Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, rich cultural heritage, and a plethora of activities catering to all kinds of travelers. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, Phuket has something to offer. Here’s a detailed guide to the top things to do in Phuket:
Table of Contents
1. Explore the Beaches
Patong Beach
- Description: Patong Beach, the most famous and popular beach in Phuket, is famous for its vibrant lifestyle, water sports, and nightlife.
- Activities: Jetskiing, parasailing, beach volleyball, sunbathing.
- Highlights: Bangla Road bars and clubs, beach shopping.
Kata Beach
- Description: A relaxed, family-friendly beach, Kata has fine sand and clean water.
- Activities: Surfing in monsoons, snorkeling, swimming.
- Highlights: Kata Viewpoint, local restaurants and cafes, surfing competitions.
Karon Beach
- Description: Karon Beach, one of Phuket’s longest beaches, has plenty of room to sit and chill out.
- Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, water sports, horse riding.
- Points of interest: Karon Temple Market, views, colorful sunsets.
Surin Beach
- Description: Surin Beach, also known as “Millionaire’s Row” is a beach where you will find luxurious resorts and high-end restaurants.
- Activities: Snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing.
- Advantages: Premium beach clubs, elegant restaurants, serene atmosphere.
Freedom Beach
- Description: A remote secluded beach reached by boat or a steep hike, Freedom Beach boasts clean sand and clear waters.
- Activities: Snorkelling, Swimming, Hanging out from the crowds.
- Highlights: Privacy, outstanding natural scenery, more untouched.
2. Discover Cultural and Historical Sites
Big Buddha
- Description: A 45-metre tall monument at the summit of Nakkerd Hill overlooking the island.
- Comments: Peaceful environment, scenic views, religious significance.
- Recommendations: Visit early in the morning so as to get away from everyone and have a peaceful experience.
Wat Chalong (Wat Chalong)
- Description: The main Buddhist temple in Phuket, is dedicated to two great monks.
- Impressions: Grand architecture, murals, spiritual atmosphere.
- Activities: Touring the temple campus, and enquiring about local religion.
Old Phuket Town
- Description: A historical neighborhood full of Sino-Portuguese architecture, flamboyant structures and street art.
- Highlights: Thalang Road’s Sunday Street Market, cafes, and shops.
- Activities: Walking tours, shopping for crafts, eating local food.
Phuket Trickeye Museum
- Description: An interactive 3D art museum where you can stand in front of optical illusion artworks.
- Highlights: Nice for photos, and cool exhibits.
- Tips: Perfect for families and groups who are looking for unusual photo opportunities.
3. Enjoy Natural Attractions
Phi Phi Islands
- Description: A gorgeous archipelago with turquoise water, steep cliffs, and an array of marine life.
- Activities: Snorkelling, scuba diving, island hopping, beach chilling.
- Highlights: Maya Bay (featured in the film “The Beach”), Bamboo Island, Viking Cave.
Similan Islands
- Description: As one of the world’s premier diving destinations, the Similan Islands boast some of the most pristine marine life.
- Activities: Scuba diving, snorkeling, hiking.
- Points of Interest: Marine life, good visibility, beautiful shoreline.
Phang Nga Bay
- Description: Renowned for its limestone karsts and green waters, Phang Nga Bay is an all-round destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Activities: Kayaking, boating, exploring caves and secluded lagoons.
- Highlights: James Bond Island, Koh Panyee floating village, Koh Hong.
Khao Sok National Park
- Description: One of Thailand’s most spectacular national parks with thick rainforest, limestone cliffs, and Cheow Lan Lake.
- Activities: Jungle trekking, canoeing, wildlife sightseeing, overnighting in floating bungalows.
- Points of Interest: Mountain views, plants and animals, quiet surroundings.
4. Engage in Adventure and Sports
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
- Description: Phuket has many diving locations suitable for both novice and experienced divers.
- Favorite Diving Locations: Shark Point, Anemone Reef, King Cruiser Wreck, Koh Racha.
- Advice: Make sure to go to a decent dive center, and think about training if you are new.
Surfing and Water Sports
- Description: Phuket is the ultimate paradise for water sports enthusiasts.
- Activities: Surfing, jet skiing, parasailing, wakeboarding, windsurfing.
- Hot Spots: Kata Beach for surfing in monsoon, Patong Beach for Jetskiing.
Phuket Dolphin Shows
- Location: Dolphins Bay Phuket, near Chalong on the southern end of the island.
- Highlights of the show: Dolphins perform flips, dances, hoop jumps, and other aerial acts. Sea lions will often join in too, adding their trademark grin and humor to the spectacle.
- Time: The show typically lasts about 45 minutes.
- Time: There are usually three to four shows per day depending on the season. Check ahead for precise times.
- Interactivity: After the show, guests are invited to pose for pictures with the dolphins and talk to the animals.
Elephant Sanctuaries
- Description: Elephant sanctuaries offer the opportunity to spend time with the epoch-making animals in a humane setting.
- Best Places To Visit: Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket.
- Activities: Feeding, bathing, walking elephants, learning about conservation.
- Tips: Don’t go to a resort where you can ride an elephant; visit rescue and rehabilitation centres.
Zip Lining and Adventure Parks
- Description: Try the excitement of zip-lining through thickets and visiting adventure parks.
- Favorite Parks: Hanuman World, Flying Hanuman, Jungle Bungy Jump Phuket.
- Activities: Zip-lining, climbing, rappelling, bungee jumping.
5. Experience Phuket’s Nightlife
Bangla Road
- Description: Bangla Road in Patong is the centre of Phuket’s nightlife and is full of bars, clubs and entertainment spaces.
- Highlights: Music venues, Go-go clubs, and nightclubs (including Illuzion and Tiger Nightclub).
- Recommendations: Watch your drinks and do not go to crowded spots late at night.
Beach Clubs and Bars
- Description: Dance, drink and play music at chic beach clubs in the evening.
- Local Attractions: Catch Beach Club, Cafe del Mar, Nikki Beach Phuket.
- Highlights: Sunset views, DJ’s on deck, chilled vibe.
Night Markets
- Description: Visit thriving night markets where you will find local foods, souvenirs, and shows.
- Recommended Markets: Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market), Chillva Market, Banzaan Fresh Market.
- Highlights: Food on the street, local arts and crafts, music performances.
Cabaret Shows
- Description: Enjoy the extravagant and charming cabaret show with outstanding performers.
- Shows You Should Watch: Simon Cabaret, Phuket FantaSea, Aphrodite Cabaret.
- Highlights: Costumery, dancers and open mic.
6. Indulge in Thai Cuisine and Dining
Street Food Tours
- Description: Explore local street food outlets to discover the tastes of Thai food.
- Food to Eat: Pad Thai, Som Tum (papaya salad), Mango Sticky Rice, Satay.
- Areas of Interest: Old Phuket Town, Patong Bangla Road, Chillva Market.
Fine Dining
- Description: Experience fine dining restaurants that serve a variety of cuisines.
- Best Dining: Blue Elephant Phuket, Baan Rim Pa, Suay Restaurant.
- Points of Note: Beautiful surroundings, classy atmosphere, inventive menus.
Cooking Classes
- Description: Take cooking classes and make Thai food from scratch.
- Popular Classes: Phuket Thai Cookery School, Blue Elephant Cooking School, Siam Ethnic Thai Cookery School.
- Prompts: Market walks, cooking classes, tasting your creations.
7. Relax and Rejuvenate
Spas and Wellness Centers
- Description: Phuket has numerous spas that can provide anything from traditional Thai massages to contemporary wellness therapies.
- Top Spas: Banyan Tree Spa, Let’s Relax Spa, Health Land Spa & Massage.
- Recommendations: Thai massage, aromatherapy, herbal steam bath, reflexology.
Yoga and Meditation Retreats
- Description: Unwind at one of Phuket’s yoga schools or meditation retreats.
- Favorite Studios: Yoga House Phuket, Phuket Yoga Shack, The Yoga Room.
- Schedule: Yoga sessions every day, meditation classes, wellness courses.
8. Shopping in Phuket
Jungceylon Shopping Mall
- Description: An immense Patong mall with a massive number of shops, restaurants, and entertainments.
- Features: International brands, theatres, arcades, food court.
Central Festival Phuket
- Description: Another big mall in Phuket Town, with both local and international retailers.
- Advantages: Different stores, restaurants, occasional parties and performances.
Local Markets
- Description: Search the many shops that offer souvenirs, clothes and indigenous items.
- Markets to visit: Banzaan Fresh Market, Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market), Malin Plaza Patong.
9. Day Trips and Excursions
James Bond Island (Koh Tapu)
- Description: Well-known for appearing in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”, this island is an popular day trip.
- Activities: Fishing trips, sightseeing tours, kayaking in limestone caves.
- Highlights: Magnificent rocks, crystal clear water, picturesque views.
Racha Islands (Koh Racha)
- Description: The Racha Islands are famous for their white sand beaches and great diving, making it a great day-trip destination.
- Activities: Snorkeling, diving, sunbathing, swimming.
- Highlights: Clear waters, wild marine life, tranquility.
Coral Island (Koh Hae)
- Description: Coral Island is just a boat ride away from Phuket, and has some amazing beaches and diving.
- Activities: Snorkelling, parasailing, banana boats, sunbathing on the beach.
- Points of Interest: Clear seas, rich marine life, easy to reach from Phuket.
Tips for Visiting Phuket
- When To Go: November — February when the weather is dry and warm.
- Public transport: Getting around is very popular by renting a scooter, but taxis and tuk-tuks are easily available. Make use of Grab (Ride-hailing App) to save time.
- Cultural Indulgence: Wear modest clothing when visiting temples, including shoulders and knees. Take off your shoes before going into holy places.
- Security: Phuket is generally safe, however never leave your belongings unattended in crowds and crowded nightclubs.
- Health: Drink plenty of water, wear sunscreen, and beware of street food if you’re on a weak stomach.
Phuket has a lot of things to offer for all sorts of tourists. Be it a beach party, visiting historic sites, trying out authentic Thai food or simply wanting something different, Phuket can provide an unforgettable holiday.
