The Family Guide to Phuket

Naturally, we can’t claim that Phuket is 100% safe because nowhere in the world is. However, there are no direct threats likely to harm children or families. Crimes directed at tourists are quite rare and are mostly limited to pick-pocketing and occasional drunken brawls. If you have any concerns, the website of your country’s Thailand embassy often has travel advisories.

The greatest danger in Phuket comes from swimming in the sea during the low season. The waves coming in are very powerful and the west coast beaches are known to have strong rip tides. Pay attention to warning signs, lifeguards and flags marking the safe places to swim and there should be no problems.

It's not required to get vaccinated before your Phuket holiday, but most medical organisations recommend it. Children aged between 18 months and 5 years usually already have most recommended vaccines administered by your paediatrician. Older children may require boosters for the Hepatitis A, Tetanus-diphtheria and typhoid vaccines, administered 4 to 8 weeks before you arrive. Please consult your doctor for more information.

While the ideal selection of facilities will vary depending on the age of your children, we recommend looking for resorts that offer:

• Kids’ club or playground (in most cases, this will be free)
• Children’s swimming pool
• Babysitting or childcare services upon request
• Cribs or baby cots 
• Connecting rooms 

Alternatively, take a look at our recommendations of the best family resorts around Phuket.

There are plenty of ways of getting around Phuket, but taxis or even hiring a car with a driver are highly recommended for families. With the use of taxi booking apps such as Grab, there's no need to struggle through explaining to the driver where you want and no haggling over the price, which takes a lot of the stress out of the process. Additionally, various sizes of vehicle are available, so that even large families with a lot of luggage can be accommodated.

There are many small clinics and pharmacies all over Phuket, particularly in the touristy areas like Patong, Kata and Karon. In case of emergencies, you can find many Phuket hospitals offering international-standard treatments, such as: 

• Bangkok Phuket Hospital
  2/1 Hongyokutis Road, Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
  +66 (0)7 625 4425
• Phuket International Hospital
  44 Chalermprakiat Rama 9 Road, Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
  +66 (0)7 624 9400, +66 (0)7 621 0936

Most family-friendly hotels in Phuket have a kids club and can provide a babysitter. There are also some independent companies offering a more comprehensive child-minding service, including:

• The Kids Club Phuket
  Opening Hours:  Daily from 10am to 9pm
  Location: The Kee Resort and Spa, 152/1 Thawewong Road, Patong, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
  Tel: +66 (0)81 085 0008
  Website: https://www.facebook.com/thekidsclubphuket
• Little Ducky Phuket Babysitters
  Opening Hours: 24/7
  Tel: +66 (0)93 623 7770
  Website: https://www.facebook.com/phuketbabysitter

Save on the hassle and excess baggage charges of trying to bring your own strollers and infant car seats to Phuket by hiring it locally at reasonable rates. Local companies can provide a meet-and-greet service at Phuket International Airport or deliver the items you need directly to your hotel.

• Phuket Baby Rentals 
• Thailand Baby Rentals 

A lot of basic baby products are available in Phuket supermarkets, including common western brands. In many cases, buying such products locally will work out cheaper than carrying them from your home country. We recommend bringing the following essential items with you:

Essentials:

• Diapers (for the flight and through the first days)
• Clothes and swimsuits
• Non-allergenic sunscreen
• Baby food (for the flight and over the first days)
• Milk powder (unless breastfed)
• Small volume toiletries (toothbrushes, toothpaste, mild body wash and shampoo, baby wipes)
• Favourite toy or book

Non-essentials, which you can find at your hotel or shops in Phuket:

• Extra diapers (most international brands sold at malls and supermarkets)
• Extra baby food (most international brands sold at malls and supermarkets)
• Extra toiletries
• Towels
• Snacks
• Multivitamins
• Bottled water
• Hand sanitizer

• Police: 191
• Tourist police: 1155
• Ambulance: 1669
• Bangkok Phuket Hospital: +66 (0)7 625 4425
• Phuket International Hospital: +66 (0)7 624 9400, +66 (0)7 621 0936