trip booking in phuket

Phuket Trip: Should You Book In Advance Or On Arrival 🏝️

So, you’re planning your Phuket trip , and you’re stuck in the classic traveler’s dilemma – should you book your trips in advance online or take a spontaneous leap of faith when you get there?

Well, my dear adventure seeker, I’m here to help you navigate this tricky terrain, and of course, with a sprinkle of humor.

So, let’s discover both choices including the pros and cons of each to make it easier for you to decide.

Option 1: Booking Your Phuket Trip Online

Let’s start with the first option – booking your trips online in advance. It’s like planning a meticulously timed heist but, you know, for your vacation.

• Peace of Mind: You’ll have everything neatly arranged, which means no last-minute haggling, panic attacks, or desperate pleas to the universe for a miracle.
• Snag the Best Deals: Booking early often means you can score some sweet deals and discounts, especially on vacation rentals . Who doesn’t love saving some baht?
• VIP Treatment: You might get VIP treatment and skip the long queues. It’s like getting the Fast Pass at Disneyland, but for boat rides to secluded islands.
• Rigid Itinerary: You’re locked into a schedule. If you’re not a morning person and that sunrise snorkeling tour sounds like torture, well, tough luck!
• Mother Nature’s Mood Swings: Weather can be unpredictable. That island-hopping tour you booked three months ago? If it decides to rain, your adventure might turn into a waterlogged expedition.
• Fear of Missing Out (FOMO): You might hear about an incredible, off-the-beaten-path excursion from a fellow traveler and end up green with FOMO because you’ve already committed to a different plan.

Option 2: Going with the Flow – YOLO Style

On the other hand, there’s the YOLO approach – waiting until you’re in Phuket to book your excursions.

This is like bungee jumping without checking if the cord is attached – thrilling but potentially a bit risky.

• Spontaneity: You can wake up in the morning and decide to ride an elephant, snorkel with colorful fish, or join a spontaneous beach party.
• Local Tips: Locals often know the best-kept secrets, and you might stumble upon hidden gems you wouldn’t find online.
• Weather Check: You can monitor the weather and plan your adventures accordingly. There’s no need to commit to that kayak tour if there’s a storm brewing.
• Availability: Popular tours can fill up quickly, leaving you with slim pickings. You might end up on the “Desperate Scavenger Hunt” for leftover activities.
• The Art of Haggling: Negotiating prices on the spot can be a fun cultural experience or a nightmare, depending on your bargaining skills.
• Budget Surprises: Prices for tours and activities can be higher when booked on the spot, especially if you’re an obvious tourist.

Conclusion: To Book or Not to Book?

In the end, the choice is yours, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.

It depends on your travel style, personality, and tolerance for uncertainty.

Why not strike a balance?

Pre-book a few must-do activities to secure your favorites, and leave some room for spontaneous adventures.

After all, isn’t that what traveling is all about?

Remember, the essence of a vacation is to relax, have fun, and embrace the unexpected.

Whether you’re a meticulous planner or a carefree wanderer, Phuket’s enchanting beauty and warm hospitality will make your trip unforgettable.

So go on, flip that coin, trust your gut, and embark on your very own Phuket adventure!

Just promise me one thing – don’t forget to send a postcard to your indecisive friend back home (that’s me) and tell me all about your amazing Phuket escapades.

Safe travels, adventurers! 🏝️✈️😎

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Your Phuket Vacation

Noted for its spectacular views and tropical climate, Phuket is a fabulous getaway destination. Book one of our Phuket vacation packages and experience all that this impressive city has to offer. A trip to Phuket is an ideal opportunity to see the sights. Be sure to visit renowned attractions like Phuket Aquarium , Wat Chalong and Central Festival Phuket Shopping Center . Browse Expedia's wide range of travel options and begin planning your ultimate vacation to Phuket now.

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Where to stay in phuket.

Old Phuket Town

Historical interest abounds in this area, with Sino-Portuguese buildings lining the streets and old structures transformed into shops, hotels, and museums. Explore main streets like Thalang and Phang Nga for a unique experience.

Unique features of Talat Yai include the historic sites and spas. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Limelight Avenue Phuket while you're exploring the area.

Unique features of Talat Nuea include the coffeehouses and historic sites. Make a stop by Phuket Weekend Market or Patong Go-Kart Speedway and Phuket Offroad Fun Park while you're exploring the area.

While visiting Chinatown, you might make a stop by sights like Phuket Weekend Market and Moh Seng Historic House Museum.

Phuket Beach Vacation

There's nothing like a Phuket vacation to put a bounce in your step. The sound of rolling surf and the smell of clean ocean air will help refresh your mind, body and soul. To be near the center of town on your trip to Phuket, base yourself around Kamala Beach (only 9 miles (15 km) away). If you're going to stick around a while, take a peek at our Phuket vacation packages. Not only will you be able to save money, you'll also have other amazing beaches near you to explore, like Kata Noi Beach and Rawai Beach. Now that's a win-win!

Things You Should Know About Phuket

• Listening to the hypnotic sounds of waves is one of life's little pleasures. See what's available among our Phuket beach hotels and get ready to switch into relaxation mode.
• Villas, like Villa Sawarin and Almali Luxury Residence , are also popular property types here. Compare prices and amenities and then take your pick.
• Otherwise, let one of our All-Inclusive hotels in Phuket take care of all the nitty-gritty details. That means more time for you to focus on the pressing task of relaxing and unwinding.
• Phuket, population 89,100, is popular for loads of reasons. Discover some handy tips on our Phuket things to do page .
• Save loads of cash on experiences by booking our Phuket vacation deals. With top attractions such as Bangla Road to explore, this destination will keep you on the go.

Phuket Essential Information

Prepare for your phuket vacation with our essential travel info, phuket hotel deals.

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Frequently asked questions, discover the most popular places to visit in phuket, patong go-kart speedway and phuket offroad fun park.

Enjoy an outing to Patong Go-Kart Speedway and Phuket Offroad Fun Park during your stay in Phuket. Discover the beautiful sunsets and shops in this culturally rich area.

Limelight Avenue Phuket

During your trip to Phuket, you can browse for the perfect souvenirs at Limelight Avenue Phuket. Discover the beautiful sunsets in this quaint area, or enjoy its local tours.

Phuket Wake Park

Catch an event at Phuket Wake Park, and enjoy other activities in Phuket such as boating. Amble around this culturally rich area's beautiful beaches and enjoy its top-notch restaurants.

What to do in Phuket

Phuket: phi phi islands and maya bay day trip with lunch, from phuket: james bond island excursion by longtail boat, half day phuket city tour + atv adventure, other vacations you might like.

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Explore Phuket

Plan Your Trip to Phuket: Best of Phuket Tourism

Travel advice, essential phuket.

My favorite outdoor bars in Phuket

Phuket Is Great For

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Phuket Travel Guide

Travelers' pro tips or experiencing phuket.

Taxis and Tuk Tuks are usually a fixed price. Wherever you go they will try to get every penny out of you. After a little bit of haggling, you’ll get say 50 - 100BHT or so off the fixed price.

Do not be afraid to eat street food, is it abundant and cheap. You can get skewers with shrimps, mussels, crab and even crocodile meat for as low as 30 Thb per piece.

Walk the beach, check out Bangla road, get a massage, have a banana (or mango) shake, and keep in mind if you see something for sale at an unbelievable price, it's probably a copy.

Phuket is a large island – so much so that it doesn’t really feel much like an island at all! Its size means there is always plenty to see and do and as such it’s a popular destination for all types of holidaymakers, from families and couples to groups of friends.

Phuket is a beautiful mountainous island with so much do and see. From mouth-watering food to animals and rainforests, and pristine beaches to upscale spas and resorts, Phuket has something for everyone.

TravellingMitch

Phuket has lots of lovely beaches, fabulous food, lots of temples, plus some churches and mosques.

What is the best way to get there?

Phuket only has one airport, the Phuket International Airport. International and Domestic terminals are separate.

Here  is some information on the best airport transfer options available.

Do I need a visa?

If you’re visiting Phuket from overseas, find out if you need a visa  here .

Visa on arrival is also available, you can find out how other travelers did it  here .

When is the best time to visit?

November to February: The weather in Thailand varies between hot, and really, really hot. The hottest season runs from March through to June, with April and May as the hottest months of the year.

The cool season normally runs from November through February and will still feel hot to most visitors. Temperatures during this time typically range from 73 Fahrenheit (23 Celsius) to 86 Fahrenheit (30 Celsius).

Most of the resort areas are small enough to walk around, with popular resorts and hotels located close to the beach, restaurants and shopping areas.

If your hotel isn't on one of the main beaches, tuk-tuks are some of the best ways to get around. The small vehicles can weave through the tiny streets with ease and are worth the ride alone.

If you prefer exploring Phuket on your own, there are plenty of places to hire cars or motorcycles. However, if you’re looking to drive around Phuket, remember that they drive on the left.

Songtaew refers to blue open-air buses that run between Phuket Town and the main resorts, while air-conditioned mini buses service the Phuket Town area.

Check out more tips on getting around Phuket  here .

On the ground

What is the timezone.

Indochina Time (ICT)

What are the voltage/plug types?

220 Volts / 50 Hz. In Thailand, they typically use Type A and Type C plugs

What is the currency?

Thai Baht (THB)

Are ATMs readily accessible?

Are credit cards widely accepted, how much do i tip.

Tipping is not customary in Thailand, there is absolutely no mandatory requirement to tip anyone, but small gratuities for great service are very much appreciated.

Get more tipping tips  here .

Are there local customs I should know?

The king is very highly regarded in Thailand, as evidenced by the pictures displayed everywhere. Do not say or do anything disrespectful of the king or the royal family, even to the extent of stomping on a Thai coin or banknote which has been dropped and is rolling/blowing away. (It bears an image of the King's head, and is highly insulting to be touched by your feet.)

Bangkok Taxies

When hailing taxis, it is common to keep your hand horizontal, fingers facing down. Holding your hand with fingers up is considered rude.

Temples and Monks

When visiting temples, dress conservatively. Women particularly should wear long skirts or trousers and cover their shoulders and knees. Many temples state as you enter that photography is not permitted. Even if there is no sign, please be respectful and consider whether it is appropriate to be taking flash photographs in a place of worship. Even more so if monks are present worshipping!

Always remove your shoes when entering temples (the same rule applies when entering a person's home), and do not sit with your feet towards the Buddha. Sit either cross-legged or with your feet tucked behind you. In many Asian cultures, the feet are considered the lowest, dirtiest part of the body, and the head the highest. So do not point to things with your feet, hold doors open with your feet, point your feet to the Buddha images, or point at or touch peoples' heads. Under no circumstances should a woman ever touch a monk.

Here’s  a great overview of customs and etiquette in Thailand generally.

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• Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat
• Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine
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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Phuket Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 30, 2023

Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand . The island is the biggest in the country and boasts a wide range of beaches as well as a vibrant nightlife and large expat scene.

Backpacking, partying, coming to learn Muay Thai, lounging at the resorts — Phuket is one of those places that has something for everyone.

That said, Phuket also illuminates the good and bad of Thai tourism — from overdeveloped beaches and sex tourism to tiny towns with no tourists that showcase authentic Thailand.

While most visitors stick to the overdeveloped south, if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the overdevelopment and crowds. In fact, the north part of the island is one of my favorite places to visit in all of Thailand. It’s a paradise!

This travel guide to Phuket will show you the best places to visit, help you save money, and ensure you make the most of your time on this popular island getaway!

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Phuket

Top 5 Things to See and Do in Phuket

1. Chill on the beach

Phuket is all about the beaches. If you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the overdevelopment, expensive prices, and crowds. Do this, and you’ll see that Phuket is a lovely destination. Check out Mai Khao, Surin, Freedom, and Naithon for the best beaches!

2. Visit the temples

Most of Phuket’s population is Thai-Buddhist and there are close to 40 Buddhist Temples located all over the island. Phuket’s Big Buddha is one of the island’s most important; Wat Suwan Khiri Khet, the only temple in Karon Beach, is small but attractive; and Wat Chalong is also beautiful.

3. Cruise Phang Nga Bay

Lined by limestone cliffs, collapsed caves, and archaeological sites, these glorious emerald-green waters form a delightful bay. It’s also where the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun was filmed. Day trips can be had from anywhere on the island and cost 3,500 THB.

4. Visit the gibbons

Run by volunteers and financed by donations, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center rescues gibbons from captivity. There is no touching, but visitors can watch them from a viewing platform. On your two-hour visit, you’ll learn about gibbons. A visit costs 4,000 THB and you must book in advance.

5. Tour the Similan Islands

Just 84 kilometers (52 miles) northwest of Phuket are the Similan Islands. It’s one of the few places in Thailand with environmental protection. Only two (#4 and #8) of the nine islands are publicly accessible. The preserve is open to visitors from October 15-May 15 and costs 500 THB to enter.

Other Things to See and Do in Phuket

1. skip patong.

This is the main tourist section of Phuket, filled with crowded beaches, resorts, hawkers, bars, and sadly, a lot of sex tourists. Unless you want to get drunk a lot, try to avoid this beach at all costs (although I do still recommend taking a cooking class near here). There are much better beaches around, like Hat Karon, Surin, and Mai Khao Beach.

2. Learn to cook traditional Thai food

If you are looking to learn how to make Thai food, take a class at Pum’s Thai Cooking School. It’s one of the best souvenirs you can take back with you: the knowledge to make some of your favorite dishes from Thailand! There are several of these schools in Thailand, and the one in Phuket is on Patong Beach. You can take classes ranging from 30 minutes to 6 hours. Classes start at 500 THB for a 30-minute mini-class, and full classes (3+ hours) start from 1,500 THB.

3. Watch a Muay Thai fight

To see something truly Thai, watch some Muay Thai. This is a form of combat that combines striking techniques using fists, elbows, knees, and shins, and is known as “the art of eight limbs.” It requires extreme mental and physical discipline to train to be a Muay Thai fighter. The Patong Boxing Stadium is the destination to see regular matches or go to Patong Beach where you can watch these disciplined fighters in action. You can usually find tickets for around 1,500-2,000 THB.

4. Visit Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park

Take a trip to the Khao Phra Thaeo Conservation Development and Extension Center, a center focused on preserving the environment. The center contains a park with giant trees in the midst of dense a dense forest that is home to a number of endangered animals and wildlife including boars, mouse deer, langurs, and gibbons. It’s also the last remaining evergreen rainforest of Phuket. Make sure to check out the Nam Tok Sai waterfall, which is located close to the park headquarters. There is also a floating restaurant located in the mangroves! Admission is 200 THB.

5. See the Thalang National Museum

If you are eager to find out more about historical Phuket, visit the Thalang National Museum. The museum holds an exhibition of ancient artifacts from Old Phuket and items used during the war with Myanmar (1809-1812). Learn about the local life through exhibits on the island’s tin mining history, indigenous culture, and Chinese heritage. There’s a monument outside to Thao Thep Krasattri and Thao Si Sunthon, two sisters revered heroines who helped save Phuket during the Battle of Thalang during the Burmese-Siamese War. Visiting this museum is a great way to immerse yourself in the history of the island. It’s 30 THB.

6. Enjoy the viewpoints

Phuket has many scenic viewpoints that are great for taking in the stunning island views. Promthep Cape and Karon View Point tend to be the most popular, but another great spot is the Kata viewpoint. Nothing is better than watching a golden sunset from these points. Your camera will thank you!

7. Rent a bike

Renting either a bike or motorbike gives you the freedom to explore Phuket. Find your way to Laem Singh Beach, a more secluded and laid-back spot with some great snorkeling opportunities. Just be careful as biking in Phuket can be a little dangerous as traffic is hectic at times. You can expect to pay about 250 THB a day for a basic motorbike. If you’d rather do a guided half-day bike tour, expect to pay around 1,800 THB.

8. Explore Sirinat National Park

This national park was founded in the early 1980s and consists of three beach areas along the northwest coast of Phuket. It includes the beaches Nai Yang, Sai Kaew, and Mai Khao, as well as the mangrove forest where saltwater and freshwater mix. This is a good place for camping too if you enjoy the outdoors. During the spring, endangered Leatherback Turtles come here to lay their eggs. Park entrance costs 200 THB. The park is closed between June 1st-July 31st.

9. Check out the Phuket Mining Museum

Located in Kathu, this museum highlights the history of Phuket’s mining industry (tin mining has been a large industry here). It’s located in a spacious, colonial villa and is one of the most interesting museums on the island. There are a couple of neat models and even a re-creation of an opium den! Some of the models seem so real, it’s like you are living it. You also get a chance to see some of the mining methods used back when Phuket was a major tin mining center. Entry is 100 THB.

10. Stroll the Phuket Weekend Market

Known also as the Naka market, this market is located right outside of Phuket Town. It offers a crazy assortment of local and secondhand goods, interesting objects, and a huge variety of food. The market is broken up into two sections: the covered section (which sells everything from jeans to pirated DVDs), and the open market (which has food, food, and more food). It’s open Sundays from 4pm-10pm.

11. Go snorkeling

Phuket has over 30 beaches, and all of them are pretty incredible. While not all of them are great for snorkeling, some of the best are Laem Singh Beach, Ao Sane, Ya Nui, and Surin. You might want to bring your own gear, as renting it all the time can get a bit pricy. It is possible to buy some cheap gear in Phuket too. Snorkel rental is generally around 200 THB for a mask, snorkel, and fins. Alternately, you can do a snorkeling day trip, which generally costs around 2,500 THB and includes pickup at your hotel, gear, and food while you’re out on the boat.

12. Visit the Soi Dog Foundation

Soi Dog Foundation is a charity that helps the stray dogs and cats you see on the streets of Phuket ( soi means street in Thai). The non-profit has been extremely successful, and since its founding in 2003, has reduced the stray dog population by over 90% through its spay/neuter programs. To meet and play with the animals (weekdays only), submit a volunteering form on their website. Longer volunteer opportunities are also offered, and donations are always welcome.

13. Explore some waterfalls

Some of the biggest and best waterfalls in Thailand are in Phuket. Bang Pae, Ton Sai, and Kathu are the three most popular. They are all at the end of scenic nature walks too. Kathu is free and entry to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park for Bang Pae and Ton Sai is 200 THB.

14. Visit an elephant sanctuary

Riding an elephant is the dream of many a tourist – until you realize how badly elephants are treated and the injuries that they incur all in the name of a quick ride. Luckily, in recent years there’s been a large movement to protect the elephants and raise awareness as to why riding them is an unethical practice. Visiting or volunteering at an elephant sanctuary is the best way to see these majestic beasts, and one of the oldest sanctuaries is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. A half-day visit including lunch and transportation to the sanctuary costs 3,000 THB. Whatever you do, don’t ride elephants!

  For more information on other cities and islands in Thailand, check out the guides below:

• Bangkok Travel Guide
• Chiang Mai Travel Guide
• Ko Chang Travel Guide
• Ko Lipe Travel Guide
• Ko Pha Ngan Travel Guide
• Ko Phi Phi Travel Guide

Phuket Travel Costs

Hostel prices – A bed in a dorm with 4-6 beds costs 350-450 THB per night while a bed in an 8-10-bed dorm costs 275-350 THB. Private rooms for two people with ensuite bathrooms cost 650-800. Free Wi-Fi, linens, and air-conditioning are standard at hostels in Phuket. Breakfast isn’t usually included, although some have cafes where you can purchase breakfast.

Hostels in Phuket often have extra amenities and offerings, such as free drinks, coworking spaces, and outdoor swimming pools. Lub d Patong even has a Muay Thai boxing ring in the middle of their lobby.

There are also campgrounds on Phuket. Expect to pay 200 THB per person for a basic plot and tent. If you have your own tent, it’s usually around 150 THB.

Budget hotel prices – A night in a centrally located budget hotel costs around 850-1,200 THB for a room with air-conditioning and free Wi-Fi. About half of the hotels include free breakfast.

Phuket surprisingly has some of the least-expensive 5-star hotels in Thailand, often as low as 2,500 THB per night! The Memory at On On Hotel is a great choice (and it was featured in the movie The Beach )! Prices remain fairly consistent across the island, even away from busy Patong.

Private Airbnb rooms are 600-825 THB per night, while entire villas or apartments average 1,200 THB per night.

Food – Over the centuries, Thai cuisine has taken on influences from neighboring countries, including India, Malaysia, Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia. All these influences mesh to become Thai’s flavorful national cuisine, which is aromatic and spicy. Expect a lot of curries, salads, soups, and stir-fries that differ based on region.

Thai cuisine uses fresh (not dried) herbs and spices, with many ingredients used in one dish to create layers of flavor. Typical flavors include garlic, basil, galangal, cilantro, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, chilies, shrimp paste, and fish sauce. Coconut milk is commonly used in curries and desserts, especially in central and southern Thailand.

Popular dishes include tom yum goong (hot and sour soup with shrimp), massaman curry, pad thai (a stir-fried noodle dish), som tam (spicy papaya salad), kao phad (fried rice), khao man gai (rice with boiled chicken), and satay (grilled meat on skewers, served with a peanut dipping sauce).

In Phuket, Hokkien mee is an incredibly popular noodle dish that originated in China but arrived here by way of nearby Malaysia. Being an island, seafood is a big part of most of Phuket’s dishes.

Dessert is usually fruit or various dishes comprised of coconut milk or glutinous rice. Mango sticky rice combines all these elements in a popular choice.

Compared to the rest of Thailand, food is a bit more expensive in Phuket. Lunch at a casual Thai restaurant costs around 150-180 THB. A dish, such as a curry or fried rice, at a nice sit-down restaurant offering traditional cuisine costs 190-280 THB.

Western meals start at around 330 THB, even for a basic pizza. Dinner with drinks typically costs around 270-300 THB or more, but it can be more expensive if you’re right on Patong Beach. If you are having a fish meal or getting wine, expect to pay around 500-675 THB. In the major tourist area, you’ll probably pay 25% more.

You can grab a beer for about 60-75 THB, but on Bangla Road they’re 100 THB or higher. Remember that buying beers from 7-Eleven vs in bars and restaurants saves you lots of money.

If you eat at the street stalls, the food is not only cheap, but it’s also utterly delicious. A meal from a street stall can cost as little as 80-120 THB.

A week of groceries including basic staples like rice, veggies, and some meat or fish costs around 1,040 THB.

Backpacking Phuket Suggested Budgets

On a backpacker budget, expect to spend about 1,100 THB per day. On this budget, you can get a bed in a hostel dorm, cook some meals and eat cheap street food, limit your drinking, use public transportation to get around, and stick to mostly free or cheap activities like hiking and enjoying the beaches.

On a mid-range budget of 2,525 THB per day, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for most meals, enjoy a few drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like cooking classes or watching Muay Thai fights.

On a “luxury” budget of 4,475 THB per day or more, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a scooter or take more taxis, and do whatever tours and activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages – some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in THB.

Phuket Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Although Phuket is more expensive than many other islands in Thailand, there are still plenty of ways to save money here:

• Eat street food – Don’t be afraid to eat the street food here. It’s safe — even safer than most restaurants. The best of Thailand’s food is on the street, and it costs a fraction of what you pay at a restaurant.
• Buy beer at convenience stores – Buy your beers from the supermarket or convenience stores as they are much cheaper here than anywhere else.
• Ride in a songthaew or rent a bike – Songthaews are converted pickup trucks that act as shared taxis and cost less than a tuk-tuk or a taxi. If you are looking to get around on your own, renting a bike is also a great option and can usually be done for about 250 THB per day.
• Come during low season – Prices drop drastically during the rainy season between May-October. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, this is a cheap time to visit.
• Stay with a local – Couchsurfing connects you with locals who not only provide a free place to stay but who can share their insider tips and advice with you.
• Bargain hard – When shopping at the markets, use your negotiation skills. The rule of thumb is the more you buy, the cheaper the prices so shop in packs for the best deals.
• Use a water bottle with a purifier – It isn’t safe to drink the tap water in Phuket, and although buying bottled water is cheap, it does add up. Instead, pick up a LifeStraw , which have built-in filters to ensure your water is always clean and safe (it’s good for the environment too!)

Where to Stay in Phuket

Phuket has tons of cheap accommodation. Here are my suggested places to stay in Phuket:

• Pineapple Guesthouse
• Bodgea Party Hostel
• BearPacker Patong Hostel
• Dfeel Hostel
• Lub D Phuket Patong

How to Get Around Phuket

Local Bus – Small buses connect Phuket’s Old Town with the main beach resorts around the island, like Patong and Karon. They’re slow because of the number of stops to make, but they’re cheap and reliable. Shared minibusses are also common. It’s just 100-200 THB to get across the island or 150 THB from the airport to Patong Beach, but it can be an exercise in patience.

Songthaews – Songthaews are covered trucks that have been converted into multi-passenger vehicles (the truck’s box is usually converted with two wooden benches for seating). There are no set stops like the local bus — you just have to flag one down that is headed in your direction and get off when you need to. There is usually a sign on the dashboard to let you know where the final stop is. Negotiate your fare ahead of time. A ride in a songthaew usually starts around 25-50 THB.

A songthaew from Patong Beach to the airport costs 1,000 THB, and to other beaches (like Kamala, Kata, or Surin) it costs around 500 THB.

Motorbike Taxi – A motorbike taxi costs about 60 THB per short journey around town. It’s quick but it’s not the safest option so I’d probably avoid them if you can.

Tuk-Tuk – The tuk-tuks in Phuket look more like songthaews than the tuk-tuks in other parts of Thailand. These can be even more expensive than metered taxis because the drivers work together to avoid undercutting each other. Since there is no public transportation between the beaches, and because other transportation tends to stop early in the evening, tuk-tuk drivers know that they can charge higher prices. A 3-kilometer (2-mile) ride in a tuk-tuk can cost about 335 THB. Shorter distances average about 100 THB.

Taxi – Metered taxis are expensive, but sometimes they’re cheaper than tuk-tuks. Their fares start at 50 THB per two kilometers. Non-metered taxis typically charge flat rates and are not really necessary for long distances. An hour-long journey from the airport to Patong is around 900 THB.

Ridesharing – The Grab app is like the Uber of Thailand — prices are cheaper than taxis, and you’re driven by a local in their vehicle. You can pay via the app or in cash, and you get a price estimate for your journey before you even get in the car. Having said that, in Phuket, the prices are sometimes not much different than taxis. You can get from Patong to Karon for less than 200 THB, while Kata to Karon is about 120 THB.

When to Go to Phuket

Like the other islands in this part of Thailand, the peak season in Phuket is from November to April. If you travel from May through October, you avoid the busiest season and save quite a bit of money, although it may be rainy.

November to February are the coolest months, with temperatures between 23-30°C (73-86°F). February is the driest month and is the best time of the year to be a beach bum.

The end of March to mid-May is the hottest time of year. It’s just before monsoon season hits, so humidity is high and temperatures soar into the high 30s°C (90s°F). If you can’t tolerate the heat, don’t come during this time.

Mid-May to October is the Monsoon season in Phuket. Although it rains for a while each day, the temperature averages about 28°C (84°F) per day. If you don’t mind a bit of rain, this is an excellent time to visit.

How to Stay Safe in Phuket

Phuket is safe, especially for solo travelers, including solo female travelers. It’s one of the easiest places in Thailand to meet other solo travelers, so you’re never really on your own here.

That said, petty theft (including bag snatching) can occur here so always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in popular tourist areas. Avoid flashing your valuables and don’t leave any valuables unattended when at the beach.

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here, though the standard precautions apply (don’t leave your drink unattended at the bar, don’t walk home alone intoxicated, etc.)

Patong is a party destination so most people run into problems here when they’re drunk and stupid. Don’t overdo it, and always be mindful of your alcohol consumption. Although uncommon, travelers have been known to fail victim to drugging so they can be mugged or molested. Never leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers for that reason.

Do not do drugs or participate in the sex industry. Both can have severe consequences here and lead to huge fines and jail time. Don’t risk it.

If you’re worried about scams, read this post on common travel scams to avoid.

If you experience an emergency, dial 191 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

For more information about safety in Southeast Asia, check out this article .

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Phuket Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Agoda – Other than Hostelworld, Agoda is the best hotel accommodation site for Asia.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.

Get the In-Depth Budget Guide to Thailand!

My detailed 350+ page guidebook is made for budget travelers like you! It cuts out the fluff found in other guidebooks and gets straight to the practical information you need to travel around Thailand. You’ll find suggested itineraries, budgets, ways to save money, on and off-the-beaten-path things to see and do, non-touristy restaurants, markets, bars, safety tips, and much more! Click here to learn more and get your copy today.

Phuket Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more tips for your trip? Check out all the articles I’ve written on Thailand travel and continue planning your trip:

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How to Plan a Trip to Phuket 2023 (7 Things You Need to Know)

• 1. How Long to Stay in Phuket

2. The Best Things to Do in Phuket

3. the best time to visit phuket, 4. how to get to phuket, 5. where to stay in phuket, 6. meals in phuket, 7. need a visa or no need to get a visa.

Phuket now reopens. From April 1, 2022, all international travelers don't need to take nucleic acid test before departure .

Phuket enjoys the reputation of being the "Pearl of the Andaman Sea". It is the largest island in Thailand and one of the most popular beach destinations in the world, with fine beaches, glittering seas, white sands, nodding palm trees, lively towns, and high-end seaside resorts.

1. How Long to Stay in Phuket: At Least 3 Days

A visit to Phuket usually takes 3 to 7 days, and you can plan a trip of suitable length according to your preferences.

It takes at least 3 days to explore Phuket, and spending 4 days there is the most popular choice.

Covering an area of about 540 sq km (200 sq mi), Phuket and its surrounding regions offer a variety of activities for families, groups of friends, and couples.

• Day 1: explore beaches freely
• Day 2: take a trip to Phi Phi Island
• Day 3: visit Phuket's Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
• Day 4: discover Phuket town

If you have a flexible schedule and enjoy your stay in Phuket, you can extend your stay from 5 to 7 days.

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Indulge in Leisurely Beach Time

Most beaches in Phuket lie along the western coast. Surin Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach are recommended for their quiet, non-touristy vibe and are more suitable for a leisurely holiday.

Explore Phuket's Big Buddha and Wat Chalong

These two sacred Buddhist sites are very close to each other. Located on a hill, the glistening white Big Buddha is 45 m (140 feet) tall and can be spotted from Karon Beach. Wat Chalong is the biggest Buddhist temple in Phuket and is known for its unique building style.

Take a Trip to Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi stands out among more than 30 outlying islands around Phuket for its soft white sands, crystal-clear waters, natural rock caves, and the untainted tropical scenery, making it one of the most popular beach destinations in recent years.

Wander about in Phuket Town

Many visitors head straight to the beaches, so Phuket town is often forgotten. You can walk around the Old Town , which is rich in history and culture.

Explore the historical buildings and mansions built in the colonial style, wander into a temple or museum, visit the weekend market, and relax in a quaint cafe when tired.

Go Island Hopping

There are more than 30 islands around Phuket. The most popular contenders for island hopping are Phi Phi Island, the Similan Islands , Racha Yai Island, and Coral Island.

Take the Phang Nga Bay Cruise

Phang Nga Bay is considered to be the most beautiful location in Phuket and its surrounding areas. You can cruise through the dramatic limestone islands and occasionally stop to enjoy the quiet beaches.

Join a Thai Cooking Class

This is a great choice for those who love the exotic flavors of authentic Thai food and want to learn its secrets. A market tour to choose fresh and natural ingredients is included.

Savor Phuket's Night Markets

Night markets in Phuket are always fun, intense, colorful, surprising, and fascinating, with a variety of local merchandise available at a bargain as well as mouth-watering local delicacies. Naka Market, Lard Yai, and Chillva Market are recommended.

November to April is the best time to visit Phuket . This period is the dry season in Phuket and the weather is very pleasant. You can sunbathe in the warm sunshine and enjoy various water sports in the sea. This period is also the high season. If you plan to travel during this time, please avoid popular spots such as Patong Beach.

May to October is the rainy season and also the off-season for travel. If you plan to travel in this period, you may miss water sports such as scuba diving due to the rain. However, it is a good time to take advantage of quiet beaches and cost-effective rooms.

Learn more about Weather in Phuket on our website.

Phuket has an airport, Phuket International Airport (HKT). The best way to get to Phuket is taking a flight.

Sydney, Melbourne, Doha, Dubai, Singapore, Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Siem Reap, Beijing, Moscow, and Seoul have direct flights to Phuket.

In Thailand, Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, and Koh Samui have direct flights to Phuket.

Phuket airport lies in the north of Phuket. From the airport, it takes about 30 minutes to Surin Beach, 50 minutes to Patong Beach, one hour to Karon Beach, and 40 minutes to Phuket town by road.

Learn more on How to Get to and around Phuket .

Tourism in Phuket is well developed, and you can expect accommodation of a good standard. From economy hotels to luxury villas, located in beach areas to the town, you can easily find one to suit your requirements.

Most hotels are clustered around Patong Beach , Karon Beach, and Kata Beach.

If you enjoy partying and are looking for a lively vibe , you can consider booking a hotel in the Patong Beach area. Patong Beach is the heart of Phuket and offers a colorful nightlife and a variety of bars, restaurants, and shopping options.

If you prefer a quiet vibe, you may like to choose a hotel on Karon Beach or Surin Beach.

Here are our recommended hotels on these beaches for your reference:

• Arinara Bangtao Beach Resort (Bangtao Beach)
• Twinpalms Phuket Resort (Surin Beach)
• Katathani Phuket Beach Resort (Karon Beach)
• Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa, Merlin Beach (Patong Beach)
• Burasari Resort (Patong Beach)

Thai dishes feature sour, sweet, salty, and spicy flavor profiles. Different regions of Thailand have slightly different preferences. Phuket is located in the south of Thailand. The dishes there are slightly spicier than in other regions.

Phuket is rich in lobster, oysters, squid, and other seafood. Seafood dishes cooked in the Thai style tend to have a unique taste profile. The most popular seafood restaurants and stalls can be found in Patong Beach . Karon Beach also has a seafood street that attracts visitors all around.

Another feature of Phuket's dishes is that they are cooked with coconut milk. Mushrooms, tomatoes, lemongrass, chicken, and galangal are cooked in coconut milk, offering a special flavor.

Besides restaurants, night markets are the best place to explore local delicacies and immerse yourself in the local community.

Don't worry if you can't get used to the Thai style. You will find more international cuisine there — Western, Japanese, Korean, Lebanese, Turkish, Chinese, etc.

Passport holders from 57 countries are exempt from obtaining a visa to visit Thailand.

If you hold a passport from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Germany, France, Russia, Singapore, Malaysia, or 46 other countries, you can visit Phuket without applying for a visa .

Explore Phuket with Us

We welcome the chance to help you design your perfect trip to Thailand. Our knowledgeable staff will assist you in selecting destinations, accommodation, and activities that best suit your requirements.

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It was a whirlwind across a number of cities, but a very comprehensive experience across the many sides and cultures of China. Most days had sufficient activities, but weren’t overwhelming, which was great.Across cities, we had excellent tour guides, like Kitty (Beijing), Jenny (Xian), William (Guilin/Yangshuo), Kris (Shanghai), and Tony (Yellow Mountains.)

From the time we landed in Beijing until we left, we were well taken care of. My wife and I had Lily Liu as our guide and she was amazing. From arranging visits to all the different sights, to teaching us the history, it was fantastic.

The tour was excellent. Selinda was very knowledgeable about all the aspects of our tour. Selinda was very interesting and knew so much Chinese history

We made a private tour through South China in January 2024. Altogether Chengdu was the highlight. We had an incredible day at Emeishan. In Chengdu our guidewas Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

Other highlights are too many to mention but here are a few Ken taking us to the Terracotta Warriors and our food tour in Xian was amazing,

Our day volunteering at the Panda Base was truly unforgettable. Helen, our guide, provided us with invaluable insights about Chengdu and the pandas, enriching our tour with her knowledge and expertise. We're grateful to Helen for accompanying us throughout the day and showcasing the highlights of China.

We had a booking with China Highlights through Silvia Ye who guarenteed a perfect organisation. In Chengdu our guide was Helen. She was the diamond of all. Speaking fluently English, full of interesting stories, laughing and talking all the time. We missed her the rest of our tour. We highly recommend to go to Chengdu for 3 days when visiting China, especially with Helen.

We traveled to China during the Chinese new year and we had Kris as our guide and he is simply knowledgeable,helpful and great.

We visited Guilin for 2 days and stayed in the Guilin Waterfall hotel. Guilin was absolutely beautiful! Our guide, William, was very knowledgeable and kind! He taught us so much about Guilin and the surrounding area! We really enjoyed trying the specialty rice noodles of Guilin. Our highlight was the Li river cruise.

Amazing tour and the guide Mr. 贺霄 was very accommodating with our needs and request as we have bought our 2 years old with us. Well explained for all the place we visited. Any additional cost were informed well ahead and didn't felt any pressure if we opt not to go for additional detour. The trip was relaxing/ laid back/no rushing with zero shopping!

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Your Trip to Phuket: the Complete Guide

If you can only visit one place in Thailand, zero in on the island of Phuket. Set some 400 miles south of Bangkok, Phuket crams a near-excess of sights and activities within its coastline: gorgeous beaches, delicious food, amazing natural parks, and access to some of the Andaman Sea’s most breathtakingly beautiful islands.

Backpackers introduced Phuket to the tourism world. The first backpacker-friendly accommodations sprung up in Patong in the 1970s, presaging a steady rise in visitors that peaked at 14 million in 2018. Phuket’s present-day attractions have evolved with tourist tastes; beyond the beaches, visitors can now check out Phuket’s Michelin-starred restaurants, world-class theme parks, and luxury hotels fringing the sands.

For the first-time visitor to Phuket, the island can be a lot to unpack at first glance. Read on to make sense of Thailand’s most popular tourist destination, and how you can have the time of your life when you visit.

Planning Your Trip

• Best time to visit : Plan your trip between mid-October to mid-February; the “winter” months coincide with a cool, dry climate caused by northeast monsoon winds blowing in from Siberia.
• Language: Central (standard) Thai is widely spoken throughout Phuket, though southern Thai is the local mother tongue. A fair number of Phuket locals can manage basic English, but don’t expect them to manage sustained conversation. These are a few useful phrases to learn when traveling in Phuket.
• Currency : The Thai Baht (THB) is standard currency across the island.
• Getting Around: You can ride buses (songthaew), tuk-tuks, or motorbike taxis to get around Phuket. Songthaew commute between Phuket Town and resort areas like Surin, Karon, and Patong. Tuk-tuks and motorbikes can take you on a point-to-point basis for short distances.
• Travel tip: Phuket’s beaches are lovely to visit and swim in—but during the monsoon months between May and October, riptides and unpredictable swells make them positively dangerous for casual swimmers. Watch for red flags on the beaches, which warn against swimming when the conditions are too risky.

Things to Do

For an island just over 200 square miles in area, Phuket offers a surprising number of things to see and do. To be sure, its beaches are Phuket’s spotlight attraction, but there’s more to discover once you move beyond the coastline.

• Enjoy Phuket’s beaches . Each beach in Phuket offers a distinct appeal that caters to different folks—partygoers go to Patong Beach, couples to Karon, and nature lovers and plane-spotters prefer Mai Khao.
• Visit Phuket Town. In its heyday, Phuket Town was a key trading post for Thai, Chinese, and British colonial entrepreneurs. While the tin trade that drove local business has long since faded, the old town has retained its old-timey charm, its townhouses having been converted into museums, restaurants, and shops.
• Take in the nightlife. All nightlife adventures in Phuket begin at Bangla Road in Patong—a neon-lit thoroughfare with attached soi (alleyways) brimming with bars, live music venues, and street performers.
• Go island-hopping: The seas of southern Thailand offer some of the most breathtaking views, both above and underwater. Tours to Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga, and Koh Similan can be easily booked from your Phuket hotel.

Explore more attractions with our full-length articles on the best things to do in Phuket , the best day trips from Phuket , and scuba diving excursions from Phuket .

What to Eat and Drink

Thanks to Phuket’s long history as a trade entrepot, the local culinary scene bears influences from all over—European fine dining, Southern Chinese home cooking, and Thai royal cuisine, among others. Foodies in particular swear by Phuket’s fusion of Thai and Chinese cuisines, the natural result of the island’s Chinese/Peranakan community centered around Phuket Town.

The local food scene has earned Phuket recognition as a "Creative City of Gastronomy" by UNESCO, owing to the variety of dishes and dining styles. High-end diners can take in a meal at one of the island’s Michelin-starred restaurants, while budget eaters can count on Phuket Town's hawker-style premises that resemble similar setups in Singapore and Malaysia . The street food scene in Patong helps balance out the town’s raucous nightlife, and many resorts offer in-house dining experiences overlooking the sea.

Learn more with our guides to foods to try in Phuket , Phuket's best restaurants , and Phuket's nightlife scene .

Where to Stay

The vast majority of hotels and resorts in Phuket are located around the west coast, as Phuket’s top beaches can be found there. One exception is Phuket Town, whose affordable hotels are offset by its considerable distance from the beaches.

The graceful Sino-Portuguese buildings, cheap food, and activities around Phuket Town make it an excellent choice for history nerds and foodies. Meanwhile, budget travelers and partygoers should look for accommodations around Patong, home to the island’s hottest nightlife scene and most affordable budget hotels. Hotels around Karon Beach offer a happy medium for tourists who like staying close to the beach, but abhor Patong’s congestion and party-happy atmosphere. The relaxed energy around Karon appeals to families, couples, and seniors.

For a selection of Phuket accommodation options, check out this list of Phuket’s top hotels.

Getting There

Some 16 million people fly into Phuket International Airport from all over Asia and Europe. Located at the northern end of Phuket, the airport sits over 20 miles from the island’s main tourist stretches. If you’re flying in during Phuket’s peak season, be aware that it will take over an hour to get to or from your Phuket resort, so plan accordingly.

Phuket is connected by bridge to the Thai mainland, allowing domestic travelers to take the bus from cities around Thailand to the island. Most cross-country buses arrive and depart to/from Phuket Bus Terminal 2 on Thepkasattri Road in Ratsada.

Despite Phuket’s relatively low crime rate, some risks remain for visitors to the island. The beaches hide dangerous riptides and jellyfish, whereas locals might also take offense to fighting words or undue talk about politics or religion.

When hanging around the beaches, keep the following threats in view.

• Beware of riptides. During monsoon season, Phuket’s beaches hide a nasty secret: deadly riptides that can pull you out to the open sea, or pull you under to drown. Patong, Karon, and Kamala beaches are notorious for these. If you see red flags flying on any Phuket beach, do not go into the water.
• Listen for tsunami warnings. The 2004 Boxing Day tsunami hit Phuket hard, killing over 5,000 people. Today, an advanced tsunami warning system watches over Phuket; warnings will be sent via broadcast media and SMS on local cellphones, giving you plenty of time to head to higher ground.

Thai locals are some of the most easygoing people on earth, but remember that their patience can be severely tested, too. Here’s how to stay on locals’ good side—and how to stay out of trouble otherwise:

• Never get angry or aggressive . Avoid conflict wherever possible. Thais do not go for pranks or humiliating jokes at their expense, and they also look down on Westerners picking fights. You should also avoid political talk—Thailand has a lese majeste law that penalizes insulting talk about their royal family, so steer clear of that topic in polite conversation.
• Don’t do drugs. Thailand has extremely punitive laws against drug trafficking and use. You can spend years in prison if caught with even a small amount of prohibited drugs, or get the death penalty at worst.
• Keep your eyes open for scams . Tourist locations tend to attract a fair number of scammers, and Phuket is no exception.

Money Saving Tips

Even as luxe hotels and Michelin-starred restaurants have taken over, they haven’t crowded the backpackers out yet—budget travelers can still find plenty of ways to stretch their dollar. Follow these simple rules to get the most value out of your Phuket trip:

• Eat the way locals do. Get a meal at a Patong food hall, or hunker down to street food in Phuket Town. The cheapest meals can be found at wet markets in your vicinity, where you can get rice, meat, and a drink for no more than 100 baht ($3.30).
• Use local transportation. Look up the songthaew routes around your hotel and your preferred destinations, and ride them whenever possible. Tuk-tuks and motorcycle taxis will also let you haggle the price down to a certain extent.
• Visit Phuket in the low season. Between May and October, Phuket gets the brunt of the monsoon season. Prices are at their lowest for both accommodations and transportation, though, which can save you money in what is arguably Thailand’s priciest town.
• Get a local SIM card for your phone. Assuming your phone is compatible with the local networks, buying a prepaid SIM card will let you surf the web and call home without breaking the bank. You have your choice of three brands: AIS , DTAC , and TrueMove . All are available at the airport, or at any convenience store on the island.
• Drink Thai-made beers. Chang, Leo, and Singha beers are much cheaper than Australian or European beers around Phuket—and they’re arguably just as good.

Phuket.net. "History of Phuket." 2021.

Channel News Asia. "Phuket already bursting at the seams but more tourists on the way." December 8, 2019.

The Phuket News. "History: Cultural History of Phuket Town." May 6, 2016.

UNESCO. "Creative Cities Network: Phuket." 2015. 

Michelin Guide Global. "Phuket Restaurants." 2020.

The Nation Thailand. "Tsunami warning system finally ready, after 8 years." December 25, 2012.

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• 20 MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
• ▷ 17 HIDDEN BEACHES
• ⛱️ Patong Beach
• ⛱️ Kata Beach
• ⛱️ Karon Beach
• ⛱️ Kamala Beach
• ⛱️ Bang Tao Beach
• ⛱️ Mai Khao Beach
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• 15 ISLANDS NEAR PHUKET
• 🏝️ Phi Phi Islands
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• 🏝️ Coral Island
• 🏝️ Racha Island
• 🏝️ Koh Yao Noi
• Seaplane Travel Coming to Phuket
• 62 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
• Walking Guide to Old Phuket Town 🧭
• 19 Best Day Trip Tours
• 23 Most Instagrammable Spots in Phuket 📷
• 23 Best Things to Do with Kids 🧸
• 20 Hidden Places in Phuket
• Phuket Big Buddha
• Phang Nga Bay
• Where to Stay in Phuket in 2024?
• Best Hotels in Patong Beach
• Best Hotels in Kata Beach
• Best Hotels in Karon Beach
• Best Hotels in Bang Tao Beach
• Best Hotels in Kamala Beach
• Best Hotels in Nai Harn Beach
• Best Hotels in Phuket Town
• Best Hotels in Cape Panwa
• Best Hotels in Phi Phi Island
• 22 Best Beachfront Hotels ⛱️
• 13 Best Family Hotels 🧸
• 41 Best Hotels in Phuket
• Where to Stay in Phuket to Avoid Crowded Beaches?
• 12 Best Pool Villas
• 11 Great Hotels on Islands Nearby 🏝️
• 10 Most Romantic Hotels
• See all 65 Phuket Hotels Reviews ▷
• 10 Things to Do in Phuket at Night
• Patong Nightlife
• Bangla Road Walking Street
• 21 Best Beach Clubs 🏖️
• 22 Best Rooftop Bars
• 5 Best Go Go Bars
• 16 Best Tattoo Studios
• 10 BEST NIGHT MARKETS
• 8 Best Shopping Malls 🛍️
• 17 Best Restaurants in Phuket
• Michelin Restaurants in Phuket 🍽️
• 38 Best Local Restaurants in Phuket
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The 20 Best Tours in Phuket 🏝️

• Best of Phuket , Cruises , Tours , What to Do?
• by Phuket 101

What are the most popular tours in Phuket?

There are a lot of Phuket Tours to explore in and around the island, and many places are easy to reach, so what are the best? Some other great places need a boat or a minibus ride and a bit of planning. We list here 10 of the most popular day trip tours you should consider. Of course, we know there are many more, and we will add them as we try them.

The best Phuket tours start with Phang Nga Bay and often include a few nearby islands, such as Phi Phi and Similan Islands. Tours on the island itself include the Big Buddha , the much revered Chalong temple and the exploration of the old streets of Phuket Town .

1. Phang Nga Bay Tour

(With John Gray Hong by Starlight: 3,950 baht – 11:30 am 10:00 pm – Other tours 1,600 baht)

Phang Nga Bay is a fantastic wonder of the world and is an absolute must-do while in Phuket. As with any favourite Phuket tour, Phang Nga tends to become busy, but it’s enormous, and some tours, like the famous John Gray SeaCanoe , know how to take you where and when other tourists don’t go. The massive limestone formations rising above the water seem to come straight out of the movie Avatar (or it was possibly the other way around). The place was even featured as a background in one Star Wars episode (the bad one, I think). Phang Nga Bay is one of the best tours in Phuket. Read more

What we like a) As mentioned above, it’s just fantastic. b) The sea is quiet all year round and even looks better with the big rain clouds! c) It’s not very far, and all tour agents will pick you up at your hotel — no stress. What We Don’t a) Not every tour is Eco-friendly; some have no real experience and make lots of noise and shout, disturbing the magical peace.

Popular Ways to Discover Phang Nga Bay

Island hopping with faraway yachting.

Embark on an awe-inspiring sailing journey to the majestic islands of Thailand with the number one, award-winning Phuket yacht charter operator, whose primary mission and focus is on the guest experience. Escape the crowds to the most remote and hidden islands of Thailand and make this the holiday of your lifetime – what are you waiting for?

Advertise on Phuket101!

2. Phi Phi Island Day Trip

(about 2,800 baht – full day)

Phi Phi seems to be the Phuket tour on everyone’s list of islands to visit. It usually is for several reasons: The islands look fabulous, with two bays surrounded by vertical limestone cliffs. The beach parties are notorious and can last all night. Backpackers seem to have made Phi Phi their destination of choice. It also is an excellent snorkelling and diving destination for all levels, from beginners to wreck diving. There is an even more straightforward reason: they saw Maya Bay in the movie “The Beach” and wanted to know the place for themselves. Read more

A typical day trip to Phi Phi :

7.30: Pick up at your hotel 8.30 : Meet and greet at Royal Phuket Marina, short briefing. 9.30 : Departure by speedboat 10.30 : Enjoy snorkelling and swimming at Camel Rock, Monkey Bay Sightseeing 11.45 : Snorkeling near Phi Phi Don 12.30 : Lunch in Tonsai Bay on Phi Phi Don 13.30 : Head to Phi Phi Ley: pass by Viking Cave, swim at Piley Lagoon, and Sightseeing at Maya Bay. 15.30 : Relax, swim and snorkel on Koh Khai Nai, a small island on the way back. 16.30 : Arrive at the pier and depart to your hotel.

What’s good: a) It’s still beautiful a beautiful island, despite being spoiled mainly by unstoppable construction. b) It’s not very far from Phuket and affordable if you go by ferry c) The island being in a bay, it is accessible all year round (unlike Similan) d) Maya Bay is open again!

What’s Not: a) Uncontrolled constructions have spoiled the island, and it keeps extending. b) Phi Phi can get crowded with young backpackers coming here for a serious party, so it may not be your vision of relaxing beaches.

Popular Ways to Discover Phi Phi Island

Private island hopping cruises with 5 star marine.

Join 5 Star Marine's private tropical speedboat tours, and experience island hopping from one idyllic sandy island to the next. For an experience that most people only dream of, allow our experienced crew to tailor the perfect itinerary for your adventure, island hopping in paradise. From snorkelling in Phi Phi, picturesque lunches at Racha, and capturing memories of James Bond Island; to sea canoeing in Phang Nga Bay or even dolphin spotting with a sunset BBQ. The choice is yours with 5 Star Marine.

3. James Bond Island Tour and Koh Panyi Village

(Start at 1,800 baht, including pickup and return to hotel – join trip)

Usually, James Bond and Koh Panyi are part of any Phang Nga Bay tour. If you have time, we recommend dedicating one day to a Canoe in Phang Nga Bay, then another day to James Bond, Koh Panyi, the village on stilts and the reclining Buddha inside a cave. Read more

A typical day trip in Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island and Koh Panyi Village:

9.00 : Pick up at hotel lobby 10.00 : Arrive at Royal Phuket Marina 10.30 : Visit Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island) 12.00 : Buffet Thai lunch at Koh Panyee village 13.00 : Visit Khao Thalu to canoe inside a cave 15.30 : Visit Naka island for swimming 17.30 : Back at the Royal Phuket Marina and back to the hotel

What we like: a) Going there offers amazing photo opportunities; the location and the cruise to get there are jaw-dropping. b) The village on stilts is unique, unusual and fun to explore. What we don’t: a) It’s a major tourist attraction, so expect a lot of people at midday, which spoils a bit the exotic feeling

Popular Ways to Discover James Bond Island

4. south phuket with big buddha and phuket town.

The South Phuket tour is a popular option for visitors to the island, taking in many of the most famous landmarks and attractions in the southern part of the island. The tour is flexible and can be tailored to guests’ preferences, but typically includes stops at beautiful beaches such as Karon and Nai Harn, as well as viewpoints for panoramic views of the island. The tour also includes a visit to the iconic Big Buddha Temple, which offers visitors the chance to take in the stunning views and pray for good luck. Another highlight of the tour is the visit to Old Phuket Town, where visitors can explore the charming streets and take in the unique Sino-Portuguese architecture. The tour also includes a stop for lunch at Rawai Beach, known for its delicious seafood and affordable prices.

To book a such day trip, you can ask any travel agent, or even better, hire a local driver with a van to customise the trip according to your own preferences, it is cheap and super comfortable, between 2,400 and 2,700 baht, depending how far your hotel is to the south. See here a list of private vans .

Popular Ways to Discover South Phuket and Phuket Town

5. coral island day trip and racha island.

(about 1,300 baht for both islands – full day)

Often packaged as one Phuket tour day trip, those two beautiful islands have white sandy beaches and the typical atmosphere of small tropical islands. They offer excellent snorkelling opportunities with plenty of fish coming and swimming around you. Racha Island is excellent for diving, especially for first-timers. Read more

A typical Day trip to Coral and Racha Islands by speedboat

8.30 : Pick up from your hotel lobby 09.00 : Depart from Chalong Pier to Racha Island, and enjoy snorkelling and swimming 12.30 : Depart from Racha Island to Coral Island and have lunch at Kahung restaurant 14.30 : Snorkeling, swimming and relaxing on the beach 16.30 : Back to the pier and sent back to your hotel

What we like: a) It’s accessible all year round, and it doesn’t take too long to reach What we don’t: a) It can be bustling and touristic

Popular Ways to Discover Coral and Racha Islands

6. yona floating beach club.

Yona is a floating beach club in the bay of Patong. The boat is 1,200 sqm on three floors, with a central 22-metre-long swimming pool surrounded by trendy loungers and palm trees. At the back of the pool are the DJ station and a bar with a vast choice of fun cocktails to enjoy the party. Read more

7. Phuket Town Tour

(about 900 baht – half day)

In recent years, Phuket town has become a charming city with several historic streets and many beautiful old Sino-Portuguese mansions, some renovated and some partly run down. You might get to see some local markets and even visit some Thai temple and their typical intricate gold, red and green roofs. Exploring the picturesque street now full of little cafes and shops is a popular photo opportunity, mostly since they buried those horrible electric cables. Read more

What we like: a) It’s a good exploration day, especially when the weather is not favourable to be on the beach b) It’s not such a big area, so it’s easy to walk along the streets and between landmarks What we don’t: a) It’s relatively small, so don’t put your expectations too high either

Popular Ways to Discover Phuket Town

8. similan islands day trip.

(about 2,600 baht – full day)

Unique and beautiful, the Similans have the white sand and blue water you only see in postcards. It’s so strikingly beautiful that your friends might believe you photoshopped your photos. But it is that blue even in photos taken with a mobile phone!

It used to be possible to spend the night in a tent or a basic bungalow with air-conditioning, but it seems that this option is not available at this time! Apart from snorkelling, sunning, and a small restaurant, there is not much to do, but it’s a Robinson Crusoe experience you don’t want to miss. Read more

A typical day trip to the Similans

6.00 : Pick up from the hotel lobby 9.00 : Depart to Similan island 10.20 : Visit Miang Island (Koh 4) for swimming and snorkelling 11.30 : Have a Thai lunch box on the island 12.00 : Visit Payu Island (Koh 7 )for swimming and snorkelling 13.00 : Visit Ba-ngu (Koh 9) for swimming and snorkelling 14.00 : Visit Similan island (Koh 8) for swimming and snorkelling and climbing the viewpoint at Sailing rock 15.00 : Back to the pier 16.30 : Transfer back to your hotel

What we like: a) Everything! What we don’t: a) It’s closed half-year during the low season, mostly because of the sea condition. b) It’s quite a long way from Phuket. Usually, a van takes you from Phuket to Takua Pa, then 1.30 hours by speedboat

Popular Ways to Discover Similan Islands

9. island hopping on a sailing catamaran.

(6 days and 5 nights)

Spending a week on a sailing cruise is the most romantic and eco-friendly way to discover the islands near Phuket and south Thailand, an experience like no other!

Day 1 – Chalong Pier, Phuket -> Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi Day 2 – Tonsai Bay, Koh Phi Phi -> Kantiang beach, Koh Lanta Day 3 – Kantiang beach, Koh Lanta -> Koh Rok Nok island Day 4 – Koh Rok Island -> Koh Phi Phi Leh Day 5 – Koh Phi Phi Leh -> Koh Racha Yai Day 6 – Koh Racha Yai -> Chalong Pier, Phuket

10. Andamanda Waterpark

Andamanda Phuket is an immense amusement water park built close to Phuket Town when approaching from Patong Beach. Encompassing an enormous 100,000 square meters, this water park features 25 attractions, incorporating numerous water slides, a 10,000 square meter swimming zone equipped with artificial waves, and the the longest lazy river in southeast Asia, extending to a remarkable 550 meters!

11. Elephant Sanctuaries

There are now many elephant sanctuaries around the island that allow you to interact with the elephants. You can feed them, walk with them and make unforgettable memories. The old-fashioned elephant trekking is over! Ask your hotel or travel agent for one of the sanctuaries but skip the trekking or elephant riding! Read more

What we like: a) It’s fun, unusual and the best way to see real elephants! What we don’t: a) Some of the sanctuaries may feel a little too touristic (they probably switched from trekking to the sanctuary to catch the wave)

Popular Ways to Discover Elephant Sanctuaries

12. phang nga bay private cruises.

Phang Nga Bay is an amazing destination. With its countless islands and towering cliffs emerging from the sea, the scenery is truly extraordinary. It often ranks at the top for many tourists, however, the popular areas of Phang Nga Bay can become overcrowded, making it difficult to fully appreciate its natural beauty. Therefore, on that particular day, we made a decision along with a few friends to rent a private boat and explore Phang Nga Bay in a more exclusive manner, allowing us to reach each location before the crowds arrived.

13. Koh Khai Tours

(about 1,900 baht – Full day)

This tour goes to the tiny Koh Khai islands, found just a few kilometres off Phuket looks like a cartoon postcard of a tropical island. There is not much to do there apart from sunbathing, snorkelling or swimming with hundred fish and drinking fresh coconuts. It’s so back to basics but isn’t it why you came to Phuket in the first place?

What we like: a) It’s an easy and not far, relaxing day out b) Plenty of photo opportunities to post on your Facebook and drive your friends insane What we don’t: a) Can be really busy

Popular Ways to Discover Khai Island

14. cooking classes.

Due to the immense popularity of Thai cuisine and its frequent portrayal on television and social media, cooking classes have become increasingly favoured in Phuket. The island offers a multitude of cooking schools catering to various budgets, with options available in both hotels and privately run establishments. Certain classes even offer the opportunity to explore local markets, adding an enjoyable aspect to the overall experience. Read more

Popular Ways to Discover Thai Cooking Class

ATV tours in Phuket offer exhilarating off-road adventures for visitors. These tours allow participants to explore the stunning natural landscapes of the island while riding all-terrain vehicles. With various routes available, tourists can discover hidden trails, lush jungles, and scenic viewpoints. ATV tours in Phuket cater to both beginners and experienced riders, providing a thrilling and memorable experience. From navigating through rugged terrains to enjoying breathtaking views, these tours offer an exciting way to explore Phuket’s outdoor beauty.

Popular Ways to Discover ATV Experience

16. zipline.

There are 3 or 4 Ziplines around the island, and we tried Flying Hanuman in the forest near Patong Beach. Zipline is a great way to do something fun and exciting with friends and family. You can do something active, fun and unforgettable in the dense forest in Kathu. It’s enormous, impressive and safe; anyone can do it, even a four-year-old kid! Read more

How to get there : Book directly with them or check with a local travel agent Price : starts at 2,300 baht (16 platforms) and 3,250 baht (28 platforms).

Popular Ways to Discover Zipline Experience

17. carnival magic phuket.

Carnival Magic is a new 40-acre nighttime Thai carnival theme park, known as the Magical Kingdom of Lights. It features numerous record-breaking attractions. The Kingdom of Lights is an illumination park that boasts a display of over 40 million lights, and The River Palace is an enormous indoor parade show theatre capable of seating over 2,200 spectators. It showcases the world’s largest indoor parade show, known as the River Carnival. Read more

18. Simon Cabaret Show

(starts 700 baht – 2 hours – Patong beach)

Simon Cabaret is a long-running successful stage performance with beautiful sets and outstanding choreography. Of course, people go to Simon Cabaret for reasons other than the pretty costumes and the show. They want to see the surprisingly beautiful ladyboys with their own eyes! Photos are not allowed during the show, but the ‘girls’ will happily wait for you outside the theatre for a photo session. Read more

What we like: a) Excellent stage performance. b) It’s literally in Patong Beach, so you can enjoy the show and still go out for a party after the show What We Don’t: a) Ladyboys are known to be pushy for a tip if you take photos after the show. They might pick the money from your hand; thank you very much

Popular Ways to Discover Simon Cabaret Show

19. siam niramit.

Siam Niramit Phuket is a surprising show narrating 700 years of Thailand’s history. The stage is immense, and the choreography involving more than a hundred people is spotless. The narration is simple and clear enough for everyone to understand each scene. The superb sound system immerses you in a fantastic world based on centuries of Thai myths and legends. It is seriously impressive.

20. Phuket Fantasea Show

(starts 1,800 baht – from 5 pm – Kamala Beach – closed on Thursday)

This longtime running show is still top-rated. It’s a giant theme park and a professional stage performance with dancers, acrobats and real elephants walking through the audience and then onto the stage. The setting is awe-inspiring, and the exceptionally well-executed show narrates the legend of Kamala, where the park is. Read more

What we like: a) It’s professional and beautifully crafted, including the many buildings in the park. b) There are a lot of fun photo opportunities outside the theatre. What we don’t: a) With 2,500 seats, the buffet is too big to be enjoyable b) The elephants performing in the show or giving tourists a short ride are a little controversial c) You can’t take photos inside, but we understand that it can be annoying

Contact a local tour agent in Phuket

Phuket 101 is not a travel agency, but you can get in touch with a local tour agent to get better prices as well as local information or even custom tours by using this link: https://www.johnwelcometravel.com/

Contact a local tour agent

Fast Facts about Phuket Tours

Faqs about phuket tours.

a. Popular Phuket tours and day trips include island hopping tours, visits to the Big Buddha, exploring Phang Nga Bay, visiting the Phi Phi Islands, and exploring James Bond Island. Here are some favourites: Phang Nga Bay Phi Phi Island Coral Island Samet Nangshee

a. Some nearby islands that are worth visiting on a day trip from Phuket include the Phi Phi Islands, Racha Islands, Coral Island, and James Bond Island. These islands offer beautiful beaches, snorkelling and diving opportunities, and stunning natural scenery: Similan Island Phi Phi Island Coral Island Koh Khai Racha Island Island Hopping

a. If you want to stay on the island only, there are a few interesting ways to explore Rent a van with a driver Self-explore old Phuket Town Phuket Fantasea Show Simon Cabaret Show

a. In most cases, you can book safely from an online tour agent or even buy in the street once in Phuket. It is recommended to book Phuket tours and day trips in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak tourist seasons.

a. You should bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable clothing and shoes, a camera, and any necessary medication. You may also want to bring a towel and swimwear if your tour involves water activities.

a. Meals and hotel transfers are often included in Phuket tours and day trips, but it depends on the tour. Be sure to check the tour description or ask the tour operator for details.

a. The best time to take Phuket tours and day trips is from November to April, during the dry season, as the sky is clear and the sea is quiet. However, tours are available year-round and some tours, such as Phang Nga Bay, have a unique charm during the monsoon season.

17 Best Things to do in Phuket, Thailand

Discover Phuket, a huge island connected by a small bridge to the mainland of Thailand . While it might be a ‘love it or hate it’ type of place, it offers something for every kind of traveler, from partying in the towns to natural excursions among jungle-covered temples and idyllic beaches. Spend some time exploring its hidden corners, or use it as a jumping-off point to discover the paradise islands that lay just off the shore. We’re showing you our favorite spots with this guide to all the best things to do in Phuket!

Things to do in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket may be an island, but it feels more like a peninsula of Thailand, mainly because of its vast size. However, it has buildings and culture which feel distinctly different from the mainland—home to a melting pot of Chinese, European , and Thai architecture, and its own regional dialect called Baba Malay.

Many people know Phuket as a party destination. However, if you look in the right places, there is so much more on offer. Discover its lush greenery, colonial-style old town, and buzzing markets with all the top things to do in Phuket.

Here are all your hotel options in Phuket.

1. Phuket Old Town 

Explore the beautiful streets of Phuket Old Town, home to a unique mix of Chinese and European architecture, due to its location on ancient trading routes. In the 19th century, merchants came to Phuket and began building pretty homes, some of which look straight off a Portugal postcard. In fact, at times, it’s hard to believe you’re in Thailand! 

Also read: Best Places to Visit in Thailand

Get lost among the streets and colorful buildings, many of which have now been transformed into cute shops, trendy cafes, or interesting galleries and museums. The area is also very artistic and has become famous in its own right for street art. As such, you’ll find huge murals that plaster the walls and regular art workshops on offer.

Tip: You can find the oldest buildings on Thaland Road, Dibuk Road ( see the exact location here ), and Soi Romanee. On Soi Romanee you’ll also find a great ice cream spot called Torry’s Ice Cream, located here .

Weekend Night Market

Don’t miss out on the bustling weekend market in Phuket! On Sunday nights the Old Town comes to life with stalls and vendors selling traditional and local products.

As the sun sets, weave your way down the lively street lit up by fairy lights and try all sorts of authentic Thai dishes at the many street food stalls. It’s also the perfect place to shop for handcrafted souvenirs and be entertained by street performers. 

Tip: Get there early to avoid the bigger crowds, as it’s a popular market for both tourists and locals.

Book this fantastic food tour in Phuket Old Town

Cafes in the Old Town

There’s nothing better than grabbing a delicious cup of coffee in one of the many great cafes in Phuket Old Town. Some of our favorites are:

• Campus Coffee Roasters
• GRAPH Phuket
• MŌMUS coffee
• Shan coffee

2. Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is one of the island’s most important and beautiful temples and one of the best things to do in Phuket! Discover the expansive temple complex, home to five temples, each one unique and different from the others.

Crafted from white and pink marble, gold detailing, and beautiful tilework, these temples are as stunning on the outside as they are in. Best of all, visiting Wat Chalong is free! 

Come at the end of the day when it’s less busy. During this time, you’ll have more space to take in the sacredness of this important site. You may even get the chance to witness some of the rituals taking place. For example, candle lighting or offerings to the gods.

Alongside this, there is the unique practice of lighting firecrackers in the temple complex. This ritual is believed to ward off bad energy and evil spirits and bring positivity and good fortune to temple visitors—a must-see! 

Note: Wat Chalong is an incredibly sacred monument for the people of Phuket. Always be respectful, cover your shoulders and legs, and remove shoes before entering any of the temples. Although it’s free to enter, we recommend leaving a donation to the temple as a token of appreciation.

How to get to Wat Chalong 

The temple is located just 25 minutes from Phuket Old Town and is easily accessible by car, motorbike, or taxi. Remember, you’ll need about an hour to see the entire complex, and it closes at 5 PM, so leave plenty of time. The easiest option is to join a tour that includes many of the main sites in Phuket, including Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha.

3. White Big Buddha

Seeing the big Buddha up close is one of the most extraordinary experiences in Phuket. Standing 45 meters high, the enormous buddha overlooks Phuket, offering 360-degree views across the entire island.

Although you’ll find big buddhas like this one in places like Chiang Rai and Pai , this has to be one of the most beautiful as it’s extremely detailed with beautiful white and grey tiles and ornaments. Even the staircase to the top is exceptionally intricate, crafted with the traditional naga (snake) sculptures up the side. It’s nearly 100 steps to the top, but well worth it to experience this sacred environment.

The temple is free to visit (although donations are appreciated) and open from 6 AM until 7.30 PM. We visited around 8.30 AM, and it was relatively quiet and peaceful. Make sure to leave enough time, usually 1 hour, to stroll around the complex and visit the multiple viewpoints.

The Journey to the Big Buddha in Phuket

The drive to the Big Buddha is all part of the experience; it’s a stunning drive through lush green forest, which is doable with a motorcycle or car. In total, the journey from Phuket Town is 40 minutes. However, from the highway, it’s only about a 10-15 minute drive to the top.

Make a stop halfway at a lovely restaurant named Mountain Breeze, where you can order some food and enjoy incredible views over Phuket.

Note: Unfortunately, halfway to the Big Buddha, there are a lot of wildlife tourist traps offering travelers the option to take selfies with tigers or ride elephants. This is something Thailand is working hard to try and crack down on. Please support their efforts by being sustainable and ethical travelers and avoiding this type of wildlife tourism .

4. Pottery Class

Sitao Ceramic Studio is a popular spot for pottery classes, located in a cheerful bright yellow building in the middle of Phuket Old Town. Perfect for a rainy afternoon, you can spend a few hours crafting your own unique souvenir to take home, made with local clay and paint. You can even make magnets! 

Phuket has a long history of ceramics production, with influences from China and Europe blending together to make unique and intricate designs. Learn about this fascinating history, while you create something special of your own. Alternatively, browse the collection of handmade pottery on offer in their shop.

Open every day except Wednesday, 10 AM – 7 PM. It’s recommended to book in advance, as it’s a popular activity. 

Good to know: Sitao Ceramic can ship what you make to your home address. This saves you from carrying around fragile ceramics for the rest of your holiday!

5. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Motorbike through green jungles and small villages to Samet Nangshe Viewpoint – easily one of Thailand’s most breathtaking natural views! Beautiful at any time of day, but especially spectacular at sunrise, the viewpoint is perched atop a (very!) steep hill. Once you’re at the top, you’ll be rewarded by a view over Phang Nga Bay, a stunning body of turquoise blue water dotted with hundreds of limestone islands and framed by a luscious mangrove forests. 

Entrance fee: 50 THB (1.44 USD)

We recommend staying a night somewhere close by, so you can enjoy the sunrise and some fantastic stargazing. It’s worth noting that it’s not on the Phuket peninsula, so you might want to book a night close to the viewpoint. We stayed at the lovely Baan Kamana , about 30 minutes away, but you can also stay at this resort . There are a few different spots to take in the view. The main ones are Samet Nangshe Viewpoint and Bay View Cafe . 

Book a stay at Santhiya Phuket Natai  or Baan Kamana

6. Thai Cooking Class

Phuket has incredible food; the wide variety of fresh, local ingredients available including fantastic seafood, are used to create a fusion of Thai, Chinese, and Malay cuisine, which has grown from their international trading past.

Have a go at making Hokkien-style noodles, spicy soups, and traditional Pad Thai at a local cooking class. There are all the delicious secrets of these dishes are revealed, and you can learn more about Phuket’s unique culinary culture. 

Most classes will include a tour around the local market to pick out fresh ingredients first. Delicious!

7. A Night Out on Bangla Road in Patong

Bangla Road in the Patong Beach district of Phuket is notorious for its wild night out, where you can party until the early hours. Grab a drink, enjoy the music, and watch the crowds of people embracing the party atmosphere at one of Thailand’s top nightlife spots.

Good to know: The street opens for pedestrians at 6 PM. During the day, there’s not much going on here.

8. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Thailand has faced a lot of controversy for its animal tourism over the years. This is paticularly the case with elephants, who are forced to perform or give rides to tourists and are often abused in the process. To have the chance to see these beautiful creatures in an ethical environment, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary . This retirement home (for older and injured elephants) works to rescue these incredible creatures from the logging and tourism industries.

Tip: If you are planning to visit Chiang Mai during your holiday, we’d recommend visiting the Elephant Nature Park there instead, as it is the most ethical elephant sanctuary in Thailand. However, Phuket’s Elephant Sanctuary is the next best thing.

Visiting the Elephant Sanctuary

Take a guided tour of the sanctuary, through their 30-acre forest, and observe the herd bathing from a respectful distance. As you learn about their heartbreaking stories, you can also watch them roaming freely from the 600-meter-long canopy walkway in the treetops. Human contact is limited to keep the elephants calm and happy.

See tickets and availability for a guided tour of the Elephant Sanctuary

9. Soi Dog Foundation

Soi Dog Foundation is a non-profit organization and shelter for street dogs and cats. They currently have over 1800 animals in their care. You can take a free 40-minute guided tour of the shelter, where you learn about their programs and also play with the animals!

What’s more, if you are planning to stay in Phuket for a while and would like to help, there are several volunteer programs you can get involved with.

Open Monday – Friday, tours run at 10 AM and 1:30 PM. No entry fee, but donations are welcomed.

Getting there: The shelter is in Mai Khao village, close to the airport, which is around a 50-minute taxi drive from Phuket’s Old Town. However, it’s definitely worth a visit, so we suggest combing it with another trip.

10. Banana Beach

This quiet and somewhat secluded beach on the north-west side of Phuket is surrounded by lush green forest, with soft white sand and gorgeous clear blue water.

From the main road, it’s a short trek down through the trees to reach the beach and enjoy an undisturbed afternoon of swimming and snorkeling in stunning natural surroundings. There is a small beach bar, but no sunbeds or umbrellas, so bring towels.

Good to know: Please respect the natural beauty, take your trash away, and wear reef-safe sunscreen .

11. Hanuman World

Hanuman World is an incredible zipline in the hills of Kathu, a 15-minute drive from Phuket Old Town. You can do activities like ziplining, waterfall abseiling, and sky bridge walks. See the beautiful natural scenery of Phuket as you fly through the rainforest—one of the most exhilarating things to do in Phuket, Thailand!

Opening Times & Entrance Fee: Open 8 AM – 6 PM daily. The price depends on the package of activities. There is also a shuttle service for visitors who book a tour in advance (300 THB / 8.50 USD).

Book your tickets in advance for Hanuman World

12. Kamala Beach & Laem Sing Viewpoint

Kamala Beach, once a quiet fishing village, is now a popular destination for swimming, sunbathing, and snorkeling. However, it’s still kept its laidback and peaceful atmosphere, with its beautiful palm trees and untouched blue bay. Spend a day here, sipping from a coconut at one of the beachside bars or taking a walk along the clean white sand.

Laem Sing Viewpoint overlooks the beaches of Kamala and Surin and offers incredible panoramic views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding coastline covered in tropical forests. Come here at sunset when the whole bay turns breathtaking shades of pink and orange. 

Here are all your hotel options in Kamala Beach.

13. Nai Thon Beach Staircase 

To reach Nai Thon Beach you’ll need to make the steep climb down 200 steps. However, this tucked-away staircase is actually the most picturesque thing to do in Phuket! The wooden stairs, lined on either side by thick green jungle and palm trees, lead down to a tropical paradise of white sand and turquoise water.

Although the stairs are now a popular photo spot, the beach itself is a beautiful place to relax and spend a few hours watching the sun go down. Because it’s difficult to reach, it’s also relatively quiet.

Unfortunately, the beach was highly polluted during our visit, with a lot of plastic washed up on the shore and by the stairs. 

Read: Learn more about how to travel plastic-free!

14. Karon Beach

Another tiny fishing village turned tourist hotspot, this long stretch of sand in Karon is stunning, with soft white sand and an inviting clear blue sea just waiting to be dived into! The popular area can get busy, but it is big enough that you should be able to find a quiet spot for yourself.

There are plenty of restaurants, bars, and shops here. We’d recommend Soul I Vegan Cafe & Restaurant for a delicious and nourishing meal to keep your energy up in between swims in the sea.

Tip: If it’s super busy, try Kata Beach or Kata Noi Beach, which are quieter.

Here are all your hotel options in Karon Beach.

15. Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae Waterfall is a stunning natural feature In Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the only remaining rainforest in Phuket. The falls cascade down a rocky cliff into a natural pool below, surrounded by tropical plants, and it’s a great place to cool off in the hot and humid weather! 

The park is a natural sanctuary for rare and endangered wildlife, so keep a close eye out for flying squirrels and macaques as you walk. You are also closeby to the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project if you want to learn more about these amazing animals.

Entrance Fee: 200 THB (5 USD) to enter the national park.

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16. Go Island Hopping

Phuket is the perfect jumping-off point for island hopping. Because of its location in the stunning blue Andaman Sea, there is easy access to hundreds of beautiful limestone islands with white sandy beaches and dramatic green cliffs. Spend a few days exploring pristine beaches, snorkeling and diving in coral reefs, and visiting floating villages. 

Many of these islands are only a short boat ride away, so you can base yourself in Phuket and make day trips. Alternatively, pick your favorite and spend a few nights away in a tropical island paradise.

Getting there: Book a tour from the many operators in Phuket, or there are plenty of flexible transport options, including speedboats and ferries, which can take you to most islands in under an hour. Prices: 1000-4000 THB (30-120 USD)

One of the most famous places in Thailand, Phi Phi is, in fact, a group of six islands, all with beautiful beaches and crystal clear water. Come here for out-of-this-world snorkeling and diving spots, stunning scenery that you may recognize from movies like ‘The Beach’, and vibrant nightlife.

See availability for a tour to the Phi Phi Islands

Racha Islands  

Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi are two beautiful islands, only one of which is inhabited. Both have snowy white beaches, clear azure water, and world-class snorkeling and diving. These quiet islands are also great for stargazing.

Book tickets for a catamaran tour to the Racha Islands

K ai Islands

These stunning islands are what you see on the posters—home to untouched sandy beaches, bright blue water dotted with small wooden boats, and palm trees waving in the breeze. The island has a relaxed and authentic vibe, making it the perfect place to unwind and snorkel in the shallow waters.

See availability and tickets for a day tour to the Kai Islands

Coral Island 

Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae, is home to the beautiful Banana Beach and breathtaking coral reefs, great for snorkeling and diving. It is also only 15 minutes by speedboat from Phuket, so it’s an excellent option for a day trip.

Book your speedboat ticket in advance to Banana Beach

17. Visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project

The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project aims to rescue, protect and rehabilitate gibbons that have been illegally captured for the tourism and pet trades. The team works to repopulate the endangered species and reintroduce them back into their natural habitat, which is also sadly Phuket’s last remaining rainforest. 

The visit includes a visit to the nearby Bang Pae waterfall, a beautiful natural oasis where you can cool off.

See the official website for tour prices and times

Best Cafes and Restaurants in Phuket

Phuket has countless restaurants and cafes offering everything from international cuisine to delicious local dishes and incredible seafood, of course! There are loads of great vegan and vegetarian options as well, and you can cafe-hop for days. 

There are so many amazing places to choose from, but here are some of our absolute favorites:

• Beach Coconuts Bowls
• Laem Sai Cup Cafe
• Soul Vegan Cafe
• Three Monkeys Restaurant
• The Neighbors Cafe
• Origami Cafe
• Maimorn Seafood & Karaoke
• Pizzeria Da Moreno
• The Vegan Table
• Amore Mexican Tapas & Bar

Where to Stay

We recommend splitting your time between the beach and the old town, spending at least 2-3 days in each. There are plenty of accommodation options, from cheap and cheerful hostels in Phuket to upmarket hotels and luxury villas. Here are some of the most popular areas for your stay:

Phuket Old Town

The best time to stay here is during the weekend when the Sunday night market is on, and there is a lively atmosphere. Although small, it’s the cultural and historical heart of the island, with beautiful colonial architecture, museums, and many cute cafes. 

Hotels in Phuket Old Town 😴

Patong Beach

Patong is the most popular area for visitors as there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, bars, and shops to explore. There are also lots of backpacker hostels here, and if partying is your thing, this is where you should be based. 

Hotels in Patong 😴

Kata Beach or Karon Beach

Come here for relaxed beach vibes, stunning natural scenery, and more peace than busy Patong. Laid-back Kata is a bit quieter than Karon. 

Hotels in Kata Beach 😴

Bang Tao is a huge stretch of beach (one of the longest in Phuket), where many resorts are based. It’s much quieter, a little fancier, and has beautiful sunsets.

Hotels in Bang Tao 😴

How Many Days in Phuket? 

There are so many things to do in Phuket that it would be a shame to pack it all into a few short days. We recommend staying at least a week to fully explore and experience everything that this huge island has to offer. There are loads of different towns and beaches to visit, great shopping, fantastic cafes and plenty of parties! You should also definitely spend a day or two island hopping if you have the time. 

How to Visit Phuket

There are international and domestic flights to Phuket , with daily flights from Bangkok taking just under two hours. If you’re lucky enough to have a window seat, keep an eye out for Mai Khao Beach while landing, which is right by the airport, where you’ll see people plane-spotting on the sand! 

From the airport, it is a 40-minute drive to Phuket Old Town; you can take a shared van (120 THB / 3.50 USD) or a public bus, and there are always plenty of taxis waiting if you have a slightly bigger budget (550 THB / 16 USD). Please note that Grab, Indrive, and other apps are not allowed inside the airport. 

Book your airport transfer in advance here

If traveling from Bangkok, you can take a night bus or train (both take around 12-14 hours), which is a more affordable and sustainable option. The train stops at Surat Thani, so you must take an onward bus from there to Phuket.

See availability and tickets for a train to Surat Thani

Getting Around

You can rent a motorbike for around 5-10 USD per day. However, remember that traffic in Phuket can be heavy, and road safety is not always a top priority. Tuk-tuks are the easiest way to get around and generally the cheapest, as taxis are a little more expensive. Grab taxi is another handy option. Alternatively, you can rent a car to have complete freedom.

We recommend to rent a car in Thailand through Sunny Cars with free cancellation and insurance included. Book your rental car here .

How Much Does Phuket Cost?

Phuket is a popular holiday destination for all kinds of budgets, whether you’re looking to treat yourself or you’re on a budget. There are plenty of great hostel options, and choosing local restaurants or street food is also great for saving money.

Tip: During the high season, from November to February, prices will be higher.

Costs of Traveling in Phuket

Travel on a budget in Phuket, from $110 − $240 USD weekly per person, mid-range $490 − $590 USD, and high-end from $590 − $750 USD. However, costs depend on factors like accommodation, transportation, and activities. We did not include flights. Check flight prices here

• Hotels: $50 − $80 USD Check available hotels
• Hostels: $5 − $25 USD Check available hostels
• Transport: $2 − $10 USD Book public transport
• Food: $3 − $8 USD
• Activities: $2 − $10 USD See tickets & tours
• Sim: $1 − $3 USD Get an eSIM or SIM here
• Travel Insurance: $2 − $6 USD Get Travel Insurance

Best Time to Visit

Phuket can get very busy during the high season (November to February), which means higher prices, but the weather is cooler, and there is less chance of heavy rain. The shoulder season of March to May is an excellent time to come if you want to avoid the bigger crowds and enjoy lower prices while still having good weather.  

Tip: If you’re here in September/October, don’t miss out on the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, a colorful and lively event with different ceremonies over 10 days and lots of firecrackers!

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Koh Lipe: A Guide to Thailand’s Paradise Island

Khao sok national park and the floating bungalows, 10 best things to do in chiang rai, thailand.

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Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Phuket

The BEST PHUKET ITINERARY in Existence (2024 • UPDATED)

It is a mark of impressive self-control to resist the urge to make a bad Phuket pun. They’re not even half as funny as you initially think, and probably about a tenth as clever.

But Phuket, life is short, and it does wonders for publicity…

Beautiful beaches, night markets, big buddhas and questionable (or seriously legit) Thai cooking classes are all up for grabs. But how to fit in all this wondrousness in such a short time?

The answer is in hand with my top-tier Phuket Itinerary , written for the purposes of indulging your island hopping, street food chopping, Bang Tao Beach loving appetites. These three days may well be some of the most enjoyable of the year, decade, century… etc.

Let’s see what we can do in Phuket!

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A Little Bit About this 3-Day Phuket Itinerary

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Are you an edgy cool person intent on backpacking through Thailand ? Do you feel existential dread from the prospect of an unscripted day?

Then come on through! I am about to uncover some of the best things to do in Phuket , from delicious local dishes and beautiful Islands to authentic Thai culture…

This 3-day Phuket itinerary is set up to be busy, so don’t worry if you feel you can fit everything in! There’s an unreasonable amount to do here, and just taking part in some of it will give you a real feel for the place.

Your Phuket trip is (as always) up to you, so take what you fancy, drop what you don’t, and hopefully, you’ll have a baseline for your perfect personalised itinerary. Taking the time to visit Phuket and its top attractions will be an unreal addition to your Thai adventure!

3-day Phuket Itinerary Overview

• Day 1: Phuket Old Town | Wat Chalong Temple | The Big Buddha | Kata Noi Beach | Prompthep Cape | Laem Hin Pier
• Day 2: Bang Pae Waterfall | Sirinat National Park | Bang Tao Beach | The Banzaan Market | Paradise Beach | Bangla Road
• Day 3: Patong Beach | Phang Nga Bay | Koh Panyi | James Bond Island

Before you head off on your travels, it’s worth getting to grips with where to stay in Phuket . Not only will this drastically improve the odds of your SO liking you, but it will also give you a good idea of what is up in this awesome Thai playground.

Phuket City (or Phuket Town) is Phuket’s capital and is the largest city for miles. If you enjoy learning about history and culture, Phuket City is the place to be. It has ok parties too.

Patong is the most popular tourist destination in the province of Phuket. With picture-perfect coastal views, stunning white sand beaches, a relaxed atmosphere, and beautiful scenic surroundings, I can see why! If you’re searching for Phuket nightlife, Patong is where you want to be.

Karon beach is found on the west coast of Phuket island and is the second-largest tourist beach. Karon is just the place if you’re looking for out-of-this-world views, inviting turquoise waters and long stretches of white sand shores!

Staying with locals in Phuket  through a homestay is another awesome (and cheap) accommodation option, and it comes with a much more authentic feeling.

Best Hostel in Phuket- Lub D Phuket Patong

This magnificent Phuket Hostel was Voted in 2017 as the “Best New Hostel” in the world, and it must be seen to be believed. Take a dip in the see-through outdoor swimming pool, sunbathe on the huge terrace and treat yourself to a few delicious cocktails or beers. This is a place with vibe and friendliness oozing from the walls! Meet other travelers and enjoy the fun and relaxation of the space. If you’re looking for the beach, then it’s only 2 minutes away! If you want to hit the nightclubs & bars on Bangla road then you only have 5 minutes to walk.

Best Airbnb in Phuket: Luxury Room & Rooftop Pool with Phuket City Views

Enjoy amazing views and modern amenities in this luxury condo in Phuket Town. Located on the 11th floor, this contemporary condo offers guests a king-sized bed, colourful décor, and comfortable living space.

With free wifi, two swimming pools and a fitness centre, you won’t find a better Airbnb in Phuket.

Best Budget Hotel in Phuket – U Sabai Living Hotel

This Budget pick is constantly surprising punters with its spacious rooms, cleanliness, and great location. Phuket international airport is 40 minutes away by car, whilst the famous Patong beach is just a 15-minute walk. Traditional Thai massages are on offer, and each room has a private bathroom. Snorkelling and sightseeing tours can be arranged from the front desk, and the on-site restaurant offers a mix of great Thai and western dishes.

Best Luxury Hotel in Phuket – Phuket Marriott Resort & Spa

One of the best luxury resorts going, this family-friendly resort offers guests access to 3 swimming pools, 8 dining options and a private beach. There is a fitness centre, two whirlpool pools, and of course, a great massage centre. One of the bars even offers guests the opportunity to swim up to it. There are loads of activities for kids on offer too, which makes it super great for family vacations, as well as romantic getaways. If you’re looking to be pampered, look no further.

Ok, without further ado, I present to you my epic, super fun, mostly well-thought-out Phuket Itinerary…

…Enjoy!

Phuket Old Town | Wat Chalong Temple | The Big Buddha | Kata Noi Beach | Prompthep Cape | Laem Hin Pier

In and around Phuket, day 1 is all about getting to know your immediate surroundings. Then, we move down to southern Phuket, before returning to the city for a seaside dinner. Phuket city accommodation is preferred here!

8:00 am – Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is a must-see place in Phuket and provides you with different shapes and sizes of old Sino-Portuguese splendors, plenty of funky shops, and boutique cafes! Explore and find some of the most unlikely places that will surprise and delight at the same time.

Phuket Old Town is the heart of Phuket’s island and also happens to be the capital. This town is far from ordinary, and offers so much more than you might think! Grab breakfast, and get ready for an awesome day.

Phuket Town displays attractive and aesthetic buildings that date back to the 1800s. There is a unique blend of colonial and Chinese architecture, joint with a tangible quaintness. This makes for a fascinating and eye-opening morning spent sauntering around Phuket’s Old Town. Expect the unexpected and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures !

• Cost – Free
• How long should I stay here? 1.5 hours
• Getting there – Either you’re staying nearby, or you can taxi or bus. Phuket city is the centre so it’s not hard to get to!

11:00 am – Wat Chalong Temple

This gorgeous temple showcases the brilliance of Phuket’s architectural creativity as well as the rich cultural history of religion on this island. Wat Chalong Temple is formally known as Wat Chaiyathararam and is a huge part of Phuket’s heritage!

Wat Chalong is the largest, most revered and most visited Buddhist temple in the whole of Phuket island. This temple was built at the beginning of the 19th century and is definitely at the top of our must-see places in Phuket.

You will see that the tallest building on the grounds of this stunning temple is the 60-meter tall stupa that shelters a magnificent bone fragment of the Lord Buddha. The walls and ceilings of the temple are adorned with beautiful and spiritually significant paintings that retrace the story of Buddha’s legendary life. Each of the three floors and also full of large donated golden statues.

• Cost – Free, but donations are appreciated
• How long should I stay here? 1 hour or less
• Getting there – Grabbing a taxi or bus from Phuket is relatively easy. It’s well-known so you shouldn’t have problems getting there!

12:30 pm – Phuket Big Buddha

The Phuket Big Buddha , otherwise known as The Great Buddha of Phuket, is a nobly seated Maravijaya Buddha statue in the south of Phuket island. The formal and official name is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri, shortened to Ming Mongkol Buddha. Find this marvelous statue sitting atop Nakkerd Hill.

The Big Buddha is a 45-meter-tall white statue made entirely out of marble and is visible from anywhere in the southern part of Phuket as it protrudes the skies. Visiting this outstanding landmark is at the top of most must-do-in-Phuket lists and we can easily understand why! This is a monument that pays homage to the spiritual history of Phuket and it is a sobering experience to go and see it! The views from this mountain also happen to be breathtaking.

Mostly built on people’s donation in 2004, The Big Buddha Phuket is actually still under construction. If you feel like doing something to help to finish the broad base of the Buddha, you can sponsor a piece of white marble!

Make sure that you get there before it closes at 7pm!

• How long should I stay here? 1.5 to 2 hours (with lunch!)
• Getting there – Taxi, it’s about a 20-minute drive from Wat Chalong. It’s a 6km walk, but up a hill and in the day might not be the best idea.

2:30 pm – Kata Noi Beach

Kata Noi is without a doubt one of the best beaches in Phuket. The white sands, gorgeous watercolour, and rising cliffs make this a top place to relax for the afternoon! The area gets waves good enough for surfers between May and October and is both pet and nudist-friendly. Kata Noi Beach is perched on the West Coast of Phuket, not too far from the Big Buddha.

Kata Noi is about 700 metres long, which means that if you’re looking for a bit of space, there is certainly that. There are also a load of activities to take part in; banana boating jet skiing and snorkelling are all possible past times here.

Hiking up to the nearby Karon viewpoint is a great way to put the beach into perspective. Enjoy some top-class views, and get familiar with some Thai jungle scenery!

• Cost – Free (it’s a beach!)
• How long should I stay here? around 3 hours. Get comfy!
• Getting there – It’s half an hour’s drive again from the Phuket Big Buddha. Grab a taxi if you can!

6 pm – Prompthep Cape

If you’re looking for a gorgeous sunset to finish the day off, then I have properly nailed this itinerary. The sunsets at Prompthep Cape are spectacular, but sadly this draws a pretty formidable tourist crowd. You can get a people-free shot by walking to the end of the Cape, but this isn’t an easy walk!

It’s at this point in the day when I start recommending alcohol. Bukito by Promthep Restaurant can offer dinner and drinks, but I’d recommend just going for a beverage or two – I’ve got a great dinner spot lined up for later. The Promthep lighthouse (also a small museum) is worth taking a look at, but it’s not worth staying much longer. Grab a photo, enjoy the sun setting, and get out of there!

People-watching here is excellent, since everyone is just waiting for a sunset photo.

• Getting there – Sorry to say it’s another Taxi or drive from kata Noi beach. Takes about 20 minutes.

8 pm – Laem Hin Pier

This is our evening endpoint. Located just north of Phuket City, you jump on a free shuttle boat which will take you out to a pier filled with some of the best local seafood places on the island.

Laem Hin is a vast wooden construction, but can still get reasonably busy. The seafood here is just amazing, so it’s understandable. It’s also cheap! So if you’re here with a family you can really go for the banquet experience.

After a long day, you’ll be ready to relax, so grab a beer or two, then head back to your Phuket Town accommodation for a good night’s rest. You’re going to need it!

• Cost – Pay for what you buy (<$10)
• How long should I stay here? around 2 hours
• Getting there – Long drive back to Phuket town (just under an hour). Then take the ferry shuttle over to the restaurant.

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Bang Pae Waterfall | Sirinat National Park | Bang Tao Beach | The Banzaan Market | Paradise Beach | Bangla Road

Day 2 is all about tripping, specifically day tripping, and getting out into the furthest reaches of North and Eastern Phuket. Staying near Patong beach will allow you to make the most of this day.

8:30 am – Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae waterfall is one of the top three best-known waterfalls in Phuket, perhaps four if you include a tiny one in Layan Bay, but only three are significant: Bang Pae, Kathu Waterfall and Tonsai Waterfall.

This is a must-see waterfall and getting there is an absolute adventure! Travel through the dense rainforests of Phuket, and see indigenous birds in their natural habitat. The waterfall is on part of a National Park which means you will also see some of the most spectacular jungle fauna!

Bang Pae waterfall is breathtaking and remarkably easy to reach. Take a stroll and see Thai teens and families playing in the stream as you walk up the hill. Visiting a waterfall is a wonderful way to spend a day during your weekend in Phuket, as this is when it is most busy and attracts the locals.

Grab a quick hotel/ hostel breakfast before embarking on this early-morning adventure!

• Cost – The entrance fee is THB 200 ($6,34) for the national park, and then you will pay either a THB 20 (63c) parking fee for a motorbike or THB 30 (95c) for a car.
• How long should I stay here? 2 to 3 hours
• Getting there – Worth hiring a taxi man for the day if I’m honest, but you can bike it too! It’s a 40-minute journey from Phuket Town

11:30 am – Sirinat National Park

The picturesque Sirinat National Park is found on the northwestern coast of Phuket Island.

There is such an atmosphere of peacefulness and so many new types of vegetation and wildlife for you to stumble across! Sirinat National Park stretches over a large amount of pine-fringed beaches, including Nai Thon, Nai Yang, and Mai Khao Beach.

Mai Khao Beach is famous for being the exotic home of nesting sea turtles, such as the leatherbacks and hawksbills! You can also explore tropical coral reefs that are clustered in the clear waters offshore and escape into massive mangrove forests in Sai Kaew Beach.

This is a truly amazing place to be, but it is rural. Pack some snacks for your day before you arrive. Lunch isn’t until later!

• Cost – The entrance fee is THB 200 ($6,34) per adult and THB 100 ($3,17) per child.
• Getting there – Sirinat National Park isn’t far from the Bang Pae Waterfall. Hop in your car, you’ll be there in 20 minutes!

Insider Tip: Keep an eye out for the birdlife, many famous and rare birds can be sighted within the canopies of Sirinat National Park! One of the most popular is the Kingfisher.

2 pm – Bang Tao Beach

If you fancy a slice of the untouched, then Bang Tao beach is for you! An amazingly quiet, pristine beach, it is a great place to doze away the hours of the early afternoon. You’ll need to – things heat up later.

Bang Tao beach is one of the longest beaches on Phuket island. It is relatively uncluttered, and much more peaceful than many of the other beaches in Phuket. There are great fancy restaurants at hotels, but there are some midrange and cheaper places too. Stop off for a relaxing lunch to rejuvenate. Since the beach is so long, I’d recommend heading for the Southern section. There are more places to eat, and it makes the next section of your journey shorter.

Sit back, relax, grab some lunch, and then spread out the beach towel for a little early afternoon sunbathing.

• Cost – Free!
• How long should I stay here? About 2 hours
• Getting there – Just head due south down the coast, it’s on the way to Patong beach. Takes around half an hour.

4:30 pm – The Banzaan Market

Get swept into the energetic and vibrant mass energy here and explore a new way of shopping. The Banzaan Market is a modern-looking Thai fresh market found on Sai Kor Road, behind the Jungceylon.

Take the time to check into your Patong beach accommodation, and then head back out to the Banzaan market!

You will basically come across all kinds of produce and crafts that you could expect at any other street market, but the Banzaan Market is hosted in a much more pleasant envious mentioned and is famous for being so well organized.

The locals go all out to showcase their best products, and you will be amazed at the bargains you can hunt for! This is a cultural way to end the last of your 2 days in Phuket!

• Cost – Entrance is free
• How long should I stay here? About 1 hour
• Getting there – Short taxi (or walk), after a half-hour drive from Bang Tao beach.

6 pm – Paradise Beach

The drinks are delicious, but the food is even better. Choose from their vast range of both Indian and Thai cuisine! We suggest going wild here and trying as many different dishes as you can!

Welcome to paradise! This magnificent and rather private beach is less than 200m in length and hosts a little rocky headland that kind of makes it two beaches if you want to get technical. Paradise Beach is a cosy and tiny cove near Patong and is famous for having lush and calm waters that feature a soft seabed mostly throughout the year.

Sunbathe or stroll the pristine white sand and be shaded by nodding palm trees, you will feel as if you are part of a photo shoot for a holiday brochure! Laze and allow yourself to emerge into the peaceful, picturesque environment that Paradise Beach provides.

Being the home of Paradise Beach Club, this magical cove even has a great choice of facilities, including upbeat restaurants, bars, sea kayaks, beach chairs and so much more. You can even get your party on and join one of Phuket’s only Koh Phangan-style beach parties !

I’d recommend grabbing dinner here, before heading back to Patong to experience the night life.

• Cost – The entrance fee is THB 200 ($6,34) per person.
• How long should I stay here? Around 2 hours
• Getting there – Paradise beach is about 20 minutes from the Banzaan Market, on the West coast.

10 pm – Bangla Road

Bangla Road in Patong is notoriously named for its highly energetic and lively nightlife! Bangla Road is a  must-visit while you’re in Phuket and you will find the experience to be unforgettable. The nightlife is at the top of its game and offers more clubs than anywhere else in Phuket! Bangla Road is also packed with a ridiculous amount of vibrantly lit bars, go-go bars, girly bars, and relaxed ex-pat bars – think lots of drinks, bizarre spectacles and music!

As the sun goes down, Bangla road becomes closed off to traffic, making it a wonderful space for easy pub-hopping! The neon lights and bars start to come alive and the music from all the bars starts to intertwine with each other.

Have a noisy, fun and energetic night out in this famous street and have a night that will open your eyes to a whole new world! This road in itself is an experience to be had and it can feel like you’re headed into a fantasy land. There are many side roads (called Soi’s in Thai) that lead off from Bangla Road. Here you will find even more bars, as well as mini clubs.

• How long should I stay here? All night, all day who knows? Tomorrow does happen at some point though so try and get a little sleep xx
• Getting there – Back to the hotel from Paradise beach (car/taxi 20 minutes), then walk out to the town from your hotel!

Insider Tip: When partying the night away, expect to be hit on by a few ‘women of the night’ and even ‘men of the night’ as Bangala Road is also the sex capital of Phuket. I would strongly recommend that you turn them down, as not all of it is hugely ethical.

Lub D Phuket Patong

Lub D Phuket Patong Is one of the most EPIC hostels in Phuket! This magnificent Hostel was Voted in 2017 as the “Best New Hostel” in the world, and it must be seen to be believed.

• Large see-through swimming pool

Patong Beach | Phang Nga Bay | Koh Panyi | James Bond Island

Day 3 is when we ditch the land and look seawards. Think island hopping, but better because I’m in charge…

Accommodation is up to you here, but staying near Phang Nga Bay might be easiest!

9 am – Patong Beach

A lazy morning is probably not just desired but needed after the previous evening’s revelry. Take an easy stroll down to the beach for a morning swim to wake you up. Grab some street food or breakfast too!

An army marches on its stomach, and there is still lots to do today! Rent a beach chair, drool on the sand a little, but ready yourself! If you’re feeling refreshed already, there is paragliding, jet skiing, and other beachy activities to get you pumped.

Take advantage of a beach massage if you really want to get the ball rolling, and there are always people who will sell you a smoothie by the side of the road. Try one! Patong beach is very much a love-or-hate thing. It is busy but super beautiful. If you don’t mind other people, then you should have a great time.

• Getting there – Short taxi, or walk from your Patong Beach accommodation.

12:00 am – Phang Nga Bay

Okay, this is where a visit to Phuket (although already brilliant) becomes truly legendary. Phang Nga Bay itself is made up of hundreds of different points of interest, and choosing which ones to do is entirely up to you!

I’ve included Koh Panyi and James Bond Island on the itinerary list because they are must-haves, but get exploring and you’ll have an awesome time here!

The cave of the reclining Buddha is a great place to start before heading over to Koh Panyi for some lunch. After James Bond Island, think about heading to Laem Haad Beach, Koh Panak, Koh Hong, Kudu Yai or the Koh Yao Islands. Since Phang Nga Bay has so much to do, and it’s relatively spaced apart, it’s worth getting either a private tour boat or joining one with others. There’s so much to see, and it’s not worth missing out on!

• Cost – 200 Baht ($6) for entrance, plus boat costs
• How long should I stay here? All day, but try the reclining Buddha first (around 1 hour)
• Getting there – Sadly, transfer over to Phang Nga from Patong takes around 2 hours. It is super worth it though! Hotels will often offer tours of Phang Nga bay, or you can join a private one!

1:30 pm – Koh Panyi

This fishing village is almost entirely built on stilts. There is brilliant seafood, which makes it a great lunchtime stop, but people know about it (so it can get crowded too). It’s up to you if you want to luncheon here, but sitting down and taking an easy lunch can be a great way to ease the effects of the two-hour drive in the morning.

It’s a pretty crazy village, and the natural scenery surrounding it is absolutely stunning. There is even a mosque on the island, which is worth having a look at. However, aside from walking the town and trying the seafood, there is not much else to do. Enjoy the environment and prepare for bigger and better things!

• Cost – To hire a private boat to the island it’s 1500 Baht (around $40). There are regular ferries which are much cheaper.
• How long should I stay here? under 2 hours
• Getting there – You can catch a longtail boat from Surakul pier, which takes around 20 minutes.

3:00 pm – James Bond Island

The famous James Bond Island (or Khao Phing Kan) gathered a lot of international interest, and now gets swarmed with tourists…

But that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth it! It is a stunning place to be, and the cute coves and beaches make a visit very enjoyable. There are some interesting things to buy too, as vendors inevitably follow the tourist crowd.

James Bond island gets mixed reviews since many people go there. Like the Colosseum or Eiffel tower, people just want a money shot before clearing off. However, it is super pretty, and it’s worth going if you’re in the area anyway.

After you’ve enjoyed this tourist trap, I’d recommend chilling at a more relaxed beach until the bay closes at six, or going back to your hotel. If you fancy something active, there is a great range of outdoorsy ways you can explore the magical environment of Phang Nga Bay!

• Cost – Boats can range between 400 and 2000 Baht (for a private)
• How long should I stay here? an hour or less
• Getting there – Boat from Koh Panyi

If you have the time, here are some things that you might want to squeeze in. Alternatively, substitute (or add in) some of these amazing gems to give your trip a distinctly “you” factor…

Koh Racha, AKA Raya Island, is an island about 20 km south of Phuket. There aren’t any roads or cars, which makes this a haven for naturists. Lots of swimming, snorkelling and beaching is clearly on the cards.

Whilst you can certainly cover most of Raya Island in a single-day trip, if you really want to get a handle on this island, then I’d suggest staying over. There are some really really nice resorts, hotels and hostels that will have everything you need for a great stay.

The amazing Patok beach is a great place to sunbathe, and there are plenty of other things to take part in on the island. Fishing, scuba diving, snorkelling, and jet skiing could form part of a top-class day.

• How long should I stay here? All day?
• Getting there – 30 minute speedboat from Phuket

Phi Phi Islands

The Phi Phi Islands were popularised by Leonardo Dicaprio and his pretty face. After he had been there, suddenly everyone else wanted to be there too, and it quickly became a tourist hotspot.

There are several islands in the Phi Phi archipelago, including the main island of Phi Phi Don. Bamboo Island is known for its beautiful sandy beaches, pristine natural state, and amazing snorkelling and diving. Ko Yung (Mosquito Island) is similar but slightly larger. Both these islands are uninhabited.

If you’re looking for some truly unbelievable beaches and marine life, then the Phi Phi Islands are a top destination for you.

• How long should I stay here? Worth spending a night here. Lots to do!
• Getting there – Boat from Phuket City

Phuket Simon Cabaret

Experience something that you have never seen before with this intimate theater extravaganza! The show is a must-see attraction during your travels in Phuket! Witness an extravagant cabaret show with dancers in sparkly attire and even sparklier headdresses.

One of the oddest aspects that makes this show unusual is that it is probably the biggest “transvestite” cabaret show to be found in Phuket. This show features a spectacular musical floor show being performed by the world-famous “ladyboys” of Simon Cabaret.

See for yourself! You will be surprised how elaborate the costumes and makeup are, and how hard it becomes to tell the difference! Stunning costumes, bright lights, an excellent sound system, and expensive decorative sets are all part of this theatrical event that is not to be missed!

One of the coolest things to do in Phuket is to have a glamorous night out at the Simon Cabaret Show. See a variety of acts by dazzling men dressed as beautiful women complete with eye-catching costumes!

• Cost – Tickets are THB 600 ($18,83).
• How long should I stay here? 2 hours
• Getting there – Taxi, or walk in Phuket City

Phuket Sunday Night Market

The Phuket Sunday Market is known for having a hugely varied selection of curios and secondhand items on sale in a bustling market atmosphere! This is very different from the usual local markets where you can find copied T-shirts and cheap jeans. Hosted from the starting point at Thepkasattri Road and stretching all along the streets to Phuket Road.

All of the old Sino-Portuguese houses along Thalang road are brightly lit with ever-changing colours that add an extra spark to the festive mood created by this one-of-a-kind market! This beautiful historical street is very proud to be the first road on the entire island that is completely free of any large and ugly electric cables hanging around looking like a gigantic mess.

The market is an opportunity for you to try one of the Phuket specialities and explore your boundaries with cuisine! You can find a good mix of sweets and snacks to nibble as you walk. One of the most strange things is the horseshoe crab salad, which is not for the light-hearted!

• How long should I stay here? No more than an hour or two. The market is open from 4 pm til 9 pm
• Getting there – Taxi or walk

Phuket has a welcoming, warm and tropical climate. The beautiful temperatures are wayyy hotter than they are cold, and even when it’s cold, it’s really still quite humid.

The extremely rainy Monsoon season begins mid-May and goes on till October, but don’t let this deter you. This is when Phuket is quiet, so you can experience a more authentic cultural side of the places you visit. It’s the perfect time to visit Phuket’s museums too.

Phuket’s high tourist season is from November to February. During this time, the days are sunny and you won’t have a drop of rain! Making it perfect for lazy afternoons, sightseeing, hiking and water sports.

When getting from place to place in Phuket, there are several options to consider. Tuk-tuks are found everywhere in Thailand, so you will easily be able to hire one at any given time to get you from A  to B. Be sure your driver understands where you want to go and check for an authentic license before you accept your ride!

Hiring out a bike is an excellent option when travelling in Phuket, and is ideal for couples or solo travellers. There are many businesses that hire out bikes, and most hotels offer this service or will know a company.

Taxis are found easily, so hiring one is a good option and the prices are usually very reasonable! The locals are very used to tourists visiting Phuket, and can share some knowledge with you on the coolest places.

Walking in Phuket is beautiful, each place is pumping with vibrancy and culture! Meet the locals, find new spots and enjoy the street food. A lot of places in Phuket are easy to walk to, and it is well worth taking a stroll in some of the more culturally rich and scenic areas.

Packing for a tropical climate is the easiest packing you can do – couple of shorts and a t-shirt, and you’re good to go. Packing for thailand is usually straightforward.

The vast majority of the time, Phuket is a very safe place to visit, but it is good to know a few safety tips too. Be sure to keep your wits about you when dealing with locals after a few drinks, as things can get ugly if you lose your cool and start shouting or behaving like an ass. For the ladies, don’t drink alone or walk the streets at night by yourself, and watch out for drink spiking.

There are also some safety precautions to heed when swimming in the famous ocean waters of Phuket. Although Phuket’s main beaches are now well-staffed with lifeguards, there are still a number of drownings that occur each year. When the beaches are lined with red flags, these are a warning of strong waves and undertow.

Other safety measures would be simple things like, wearing a helmet if you rent a motorbike in Phuket, driving cautiously and never driving drunk as Phuket has the highest rate of car accidents in Thailand.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Phuket

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Here’s what people usually ask us when they plan their Phuket itinerary.

Is a Trip to Phuket a Good Idea?

Probably one of the best you’ve had I’d say. Phuket is magical in every capacity, and taking the time to visit Phuket will boost your Thailand trip into the stratosphere. Not only is it relatively cheap, but it’s super beautiful too!

How long should I spend in Thailand, Phuket Island?

Ideally, you should spend around a week getting to know Phuket, but anything 3 days or above is great too. There is so much to do here, and it’s easiest to get fully comfortable here if you spend a little longer.

What are some awesome free things to do in Phuket?

There are heaps to do for free. Explore the fascinating streets of Phuket Old Town before hitting up one of the many beaches.

What are the best Phuket things to do at night?

Bangla Road is the epicentre of the nightlife scene in Phuket. Alternatively, try the Phuket Sunday Night Market if you want a different vibe.

Phuket is not only a beautiful paradise of long-stretching beaches but also a hub of cultural experiences and friendly locals just waiting to share their stories with you! Embark on the adventure of a lifetime and enjoy moments that take your breath away.

It doesn’t matter how many days in Phuket you spend, you are bound to take something back from the experience. Laze around and allow these lifelong memories to soak in, as you will fall in love with everything about the astounding and magical island!

With our Phuket travel guide, you will have the most amazing time of your life in this mesmerizing part of Thailand as each moment will be full of new experiences and wonderment!

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Clair Cathryn

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It’s my second time in Phuket, and I love it! I haven’t visited the Elephant Sanctuary and the Big Buddha yet. Thanks for the tips!

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The Only Phuket Travel Guide You Will Need To Plan Your Thai Vacation

Check out the phuket travel guide to plan a phuket trip in 2023. best things to do, hotels, shopping places & restaurants in phuket..

By: Nikita Mazindar Baruah Published: Feb 01, 2023 08:00 AM IST

One of Thailand’s most loved and frequently explored travel destinations, Phuket, is the largest island in the country. Laden with white sand beaches, thriving nightlife, gastronomical adventures and a lot more, the list of places to visit in Phuket is endless.

Whether you’re on a backpacking trip or for leisure, Phuket has it all. Wondering how to outline your trip? Our Phuket travel guide comprises the list of stunning attractions to see, dishes to try and things to do for a picture-perfect vacation .

Best time to explore Phuket

Having a tropical climate pattern, Phuket is primarily warm, rainy and pleasant often. However, it never gets too cold. The coldest season, with temperatures ranging between 23°C to 30°C, starts from November and continues till February. This is the best time to travel to Phuket. The sea is the calmest during this time. You can relax and enjoy your time at the beach without having to worry about the weather.

Also, the monsoon season, which extends from May to October, is a good time to visit Phuket if you do not mind some rainfall.

Best places to visit in Phuket

Patong beach.

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If you’re a party animal and love shopping, this is your place to be. Known for numerous shopping centres, cafes and restaurants along the shore, Patong beach receives a massive number of tourists every day.

If you want to experience amazing nightlife, there are many beer bars and clubs around the beach. You can also find shops selling various items including sarongs, sunglasses and souvenirs.

Book your stay near Patong Beach

Phang Nga Bay

Soak in the spellbinding sight of emerald-green waters, limestone cliffs and ancient caves at Phang Nga Bay. Featured in the famous 1974 James Bond movie, The Man with the Golden Gun , Phang Nga Bay is home to exotic flora and fauna and unparalleled scenic beauty. It is also well known for various water sports such as kayaking and diving.

Kalim Beach

Unlike its neighbour Patong beach, Kalim beach is known to retain the local Thai touch and it offers mesmerising views like no other. One of the best places to visit in Phuket, the beach houses several eating spots and plenty of space to relax and rejuvenate under the warm sun on the sand.

The beach is one of the best spots for surfing in Phuket and hosts several competitions too during the low tide season.

Book your stay near Kalim Beach

Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park

A must-visit for nature enthusiasts, the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park is home to rare flora and fauna in an otherwise fast-growing Phuket. The park also houses many attractions, including naturally formed pools and waterfalls that are an absolute treat to the eyes. One can also find walking trails laid out by the park to explore the region on foot.

Book your stay near Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Park

Thalang National Museum

The Thalang National Museum provides interesting information about the history of Phuket. It displays permanent exhibitions in four themes — Phuket Island and early inhabitants of the Andaman, the battle at Thalang, the Chinese and the development of Phuket and Phuket people.

Historical scriptures and antiques are displayed at the museum that give a glimpse of the Phuket of yesteryears. The museum also exhibits weapons used during the conflict with Myanmar.

Book your stay near Thalang National Museum

Sirinat National Park

The Sirinat National Park is famous for its natural beauty and gorgeous views. An important conservation site, the park includes a 13-kilometre-long coastline with several beaches. Frequently visited by a significant number of tourists, the park is an ideal spot for relaxation amid serene nature.

Paradise Beach

If you want to take a break from the usual hustle, there’s no better spot than Paradise Beach in Phuket. Offering breathtaking views, the beach is known for its soft sands and tall coconut trees where you can spend quality time with your loved ones. Located around eight minutes from the famous Patong Bay, Paradise Beach is known for various water activities including scuba diving, paddling and snorkelling. The beach is also famous globally for its full moon parties where you can dance the night away.

Book your stay near Paradise Beach

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

All animal lovers should schedule a trip to this fantastic elephant sanctuary which also happens to be Phuket’s first and most ethical. Hike through the huge property to observe the magnificent animals in their natural habitat. Taking elephant tourism to new heights, the sanctuary has recently introduced a one-of-a-kind 600-metre long and six-metre-tall canopy walkway for spectators to see the elephants from an appropriate distance.

Freedom Beach

Another hidden gem of Phuket, Freedom beach, bordered by hills covered in dense, lush forests, is known for its white, soft sand. This is the place to be if you’re searching for a serene area to sunbathe. Beach volleyball, soccer and snorkelling are some of the other fun activities to indulge in at Freedom Beach.

Phuket Old Town

A historically significant capital, old Phuket town is home to exquisite shrines, beautiful temples and stores. One of the most exciting places to visit in Phuket, the old town is located near Krabi Road. The buildings in this town have managed to retain their old architectural charm. Unquestionably one of Phuket’s most beautiful tourist destinations, the old Phuket town is home to cosy cafes and various museums too.

Book your stay near Phuket Old Town

Wat Phra Thong

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Partially buried Golden Buddha is this temple’s central attraction. According to sources, the Buddha’s entire body is buried beneath the earth except for his head and shoulders. Thousands of tourists visit the temple each year, seeking the blessings of the Golden Buddha.

Book your stay near Wat Phra Thong

Bang Tao Beach

Another pristine beach in Phuket, Bang Tao Beach, is the second longest in the region, spanning an area of six kilometres. An ideal location for an opulent getaway, there are many fantastic clubs for a great evening. There are several fine-dining restaurants and boutiques selling premium brands indulgence in as well.

Book stays near Bang Tao Beach

Phuket Aquarium

If you are not ready to try snorkelling but still wish to see the beauty of the world under the sea, you must visit Thailand’s biggest aquarium, Aquaria, located in Phuket. Dive in for a splendid experience and witness over 25,000 marine creatures. There are many interactive zones to explore as well.

Monday to Sunday: 11:00am – 7:00pm Last admission: 6:00pm

Hanuman World

Hanuman World must be on the list of top places to visit in Phuket for all thrill seekers. One of the best places to visit in Phuket, it is an eco-adventure park where you can enjoy ziplining and can get an aerial view of the city and the Andaman sea from above. The Roller Coaster Zipline, which follows an 800-metre curving course through the forest at 40 kilometres per hour, is another option to try.

Book your luxury staycation here

Things to do in Phuket

Visit the temples.

With most of its population being Thai Buddhists, Phuket is home to numerous stunning Buddhist temples. One of the most significant is the Big Buddha Temple in Tambon Karon. Some other notable temples you can visit include Wat Chalong and Rua Shrine.

Head to the viewpoints

Phuket is home to unparalleled scenic beauties that must not be missed. Visit the various viewpoints in Phuket to truly admire nature’s masterpiece. Promthep Cape, Karon and Kata are some of the most well-known ones.

Go snorkelling

For water lovers, snorkelling is a must to explore the rich marine life. Phuket has a vast number of beaches with clear, turquoise water, perfect for snorkelling. Kata Noi, Paradise beach, Laem Ka are a few of the most popular snorkelling spots.

Experience the nightlife at Bangla Road

If you wish to experience the nightlife of Phuket, Bangla road is where you should head to. Brimming with nightclubs and bars, it is one of the most happening and sought-after places in Phuket. You will come across numerous beer bars, food stalls and restaurants along this road. The crowd is also entertained by fascinating street performances during late hours.

What to eat in Phuket?

Thai pancakes.

With a strong resemblance to the French crepe, Thai pancakes or roti is a flatbread made from flour, and fried until crisp. A light snack, these pancakes are rolled with butter and sugar and are simply irresistible. Sweetened condensed milk is also added to this, which further enhances the flavour.

These pancakes come in various flavours and can be eaten with eggs, fruits, jam or even chocolate sauce. This delectable Thai food option tastes best when eaten warm, especially from the street vendors of Phuket.

Mee Hokkien

Mee Hokkien or Hokkien style noodles is one of the most loved dishes by tourists and locals alike in Phuket. Consisting hearty wheat noodles, scrumptious seafood, melting slices of pork and a warm gravy like broth topped with a fried egg, this dish indeed hits the right spots on the palate.

Shaved ice topped with flavoured combinations is commonly served as a dessert in various parts of Southeast Asia. However, Phuket has its own take on this popular item. Extremely sweet with bright colours, this is a crowd favourite. It includes gelatinous cubes made from kidney beans and banana starch and is often drizzled with sweet, red syrup.

What to shop in Phuket?

Not just a beach destination, Phuket is also considered to be a shopping hub. From big shopping malls to street stalls and old handicraft shops, you have all options here. There are many stalls near the beaches too where you can buy souvenirs and other local products.

Thai cosmetic products, variety of teas and exotic fruits are some of the items you can buy in Phuket.

How to reach Phuket?

You can reach Phuket from Bangkok by flight, bus or rented car. There are several daily flights from Suvarnabhumi International Airport to Phuket International Airport. Flight fares during weekends and peak season are usually higher than on other days. Additionally, you can fly to Phuket from Bangkok’s domestic airport — Don Muang Airport. You can also travel from Bangkok to Phuket by day and overnight buses that take approximately 14 hours to complete the journey.

(Main image credit: Mitiladis Fragkidis/Unsplash; Featured Image Credit: Sumit Chinchane/Unsplash)

Related: Bangkok Travel Guide: Everything You Need To Know About The Vibrant City

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Answer: There is a lot to explore in Phuket. Hence, the ideal time would be seven days. However, four days are enough if you are tight on time.

Answer: Many beaches such as the Kata Beach, Karon Beach and Patong Beach and famous temples such as Big Buddha and Wat Chalong have no entry fees. You can enjoy these locations without spending any money.

Answer: Living in Phuket is relatively inexpensive. It has many pocket-friendly food and accommodation options, which help cut down on living expenses.

Answer: Phuket offers many local Thai dishes that you should try such as pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles with shrimps), Thai pancake, 'char kway teow' (noodle soup) and 'som tam' (papaya salad).

Answer: There are both cheap and luxury hotels in Phuket. You can also find hostel accommodations for solo travellers. Beach resorts are also a great option to stay in Phuket.

Answer: There are a number of transportation options in Phuket with public buses being the cheapest. Other ways to roam around in Phuket are taxis, rental cars and bikes, tuk-tuks and boats.

Answer: Phuket has a tropical climate, hence it's mostly hot. Summer clothing such as loose T-shirts, summer dresses, shorts and linen shirts are best for a vacation in Phuket.

• Hotels in phuket
• Phuket Vacation
• Thailand destinations

Nikita Mazindar Baruah

An anthropology graduate, Nikita started her journey in writing and editing while she was still a student. She has worked with various agencies and brands, creating content in lifestyle, entertainment, travel and wellness space. She aspires to travel the world and explore food, culture and more while penning it all down to share with the world.

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10 Days in Phuket Itinerary

After multiple visits to Phuket over the last decade, I believe this is the best Phuket itinerary you can follow. Phuket is the largest island in Thailand and has some of the best beaches in the world along with the clearest blue waters, who could ask for more?

With that said there is still so much more to Phuket than beautiful white sand beaches and crystal blue waters, there are in fact hundreds of things you can do which we will explore in this Phuket itinerary.

Phuket has something for everyone whether you are looking for a luxury stay in a resort, adventures and island hopping or just to meet other travellers and have a good time. You can find a place to stay and an area of Phuket that is suited to you.

While this Phuket itinerary follows 10 days in the region, you can easily adapt it to fit the number of days you plan to visit for and the things you’d like to do.

Table of Contents

Getting to Phuket

Depending on where you’ve travelled from you may be able to fly directly into Phuket International Airport. However, the majority of international travellers travelling to Thailand from outside of Asia will arrive in the country’s capital city of Bangkok.

There are a number of ways you can travel from Bangkok to Phuket. Flying is of course the quickest, with the journey taking less than one hour and multiple flights from Bangkok’s airports daily. However, it’s also often the most expensive.

When travelling between Bangkok and Phuket make sure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time. We recommend arriving at Phuket Airport two hours before domestic flights (flights within Thailand) and three hours before international flights (flights outside of Thailand).

Instead, many backpackers (including ourselves) may find themselves taking a coach either through the day or overnight which is significantly cheaper, especially if you find yourselves booking last minute.

Look at taking a suitcase that converts into a backpack , this is extremely helpful for moving your bag around on ferries, boats and buses. It also makes it easier for any time you are on rough terrain that wheels would get stuck on

Your first day will specifically focus on your arrival at Phuket International Airport, and getting settled in a hotel in Phuket town. Once you’ve checked into your hotel, I’m going to be realistic here and say you’re going to be tired. REALLY TIRED. Even if you’ve slept for the entire flight. So, use this time to relax.

Wat Chalong Temple

Wat Chalong is a Buddhist temple located in the northern part of Tambol Chalong. Popular with both locals to coming to pray and tourists coming to see the incredible landmark.

Head to Thalang road where you can find the bus to the temple. It takes around 30 minutes to Wat Chalong Temple, the journey costs 35 baht per person.

The Temple is open to visitors and is free to enter.

It is said that many locals feel the temple has experienced many miracles and has a statue of a man who won the lottery a number of times due to consulting the Poh Than Jao Wat statue.

As temples are a place of worship they do have rules against dress code. For most temples in Thailand, covering shoulders and legs, chest and belly are required. T-shirts and long trousers/shirts are an easy combination.

Just outside of the temple grounds you’ll find a number of street food vendors. Alternatively, if you are looking for a restaurant you will need to walk further out into the main streets.

Phuket Botanical Gardens

Just 2 miles from Wat Chalong is the newly opened Botanical Gardens which stretches over 2.4 hectares. Open daily from 9am until 5pm and with an entrance price of 500 baht per person, the gardens are the perfect place to relax in peace and admire some wonderful plants.

Phuket Botanical Gardens is split into zones, inside each zone you’ll find different species of plants such as tropical palms, herbs, fragrant plants, fruit orchards etc.

All of this is set around a large pond, inside of which you’ll find Japanese koi carp, water lilies, lotuses and even an artificial waterfall that you can walk through.

As a side note, if you’ve only got 1 day in Phuket, then I suggest you follow today’s itinerary…

Monkey Hill

Wake up early to visit Monkey Hill. This hill just outside of Phuket town provides incredible views out over the providence and has some delightful free-roaming guests which you can feed and befriend.

When we first decided to visit Monkey Hill in 2017 there were no articles on the topic. Since then we’ve written a complete guide to visiting Monkey Hill which you should definitely read prior to your visit. These are the main takeaways from our experience;

• Walking up the hill in the humidity is PAINFUL. Instead, take a driver.
• Buy bananas at the bottom of the hill, we didn’t see anyone selling any further up the hill as we got closer to the monkeys.
• Take plenty of water, there’s no 7-11 halfway up (although at the time we decided to climb the hill, I really wished there was)
• Make sure you go to the very top, the car will only be able to take you so far, the rest you have to walk. If you want to get some incredible views of Phuket it is worth walking the rest.

Phuket Old Town Tour

The unique charm of Phuket Old Town alone makes Phuket well worth visiting on a trip to Thailand. Situated roughly 4.5km from Monkey Hill, this Old Town is filled with brightly painted, century-old Sino-Portuguese townhouses which make for wonderful viewing. Many of them are cafes, coffee shops, artist shops, hostels and independent businesses.

You can easily go on a pre-arranged guided walking tour of Phuket Old Town, or do what we did and pick up a free map from the tourist information point and walk around at your own pace.

Phuket Old Town continues to grow in popularity with tourists so try and head out before lunch to avoid the crowds.

Phuket is very different to Bangkok, the capital of Thailand. Nevertheless, this is one of the best regions in Thailand for first-timers and somewhere I highly recommend you visit during a trip to the country.

Just a little street on the outskirts of the main area of Phuket Old Town there is a cat cafe – we simply had to make a stop here before heading back to grab a shower and getting changed ready for the Phuket night market.

Phuket Night Market

No Phuket itinerary is complete without the mention of a night market. Phuket plays host to a number of night markets, the majority of which take place on a weekend.

Here you can find a whole host of vendors selling food, desserts, drinks, homemade items, and trinkets.

The Banzaan weekend market is a little out of Phuket Old Town but you can catch the local bus from Thalang Road and it will take you to the street. The street gets closed off to any traffic so it is safe to walk up and down.

Here you can find plenty of cheap, delicious food. We tried a whole host of different dishes that evening including these luminous green noodles!

There’s no seating at this particular market which does make eating at the market rather difficult. We found a sheltered abandoned doorstep to sit and eat alongside some other tourists experiencing the delights of the market.

We travelled as an LGBTQ+ couple in Thailand and experienced no homophobia or discrimination during our visit. There are a number of gay bars in Phuket, as well as an annual gay pride event that dates back to 1999.

Today we’re leaving Phuket Old Town and heading to the beach. Depending on your plans you may want to change hotels now and move to a hotel in the Kata Beach / Karon Beach region to complete the next couple of days of your Phuket itinerary.

Alternatively, travelling from Phuket Old Town to Kata Beach / Karon Beach and the rest of Phuket is totally fine. Local buses run regularly and taxis between the two locations are frequent and affordable.

Kata Beach is often referred to as the most beautiful beach in Phuket (although I don’t believe that to be true, see Sirinat National Park below for my personal favourite).

This 1.5km strip of beach is home to a whole range of water-sports and activities. However, if you prefer something a little more low-key there’s plenty of sun beds for sunbathing.

Due to the number of visitors you’ll find a range of accommodation and places to eat along the beach strip here and just set back on the adjoining roads.

Karon Beach

Just 4km along the coastline from Kata Beach is Karon Beach. This is one of the longest beaches in Phuket stretching 5km which makes it much easier to find a slightly quieter spot when compared to Kata Beach.

Much like Kata Beach once you get close to the major tourist section of Karon Beach you’ll find a host of hotels, restaurants and activity facilities where you can book to go out kite-surfing, wind-surfing or paragliding.

Head to the southern end of Karon Beach for snorkelling where among the rocks you’ll find a range of active marine life.

Karon Temple Market

If you’re visiting Karon on either a Tuesday or a Saturday then be sure to stop by Karon Temple Market.

Open from late afternoon until around midnight this night market has a similar set up to the one in old town providing you with a great opportunity to dine on budget traditional food and purchase local handmade trinkets.

Day four will see you take a taxi from the hotel to the Big Buddha. This can be pre-arranged at the hotel reception, or you can simply flag down a taxi and barter your price at the time.

If you’re not feeling confident then the Thai equivalent to Uber, Grab is available. This way you can use your smartphone and find out the cost of the journey in advance, there’s no haggling and you can pay through your bank card direct.

This is one of the best ways to travel around Phuket, other options include the local bus or private hire.

The Big Buddha is regarded as one of the most important landmarks on the island. Sitting on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, at 45 metres tall it can be seen from as far away as Phuket Old Town.

The Big Buddha can be reached via a 6km winding road leading from Phuket’s main road. While the road to Nakkerd Hill is in good condition with some curves and steep climbs, some less-powerful scooters can struggle (especially with two people on board).

Which is why we’d advise you to get a taxi instead. Of course, if you’re feeling fit then you can always take the one hour hike to the top.

Regardless of how you get to The Big Buddha, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best 360-degree views of the island.

If you plan to do plenty of walking around Phuket to save money on taxi’s and tuk-tuks, remember to pack plenty of water and snacks. This is especially important in hotter months. Also, don’t forget your suncream and hats!

If you’re after somewhere to chill out and grab a coffee or some lunch then consider stopping in at the Nakkerd Sea View Restaurant. Despite it being located in a ‘tourist’ spot you’ll still find the prices to be very reasonable.

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

Just a couple of miles from The Big Buddha is the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery.

When you think of Phuket you don’t think of distilleries, yet this successful Rum distillery which was set up in 2012 by a young french couple continues to thrive.

Using only locally grown sugar cane, the Chalong Bay Rum distillery produces some incredible rum while supporting local businesses, sustainability and eco-friendly business practices.

The distillery tour is held every hour on the hour between 2pm and 6pm except on Sunday. The tour takes approximately 30-45 minutes and includes a Mojito cocktail and a rum sampling session.

To avoid disappointment I recommend booking a tour of the distillery online in advance. Alternatively, you can try your luck and hope there’s enough space to join a tour on the day.

The tour is only suitable for adults above the age of 18 and costs 450THB per person.

Day five starts with a trip to the popular beach resort of Patong. Much like Karon Beach and Kata Beach, you can base yourself here for the duration of your trip to Phuket, travelling from Phuket Airport to Patong Beach takes just 50 minutes in a taxi. Alternatively, you can travel from Phuket Town to Patong for the day, the journey takes around 15 minutes in a taxi or 1 hour on the local bus.

Patong is a beach resort town on the west coast and is somewhere you’ve likely heard a lot about when planning your Thailand itinerary.

Backpackers first discovered this sleepy village with a stunning beach in the 60s and 70s, but it wasn’t really until a decade later that the government decided to transform Patong into a tourist destination.

The beach here is 2.8km long and is filled with tourists and vendors looking to sell you anything from massages to ice-creams.

Water sports are a big thing at Patong Beach, with the two most popular being Parasailing and jet skiing. The parasailing and jet skis operators are all over the beach so you will easily spot them. A parasailing trip or thirty minutes on a jet ski typically costs 1500 baht per person.

When night falls you’ll find the majority of tourists on Bangala Road.

Bangala road leads off from the beach up to the Jungceylon Shopping Mall and is filled with bars and clubs of every kind. The majority of partying here starts at sunset and goes on until around 4am / sunrise.

James Bond Island

Khao Phing Kan also known as James Bond Island is situated in Phang Nga Bay northeast of Phuket. Made famous from its feature in the James Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun released in 1974.

This James Bond island tour includes pick up from your hotel in Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala, Nakalay and Kalim (pick up from Phuket Town, Surin, Laguna, Nai Yang, JW Marriot, Cherngtalay, Bangtao and the airport is available for an additional 200 baht per person) in the morning.

From there you’ll visit the famous Monkey Cave of Wat Suwan Kuha and discover the many interconnected caves in the mountain and admire the gold reclining Buddha image at the temple.

Before going onto explore the magical mangrove forest of Ao Phang Nga National Park by long-tail boat.

If you plan to spend most of your day out at sea don’t forget to pack plenty of essentials such as water, light snacks, suncream and a t-shirt to cover your shoulders.

We made the mistake on our first trip and unfortunately, got serious sunburn after 30 minutes in the pool (whilst wearing suncream).

Stop at a fishing village on Pan Yee Island to enjoy a tasty lunch before seeing James Bond Island.

Continue to Khao Phing Kan to see the stunning limestone karst formations. Experience the area’s beauty by sea canoe, paddling around Talu Island before returning to the pier.

Thai Massage

Spend the evening relaxing with a Thai massage. Whether you’re staying in Patong, Karon, Kata or Phuket Town there are a number of fantastic traditional massage parlours to choose from.

This article gives you an idea of what to expect from a traditional Thai massage as well as some of the other massages you can experience for an affordable price while in Thailand.

A Thai massage runs between 300 baht and 2,000 baht depending on the length and type of massage. A lot of recommendations are based on word of mouth so be sure to ask those in your hostel or hotel or staff working at reception if there is somewhere they recommend.

Phi Phi Island

Today we’ll head out island-hopping across the beautiful islands of Phi Phi. Again, I recommend booking a tour for the most streamlined and reliable experience.

This particular tour will pick you up early in the morning from your hotel with the aim of getting you to the first couple of islands before any of the other tourists.

It includes stops at Phi Phi Leh which was made famous by the Hollywood movie, The Beach. Alongside a short stay at Maya Bay you’ll head over to Phi Phi Leh Lagoon for a swim.

After a refreshing break it’s a short stop at Phi Phi Don where you’ll climb to the view point which provides a panormaic view of the island and town below.

Then it’s onto view the incredible wall paintings of the limestone Viking cave, before visiting Monkey Beach on Tonsai Bay.

If all that wasn’t enough you’ll then head out to sea for two snorkelling sessions before finally heading to Bamboo Island where you’ll have lunch and relax on the beach.

With such an action-packed morning and early start, I’ve left the evening free for you to relax and prepare for your final few days in Phuket.

Elephant Sanctuary

Day eight see’s you take an incredible trip to the elephant sanctuary. There are three separate elephant sanctuaries in Phuket which are currently open to visitors.

Find the right sanctuary with the best reviews on TripAdvisor and then organise a visit with a local agency, online tour booking company or transport with your resort / hotel.

Some of the elephant sanctuaries in Phuket include mud baths and feeding and other contact with the elephants whereas others are strictly open to viewing the elephants and as a more natural habitat for them.

Depending on your choice of Elephant sanctuary may mean you are going to get dirty and wet. Take a spare set of clothes to change into along with a carrier bag to put in your dirty clothes.

Remember to wear your swimwear and something you don’t mind getting soaked by the elephants.

After spending some time with the elephants head back to your resort and relax. Go for a spa treatment, lay by the pool or go for a swim in the sea.

Bangtao Beach

Your second to last day in Phuket see’s you spend the majority of the day at Bangtao Beach which is situated an hours drive from Patong.

This beach is one of the longest in Phuket at 6km and one of the most family-friendly on the island as it’s generally relatively quiet with just a small handful of beach bars along the shoreline.

The sea is flat, calm and clear from November to April. The waves can get a little rough between May and October, so take note of red flags on the coastline.

Muay Thai at Patong Boxing Stadium

If you’re local to Patong on Monday, Thursday or Saturday night then be sure to book a seat for the Muay Thai boxing at the Patong Boxing Stadium.

Muay Thai is one of the national sports of Thailand, an ancient martial art that has developed over the course of 500 years. This particular ticket is part of a tour that includes pick up from your hotel.

The matches start at around 9pm and begin with enthusiastic youth fighters from the age of 10 years old and continue with professional male and female fighters from Thailand and abroad.

Sirinat National Park

You’ll be spending your last day in Phuket in NaiYang, one of my favourite places. Sirinat National Park, situated just half a mile from the entrance to Phuket Airport this park and beach is like no other on the island.

If you are eager to see a beautiful sunrise or sunset this is the place to do it. With very little in the way of light pollution, other people, you can get an uninterrupted view.

Here you can experience a laid back and relaxing part of Phuket with very little in terms of people, tourists and vendors. Further up towards the main road and if you are heading to the airport you can find street food vendors, places to go for a drink and shops.

Otherwise, down by the beach, there is hardly anything that makes it a heaven for relaxing and enjoying the clear blue sea.

A great benefit to spending your final night here is the close proximity to the airport ensuring you’ll be at the airport for your flight in plenty of time. To learn more about Sirinat National Park be sure to check out our complete article.

Alternatively, if like us you wanted something else to fill your day you can go 20 minutes away in a car to Soi Dog Foundation.

Soi Dog Foundation are a non-profit charity that helps mostly stray dogs and cats around Thailand. They fight to put them back to health, get them the care they deserve and need along with often finding them new homes.

When visiting the Soi Dog Foundation wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little smelly or covered in fur from the dogs and cats. Also, don’t forget to take some spare cash to buy a drink or make a donation to the foundation.

Many go on to find homes over in the UK and USA mostly from people who came to Soi Dog to help out and fell in love or simply wanted to find a dog and chose one of those. We helped out for the day – all we did was play with the dogs and cats but honestly, it was so worth it.

The volunteers are more than happy to give you a tour around the facility and tell you all about what they do there and what they aim to achieve. There is a place to buy drinks but not food. There is plenty of English speaking volunteers that can help you out or tell you more if you require it.

Final Thoughts

There are many different things to do such as exploring Phuket Old Town, Walk Monkey Hill and visit the temples and the Big Buddha.

Phuket is known to be one of the more expensive places within Thailand but there are ways to save money. Look at staying in hotels and hostels instead of resorts and eat street food instead of restaurants.

Phuket like the rest of Thailand is generally always warm. The highest season is from November to February when it is cool and drier. The weather then remains hot up until May, Monsoon season starts mid-May until October.

You can swim within the sea at Phuket beaches but always air with a side of caution. Monsoon season is mid-May to October which often means the sea is very rough. Do not swim if there are red warning flags out. Karon and Kata beach are the only beaches to have lifeguards.

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Last updated on February 7th, 2024 at 10:49 am

From Where to Book Your Phuket Tours to the All Important Travel Insurance in Thailand

Is it cheaper to book tours when I set foot on Phuket Island? Should I book Phuket tours in advance?

If you’ve asked both questions then you are essentially wondering what’s the best way to book daily tours in Phuket, Thailand.

By the time you’re finished reading this blog post, you’re going to have clear answers to booking a tour before or after you arrive on Phuket Island. Plus everything else in between, including tour travel insurance why you should not book tours with local Thai tour agencies using your debit cards.

Unless you’ve got yourself a fancy yacht courtesy of a generous trust fund or a Bond villain-style speed boat parked somewhere along Thailand’s Andaman Sea, you’re going to have to join a tour group to explore the beautiful islands and beaches of Phuket (ภูเก็ต pronounced Poo-ket ) .

Don’t Own a Boat? No Problem.

You will learn where to go find the best prices for tours on Phuket Island. Also, the best online travel agencies to reserve island hopping tours in advance. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group of best friends and family, my Phuket travel guide will ensure you’ll find the best tour prices.

Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. With 32 smaller islands which requires hiring a boat or joining a tour group for island excursions. You can’t do it alone. So you will need local Thai guides and hired transportation.

Also in this post, I’m going to point out the benefits of booking tours online versus booking tours on Phuket island. I’m sure you’re eager to find out which is better.

Safety is Important These Days for Touring the Islands of Phuket

No one wants to get into accidents let alone think about it. I’ll cover what’s included in Phuket’s tour operators’ insurance coverage. This is important to know when you’re frolicking on the beach and cross paths with monkeys in a bad mood. And sometimes the causes of accidents aren’t entirely the fault of tourists alone.

Thai tour operators can be accident-prone as well. I’ll touch base on insurance coverage provided by Thai tour agencies and what to expect below.

Benefits of Joining a Phuket Island Tour

A visit to Thailand’s famous Phuket island is on most tourists’ must-do list. Joining an island and beach hopping tour is the best and most convenient way to explore Phuket and all of its beautiful surroundings.

There are plenty of perks for joining tours:

• A driver picks you up from your hotel and drops you back off when the tour is over.
• Knowledgeable English-speaking guides are on hand.
• Lunch and refreshments are included in the price. Beers are extra.
• Admission fees to islands are included as they are considered national parks. However, you should double-check trip descriptions to be sure.
• Snorkel gear and life jackets are loaned out.

Better to bring your own snorkel gear. Because the equipments provided are reused repeatedly. Gross!

Like most things in life you get what you pay for. There are private yachts to the Phi Phi Islands you can hire outright for the day with champagne and caviar served. But you’ll be paying out of your butt hole for that privilege.

I’m like most folks. I’m looking for the best valued tour in Phuket. I don’t want a tour that is too cheap yet provides an amazing value and experience. Which is a polite way to say I want a lot. But I want to pay a little. And that’s okay.

Because in this little Phuket tour guide, I’ll show you where to book that dream tour to the Phi Phi Islands and where you shouldn’t be booking your overall Phuket tours to save money.

You’ll specifically know which areas are best to book tours on Phuket island after arriving.

But first, here’s a little nifty tip from your buddy the Wayfaring Soul:

Wayfaring Soul Tip #1901 for Booking Phuket Tours “The bigger the boat, the cheaper the tour price. The smaller with less people and faster the boat, the more it’ll cost.”

Speed boats are better… but it’ll cost more

Smaller speed boats provide specialized tour services. It can carry approximately 15 passengers, not including crew. But they cost more. Speed boats are nimble enough to navigate to certain parts of the islands that are quieter and less frequented. Less people the better and that’s the way I like it. So I typically book Phuket speed boat island hopping tours. The cost is worthwhile.

Larger ferry boats are okay… and it’s cheaper

Ferry boats fit more passengers but don’t have much flexibility because they can’t pass through shallow waters. And also certain secluded locations due to the size of the boat.

However, because more people are sharing the boat the cost per passenger is lower. There are just too many people on these boats, approximately fifty onboard. I’ve only been on once and never again.

My friends have been on larger tour boats though and they tell me it’s not that bad though. So it all comes down to personal preference.

And now, let’s get to the big question you’ve been asking.

“Booking a Tour in Phuket After Arriving  VS. Booking Phuket Tours Online” – Which is Better?

This is a question I’m asked often. Who wants to arrive in Phuket only to find out that the tour you wish to join is completely sold out?

Everyone wants the best tour for the best price. No one wants to overpay. More importantly, who wants a crappy Phuket tour experience?

This will happen if you book tours in all the wrong places. Booking day trips in Phuket within your own home country’s travel agency is a classic mistake. There are only two things to think about:

• How Much Time You’ve Got Before Arriving in Phuket?
• How Many Persons Are Traveling Within Your Group?

Here are your answers. Plus also my best tips on where you should book your tours and more examples of where you shouldn’t .

Time – You’ll Have Plenty of it to Join a Tour in Phuket

If you’re like me, a serial procrastinator, you’ll be happy to know there are plenty of opportunities to purchase jungle trekking, snorkeling, or scuba activities and island hopping packages right on the main island of Phuket.

There are as many tour sellers as there are 7-Elevens in Phuket. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you’ll see when you get there.

So it’s not necessary to purchase day trip tours outside of Thailand. Nor book Phuket tours online in advance.

But there is an exception as to why you should book Phuket tours online before arriving .

I’ll get into that exception later. But if you can’t wait, click here .

Believe me, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to buy tour packages if you haven’t done so yet. The island is full of tour agencies, tour agents, tour kiosks, and tour touts.

The nice Thai lady running a laundry shop could also hook you up with a phone call.

Whether you want it or not airport taxi drivers will try to sign you up for a jungle trekking tour. Even though you are deathly scared of large hairy spiders like yours truly.

Unscrupulous locals train monkeys to shake tourists down if they don’t buy tours from them. Stray dogs are tattooed with tour advertisements. You can even buy tours from elderly Thai fruit vendors. Okay, so I’m kidding about the last three. But you get my point.

Here’s another scenario. Say you arrived in the cities of Bangkok or Chiang Mai first.

And it’s the high season (November to April). You’re concerned that all the island tour operators are fully booked. So you decide to book a tour through the hotel’s on-site tour agency.

Never Book Phuket Tours Inside Hotels

That action will end up costing you at least 20% to 35% more compared to reserving that same tour on Phuket island. Hotel tour agencies in Bangkok don’t do it for free. And they shouldn’t as it’s a service they are providing. All hotels in Bangkok or any other tour vendors in Thailand outside of Phuket will charge extra.

I don’t even recommend purchasing day trip tours inside Phuket International Airport. Because renting a location inside an airport is expensive. In turn, tour operators pass some of the cost to you.

But we are savvy travelers, right? Don’t fret, book your tours on Phuket because you’ve got plenty of time to save yourself some money for a frosty piná colada.

Now that you know where not to book  tours in Phuket, I’m going to show you where you should go for the best Phuket tour rates …

For the Best Tour Prices in Phuket, Head to Patong Beach

So I’ve already established that it’s best to purchase your tours right on the island of Phuket. To be specific, head to the Patong Beach area because there are so many tour operators all selling the same tours. But at slightly different prices. Chances are you’re probably staying at a hotel in the Patong Beach area anyway. Or at least be visiting Patong Beach for its nightlife .

The reason why you can get better prices from tour operators on Patong Beach is because that’s the area where most tourists are wandering around. And tour agencies in that area try to be as price competitive as possible to get your Baht into their grubby hands.

Where is Patong Beach?

Patong Beach is a seaside resort on the western coast of Phuket. The area is abuzz with Phuket’s nightlife including a smallish red light district.

Even then, Patong is family-friendly. With many restaurants serving Western food and seafood restaurants. Chances are, you’re going to visit Patong Beach at least once on your Phuket vacation. I guarantee it.

Patong Beach is the single best location in Phuket to find tours on arrival.

Here’s What to Look for at a Phuket Tour Agency.

• Look for a Phuket tour agency with a business name clearly marked , with phone numbers.
• I recommend dealing with a dedicated tour agency only . I typically stay clear of tour agencies that double as a laundry shop or other businesses unrelated to tourism.
• Make sure a Thailand Tourism License (TAT) is displayed. It looks like the image below but with a license number.

Check Around for the Best Tour Prices

I recommend speaking with tour agencies on the street level of Patong Beach. I also recommend checking prices with at least 3 different tour agencies . You’re more than welcome to check more than that if you have the time.

Me, I prefer to spend it under a beach umbrella with soft warm sand caressing my feet. While cradling a nice frosty boozy piná colada. I just love those cute little drink umbrellas.

Price comparisons from three different travel agencies along Patong Beach will give you a general idea of prices for tour activities during your visit.

How much can you save from checking around?

It’s possible that you can save a few hundred Baht or more, depending on the season, time of day, or whether or not a particular tour agency has reached a quota. The discounts can add up if you’re traveling in a group. It’s possible to ask for group discounts.

Matter of fact, ask for discounts . But be polite about it. Do not expect a deep discount. If they can’t sell to you, trust me, they’ll find somebody else to purchase a tour.

Use Your Common Sense

Whatever you do, do not book a Phuket tour from a local tour agency offering an incredible itinerary at a too-good-to-be-true price.

While doing your price research along Patong Beach you will eventually figure out the average cost. Finding anything unrealistically cheaper than the rest should set off alarms in your brain.

If you see a Phuket tour more than half off of what everyone else is charging you’re at a dodgy unlicensed business. No questions about it. They probably don’t have your safety in mind nor care whether or not you have a good experience.

Remember what your mother told you about talking to strangers…

Also not a good idea to have a tour tout approach you out of the middle of nowhere. These guys, girls, or ladyboys may not work directly with the tour agency. But rather as middlemen so they get a commission when you book which you end up paying for their lunch. Simply put, don’t speak to strangers who approach you with a fist full of tour pamphlets.

Bangla Road is also a good area to look for Phuket Tours

Aside from Patong Beach, I also recommend searching for Phuket island hopping tours along Bangla Road where you’ll find lots of tour agencies.

Bangla Road is a major street on Phuket Island that runs parallel to Patong Beach. You’ll find it with no problems.

Here’s When to Book Tours in Advance Online

Now let’s talk about booking Phuket tours online . It’s not more expensive than booking on the island itself. In some instances, during low travel season, it’s about the same price. How that happened I have no clue.

If you’re traveling with just a few people go ahead and book the tour upon arriving on the island.

However, I highly recommend booking tours in advance online for bigger groups.

Book that Phuket Tour Online When You’re Traveling with a Bunch of Friends

So here’s the exception I mentioned before. If you’ve got a bunch of friends traveling with you to Phuket then I advise booking Phuket tours online in advance .

Like anything these days on the inter-web you can purchase Phuket day trips at home in the comforts of your underwear. Fuzzy pink bunny slippers are optional.

Online Phuket tour prices are priced slightly higher. I’ve never found them to be cheaper than booking a tour on-site at Patong Beach and Bangla Road . However, as I mentioned prices could be the same in some instances.

The biggest benefit of booking a tour online in advance is that there’s enough space for you and all your friends to chill out on the same boat. Because nothing drags down a vacation mood more than getting separated from your BFFs.

For me, I normally book tours ahead of time when I’m with at least five friends. If you’re popular and have even more friends you might even get your own boat.

Some tours are more popular than others. Obviously, the best tours get picked up and run out of space the quickest.

This is another reason why it’s a good idea to reserve that tour online ahead of time.

In most instances, you can reserve now and pay later , or cancel within 24 hours’ notice , just like the popular tours around Phuket I listed below.

Book Tours Ahead of Time for These Best of Phuket Island Beach Tours

• One-Day Tour to Phi Phi, Maya and Bamboo Island – This trip is designed to pack in the Phuket travel experience of your dreams. As I recommended you’ll travel via speedboat to Koh Phi Phi where you can relax, swim along coral reefs, and possibly fend off monkeys trying to steal from you as you snap selfies. You’ll be visiting four islands on this tour package. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com
• Similian Islands – If you want to spend more time in the water snorkeling instead of fighting off monkeys on a beautiful picturesque island then a tour of the Similian Islands you will enjoy. Similan Islands has some of the best coral reefs and diverse marine life in the Andaman Sea. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com
• Raya Island – Imagine a long stretch of soft white sandy beach with crystal blue waters. And no pesky monkeys. That’s what you’ll find on Raya Noi. You’ll definitely enjoy a stop at Banana Bay for snorkeling. Check the price and read reviews for this tour on Viator.com .

Here’s Another Reason to Book Online Ahead of Time

Every time my friends come to visit Phuket for their very first trip, I always recommend checking out Simon Cabaret Phuket  for a fun night out. But if you want the good VIP seats you need to book in advance. This all ladyboy cast cabaret is very famous in Phuket and a super popular tourist attraction.

Oh, and another reason why you want to book ahead of time for Phuket Simon Cabaret Show is you won’t get separated from your friends and have a table to sit together.

Trazy.com and Viator.com Are Some of the Best Online Travel Agencies for Phuket Tours

There are many reputable online travel tour operators selling all kinds of tours in Phuket from, island hopping, snorkeling, sunrise tours, jungle trekking and yes even tickets to Phuket Simon Cabaret Show.

I like online tour operators like Viator.com, you check out an example of their James Bond Island tour itinerary.

Another online travel agency I recommend is Trazy.com which has a highly reviewed tour of Phuket’s 1 Day Similan Island Tour .

Both are reputable online tour operators in Phuket and the major reason why I recommend them is if there’s a problem you know how to find them. For instance if you’re back home and you want to complain about something you can write to them, leave a review or a feedback. Plus, they speak English.

Versus booking a tour through a local tour operator you may not want to pay for international calls or have some sort of communication problem.

Not that I’m saying local Thai tour operators across the scale are bad. Just saying things happen and if it did, don’t you want to be able to speak to someone you can easily communicate with?

Cancellation policy from a tour on Viator.com, please check all tour cancellation policies as each may be different…

However a recent Tragedy in Phuket Has Swayed Me to Recommend Booking Tours Online

Due to a recent tragedy in July 2018 which resulted in the deaths of 41 Chinese citizens returning from an island tour in Phuket, I can’t stress enough to be careful about how you choose your tours in Phuket.

I believe that companies like Viator.com and Trazy.com are highly reputable online travel agencies that are more responsible for the safety of their customers.

Cancellations and Refunds – Pay Tours With Credit Cards (Not Debit Cards)

There are a lot of reasons why tour agencies cancel an outing. And reasons why you need to cancel a tour too. Rough weather is a big reason why operators will cancel a day’s worth of tours for safety precautions.

Your husband had some bad sushi a few days before arriving in Phuket. And don’t want him to blow chunks on the speed boat. That would be one reason why you as a customer need to cancel and request a refund.

Why should you pay with a credit card? There are several reasons but one example is if there’s a cancellation due to weather. If you paid in cash but have no time to pick up the refund afterwards then it’s easier to get the money refunded back to your credit card.

However, a local Thai tour operator in Phuket might add a 3% surcharge for paying with a credit card. Which is not a big deal.

Though is another reason why I recommend booking a tour online with the web travel agencies I mentioned.

Also, if there’s a problem, say if you think you’ve dealt with a shifty tour operator you can always contact the credit card issuer to put a hold on the charge. And have the credit card company investigate and sort things out.

Never pay for tours with a debit card. I don’t want to get off topic so if you want to know the reasons why check this article here .

Lunch on the Tour

If you’re booking a full-day tour package it will include lunch. Maybe even a light breakfast in the morning. Most half-day tours include lunch also.

Try and stay away from tours where for lunch they stick you inside a large shared restaurant.

Here’s an example of why from my last Phuket island tour:

Recently, a large restaurant was made somewhere off the island near Phuket where all the surrounding tour agencies shuffle in hungry tourists and serve lunch.

There are restrooms and snack shops as well, which is all good.

There were 10 to 12 tour mates at a table. Everyone was quiet as we stared at the dishes that were presented to us. Awkwardly silent I must add. Like everyone was thinking the same thing in unison.

Where’s the nearest McDonalds? We’ll swim through shark-infested waters if we must for some McNuggets and fries!

We were served cold french fries. Some tepid water with root vegetables and chicken (me thinks) that’s supposed to be soup de jour.

Did we have sweet and sour pork? Or was it chicken? There were a few other Thai dishes but let’s not get into that.

Was there a chance our tour group’s lunch was made by a cadre of less experienced cooks?

While the real chef was out on the back pier enjoying his afternoon siesta with an icy cold beer. Possibly…

So what’s the lesson here kids?   Ask your tour operator if they provide tours where lunch is served on the beach. Search around until you find an itinerary somewhere specifically stating where you’ll be having lunch.

Remember , all tours are usually priced about the same as advertised by other Phuket tour operators. So why would you want to pay for a crappy lunch and location when you can get something better? For roughly around the same price.

Because I have joined tours where you can enjoy a lunch buffet on a nice sandy beach with a view. Believe me, it’s a whole lot better than eating at a packed restaurant and looking at the faces of disappointed tour mates.

The Ultimate Goal is to have the Best Phuket Island Tour Experience

For example, here’s an itinerary from Viator.com showing their list of pit stops along with other helpful info about their Phi Phi Island Adventure Tour .

Too lazy to check the link? Here’s an excerpt from that tour itinerary:

“Then, cruise to the white beaches of Bamboo Island. Go ashore for a delicious buffet lunch at an island hotel, and enjoy free time to relax on the beach and swim.” – From Viator, Phi Phi Island Tour

Insurance on Phuket Tours – Bad Things Can Happen

Sure, we don’t want bad things to happen. But it’s still a good idea to have some accident insurance coverage. Especially if you’re planning on zip lining up in the air and short trekking through jungles filled with rabid monkeys in heat.

All licensed tour operators in Thailand are required to carry insurance for tourists under their charge. Keep in mind, that some tour agencies may charge a little bit extra for insurance to cover children.

Here’s a look at one of Trazy.com’s Zipline experiences in Phuket . It clearly states what’s included in the price, including insurance.

By Law, Local Thai Tour Operators Must Provide Insurance Coverage

As indicated in this Bangkok Post article , in case of an accident involving tourists, local tour operators are required to cover up to 500,000THB ($16,500USD) for injury.

In the instance of death, a tourist’s estate receives 1,000,000THB ($33,000USD) per tourist. All licensed tour operators in Thailand must have insurance as dictated by the Tourists Authority Thailand (TAT).

Phuket Island Tour Operators with Insurance

• Nutticha Marine Co., LTD – They have a good selection of on and off-island itineraries. Their full-day Phi Phi, Maya, and Khai Island tour provides a good experience and is recommended.
• Flying Hanuman – If zip-lining through the air while screaming like a maniac does it for you then check out this tour operator. And yes they have insurance.
• Trazy.com – This online travel tour agency provides tours in many countries but has a good selection of Phuket tours at reasonable rates.

When searching for local tour operators in Phuket, if you see one that you are interested in but don’t see them listing insurance you can always email them and ask if they provide any for peace of mind. Because if they are licensed tour agencies on the island they are required to provide it.

Because information changes from time to time, and if travel insurance is your concern on any tour excursions in Phuket please contact the tour operator and inquire about their company tour insurance policy.

Final Thoughts on Booking a Phuket Tour…

Booking tours in Phuket is usually smooth sailing (pun intended) as most tour operators on the island are doing their best to provide the best experience for their customers.

The locals depend on tourism because it’s very important to the island’s micro-economy.

I’ve been to plenty of island tours in Phuket booking online and on the island and I have to say all were good fun. Local tour guides spoke English or one other language.

Most have a great sense of humor and fun conversations were had. The crews look out for the welfare of the passengers under their care and want everyone to have a good time.

6 Tips for Booking Tours in Phuket, Thailand

• April through October is the monsoon season. Tours during these periods are cheaper. But be sure to have plenty of time in Phuket so you can rebook the next day in case of cancellations.
• Patong Beach is the best area in Phuket to find the lowest rates on day trips in and around the island. Check and compare with at least 3 different tour agencies on Patong Beach for the best tour rates. Not far from Patong Beach is Bangla Road which is also a good alternative to find tour packages.
• Never purchase Phuket tours inside a hotel lobby travel agency.
• For a better experience book tours from well-established online travel agencies with reviews of itineraries.
• Be sure to read up on tour itineraries, pit stops, what’s included, and what to expect during a tour. Some tour agencies include admission fees to islands and some don’t
• Pay tours with your credit card to get refunds conveniently or dispute charges.

Now that you’ve learned that Patong Beach and Bangla Road on Phuket Island are the best areas to look for tours. As well as the importance of having insurance included are you ready for your awesome tour experience in Phuket?

If you have any questions regarding booking tours in Phuket drop a comment below and I’ll reply as soon as I can. Until then, happy travels in beautiful Phuket!

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TheWayfaringSoul.com is an online travel guide to Asia. Written by Warren, a native New Yorker and long-term resident in Thailand.

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The ultimate 7 day phuket itinerary + koh phi phi & krabi (2024).

No Thailand trip is complete without visiting the country’s biggest, most diverse and most popular island – Phuket!

Located in the south of Thailand, in the gorgeous Andaman Sea, Phuket is known for its beautiful beaches, buzzing night markets, breath taking natural scenery and world-class resorts.

But being such a big and vibrant island, which beaches, attractions and other islands should you visit and how do you fit all the highlights into one epic Thailand adventure!? Well, this post contains all you need to know…

I’m an expat who has been living in Phuket for over 3 years and has explored the island from top to bottom. So I’ve created what I think is the best Phuket itinerary with my insider tips.

This fun-filled 7 day itinerary for Phuket, Thailand includes the must-see’s, hidden gems, and island hopping to Koh Phi Phi and Krabi while skipping the over-rated places to make the most of your time here.

No time to read now? Pin this for later!

The Ultimate 7 Day Phuket Itinerary – How to Spend 7 Days in Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi.

The first part of planning your Phuket itinerary is setting your dates and booking in your flights and accommodation – then you can start deciding all the fun things you’re going to do!

Phuket’s international airport makes getting to the island easy. The best time to visit Phuket weatherwise is between December and March. This is also the peak season so book your flights, accommodation and activities like island hopping trips in advance. I’ll include plenty more Phuket travel tips at the end of this article.

Where To Stay in Phuket, Thailand

As Thailand’s largest island, there’s a huge range of different areas and places to stay in Phuket to suit all budgets and types of traveller.

From luxury hotels and family friendly resorts, to budget hotels and backpacker hostels, there’s no shortage of choice so the best place for you will really depend on what you are looking for.

Each place has a very different vibe so you can find out more about Phuket’s best hotels, resorts, and areas in my comprehensive guide on where to stay in Phuket .

The best beaches in Phuket are located on the West Coast. Lively Patong Beach is best for nightlife and budget travelers, while Kata beach, Karon beach and Kamala beach are popular with families and couples as they offer a more balanced experience.

Further north, Bang Tao beach and Mai Khao beach offer unspoiled beaches, luxury resorts and a peaceful atmosphere. Old Phuket Town is the historical and cultural heart of the island and offers cafes, markets and colourful, heritage and boutique hotels .

To follow this itinerary I’d recommend staying near Nai Harn and Rawai  in the south as these are the most stunning and trendy areas to stay right now.

Here are my top accommodation picks for Nai Harn and Rawai that provide a convenient base for this Phuket itinerary:

• Best Luxury Hotel: The Nai Harn – Perched on a hill overlooking Nai Harn beach this stunning 5 star hotel offers a beach-club style pool and bar area and an amazing breakfast buffet!
• Best Mid-Range Hotel:  Selina   – Stylish “all-in-one resort” with a beachfront restaurant and pool, wellness deck, and co-working space perfect for digital nomads.
• Best Budget Hote l: Roost Glamping – Unique and glamourous camping experience with a pool and proper beds in stylish bells tents surrounded by nature.

Be aware that it is a 1-hour (or more) drive from Phuket International Airport which is located in the north of the island to Rawai in the South.

Staying at Kata Beach is also a good option as there’s a bit more choice and it’s more centrally located but the beaches are busier here.

How Long To Spend In Phuket

There’s so many beautiful places to visit and things to do in Phuket that a weekend or 3 days in Phuket is not enough time to see it all.

Along with exploring different beaches and attractions on Phuket island itself, you’ll also want to visit a few nearby islands. And maybe you want to see the nearby provinces of Phang Nga or Krabi , too?

If so, I highly recommend staying at least 7 days in Phuket (or more). Seven days is just enough time to enjoy all the top offerings of Phuket, plus check out the famous Phi Phi islands and some parts of Phang Nga Bay and Krabi too.

While the following itinerary can easily fit into seven days, if you have more time and want to take it slower I recommend staying in Phuket for 10 days or 2 weeks. You could extend your stay in Krabi, add a couple more island day trips or stay a few nights on Phuket’s other beautiful islands like Koh Yao Yai.

For more inspiration check out my Phuket Island Hopping And Day Trips guide – I guarantee you won’t get bored!

But how can you fit it all into seven days? The following 7 days in Phuket itinerary will show you how!

The Best 7 Day Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Itinerary

Day 1 – arrive, settle in and relax.

Ease into your 7 day Phuket itinerary by spending the first day settling into your hotel and enjoying the beaches and local attractions. Make your arrival smooth and stress free by prebooking an airport transfer to avoid getting ripped off by taxis.

Once you’ve checked into your accommodation and unpacked, head to the beautiful Nai Harn beach  to refresh in the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and soak up the sun.

Just before sunset, drive or  hike up the hill to The Windmill  for an epic sunset. Alternatively, head to the nearby  Yanui beach  for a sunset kayaking session!

Go for dinner at one of the incredible seafood restaurants along Rawai Beach. I recommend  Nikita’s  (book ahead to get a waterside table!). After dinner, head across the road to Freedom Bar or Rawai Reggae Bar for live music and drinks.

Or, if you are feeling jet lagged and want to get an early night for a big day of beach hopping tomorrow, treat yourself to one of the spa treatments at your hotel.

Day 2 – Explore Phuket’s Famous West Coast Beaches

Phuket is home to some of the best beaches in Thailand, so it only makes sense to begin your Phuket itinerary with a beach day!

Start the day by  hiking up to Promthep Cape  in Rawai – the most southern point in Phuket. This stunning peninsula gets crowded every evening for sunset, but in the morning, it’s peaceful and beautiful. You can enjoy the view from the top or hike down to the end of the cape.

From here, head to  Kata Beach for a morning surf session but make sure to stop at the viewpoint where you can get a stunning view of three beaches.

I f you prefer to sunbathe, check out Kata’s smaller sister – Kata Noi Beach . This tiny cove is home to numerous luxury resorts, giving it an almost private beach vibe.

Enjoy lunch in Kata town before taking a short drive to Karon Beach , one of the longest and most stunning white sand beaches in Phuket. 

Along the way, stop at the trendy ‘ A Blanket & A Pillow Cafe ‘ for an iced coffee with an epic view overlooking the south of Karon beach.

Conclude your afternoon with a long walk or relaxing beach massage on Karon Beach before heading to Patong for the evening.

Hail one of the many tuk tuks for a fun ride to the famous Bangla Road at Patong beach , a bustling strip of bars and nightclubs.

Tuck into some delicious and affordable Thai cuisine at Patong Night Market . Here, you can get some of the cheapest and tastiest Pad Thai, delicious fresh fruit, and Thai desserts.

Patong is undoubtedly the hub of Phuket nightlife, but Bangla Road can be pretty noisy and seedy so isn’t everyone’s cup of tea but it’s worth checking it out at least once.

If you prefer a more chilled and elegant evening, head to one of the rooftop bars for spectacular sunset views or back to Karon Beach for cocktails and fire shows at  Tann Terrace .

Day 3 – Enjoy Unspoilt Beaches and Elephant Sanctuaries

For day 3 in Phuket, explore the island’s north, where you will find many more stunning beaches and fabulous attractions.

Bang Tao Beach  is 6 km of white sand with crystal clear waters ideal for swimming. The nearby  Surin Beach is much smaller but has a wild, untouched vibe. Parts of it are also shaded by palm trees, helping you escape the heat!

I recommend enjoying a leisurely lunch complete with an ice-cold beer at one of the beach clubs, such as Hugo Hug, Carpe Diem, or Catch.

After lunch, if you want more beach time, head to Banana Beach or Mai Khao Beach , two peaceful and beautiful beaches in the far north of the island.

If you’re all beached out, head to  Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Thalang. Unlike many of Phuket’s ‘elephant camps, ‘ this ethical elephant sanctuary does not harm elephants by offering rides or bathing sessions. Instead, you can admire the beautiful mammals from above on a 1.5-hour canopy walkway tour .

Looking for an epic dining experience? Then, on the way back to your hotel, stop at  Three Monkeys , one of Phuket’s most famous restaurants. Three Monkeys boasts a breath taking hilltop location built amidst a lush rainforest. The food and drink are a bit more expensive than other places, but it’s worth it because the views and experience are priceless!

Day 4 – Discover Temples, Thai Culture and Phuket Old Town

Now you’ve seen some of Phuket’s beaches it’s time for some Thai culture! On day 4, visit Phuket town to see Phuket’s cultural hub and explore some nearby temples.

Start the day with a  Thai cooking class where you visit a local market to buy the ingredients before making some famous Thai food such as pad thai, vegetable spring rolls and green curry. At the end of the cooking class, you can taste your creations, filling your belly for an afternoon of sightseeing.

Continue your cultural exploration with a visit to  Wat Chalong , one of Phuket’s most significant historical landmarks. This temple is just as popular with locals as it is with tourists. So you can learn first hand about the Thai culture of merit-making, a Buddhist practice for clearing bad karma and bringing good luck.

For sunset head up to the famous  Big Buddha nearby. This is not your standard temple; it is a 45-meter (148 feet) tall and 25.45-meter (83.5 feet) wide white Buddha statue sitting atop one of the highest mountains on Phuket island.

The concrete statue is covered with Burmese white marble, and you can spot it from various points on the island. Still, it’s well worth seeing it up close, where you will also get an incredible view over the south of the island. It’s a popular sunset spot.

In the evening, head to  Phuket Old Town  to check out the colourful historic shophouses, boutiques and cafes. For dinner try some top-quality Thai food or international cuisine.

The best and easiest way to see all of these cultural attractions is with a tour like this half day Phuket City Tour which takes you to the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket Town and an amazing viewpoint.

If you’re visiting Phuket Old Town on the weekend, check out the night markets for cheap but delicious street food. Try to visit on a Sunday to experience the Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market , when the streets really come to life and a great place to pick up some cool and unique souvenirs and gifts!

If you’re there on a weekday, don’t worry, as there are plenty of incredible restaurants in Phuket Town.  Go Benz  is extremely popular among locals, with long queues leading down the street every night.

Then, for dessert, grab some French toast from Phuketique before enjoying a cocktail or two at one of Phuket Town’s MANY cute bars.

Day 5 – Visit Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island

For day 5, it’s time to get out of Phuket and explore the stunning Phang Nga Bay, located in the next province north of Phuket.

Morning & Afternoon

One of the most popular ways to explore Phang Nga Bay is with a boat trip to James Bond Island . This island became famous after being used as a filming location for the 1974 James Bond movie “ The Man with the Golden Gun.”

There are many different types of boat trips available to James Bond Island, including via speed boat, luxury yacht, and traditional long-tail boat.

I recommend choosing a day trip that includes kayaking, such as this  James Bond Island Day Trip With Lunch . This trip includes  kayaking through the caves of Panak Island and sea canoeing around Koh Hong Island’s emerald lagoons – the highlights of the Phang Nga Bay.

As most James Bond Island hopping trips last 8 to 9 hours, expect to return to your hotel around 6 p.m.

As tomorrow involves another big day trip, I recommend a quiet dinner near your hotel before an early night. If you want something unique, check out Rock Salt at The Nai Harn or Rustic And Blue overlooking Rawai Beach.

Day 6 – Visit The Phi Phi Islands And Maya Bay

No itinerary for Phuket is complete without a day trip to Phi Phi islands and the famous Maya Bay. So set an early alarm to make the most of this incredible part of Phuket and Krabi!

The best way to get to Phi Phi islands from Phuket is via speedboat. There are MANY tours available, which you can book online or in person, or you can take the public ferry  directly from Rassada Pier in Phuket Town.

Most tours will pick you up from your hotel and include multiple stops in the Phi Phi islands. For example, this top rated  Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Trip includes three snorkeling stops, along with sightseeing stops in Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach (where you can see wild monkeys) and lunch.

Maya Bay  is the most popular tourist destination in the Phi Phi islands, famed for being the filming destination for the 2000 film “ The Beach. ” While you can no longer swim at Maya Bay it’s still a spectacular sight to witness. Bamboo Island  is another highlight on Phi Phi island hopping tours due to its serene location for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.

If you want to enjoy the island’s party vibe spend the night on Phi Phi Don  (the archipelago’s only inhabited island). While the island is considerably more expensive than mainland Phuket or Krabi, there are plenty of budget accommodations alongside the luxury hotels.

If you want to experience the island’s nightlife stay somewhere like Phi Phi Villa Resort . This beachfront resort is close enough to Ton Sai Village to enjoy the parties but far away enough to get a peaceful nights sleep!

Alternatively, you can take the ferry from Ton Sai pier in Phi Phi Don to Krabi and enjoy an evening in Krabi Town or at Ao Nang night market  before the final day of your Krabi Phuket itinerary. There are many hotels in Ao Nang but my favourite place to stay in Krabi is the stunning Railay Bay Resort . 

Be aware that the last ferry to Krabi is at 5 p.m. and takes 2 hours. You can also get a private speedboat transfer at a time that suits you which only takes 1 hour and includes a transfer to your hotel or the airport.

Day 7 – Explore Krabi And Railay Beach

On the final day of your Phuket and Krabi itinerary, spend some time exploring the sights, attractions, and beaches in Krabi.

If you stayed in Krabi last night, you can start the final day of your Phuket Krabi Phi Phi itinerary bright and early. You could even join a jam-packed  4 Islands Krabi Day Tour ,  which visits the beautiful Phra Nang Cave Beach at Railay, along with stops at Koh Poda, Chicken Island, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor.

However, if you stayed in Phi Phi the night before, take the first ferry to Krabi at 9 a.m. or the 10 a.m. speedboat, arriving by 11 a.m.

One must-visit in Krabi is  Railay Beach . You can take a long tail boat here to explore the incredible limestone cliffs, kayak through the hidden lagoons, and hike the impressive bat cave.

Once you’ve worked up an appetite, eat lunch at one of the restaurants along  Ao Nang beach  before a spot of sunbathing. Or escape the crowds by driving 30 minutes north to the peaceful  Klong Muang Beach .

If you’re up for more of a jungle adventure you could explore the Tiger Cave Temple , and bathe in the hot springs and emerald pool. This Krabi Jungle Tour will take you there.

If you’re leaving Krabi today, head to the airport to catch your flight. To avoid traveling back on yourself to Phuket you might want to consider flying out from Krabi airport. Otherwise, enjoy a final night in Krabi Town before your onward journey tomorrow!

More Tips For Planning Your Itinerary For Phuket

Before you book in your Phuket itinerary, here’s a few important tips to help you plan your trip to Phuket.

Best Time to Visit Phuket

As a tropical island, Phuket is warm all year round, but has different seasons that you should be aware of.

The best time to visit Phuket is between December to March when you can expect consistently good weather – blue skies and plenty of sunshine but it’s not too hot and humid.

This is also the peak tourist season and the busiest, and most expensive, time to visit Phuket, so you should decide on your itinerary in advance and book in your accommodation, activities and day trips before arriving to avoid disappointment. I use Booking.com and Agoda to book hotels as they have the biggest selection at the best prices.

April and May are a good time to visit Phuket if you don’t mind the heat. The island is not too crowded by this time, but it can be very hot, ranging from 27°C to 36°C, which makes sightseeing a little uncomfortable.

Also consider November , it can be a lovely month to visit as Phuket is relatively quiet but the weather can unpredictable as it’s the end of the rainy season.

June to October is the rainy season which sees short but frequent tropical downpours, cloudy and overcast skies. You’ll still get some sunny, dry days but the weather can be quite unpredictable and rough seas mean that it is sometimes not safe to swim during this time.

How to Get to Phuket and Get Around

Traveling to Phuket is easy as the island is home to Phuket International Airport (HKT) It’s Thailand’s second busiest airport and receives many direct flights from all over the world. I find the best connections and cheapest flight deals with WayAway and even get cashback.

For this Phuket – Krabi itinerary you might want to consider flying into Phuket airport and then flying out from Krabi Airport to avoid traveling back on yourself.

There are also buses from all over the country, the best place to book buses, trains and even ferries in Thailand is on 12Go Asia . But as Phuket is approximately a 12-hours from Bangkok, flying might be the quickest and easiest option, even if you’re visiting Phuket as part of a larger trip around Thailand.

Most nationalities can either get a visa exemption for 30 days, or a visa on arrival, which makes entering Thailand easy and convenient.

Once you arrive there are several options for getting from the airport to your accommodation. The easiest way is to book an airport transfer through your Viator, your hotel or a reputable company. There are also taxi and bus services on offer at the airport but taxis often overcharge.

Taxis in Phuket can be expensive, by Thai standards, so agree the rate first before hopping in. I recommend using online apps like Grab or Bolt for a cheaper and more convenient option.

The best place to book activities, tours and day trips in advance is on Viator   or  Get Your Guide , because there’s a lot of choice and you can read reviews so you know what to expect and can ensure your trip is a memorable experience for all the right reasons! If you’re visiting multiple places in one day a tour can be better value than taking lots of taxis.

If you’re on a budget then you can travel around Phuket by using the Smart Bus , which runs between the airport and Rawai stopping at all the major beach towns. A single ride is 100 THB, and you can also buy day or multi-day passes. 

Riding in a tuk-tuk can be a fun experience that you should definitely try at least once when you’re in Thailand, but they are more expensive than taxis and most suitable for short distances.

For the most freedom you can rent a scooter or motorbike to explore Phuket. However, the roads can be busy and windy so I’d only recommend this if you already have experience driving in Thailand or Asia before. Make sure you have an international driving license (the police do check) and insurance that covers this too.

Ready To Start Planning Your Own Phuket and Krabi itinerary?

I hope this 7-day Phuket itinerary has given you lots of inspiration for what to do in Phuket. Koh Phi Phi and Krabi.  This itinerary features all the top sights of this magnificent Thai island as well as the surrounding area and, as one of the most diverse Phuket itineraries, there is something for everyone.

Whether you find temples fascinating, seek serene snorkeling spots or the perfect mango sticky rice, or simply want to relax on picture-perfect beaches, following this itinerary for Phuket and Krabi will show you some of the most stunning places in Thailand and is sure to be an amazing adventure!

I hope this itinerary helps you plan your trip to this amazing part of Thailand. If you’re thinking of traveling to other parts of the country check out other blogs and guides for more tips. My comprehensive Thailand Travel Guide and list of the best places to visit in Thailand will give you plenty more inspiration and handy tips. 

Read More Thailand and Phuket Blog Posts:

• All My Thailand Blog Posts
• The Perfect 2 Week Thailand Itinerary: Best of North and South
• Things to do in Phuket
• Where to Stay in Phuket
• Best Island Hopping Tours and Day Trips from Phuket

10 Best Island Hopping Tours and Day Trips From Phuket for 2024

21 best places to visit in thailand for first-timers (2024).

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Browse other top International Holiday packages by Theme : International Tour Packages , International Honeymoon Packages , International Cruise Packages , International Beach Packages , International Family Packages , International Adventure Packages , International Luxury Packages , International Leisure Packages , International Pilgrimage Packages , International Wildlife Packages

Best Phuket Tour Packages in 2024

Phuket, the jewel of the Andaman Sea is one of the most popular beach destinations in South East Asia. This tropical beach paradise offers a range of popular beaches including the famous Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. Other relatively less popular beaches like Kamala Beach, Surin Beach and Bang Tao Beach are much loess developed and crowded than Patong Beach and are preferred by tourists who enjoy relative isolation including honeymoon couples seeking secluded stretches of sand. Phuket vacations are incomplete without indulging in water sports including snorkelling. Besides idling at the beach and enjoying the range of seafood served in roadside shacks, theres much to see and do in Phuket. Non beach activities to be enjoyed in Phuket include tours of coconut and rubber plantations and a trip to waterfalls such as Ton Sai and Bang Pae. Other activities to indulge in during Phuket holidays are elephant riding and spa and wellness treatments. Tour packages covering Buddhist temples, batik factories, a cultured-pearl farm, a crocodile farm and the Marine Biological Research Centre are also available. If you travel to Phuket in November-February, you can watch giant sea turtles going ashore the Mai Khao Beach to lay eggs!

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Frequently Asked Questions about Phuket Packages

1. How many days should I spend in Phuket?

A: You can cover all the main attractions of Phuket in 4-5 days. Here is a suggested plan for your Phuket trip, giving a good mix of leisure and sightseeing:

• Day 1: Phuket City Tour and Phuket Fantasea Show
• Day 2: Phi Phi island tour
• Day 3: Trip to James Bond Island
• Day 4: Day free for shopping/relaxing, pub crawl in the evening
• Day 5: Departure

2. What is the best month to visit Phuket?

A: The months of November to April are the best for a Phuket holiday.

3. How much would a meal cost in Phuket?

A: Prices would vary depending on the kind of place you choose to eat at. However, an Indian Meal will cost approximately Rs 700.

4. How does Phuket compare to Krabi?

Both Phuket and Krabi are beautiful island destinations of Thailand. Phuket is more famous for its nightlife and entertainment, while Krabi is quieter and more peaceful in comparison to Phuket.

5. What is the rainy season in Phuket?

A: Phuket has a tropical climate. The months of September and October are the main months of rainfall in this destination.

Ques. Which is the best month to visit Phuket?

Ans. Those planning to book Phuket tour packages should choose the season carefully, depending on weather patterns across the island. Phuket is one of the world’s most captivating destinations, synonymous with clear waters, adventure sports and breathtaking natural beauty. The area has a tropical climate which is either cool, warm or rainy. The best time to plan Phuket tour packages is between the months of November and February. These months are ideal for indulging in watersports and enjoying the beach life. The summer months cover the duration between March and mid-May and also draw tourists from around the world. The monsoon covers the stretch between May and October and makes the island come alive with greenery, while the crowd is also lesser at this time.

Ques. What are the best tourist attractions in Phuket?

Ans. There are many tourist landmarks that can be included in Phuket tour packages, depending on individual preferences. These include the following: Patong Beach- Patong Beach is the longest one in Phuket and is wonderful for shopping, dining and other fun activities. The views are stunning, to say the least. Kata Beach- Kata Beach is famous for its golden and soft sands, along with the uniquely positioned bay and surrounding hills. There are multiple restaurants, stalls and luxury hotels. Karon Beach- Swimmers will fall in love with the mesmerising Karon Beach, which covers 3.5 kilometres. They will admire the calm and tranquil ambience here. Phuket Town- It is worth exploring Phuket Town, with its charming buildings, restaurants, hotels and several other landmarks. Old Phuket Town also has imposing mansions, shrines, temples and shop-houses. The Phuket Trick Eye Museum is another landmark that you should check out.

Ques. Do you need a visa for Phuket?

Ans. Browsing through Phuket tour packages? Want to plan a trip in the future? Then you will have to be aware of visa regulations for the destination. Visa on arrival is available at the airport for tourists. Some tourists from countries in the visa exemption list may not require the same, but others can apply for it on arrival, which will be valid for 15 days for a fee estimated at approximately 1,000 bahts. At the same time, you should ensure that your passport has a validity of a minimum of six months beyond your stay in Phuket.

Ques. What should I pack for a Phuket trip?

Ans. Choosing from available Phuket tour packages and booking the right plan is only half the job done. You need to pack suitably for your trip to the island. Here are some essentials that you should not forget: Visa and Passport Cards and cash Power adapters that are Type O or Types B and C will work in the country. Universal adapters may also be good solutions in this regard. Have a backpack for carrying your essentials while exploring islands or staying at the beach throughout the day. Sunscreen and sunglasses are indispensable, while a raincoat or umbrella will take care of those sudden showers. Carry basic medicines and a first-aid kit for your trip too. Casual and loose clothing along with appropriate swimwear and beachwear. Hiking shoes are also recommended along with insect spray and tissue paper.

Ques. What are the souvenirs to buy in Phuket?

Ans. Excursions to markets are often an integral part of most Phuket tour packages. Here are the souvenirs that you should look to purchase here: Singlets and T-Shirts Artefacts depicting frogs and elephants of various kinds Premier silk which is one of the leading exports from Thailand Soap flowers in various hues make for excellent souvenirs Phuket also offers several attractive Batik products along with pearls that are ideal souvenirs to carry back home Paintings and Thai antiques are also great choices

Ques. Where can I go shopping in Phuket?

Ans. You’ll find most Phuket tour packages containing visits to major markets and shopping destinations on the island. Some of them include the following: Jungceylon Shopping Mall for its premier clothing, perfumes, sunglasses, accessories and bags. Phuket Weekend Market for almost everything under the sun at affordable prices. Chillva Market for clothing and accessories. Premium Outlet Phuket for products from leading brands like Hush Puppies, Lacoste, Adidas, Nautica and Pierre Cardin.

Ques. What are the top restaurants in Phuket?

Ans. Planning vibrant Phuket tour packages means not only including top landmarks, but also sampling the island’s delicious food along the way. Some of the best restaurants here include the following: Mom Tri’s Kitchen- It offers a fabulous ambience along with great views for diners. Some top choices include slow-cooked veal cheek with porcini mushrooms, red wine sauce and others. Black Ginger- You will find this restaurant at the Slate Resort and it is famous for its authentic Thai cuisine including Som Tam, yellow fish curry and Tom Yam. La Gritta Italian Restaurant- You’ll love the gorgeous views at this fine-dining restaurant along with their lip-smacking cuisine.

Ques. What are the best cafes in Phuket?

Ans. Several cafes have made it to the list of must-visit destinations which are now included in major Phuket tour packages. Some of the top options worth considering include the following: Rush Coffee- It is a key landmark in the Phuket Old Town, offering great brews and espressos along with a comforting atmosphere. Feelsion Café- It is synonymous with tantalizing desserts along with pies that will delight connoisseurs immensely! Crepe is Crepe- This café has lovely crepes on offer along with diverse toppings for company.

Ques. How do I get around in Phuket?

Ans. If you’re looking at Phuket tour packages online, then it’s time that you chalk out your travel plans on the island too. How do you get around in Phuket? Here are some options worth noting: You can rent cars via Budget, Avis, Hertz and other operators at the airport and also from your hotel. Taxis are common transportation options along with ride-hailing aggregators like Grab. Tuk-Tuks are the most popular ways to get around the island with affordable rates. Local buses- You can take a local bus between several destinations too. Songthaew- A Songthaew is a pickup truck with two seating rows and is more affordable than even Tuk Tuks. They are readily available shared rides to several destinations.

Ques. What are some nearby places from Phuket?

Ans. You may also add a few nearby places to your Phuket tour packages that you choose online. Some of the top options include the following: Koh Phi Phi- The island gained fame after being shown in the movie named The Beach. It is only a couple of hours away from Phuket via ferries. Koh Lanta- It is a romantic island with clear waters and is only two hours away from Phuket via ferries. Khao Phing Kan- Khao Phing Kan is just a few minutes away from Phuket via boats or ferries and is also called the James Bond Island, since it was shown in the movie The Man with the Golden Gun. Similan Islands- The group of islands is popular with divers and is only an hour away from Phuket via speedboats.

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Get the travel advice you need. Read more about possible travel restrictions before you go.

Visit Phuket

Find the perfect place to stay in phuket, top things to do in phuket, attractions, tours, and activities in phuket.

Phi Phi Bamboo Island One-day Tour with Snorkeling

All Inclusive Phuket Thrilling Zipline and ATV Adventure

Khao Sok National Park with Trekking and Rafting

A full-day tour with a stop for lunch and at the Panturat Temple

Snorkeling and Speedboat Tour

A tour to visit three of Thailand's most beautiful islands

All Inclusive Zipline and Local Floating Farm Tour in Phuket

Phi Phi Islands Speedboat Tour with Buffet Lunch

Adventure tour of the Phi Phi Islands to snorkel and swim with buffet lunch included

Phang Nga Bay Speedboat Experience

A ride past James Bond Island with lunch at Panyi Village and cave canoeing

James Bond Island Day Trip with Sea Canoe from Phuket

Phuket Highlights Private Guided Walking Tour

Rum, Cashews and Sightseeing Tour

A relaxed trip in the countryside epitomizing the Thai concept of 'jai yen yen'

See more things to do in Phuket

About phuket, including tips for the best time to visit phuket.

A welcome break from the sea, sun and sand of Phuket – Thailand’s largest island – Phuket Town is doused in history and culture. You can put on a pair of flip-flops and saunter around the artsy streets crammed with pastel-hued buildings and hip cafés.

The narrow lanes of the Old Town covered in vibrant murals pave the way to art galleries, temples and coffee shops. As you stroll through this quaint quarter, you’ll come across distinctive shophouses in Sino-Portuguese-style architecture. Visit the Chinpracha House, one of Phuket Town’s most notable mansions that exudes an old-fashioned charm with its antique furniture, Italian ceramic tiles and shutters windows.

There are an array of retail options that you can explore when travelling to the capital city of Phuket Province. Situated on the outskirts of the town is the 120,000-square metre shopping mall Central Festival Phuket, where you’ll find everything from luxury brands and souvenir stores to spas and restaurants. To shop for sports accessories and high-end fashion at slashed prices, head to Premium Outlet Phuket. After sunset, you can enjoy the vibe for the various night markets that light up the streets.

From $16 per night

Next weekend

From $33 per night

Points of interest in Phuket

Stay near the top sightseeing spots in phuket.

Old Phuket Town

0.4 miles from downtown

Central Festival Phuket

1.2 miles from downtown

Phuket reviews

What other travelers say about phuket.

The Sunday market is brilliant.

March 10, 2024

The Sunday market is brilliant. Starts at around 4pm and goes on until 8 or 9pm. Phuket old town isn’t a party town and most places shut around 9-10pm. The architecture is beautiful to see and adds another level of interest.

For lovers of relaxing vacations, Phuket has a lot to offer...

February 10, 2024

For lovers of relaxing vacations, Phuket has a lot to offer in terms of beaches, sea life, food and nightlife. It's not as crazy as Bangkok and that is a good thing if you are looking for some r&r, but it's still close to some of the most beautiful views and snorkeling spots in Thailand.

The main attraction here is definitely the Phuket Old Town...

February 9, 2024

The main attraction here is definitely the Phuket Old Town which is full of colorful and lively structure. It is very aesthetically pleasing to just look at. Everything is so very clean and well-mannered. There are many amazing cafes to explore and spend your time with your partner. Many subtle activities to enjoy.

Here you can feel and see how people leave.

February 5, 2024

Here you can feel and see how people leave. Phuket Town and it´s old center are not a party spots but to get the sense of life. With that said, any number of bars and restaurants are available as well everyday amenities like drug stores and shops. Try the Moo Hong Phuket Style at One Chun Cafe & Restaurant. This dish is savory and full of different spices but not spicy. But as a general rule, if they say any other dish is spicy, it will be very very spicy. Linen clothes and wide leg pants are cheaper here than in Krabi or Bangkok.

Phuket is a great place to visit if you want to relax and...

January 15, 2024

Phuket is a great place to visit if you want to relax and love Thai massage, it is best to book a hotel in the old town of Phuket. But if you are fond of night activities and good beaches then it would be better to book a hotel in Bangle Street near the airport. Be sure to visit Phi-Phi Island and James Bond Island. The place Rawai Landing is also very famous for its sunset. Big Buddha Phuket is amazing.

Big Buddha and Phi Phi is a must for the family travelllers .

January 5, 2024

Big Buddha and Phi Phi is a must for the family travelllers . weekend market ought to have atleast 1 visit to enjoy and items not cheap but can find in Naka mkt and night mkt Phukhet old downtown Various street food can be tried with Mango salad on streets being spicy and tasty

Popular places to stay in Phuket

Stay in some of the best accommodations phuket has to offer.

Phuket, Thailand

From $162 per night 9.6 Exceptional 8 reviews

From $41 per night 9.6 Exceptional 5 reviews

From $35 per night 9.6 Exceptional 21 reviews

Other accommodations in Phuket

Pick from a wide variety of places to stay in phuket.

From $8 per night

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Serviced Apartments

From $18 per night

Vacation Homes

• Guest houses

From $6 per night

From $7 per night

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From $11 per night

Self-catering Accommodations

Other attractions and activities in Phuket

More things to do and see in phuket.

Full Day Guided Banana Beach Paradise Trip With Lunch & Hotel Transfers

Premium Full Day Amazing Phi Phi Island Snorkeling Trip From Phuket

Carnival Magic Phuket

From Phuket Full Day Phi Phi Island Budget Snorkeling Tour

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ATV Riding Experience in Phuket

An adventurous countryside drive on an all-terrain vehicle

Phuket Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

Morning Blue Sky Spa Package with Private Transfer

Access to a traditional Thai style spa treatment

Premier Haunted House Experience Phuket

Adventure Day with Lunch

A ticket to try rafting, ziplining and trekking through a forest

Phuket Coral Island + Racha Island by Speed Boat

Private & All-Inclusive Phuket Zip-line Experience

Zip Lining Experience at Hanuman World

A treetop adventure amid a tropical jungle in Phuket

Phuket Sea Cave Canoe & James Bond Island

Patong Boxing Stadium Ticket

A chance to watch Muay Thai matches at the Patong Boxing Stadium

Phuket Coral Island Sunset with Dinner by Catamaran Yacht

Phang Nga Bay, James bond with Sea Canoe By Speedboat from Phuket

Traditional Spa Treatment in Phuket

A chance to enjoy a traditional Thai massage and spa at TanTara Spa

Phuket Coral + Racha Island Sunset with Lunch by Catamaran Yacht

Patong Self Guided Sherlock Holmes Murder Mystery Game

Mangroves, Rainforest and Beaches Small-group Tour

A sightseeing tour with kayaking and trekking and a stop for lunch included

Andaman Sunshine Spa Package

A rejuvenating experience at a contemporary spa

Phi Phi & Bamboo Island with Lunch by Speed Boat Full Day

Bangla Boxing Stadium Admission

A ticket providing admission to a Muay Thai boxing event in Phuket

Private Yoga Class

Relaxing Ashtanga yoga class suitable for all levels of experience

Surfing Lesson in Phuket

Full Customized Tour to Phi Phi by Private VIP Boat

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