A simple guide for life in Thailand.
77 places in and around Phuket, each with its Google rating and a pin on the map. Picked by people who live here.
12 beaches and 16 places to eat, all on one map.
15 editor’s picks, each with a tip from a return visit.
70,000 Google reviews behind the list, averaging 4.6.
And the boring stuff too: schools, dentists and health cover.
Moving here gets easy once someone tells you where to go. So we wrote it down.
Beaches, dinners, markets, schools and a good dentist. One list, kept by people who actually live on the island.
Editor’s picks
The places our editor goes back to, each with a personal tip.
Every place shows its Google rating. The tips come from people who've been there.
The Local List
77 places in and around Phuket. Each listing shows its Google rating and who put it on the list.
Visas and immigration
Real situations expats in Phuket have run into, what caused them, and what to do next.
We've checked the fees and rules here against official Thai government sources. A few local points still need Phuket Immigration to confirm, and each situation says which. This is general information, not legal advice.
Immigration offices
Go to the office for the province you live in. Hours and queues change, so call before you go.
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Phuket Immigration
For everyone living on Phuket. Extensions, 90-day reports and re-entry permits.
482 Phuket Road, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket, Phuket 83000 -
Phang Nga Immigration
If you live in Phang Nga province, including Khao Lak.
37 Moo 3, Tham Nam Phut, Mueang Phang Nga, Phang Nga 82000 -
Krabi Immigration
If you live in Krabi province, including Ao Nang and Koh Lanta.
382 Moo 7, Sai Thai, Mueang Krabi, Krabi 81000 -
Samui Immigration
If you live on Koh Samui.
333 Moo 1, Soi 1, Maenam, Koh Samui, Surat Thani 84330 -
Surat Thani Immigration
If you live in mainland Surat Thani province.
41/12 Moo 2, Thung Rang, Kanchanadit, Surat Thani 84290 -
Ranong Immigration
If you live in Ranong province.
71/10 Moo 59, Chalerm Prakiat Road, Bang Rin, Mueang Ranong, Ranong 85000 -
Bangkok Immigration
The main office, Immigration Division 1. If you live in Bangkok.
Government Complex, Building B (south side), 2nd floor, 120 Chaeng Watthana Road, Thung Song Hong, Lak Si, Bangkok 10210
Addresses and phone numbers from the Thai government's list of immigration offices, last updated April 2024.
Insurance for the whole family, sorted before you need it.
We send people to AA Insurance Brokers, a Thailand-based broker regulated by the Office of Insurance Commission for over 20 years. Tell them what you need and they'll compare plans for you.
Referral link. AA Insurance Brokers may pay Expats & Co. a referral fee when you buy through it.
