Best Places to Visit in Phuket: The Ultimate Phuket Travel Guide
This Phuket travel itinerary includes some of the best places to visit in Phuket including top things to do in Patong, Kata, and Kamala amongst other areas. This guide is a 101 for anyone traveling to Phuket for the first time but also highlights all the amazing things to do in Phuket for those who have visited before. It contains everything you need to know from the best places to stay in Phuket, the best beaches to visit, and shopping in Phuket.
Phuket is known to be the ‘party island’, but it will surprise you in a way that you’ll want to come back for more. There are so many places to visit in Phuket, and finding the right things to do in any destination is instrumental to planning a great and successful holiday.
Phuket offers visitors a plethora of things to do from its pristine beaches, natural beauty, diverse attractions, rich culture, and vibrant nightlife, you’ll have plenty of options to keep you busy.
In this Phuket travel guide, we’ve included everything you need to know from the vast range of attractions, fabulous beaches, various activities, and beautiful temples. We talk about the best places to stay in Phuket and include all the best things to do on the island. You’ll even discover some hidden gems along the way. Pick and choose the things that appeal to you and customize your trip exactly the way you want to.
Disclaimer: Please note some of the links in this post are affiliate links. Purchasing through these links earns us a small commission at no extra charge to you.
What to expect in this ultimate Phuket Travel Guide?
As per most of our guides, in addition to the detailed section on the best places to visit in Phuket, we will also include other important information such as, when to visit Phuket, where to stay, and how long should you stay on the island.
Once you’ve had a read through this guide, you’ll have all the information you need to start planning your trip to Thailand’s most visited island and make the most of your time here.
Best Places to Visit in Phuket: The Ultimate Phuket Travel Guide
Phuket is a traveler’s paradise. It’s renowned for its pristine white beaches, water sports, tasty local cuisine, party culture, and luxurious resorts.
After our recent trip to Phuket, we have the best tips and suggestions for things to do, the best time to travel, where to stay, getting around the island, and more. If you want to know what to do in Phuket, read below to find a detailed list of the top attractions on this enchanting island. Here are 15 of the best places to visit in Phuket. Some of these attractions are included in the Phuket City Tour.
1. Hike to Karon Viewpoint
Karon Viewpoint, also known as Kho Sam Haad, means ‘The Hill of the Three Beaches’, and once you reach its peak, you’ll find breathtaking views of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon beaches, and the deep blue Andaman Sea.
The viewpoint is located along the ring road, halfway between Nai Harn Beach and Kata Noi Beach. If you are feeling up to the walk up, you can hike to the viewpoint from Karon neighborhood. Most of the walk is along the main road, and it takes usually about an hour depending on where you start.
2. Admire the Big Buddha – One of the best places to visit in Phuket!
Visiting the Big Buddha is one of the top things to do in Phuket. The statue can be seen from much of the south of the island. If you book a sightseeing tour of the island, a visit to the Big Buddha is bound to be included in your tour as it is one of the top things to do in Phuket. And if not, you can simply take a grab or bolt to the top. The road is steep but well paved and the view from the top is stunning!
If you’re looking for things to do in Phuket that involve getting some exercise, put on your walking shoes and make your way through the lush jungles. From the base of the hiking trail, it’s a 6km winding path up, discovering local flora and fauna along the way.
The 45-meter-tall white iconic marble statue sits at the top of Nakkerd Hill in the south of the island and exudes an aura of peace and tranquillity. Here, you can make a donation that goes towards the maintenance of Big Buddha.
Remember that Big Buddha is more than just a landmark; it is a religious place. So, dress appropriately and ensure your knees are shoulders are covered. Be respectful at all times.
You can visit Big Buddha as part of the Phuket City Tourhttps://tripadvisor.tp.st/042V5vGd.
Tip: Visit first thing in the morning to avoid large crowds and tour buses that stop here during the day.
3. Visit Wat Chalong
A visit to Phuket isn’t complete until you’ve made it to Wat Chalong, the spiritual heart of Phuket. Wat Chalong is one of the must-see places in Phuket and is the island’s largest and most visited Buddhist temple.
The entire temple complex is very large, with landscaped gardens, golden statues, and stunning architecture. You’ll come across beautiful ornate pagodas, sacred relics, and intricate murals as you make your way through the sacred site.
The most iconic building on the temple grounds is a 60-meter-tall stupa. Inside the building, you’ll find beautiful paintings and murals on the walls and ceilings that narrate the life of Lord Buddha. Some stairs take you to a terrace where you can enjoy beautiful panoramic views.
Visitors can also participate in Buddhist rituals, such as lighting incense sticks and offering prayers for good fortune
Remember, this is a place of worship, so be respectful and ensure your knees and shoulders are covered. Remove shoes and caps when entering the temple buildings.
The Phuket City Tour includes a visit to Wat Chalong.
4. Explore Phuket Old Town
Step back in time as you wander the charming streets of Phuket’s Old Town. You’ll see Sino–Portuguese buildings, vibrant street art, plenty of temples, boutique shops, cafes, and restaurants.
The two main streets of Old Phuket Town where most of the attractions lie are Soi Rommanee and Thalang Road. Spend a morning or evening stroll through the streets and take in the relaxed atmosphere you’ll find in this area.
5. Visit Rawai Seafood Market
If you’re a seafood lover, Rawai’s Seafood Market is a must-visit destination in Phuket. This bustling market is known for its wide variety of fresh seafood including fish, prawns, crabs, and lobsters.
Rawai Seafood Market was once a local fisherman’s village where you could buy fresh seafood caught by the local fishermen. Over the years, the place has somewhat developed a hype with tourists visiting year after year for what was once known as cheap seafood. While you can still find seafood here, this is no longer a ‘çheap’ option. With so many tourists now visiting the cost of seafood and eating at restaurants has gone up.
If you have time on your hands, you can check it out. One of the unique features of Rawai’s Seafood Market is that you can choose your seafood and take it to one of the restaurants that will cook it for you. You can choose how you would like it cooked as well as the sauces to go along with it. It’s a great way to experience the flavors of Phuket. The market is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
6. Watch a sunset from Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape Viewpoint is located at the southernmost tip of Phuket and offers stunning views, especially during sunset.
You’ll find a large number of buses with tourists that stop at this location. It does get very busy during sunset, so if you want a calmer experience, visit sometime in the afternoon or the morning. You’ll still get some beautiful photos and can sit down, relax, and take in the view without thousands of tourists around you. You can also walk down to the end of the cape if you are feeling adventurous. It is relatively easy to go there, but an uphill climb on the way back.
There is a big open space at the top of the top with a shrine and a mini lighthouse museum. We went in there for the air condition as it was a very hot day when we visited. You’ll find some interesting maritime artifacts to view here.
Tip: If you are visiting during sunset, check the sunset time before you come to Promthep Cape, as the exact times change and the sunsets are usually very quick so you don’t want to miss out after going all that way.
7. Visit the amazing beaches of Phuket
Phuket has so many amazing beaches, you don’t have to worry about being stuck on a beach you don’t like. Here are some of the top beaches in Phuket to add to your list.
- Karon Beach
- Kata Beach
- Patong Beach
- Nai Harn Beach
- Kamala Beach
- Bang Tao Beach
- Mai Khao Beach
- Freedom Beach
- Rawai Beach
We have a detailed post on the best beaches to visit in Phuket that you can check out.
Make sure to visit at least a few of these beaches during your time on the island. Catching a sunset on a beach is one of the best things to do in Phuket in our opinion.
8. Take a trip to the Phi Phi Islands
Now this is one of our favourite things to do in Phuket because the Phi Phi islands are just so stunning! If you don’t have the time to stay there, no problem, just take a day trip from Phuket. It’s easy and there are plenty of companies around that you can choose from.
We went with Phuket Sail Tours and I can’t recommend these guys enough. Mark, the Captain who also happens to be one of the owners, is an absolute gem, and he and his team know the area at the back of their palm. So, you know you’ll be well looked after on this trip. They offer plenty of day trips and sunset trips. I’ve included a link to their trips for you to check out here.
We went on the Phi Phi Islands day trip which included the famous Maya Bay, Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, lunch at Phi Phi Don, and a swim at Bamboo Island. The speedboat gets you to the Phi Phi Islands in just under an hour with no more than 20 people on the boat. You can then begin your day snorkeling in the beautiful turquoise waters.
Our tour included:
- pick up and drop off from our accommodation
- a light breakfast
- National Park fees (not all tours include this so check at the time of booking your tour)
- Lunch, water, snacks and soft drinks
- Snorkel gear
- insurance
So, when booking any tour, make sure you have these inclusions so you just turn up on the day and have to worry about anything. That’s exactly how we felt with Phuket Sail Tours. Just make sure you take your hat, sunscreen, and swimsuit with you.
As with any tour, you’ll always feel like you wish you had more time in each place, which is how we felt. But we can’t wait to go back to take the James Bond Sunset tour with these guys. We met a couple of people on our tour who had done both tours with Phuket Sail Tours and raved about the sunset tour.
To have someone take the hassle out of planning for you is so refreshing. These guys are a family-focused company and I can say with certainty that they were so great with the kids. If you need any further information on the Phi Phi Islands or this tour, send us an email and we’ll get back to you.
9. Visit an (ethical) Elephant Sanctuary
You’ll find several Elephant Sanctuaries across Thailand. But make sure you find one that’s ethical with no riding and provides a safe and natural environment for rescued elephants. The well-being and welfare are the topmost priorities of these elephant sanctuaries.
We were fortunate enough to visit Green Elephant Sanctuary who provided us with one of the best experiences of our trip. They were so well organized and the facility for the elephants was simply amazing. They had a total of 14 elephants and a baby elephant. Each elephant had its own caretaker.
We learned so much on the day and loved being able to feed and bathe the elephants. We went with the half-day morning tour from 6.30 am to 12 pm, and it included the following:
- Pick up/ drop off from accommodation
- Feeding and bathing the elephants
- A presentation about the park, its vision, and of course, the elephants
- Delicious Thai buffet lunch, soft drinks
They had photographers who took photos that were freely available for everyone to download from their Facebook page.
All you need to take along with you is your swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, insect repellent, and reef shoes if you want to wear them during the mud baths (you can be barefoot if you prefer)
We highly recommend the morning tour as it gets quite hot later in the day. We were back at our accommodation by around 12.30 pm and had the rest of the day to continue exploring Phuket.
Cost: The cost for an adult is 2,500 baht and for children from 5 to 10 years is 1900 baht. Kids under 4 are free.
If you are looking for some exciting things to do in Phuket with kids then this family-friendly activity is a must. A fulfilling and unique experience in Phuket.
10. Visit Bangla Road: Experience Phuket nightlife
The famous Bangla Road in Phuket is not to be missed. The street is a one-way traffic street during the day but turns into a crazy, vibrant pedestrian-walking street at night. It is full of life, bars, shops, restaurants, performers, nightclubs, and several cannabis shops. Yup, you read that right! You will spot the iconic leaf every few hundred meters in Patong Beach.
There are people waving flyers in your face as you walk up and down the street trying to get you to go into their bars or restaurants. There are plenty of alleys or side streets off the main Bangla Road where you will find the slightly cheaper bars.
While the street is busy in the evenings, it comes to life after 10 pm. Bangla Road is truly the heart of Patong nightlife and a must-visit place in Phuket. It’s the perfect place to visit for solo travelers and even for a group of friends looking for a good night out.
11. Eat at the Phuket Night Markets
Phuket’s night markets are lively, and colorful and have delightful aromas from all the fresh food being cooked. You’ll find plenty of markets across the island. Some are open during the week and some on the weekends.
You’ll find everything from clothes, souvenirs, and delectable street food and drinks as you stroll through the markets.
Some night markets to visit are:
- Karon Temple Market: The Karon Temple Market only opens twice a week, on Tuesdays and Fridays from 4 pm to 10 pm. This one is one of the more popular markets and because it runs only twice a week, it gets very crowded.
- Kata Night Market: Not as popular as some of the other markets, the Kata Night Market is large and known for its variety of cheap food in numerous small stalls. It’s a bit like a food court, where you can choose your food and drinks by browsing through the different vendors, then pay, and sit at any available table. Open 2 pm – 11 pm daily.
- Phuket Old Town Night Market: The Phuket Weekend Night Market is located in Old Town Phuket and is massive. The indoor section sells mainly clothes and souvenirs, while you’ll find everything else in the outdoor, open-air section. Open 4 pm to 10 pm.
Tip: Visit the markets as early as possible because it gets busier later in the evening.
12. Mai Khao Beach: Spot the planes flying over the beach
This once-deserted beach has become a permanent Instagram playground with visitors and Instagrams flocking from all over to take photos of planes flying over the beach.
Mai Khao Beach is located just north of Phuket Airport and is the island’s longest beach (11km long)
When landing, the planes fly quite low above the water so it’s become a viral phenomenon. You’ll find plenty of people at the southern end of the beach waiting to have their photo taken with an arriving plane! It is technically not allowed to stand in the direct path of the plane, but obviously, no one seems to pay attention to this. You’ll want to be careful and not get in trouble with Thai authorities.
13. Dinner in the Sky
If you are looking for something unique to do in Phuket, then go ahead and book Dinner in the Sky. Suspended by a crane, guests sit at a table (safely secured into their seats) high above Karon Beach, taking in the beautiful views while enjoying a delicious dinner.
Meals are cooked in front of you while you get to enjoy the thrill of being up in the sky. Dinner in the Sky provides an unforgettable gastronomic experience. It quite literally takes eating to new heights!
14. Carnival Magic
Carnival Magic is a fairly new nighttime Thai carnival theme park, known as the Magical Kingdom of Lights. It’s the perfect place to visit with kids as there are numerous attractions to keep everyone entertained.
This theme park is located on Kamala Beach and is now quickly becoming one of the top places to visit in Phuket. With its attractive bright and colorful lights, Carnival Magic is one of the cool things to do in Phuket at night.
15. Visit Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Before our trip, we had no idea that Phuket produced rum. It’s made of pure sugar cane juice instead of molasses. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is a must-visit place in Phuket. They run tours where you can learn more about the distillation process, and the art of crafting exquisite rum. And of course, you can enjoy tastings or learn to make a Chalong Bay Mojito while you are at it.
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is located close to Phuket Zoo and is one of the top places to visit in Phuket. They have a workshop held every day at 4 pm which includes a tour of the distillery, lessons on making 3 different cocktails, and tapas. Book in advance to avoid missing out. This sightseeing tour includes a free cocktail for those above 20 years of age.
There is a restaurant on-site, so if you don’t want to participate in the tour or workshop, you can always grab a drink and some food while you are there.
So there you have it, the top 15 places to visit in Phuket. Whether you are looking to relax on some of the island’s beautiful beaches or are looking for adventure or a cultural experience, this tropical paradise definitely will deliver on your expectations.
With its diverse offerings, Phuket promises a vacation that caters to everyone. So, pack your bags and make your way to Thailand’s most visited island to embrace the magic of Phuket and embark on an unforgettable journey through paradise.
Happy Travels!
More things to do in Phuket
- Parasail over Patong Beach
- Watch a Muay Thai Boxing Match
- Sunbathe on Bang Tao Beach
- Visit Phuket Zoo
- Take a traditional Thai cooking class
- Catch a sunset at one of the beautiful beaches
If you have only 4 days in Phuket, here is a 4-day Phuket Travel Itinerary that covers some of the top Phuket attractions.
1: Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Karon Viewpoint, Karon Beach
2: Chalong Bay Rum Distillery, Rawai Beach, Nari Harn Beach, Promthep Cape
3: Kata Beach, Patong Beach, Bangla Road
4: Phi Phi Islands Day trip, dinner at a night market
Phuket Travel Guide
Now that you have a list of the best things to do in Phuket, here are some tips to ensure you have an enjoyable experience while visiting the island.
When planning a trip to Phuket, there are several factors to consider to ensure you have a fun and successful trip.
When to Visit Phuket?
Most people who visit the island want to experience blue skies and no rain. After all, you want to make the most of the beaches and I’m guessing that’s one of the many reasons you’ve picked this tropical island as a holiday destination!
Phuket has mainly two seasons; the dry season (which also happens to be the high season) from December to April and the rainy season from May to November. The weather is usually at its best during December and January. But the high season and great weather mean larger crowds and higher prices.
The rainy season is much cheaper and you’ll find the beaches and towns are a lot quieter. But if you only have a few days on the island then it may be a matter of traveling at a time when you know the weather is going to be in your favor. If you stay in the right areas and are traveling during peak season, you may not find it so bad.
We were in Phuket for Christmas and New Year and honestly didn’t find it too bad because of where we were located. We’ll cover the best areas to stay in Phuket next, so you can make the right decision for your trip.
Best Areas to Stay in Phuket
If you are visiting Phuket for the first time and don’t know where to stay, read below to find out about the different areas on the island.
The thing I love about Phuket is you can choose to do as much as you want or as little as you want. The island has a range of activities, beautiful beaches, cultural attractions, and of course, delicious food to please everyone in some way or the other. So, finding the right area to stay is imperative to give you the best experience for your time on the island.
Phuket’s attractions are all spread out, so there’s no one best area to stay on the island. However, depending on what type of holiday you want to have and whether you’re traveling as a couple, with kids or with friends, the areas below should help you choose a neighborhood that suits you the best.
Patong
Patong is centrally located on the west coast of Phuket. If you enjoy nightlife and parties, then Patong is the area for you. You’ll find a lot of the younger crowd and backpackers in this area. If you are traveling to Phuket with kids, I wouldn’t recommend this area as it can get quite loud at night.
Kata, Karon and Kamala
These neighborhoods are also located on the west coast of Phuket. The areas are popular with families and those looking for a laid-back experience. You’ll find they still have a lot to offer from shopping, dining, lots of beautiful beaches, and of course massage places. Nightlife is more limited in these areas but you’ll still find a few bars around the place.
Karon and Kata are great places to stay for families traveling to Phuket for the first time.
Phuket Old Town
The town is located to the southeast. If you aren’t too fussed about being around beaches and want to take in a bit more culture, then Phuket Town is the location for you. The area is quite far away from the beaches, so if you plan to stay here keep this in mind in case you do want to visit some of the beautiful beaches on the island. You’ll find lots of shops, markets, and religious sites here.
Mai Khao Beach
This area is in the northwest of Phuket. It is perfect for couples or families and provides a quieter beach experience in Phuket. You’ll find amazing 5-star resorts and a long beach which has now become very popular for its Instagram-worthy photos of planes flying over the beach.
Bang Tao
If you are looking for a 4- and 5-star experience, then Bang Tao is a newer part of Phuket with 4 and 5-star resorts and many great dining options.
How long do you need in Phuket?
This all depends on you and how long you can travel. If you are traveling from within Asia, I’d say 3 or 4 nights would be enough to get a feel for Phuket because you will always come back!
If you are traveling from further away, I’d say allow at least 10 days to 2 weeks to make the most of your time on the island. You can do lots of day trips to the Phi Phi Islands from here and also have a few days to simply relax on the beach.
The best part is that there are plenty of ferries and boat tours that connect Phuket with the other islands in the Andaman Sea. So, you can base yourself in Phuket and take day trips to the other surrounding islands like James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay or Koh Phi Phi.
How to get around Phuket?
Phuket is a large island, so you will have to give considerable thought to how you’d like to get around the island depending on your budget. Here are a few options to help you decide.
Hire a Car or Motorbike
Ok, so this all depends on how you feel about riding or driving on the island. Most couples we met in Phuket hired a bike for their duration on the island. It’s the most economical way to get around.
Of course, if you are a family of four, that wouldn’t work for you, unless you get two bikes. And in that case the cost of the two bikes would most likely equate to that of hiring a car. So, if you are a family and feel comfortable driving in Thailand, then by all means you can look into hiring a car. Make sure you have a valid driver’s license and travel insurance before renting any sort of vehicle, just to make sure you are covered in the event of an accident.
Use Bolts and Grabs
We highly recommend using Bolt or Grab (which are the equivalents of Uber in Thailand). They are a cheap and efficient way of getting around, and you always know the cost upfront. This way you can still keep to your schedule and visit all the attractions on the island. We were a family of 4 and this option worked the best for us during our month in Thailand. Also, traffic in Thailand is crazy, especially in the larger cities/islands, so we didn’t really feel comfortable driving there.
Take Public Transport
Phuket has plenty of public transport options. Tuk-tuks (three-wheeled, open-air taxis) are convenient for traveling short distances. Just make sure you clarify the destination and negotiate a price in advance to avoid getting ripped off.
You can also take public buses in Phuket; they are pretty slow-moving but the cheapest public transport option. The buses run from roughly 7 am to 6 pm.
Tips when planning tours in Phuket
With so much to choose from, it may be challenging to fit all the things to do in Phuket into one holiday. So, we highly recommend referring to the list of the top places to visit in Phuket above. Choose places that appeal to you the most and be realistic about what you can fit in during your time on the island. I find putting the attractions into Google Maps helps a lot, as you can maximize your time with attractions that are located close to each other.
Here are some tips when booking tours on the island.
- Note down all the places you’d like to visit and book your tours in advance, especially if you are visiting during peak season. Depending on your budget you can book with a tour company or book a private driver for the day which will cover all the main attractions in Phuket.
- If you are traveling as a family or a group of friends, renting a van with a driver for the day is the best way to go. It’s a stress-free way to explore Phuket and gives you the flexibility to start and finish as you please. You can also discuss with the driver in advance the places you’d like to cover during the day (usually around 8 hours). The cost for a private van with a driver including fuel can range from 2500 baht and 3000 baht (for up to 8 passengers). It’s a great way to split costs if you are traveling with friends or another family. Just make sure to do your research and read reviews before you book so you have a pleasant experience. Depending on your budget, we highly recommend this option and if you are interested, send us a note and we’ll send you the details of the company we used.
- If you are traveling off-peak season, you can also book day trips once you arrive in Phuket through your hotel. You’ll also come across plenty of travel agencies along the streets that you can pop into.
- Your tour should always include transportation to and from your hotel. If it’s an island-hopping tour, depending on the length of time, you may be served breakfast and/or lunch.
- Don’t always go for the cheaper option. The cheaper tours can be more crowded and may not offer a great experience. Pay a bit more to go in smaller groups and have a better overall experience. After all, you may only do this once!
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Phuket
What are the free things to do in Phuket?
There are plenty of things to do in Phuket for free.
- Relax at the beautiful beaches on the island
- Visit Big Buddha
- Take a stroll through Phuket Old Town
- Visit the local markets
- Take in the views from the viewpoints
What to do in Phuket at night?
Some of the best things to do in Phuket at night are:
- Visit Phuket night markets
- Watch cultural shows at Siam Niramit
- Enjoy live music at Patong
- Hit the clubs or bars
Is Phuket safe to visit?
Phuket is as safe as any other place in Thailand. We had no issues during our time there. Just be sensible when you are in crowded places and look after your personal belongings
Is Phuket worth visiting?
We would have to say yes to this. If you’ve never been to Phuket before, we would highly recommend you visit Phuket at least once in your life. The island has so much to offer, from beaches, nightlife, markets, and delicious food, there’s nothing you can’t find in Phuket. It also makes a great base for day trips to the Phi Phi Islands and other nearby places.
15 Best Places to Visit in Phuket
- Hike to Karon Viewpoint
- Admire the Big Buddha
- Visit Wat Chalong
- Explore Phuket Old Town
- Visit Rawai Seafood Market
- Watch a sunset from Promthep Cape
- Visit the amazing beaches of Phuket
- Take a trip to the Phi Phi Islands
- Visit an (ethical) Elephant Sanctuary
- Visit Bangla Road: Experience Phuket nightlife
- Eat at the Phuket Night Markets
- Mai Khao Beach: Spot the planes flying over the beach
- Dinner in the Sky
- Carnival Magic
- Visit Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Other Thailand posts you may like to help you plan the perfect holiday
- 14 – day Thailand Itinerary
- 3 Day Chiang Mai Travel Itinerary
- 5 Day Bangkok Itinerary
- Krabi Travel Itinerary
