If you're mental about a trip to Phuket then you're probably wondering when the best time to visit the island is. It all comes down to what you're after. Depending on when you pick to visit Phuket, you could end up battling it out with the locals in a water fight, sitting alone on a secluded beach or caught in the middle of the annual torture fest.
By far the most inspiring time to visit Phuket is while Songkran, which is the Thai New Year. What was once a customary gesture of pouring a limited water on one other has morphed into the world's most intense water fight. It goes on all over Thailand and the islanders in Phuket give it all they've got.
Phuket Thailand
If you don't like getting wet, don't even bother going outside. Songkran takes place April 13 to 15, with April 15 being the big day for the water fight. It's crazy. Habitancy line the streets all round the island, armed with water guns, buckets and hose pipes. Some Habitancy ride colse to in the backs of pickup trucks normally with a barrel or two full of water. Patong is where the action is wildest and the madness goes on well into the night. Everyone plays: locals, foreigners, men, women, young, old. It has to be seen to be believed.
For something totally out there, you have to check out the Phuket Vegetarian Festival. It's like nothing else you will ever experience. Entranced men and women (maa song) are said to feel no pain as they walk colse to the streets with their cheeks pierced with needles, knives, spears and all kinds of inspiring objects. If you're squeamish, give this one a miss. The festival happens every year in October.
The festival is also a great time to go veggie and you'll find that most of the local restaurants strike meat from the menu. Get yourself a map and travel to the Chinese temples to see ceremonies and other curiosities. On the last day, head to Saphan Hin, where the festival climaxes with Habitancy lining the streets and throwing firecrackers into the road as the maa song walk the final procession through Phuket Town.
Chinese New Year is also a fun time to visit Phuket, especially if you're a fan of Chinese food. The festival isn't quite as inspiring and glitzy as in Bangkok, but it's still worth seeing if you happen to be in the area. It takes place in February.
New Year's Eve in Phuket is best enjoyed in Patong. Everyone heads down to the beach before midnight to watch the magnificent fireworks display. Road sellers all the time have a variety of fireworks on offer, although due to most Habitancy being drunk, these often end up shooting into crowds of bemused onlookers, so watch out.
Of course, if you just want a quiet holiday, the best time to visit Phuket is from May to October while low season when visitor numbers are way down but the island is still just as beautiful.
When is the Best Time to Visit Phuket?
