The primary resort town on the island, Patong, is lively and has a lot of pubs, bars, and nightclubs. It is common to see a younger crowd in these areas of the town, particularly in January. Plantations of pineapple, rubber, and mangrove trees may be found within the city. This area, which is still mostly unexplored, is representative of the diverse cultural blend of Thais, ethnic Malays, and even sea gypsies.
Weather In Phuket In January
Due to its tropical monsoon climate, Phuket experiences year-round heat and humidity. January is the most tourist-friendly month on the white sand island since it has some of the nicest weather.
- The month occurs in the middle of the island’s dry season, with an average rainfall of only 35.6 mm and light showers that typically occur at night.
- With an average high temperature of 32 degrees and low temperature of 22 degrees, the month’s average temperature is a comfortable 27 degrees.
With an average decrease of 64%, humidity also decreases with the monsoon season. The location is perfect for water activities including diving, swimming, and snorkeling because of the weather.
Places To Visit In Phuket In January
Phuket provides an extensive selection of tourist attractions, from lively beaches crowded with people to quiet boat cruises, quiet beaches, and even many tourist destinations that let you take in the diversity of cultures the area has to offer. These are some locations you can go to in January.
1. Patong Beach
The busiest beach, Patong Beach, is well-known for its spotless beaches and exciting nightlife. During the day, one can get involved in a variety of water activities here, including swimming and parasailing. With so many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs nearby, this beach is the perfect place to party till the early hours of the morning. The beach is lovely, despite its young, with crystal-clear blue waves and verdant woodlands all around. The beach is packed, but it makes up for it with plenty of stores and food vendors. In January, Patong Beach is quite alluring as you can take in both the excitement of the visitors and the beauty of the picturesque beach.
2. Freedom Beach
January is Phuket’s busiest travel month, so you could always find the streets and beaches packed. But there’s something for everyone in Phuket! Freedom Beach is a great place to go if you want peaceful, empty beaches. It’s a gorgeous white sand beach that may be reached by boat from Patong, Kamala, Karon, or Kata Beach; Patong Beach offers the quickest approach. Prices may be resolved, particularly if a big party is riding the boat. You may pay a nominal charge to hire a sun lounge after you get to Freedom Beach.
3. Bangla Road
The center of Phuket’s nightlife is Bangla Road. There is a 400-meter section of road near Patong Beach that is exclusively designated for pedestrian use. It’s really vibrant, particularly in the nights when there are street acts, brilliant lights, and plenty more. Open-fronted or open-air restaurants and bars compete with one another for patrons. This time of year, when the street is crowded with visitors, the atmosphere is fantastic, and many pubs and restaurants are running promotions to draw in patrons.
Also Read: Phuket in September
4. Tri Tra Beach
Tri Tra beach is another beach that can help you in keeping your Phuket itinerary just the perfect amount of calm beauty and busy city life. It is also known as Crystal or Emerald Beach as it is often mistaken with Tri Trang Beach. During high tide, this sandy beach is an excellent place to unwind in the warm sea. Here, you may have a massage and just relax on the beach by yourself.
5. Phang Nga Bay
Surrounded by the mainland of Kra Isthmus and the island of Phuket, the bay is 400 km square. Phang Nga Bay is identified by its limestone karsts, which rise vertically out of the emerald-green ocean. Taking a boat trip from Phuket’s northern end is the greatest way to take in the breathtaking views. You may arrange a relaxed day tour that involves sailing around the islands and making stops along the way to explore the local beaches. Since January is a dry month in Phuket, the seas are calm, making the boat voyage to the islands perfect. Even kayaking is an option here, along with a lunch break at Koh Panyee.
Things To Do In Phuket In January
There are always a lot of things to do in Phuket, whether you are traveling alone, with family, a spouse, or a group of friends. Phuket is constantly bustling with activities, from water sports to beach barbecues.
1. Phuket Weekend Night Market
The Phuket Weekend Market is a must-see destination for tourists, drawing large crowds with its endless variety of interesting goods, stores, and regional food. Travelers often choose among the many things, including as clothing, accessories, and mementos, that are offered for sale from several stores at affordable costs. It’s also the ideal spot to sample unique, quirky Thai cuisine, which includes fried insects!
2. Snorkeling at Koh Rok and Koh Haa Islands
You may spend the day snorkeling and taking in the beauties of the Andaman seas when you visit the stunning islands of Koh Rok and Koh Haa. To go to these islands and go snorkeling during the day, take a speedboat from Phuket. You’ll be able to see the magnificent coral reefs and the abundance of tropical fish under the surface. Snorkeling packages on many tour programs include a traditional handmade Thai lunch and round-trip transportation.
3. Phuket Simon Cabaret
The Phuket Simon Cabaret, a theater that presents an evening of live music, dance acts, and comedy performances by a group of transsexual artists, is located near Patong Beach. A vast variety of musicals from civilizations all around the globe are combined in one amazing display of vivid colors. The actors’ eye-catching makeup and expensive clothes go well with the stunning backdrop set.
Throughout the 70-minute performance, the talented performers dazzle the audience with their dancing, stage changes, and guaranteed funny laughs. You may take your kids to Phuket Simon Cabaret, a performance that is suitable for the whole family. Schedule: 6:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9:00 PM every day
Also Read: Phuket in August
4. Scuba diving at Kata and Karon Beach
Scuba diving is one of the many activities that people come to Phuket to cross off their bucket list! Many dive shops provide instruction and equipment in January, but it’s crucial to choose a PADI-accredited shop to guarantee secure equipment rentals. You may choose from a variety of diving operators at both Kata and Karon Beach, including Dive Asia, Oceanic Dive Center, and Oceanic Dive Center.
Places To Stay In Phuket In January
The variety of lodging choices enables visitors to evaluate and choose their island stay. Because January is the busiest month, hotel prices go up. Although we have sourced reasonably priced hotels for you, making reservations in advance might lower your stay’s cost.
1. Seeka Boutique Hotel
We suggest staying close to Patong Beach if you’re on a limited budget, and this hotel should be your first choice. The Seeka Boutique Hotel has several facilities, such as an indoor pool and restaurant, and is ideally situated only a 13-minute walk from the beach. Of the numerous affordable accommodations in Phuket, this one is a decent choice. Fee for two people staying in one room for one night: INR 2000
2. Phuket Merlin Hotel
The Phuket Merlin Hotel, which is situated in the Muang neighborhood on the island, is an additional affordable lodging option. It is a desirable option for lodging because of its close vicinity to Phuket Trickeye Museum, Phuket Weekend Night Market, and Phuket Old Town. It offers basic facilities to its visitors and has an indoor restaurant and pool. Fee for two people staying in one room for one night: INR 2000
3. Amari Phuket
The Amari Phuket is the ideal option if you’re seeking for a luxurious, stylish hotel for your trip to Phuket and don’t mind going over budget. There are many facilities in the rooms with views of the sea or beach, and it is quite near to Patong Beach. Families might choose the junior suite, which has an own enclosed patio and an open balcony. Each air-conditioned room has a TV, minibar, connected private bathroom, tea and coffee making amenities, and air conditioning. Tariff of INR 14,000 for one adult, one room, and one night
4. Surin Phuket
Another luxury hotel in Surin, Phuket, providing the perfect tropical getaway on Pansea Beach’s white sands that gradually slope down to a little coral reef. Their beachside cottage-style house offers breathtaking vistas from every room. The hotel offers a variety of accommodation sizes, an outdoor pool, and a spa, among many other excellent amenities. Fee for one adult, one room, and one night: INR 12,000
Festivals In Phuket In January
Since January is when most visitors arrive on the white-sand island, Phuket is usually bustling with festivals and festivities. These are several festivals that you should definitely attend in January.
Also Read: Phuket in July
1. Moon Festivals
Major draws for tourists are the well-known Moon festivals, which take place on Paradise Beach once every two weeks. You may celebrate beneath the magnificent light of the full or half moon till the sun rises. The audience listens to the soundtrack played by international DJs. A fire display is one of the other entertainment options as you dance the night away with friends and professional dancers. There are cocktails and signature beverages offered during the event as well. Tickets for this event may be reserved in advance on the official website. The price of a ticket might vary from 1800 to 3500 INR.
2. Zuma returns to Phuket
Zuma, the well-known modern Japanese restaurant, is making a comeback to Phuket with a special culinary offering. Visitors may choose from a well curated menu with dishes like Daikoku, trademark seafood, Japanese Wagyu meat, and robata grill, which all contribute to the unique flavor of Zuma-nian Sushi. It takes place in Anantara Lun from December 2019 to February 2020.
3. Chinese New Year
Phuket Usually happening in January or February, Chinese New Year is marked by many days of celebrations. Due to the significant ethnic community that migrated to Phuket in the past, this festival is held annually and is celebrated with increasing flair and vibrancy. It is observed in Phuket’s historic district.
What to pack and carry
Phuket Island has more than thirty beaches! January’s dry weather invites visitors to spend their days lounging on the beach and swimming. Don’t forget to bring sunscreen and swimsuits to the beach. If you want to take advantage of Phuket’s vibrant nightlife, you may bring your party clothes along as well!
Where To Eat In Phuket In January
In January, when the island of Phuket is alive with visitors, there are plenty of street food choices for travelers to enjoy on Patong Beach, Bangla Road, or at the Phuket weekend night market. Aside from that, there are several eateries offering an extensive selection of western and Asian cuisine to satisfy any palate. Phuket is particularly well-known for its seafood, which can be had for very low costs for a substantial portion. Among the restaurants where you may eat in order to enjoy seafood are Pak Nam Seafood in Phuket Town, Mor Mudong Restaurant in Chalong, and Kan Eang @Pier in Chalong Bay.
How To Reach Phuket
Phuket is not just one of the world’s most beautiful beach resorts, but it’s also very well-connected. Traveling by air is the quickest way to get to the white sand island. Although there are road connections between Phuket and other regions of Thailand, there are currently no direct rail connections between Phuket and other cities.
By Air: One of Thailand’s busiest airports, Phuket International Airport serves both local and international travel. It makes it easier for daily airplanes from Bangkok to enter and exit the town. Phuket has direct flights from a number of nations, including Germany, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, India, and Singapore.
By Road: Buses with and without air conditioning are widely accessible, and they depart from Bangkok, Surat Thani, Krabi, Phang Na, and other similar locations in Thailand. Thailand’s well-connected road system makes traveling within cities easy and reasonably priced.
Phuket is the most popular island destination because it perfectly blends tropical beauty, gorgeous, picture-perfect beaches, and the lively energy of a city. different year long, groups of different sizes and price ranges may take advantage of the island and experience the atmosphere of a holiday. You won’t realize why Phuket is referred to as “The Amazing Thailand” until you come!
Also Read: Phuket In March
Frequently Asked Question
Is January a good time to visit Phuket?
January is a favorable month for visiting Phuket, offering warm days, sunny days, and 8 hours of sunshine, although rain-free conditions are not guaranteed.
Is January rainy in Thailand?
January is Thailand’s dry season’s peak, offering warm, sunny weather with low humidity and minimal rainfall, making it an ideal time to visit the country.
Is it worth going to Thailand in January?
January is an ideal time to visit Thailand due to its peak weather conditions, offering warm, sunny days and cooler evenings for comfortable outdoor exploration.
What are some popular dining options in Phuket in January?
For those who like seafood, there’s Kan Eang @Pier at Chalong Bay, Mor Mudong Restaurant in Chalong, and Pak Nam Seafood in Phuket Town. Locations like Patong Beach and the Phuket Weekend Night Market are other great locations to get street cuisine.
How can I get to Phuket?
Traveling by air is the fastest option, with direct flights from major cities throughout the globe arriving at Phuket International Airport. Although there are no direct train links, Phuket may also be reached by vehicle from other regions of Thailand.
Where can I find affordable accommodation in Phuket during January?
The Phuket Merlin Hotel in the Muang district and the Seeka Boutique Hotel close to Patong Beach are both reasonably priced choices. Due to great demand, reservations should be made in advance.