Before You Go
These Phuket travel tips help you prepare for island excursions and cultural visits, from packing a day bag to planning transfers and respecting local customs.
Reef-safe sunscreen (SPF 50+), hat, and sunglasses. The tropical sun is strong year-round.
Breathable cotton or linen. A light jacket for evenings and a cover-up for temple visits.
Dry bag for boat tours — protect your phone, passport, and valuables from splashes.
Swimsuit, rash guard for snorkeling, flip-flops, and a quick-dry towel.
SIM card or eSIM available at the airport. Most hotels and cafes offer free Wi-Fi.
Insect repellent, motion sickness pills for boat trips, and any personal medications.
Citizens of 64 countries (including most EU, US, UK, Australia) can stay up to 60 days visa-free. Extendable by 30 days at immigration.
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date. Check before you fly.
For longer stays or nationalities requiring a visa, apply online at the official Thailand e-Visa portal before travel.
Thailand has digital arrival/departure cards via the TDAC system — complete it online before your flight.
If you leave and return (e.g., to a neighboring country), check your visa allows re-entry.
Keep digital and printed copies of your passport, visa, and travel insurance.
Cover shoulders and knees. Remove shoes before entering temple buildings. No revealing clothing.
The Thai royal family is deeply revered. Stand for the national anthem (played daily at 8 AM and 6 PM in public).
Don't touch coral or marine life. Use reef-safe sunscreen. Take nothing but photos from the sea.
Use a fork to push food onto a spoon (fork in left, spoon in right). Don't stick chopsticks upright in rice.
Always ask permission before photographing locals, monks, or children. Respect 'no' gracefully.
Women should not touch monks or hand them items directly. Give way to monks on public transport.
Allow for both the excursion duration and the journey to and from its meeting point. Share your hotel with the team and confirm the pickup arrangement for the selected product. Avoid placing an airport journey or another timed activity immediately after a boat trip without checking the full schedule.
Check the route, inclusions, swimming requirements and what to bring. Mention dietary needs or restrictions affecting participation before booking. Keep belongings dry and follow the crew's instructions on the day. If your travel dates are fixed, ask about availability early rather than assuming that an active listing means a daily departure.