Are you wondering what to expect from Phuket? Well, get ready for sun, sea, and the best of South East Asian cuisine. Also, get prepared for mosquitoes, unruly driving styles, and strictly bottled water only. 

For the really fun stuff, check out our other posts on how to have the perfect trip; right now, we’re here with a practical, in-depth, and straightforward guide to staying safe and healthy on your travels. 

Seeing as we’re based in Phuket, you can trust that this article is written from personal experience! We’re not here to give you generic travel advice; this post is specific to Phuket (although some aspects extend to most of Thailand). 

Ready? Read on for more!

Pre-Travel Precautions 

Certain diseases are more prevalent in Thailand than in the Western world. Some vaccinations and preventative measures are crucial for peace of mind during your trip. 

The vaccination recommendations vary by country, age, and risk level. Check with your doctor or local travel clinic for tailored advice. 

Top tip: book your vaccines well in advance – sometimes, you need several doses over weeks or months. 

Additionally, always travel with health insurance. Thailand actually has an excellent medical system. However, it’s expensive to receive treatment in the best hospitals; if you lack funds, you’ll likely be transferred to a smaller government hospital. 

Good health insurance will cover your treatment in a private hospital and ensure you get the best treatment available. 

Let’s look at the precautions you should take regarding the main diseases in Phuket. 

Hepatitis A and B

Most countries recommend you receive vaccinations for hepatitis before traveling to Phuket. Everyone should consider getting vaccinated for hepatitis A as it’s spread through contaminated food and water. Although Thailand has meager rates of hepatitis A, lower food and drink safety standards do increase your risk. 

Hepatitis B is spread through blood, blood products, needles, and sexual intercourse. Vaccination is essential if your lifestyle in Phuket includes any of these activities. However, also bear in mind that you could be at risk of hepatitis B through situations out of your control (e.g., needing emergency medical care and receiving a blood transfusion). 

Japanese Encephalitis 

Japanese Encephalitis is spread through mosquito bites and is present in Thailand. However, it’s most common in rural areas (which Phuket is not). There is a vaccination for Japanese Encephalitis, but it’s not always recommended for people on a short holiday to Phuket. 

Rabies 

Rabies rates in Phuket are relatively low. However, the consequences of contracting rabies are severe. Although they’re generally friendly, many stray cats and dogs exist in Phuket. 

Regardless of whether you get the rabies vaccination, always seek immediate medical care if you get an animal bite.

Top tip: the dogs in Phuket are highly wary of sticks. If you’re feeling hassled or intimidated by a dog, waving a stick at it will do the trick. 

Tetanus 

Tetanus is a risk in Thailand, as with any other country. Follow your country’s national recommendations for protection against tetanus. 

Diptheria 

Diptheria is present in Thailand, and your risk of transmission is higher in poorer areas with overcrowded living conditions. You’re at low risk of contracting diphtheria if your holiday involves typical Phuket tourist activities. 

A vaccination is available; check with your doctor whether you should receive it. 

Typhoid 

Typhoid is spread through contaminated food and drink; in Phuket, your risk is low if you stay in hotels and eat at established restaurants. However, definitely consider getting vaccinated if you’re staying in poorer areas or traveling to other parts of Thailand. 

There is a vaccination available; check with your doctor whether you should receive it. 

Malaria 

Malaria is spread through mosquitoes and is sometimes fatal. There’s no vaccine for the disease, but you can take anti-malarial tablets. However, although there is a thriving mosquito population in Phuket, Malaria cases are extremely rare.

On the Thailand Malaria Map, Phuket is considered ‘low to no risk,’ so anti-malarial tablets aren’t usually recommended.  

Dengue Fever 

Dengue fever is also spread through mosquito bites and is more common than Malaria. Outbreaks are more common during April and December when it’s rainy. 

Unfortunately, there’s no vaccination. The best way to prevent dengue is to reduce your exposure to mosquitoes. If you become ill, seek medical attention immediately. 

Zika Virus 

Although it’s uncommon in tourist destinations like Phuket, there is a risk of the Zika virus in Thailand. Again, it’s spread through mosquitoes and there’s no vaccination. 

Usually, the Zika virus is mild; however, it can cause complications in pregnancy so take extra care to seek medical advice if ill when pregnant in Phuket. Generally, non-essential travel is not recommended for pregnant people due to this risk.  

Yellow Fever

There is no risk of Yellow Fever in Thailand, and they wish to keep it this way. Therefore, if you’re traveling from a country with a risk of Yellow Fever, you’ll need to show a vaccination certificate upon entry to Thailand. 

Be Prepared

Although access to healthcare resources in Phuket is good, bringing essentials from home is best. Invest in a traveler’s first aid kit that contains all the basics. 

You’ll also want to bring: 

• Deet-based mosquito spray 
• Reef-safe sunscreen (it’s surprisingly expensive in Phuket!)
• Long-sleeved top and trousers/leggings for mosquito protection at dawn and dusk
• Extra medication if you have regular prescriptions. Divide this between your hold and hand luggage in case anything goes missing. 
• If you have complex medical issues, it’s a good idea to write some information about your condition, run it through Google Translate, and print a copy in Thai. You probably won’t need it, but it may prove helpful – especially if officials have questions about your medication at the airport. 
• If you plan to ride mopeds, bring your protective clothing.

Protection from the Sun 

Our recommendations for sun protection don’t differ much from general guidance. However, we have two main tips that are specific to Phuket holidays:

1. You’ll rarely meet someone who has returned from a Phuket boat trip without horrific sunburn; if you’re on a boat, be vigilant! 
2. If you’re shopping for after-sun, you’re better off going to a pharmacy than 7-Eleven. Most cosmetics in Thailand contain a whitening agent (often written ‘brightening’ on products) – if you don’t want to come home whiter than when you arrived, ask a pharmacist about the best options. 

Other than that, follow the usual precautions. Wear sunscreen, avoid the mid-day sun, stay hydrated, seek heat stroke treatment, etc. 

Dealing with Phuket Pests and Wildlife 

As with all tropical countries, Phuket has plenty of pests. Unfortunately, it’s a necessary payoff for the gorgeous weather and beautiful scenery. Generally, you’re pretty safe in Phuket, but there are a few things you should know. 

Mosquitoes

The most irritating thing you’ll have to deal with is probably mosquitoes. 

Bringing deet-based repellant is a great idea, especially to help reduce the risk of contracting tropical diseases. Although, some mosquito bites are inevitable regardless of your preventive measures. Additionally, from personal experience, the mosquito bites in Thailand are far more savage than in the West. 

Other than the typical advice for mosquito bites, here are some Phuket-specific tips. 

If you have minor/moderate reactions to mosquito bites, Tiger Balm will be your best friend. Honestly, Tiger Balm can provide instant relief from an insatiably itchy bite. 

If you have reactions that almost look like allergic reactions (swelling, blisters on the head, unbearable itching), the Tiger Balm may not be enough. Our top tip is to use ice and topical pain-relief creams. If you suspect you might react like this, bring a gel ice pack from home so that you can reuse it. 

A note for people traveling for a while: from personal experience in Phuket, my bites were severe for around a month. After that, my body could handle the bites, and they didn’t bother me – so, if you’re suffering from mosquito bites, there is hope! 

Sandflies 

Next, you may come across sand flies. Despite spending over a year in Phuket, I haven’t received a simple sand fly bite, so I can’t speak from personal experience. 

Apparently, they are agonizingly itchy (wanting-to-cut-your-own-limbs-off, type of itchy). Some beaches will have more sandflies than others, and if you look carefully, you can spot them. They’re very small, with one wing on each side. 

Avoid sitting or lying on the beach without a towel, and hope for the best! Be aware that scratching sand fly bites can leave permanent scars, and they can transmit larvae into your skin, so keep an eye on any abnormalities at the site of any bites. 

Cockroaches

Next, cockroaches – one of the most hated pests. Unfortunately, you probably will come across cockroaches in Phuket. You’re very unlikely to find them in your room if you’re staying in a well-maintained hotel, but it’s not uncommon to notice them in outside areas now and then. 

Try not to worry about cockroaches; other than being unsightly, they’re not worth thinking about too much. 

Cats and Dogs

There’s a substantial stray cat and dog presence in Phuket. The cats are almost always friendly – we’ve never encountered an aggressive Phuket cat. However, always exercise caution if petting a friendly feline – a bite can become complex. 

The dogs in Phuket (locally known as Soi dogs) vary in demeanor. Generally, they’re friendly and look healthy as they eat scraps from restaurants. However, sometimes you’ll come across a dog whose intentions are slightly unclear – if you’re feeling intimidated by a dog, try and find a stick, wave it at the dog, and it’ll leave you alone. 

Even though some Phuket dogs don’t look very friendly, bites or attacks are actually infrequent. 

Snakes 

There are snakes in Phuket, but bites are rare. The snake would rather avoid you wherever possible; they’re defensive rather than aggressive.

If you’re interested in learning more about the snakes of Phuket in a cruelty-free environment. Vinnie Modell, an ex-paramedic now known as “The Snake Guy in Phuket,” runs periodic ‘snake education’ events. These highly engaging events cover everything from types of snakes, to personal anecdotes about what happens when you’re bitten! 

As someone that’s very cautious about any ‘shows’ involving animals, I had no ethical concerns about Vinnies’ work whatsoever. It was educational, and the snakes involved in demonstrations were removed from people’s houses and released back into the wild after the events. 

Additionally, if you have any snake trouble while you’re in Phuket, Vinnie’s a great guy to call – he’ll come and remove the snake safely and humanely (and he’ll probably share some funny stories about his time on the island). 

Obviously, it should go without saying that you should seek immediate medical care if you do get bitten by a snake. 

Monkeys

There aren’t many monkeys in Phuket. You’re unlikely to see them unless it’s part of a tourist attraction. If you see monkeys, enjoy the view but don’t touch them (they bite). 

Food and Drink Safety 

Traveler’s diarrhea isn’t uncommon in South East Asia, but the food in Phuket is generally pretty safe. The best tip we have applies to all traveling, not just Phuket: eat where the locals are eating. Not only will that keep you safe from food poisoning, but it’s also where you’ll find the most delicious meals. 

To ensure you don’t get sick, be cautious with street food – you’ll notice vendors set up in the morning and stay all do. This food sits there, often in the direct sunlight, all day. Rather than taking one of the pre-cooked samples, ask them to cook you a fresh one. 

Additionally, don’t drink tap water. This isn’t optional – bottled water only! Avoid having ice in your drinks if you want to be extra cautious. 

If you have severe allergies, be extremely cautious. “I’m allergic to nuts” is usually interpreted as “would only like a few nuts.” People with allergies are better off sticking to larger restaurants or chains like Mcdonald’s. 

Finally, alcohol. Take it easy – cocktails usually have two shots, ten shots, or anywhere between. However, they typically add copious amounts of sweeteners, so it’s difficult to tell how strong your drink is. However adept you are at managing your alcohol, take it easy if you’re drinking anything other than beer because it may catch you off-guard!

Know the System 

Finally, understanding the system is one of the most valuable ways to ensure you don’t get into trouble in Phuket. 

First, here are some useful numbers: 

Emergency Services

• 115 – Tourist Police (Thailand)
• 191 – Royal Police (Thailand)
• 0726 212 0146 – Phuket Police
• 076 212 046 – Patong Police
• 076 381 247 – Chalong Police 
• 1554 – Ambulance and Rescue (Phuket)
• 1669 – Medical Emergency Call (Phuket)
• 1860 – National Disaster Warning Centre (Phuket)
• 1195 – Crime (Phuket) 

Hospitals 

• 076 361 234 – Vachira Phuket Hospital (Government Hospital)
• 076 340 444 – Patong Hospital (Government Hospital)
• 076 254 425 – Bangkok Hospital Phuket (Private Hospital)
• 0726 237 220 – Mission Hospital Phuket (Private Hospital)
• 076 249 400 – Phuket International Hospital (Private Hospital)
• 076 340 690 –  Wattana International Clinic (Private Hospital) 

As you can see, there are many numbers, and it’s not always clear who to call. If you’re in trouble, it’s helpful to find a Thai local who can advise on the best person to call (and they can translate if necessary).

If it’s not an emergency, don’t underestimate how good pharmacies can be – pharmacists can prescribe low-risk drugs and are infinitely helpful. If the pharmacist recommends you see a doctor, there are plenty of clinics with same-day appointments. 

When you don’t want to visit a doctor in person, download the “Raksa” app. There, you can have a virtual consultation with a doctor who can do an electronic prescription. It’s a very cost-efficient option: around 200 baht for a consultation and about 400 baht for medications. 

Finally, understand that providing adequate finances is critical if you want to receive top-tier medical care in Phuket. Always have a financial safety net so that you can pay upfront if your health insurance claim is complex. 

Your Ultimate Guide to Staying Healthy in Phuket 

With these tips, you’re ready to go. Overall, the risk of things going wrong in Phuket is low; it thrives on tourism, so it’s easy to get help when you need it. 

Food poisoning is relatively easy to avoid, you can take preventive measures with the sun, and the wildlife is pretty friendly! Realistically, mosquitoes will probably be the most annoying thing (and you’ve got Tiger Balm for that). 

Now you know about the boring stuff, are you ready for some itinerary planning? At Phuket Lovin, we cover everything from unmissable boat trips to the best dining experiences! Check out our other posts for more guides to make your Phuket holiday perfect.