Phuket in February

Phi Phi Islands are a group of six islands of which- Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh are the most coveted islands. The pristine clear azure waters and youthful parties make these islands a wonderful way to spend a few days of your holiday in Thailand. The Phi Phi Islands became famous after 'The Beach'- a 2000 Hollywood chick flick that was shot in Ko Phi Phi Le.

The picturesque pearl sand beaches are surrounded by magnificent cliffs and jungles all around which makes the clear blue water look nothing short of paradise. One cannot commute by road on these islands as they do not have roads as the islands are mostly humanly inhabited which makes it among the few tourist destinations in the world that are organically beautiful. These easily accessible islands as it is only 40 km away from Phuket and can also be reached from Krabi, by a speedboat in about 45 minutes or by ferry ride in around 90 minutes. The weather in February is among the coldest and driest season making it the ideal time for staying out all day and visiting the famous islands.

For a soulful beach experience, we recommend Banana Beach- often referred to as the last secret beach, because it is quite isolated. The beach is a 180 meter long stretch of paradisiacal beauty with crystal clear blue water. It is located between the beaches at Bang Tao and Nai Thon. Given that the weather is ideal, you can make a hearty dip in the water on this beach but is only recommended from November to May. Tourists often rent a sun lounge or enjoy a massage on this beach.

While you are busy enjoying a peaceful time at Banana beach, remember to put your belongings at a sufficient distance from the water because at high tide the water reaches the tree line and can scoop up your things!

Jui Tui Shrine is one of the most important temples on the island of Phuket. The grandeur of the temple includes red-washed exteriors and dragons that were constructed in honor of Tean Hu Huan Doy - the God of dancers. The temple has been serving as a ground base for locals to celebrate the good and bad times throughout the history of the island. Given that the festivities of the Chinese New Year are in full swing in the month of February, most shrines across the island are adorned in festive decorations.

Originally, this temple was located on Soi Romanee, which was later relocated to its current abode due to a fire. The shrine inside the temple dates back to 1911 and houses the famous firecracker tower. This temple also hosts the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival where participants abstain from consuming meat and indulge in traditional ritualistic parades.

Dolphins are among the few species who have friendly nature towards humans. These water mammals win the hearts of many tourists each year at this famous Dolphin show in Phuket. This show is conducted at the famous Dolphin Bay Nemo Theme Park. With the help of a few instructors, these adorable creatures dazzle the audience with their performance. It is ideal to see the Dolphin Show during peak tourist season because the quality of the show is better. Another activity that you can do here is swim with the dolphins under the supervision of trained instructors.

Ticket fee: INR 900 onwards

Perfect for all you thrill-seekers out there, Phuket’s clear azure waters and accessibility to the seas make the island a water-sports lovers’ paradise. There are numerous water activities in Phuket taking place on multiple beaches. The west coast of the island sees state-of-the-art water sports facilities and equipment for snorkeling and windsurfing. On the other hand beaches on the south-eastern side of Phuket such as Nai Yang and Friendship Beach are known for kitesurfing. The weather in February makes these activities among the best times to indulge.

Marc Houle has been wowing the crowds in Phuket with his signature electronic and techno sounds for over a decade. He is known for his live performances at clubs and festivals worldwide. Each year he performs his sets on different beaches at a club. If you happen to be in Phuket at this time of the year, this event is unmissable.

Wat Chalong or the Chalong Temple hosts a fair that is the grandest of all temple fairs in Phuket. The fair spans across 7 days and is the perfect mix of vibrant color, aromas, and sounds. There are extravagant performances, a lot of fun games and much more that entice tourists to enjoy themselves. Every evening the visitors will be in the audience to some magnificent performances by famous folk singers and puppeteers. The first fair was in 1933 and was organized by local farmers who lived in and around the area of Wat Chalong. They would celebrate their long periods of hard work post their harvest. In recent years, the fair is set up around the Chinese New Year Period to harness and promote a sense of belonging, together and enjoyment among the local Thais and resident Chinese folk.

Chinese New Year is a time when Phuket immerses itself in vibrant celebrations, scenic firecrackers, and magnanimous processions. In the old town of Phuket, Thalang Road, Krabi Road, Dibuk Road, and Phang Nga Road are closed to motorized traffic for 3 consecutive evenings in the wake of pedestrian celebrations. Among the many spectacular events during this festival is the famous Dragon Procession, which offers a kaleidoscope of color and is a must-see during the festival. Many colorful traditional dances take place in the public park on Phuket Road. If you happen to be visiting Chinese homes during this time of the year, you will be able to spot local traditions such as the living rooms being decorated with flowers, tangerines, and a tray full of 8 types of dried fruit. You will observe that many shops decorate their entrance with red banners and decorations in the hope of luck and happiness in the coming new year. The community event is free of cost and is open to all.

One of the most cherished and loved festivals in Phuket is the Phuket Old Town Festival. This festival is held in the historical center of Old Town which is along Thalang, Krabi, and Phuket Roads -which are turned into walking streets during the festival. Visitors attending the festival are spoilt for choices as there is so much to do, right from rickshaw rides, attending the Phuket Baba Light Show, cultural parades, Chinese folk dancing troupes, and free boat rides along central canals and so much more. Not just this, Phuket Old Town festival gives you the opportunity to enjoy authentic Thai street food. The streets are full of stalls that are laden with food.

The festival is organized in the hope to develop and conserve Thai culture and to encourage all residents of Phuket to promote the Phuket Old Town. For the locals, this festival is an occasion to have unadulterated fun! If you do plan to attend the festival, please note that it is best to park your vehicles on the outskirts and then walk into the center because the streets are full of stalls and pedestrians.