Updated September 19, 2023

Phuket is a safe place to visit—as long as you’re aware of a few safety considerations! The largest island in Thailand, Phuket is a fantastic destination. Locals helped us put together this guide to safety in Phuket. 

Safety in Phuket

Phuket’s wealth of beautiful beaches, shimmering turquoise waters, and wild adventure make it an exciting place to visit in Thailand. Generally, Phuket is pretty safe. But there are some things that travelers should be aware of. Locals note that:

• A red flag means don’t swim: If you see a red flag on a beach, pay attention. This alerts travelers to dangerous riptides.
• Don’t insult Thai royalty: Under the lèse majesté law, this could get you in serious trouble.
• Watch for pickpockets: Whenever you’re in a crowded area like the Phuket City Market, stay aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close.
• Skip the motorbike: If you’ve never driven a motorbike, now might not be the best time. Traffic in Thailand is no joke! If you do rent a motorbike, be sure you wear a helmet and do your research to avoid getting scammed.

Use common sense and you should be fine. Thailand is a safe destination, and Phuket is a fascinating part of the country.

Common scams in Phuket

Although Thailand is safe, locals note that travelers should be aware of a few common scams. In Phuket, these may include:

• Jet ski scam: After you rent a jet ski, the owner may find evidence of “damage” and insist you pay. (This scam also exists for motorbike rentals.) Be sure you do your research before renting, and examine your jet ski for damage before taking it out.
• Timeshare scam: In this scam, someone will approach you to fill out a quick survey to win a prize. But in order to claim your prize, you’ll have to sit through a long, aggressive lecture promoting timeshares. In the end, you’ll receive a lame prize, like a t-shirt or a coupon.
• Tuk tuk scam: Tuk tuks are a fun form of transportation in Thailand. But be sure you agree on a price before jumping in. Otherwise, you may be overcharged.
• Cute animal scam: Here, someone will approach you with a cute exotic animal. They’ll let you take a photo with it then charge you. Don’t engage. Not only will you lose money, but you’re supporting the illegal exotic animal trade.

Doing your research and using common sense will help you to avoid scams like these.

Is Phuket safe for solo travelers?

Thailand is a safe destination for solo travelers, and so is Phuket. Locals recommend that anyone traveling alone should:

• Keep an eye on your drink: Phuket is a big drinking town, but be careful with alcohol. Keep an eye on your drink, don’t accept a drink from a stranger if you didn’t see it made, and don’t overindulge.
• Watch out for motorbike riders: Motorcyclists have been known to target solo travelers (especially women) by driving by and snatching their purse or bag.
• Know how to dress: Phuket offers plenty of opportunity to lounge on the beach, but be respectful of how you dress when going somewhere like a temple.
• Avoid wandering alone at night: Try to avoid wandering alone at night, especially on the beach if there’s no one else around.

Necessary vaccinations for travelers

The CDC recommends that all travelers be up-to-date on routine vaccinations and the COVID-19 vaccine before visiting Thailand. In addition, they recommend that most people get vaccinations for hepatitis A and typhoid.

Depending on where you’re going in Thailand, you may want to get additional vaccinations for diseases like cholera, malaria, and hepatitis B. Talk to your doctor about what might be right for you.

Helpful phrases to know

No matter where you stay in Thailand, whether Phuket, Bangkok, or somewhere else, it’s good to know a few phrases. Locals recommend learning these basics: 

• Sawatdee (krub/kah)*—Hello
• Kawp khun (khrub / kah)—Thank you
• Chai—Yes
• Mai chai—No
• Pood Thai mai dai—I don’t speak Thai
• Nee Tao Rai?—How much?

*krub=for men, kah=for women

Emergency information 

Although you likely won’t need it, here’s some emergency information to have on hand: 

• 911—Thailand emergency number
• 1155—Thailand tourist police 
• 02-205-4000—US Embassy in Bangkok