Book Phuket Tour Packages with TripFactory

Phuket is one of my favourite destinations that I have been longing to visit for some time. And finally we made the plan to visit the beautiful island. What I can tell you for sure is that you can spend your entire year exploring Phuket and still you will not get bored of this place. Since there are many places to explore in Phuket it can be a challenge to plan your itinerary. If you have only got a week then where do you go? What do you do? So I am pretty sure that the Phuket travel guide will help you to explore the place better. We had booked our tickets in advance to visit since the flight tickets can also be very expensive. The trip was planned in the beginning of January. The weather was pretty chilled and cool. The hotel was booked online. We stayed in the Phuket Town area which is one of the central areas in Phuket. We took a flight from Delhi to Phuket International Airport.

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular and exciting islands, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and endless adventure. There are many packages to Thailand which cover this one of the most visited place, Phuket. Whether you’re a beach lover, nature explorer, foodie, or someone just looking to relax, Phuket has something for everyone. From island hopping and scuba diving to cultural temples and lively night markets, the list of things to do in Phuket is truly endless. In this article, I will try to share every detail that will help you to plan your trip better. Whether it be the best things to do in Phuket, what to eat, where to stay, about Phuket tour packages, and the cost of a Phuket trip from India.

About TripFactory’s Phuket Tour Packages

There are many Phuket tour packages that you will find across TripFactory’s websites as Phuket is one of the top holiday destinations. We decided to go for a Phuket tour package because the trip and itinerary is already planned right from the accommodation to the daytime planning. Phuket tour packages offer a great way to explore the vibrant city which is full of amazing places. The packages are designed in such a way that it suits every traveller’s needs. Whether you are a history buff, adventurous person or a person interested in experiencing the nightlife. And the best part is that there are tour packages for everyone whether you are on a budget or want to have a luxurious trip. I definitely choose a budget friendly Phuket tour package.

Phuket Trip Cost from India

Our overall cost of a Phuket trip from India was reasonable because we had made our flight booking in advance and booked our Phuket tour package at the right time. However there are other factors like when are you planning to visit, for how many days, in which season and type of accommodation you are choosing to stay which also influences the total cost. On an average the Phuket tour package starts with an average price of 20,000 – 25, 000 per person for 4 days 5 nights without flights. With flights the price may increase accordingly to around 40000 per person. And if you are opting for a premium stay the price may go up to 60000 per person as well. Customization, travel date and inclusion of the meals might also impact the final price.

How to book a Phuket Tour Package with TripFactory?

I decided to go with TripFactory to book our Phuket tour package. Our dates were very clear, we had decided to travel in the first week of January for 9 nights and 10 days duration. There were many travel packages available with different rates. Since there were no packages specifically for Phuket. I decided to get our trip customized as per our needs at a very reasonable cost of Rs 49,500. Before proceeding with the final booking we checked the customer reviews, cancellation policies and other terms. Once we were satisfied with the entire itinerary plan we made the payment. We then received an email confirmation and the travel documents.

Why Choose TripFactory for Phuket Trip?

There are many reasons why you should book a Phuket tour package with TripFactory.

Customisable Tour Package – They have 30 different Thailand tour packages which satisfy the needs of all kinds of travellers. Whether you are a nature enthusiast or a history buff we have something for everyone.

All Inclusive Packages with Flights – TripFactory has most of the packages which covers everything in the package right from accommodation to the flights.

Comfortable and Premium Stays – Relax in the comfortable and premium stay that has been handpicked for you. Enjoy top tier amenities, stylish interiors and exceptional service by the hotel staff.

24/7 Travel Assistance – If you face any hurdle in your travel to Phuket, the travel experts are there to guide and help you at every place. Whether you want to skip a place or change the hotel we are there to assist you.

Best Time to Visit Phuket for a Holiday

Now, you want to book a TripFactory’s Phuket tour package but but confused when to visit Phuket? I visited Phuket in the month of January which was undoubtedly the best time to visit Thailand. The place will feel like paradise during these months. You can witness the grandeur of Christmas or the Royal Barge Procession if you visit Phuket during the peak season. However I personally feel that summer is also not a bad time to visit. The summer season lasts from June to September. It’s the best time to explore the nearby islands and beaches. The only advice I can give you is to carry light and breathable clothes. May – October is also a good time to visit Phuket if you are okay with slight rain. It is a good time to visit because the prices are usually lower for everything as compared to other places.

Places to Visit & Things to Do on Phuket Holiday

Visit Big Buddha

We visited Big Buddha early in the morning when the sky was all clear and the crowd was less. We could see the Big Buddha Statue from afar. There were many people who came from across the world to visit this tourist destination. The real name of the Big Buddha is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri. It can be seen from any part of Southern Phuket. It stands at a height of 45 metres and the base is 25 metres wide. Beside the Phuket Big Buddha there are several other small Buddha statues next to it. Made of concrete and layered with beautiful burmese white marble, it has a serene presence. Whether you are a history buff or looking to spend your time peacefully, you cannot miss this wonderful spot  among the tourist attractions in Phuket.

Pro Tip

Clothes: You must wear clothes that will cover your shoulders and knees. If you have not dressed appropriately you will need to purchase clothes from the entrance.

Ticket: It would be best if you could purchase the ticket physically from the temple instead of getting it online.

Best time to visit: It would be best to visit the temple in the morning when there would be less crowd and less heat.

Explore Patong Beach 

When we searched on the net as to which place we must not miss in Phuket, this was one of the places. So we decided to visit this place. It is located on the west coast of Thailand’s Phuket Island. It is very well known for its happening nightlife and a series of activities. You will find a ;ot of Europeans on the Patong beach. We indulged in a diverse range of adventurous thrills like the water sports, cultural events and shopping spree market. So, whether you are a family person or solo traveller, Patong beach has something for everyone. With unlimited bars, restaurants and beachside cafes, it’s one of Phuket’s sightseeing spots that guarantees a memorable experience day and night.

Pro Tip

Timing : The beach is open from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm

Entry Fee : No, there is no entry fee to enter the Patong beach. The beach is a public beach and is accessible to everyone.

Escape in the Phi Phi Island

This island was always on my wish list. So there was no way we were going to miss out on this place. Located in the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Island is one of the most beautiful places that I have visited so far. The water was crystal clear water and there were white sandy beaches everywhere. Let me tell you a little bit about the history of this place. In 1940 the place was occupied by the fishermen. The place had more of muslims. But today there are more than 2000 – 3000 people residing in Phi Phi island. It has more Buddhists than muslims.

The island came to fame when the spot was used for filming the British film The Beach. We had one of our best nights in Phi Phi island where we spent our time in one of the best bars in Phuket. One thing I can say for sure is that Phi Phi Island is the ultimate destination for adventure and relaxation seekers. After sitting on the sand for a while, we indulged in water activities like  jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, and the thrilling banana boat ride. party lovers and adventure seekers then you cannot afford to miss this place.

Pro Tip

Timing: The island is open throughout the day. There is as such no opening or closing time

Entry Fee: Yes, there is an entry fee to enter Phi Phi Island, for adults is 400 THB and for children is 200 THB

Have a Scenic View at Rang Hill (Khao Rang)

On the recommendation of one of our friends we had decided to visit this place. We were supposed to start early in the morning but got delayed by 2 hours. This did hamper our day trip to Rang Hill. However despite the delay we did not miss on the fun part and spent a quality time of 5 – 6 hours on the hill. Let me tell you that the spot is one of the hidden places in Phuket. We did have the scenic view of the Southern island including Chalong. Panwa, and the iconic Big Buddha nestled on a distant hilltop. We visited the restaurants, temples, and a unique viewpoint. It used to be a fitness park but has lost its popularity maybe due to the increasing number of monkeys in the location. The best time to visit Khao Rang is lunch or dinner when you can enjoy a meal with breathtaking views at one of the three hillside restaurants.

Pro Tip

Timing: Rang Hill is open 24 hours in day but the best time to visit the place would be at the sunrise or sunset

Entry Fee: No, there is no entry fee to enter Rang Hill (Khao Rang Hill). The viewpoint is free to access.

Have a Chill Day At James Bond Island

The receptionist of the hotel where we were staying recommended that we visit this beautiful island. Initially we were hesitant to visit this place because of the lack of time. But the name of the island really got us excited. So we decided to spend a day on the island. And I cannot describe in words what a stunning place it was. There was  crystal clear water everywhere and a limestone cliff where we took unlimited pictures. It is located in the Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. The island rose to fame when it got featured in the 1974 Bond movie. It was shown in the movie for just a few minutes but now millions of people visit this popular site. We also explored a nearby village built on water. There were the traditional locals with whom we interacted and they served us the local food. We definitely learned a lot about the local culture of the Thai people.

Pro Tips

Timing: James Bond Island is open all throughout the year

Entry Fee: Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit James Bond Island. The fee is 300 Thai Baht (THB) per adult and 150 THB per child.

What to bring: Carry sunglasses, swimsuit and some cash

Shop in the Old Phuket town

This was the area where we were staying. It was one of the most happening places. There was almost everything in this place right from the flea market, restaurants, pubs and other major attractions nearby. There were Sino-Portuguese style shophouses on both sides of the road – an architectural legacy from Phuket’s colonial past. If you look around the phuket town you will see colourful shops, thai temples, chinese shrines, museums and old mansions. The old walls are full of mural paintings and art, which is another sight to marvel at. You’ll find cute cafes, local shops, and vintage stores. The weekend markets are usually lively and fun. We even tried the  local Thai snacks which left us wanting for more. It’s one of the places to visit in Phuket with family, especially if you’re looking to explore art, culture, and food in a walkable area.

Pro Tip

Opening Time: There is no specific opening time for the market. Different markets have different opening times.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to enter the Old Phuket market. It is open to the public for free.

Visit Wat Chalong

This temple was close to the Old Phuket Town where we were staying. It was just a 10 minutes short walk from the place. We could view the temple from our hotel where we were staying. Let me tell you out of the 29 Buddhist temples, this temple is one of the most important temples. Also known as the Wat Chaiyathararam, it’s visited year-round and is one of the romantic places to visit in Phuket for honeymoon couples who want a mix of spiritual peace and beautiful architecture. You will find tourists in this temple throughout the year. On the grounds of the temple you will discover a huge stupa sheltering a bone from Buddha. On the walls you will see murals which depict the story of Buddha. This temple is dedicated to two monks Luang Pho Chaema and Luang Pho Chuang. They were in the forefront and led the battle with the Chinese in 1876.

Pro Tip

Timing: It is open everyday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The best time to visit the place would be in the morning time when there is less crowd and it is less sunny.

Entry Fee: There is no entry fee to enter the temple. You can explore the temple grounds and various statues without paying any fee.

Where to Stay in Phuket?

While booking a trip to Phuket with TripFactory, we already include hotels in the Phuket tour package. Choosing which area to stay is one of the most important decisions one needs to make to get everything that one wants. If you want a secluded beach and privacy then you can go for Patong. Whereas if you want more of a local flavour away from the tourist then you can go for Rawai or maybe Phuket Old Town. If you want a more family friendly area then you can go for Karon. Since we wanted to stay in the heart of the city we chose the Phuket Town area.

What to eat in Phuket?

As mentioned about the hotel stays, we also include meals on the package. Phuket offers a diverse culinary experience. There are some of the must try dishes that you cannot miss at all. Some of them are:

Hokkien Mee: This is basically a yellow wheat noodle stir fried with pork, seafood and vegetables. It is topped with savoury gravy and a fried egg. Mee Ton Poe is a popular place to try it.

Moo Hong: It is a rich and flavourful braised pork belly dish, often cooked with a mix of Chinese and Thai spices. Raya restaurant is a well known place for this.

O-aew: This refreshing desert is a local favourite. It has a jelly-like base made from banana flour, topped with sweet red beans, grass jelly and shaved ice. One Chun Cafe and Restaurant, Phuket Town is a great place to find it.

Seafood: Try dishes like crab curry, grilled seafood with spicy sauce or fish curries.

Lo Bah: It is a deep fried delicacy, often featuring various pork parts. It is a popular street food option.

Khanom Jeen: It is a fermented rice noodle dish often served with a variety of curries, vegetables, and condiments

Restaurants you must try

Phuket has a vast dining experience that caters to all types of people be it a solo traveller or a person on budget. Here are some of my top picks Phuket restaurants that you must try if you are visiting Phuket for the first time:

Bollywood Phuket Restaurant and Bar

The name itself suggests that the place is full of Bollywood posters, attractive items and handcrafted statues. It is a very beautiful restaurant owned by Sikh women since 2014.  This Indian restaurant in Phuket serves central and north Indian style food and delicious curries from different regions. It is one of the best North Indian Restaurants in Phuket. The price was also pretty reasonable. The total cost came up to 350 Baht.

Baluchi Restaurant

Located in the Patong area of Phuket, the restaurant serves great Subcontinent cuisine. It is an award winning restaurant with a seating capacity of 120 people both inside and outside. It provides authentic Indian cuisine prepared by the chef with original ingredients and imported spices. We really enjoyed the experience in this restaurant because the menu had a lot of options for the jain and gujarati people.

Soul Curry Restaurant and Bar

It is one place where you can expect fine dining in Phuket. The staff of the restaurant are really well mannered and super friendly which just gives a wonderful experience to the customers. Mr Mann the owner of the restaurant takes personal care of the people visiting the place providing them the feeling at home. Whether you are looking for lip tempting Indian cuisine or authentic Thai cuisine , this place satisfies all palette types.

Navrang Mahal

This restaurant was near our hotel, so we thought let’s give it a try. It had a wide range of delicacies for both North and South Indians. It basically has two branches in Phuket. The first one is at Patong brand which is very close to the Bangla road and the other one is in the Karan branch. We ordered the delicious spicy rooster Madras and Punjabi-Style Gosht Amritsari in the restaurant.

Curry Delight

Situated in the Kata beach it offers a blend of Indian and Thai cuisine. It is a well known restaurant among food lovers and serves authentic food in Phuket. If you are looking for a fine dining option in Phuket then it is a good restaurant to pick. It has remained in the top list of many visitors because of the yummy food, nice decor and spacious seating arrangement. To add the cherry on the top the spices are imported from India for the authentic taste and real aroma.

Tantra

It is a unique blend of British and Indian cuisines and thus it is visited by people from all across the globe. It provides a complete dining experience for the visitor with its outdoor dining arrangement, authentic Indian food, decor that really level up the atmosphere and the world class service by the staff of the restaurant. All these make it a perfect spot for dining with family. You should not miss to try the kebabs, tikkas and samosas at this popular place.

Live India

Located on the Phuket Aquarium, on Sakdidej Road, it provides good Indian food with amazing service by the staff. If you are on budget and want some cheap options in Phuket, then immediately reserve your seat in this restaurant. It is a small and cosy place with very polite staff. If you are a non vegetarian then you should definitely try meat items of this place which will leave you wanting for more. It is a popular spot for bachelorette.

ICC Indian Curry Club

Are you craving for Mughlai food in Phuket? ICC Indian Curry Club is one of the best spots in Phuket to be in. It is quite famous for its nightlife because the restaurant is open past midnight. Apart from the Indian cuisine you can also enjoy the traditional Thai food in the lively atmosphere. The service in the restaurant is exceptional with the staff being very courteous and helpful.

Highway Curry Indian & Thai Cuisine

The atmosphere of the restaurant is really welcoming with the warm orange colour and the friendly staff who makes you feel that you are at home. Their menu has many choices for authentic Indian food right from the curries to grilled tandoori meals. It also has its own signature dish which is the Highway Special Chicken Tawa. You can also convey to the staff what you want to have, they can customize it accordingly. That way they are quite adaptable and chill.

Madras Café

This restaurant has been one of our favourite coffee places in India. And to find this place in Phuket was magical. It is small yet cozy and famous for serving authentic south Indian food in Phuket. You will find both vegetarian and non vegetarian options available here but it is more vegetarian friendly. One thing that you will love about this place is the Bollywood music which will give you an Indian vibe in a foreign land.

Permits & Document Requirements 

There are certain essential documents that you need to carry with yourself if you are planning to visit Phuket. Our travel expert will guide you about the documents and permits while booking a tour package to Phuket. I had researched all the documents that were required. Therefore would like to list down the important permits and documents required:

Passport – Your passport should be valid for at least 6 months from the planned flying date and also must have 2 blank pages.

Visa application form – You will need to fill an online application form.

Photograph – You will need passport size photo that is 3.5 cm x 4.5 cm.

Flight ticket – A return ticket will indicate a round trip whereas an onward ticket simply shows your departure from Thailand.

Proof of fund – You need to have sufficient balance in your bank account around 20,000 Thai Baht per person.

Vaccination / Test – There are certain vaccinations necessary to fly to Thailand. You need to fulfill these requirements according to the government guidelines.

Thailand Pass or TDAC – The Thailand Pass or TDAC is actually an online form needed for all visitors entering Thailand and this is apart from the visa status.

Proof of accommodation – You are also required to present your accommodation proof in Thailand. The valid proof of your hotel or resort booking can be used for this purpose.

How to plan a 7 Day Phuket trip?

Planning a 7 day itinerary can be difficult at times because there are way too many places to cover in Phuket. It also depends on which Phuket tour package you book. But here’s a sample plan for a 7 day Phuket itinerary which can make your travel journey easy.

Day 1 : Arrival and relaxation

Once you reach the Phuket airport, the local representative of TripFactory will meet and greet you. You will be transferred to the hotel in Phuket. The rest of the day you can relax and chill in the hotel.

Day 2 : Fantasea Show

In the first half of the day you can explore the nearby places on your own. In the second half you will be taken to the Fantasea Show. It is also known as the “Fantasy of a Kingdom” – the performance is like that of the Las Vegas style that fuses Thai traditions with cutting edge technology. There are 9 acts in total featuring the magic illusions, acrobatics, animal performances, pyrotechnics, stunts, aerial displays, and stunning special effects. After the show you can return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 3: Phi Phi Island Tour by Big Boat ( Andaman Wave)

The Phi Phi island is just 40 kms away from Phuket in the Andaman Sea. It is a must for the first time travellers who want to experience Thailand in a short duration. It is famous for the limestone cliffs  and the emerald green water. The Phi Phi island is a group of 6 islands. Phi Phi Don is the largest island which also houses the bohemian town and Phi Phi Leh is famous for the spot Maya Bay which was featured in the movie“The Beach.”The island looks beautiful when adorned with white sand beaches  and coral reefs teeming with marine life. You can also engage in some water adventurous activities like swimming and snorkeling offering some unforgettable memories (National Park fees 400 THB not included). You can explore other popular attractions like the Maya Bay, Loh Samah Bay, Pileh Cove, Viking Cave and Monkey Beach. Phi Phi island is without a doubt feast for the eyes with its natural beauty and adventure.

Day 4 : James Bond Island by Longtail Boat

After breakfast head straight to the unforgettable James Bond Island Tour.You will reach James bond Island by taking a cruise through the magnificent Phang Nga Bay. It houses the famous limestone Ko Tapu which stands tall at a height of 20 metres from the sea. This limestone rock came to fame when it got featured in the iconic James Bond movie “ The man with the Golden Gun”. Next, head to Talu Island by canoe (at extra cost). Explore the sea caves with the experienced paddlers who will guide you throughout the journey. Make your way through the mangrove swamps, explore the hidden lagoons and Stalactite formations. Then to energise you can have local seafood at the floating village of Ko Panyi. Move ahead to the next stop which is the Naka Island and swim in the crystal blue waters.Alternatively if you are not interested in water activities, you can relax on the beach with its lush coconut groves. Capture the beautiful view of the Phuket Coastline before returning to the city.

Day 5 : Visit to Tiger Kingdom

Today a visit to the Tiger Kingdom is planned at Phuket. Here you can touch the tiger and feel its skin. Do not hesitate to touch or hug the tiger you like. The tigers have been tamed by human beings since its birth, so it is not at all surprising that the tigers treat human beings as friends. During the day tigers are quite inactive but at times you might find them at play. You do not need to worry about your safety at all around the tigers as there are supervisors to take care of them. You can also get your pictures clicked with the tigers. It is an experience of  a lifetime to be cherished. Later in the evening return to the hotel for an overnight stay.

Day 6 : Relax at Patong Beach

Situated on the western coast of Phuket, the Patong beach is a place which should be in your itinerary of Thailand. This beach is open all day long everyday. Allowing yourselves to dive in the glory of wonderful beaches and a perfect nightlife experience here is something not to be missed in this beach resort zone. Patong beach allows you to collect some wonderful memories for your life.

Day 7 : Departure from Phuket

After having a heart breakfast in the hotel, you will be transferred to the hotel to take the flight back home. Your unforgettable trip ends here.

Tips on getting around in Phuket

Carry cash : Cash is king in Thailand. Apart from fancy restaurants and rooftop bars, most places including local transport options, tuk tuk and river taxis only accept cash.

Layer up: Public transit is freezing cold, so carry a sweater if you are hopping between BTS and MRT lines.

Transport: Use Skytrain and MRT for long distances and tuk tuk or motorbikes taxi for shorter trips.

Stay near public transit: Choose accommodation close to BTS or MRT station to save time and hassle.