Phuket is Thailand's largest island and most visited province, set in the warm Andaman Sea off the west coast of the Thai-Malay Peninsula. Renowned for its powdery white-sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, vibrant nightlife, and rich Sino-Portuguese cultural heritage, Phuket draws millions of visitors each year. From the buzzing strip of Patong Beach to the serene shores of Nai Harn, the colonial shophouses of Phuket Old Town to the towering white marble Big Buddha statue, the island offers something for every traveller.
Do's and don'ts
Quick guide to local norms.
Do
- Greet people warmly and learn a few local phrases.
- Respect religious and historic sites.
- Dress modestly when visiting places of worship.
- Ask permission before photographing individuals.
Don't
- Raise your voice in public — it's considered rude.
- Touch people on the head or point with your feet in religious settings.
- Refuse hospitality without a polite explanation.
- Wear revealing clothing in conservative areas.
Religion & spirituality
Understanding faith in Phuket.
Context
Dominant: Theravada Buddhism (approximately 70% of residents)
Others:
- Islam (approximately 25%, particularly in Kamala, Chalong, and southern Phuket)
- Chinese folk religion
- Hinduism (small community)
Temple Etiquette:
- Remove shoes before entering any temple building or private home
- Dress modestly — shoulders and knees must be covered at all temples; sarongs available to borrow at Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
- Women should not touch monks or hand objects directly to them
- Walk clockwise around stupas and sacred buildings
- Never point your feet toward a Buddha image or a monk — feet are considered spiritually low
- Lower your head slightly when passing in front of a shrine or Buddha image
- Speak quietly inside temples — they are active places of worship, not just tourist attractions