Tips on Phuket Warnings or Dangers – Stay Safe!

Phuket Warnings and Dangers 

Home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Asia, this southern Thai resort draws in millions of people. While the waters here look wonderful, use extreme caution when going in. The same is true when traveling on land.

The Beaches 

Phuket was one of the hardest hit places during the tsunami of 2004.  The beaches are beautiful but such tides are not uncommon. You should exercise caution when swimming. The different between high tide and low tide can be extreme. Make sure you know when the tide is coming in, as it can come in very suddenly. You do not want to get stranded or, worse still, need rescuing if you get caught. The monsoon season extends from about April to September. Be particularly careful if you are on the beach during this time of the year. Monsoons can disrupt the tides and make waves higher, even if they don’t hit the beach directly. Monsoon season is also when you will find the most dangerous rip tides. These tides run along the shore and can pull you out to sea. If you see a red flag along the beach, do not swim there. This means the beach is too dangerous and you may be risking your life if you enter the water.

Dangerous Creatures 

This lovely area is home to some dangerous creatures. Some beaches have been invaded by the dangerous box jellyfish. If you see these large creatures, get out of the water immediately. If you think you’ve been stung, get medical attention immediately. Some places will let you feed the fish in the local waters. Here again you need to be careful as the fish can bite and you might need antibiotics to ward off blood poisoning.

Another problem can be mosquitoes. While this is not a known area for malaria, it is an area where Dengue Fever is present. Use repellent at all times so you don’t get sick. The same is true if you are visiting Ko Rang Yai island. The entire island is infested with huge swarms of sand flies. On land, you’ll also find lots of monkeys. These adorable creatures may seem inviting, but be aware they will bite you. There’s a monkey island where you need to take special care. If you are bitten, you will need immediate medical attention as monkey bites can harbor all sorts of unpleasant illnesses like rabies. The monkeys tend to congregate around the temple areas. Do not let your children pet them. Monkey claws can also be very sharp, and a monkey can easily leave a huge scratch in your flesh.

Editor’s note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings or dangers in Phuket.