Ultimate Guide to Phuket with Kids

Phuket is the largest of the Thai islands and where it’s tourism boom began. It’s no surprise that today it’s the busiest part of the country for tourists and home to the most hotels and attractions. But is Phuket good for families? Here’s everything you need to know if you’re thinking about visiting Phuket with kids.

This is a pretty detailed post so feel free to use the table of contents below to skip to the part you’re most interested in.

Phuket for kids overview

We have visited Phuket several times with our daughter. Her first trip was when she was three, now she’s thirteen and there’s still plenty to keep her entertained. We have stayed all over the island and I can honestly say that we enjoyed all areas. My favourite was the North of the island where you’ll find quiet expansive beaches and luxury resorts, my daughters favourite was Patong with its many shopping centres and restaurants. It’s true to say you’ll find something for everyone on Phuket.

In this post I’ll explain what makes Phuket, the best things to do in Phuket with kids, family friendly tours off the island and recommend some great Phuket resorts for kids. I’ll also cover the more practical side of a visit to Phuket with kids such as how to get there, what to pack and how to stay safe.

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Places to visit in Phuket with family

There’s heaps to do in Phuket with kids. No matter where you are located on the island, I would not worry about being bored. My absolute must dos are below.

Hit the Beach

Every kid I know loves a day at the beach. Soft sand and warm water just make for an ideal holiday. So my first recommendation for places to visit in Phuket with family is to head to the beach. The only thing you need to decide is where to start.

Which beach is best in Phuket?

Phuket’s coastline is an absolute dream with soft white sand, dramatic cliffs and gentle waves. Most beaches are gorgeous so I would struggle to say which is the out-and-out best. I’ve written separately about the best beaches in Phuket for families as there are just so many to choose from. For me, must visits are Mai Khao in the North with its endless golden sand which is mainly deserted. Bang Tao is fabulous if you are looking for upmarket beach clubs and a bougee vibe. Kata is perhaps the most family friendly as it has loads of water activities for kids and some of the most incredible sunsets I’ve seen.

Visit a water park

Phuket is home to several excellent Waterparks, most with slides and areas to suit all ages. Andamanda is probably the most popular which is located near Phuket Town. You could also try Blue Tree near Bang Tao or Splash Jungle in the North near the airport.

Shop in a night Market

Markets are everywhere in Thailand and they’re always fun places to spend a few hours. Let the kids have a go at bartering their holiday money for Thai souvenirs and make sure you grab some super cheap street food for dinner. The best night markets are the Phuket Old Town night market, Malin Plaza in Patong or super trendy Chillva Market, again in Phuket Town.

Anything else?

Unlike many of the smaller Thai islands, Phuket is set up with lots of activities your kids probably enjoy at home. There’s rock climbing, mini golf, horseriding, ziplining, aquariums and plenty of fun museums. I also recommend throwing in a bit of culture and visiting a temple or two. The Big Buddha near Karon is likely to appeal to your kids the most with its 45 metre high sitting Buddha. I’ve written a whole post on things to do in Phuket with family to which should help you plan your time.

Things to do in Phuket with toddlers

Toddlers will love most of the activities listed above, spend the day at the beach, hang out in the shallow end of your hotels pool or show them the colourful stalls at a Phuket market. Specifically for toddlers I would recommend a visit to the top floor at Jungceylon in Patong with it’s toddler friendly rides and attractions. You should also try Rawai Park kids club which is like a small waterpark aimed at little kids with slides and splash play to suit. Finally toddlers will love the huge dinosaur statues at Dino Park mini golf in Kata. It’s got a bar and Flinstones themed restaurant so perfect for all ages.

Family tours Phuket

Phuket is a great starting point to tour the surrounding islands. Many of which are instantly recognisable from the movies. Maya Bay and the Phi Phi islands are hugely popular and the stunning scenery are well worth fighting through the hordes. Just don’t expect a crowd free selfie when you arrive. If you travel super early in the morning you should avoid the worst of it.

Another gorgeous boat tour is to James Bond Island, made famous by The Man with the Golden Gun. You’ll get to stop for lunch, have fun swimming in the sea and take in the gorgeous limestone rock formations that frequent this part of Thailand.

If you and the kids fancy a shorter boat trip with slightly smaller crowds then a half day tour of the Khai Islands is a good option. You’ll visit three and all are very pretty and one of them, Koh Khai Nai is home to over 80 native cats. It’s sure to make the kids smile!

If you’re not a family of boat lovers or the kids suffer from sea sickness there are still some brilliant day tours you can enjoy. Phang Nga Bay is one of the most beautiful bays in Thailand and best viewed from above. Head to Samet Nangshe viewpoint for some great photo opportunities and a thrilling songthaew ride up the mountain. It’s an hour and a half drive from Bang Tao beach, a little longer if you’re staying further south.

Read Next: Best Thailand Islands for Families

Khao Lak is another tourist destination just North of Phuket which is well worth the two hour drive. Kids are bound to love the Turtle Sanctuary and will learn a lot by visiting the Tsunami Museum. Khao Lak is also home to some stunning beaches which are a lot quieter and feel more traditional than those on Phuket.

Is Phuket good for families

Generally Phuket is great for families. Yes, it has some areas you may want to avoid but it’s incredibly easy to do so. A trip to Phuket with kids does take some research and planning but there is plenty to keep all ages happy when you arrive. The beaches and scenery are magical, it’s pretty cheap compared to Western prices and Thai people absolutely love kids so will make your little ones feel like kings and queens.

Phuket resorts for kids

Phuket has all types of hotels and resorts from the luxurious to the super basic. If your staying in Phuket with kids then you’ll want somewhere comfortable with activities and amenities aimed at families. I would also say that a pool is a must to cool off at the end of the day.

A trip to Phuket is a real bucket list experience so don’t be afraid to choose a luxurious option. Hotels in Thailand are amazing value, you can get something really special for around £100 per night.

Before you pick your hotel you’ll need to decide where on the island you want to stay. Have a read through my post on the best areas to stay in Phuket for families to start narrowing down your search. I would recommend either Kata, Kamala or Bang Tao. But if you have enough time, stay in two parts of the island so you can experience more. Add either far South at Cape Panwa or the North around Mai Khao.

For specific recommendations, we loved our stay at the Anantara in Mai Khao. As with all Anantaras, the decor is stunning, it’s set right on the beach and has a really fantastic kids club. It is a bit out of the way and very quiet but for me that just adds to the charm.

If you’re looking for somewhere a bit busier then Patong is a lively option. We recently stayed at the Diamond Cliff resort which was great value with fantastic food and pools.

For something between the two I suggest Bang Tao and it’s Laguna complex of luxury hotels. The Banyan Tree is excellent with gorgeous rooms and pool area. It has an excellent kids club offering heaps of activities for tots to teens.

Where to eat in Phuket with kids

Phuket offers everything from fine dining to Thai street food to Western fast food favourites. You should be able to find something to suit all tastes. Generally fine dining restaurants are located within resorts but most welcome non guests. Pretty much all restaurants welcome kids and no one will side eye you if little ones get a bit noisy. We loved the restaurant at Kata Rocks, the food was fab and the views were out of this world. In Patong, Sams steakhouse located in the Holiday Inn is also really good if you’re craving a juicy steak.

If you’re after relaxed dining and want to go a bit more authentically Thai head to any of the excellent night markets and try some street food. I love eating like this, you can order several dishes from different vendors and it will be cooked fresh for you. It’s super cheap and absolutely delicious. We’ve never gotten ill after eating at the markets, just make sure everything is piping hot and try to visit the busiest vendors.

Of course if you’re in Phuket with kids they may crave a taste they recognise from home. All the usual fast food joints can be found on the island. They tend to be located in the busier areas or shopping malls.

What to give the kids to eat in Phuket

I know kids can be picky but this doesn’t mean you have to avoid Thai food. Much of it is cooked to order so you can order most dishes “not too spicy”. From our experience Spring rolls and Chicken fried rice are good options. Most kids will also like a simple Chicken satay with plain rice and everyone love a sweet Mango sticky rice for pudding.

Fried potato skewers and barbecued corn on the cob are available in most markets. For dessert ice cream rolls are amazing and can be flavoured with fresh fruit and you’ll find pancake stalls all over. Fresh fruit smoothies help towards your five a day and are a refreshing treat in the relentless heat.

Shopping in Phuket

You don’t need to pack too much for you trip to Phuket, you can literally get everything you need there. Obviously bring any branded toiletries, suncream and over the counter medicine if your kids need anything in particular but you’ll find pretty much everything you need the 7 Elevens which are everywhere.

Patong is the place to visit if you want higher quality department stores. You’ll find heaps of kids clothes and toys in Jungceylon or Central. Quality is what you’ll be used to at home, as will the prices.

Make sure you spend some time exploring the markets. If your kids are old enough, give them a few hundred Baht to practice their negotiation skills. Most stall holders will happily have a little barter. There are markets all over Phuket and they are great places to pick up souvenirs to take home or little gifts for your kids friends. You’ll also be able to find cheap elephant pants, light T shirts and floaty kaftans. They may not survive more than a few washes but it’s useful if you’ve forgotten anything.

Is Phuket expensive?

By Western standards, Phuket is definitely not expensive. You can get gorgeous hotels and delicious meals for a fraction of what they would cost at home. But compared to the rest of Thailand or South East Asia in general, it is a bit pricey.

If you mainly eat street food in markets, use Tuk Tuks to get around and buy essentials from 7-eleven, you really don’t have to spend each each day. Boat tours to the islands can quickly add up, besides you’re hotel room, these will probably be your biggest expense.

Don’t use your hotel’s laundry service, take it to one of the street side laundry shops, it’s super cheap and your clothes will be ready within 24 hours, freshly washed and ironed. We always get a wash done just before we leave, it makes packing really easy and it’s lovely to return home with clean clothes.

Travelling to Phuket with kids

The good news is that Phuket has it’s own international airport meaning you can fly here direct from all over the world. Flights seem to be a little more expensive that flying in to Bangkok but you save money on not having to book the extra domestic flight and time changing planes. However, we love visiting Bangkok with kids so if you have time, try to spend a few days in the city before heading down to Phuket. For our recent trip over Easter we flew into Bangkok, enjoyed 3 days exploring, the flew in to Phuket and back to London directly from Phuket two weeks later. It worked out really well.

If you can’t find a direct flight to suit you then you’ll likely have a stopover in Doha or Dubai, you could always make it a longer stop if the thought of a long haul flight with kids scares you.

If you’re flying in from elsewhere in Thailand or the Far East you’ll find heaps of cheap flight available. Just remember to add your baggage! Roughly the flight takes an hour and a half from Bangkok, two hours from Chang Mai and 2 hours from Singapore.

We have also driven from Krabi to Phuket which which super easy and offered some amazing views along the way. If you don’t fancy the drive yourself, it’s easy to book a driver for the trip. You can also get a ferry from Krabi to Phuket but you don’t see as much (although the coast of both areas is pretty impressive) and it takes over seven hours factoring waits and hotel transfers which is a lot longer than the drive. You’ll arrive at Rassada pier near Phuket Town.

Getting around Phuket

Phuket is the largest of the Thai islands but it’s still not huge, just 30 miles from North to South. However it can take a very long time to drive the length of the island due to the traffic and the fact that there really is only one main road.

We hired a car for our time on the island from Discover Cars which was great value. We loved having the freedom to explore the island at our own pace, stopping when and where we chose. Googlemaps was easy to use to navigate but it is pretty much just one coastal road from the very North to the Southern tip and another off to Phuket Town. The roads were in fairly good condition and we could normally find parking on side streets. The worst part of driving ourselves was the traffic, dodging motorbikes and tuk tuks and occasional pedestrians. It’s fine for confident drivers but I wouldn’t if you’re a bit nervous.

Tuk Tuks and taxis are also a good way to get about and I think all kids love the thrill of a tuk tuk. Make sure you agree a price up front or that your taxi switches on the meter. Phuket taxis and tuk tuks are notorious for trying to make a bit more cash from unsuspecting tourists.

There are some public bus routes on Phuket, blue buses for the beaches and coastal routes and pink buses for getting around Phuket Town. Whilst buses are a really cheap way to travel around Phuket they can feel painfully slow and don’t seem to operate to an exact schedule. There isn’t a comprehensive route to everywhere on the island, you get on the bus in Phuket town then off at one of the popular tourist beaches, you then have to return to Phuket Town before connecting to one of the other beaches. It’s a bit complex but you might be lucky enough to arrive at the right time. The buses stop at 6pm to you may need to factor in the cost of a taxi back.

One of the best way to experience a lot of Phuket on one go is on an organised tour. You can take in many of the main sights such at the Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, and Phuket Old Town without having to worry about finding reputable taxis or navigating the roads yourselves.

Is Phuket safe for families?

Phuket and in fact the whole of Thailand is low crime when it comes to tourists. We’ve visited many, many times and never been the victims of crime. There is occasional pickpocketing reported but you’re more likely to have problems with other drunken tourists – just keep away from them.

Steer clear of scammers

Scams are often reported so just be aware of a few things you may come across. The main one you’ll probably come across is the taxi scam – if you don’t agree a fee up front they’ll charge you a fortune when you arrive at your destination. This is easy to avoid – agree a fee up front or get out of the taxi. Simple!

Another well know scam can happen when you’re hiring vehicles such as motorbikes or jetskis. Operators hire out previously damaged equipment and then blame you for the damage when you return them. They will then charge an extortionate amount for repairs. Some will even demand your passport when you hire your vehicle and then will not return it until you have paid for the “damages”. Avoid this type of scam but avoiding hiring jetskis or bikes, it’s probably for the best anyway if you’re with kids. And never hand over your passport. A photocopy or photo on your phone should suffice.

In the really busy tourist areas like Patong you may come across photo scams. Someone with an exotic animal like a huge lizard or snake may try posing next to your kids, you take a photo then they demand money for you taking a picture with their pet. They rely on you feeling stressed or embarrassed by the commotion to pay up. Again steer clear and keep your eyes open. Stay calm and walk away. It will however be a fairly small fee, it might be better to just pay up and continue on if you do come across this.

Don’t be scared of the Thai people though, most are extremely welcoming and kind hearted. Just remember, if something feels too good to be true, it probably is.

Staying Safe on Phukets Roads

If you do hire a car and decide to self drive Phuket just take it slow and steady. You can expect overtaking from all directions, cats and dogs wandering on the roads, huge potholes, speeding and the jumping of red lights. Do not hire a motorbike if you’re traveling Phuket with kids. Regardless of how well you ride other road users aren’t so observant. Accidents on the roads of Phuket are common and often involve motorbikes, best to just steer clear.

Walking along Phukets pavements is normally very safe. Just keep an eye out for holes or rocks. Keep a close hold of the kids so they don’t wander on to the road, this is very dangerous. When crossing roads try your best to find a pedestrian crossing. Don’t presume this will keep you safe, you’ll still need to look both ways the whole way across. If your hotel is located next to a busy road they’ll likely be a security guard at the entrance to stop traffic and help you cross safely.

Staying respectful of the Sea

The Sea will be your biggest concern when keeping the kids safe in Phuket. Waves can be strong and riptides are common. Most of the main beaches have lifeguards on. Be sure to follow their advice, they will put out flags indicating where is safe to swim.

I’m sure you’ll want to take a boat trip or two during your stay on Phuket. These are normally completely safe, especially if you do some research before you book. My three rules are:

• If the boat doesn’t have life jackets I don’t take the tour.
• If the boat is too overcrowded with not enough seats for everyone I don’t take the tour.
• If the sea looks too rough and the boat struggles to stay still in the water when you get one, I don’t take the tour.

Recently there have been heaps of jellyfish on Phuket’s beaches. Many are harmless but some can give you a nasty sting. Avoid them if at all possible but if you, or the kids do get stung, don’t panic and head to the nearest lifeguard. One of my daughters friends was stung last year and she said it felt like stinging nettles.

Protect yourself against the climate

Thailand enjoys a tropical climate meaning you’ll need to wear suncream all day everyday. Even when it’s cloudy. You can buy suncream pretty much everywhere on the island but if your kids tend to be allergic to certain types or you prefer a specific brand from home be sure to bring some in your case. It also might be cheaper to buy from home, suncream can be one of the pricier things to buy in Phuket.

You’ll also want to protect yourselves from mosquitoes. Dengue fever is present on Phuket which is a serious disease but available as long as you don’t get bitten. Bring mosquito repellent, wipes, long trousers and long sleeved shirts and buy these mosquito repellent bracelets on Amazon.

Dehydration is also pretty common so make sure you and the kids are drinking plenty of fluids. Anything helps, fruit juice, fizzy pop, ice lollies and of course plain bottled water. Buying water is cheap in Phuket, we get through several of the large two litre bottles a day. We also use it to brush our teeth and rinse salad leaves and unpeeled fruit if we’re preparing a meal.

Phuket International Hospital Phuket

Whilst it’s unlikely you’ll need it but it’s always reassuring to know that Phuket has an International Hospital which is excellent. It is located in Phuket Town so pretty central on the Island. Take this as a reminder to check you have adequate travel insurance for your whole family.

For less anything less serious there are doctors surgeries, health centres and pharmacies all over the island.

How long to spend in Phuket with kids

Yes you could just spend a few days on Phuket and you’d have a lovely time but you wont get to see much of the island. If you can only spare a few days, focus on one area, perhaps Mai Khao near the airport and enjoy the beach and your resort. To get a real feel for Phuket you’ll need a whole week, preferably two. Split your time between two separate areas and you’ll feel like you’ve had two completely different holidays.

What to pack to visit Phuket with kids

It’s important to remember is that you can buy most things in the night markets in Phuket. You don’t need to over plan or go over your luggage allowance to enjoy your holiday. Clothes, bags and sunglasses are all great value. That said they’re not always the best quality so anything special or important you’ll want to bring from home. You can always leave things you know you wont re wear at home in your hotel room. They’ll be much appreciated.

Suncream can be expensive all over Thailand. My daughter is allergic to many brands so we pack plenty of bottles of P20, you’re likely to use more than you think. The same goes for aftersun, insect repellent and essential over the counter medicine like Calpol and Piriton.

Water Shoes are an absolute must. Many beaches on Phuket can be pretty rocky. I’ve seen so many kids with nasty cuts on their feet it’s just not worth the risk.

If you want to visit some temples in Phuket then you’ll need some sort of cover up. Although the rules are a little more relaxed for kids it’s good to teach them to be respectful of other countries cultures. That means shoulders and knees should be covered. We take a simple wrap for Piper to throw around herself when we’re visiting a place of worship.

Make sure you read all my other post of Phuket to help you plan further.