According to forum posts, the Marriott at Nai Yang Beach is recommended for families due to its pool access rooms and proximity to the beach. Travelers have called out that the hotel organizes special dinners on the beach, making it ideal for celebratory trips. Additionally, the Banyan Tree Phuket is highlighted for meeting multiple criteria such as proximity to shopping and its luxury amenities, making it suitable for upscale travelers.

Some travelers suggested the Sunwing Resort at Kamala, which features multiple pools and direct beach access, making it particularly appealing for families with children. The resort's layout allows for booking multiple rooms close together, which is beneficial for larger groups.

For budget-conscious travelers, forum posts have indicated that accommodations like the Bangtao Private Pool Villa offer a balance of luxury and affordability. This villa comes with a large garden and an infinity pool, providing both privacy and relaxation.

According to forum posts, travelers have recommended Phang Nga Bay for its unique experience of canoeing into sea caves and hidden lagoons. Mark from Phuket Sail Tours suggested that the tours with the most canoeing are on the big boats, and visiting James Bond Island is better early or late to avoid crowds.

Some travelers said that Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lipe are popular destinations for island hopping from Phuket. Additionally, a traveler mentioned staying in Koh Jum until their time ran out, indicating it as a favorable location during their island hopping experience.

For many users, it's advised to book tours a day or two in advance, especially during high season, to observe weather conditions and avoid management fees. Direct bookings at tour venues are also recommended for activities like cooking classes and jungle treks.

According to forum posts, popular snorkeling spots in Phuket include Kata Beach, where snorkelers can see a variety of fish and corals, especially around the rocks at both the southern and northern ends. Ya Nui and Ao Sane beaches are also favored for their proximity to marine life, with Ao Sane offering sightings of clownfish and moray eels.

For many users, optimal snorkeling experiences in Phuket often involve short boat trips. The nearby Racha and Phi Phi Islands are highly recommended for their clear waters and abundant marine life. Travelers have called out Shark Point off Long Beach on Phi Phi Island as a notable spot for snorkeling.

Some travelers said that the time of year may affect snorkeling conditions. The west coast of Phuket is preferable during January for clearer waters and better snorkeling visibility, while other areas may be affected by tides and seasonal closures.

According to forum posts, Phuket offers a variety of family-friendly resorts and activities. Resorts like Sunwings Kamala and Centara Grand Beach were recommended for their kids clubs and amenities like good pools and water slides. Phuket FantaSea and Splash Jungle Waterpark are also popular attractions that cater to families with children.

For families interested in outdoor adventures, there are options similar to Escape in Penang, such as high ropes courses and zip lines. Specific venues mentioned include Surf House Phuket and Blue Tree Phuket, which provide engaging physical activities suitable for children and adults alike.

Travelers have called out the beaches as great spots for families, especially those with shallow pools for child safety. Activities like snorkeling and canoeing are also highlighted, though caution is advised during adverse weather conditions, as beaches can have dangerous currents.

Some travelers suggested that the sheer experience of exploring Phuket, with its diverse languages and cultural sights, can be intriguing and educational for children.

According to forum posts, Phuket experiences a tropical climate with varying weather patterns depending on the month. During the rainy season, which includes months like September and October, heavy rainfalls are common, often occurring early in the morning or late in the afternoon.

Some travelers said that from May through October, the southwest monsoon brings wetter conditions, and the sea can be rough. Conversely, the northeast monsoon from November to April generally brings drier and sunnier weather, making it a more favorable time for visiting in terms of less rainfall.

Travelers have called out that the weather in Phuket can be unpredictable, with occasional storms and showers even outside of the typical rainy season. The island's size means that weather can vary significantly from one area to another at the same time.

According to forum posts, ferry tickets to Phi Phi Island can be purchased upon arrival in Phuket. Travelers have mentioned buying tickets at the ferry port in Krabi or Phuket, and many have also bought tickets directly at Phuket airport.

For many users, it's advisable to buy ferry tickets locally rather than online to avoid higher prices and scams. Some travelers recommended purchasing tickets a day before travel to ensure availability, especially during busy periods.

Travelers have called out that many hotels and local travel agents in Phuket offer ferry tickets, often including transfers to the pier. This can be a convenient option as it bundles transport and ticket purchase together, making the journey smoother.

According to forum posts, the arrival process at Phuket Airport involves going through immigration and customs. The typical waiting time to clear immigration is generally around 30-45 minutes, depending on the time and how many other flights have arrived simultaneously.

Travelers have called out that retrieving checked baggage can also impact the total time taken to exit the airport. The speed of luggage delivery may vary and is influenced by how busy the airport is at the time of your arrival.

For those needing to connect to domestic flights, it's important to note that international and domestic flights operate from separate terminals. Transitioning between these requires a walk, which is approximately 7 minutes, but planning for a longer connection time is advisable to accommodate any delays in arrival or baggage handling.

According to forum posts, Phuket Airport offers luggage storage services. The facility is located on the G floor of the International Terminal.

The storage service operates from 6 AM to 10 PM, charging 80 baht per bag per day. Some travelers have used this service and confirmed its location and pricing.

Travelers seeking to use the luggage storage post-COVID have expressed concerns about the availability. It is advisable to contact the airport directly for the most current information. Additionally, alternatives like hotel storage or using car rental services like Europcar for temporary luggage storage were suggested by some users.