Market and Talad Kaset Night Market for fresh fruits, vegetables, and authentic Thai ingredients, providing an immersive cultural experience while shopping.
Tap Water vs Bottled Water
Tap water in Phuket is generally not safe for drinking, as it may contain harmful bacteria and contaminants that can cause illnesses, especially in children.
So, we opted for the safest option, bottled water.
Bottled water is widely available and relatively affordable.
However, we acknowledge that bottled water contributes to plastic waste, so we bought drinking water in the largest recyclable bottles possible.
Safety
From our experience, Phuket is safe and welcoming for families.
Everywhere we went, locals were kind and friendly with the kids.
It was clear that the island is used to hosting families with children of all ages.
We felt really comfortable exploring as a family, and Phuket ended up being one of the highlights of our Southeast Asia trip.
Cultural Sensitivity
We really enjoyed immersing ourselves in Thai culture, and we showed our respect for their traditions and norms by:
Lowering our heads slightly when interacting with elders and monks;
Avoiding touching anyone's head, even in a friendly manner, as it's considered disrespectful;
Removing our shoes before entering homes or religious sites; and
Dressing modestly with our shoulders and knees covered when visiting places of worship.
Helpful Apps & Resources
Grab: Essential for convenient and safe transportation around Phuket, this ride-hailing app offers taxis, private cars, and even food delivery.
XE Currency Converter: This app instantly converts local currency to your home currency, helping you keep track of expenses and make informed spending decisions.
Line: A widely used messaging app, this tool is a must-have for staying in touch with locals, tour guides, and other travellers.
Phuket Travel Guide Offline: This comprehensive offline guide provides information about attractions, restaurants, and hotels in Phuket.
AccuWeather: Stay informed about Phuket's tropical climate to plan your activities accordingly using this app.
HelloTalk: This app lets you practice basic Thai phrases and connect with locals to enhance your cultural experience in Phuket.
Phuket Smart Bus: This tool allows you to track the island's public bus system in real-time.
Wrapping Up
Like us, you can also embark on a memorable tropical getaway with your family in Phuket.
With the help of this guide, we hope you can delight in this sun-soaked paradise with its incredible scenery, impressive beaches, and family-friendly attractions.
Which Phuket tourist attraction or experience are you looking forward to the most? We'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments below!
If you've already experienced Phuket's magic with your family before, please don't hesitate to share your favourite memories or insider tips in the comments as well.
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