2022 Ultimate Phuket Guide
A new year calls for new adventures. If there is one thing Phuket can deliver, it’s an unforgettable holiday.
With the worst of the Omicron wave behind us and signs that the world may finally be approaching the end of the pandemic, there is no better time than now to pay Phuket a visit. From sandy beaches to scenic marvels, Phuket has something for everyone.
From entry requirements to new attractions, we’ve put together the ultimate guide for anyone looking to vacation in the ‘Pearl of the Andaman’ in 2022.
Getting into Phuket
While the rest of Thailand has gone through various stages of lockdowns, the Phuket Sandbox Program has remained open since it kicked off on 1st July 2021.
If you’re looking to travel to Phuket under this popular programme, then read on for a list of entry requirements and flights.
Phuket Sandbox entry requirements
Entry requirements for the Phuket Sandbox Programme have remained largely unchanged since it started. The core requirements are as follows:
- Have a valid visa or permit (if applicable)
- Travellers aged ≥18 must be fully vaccinated against Covid-19
- Have a confirmed booking at a SHA+ hotel
- Health insurance to cover Covid-19 related medical expenses
- Minimum coverage USD100,000
The insurance requirement may sound daunting at first sight. But fret not.
In order for you to get the best insurance package, we’d recommend using TraveliGo, which allows you to compare and decide on the best travel insurance option for your trip.
Screenshot: TraveliGo
Once you have all your documents ready, simply head over to coethailand.mfa.go.th to apply for your COE (Certificate of Entry). Take note that the approval process for the COE generally takes an average of 3 working days.
Direct flights to Phuket
After receiving your COE, you can now arrange your flights.
You’ll be glad to know that the cost of flights to Phuket aren’t that different from pre-Covid times.
As one of the most popular destinations in the world, direct flights to Phuket run on a daily basis from most cities. For the best flight deals, we’d recommend TraveliGo’s flight portal.
Once you’ve got your flight tickets booked, remember to obtain a RT-PCR negative test result that is issued no later than 72 hours prior to your departure.
With documents ready and flights booked, it’s time for the fun part: choosing where to stay and what to do.
Where to stay in Phuket
The main draw of a holiday in Phuket is that quarantine is basically non-existent. For the first seven days of your trip, you are free to roam about and explore all that Phuket has to offer.
The only stipulation is that all visitors – tourist and residents alike – are required to stay in SHA+ accommodation. With over 450 SHA+ hotels to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choice.
Our top recommendation, however, is Movenpick Myth Hotel in Patong, Phuket.
Image credit: Movenpick Myth Hotel Patong Phuket
Conveniently located near the famous Patong Beach, this lavish 5-star hotel boasts an elegant aesthetic that combines its Sino-Portuguese roots with a minimalist contemporary design.
Image credit: @Movenpickpatong
Arguably the centrepiece of the entire resort, the hotel has a massive free-form swimming pool which will make a great addition to your IG feed. Not an ordinary pool, this pool boasts not one, but two waterfalls. We’ll throw in a shout-out to the swanky swim-up bar as well.
Image credit: @Movenpickpatong
Photogenic amenities aside, the resort also houses a full-fledged eatery called Átrio Restaurant. Look forward to a wide selection of cuisine that encompasses Thai, Chinese and Western options.
Image credit: @Movenpickpatong
Of course, a trip to Phuket wouldn’t feel right without a visit to the spa.
If you stay at Movenpick Myth Hotel, you don’t even have to venture out for a spa session. Pamper yourself right here at A VIDA Spa, which offers a wide range of rejuvenating spa treatments.
Choosing the right hotel
If there is one thing that Phuket does not lack, it’s great accommodation. While Movenpick Myth Hotel is our choice pick, you should ultimately select a hotel that best matches your budget and needs.
With so many options available, this is easier said than done. Narrow down your search with TraveliGo’s hotel search portal, which categorises hotels based on their location and rates.
Getting around Phuket
Speaking of location, one thing to consider when booking hotels is their distance from the attractions you wish to visit.
Anyone who has ever been to Phuket can vouch for the fact that taxis there are much more expensive than anywhere else in Thailand
However, if you happen to find a hotel that ticks all of the boxes but is a little far away from all the other places you’re looking to visit, do consider these affordable car rental options.
TraveliGo currently has a promo where certain card holders can get an 8% discount on car rentals.
What to do in Phuket
With up to seven days to kill before travelling to other places in Thailand, there’s so much to do and see.
Insider tip: there is more to Phuket than the Big Buddha and Phuket Old Town.
Here are some of our recommendations on lesser-known attractions you should check out during your vacation in Phuket.
1. Hanuman World – Thailand’s newest eco-adventure zipline park
Unleash your inner Tarzan (or Jane) at this massive eco-adventure park nestled within a lush rainforest in the heart of Phuket.
At Hanuman World, there is something for everyone. Soar through the air on one of their many ziplines – adrenaline junkies can take it a step further by attempting their Roller Coaster Zipline; a thrilling ride not for the faint of heart.
Image credit: Hanuman World
When you’re done soaring through the jungle skies, abseil your way down to the jungle floor.
Image credit: Hanuman World
For those of you who prefer to keep your feet firmly on the ground, fret not. There are IG-worthy spiral staircases for you to sculpt your glutes at.
But if you prefer a more relaxing activity, simply stroll through their skywalk and soak in the sights and sounds of the rainforest.
Image credit: Hanuman World
One of Phuket’s best kept secrets, Hanuman World is a must-visit attraction, especially for urban dwellers looking for a break from the concrete jungle. It’s a place you easily spend an entire day at.
Check out their wide range of packages here, many of which come with round trip hotel transfers.
Hanuman World
Opening Hours: 8AM – 5PM, Daily
Address: 105 Moo 4 Muang Jao Fa Road, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
Telephone: +66 6 2979 5533
Hanuman World website | Google Maps
2. Boat Avenue – Thailand’s first container mall with weekly night markets
Located in Cherng Talay, Boat Avenue holds the distinction of being Thailand’s first container mall. A shopping and eating haven, Boat Avenue is a spot that you can easily spend the day at.
Image credit: @wellness_artist_victoria
From massage parlours to clothing stores, there’s no lack of retail outlets here to satisfy your inner shopaholic. If you’re looking to whip up meals in your accommodation, keep your eyes peeled for a high-end supermarket called Villa Market.
There are a wide array of container eateries here, offering everything from spice-loaded Mexican fare at The Mexican to local Southern Thai cuisine.
For those of you who prefer an air-conditioned environment, we’ve also got you covered. There are plenty of indoor options you can hide out in. For brunch, we’d recommend Waya Cafe, which has an all-day breakfast menu alongside mains such as pasta dishes.
The Waya Breakfast costs ฿180 (~USD5)
If you’re looking for something a bit more magical and family-friendly than a container mall, then the next attraction will be right up your alley.
Boat Avenue
Opening Hours: 9AM – 10PM, Daily
Address: 49/13 Bandon-Cherngtalay Road Cherngtalay Phuket 83110
Telephone: +66 7 630 4635
Boat Avenue Facebook | Google Maps
3. Hog’s Head Pub: New Harry Potter-inspired bar & cafe
Harry Potter may be over two decades old. But judging from the success of the Harry Potter Reunion Special, the lure of Hogwarts is as strong today as it was in the early 2000s.
Image credit: Hog’s Head Phuket
Instead of rewatching the beloved films (again), head over to Hog’s Head Pub to relive the magic of the wizarding world once more.
From crooked door frames, to old-timey ceiling lamps adorning weathered brick walls, everything about this hidden gem is designed to transport its inhabitants into the wonderful world of Harry Potter.
Image credit: ที่ชอบที่ชอบ
Opened in 2020, once eagle-eyed fans step into the premises, they’ll be able to spot all manner of memorabilia – Sorting Hat we see you – to cue the waves of nostalgia.
Here, us mere muggles can enjoy a glass of the famed Butterbeer ฿95 (~USD3) or even the Liquid Luck ฿95 (~USD3).
Image credit: Hog’s Head Phuket
As for foods, the pub has Thai favourites like Stir-Fried Pork Basil Leaves With Rice ฿89 (~USD3) as well as pub staples like French Fries ฿120 (~USD5) and Cornish Pasties ฿120 (~USD5).
Hog’s Head Pub
Address: 15-61 Yaowarat Rd., Talat Nuea sub-district, Mueang Phuket district, Phuket province, Thailand 83000.
Opening Hours: 10AM – 11PM, Daily
Telephone: +66 8 1956 1095
Hog’s Head Pub website
4. Splash Jungle Water Park – Phuket’s wildest water park
This family friendly attraction prides itself on being Phuket’s wildest wettest water park. It’s a mantle that is certainly well deserved.
The highlight of Splash Jungle Water Park is arguably the Whizzard, a rainbow coloured roller coaster that takes its riders through a 360-degree loop before a thrilling climax down its colourful slides.
Image credit: Splash Jungle Water Park
Keep a look out for the Family Raft Ride, a safe but thrilling ride full of unexpected twists and turns.
Although the raft can go up to speeds of 33KM/hr, rest assured that this ride is suitable for children too as you can take the ride along with your kids to ensure they are safely buckled in throughout the ride.
Image credit: Splash Jungle Water Park
Splash Jungle Water Park doesn’t just boast thrilling rides.
There are attractions here for people of all ages and preferences. Kids can frolic in the Aqua Play & Kids Pool while those of you looking to unwind can float your way through the 335M-long Lazy River.
Image credit: Splash Jungle Water Park
Once you’re done with all the rides that this water oasis has to offer, satisfy your hunger pangs at their Jungle Deli or Coconut Cafe, or both!
Pro-tip: Save some Baht by getting discounted tickets here.
Splash Jungle Water Park
Opening Hours: 10AM – 5.45PM, Thursday – Monday (Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays)
Address: 65 179 Soi Mai Khao 4, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110
Telephone: +66 7 637 2111
Splash Jungle Water Park website | Google Maps
Specially curated tours in Phuket
If you don’t want to venture off the beaten track or aren’t too keen on planning an itinerary, you can opt for specially curated tours too.
Whether it’s admiring the sunset atop the iconic Laem Phromthep or a 3D2N diving adventure, you’re bound to find a tour that suits your taste. You can check out the full list of available Phuket tours here.
Plan your trip from start to finish with TraveliGo
Travelling during the new normal is definitely more of a hassle compared to the good old days. If you feel overwhelmed, you’re not alone.
That’s why, on trips during this crucial transition period, we’d recommend using travel portals that help collate and sort through your options. From the cheapest airfares to exclusive promotions, TraveliGo is a one-stop platform to take care of all your travel needs, and def worth checking out in our books.
Start planning your trip to Phuket here
Places to explore in Phuket:
- Chillva Market in Phuket is a boho market
- The Shrine of the Serene Light is a Chinese Temple in Phuket
- Chalong Bay Distillery is Phuket’s rum factory
Cover images adapted from: Movenpick Myth Hotel, Hog’s Head Phuket and TheSmartLocal
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