Phuket has two spots where cruise ships drop anchor: Patong Bay during high season (you’ll hop on tender boats to reach the shore), and Ao Makarm Deep Sea Port during monsoon season (where you can walk straight off the ship).
For other Thailand Cruise destinations check out our Thailand Cruise Ports Guide page.
Getting around? Grab a taxi (but haggle on the price first!), use the Grab app, or jump on a Songthaew if you’re watching your wallet.
Must-haves in your bag: cash (lots of places don’t take cards), reef-friendly sunscreen (protect those corals!), and something to cover your shoulders and knees for temple visits.
Don’t miss out on day trips to the stunning Phi Phi Islands, stuffing your face with amazing street food, or wandering through the Instagram-worthy Phuket Old Town with its colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings.
This guide covers all the bases for making the most of your port day.
Map of Phuket Cruise Ship Port
Port Facilities and Ship Docking Information
Cruising into Phuket? You’ll find yourself at one of two spots on Thailand’s biggest island. If you’re visiting during the sunny high season (November-April), expect to anchor offshore at Patong Bay and hop onto smaller boats that’ll zip you to the Sunset Beach Resort jetty. When the monsoon rolls in (May-October), your ship will pull right up to Ao Makarm Deep Sea Port on the east side.
Ao Makarm has one big deep-water pier spread across 26 hectares with room for two ships, while Patong is more of a drop-off point with no actual docking setup. Neither place has proper cruise terminals yet, though the government’s cooking up plans to build better facilities that’ll handle bigger ships and make your visit smoother.
Seasonal Port Operations: High Season vs. Monsoon Season
Phuket’s cruise setup totally flips between its two seasons, giving you completely different experiences when you arrive. In the high season (November-April), your ship drops anchor off Patong Beach and you’ll hop on tender boats to shore. The sea stays pretty calm then, with perfect 26-28°C waters that are great for swimming and water sports.
Switch to monsoon season (May-October) and you’ll dock right at Ao Makarm Deep Sea Port instead – no tender boats needed, but you’ll face longer trips to get to the main attractions. The rough seas mean fewer water excursions, but hey – accommodation prices drop like crazy during this time.
If you visit during high season, you can explore the gorgeous Phi Phi Islands and dive into the buzzing nightlife. Come during monsoon season and you’ll focus more on mainland stuff with way fewer tourists around and prices that won’t break the bank.
Getting Around: Transportation Options From the Port
Getting Around: Transportation Options From the Port
When your cruise ship pulls into Phuket, you’ve got several ways to get around the island – some cheap, some pricey, some easy, some… not so much.
Taxis are everywhere, but you’ll need to haggle. Expect to pay at least 500 THB for even short rides. Pro tip: lock in your price before getting in and make sure you’ve got Thai Baht in your wallet.
Want zero hassle? Just pre-book a private transfer at $87 per vehicle. Your whole group rides together, no messing around.
Watching your pennies? Jump on a Songthaew (those pickup trucks with benches) for just 30-50 THB, or try the Phuket Smart Bus (50-170 THB). Just know the schedules can be pretty hit-or-miss.
Grab works great for transparent pricing, but drivers often can’t pick you up directly at the port. The workaround? Walk over to a nearby hotel and request your ride from there.
Must-Visit Attractions for Cruise Passengers
Now that you’ve figured out how to get around the island, let’s chat about what’s worth seeing during your short time off the ship.
Since you’ve only got a few hours in port, you’ll want to hit Phuket’s best spots. A speedboat tour to Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island is totally worth it – the limestone cliffs are jaw-dropping. If you’re into culture, don’t skip the massive Big Buddha statue or the gorgeous Wat Chalong Temple.
More of a nature person? Head to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park for some awesome rainforest trails and cool waterfall swimming spots. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is great too – you can hang out with elephants without any of that riding stuff that harms them.
Staying closer to port? Wander through Phuket Old Town with its quirky Sino-Portuguese buildings and cool street art. It’s the perfect spot to grab authentic souvenirs and sample some real local food.
See what’s on offer from the Port of Bangkok (Laem Chabang) for a different Thailand Cruise destination.
Local Cuisine and Shopping Experiences
When your tummy starts growling after checking out Phuket’s cool spots, get ready for some seriously good eats! Dig into local faves like Mee Hokkien (those tasty stir-fried noodles) or Moo Hong (melt-in-your-mouth braised pork belly) at old-school joints like Tu Kab Khao or Mee Ton Poe.
Want the real-deal street food? Make a beeline for Malin Plaza near the tender jetty or hit up Phuket Town’s Sunday Walking Street. And don’t forget to grab some edible goodies to take home—those yummy Tao Sor pastries, local spices, or vacuum-sealed curry pastes will remind you of your tasty Phuket adventure long after you’re back home!
Practical Tips for Day Visitors in Phuket
Making the Most of Your Phuket Day Trip
Stuck with just a few hours in Phuket? A bit of planning goes a long way! First things first – screenshot your ship’s exact docking spot and jot down when you absolutely must be back (trust me, ships WILL leave without you).
Got cash? You’ll need it. Many local spots turn their noses up at credit cards, so grab some Thai Baht before heading out. Skip the taxi haggling headache by downloading Grab, or better yet, book tours that promise to get you back to port on time.
Packing essentials? Don’t forget reef-friendly sunscreen (the coral will thank you), water shoes for those rocky beaches, and some motion sickness pills if you’re visiting during the wet season from May to October. Hitting the temples? Cover those shoulders and knees – no short-shorts allowed!
One last thing – save these numbers: Tourist Police (1155) and your ship’s emergency contact. You probably won’t need them, but hey, better safe than stranded!
Frequently Asked Questions
How Reliable Is Wi-Fi at Phuket’s Cruise Ports?
Phuket’s port Wi-Fi? Total hit-or-miss situation. The free connections at terminals and nearby cafes work when they feel like it (which isn’t often). Do yourself a favor and grab a pocket Wi-Fi rental or local SIM card instead – your sanity will thank you.
Are There Medical Facilities Available Near the Cruise Terminals?
Medical facilities right at the cruise terminals are pretty limited. If you need serious medical care, Bangkok Hospital Phuket is your best bet – it’s just a 20-minute taxi ride from Ao Makarm port and they can handle pretty much any health issue you might run into.
What Local Customs Should Passengers Observe When Visiting Religious Sites?
When you’re checking out religious sites, make sure to cover your shoulders and knees, take off your shoes before entering temples, and try not to point your feet toward monks or Buddha statues. It’s also nice to greet monks with a respectful wai gesture – doing these things helps you blend in with the locals.
Is Drinking Tap Water Safe for Cruise Passengers in Phuket?
Don’t drink the tap water in Phuket—seriously. Just grab bottled water, use what’s provided on your ship, or boil it first if you have to. Even locals avoid drinking straight from the tap, so trust me, your stomach will thank you for being cautious!
How Does Phuket Handle Accessibility for Passengers With Mobility Issues?
Phuket’s accessibility is honestly hit or miss, depending where you go. Getting onto Patong Beach can be tricky with those tender boats, but don’t worry – you can definitely find shore excursions that accommodate mobility issues if you book ahead. Might be worth looking into renting mobility equipment while you’re there, and don’t be shy about asking for help when planning your trip.
Thinking about something different? Check out the cruises leaving from Ko Samui Cruise Ship Port.
