🏝️ Don’t Be That Tourist: Phuket’s Must-Know Tips Inside

Hi There, Island Adventurers!

Here’s what’s up in Phuket this week — the weather, what not to do, what’s happening, and what’s worth your time.

No hype. No fluff. Just what you need to know to enjoy the island, stay smart, and skip the tourist traps.

But first…

☀️ What’s the Weather Like?

This week in Phuket? Classic tropics: sunny starts, a good chance of afternoon thunderstorms, and those calm coastal winds to wrap things up. Daytime highs sit at a toasty 32°C, dipping to 26–27°C at night.

Expect scattered showers—especially midweek and Saturday—with rain popping in and out like an uninvited guest. Still, there’s plenty of sunshine to enjoy between downpours.

Pack light, wear breezy, and keep an umbrella close. 🌦️⛱️🌴

👉 Check the live Phuket weather forecast here

This week’s highlights:

• 😬 What NOT to do in Phuket — avoid fines, scams, and cultural face-palms

• 🌧️ Rainy season is here — here’s what locals are doing to prep

• 🦈 Leopard sharks are coming back — Phuket’s new marine conservation win

• 🎧 Big weekend: Jaden Bojsen, Ethnica, and Erdem Bodrum hit the decks

Let’s dive in 👇

TOP STORY

Avoid Doing This in Phuket

(Trust Me, You’ll Thank Yourself Later)

You’ve just landed in paradise.
You’re excited.
But Phuket’s got its own rhythm — and if you don’t tune in, you might end up with a fine, a frown, or worse… a fried motorbike.

Here’s my list of stuff you should definitely skip. Think of it as the “Don’t Be That Tourist” guide.

🛑 Common Mistakes (And How to Dodge Them)

1. Don’t ride a scooter if you’ve never done it before

It looks fun. It’s cheap.
But Phuket traffic isn’t your village back home. Roads here are hilly, slippery after rain, and rules? Optional.

• Get an international driving permit
  

• Wear a helmet — always
  

• And for the love of coconuts, don’t drink and drive
  

You’re not Tom Cruise. Not on that rental Honda Click.

2. Don’t feed the fish or touch the coral

Seems innocent, right?
Bit of bread in the water. Little shell in the bag.

But:

• Fish get sick.
  

• Coral dies.
  

• You can get fined — or worse, jailed.
  

Admire nature, don’t interfere with it. Bring a waterproof camera, not a sandwich.

3. Don’t take selfies with wildlife

The guy offering you a photo with a baby monkey or slow loris?
Walk away.

These animals are often taken illegally and kept in awful conditions.

• It’s illegal
  

• You’re supporting cruelty
  

• And you don’t want rabies as a souvenir

Stick to elephant sanctuaries or sea turtle releases — ethical, wholesome, and actually good for the soul.

4. Don’t disrespect temples or monks

Quick rules:

• No short shorts or sleeveless tops
  

• No loud talking
  

• No shoes inside
  

• And if you’re a woman — don’t touch monks

Monks are respected here. Step aside, give space, and follow the lead of locals.

5. Don’t point your feet at people

Sounds random, I know.
But in Thailand, feet are considered the lowest part of the body (literally and spiritually).

Don’t put them up on chairs. Don’t point them at statues or people.
Just sit like someone who’s paying attention.

6. Don’t ride elephants

Yes, they’re big and majestic.
No, you don’t need to sit on one.

Elephant riding = pain, fear, chains.

Want to support them properly?

• Visit a sanctuary like Bukit Elephant Park or Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
  

• Feed them bananas
  

• Watch them splash about like overgrown kids

You’ll remember that way longer than a 3-minute ride.

7. Don’t trust everyone with your passport

Especially when renting scooters or jet skis.

Some shady shops will hold your passport “for safety” and later claim damages. Suddenly you’re out a few thousand baht or stuck arguing over scratches you didn’t cause.

• Only rent from trusted shops
  

• Ask your hotel for a referral
  

• Never leave your passport behind
  

8. Don’t walk around Phuket Town shirtless

Patong? Maybe.
Phuket Town? Big no.

This isn’t Ibiza. Locals do take offence.
Put on a T-shirt, even if it’s hot. You’ll still sweat, but at least respectfully.

💡 Cultural Tips That Aren’t Obvious (But Matter)

• Stand for the national anthem at the cinema. Yes, everyone does. Yes, it’s only a minute.
  

• Don’t take Buddha statues home unless you know what you’re doing — they’re religious artefacts, not souvenirs.
  

• Don’t touch someone’s head — not even a cute child’s. It’s sacred.
  

• Don’t expect tap water to be safe to drink. Stick with bottled.
  

🌧️ Planning Mistakes You’ll Want to Avoid Too

• Don’t book a hotel in Phuket Town if you want daily beach access. It’s a drive, and traffic can be painful.
  

• Don’t limit yourself to one beach. There are 40+ beaches here. Rent a bike (if you're confident!) and explore.
  

• Don’t assume high season is always best. September to November often has great weather and fewer crowds.
  

• Don’t skip checking the weather — tropical downpours aren’t a joke.
  

🧳 Final Thought

Phuket’s not hard to enjoy.
But it’s even better when you go in with a bit of local awareness and leave the clueless-tourist act at the airport.

Respect the place.
Skip the bad habits.
And if you’re not sure? Ask a local

HEADLINES

Phuket Covid surge: Island ranks 3rd in Thailand

Phuket’s picture-perfect beaches may be drawing tourists in droves but the island is quietly battling a Covid-19 surge that places it among the top three provinces for infection rates in Thailand this year, though remarkably, not a single death has been reported. —Continue Reading Here

Phuket gears up with sandbags ahead of rainy season

Phuket is bracing for the rainy season with a full-scale flood battle plan ready to roll out, as officials warn locals to stay alert and keep canals clear of rubbish.

On May 16, Chalermporn Piyanarongroj, Permanent Secretary of Phuket City Municipality, acting as Mayor, announced preparations following the Meteorological Department (TMD)’s declaration that Thailand’s rainy season officially began on May 15. —Continue Reading Here

Leopard shark ‘rewilding’ launched in Phuket

Conservationists aim to preserve and enlarge population of endangered species in Thai waters.

PHUKET - Thailand has launched a leopard shark rewilding initiative in collaboration with the international environmental organisation WildAid and the ocean conservation group Ocean Blue Tree. —Continue Reading Here

BUSINESS HIGHLIGHT

Canopy Hills Villas

Most homes are either too noisy… or too far away.
Some look lovely but cost too much.
Others are quiet but feel like they’re in the middle of nowhere.

But Canopy Hills Villas is different.

It’s quiet, green, and full of fresh air — but still close to schools, shops, beaches, and town.

A Lovely Spot

These villas sit on a green hill in Koh Kaew, just:

• 3 minutes from British International School

• 15 minutes to shopping and the marina

• 20–25 minutes to beaches

It’s peaceful. But not too far.

About the Homes

There are only 9 villas. Each one is private, large, and filled with light.

You can choose:

Villa L

• 4 bedrooms

• 650 sqm size

• Pool: 12m long

• Price: from THB 49.6M (USD $1.46M)

Villa XL

• 5+1 bedrooms (with maid’s room)

• 742 sqm size

• Pool: 15m long

• Price: from THB 58.3M (USD $1.72M)

They have very high ceilings, big windows, and lots of space.
You’ll feel calm the moment you step inside.

A Smart Buy

This is a good home — and a good investment:

• 30% cheaper than similar villas

• 15% value increase expected while it’s being built

• Up to 10% rental income

• In a green zone (so no new buildings around for years)

Good to Know

• Thai citizens can buy freehold

• Foreigners can get a 30+30+30-year lease

• Comes with custom kitchens and furniture

• Solar panels and smart eco systems

• Gated community with security, internet, and shared spaces

One Last Word

If you want a home that’s quiet but close, beautiful but smart — this is worth a look.

Only nine homes are available. They will go quickly.

Shall I help you see one? book here.

UPCOMING EVENTS

Jaden Bojsen at Illuzion – Friday 23rd May

With over 15 million streams and gold certifications around the globe, “Let’s Go” has made Jaden Bojsen one of the hottest names in dance music.

Starts from 9pm at Illuzion.

Paso Doble at Cafe del Mar Phuket – Friday 23rd May

Fri 23 May | @pasodobleofficial will be taking over the Clubroom at Cafe Del Mar Phuket with @qnarongwate opening 🛸

𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗥𝗬 | Doors open at 10PM.

ETHNICA X TAYLLOR – Friday 23rd May

Step into the world of Ethnica – where tribal beats and wild energy collide for an unforgettable night.

DJ Tayllor, known for his viral remix of “My Neck, My Back”—a track that’s dominating dance floors worldwide.

Doors open at 9pm – Maya Beach Club.

Erdem Bodrum at FLY-O — Sunday May 25th

The legendary @erdem_bodrum is touching down in Phuket for one electrifying night at FLY-O! 🕺🔥

Get ready for epic beats, golden hour vibes, and poolside magic as “BADBOY” takes over the decks.
📍 Fly-O Rooftop & Dining
🗓 May 25 | 🚪Doors open 5PM

PHUKET SPOTLIGHT

Under Pressure Shop: Art and Graff Supplies

📍 Phuket’s first graffiti shop

Tired of Phuket’s same old tourist traps?
Under Pressure Shop is an art-space for the painters, the sketchers, the creators, the ones who get it.
Graff supplies, local art, chill vibes — built by an artist, for the culture.
Come through. Leave a mark for the community, the street culture.
Follow: Under Pressure

That’s a wrap on this week in Phuket 🌴
From tropical tips to party picks — now you’re fully briefed.

Got something island-worthy to share? A story, a secret beach, an event no one knows about yet? Hit reply or DM us. We’re all ears — and sunscreen.

Until then: dodge the downpours, ride safe, and enjoy the chaos.
Catch you next week!

Cheers,
The Phuket Community Team