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Book Flights to Phuket

There are no direct flights from South Africa to Phuket (Thailand), which is a bit surprising given its popularity amongst South Africans looking for an exotic beach holiday. That's the bad news, the good news is that there are a few very affordable 1-stop options for South Africans travelling from Johannesburg and Cape Town. Durban residents even have a one-stop option! Read more below to see which airlines you can choose from and learn a little more about Phuket.

There are 1-stop flights from Cape Town to Phuket with the following airlines:

Emirates CPT (via Dubai)

Qatar Airways (via Doha)

Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)

The only airline offering 1-stop flights from Durban to Phuket is, Emirates from Durban via Dubai.

There are 1-stop flights from Johannesburg to Phuket with the following airlines:

Emirates JNB (via Dubai)	Etihad (via Abu Dhabi)	Qatar Airways (via Doha)
Turkish Airways (via Istanbul)	Singapore Airlines (via Singapore)	Cathay Pacific (via Hong Kong)

Discover a hidden world of absolute beauty and fun – imagine gliding along the sea shore, through giant cliffs watching never before seen landscapes; absorbing absolute raw nature in a kayak. Laze around on white sandy beaches; watch the wide blue ocean rolling in washing over your feet in tranquillity and unreserved peace. Phuket, the piece of paradise composed of beaches lined with palms, hospitality and accommodation like no other and activities leaving you revitalised.  

When to go

Phuket is located close to the equator making it warm all year round. With a tropical monsoon climate you will experience hot and humid conditions during the day and experience warm conditions in the evenings. Because of Phuket’s tropical monsoon climate, the best time to go to Phuket is outside of monsoon season which is between the months of April and May where temperatures can reach up to an average of 25-35 degree Celsius. The monsoons come in from the Southwest and usually arrive during the month of May and last until the month of October.

Attractions

Beaches - Phuket’s various beaches are known for their purity of sand and lucidity of sea water. Whichever beach you choose, you will be greeted with an array of activities such as snorkelling, water sports and beach games.  A few of the popular beaches to visit are:

• Patong Beach – Boasting a wide variety of activities, shopping and an adventurous nightlife with many restaurants, bars and famous Cabaret Shows.

• Karon Beach – Welcomes guest to enjoy the small art community of Thai painters living their art galleries and you can find and array of handicraft shops, restaurants, cafes and bars.

• Kata Beach – A favourite due to the palm-lined beach, good restaurants, nightlife and good accommodation.

• Kamala Beach – Offers a never ending, deserted stretch of beach beauty. Laze around and absorb its beauty.

With so much to do and so much to see, planning ahead will help you to discover and experience the island life of Phuket. A few main things to do and attractions to see in Phuket are:

• Speedboat rides with Phi Phi island tours

• Watch the Phuket FantaSea Show

• Do the four-in-one half-day Safari trip

• Attend a Phuket cookery school

• Phuket’s own town attractions

• Kamala, Kata, Nai Harn (and many more) Beach attractions

• The Chalong Bay attractions

• Etc.

Accommodation

With so many options available your choice can range from a relaxed and tranquil setting in a cottage next to one of the 103 hillsides to an active night-out along the coastline. You have many options (but not limited to) ranging from:

• Luxury hotels

• Avista Hideaway – this five star is known for its hospitality, has 143 spacious suites, a spa, a private beach club, etc.

• The Naka Island – between the lush of coconut groves, it has endless views of stunning landscapes, only 25 minutes from Phuket’s International Airport, etc.

• Boutique hotels

• SALA Phuket Resort – is a Spa and Resort with a pool for almost each room, Villa or Suite along with the modern five-star facilities, etc.

• Manthia Resort – located in the beautiful Surin Beach Phuket Island facing the turquoise Andaman Sea. This resort is only a 25 minute drive from Phuket’s International Airport, etc.

• Beachside hotels

• Moevenpick Resort and Spa – Showcasing lush tropical gardens just a few meters away from the Karon Beach. Moevenpick has the full-services facilities that will keep you and the kids busy, etc.

• The Surin Phuket – Comprises of seven individual hillside bungalow accommodations with dinner and shopping in walking distance, etc.

• Budget hotels

• Deevan Patong Resort and Spa – With 232 rooms you and your family can enjoy pristine hospitality and a wide range of activities, etc.

• Safari Beach hotel – offers dining on the sand and a great nightlife, etc

Where to Chow

With the kudos of local Phuket cuisine and Thai food, you can be sure that what you hear by word of mouth is what you can trust as most of Phuket’s restaurants are run by locals that have passed down the art of food making to the next generation. There are many restaurants to choose from but at lunch you may find it challenging between the crowds. A few restaurants that will fancy your taste buds are:

• Phuket floating restaurants – one of many Phuket floating seafood restaurants serving prawns, fish and crab.

• Mor Mudong Restaurant – Situated in-between the mangroves serving hot dishes with the option of milder ones.

• Bangpae Seafood – a seaside restaurant serving shrimp, crab, veggies etc.

Transport

On arrival in Phuket five transport types are available namely, tuk-tuks, airport shuttle (transporting you from the airport to Phuket Town and to the island’s beaches), taxis (pay per meter), minivans and car rentals.  Phuket has a transport system that is public and usually starts operating from 6:30 in the morning till 21:30 in the evenings.   

Good to Know

• Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate which is hot and humid leaving the evenings fairly warm.

• Phuket's currency is Thai baht (THB) where US$1 is about THB 30.00.

• Phuket’s timezone is GMT +7

• Phuket’s electricity stands at 220 Volts, you can use tow flat blades (NEMA 1-15 or JIS C 8303) or tow pin plugs (Europlug CEE 7/16)

Phuket principal contact numbers

• Ambulance - 1554

• Police - 191

• Tourist Police - 1155

• Fire - 199

• Bangkok Phuket Hospital - 076 254 421-20

• Phuket International Hospital - 076 212 853

• Mission Hospital - 076 237 220-9

• Operator-assisted overseas calls - 100

• Directory Assistance - 1133, 13

• Phuket Airport - 076 327 230

• Immigration - 076 221 905

Category : Flights ; Author : Lulu Barnard