tourist attractions phuket

• Phuket by Categories and Locations ✳️
• Phuket with Kids
• 20 MOST BEAUTIFUL BEACHES
• ⛱️ Patong Beach
• ⛱️ Kata Beach
• ⛱️ Karon Beach
• ⛱️ Kamala Beach
• ⛱️ Bang Tao Beach
• 15 ISLANDS NEAR PHUKET
• 🏝️ Phi Phi Islands
• 🏝️ Similan Islands
• 🏝️ Coral Island
• Seaplane Travel Coming to Phuket
• 62 BEST THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET
• 19 Best Tours
• 24 Best Things to Do in Phuket with Kids 🧸
• All Things to do in Phuket with Kids
• Best Things to Do for Couples
• Walking Guide to Old Phuket Town
• 23 Most Instagrammable Spots in Phuket 📷
• Phang Nga Bay
• Phuket Attractions Directory ✳️
• 24 BEST HOTELS IN PATONG BEACH 🧳
• 13 BEST HOTELS IN KATA BEACH 🧳
• 10 BEST HOTELS in KARON BEACH 🧳
• 11 BEST HOTELS IN KAMALA BEACH 🧳
• 11 BEST HOTELS IN BANG TAO BEACH 🧳
• 6 BEST HOTELS IN MAI KHAO BEACH 🧳
• 8 BEST HOTELS IN PHUKET TOWN 🧳
• 41 Best Hotels in Phuket
• 22 Best Beachfront Hotels ⛱️
• 13 Best Family Hotels 🧸
• 11 Great Hotels on Islands Nearby 🏝️
• Best Hotels in Phi Phi Island
• All Our 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
• Phuket Nightlife Directory ✳️
• 38 Best Local Restaurants in Phuket
• 18 Best Restaurants in Phuket
• 24 Best Restaurants in Patong Beach
• Michelin Restaurants in Phuket 🍽️
• Phuket Restaurants Directory ✳️
• 10 BEST NIGHT MARKETS
• 8 Best Shopping Malls 🛍️
• Jungceylon Phuket
• Phuket Shopping Directory ✳️
• Phuket Event Calendar 2024
• Phuket Weather ☀️☁️🌧️
• Phuket Live Webcam
• Car Rental 🚙
• Scooters Rentals 🛵
• Airport Transfers 🚐

63 BEST THINGS to DO in Phuket – True reviews by locals!

• Best of Phuket , Tours , What to Do?
• Last updated 4 May 2024 30 May 2024

What to do in Phuket?

What are the best things to do in Phuket is one of the most important questions people ask us when planning a trip. We explored the island for 30 years to bring you the best of Phuket, sorted in what we saw and what people liked the most. There is an incredibly vast range of attractions, activities and tours, from fabulous beaches and natural wonders to glittering temples and human-made attractions for you to explore and experience.

Phang Nga Bay is an absolute must-do, with jaw-dropping limestone cliffs and flooded caves. Phi Phi islands are everyone’s second favourite thing to do in Phuket, even though they can be a little crowded. The 45-meter-high Big Buddha of Phuket is also on everyone’s list, and this attraction is not difficult to reach. Walking with the elephants to help them escape a life of hard labour is the next big thing in Phuket and is growing fast in popularity.

4 Important things to know when planning tours in Phuket

• We recommend planning just a few tours and daytrips before travelling, then once here you can adjust your plan according to your mood or the weather. However, if you plan to visit Phuket during the peak season (end of December and January) you should try to book the tours that relate to islands, cruises and Phang Nga Bay (especially the famous John Gray SeaCanoe )
• You can book those day trips once here; they are usually cheaper and can be booked directly from your hotel, in the street or one of the many travel agencies. We added information on each attraction.
• Tours always include transportation from and to your hotel, so that is not a worry!
• Some tours may look more expensive than others, but those usually offer a better experience: less crowded, better service and overall: a better experience.

With so much to choose from, it may be challenging to fit all the things to do in Phuket into one holiday. So to make your travel planning a lot easier, we listed here a long list of must-do in Phuket sorted by popularity. Some are on the island, and some are around the island but easily accessible in one day.

1. Explore the Beaches of Phuket

This seems to be so obvious thing to do in Phuket since this is the main reason why most travellers travel such long distances, but did you know that we counted more than 46 beaches? You probably know the famous ones, mostly located on the southwest coast: Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn. They are famous because they are truly beautiful, but they can also be too busy if you come to find peace and isolation.

Don’t limit yourself to one beach and explore Phuket: drive around and discover the north and east coast beaches as some are superb and still peaceful: Nai Yang, Naithon, and Mai Khao Beaches. Read more about Phuket beaches .

2. Explore Phang Nga Bay

The incredible scenery of Phang Nga has always been at the top of our list of places to visit. There are many ways to explore it. You can take a lazy sunset cruise on a Chinese Junk or explore Phang Nga by canoe through caves and enclosed lagoons. If you can afford it, a full day on a customised private cruise around Phang Nga is the most relaxing and enjoyable experience. Day trips to Phang Nga usually include a stop at the famous James Bond Island and Koh Panyi, the village built entirely on stilts. Similar to the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam, these landscapes will leave unforgettable memories. Read more about Phang Nga Bay

How to get there : Phang Nga can be booked even one day before, once in Phuket, at your hotel or street booth. However, everyone agrees that the best way to do it is with John Gray Seacanoe , which should be booked in advance online, especially during the high season (December to May) When to get there : Thanks to its sheltered geography, Phang Nga is accessible and beautiful all year round, even during the rainy season. The sea is never rough, so you won’t have to worry about seasickness.

Dinner in the Sky in Phuket

Sponsored post

Dinner in the Sky takes eating to new heights—literally. Suspended by a crane, guests sit at a table high above Karon Beach, taking in the beautiful views while enjoying a delicious dinner. The experience blends thrill and luxury, with guests safely secured into their seats. Chefs cook excellent dishes directly in front of your eyes, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether it's a romantic date or an adventurous adventure, Dinner in the Sky promises an unforgettable dining experience above the clouds. Click here to book and to check availability .

3. Climb to Big Buddha of Phuket

Number 3 on our list of best things to do in Phuket has always been the Big Buddha, an iconic 45-meter tall white marble statue sitting at the top of Nakkerd hill in the south of the island. The construction of this statue, entirely from donations, started in 2002. You can contribute too by sponsoring one small white marble tile and signing your name on it.

It’s a great thing to do; your name will be there forever. Remember that Big Buddha is more than just a landmark; it is a religious place. You should respect it by dressing appropriately: if you wear shorts or skirts above the knee , you will need to wear a sarong provided by security at the entrance. It would be best if you also tried to keep your voice down, which unfortunately is not very well understood by tourists.

The road to get up there is steep but well-paved, and the panoramic view from the top is worth the climb. To the north, you can see the whole of Chalong Bay to Phang Nga; in the south, you will see Kata Beach. On the way down, stop at one of the many little panoramic bars to get a bird’s view of Karon Beach. Read more about Phuket Big Buddha

How to get there : you can easily reach the Big Buddha with your motorbike or car. Tuk-tuks will happily take you there and wait for you. Keep in mind that most tours include a visit to the Big Buddha. When to get there : all year round Price : Entrance is free but donations are appreciated

4. Take a Trip to Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi is a beautiful archipelago made of fantastic beaches and immense cliffs over two bays you can admire from a famous viewpoint. Phi Phi is also renowned among young crowds for those legendary beach parties lasting all night long, reminding a bit of the Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan. But this fame comes with a price, and Phi Phi may have become too popular. The crowds, greed and developments have severely affected the island, so don’t imagine yourself walking alone on the deserted Maya Beach like they do in the movie The Beach, unless you book a hotel in the north of the island. Read more about Phi Phi Islands

How to get there : Book it in advance if you plan to stay overnight. You can book a ferry or speedboat once in Phuket if you only want to go for the day, but day trips usually allow you such a short time on Phi Phi you won’t have much time for exploration. The price starts as cheap as 375 baht for a ferry ticket + hotel transfer.

When to go there : Phi Phi island is open all year round, but of course, it’s more beautiful with a blue sky during the high season (December to May). During the low season, the ride can be bumpy, so take some pills if you are prone to seasickness.

5. Maya Bay

We can’t talk about Phi Phi Islands without talking about Maya Bay. We listed it separately because it can be a day trip on its own. Maya Bay has reopened after being closed for a while but access is restricted. Read more about Maya Bay

6. Party on Bangla Road

Bangla Road might not be to everyone’s taste, but judging by the enormous crowd walking up and down Patong walking street every night, Bangla is on many people’s must-see list. Unlike what most people believe, Soi Bangla is not a Sin City for Single Men. It’s a colourful and vibrant street full of life, restaurants, shops, bars and dancing girls. If you want to know more, enter these famous Go-Go bars and see what a go-go bar is. You will often see couples tourists having a drink; Patong is a lot more easygoing than Bangkok or Pattaya. Read more about Bangla Road

When to go there : Bangla is lively all year round. Nothing happens during the day, and the street closes to traffic around 7 pm. However, the party atmosphere only kicks in after 9 or 10 pm.

7. Explore Phuket Old Town

It’s hard to resist those old Sino-Portuguese streets with beautiful shophouses and magnificent mansions. Phuket’s old town is perfect for a half-day, with many small cafes, bakeries, and eateries along the way. You can reach there by tuk-tuk or even with the local blue bus that stops at the city market, then walk to Thalang Road, the most popular of the old streets of Phuket Town.

Visit the local markets near the bus station and explore the little streets here and there to discover some incredible abandoned mansions. Don’t miss the Phuket Walking Street on Sunday, a chance to try a lot of local food you cannot find easily! Read more about Phuket Old Town

How to get there : Tuk-Tuk or Grab taxis are the standard options. Then the cheapest way apart from driving there yourself is to ride the local blue bus .

8. Visit Chalong Temple

Chalong Temple (locally called Wat Chalong), built at the beginning of the 19th century, is the largest and the most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. The most iconic building on the temple grounds is a 60-meter-tall stupa sheltering a fragment of bone from Buddha. Inside the building, beautiful paintings and illustrations on the walls and ceilings narrate the life of Lord Buddha, and each floor is full of donated golden statues.

You can also climb stairs to reach a terrace and enjoy a panoramic view. Just like in any temple in Thailand, remember to dress appropriately: no shorts or skirts above the knee , and no sleeveless shirts. Remember to remove shoes and caps when entering the temple buildings. Read more about Wat Chalong

How to get there : easy to reach by car or motorbike. Most tours will include Wat Chalong, usually combined with a visit to the Big Buddha. When to get there : the temple is open from 7 am to 5 pm, but you can walk around the property anytime. Price : free entrance, but donations are appreciated

9. Explore the many Night Markets!

Phuket has a lot of night markets, but on any day of the week, the line between a night market and a night bazaar is relatively thin. Some markets only open during the weekend, and some during the weekdays. The Sunday Walking Street Market on the old Thalang Road of Phuket Town is the most creative. Read more about Phuket Night Markets

10. Relax or Party in a Beach Club

There is a growing list of superb beach clubs all around Phuket. Most are open all day for customers to enjoy food and drinks on comfortable sofas or beach beds, and some turn into party clubs at night. As you may expect, the prices are often on the high side in the most popular clubs such as Catch Beach Club or Carpe Diem on Bang Tao Beach, and Cafe Del Mar on Kamala Beach, but our list includes a lot of little hidden beach clubs at fair prices. Read more about Beach Clubs

11. Spa and Massages

Thailand is a massage and well-being destination famous around the world. Almost every hotel has a spa, and massages are available everywhere, even on the beach! The prices start around 300 baht for a simple Thai massage to extravagant half-day packages in luxury resorts. Everyone should try, especially to recover from jet lag, help with a sunburn, make use of a rainy day or treat themselves to a relaxing experience.

Keep in mind that a spa is one of the most popular things to do in Phuket when it rains, so book with your spa or hotel in the morning to beat the queue!

12. James Bond Island

James Bond Island is one of those bucket list items many people want to tick off their list of Things to Do in Phuket. There are many positive and negative opinions about James Bond Island, and most are justified. Before that old 1974 James Bond movie The Man With The Golden Gun with Roger Moore and Christopher Lee (remember Count Dracula? or Saruman in Lord of the Rings?), no one talked about this island. The movie wasn’t even good (45% on Rotten Tomatoes). Read more about James Bond Island

How to get there : Check with your hotel or a local agent. This tour can usually be booked the day before. When to get there : all year round

13. Koh Panyi

Koh Panyi is a surprisingly small fishermen’s village built entirely on stilts in the middle of Phang Nga Bay . What used to be a remote place is now more of a tourist attraction, but it is still a real village with a sizeable Muslim community, a mosque and a school. You can explore the narrow ‘streets’ and see the water through the crevices of the floor, do some local shopping and enjoy a tasty seafood lunch.

Take a longtail boat early to reach there before tourists arrive, and you get a completely different feel for the place. Continue to James Bond Island if you feel like seeing the shooting set of this old movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Read more about Koh Panyi

How to get there : almost every tour agent offers this tour with James Bond Island. You could also drive to one of the many Phang Nga piers and ride a longtail boat.

When to get there : There are no waves all year round, as Phang Nga is a bay.

14. Enjoy Sunset Drinks and Dinner

When weather permits, Phuket sunsets can be pretty impressive, especially during the low season, because clouds reflect the red hues in remarkable ways. You will be able to enjoy sunsets from most of the beaches on the West Coast, but the best way is to share the moment with a cold drink in hand! Here is a list of sunset spots we love in Phuket.

15. Plane Spotting on Mai Khao Beach

Plane Spotting has become a viral phenomenon since the day it became forbidden. The more it’s forbidden, the more people go there, and this once-deserted beach has become a permanent Instagram playground. And why not? Seeing these enormous flying machines approaching from far away and getting closer to you in a roar is jaw-dropping. As they are about to land, they fly so low above the turquoise water; that you could almost touch their wheels! Read more about plane spotting in Phuket

How to get there : most people use their cars or bikes to get to Maikhao beach. It seems that some local agencies offer a ride there. Read how to go there by yourself.

When to go there : Please remember that planes land over the beach only during the high season (November to May) when the wind blows east to west! During the low season, planes will land from the other side, over the main road. This is just an indication; that wind can change according to the weather.

Can you go? : Technically, it is not allowed to be under the plane’s path, but no one seems to care.

16. Andamanda Phuket Water Park

Andamanda Phuket is an immense new water park near Phuket Town, passed Kathu when coming from Patong Beach. This massive park covers a staggering 100,000 sq.m. and 25 attractions, including many impressive waterslides, a 10,000 sq.m. swimming area with artificial waves and the longest lazy river in southeast Asia.

Location : Kathu

17. Go on an Instagram Photo Spree!

The island is an Instagrammer’s paradise! Between the many natural wonders, the beaches and islands, the beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old Phuket Town and the Instagram-dedicated photo playgrounds, Instagrammers will find endless opportunities to shine. Several spots are on this list already, but we keep adding new ones on the dedicated page!

18. Try Real Local Food!

Trying local Thai food in Phuket is a must-do for any traveller visiting the island. Phuket is known for its delicious and authentic Thai cuisine, with a variety of dishes that are unique to the region and south Thailand. Trying local Thai food is also a chance to experience the local food culture by visiting night markets, street food vendors and local restaurants, but you need to know where to find these small restaurants!

19. See and feed the Elephants

At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, visitors are offered an opportunity to interact with elephants enjoyably. Unlike the old and controversial practice of elephant trekking, no one rides the animals here. Instead, guests can feed, play with, and bathe adult and baby elephants in a way that is unlike any other experience. The visitors also have the chance to prepare food for the animals and then join them in muddy waters for playtime.

20. Dinner in the Sky

Dinner in the Sky takes eating to new heights—literally. Suspended by a crane, guests sit at a table high above Karon Beach, taking in the beautiful views while enjoying a delicious dinner. The experience blends thrill and luxury, with guests safely secured into their seats. Chefs cook excellent dishes directly in front of your eyes, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether it’s a romantic date or an adventurous adventure, Dinner in the Sky promises an unforgettable dining experience above the clouds.

Location : Karon Beach

21. Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic is a brand new 40-acre nighttime Thai carnival theme park, known as the Magical Kingdom of Lights. It features numerous record-breaking attractions that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Situated on Kamala Beach, Carnival Magic stands as an iconic destination that no visitor to Phuket should miss.

Location: Kamala Beach

22. Snorkel in Koh Racha

Koh Racha Yai is a tiny island with amazingly clear blue water, easy to access as it is only a dozen kilometres from Phuket. It is very popular for day trips, snorkelling and scuba diving. The island is so small it can only accommodate a few resorts.

23. The Upside-Down House

The Upside Down House, also known as Baan Teelanka, is a fun place for kids and adults on any day, rain or shine! This unusual photo playground built on three floors is on the outskirts of Phuket town. Read more

Location : near Phuket Town

24. Karon Viewpoint

Next on our list of best things to do in Phuket is the famous Karon Viewpoint, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of three magnificent bays. The closest is Kata Noi Beach , further is the beautiful bay of Kata with its small iconic island, and the far is Karon Beach . The place is well-known and frequently busy, but people don’t stay long.

Apart from taking a couple of photos and maybe buying some drinks, snacks and ice creams, there is not much to do up there. You will often see a Thai guy on his motorbike with a big eagle offering to take a photo with the bird for a small fee. Remember that wildlife is protected, and you should not encourage this practice, no matter how cool the picture looks on your Instagram. Read more

Price : free

25. Watch a sunset at Prompthep Cape

Promthep Cape is not as grand as you might expect, but it still attracts busloads of tourists every evening at sunset. The elevated location at the very south of the island offers beautiful views of the bay and the few nearby islands. You can enjoy local shopping and even an excellent Thai dinner at the ‘ Promthep Restaurant ‘. Read more about Promthep Cape

How to get there : usually, people ride their cars or motorbikes.

When to go there : sunsets are much more impressive during the low season (June to November), but some days might be cloudy. Need to know when to arrive to see the sunset? Check the time on Google !

Price : Free

26. Cooking Classes

Cooking classes are an increasingly popular activity in Phuket because Thai food is so famous and good, and TV and social media feature it so frequently. There are many cooking schools all around the island and for all budgets. Several are in hotels around Phuket, usually more expensive than privately run schools. Some cooking classes include visiting a local market, which is a fun experience. Read more about Cooking Classes

27. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

Samet Nangshe is quite a recent discovery, and the view from up there is jaw-dropping. As it is just outside Phuket island, it takes some driving to reach it, but the beauty of this natural wonder is well worth the effort! It used to be quite a challenge to climb the hill to one of the viewpoints, but a pickup truck takes you up there for a small fee. Read more about Samet Nangshee

28. Be Amazed by the Similan Islands

Similan Island is the most impressive set of Islands accessible from Phuket, blessed with incredible white sand and clear blue waters. But these are only open from November to May and are a bit far, 100 km northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. If you get a chance, you should go. If you are not confident, go to Phi Phi Island, but it's crowded. More accessible and closer is Racha Island, or nearby is also Coral Island. Read more about the Similan Islands

How to get there : You can book this tour from your hotel or a local agent once in Phuket. A van will usually pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Tap Lamu Pier outside the island. From there, you will ride a speed boat. When to get there : Similans are only open between October to May. Price : starts around 2,350 baht. Just remember that cheap tickets may mean overcrowded boats.

29. Blue Tree Water Park

Blue Tree is a vast water park, and the lagoon is enormous, but it has fewer slides and features than Andamanda or Splash Jungle. It seems more dedicated to water and land activities with Slip' N' Fly, a zip line above the water, water fighting, a stand-up paddle, and even a trapeze school and a skate park.

Location : Cherngtalay (near Bang Tao Beach)

30. Yona Floating Beach Club

Yona is a floating beach club taking the Phuket Beach Club scene to a new level. 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. The floating beach club anchors in the bay of Patong during the high season.

31. Koh Khai Islands

Koh Khai is a group of famous tiny islands just 15 15-minute speedboat ride from Phuket's east coast. There are three islands: Koh Khai Nai, Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nok, but their names get a little confusing, especially once you know that 'Koh' means 'Island' in Thai.

32. Bamboo Rafting in Phang Nga

Bamboo rafting in Phang Nga is a fun and relaxing experience, a chance to discover an activity that has always been popular in Chiang and Chiang Rai. Glide gently in the green tropical jungle.

Komol's Corner Bamboo Rafting Location : Phang Nga Phone : 095 410 1988 Facebook : click here

33. Visit Phuket Aquaria

Phuket now has two aquariums: the original Phuket Aquarium in Cape Panwa, on the southeast coast, and the newly built Aquaria in Phuket Town. Cape Panwa Aquarium is a marine biological centre that often rescues dolphins, dugongs and turtles. Aquaria, the latest and largest aquarium in Phuket, is a tourist attraction built under the immense Central Floresta Shopping Mall, and it even includes a restaurant. Read more about Aquaria

Location : Central Floresta Shopping Mall, Phuket Town

34. Watch the Simon Cabaret Show

Simon Cabaret on Patong Beach is a performance with a Las Vegas atmosphere but with a twist. The stage is magnificent, and the sets and costumes are glittering and colourful, but what people come to see are the stunning ladyboys! Perfect bodies with cute faces, most of them would fool you! Read more about Simon Cabaret Show

Location : Patong Beach

35. Siam Niramit

Siam Niramit Phuket is a surprising show narrating 700 years of Thailand’s history. The stage is immense, and the choreography involving over 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.

Location : By Pass Road near Phuket Town

36. Phuket Fantasea

Phuket Fantasea is a dazzling cultural theme park in Thailand, blending magic, elephants, and vibrant performances. It's a mix of traditional Thai folklore and modern technology with dazzling shows, games, and an elephant village, offering a fun experience of Thailand's rich culture and entertainment.

Location : Kamala Beach

37. Scare yourself at Flying Hanuman

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 about ziplining in Phuket

38. Dino Park Mini Golf

Phuket Dino Park is an iconic mini golf with a fun prehistoric theme in Kata Beach. Play around the dinosaurs and inside a volcano. It's fun and quite easy, and the central location makes it an easy thing to do after dinner if you stay in Kata or Karon Beach.

Location : Kata Beach

39. Black Rock Viewpoint

Black Rock is not as hard to reach as Samet Nangshee, listed higher on this page, but it still requires a bit of climbing. It's not too difficult to find as the path is not well defined, as you can see on our page. The spectacular view from up there offers a superb bird's view of Nai Harn Beach and the islands. Read more about Black Rock Viewpoint

40. Monkey Hill

Monkey Hill in Phuket town used to be a popular attraction and would rank higher in the past, but the proliferation of monkeys and tourists started to affect the behaviour of the animals. The monkeys rely on humans to feed and sometimes get impatient and grab what they can. The big boss can also be territorial and may try to intimidate you. If you decide to go, put your small belongings in a bag and keep an eye on the monkey's behaviour.

41. Visit Fresh Markets

Visiting any of the fresh markets in Phuket is a chance to see amazing tropical fruit displays, and even experience some you may never have seen or heard about. Beyond this, if you are into cooking, this is also a chance to find the immense array of herbs and spices that make Thai food so delicious! There is a fresh market in almost every town and beach resort and visitors are always warmly welcome. Banzaan Fresh Market is the most impressive, located in Patong Beach, just behind the famous Jungceylon Shopping Center.

42. Froggy’s Fun Park and Adventure Village Phuket

Froggy’s Fun Park

Froggy’s Fun Park is the largest amusement park in Phuket, located on the 3rd floor of Jungceylon Shopping Mall in Patong Beach. It offers exciting activities and attractions for families, including Trampolines, a two-level and safe Rope Track with many obstacles, a Kids’ Playground, Attractions and VR games, Arcade games, and more.

Location: Patong Beach, Jungceylon Department Store - Address: 3rd floor, 175 Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150 - Hours: 11 am – 10 pm - Phone: +66 65 348 5777

Adventure Village Phuket

Adventure Village, the largest amusement park in the north of Phuket is located in the Blue Tree complex in BangTao and offers a variety of activities and attractions suitable for all ages, including trampolines, playgrounds, rides, and engaging games.

Location: Cherngtalay, Blue Tree Complex - Address: 4, 2 Srisoonthorn Rd, Tambon Si Sunthon, Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110 - Hours: 10 am – 8 pm - Phone: +66 611 789 794

43. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

Did you know that Phuket produced its own rum, made of pure sugar cane juice instead of molasses? You can visit the factory, do some rum tasting and even take a cocktail class in their beautiful setting in the Chalong area. It's a lot of fun (and great if it rains!) Read more about Chalong Bay Distillery

Location : Chalong, near Phuket Zoo

44. The Selfie Experience

The Selfie Experience is a fun photo playground near Phuket Town with more than 40 backgrounds to play with! This is a fun way for families, friends and selfie lovers to spend a fun day away from an occasional rainy day.

Location : Phuket Town (Bypass road)

45. Adventure Mini Golf

Adventure Mini Golf is an 18-hole miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm and bamboo trees and a large restaurant on Bangtao Beach.

Location : Bangtao Beach Address : 72/44 Moo 3, Bangtao Beach Road, Soi 2 Cherngtalay, Talang Phuket, Phuket 83110 Hours : 11 am - 11 pm Phone : 076 314 345 Facebook : click here

46. Get your Dream Dress or Suit Done!

Having a dress or suit custom-made in Phuket with local tailors offers a fantastic opportunity during your holiday. Not only will you receive a one-of-a-kind garment that fits you perfectly, but you'll also experience the long tradition of craftsmanship. Phuket's tailors are known for their skilful work, attention to detail, and use of high-quality fabrics and unbeatable prices. Moreover, the process is typically efficient, allowing you to have your custom outfit ready before your vacation ends. This is a chance to get a suit or a dress done for those special events once back home.

47. Get an Amazing Tattoo

Getting a tattoo done while on holiday in Phuket is an opportunity to consider if you have been wanting to do this but have always been worried about the quality of the artwork, and the price! Phuket boasts a vibrant tattoo scene with talented artists who can bring your vision to life for a reasonable cost. Whether you dream of traditional Thai designs or modern styles, skilled tattooists can create stunning and meaningful artwork on your skin. With a range of reputable studios offering top-notch hygiene standards, you can trust the process.

48. Have Dinner on Rang Hill

Rang Hill is a beautiful viewpoint above Phuket town, with city lights and a good view daily and at night. Enjoy the view from the panoramic platform and stay for lunch or dinner at the beautiful Tunk Ka Cafe. If you drive down the other side of the mountain, stop for a photo at the golden sitting Buddha of Wat Kao Rang. Read more about Rang Hill

How to get there : You will need your transportation or ride a tuk-tuk (or grab).

49. Volunteer at Soi Dog

Dog lovers who spend long enough on the island can dedicate a day or two to doing a good deed. Visit the surprisingly large and well-organised Soi Dog on Maikhao Beach, and you will make some dogs happy by walking them around and interacting with them; they love it! And for those who worry, all the animals are in good shape, and you will not have to see anything scary!

Location : Mai Khao Beach

50. Tiger Kingdom Phuket

The Tiger Phuket Kingdom is a captivating wildlife sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand, offering visitors an opportunity to interact with various tiger species. The facility combines conservation and tourism, housing well-cared-for tigers in naturalistic enclosures. Guests can observe, learn about, and even have limited supervised contact with the tigers. While it aims to educate and raise awareness about these magnificent creatures, concerns have been raised about the ethics of such interactions and the impact on tiger welfare.

Location : Between Patong Beach and Kathu

51. Watch a Muay Thai Fight at the Stadium

There are two Muay Thai stadiums in Patong Beach where travellers can pay to get a seat to watch a fight. The easiest to reach is Bangla Walking Stadium which is now located behind the famous Jungceylon Shopping Mall, and Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen which is on a back street. The fights consist of several confrontations, usually starting with the youngest and least experienced fighters, keeping the most experience for the end. The last fights can be quite impressive. Read more about Thai Boxing Stadiums

52. Learn About Phuket in a Museum

There is a surprising amount of museums here, and while they might not be jaw-dropping, they offer an interesting view of how Phuket island became what it is today, starting with the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants who brought wealth with tin mining long ago.

53. Discover the little-known island of Maiton

There are a lot of islands near Phuket, but because Maiton was a very exclusive private island for a long time, it has remained a little mysterious. Even though Maiton is only 15 minutes from Phuket by speedboat, not many people visit it. To add to this surreal atmosphere, 60 of the once luxurious 70 villas are now just standing wrecks. It's a very peaceful and beautiful island, great to relax, snorkel and take photos, and there are no loud watersports here.

▷ SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Beyond landmarks and islands, there are a lot of fun things to do in Phuket for active travellers, from easy-going spas and cooking classes to water activities like surfing and scuba diving, all the way to intense training in Muay Thai camps.

54. Snorkeling

Snorkelling is an easy and fun activity anyone can enjoy, young or old. During the high season, the water is crystal clear, and the island has many great bays where you can easily admire tropical sea life and enjoy beach time.

ATV in Phuket is a wild ride through nature! You get to zoom on rugged trails, feeling the adrenaline rush as you explore jungles, hills, and muddy paths. It's like a thrilling adventure on wheels, letting you experience the island's beauty in an exciting and fast-paced way.

56. Learn to Surf

Surfing in Phuket is mostly possible during the rainy season, from May/June until October. The waves are not big, so it is the perfect opportunity to start and practice safely. There are a few surf schools in Kata Beach and Bang Tao Beach.

57. Scuba Diving

Scuba diving has always been a big attraction in Phuket, and the dive sites in the Andaman Sea made it to the top 10 best dive sites in the world, especially Richelieu Rock. Diving is easy and affordable, and many advanced courses are available. There are many dive clubs for all nationalities, languages, specialities and budgets.

58. Wakeboarding

Wakeboarding is a popular activity at Phuket Wake Park in Kathu, around an O-shaped lake equipped with a 700 m long cable running counterclockwise at 30 km/h for a fun cable ski experience. Wakeboard is much easier to enjoy than one would imagine! You will be surprised how fast you can succeed and how much pleasure you will get for each little step done.

59. Take a Muay Thai Training in a Camp

Muay Thai is another way to make the best of your holiday to experience the legendary Muay Thai martial art. There is a surprisingly large number of Muay Thai camps around the island, offering full training and even accommodation for those who want to maximize their experience. Read more about Muay Thai Camps

60. Kitesurfing

Kitesurfing is an exhilarating water sport that is getting popular in Phuket. It's a mix of surfing, wakeboarding, and flying kites. Phuket is a good spot for kitesurfing because it has amazing beaches, warm water, and a holiday vibe all year round, but the low season is the best time to learn and improve your kitesurfing skills.

61. Join a Yoga Session

Many yoga classes are available around the island, some in beautiful tropical surroundings and at reasonable prices. Yoga is also a perfect activity for one of those occasional rainy days.

62. Race a Go Kart

Go Kart Phuket is a fun, fast and exciting way to compete with friends while on holiday in Phuket. Several Go-Kart tracks are available on the island, two near Patong, just passed the hill and close to Kathu. Patong Go-Kart Speedway is easy to spot and has been a long-time favourite.

63. Play Golf in Phuket

You are spoilt for choice if you intend to play golf in Phuket, with seven golf courses on the island and several more just across the border in Phang Nga province. Most of the golf courses in Phuket are in the northern half of the island.

Fast Facts about Phuket Attractions

Other top 10s you might want to look at.

16 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do on Phuket Island

Written by Karen Hastings & Casey Hynes Updated Dec 25, 2023 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( )

Phuket is Thailand's largest island, and arguably the most famous. Blue waters, sandy beaches , spicy Thai cuisine, and excellent snorkeling and diving are all part of the appeal. Arriving from all over the world, travelers flock to Phuket for relaxation and adventure, and the island rates as one of the most popular destinations in Thailand .

Phuket has an exceptional climate, with warm, sunny days year-round. Monsoon season is usually mid-May through October, but it might only rain once or twice a day during this period. Phuket is also easy to access; it's a short one-hour flight from all the big-city attractions of Bangkok .

Discover our picks for the top attractions and things to do on Phuket.

1. Catch Some Rays at Patong Beach

2. walk the golden sands of kata beach, 3. swim at karon beach, 4. green elephant sanctuary park, 5. discover the past at phuket town, 6. experience island boat tours, 7. go diving & snorkeling, 8. visit phuket big buddha, 9. visit the authentic rawai village and nai harn beach, 10. hike up to karon viewpoint (three beaches hill), 11. wat chalong, 12. gibbon rehabilitation center & bang pae waterfall, 13. spend a couple of hours at the phuket 3d museum, 14. enjoy nature at sirinat national park, 15. wat phra thong at thalang, 16. shop for food and souvenirs at phuket's markets, where to stay on phuket island for sightseeing, tips and tours: how to make the most of your visit to phuket, phuket, thailand - climate chart.

Phuket's longest beach was also once its most beautiful, until development and tourism turned it into a bustling hub of activity rather than a retreat from the world. Still, Patong is great for people-watching, and part of the fun of Thailand is that (in addition to being a land of smiles) it is one of contrasts.

You may not be able to find a quiet spot on Patong to read and contemplate life, but you'll find plenty of water sports to keep you entertained. You can try everything here, from flyboarding, jet skiing, and parasailing to stand up paddleboarding and banana boat rides.

Many shops and resorts are strung along the beach road, and one of the island's best hotels, the luxury Amari Phuket , perches on a headland overlooking the sea.

Patong also offers some of the best nightlife on Phuket. After dark, head to Bangla Walking Street (formerly Bangla Road) if you want to be in the heart of the action.

Fringed with casuarinas and palms, Kata Beach is a lovely, curving bay hugged by lush hillsides at either end. Although it's still touristy, it's more peaceful than Patong Beach with fewer hawkers. A tiny islet sits just offshore, and the beach itself is broad, with soft, white sand and decent snorkeling spots at either end.

If you're hungry, you can grab a papaya shake or a snack at one of the beachfront stalls, and larger restaurants are within walking distance.

At the southern end of the beach sits The Boathouse Phuket , a luxury boutique hotel that is one of the only resorts fronting the sand. If you want an even quieter slice of shoreline, head south to adjacent Kata Noi Beach .

Less developed than the popular Patong Beach, about 15 minutes away, Karon Beach is a 3.5-kilometer-long strand of squeaky, golden sand and sapphire sea that attracts many couples and families.

When the weather is calm, it's a beautiful spot for a swim, but when the winds whip up, big waves pound the wide-open shoreline here, so take care if you are swimming during these times.

Restaurants and resorts are spread out opposite the beach along the busy road, but a few four-star resorts offer direct beach access, including adults-only Beyond Resort Karon and the luxury bungalows of the nearby Marina Phuket Resort at the southern end of the beach. At its northern end, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket overlooks the shoreline with its own water park.

Calling all animal lovers! At Green Elephant Sanctuary Park , you can sign up for that bucket list elephant experience and feel good knowing that it was provided by an ethical company.

Green Elephant Sanctuary Park nestles in the middle of the jungle near Surin Beach, providing a natural setting and a safe home for all its pachyderm residents, some of whom may have previously been abused.

Elephant lovers can connect with these gentle giants by helping out with tasks in their everyday life — bathing them, petting them, brushing them, and feeding them — all under the watchful eyes of experienced elephant trainers.

You can also watch them playing in the lake and take a dip right beside them. What could be cuter than a baby elephant splashing about in the water?

The half-day tours are offered in the morning and afternoon. They include hotel pickup, elephant feeding, an educational presentation, elephant washing, and a generous Thai buffet. Park rangers also capture photos of your interactions with the elephants for you to take home as a souvenir. And it's all included in the package.

Note that to ensure the elephants' well-being, riding the animals is strictly taboo.

Address: No.4, Soi Cherngtalay 1, Choeng Thale, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand

Phuket Town lies on the southeastern coast of the island on a picturesque bay. This island city bustles with activity thanks to its many hotels, restaurants, spas, and other tourist attractions that have sprung up in the decades since Patong Beach was opened for development in 1980.

The architecture reflects the influence of Chinese immigrants and a Portuguese aesthetic, and provides an interesting contrast to the more traditional Thai styles seen elsewhere. Make sure you stroll through the streets of Old Phuket Town , with its well-preserved shophouses, Sino-Portuguese mansions, temples, and shrines.

Other things to do in town include visiting Phuket 3D Museum , an interactive 3D art gallery, and paying your respects at the Jui Tui Shrine , a colorful Chinese temple.

You may be tempted to lounge on the beach for your entire stay (and really, who would blame you?). But if you're willing to exert just a little effort during your tropical getaway, sign up for an island tour to discover the stunning seascape surrounding Phuket.

Particular mention must be made of Maphrao, Nakha Yai, and Nakha Noi (on the east coast, with pearl culture at the latter) as well as Koh Kaeo, Racha Noi, and Racha Yai (off the southern tip), and finally little Koh Poo on the west coast off Hat Kata.

Organized tours are the best way to make sure you see all the highlights. The nine-hour, guided Phang Nga Bay Day Trip from Phuket includes a visit to the distinctive "James Bond Rocks," and the eight-hour Phuket to Phi Phi Islands Tour takes you to Koh Phi Phi and the famous Maya Bay beach from the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach . An expert guide, transportation, food, and refreshments are all included.

The waters around Phuket Island offer some of the best diving and snorkeling in Thailand, with typically excellent conditions. Visibility is good, and the water temperature ranges from 26 to 30 degrees Celsius. Apart from colorful corals and tropical fish, you can see seahorses, sea turtles, manta rays, and even whale sharks.

Many travelers come to Thailand to complete their scuba diving certification because the courses tend to be more affordable here than in other countries. Some dive operators will take you to Koh Phi Phi, one of the world's most beautiful islands , and other picturesque locations.

Once you've earned your certification, consider checking out Similan Islands National Park . Comprised of eleven uninhabited islands, this area is famous for its superb diving. Note, though, that the Similan Islands are closed from mid-May through mid-October to help protect and preserve its fragile marine ecosystem.

Sitting serenely above the island at the top of Nakkerd hills between Kata and Chalong, the Phuket Big Buddha is one of the island's most distinctive landmarks. Spectacular 360-degree views greet you at the summit, where this 45-meter-high monument presides. Faced with white jade marble, the statue was constructed in 2004.

It's a peaceful spot to take time out from your day. Prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and you'll hear the tinkling of small bells. You can take a taxi or tuk-tuk up the windy six-kilometer road to the hilltop, but you have to climb a steep flight of stairs to the monument.

If this is your first time on Phuket Island, a tour like the Amazing Phuket Island Guided Tour & Big Buddha could be a great option. This five-hour tour takes you to some of the best spots in Phuket, including busy Patong Beach; the Karon Viewpoint for stunning postcard views over the Andaman Sea; and Phuket's largest temple, Wat Chalong. The last stop on the tour is the Big Buddha, where you'll have 45 minutes to enjoy the views and explore the surroundings.

If possible, pick a clear day for the best views; mornings are generally less crowded. And be sure to dress respectfully, which generally entails covering your shoulders and legs. Otherwise, you could be asked to purchase a scarf or sarong.

To experience a more authentic side of Phuket, venture out to this small village on the island's east coast. Here, you can glimpse the lifestyle of the Moken, a tribe of "sea gypsies." They have roots in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and have remained staunchly committed to their own beliefs and customs.

Some Moken live by the sea, and others choose a semi-nomadic life on land. The men of the village work mostly as fishermen and sometimes also as guides for sea trips.

Rawai itself has a small fishing harbor and a sliver of beach covered with coconut palms, swamp oaks, and fishing boats ( Nai Harn Beach is one of the best in the area.) You can rent boats here to sail to offshore islands.

The village is also known for its seafood markets, where you can buy the catch of the day, and one of the local restaurants will prepare it cooked to order.

Just south of Kata Noi Beach, this aptly named vantage point gives you a lovely view of three of Phuket's most beautiful beaches: Kata Noi, Kata Yai, and Karon Beach.

Look north from the viewpoint over one of the island's most iconic views, with a little bit of everything that makes this island so picturesque: emerald hillsides, blue seas, and white surf. This is one of the island's most photographed vistas.

You can reach the viewpoint by traveling along the branch road in front of Kata Noi Beach in a southwesterly direction toward the southern tip of the island.

Wat Chalong is the largest, most popular, and arguably the most beautiful of all Phuket's 29 temples. It is dedicated to two highly respected monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, and you can see life-size wax models of them and other figures in the exhibition home.

The Grand Pagoda protects a fragment of Lord Buddha's bone and features murals depicting images from the Buddha's life story.

As you wander through the complex, notice the many golden buddhas in various poses, and make sure you dress respectfully; visitors are not allowed to wear shoes inside the temple, and women must cover their shoulders and knees.

Address: Chaofa Road ( West ), Chalong, Phuket

Located within the Khao Pra Theaw Non-Hunting Area, the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center is a great place to learn more about these intelligent creatures and support important work at the same time. The center's mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and return gibbons to their natural environment.

Many of these animals were poached from their mothers as babies and sold as pets or used in the tourist trade. Visitor contact with animals suitable for release is limited, so they don't become habituated to humans; however, you'll have a chance to meet some of the animals that live full-time at the sanctuary and hear stories about their miraculous rescues.

The center does not charge an entrance fee, but you need to pay to enter the park. You can support the center's important work by making a donation or sponsoring a gibbon. Another way to help their efforts is to refuse requests to pose for pictures with wild animals that are held captive so that their owners can make money from tourists.

After visiting the center, trek through the lush tropical forest to the Bang Pae waterfall for a refreshing dip in the pools.

Address: Bang Pae Waterfall, Pa Khlock, Talang, Phuket

If you're looking for indoor places to visit during a particularly hot day, the Phuket 3D Museum is a great option. You'll even be able to add a few zany vacation photos to share with your friends and family back home.

This interactive 3D art gallery allows you to look as though you are part of more than 95 trompe-l'œil-style paintings created by clever Korean artists. Teeter on a tightrope, touch ET, climb a wall with Spiderman, or step into a famous masterpiece. This is the perfect rainy day hangout for the whole family.

Address: 130/1 PhangNga Road, Taladyai, Muang, Phuket

Formerly called Nai Yang National Park, Sirinat National Park reveals a quieter side of this touristy isle. The 90-square-kilometer coastal park sits on the island's northwest coast and is largely made up of marine areas, including four relatively unspoiled beaches.

Two of these, Hat Nai Yang and Hat Mai Khao, are the only two beaches in Phuket where leatherback turtles come ashore at night to lay their eggs. The best time to see them is from November to February, when locals patrol the beaches and help protect their eggs.

Wat Phra Thong is steeped in local lore. It houses a half statue of Buddha that was broken during a Burmese invasion.

Legend has it that a boy was minding a water buffalo, which he tethered to a piece of metal protruding from the ground using a hemp rope. Suddenly, the boy died, but he later appeared to his father in a dream and told him about the piece of metal. The father began to dig and came upon a statue of Buddha cast in pure gold. The Buddha could not, however, be completely excavated and so a temple was built on the site in 1785.

When the Burmese conquered Thalang, a second attempt was made to dig up the statue, but it broke in two. One half disappeared, and the other still stands in the temple today.

Besides the half Buddha statue, things to see here include the rich carvings on the gables and windows of the temple buildings and a little museum displaying historical artifacts.

Markets are a must-visit when you're in Phuket. You can tantalize your tastebuds with some sizzling street food, listen to live music, pick up some souvenirs, and practice your bargaining skills all in one visit.

A good place to start your market adventure is at the Sunday Walking Street Market . This is one of Phuket Island's biggest attractions, set in the heart of the historical part of town. As the name suggests, this is a Sunday-only market, which runs from 4 to 9pm. It's vibrant, full of lights, busy, and loud — a perfect way to end the week surrounded by beautiful old buildings, stalls selling arts and crafts, and tons of lip-smacking good food. Make sure you wander down the side streets, too. More treasures await off the main strip.

Located on Sai Kor Road, the well-designed indoor Banzaan Fresh Market is a good place to discover exotic fruits, pick up some fresh vegetables and seafood, or try a glass of refreshing coconut water or sugarcane juice. Don't forget to check out the stalls selling gifts and accessories on your way to the big food court upstairs.

If you're after more typical Thai souvenirs, curios, or some cheap T-shirts, the Phuket Weekend Night Market is the place to be. Located just outside Phuket Town, the market is also a good place to find second-hand goods, grab some odds and ends, and try some unique foods. Are deep-fried insects or fishcakes calling your name? This is the place to pick some up.

If you're visiting Phuket Island for the first time and want to stay in the heart of the action, popular Patong Beach is a great location, near the buzz of Bangla Road, with its shops, restaurants, and lively entertainment venues. If you prefer a more peaceful location but with easy access to all the attractions, the beaches north of Patong are the best place to stay. Here are some highly rated hotels in these locations:

Luxury Hotels:

• About 43 minutes' drive north of Patong Beach, the serene Trisara Phuket is the ultimate Thai tropical escape, with temple-style villas fronting an idyllic, palm-studded stretch of beach.
• A little closer to Patong Beach (20 minutes by car), and only a three-minute walk to beautiful Surin Beach, The Chava Resort is great for families. Its spacious apartments come with fully equipped kitchens and private plunge pools.
• A more affordable luxury option is the sprawling Amari Phuket , on a lush hillside near Patong Beach, with well-appointed villas and gorgeous ocean views.

Mid-Range Hotels:

• Stunning Andaman sea views and a beachside location make the Best Western Premier Bangtao Beach Resort & Spa an excellent value for the money. Well-appointed rooms, two swimming pools, and a kids' club offer plenty of options for all visitors.
• If you like the amenities of a big resort, the beachfront Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort , a 30-minute drive north of Patong Beach, includes access to day spas, an 18-hole golf course, and signing privileges at more than 30 restaurants in the surrounding Laguna Destination Resort.
• Closer to the busy tourist strip, the contemporary BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel and Serviced Apartments , with a rooftop pool, has suites for longer stays and lies within walking distance of Patong Beach and Bangla Road.

Budget Hotels:

• Steps away from Bangla Road, near Patong Beach, Summer Breeze Inn Hotel is a home away from home.
• Tatum Mansion with large, clean rooms, is another popular budget option, only a two-minute stroll from Patong Beach.
• With a rooftop pool, Patong Princess Hotel offers great value. Its spacious air-conditioned rooms lie about a five-minute walk from Patong Beach.

One of the most popular things to do while visiting Phuket is explore some of the beautiful surrounding islands on an organized tour.

• Phang Nga Bay : See some of the stunning limestone karsts rising from the jade-green sea on this small-group, guided Phang Nga Bay and Beyond tour. Along the way, you'll stop at "James Bond Island," paddle through tranquil lagoons on a canoe, explore limestone caves, and have time to relax and swim at a peaceful beach. A Thai lunch near Koh Yao Yai Pier is included.

More on Thailand

Visit Phuket: Top 23 Things To Do And Must See Attractions

Things to do in phuket: the 23 best places to visit (all highlights).

You want to visit Phuket during your stay in Thailand ? You’re looking for the best things to do in Phuket?

You’re at the right place!

This southern island, located in the Andaman Sea, is the largest island of the country. Phuket is clearly the perfect destination to enjoy beautiful beaches, party and go enjoy day trips to the beautiful surrounding islands like Koh Phi Phi or James Bond Island.

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 23 best things to do in Phuket , with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Phuket in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Phuket? Where to stay?

2. Old Town / Phuket Town

3. wat chalong, 4. the big buddha, 5. phuket beaches, 6. trip to koh phi phi, 7. trip to james bond island / phang nga bay, 8. trip to the similan islands, 9. visit the elephants, 10. sports activities in phuket, 11. the best view points in phuket, 12. attend a cabaret show, 13. take a thai cooking class, 14. watch a muay thai boxing fight, 15. phuket night markets, 16. monkey hill, 17. bang pae waterfall, 18. coral island, 19. racha island, 20. the vegetarian festival, 21. places to go in the evenings in phuket, 22. koh yao noi, 23. koh lanta, visit phuket with your family, how many days do you need to visit phuket, visit phuket in 1 day, visit phuket in 2 days, visit phuket in 3 days, visit phuket in 4 or 5 days or even a week, where to stay in phuket, places to eat in phuket, how to get around phuket, go to phuket: flight prices, tourist map of phuket, you’re traveling to thailand these articles will help you, visit phuket: all must see attractions.

Patong is the main tourist area of Phuket.

Many travellers choose to stay here while travelling to Thailand.

As you may imagine, since this is the main tourist spot, it has many hotels (from youth hostels to the superb 5-star hotel complexs), bars, restaurants, shops and places to go out and party .

In the evening, Bangla Road is undoubtedly the liveliest street on the island with live music and ladyboy shows.

During the day, you can also enjoy the large beach of Patong (2 km long, the longest on the island) and the many water activities on offer: towed buoy rides, banana ride, parasailing. What a thrilling experience!

If you like the hustle and bustle and the crowd doesn’t bother you, Patong is a must for a stay in Phuket.

Phuket Town is the island’s main city and the capital.

The old town is really pleasant to walk around for a few hours . You can observe the colourful Sino-Portuguese style buildings, which are perfectly renovated and maintained.

Here you won’t find any dense crowds or electric cables everywhere, the place has retained all its former charm. If you have ever visited Bangkok during your tour in Thailand, it’s a big change!

The historic centre has most of the places to discover.

What are the things to see in Phuket Town:

• Thalang Road, the most popular street, with its local craft shops and cafés
• Thai Hua Museum on the history of Phuket
• The “Blue Elephant Mansion” famous for its traditional Thai cooking classes
• The shrine of serene light, a Chinese temple
• The Jui Jui sanctuary, also Chinese style but more recent
• The Clock Tower (not to be confused with Chiang Rai )
• The Phuket Museum is located in the Old Standard Chartered Bank building
• Phang Nga Road and its street art
• Bang Niew Shrine
• The philaletic museum in the old post office

If you have not rented a car or a scooter, you can easily reach Phuket Town by bus from any part of the island.

You can also choose to book an organised tour with pick-up at your hotel in Phuket. The trip includes a guided tour of the old town , a visit to the Chalong temple, the statue of the Great Buddha and ends at the Karon view-point.

This is one of the best trips to see many of the must-see sights of Phuket easily!

You can book it by clicking the green button below:

Wat Chalong is one of the most visited tourist sites in Phuket.

Built in the 19th century , it is the largest Buddhist temple on the island.

It includes several buildings but the most impressive remains the chedi, 60 metres tall , which is supposed to house a a splinter of Buddha’s bone. The interior is decorated with very beautiful frescoes representing the life of Buddha.

You must go up to the terrace on the top floor to enjoy the view of the island.

You’re going to Phuket?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Lots of people will be visiting Phuket on the same dates as you , so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Phuket.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Phuket, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Phuket!

Another well-known temple to see absolutely in Phuket: the Big Buddha.

This 25m tall white marble statue on top of a hill can be seen for miles around. It quickly became one of the most popular tourist attractions in Phuket!

Apart from the statue, which I must admit is quite impressive, you can get a beautiful 360° view of the island and the beaches.

As I was saying, most people who travel to Phuket come here mainly to enjoy its beaches.

So what are the most beautiful beaches in Phuket?

• Freedom Beach, with its white sands and turquoise waters. Only accessible by boat from Patong beach or by walking (but sometimes the path is closed).
• Kata Beach, a vast stretch of sand, as popular as Patong, with restaurants and cafes everywhere
• Karon beach, the second largest beach on the island
• Nai Harn Beach is located in a sheltered bay, surrounded by greenery
• Laem Singh Beach, a beautiful strip of fine sand bordered by palm trees
• Ya Nui beach renowned for snorkelling activities
• Kamala beach, ideal for families
• Surin beach, north of Kamala
• The Bangtao beach, in the most upscale part of the island, bordered by luxury hotels
• Banana Beach , still not crowded as much

It is impossible to visit Phuket and not explire the most famous island of Thailand, Koh Phi Phi!

The island is located between Phuket and Koh Lanta and is ideal fpr a day trip from Phuket.

The island is famous for being home to the Maya Bay beach, which was discovered by the whole world in the movie “The Beach” with Leonardo di Caprio. Since then, any good itinerary in Thailand must include a visit to Koh Phi Phi.

Unfortunately, the having nearly 5,000 visitors per day and hundreds of boats had severely damaged corals and the ecosystem. The beach was closed a few years before being reopened.

It may be closed occasionally a few months a year, but in this case you can see Maya Bay from the boat.

Every day, trips leave from Phuket and you can explore several islands in 1 day including Koh Phi Phi, Bamboo Island, Khai Island and Maiton Island.  There are also stops at Monkey Beach, Pi Leh Cove and Viking Cave.

Everything is included in the price (between 3,200 and 3,500 Bahts, or around €100): pick-up at the hotel, transport to the port, boat cruise, lunch, mask and snorkel for snorkelling, and as many soft drinks as you want.

Another advantage of this trip: a morning departure to visit later than other boats.

Simply click on the button below to book your boat trip to Koh Phi Phi from Phuket:

If you don’t feel like getting up too early, you can also book the same trip but with a later departure. Reservations can be made by clicking here!

Finally, for a luxury cruise to Koh Phi Phi , you must take the catamaran trip. The boat is very comfortable and you will have paddle boats and kayaks . There is even a long-tailed boat ride (the traditional Thai boats) to access a beautiful lagoon.

Book your luxury catamaran trip in Koh Phi Phi by clicking on the button:

An important note regarding trips and activities in Phuket and Thailand in general: some agencies are extremely lax in terms of safety standards and respect for the environment. Incidentally, accidents happen quite regularly!

In order for you to do enjoy your trip safely, it is best to book the options I propose in this article in advance. It’s not more expensive, and you can rest assured that you are doing your trip or activity with a reputed agency.

If you’ve been around the island’s beaches and you don’t know what to do in Phuket, you must take a boat trip to Phang Nga Bay.

It is considered one of the most beautiful bays in the world thanks to its numerous islands and karst rocks. And I have to admit, the bay is very photogenic!

In this case too, a famous movie helped expose Phang Nga to the world , a James Bond movie specifically: “The Man with the Golden Gun” .  So much so that Koh Tapu Island is now known as James Bond Island.

Every day, boats leave from Phuket and take you to Phang Nga Bay. On the schedule, there is a trip to James Bond Island and also to the island of Koh Panyee, built like a large floating market with souvenir shops.

At several places in the bay, particularly around the islands of Ko Phanak, Ko Hong and Ko Raya Ring, you can go kayaking to explore the caves and cross the rocky formations.

The one-day boat fare (about 4,000/ 4,500 Bahts) in Phang Nga Bay always includes: pick-up from your hotel, transport to the port, cruise, lunch, snorkelling equipment, guided kayaking tour.

The trip that I have selected offers a departure that is early enough to enjoy the place before the other boats arrive, which is really great.

To book your trip to James Bond Island from Phuket with a reputed agency, click on the button below:

If it’s a little too early for you, you can also book the standard trip with a departure at 9.30am (click here).

And if you want to indulge yourself, you can take choose a luxury cruise on a magnificent boat equipped with deckchairs and a bar. This trip includes lunch and dinner buffet, which you can enjoy while admiring a beautiful sunset over the islands. 

All drinks are included , as well as a kayak trip. You will even have stand-up paddle boards and buoys at your disposal.

You can book this luxury boat trip to James Bond Island by clicking this button:

Another boat trip that you must take if you are in Phuket is the one to the Similan Islands archipelago.

The Similan Islands are a paradise for diving or snorkelling enthusiasts and are regularly ranked among the most beautiful spots in the world. Accessible to beginners and experienced divers alike!

From Phuket, the easiest way to get to the Similan Islands is to book a day trip.

The schedule includes a stop on the famous Donald Duck Bay beach, a climb to the Sail Rock viewpoint, two snorkelling and diving breaks, a picnic in Honeymoon Bay and a last stop for swimming before returning.

Everything will be taken care of for you, from your hotel in the morning until the evening and return. Everything is included in the price (about 3800 Bahts)!

To book your trip to the Similan Islands from Phuket with a good agency , just click on the button below:

Why not continue your holiday in Phuket with some time in an elephant sanctuary.

Present all over Thailand, they gather elephants that have been abused or abandoned to treat them. They are increasingly becoming ethical by no longer offering elephant rides and are trying to recreate their natural living conditions as much as possible .

On this half-day trip (you can choose to leave in the morning or in the afternoon), you will have the chance to feed the elephants and wash them. It’s a great idea for family activities in Phuket!

The schedule is always organised as follows: pick-up at your hotel, transport, about 3 hours with elephants , lunch and return. Everything is included in the price of around 3000 Bahts.

You must book this elephant visit in Phuket in advance as the number of visitors is limited every day.

Just click the button below:

Are you tired of sunbathing on the beach? Do you want to have a little adventure and some thrills?

No problem, there are several sports activities in Phuket:

• Tubing: river descent on a buoy
• Quad biking:  You must take this quad bike ride to enjoy a great jungle tour (click here!).
• From ziplines to the Flying Hanuman: if you want to spend a day in the trees at the most famous tree stand in Phuket, you can book your tickets by clicking here!
• And a wide variety of water activities: buoy rides, parasailing, paddle boating, etc.

What’s cool is that you are able to combine multiple activities in the same day. For an outing including quad bike s, zip lines and rafting, you can book this trip by clicking on the button below:

There are several viewpoints in Phuket to admire the splendid panoramas or have a romantic moment at sunset:

• The view from Karon , overlooking the 3 beaches of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon
• Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint and its panorama of the city of Phuket. You should also see the lights of Phuket Town at night. While going there, you can visit Wat Kao Rang and its great golden seated Buddha.
• Cape Promthep, to the south of the island, the favourite spot for tourists to admire the sunset
• Windmill Point, located close to the cape, the view is worth the detour.

This Phuket tourist guide continues with a very typical Thai concept: attending a ladyboy show.

Ladyboys are very beautiful “ladies” , very well-made up and dressed, and who are actually men!

The most famous ladyboy show in Phuket is held every evening at the Simon Cabaret.

There are other shows in Phuket but this is really the best: the staging is careful and the costumes are flamboyant. A bit kitschy, but its all to prepare the setting! At the end, you can even have a souvenir photo taken with the stars of the show.

To spend an evening at the Simon Cabaret Show in Phuket, you can book your tickets here.

For a more family-friendly version, you must attend the Siam Niramit show featuring more than a hundred actors and dancers. It traces the history of Thailand through several different paintings and decorations. The costumes are really beautiful and the show is well done.

Tickets can be booked in advance by clicking below:

You can take advantage of your holiday in Phuket by taking a cooking class! This is one of the best things to do in Thailand because the food is so good that you will want to recreate the dishes at home.

The class, which lasts about 4 hours , always starts with a visit to a local market to buy all the ingredients .

Once back in the kitchen, you will learn how to cook Pad Thai, curry panang, tom yam kung or sticky mango rice before the tasting.

The dishes offered vary according to the day of the week , so do not hesitate to choose the menu that suits you best.

To book your cooking class in Phuket, click here:

During your stay in Phuket, you must spend an evening to attend a Muay Thai boxing fight.

It is the national sport of Thailand and all the cities have a stadium where the fighting takes place several times a week.

In Phuket, it’s at the Bangla Boxing Stadium in Patong. For almost 4 hours, you can watch a succession of fights (children, women, men) in a charged atmosphere , punctuated by musicians who mark the hits.

On the other hand, Muay Thai is considered one of the most violent sports in which almost all strikes are allowed, so it’s not for the faint-hearted.

You have to buy your ticket early to get a seat, the Thai people love it and the stadium is often full.

To buy souvenirs and try Thai street food, you cannot go wrong with a visit to a Thai night market.

Phuket has several Night Markets:

• The Sunday Street Market on Thalang Road, Phuket Town
• Chillva Night Market Phuket, Thursdays to Sundays on Yaowarat Road
• Naka Market, next to Naka temple, on Saturday and Sunday
• Malin Plaza, every day south of Patong Beach
• Buntai Market, between Patong and Phuket Town
• Karon temple market, Tuesdays and Fridays

During your walk in Phuket Town, you can also visit Monkey Hill.

As the name suggests, this hill is inhabited by entire colonies of monkeys. The monkeys are used to people, and there are dozens of them on the road waiting for one thing, to be fed! And Thai people have a good business sense, there are banana and groundnut sellers all over the place.

Remember to put all your food and things inside your bag, as they love trying to steal from you. And don’t think they are pets. Even though they are used to humans, they are still wild animals and can be aggressive.

If you are trying to monkey around by taunting them with food, don’t be surprised at how quickly they react by trying to scratch or bite you. Follow basic principles of caution and all will be well!

At the top of the hill , accessible only by foot or scooter, you can admire a panoramic view of Phuket from here.

The Bang Pae waterfall is one of the most popular places in Phuket among the local population.

It is a little neglected by tourists because it is located to the north-east of the island, in the least touristy part. To get there, you will have to rent a scooter or a car.

At 18m tall, it is the largest waterfall in Phuket. It takes about 10 minutes on foot along a river to get there. When we visited there, the place was filled with Thai people who came to spend a some time with their family and swim.

Bang Pae is part of the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, so you will have to pay 200 Bahts per person to enter it.

The waterfall itself is not exceptional , people go there mainly to visit the gibbon rehabilitation centre (Gibbon Rehabilitation Project). Run by volunteers, it hosts gibbons that were once abused or adopted by families who got rid of them when they grew too big.

The goal is to try re-settle them into their environment gradually . You can support the project by sponsoring a gibbon.

I’m telling you about Coral Island to dissuade you from going there!

The island is less than 30 minutes away by boat from Phuket and is filled with tourists. Every day, boats line up in front of the beach and the people flood out.

And all these people are just splashing around in one place. Add to this the incessant drone of water activities and boat engines, and you will get to see the negative side of some places in Thailand.

Not to mention that the beach is not very clean and the facilities (sunshades, deckchairs) are not on their last legs!

So there are a lot of better things to do in Phuket!

If you want to go there and form your own opinion, allow 1,500 Bahts for the return boat trip with lunch included.

As with Coral Island, there is Racha Island, 30 minutes away from Phuket speed boat .

The island is renowned for its seabed , ideal for snorkelling, but unfortunately, diving with dozens of people means seeing more legs and orange vests in the water than fish!

And the island is unfortunately included in all the tours organised for Chinese tourists, you will see hordes of them landing from 10:30 am.

In short, there are other ways to find a more peaceful experience on beaches in Phuket. I thought I should warn you!

If you want to form your own opinion, you can book this combined trip to visit Coral Island and Racha Island. It includes a luxury catamaran, lunch and music played by a DJ.

You can find all the information by clicking here!

When visiting Phuket, you can also discover some special customs.

And the vegetarian festival is at the top of the list!

It is held every year during the ninth lunar month for 9 days and as its name indicates, it involves of not eating meat during that time. Nothing too original so far.

But things get a little tricky during the processions, where some participants begin to mutilate themselves and pierce their cheeks with various objects, ranging from a single needle to several swords. Very impressive to see.

What are the party spots in Phuket?

As I said in the section dedicated to Patong, Bangla Road is the place to go out in Phuket. There is something for all styles and tastes: gogo-bars, lounge bars, live music… And if you’re looking for a night club where you can dance all night long, head for the Illuzion , Phuket’s trendiest nightclub.

To attend a traditional dance show or one with actors and dancers , you can go to the Simon Cabaret Show or the Siam Niramit.

However, you must avoid the Phuket Fantasea show where elephants take part and where you can take pictures with baby tigers before the show.

I haven’t been there, but we all know how animals are treated at these kinds of attractions. Not to mention the 4,000-seater dining room where you can dine before for an exorbitant price. And it’s notorious for not being that good, far from the quality of Thai food.

The best things to do around Phuket?

After touring the attractions I discussed in the best things to see, you must continue your stay in Thailand by exploring one or more islands around Phuket.

The islands of Koh Yao Noi and Koh Lanta are easily accessible from Phuket but deserve a minimum of 2-3 days and not just a day trip.

As for Krabi , although it is not an island, the region is a good base for visiting the surrounding islands.

Koh Yao Noi is just a 30-minute boat ride from Phuket. And it is much quieter!

Forget the crowded beaches and the noise, Koh Yao Noi is a really soothing island. It is the ideal island for relaxing holidays and enjoying nice beaches.

From Koh Yao Noi you can also book boat trips to explore the islands of Ko Pak Bia, Ko Lao Lading, Ko Hong or James Bond Island. You will have the opportunity to catch up if you haven’t had time to see it from Phuket.

This is clearly my favourite island to visit near Phuket!

All information to visit Koh Yao Noi can be found in our article: The best things to do in Koh Yao Noi?

Another well-known island that you must visit around Phuket: Koh Lanta.

To reach there, it takes about 4 hours by boat , usually with a change at Koh Phi Phi. If you didn’t visit Koh Phi Phi, it is rather nice because the boat makes a stop to see Maya Bay beach.

On Koh Lanta, you can enjoy beautiful sandy beaches, which are also less touristy than those in Phuket.

You must also visit the 4 islands of Koh Chueak, Koh Waen, Koh Muk and Koh Ngai . Snorkelling stops are planned at various places and there are lots of fish to watch.

Click here to book:

All the things to do in Koh Lanta are mentioned in our article: Koh Lanta: the definitive guide.

From Phuket, Krabi is located on the other side of the Andaman Sea.

The Krabi area is known for its huge karst peaks and its small and pretty islands like Turtle Island or Chicken Island. You can discover them via boat trips . Click here to book.

20 km from the city, you can visit the Ao Nang beach , which is just 10 minutes away from a heavenly spot in Thailand and the region: Railay .

Bordered by large karst cliffs , the place is truly magnificent. The cliffs are also paradise for climbers, with nearly 700 routes.

To make sure you don’t miss the most beautiful places in Krabi, read our article: What are the best things to see and do in Krabi?

The best things to do in Phuket with children?

To organise your family trip to Phuket, here is a list of all things to do:

• Enjoy the beaches , and you will be spoilt for choice in Phuket
• Spend a day with elephants
• Attend a show with traditional dances and songs
• Take a tour of the night markets to browse souvenirs
• Feed monkeys at Monkey Hill (be careful)
• Picnic at the Bang Pae waterfall and seeing gibbons
• Visit the TrickEye Museum and take your picture in ultra realistic 3D settings. Entrance tickets here!
• Play mini golf at Dino Park
• Go to Aquaria Phuket aquarium
• Spend the day at the Andamanda water park, Thailand’s largest water park, which opened in 2022.

To visit Phuket and its nearby spots , you must plan at least 3 days.

You can of course spend a week or more enjoying the beaches and make several day –trips in boats to visit the islands.

If you have a day to visit Phuket , you can spend the day in Patong , the island’s main tourist area:

• Enjoy the beach
• Walk along Bangla Road
• Do some shopping at the night market
• Watch a show at Simon Cabaret or a Muay Thaï Boxing Fight 

If you have 2 days in Phuket, you can continue from the schedule for the first day and add:

• A walk through the streets of Phuket Town
• Climb to Monkey Hill to see the monkeys
• Go to the Khao Rang Hill view-point
• End the day at the beach

In 3 days in Phuket, you can continue from the schedule for the first two days and then you have 4 options:

1. Discover the South of the island:

• Visit Wat Chalong
• Go to see the Big Buddha
• Admire the view at Karon View Point
• Stop at Nai Harn Beach
• Visit Windmill Viewpoint and Yanui Beach
• Watch the sunset at Promthep Cape

2. One morning in an elephant sanctuary + 1 afternoon zip-lining

3. Bang Pae waterfall in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park or a cooking class + afternoon on one of the western beaches: Surin, Bangtao, Laem Sing or Kamala

4. A day trip with a choice of:

• Koh Phi Phi
• James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay
• Similan Islands

Are you vacationing in Phuket for 4 or 5 days or even a week?

Great, you have time to do all the things I recommend in this guide!

Continue with my circuits for days 1 and 2. For the other days, everything is given for day 3 , you can do everything without having to choose!

And if you’re tired of Phuket then head for another island in the Andaman Sea: Koh Yao Noi or Koh Lanta are waiting for you 😊

If you want to be in the middle of the action, I have prepared a selection of accommodation on the Patong side:

• Lub D Phuket Patong: Youth Hostel 5 minutes from Patong Beach and 10 minutes from Bangla Road. Modern and very clean dormitory bed from €12. Strong points: huge swimming pool, common areas with even a boxing ring, design, cleanliness. This is the best hostel in Phuket!
• Mazi Design Hotel by Kalima: Located 5 minutes from the night market and 10 minutes from Bangla Road. Spacious designer double room from €35 per night, breakfast at €7. Strong points: swimming pool, location, comfort of the rooms. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Patong.
• Holiday Inn Express Phuket Patong Beach Central: Located opposite the beach. Modern and warm double room with balcony from €72, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor facilities, swimming pool, welcoming atmosphere and the friendliness of the staff.
• Phuket Marriott Resort Spa, Merlin Beach: 5-star hotel complex located 2 miles from Patong, right on Tri-Trang beach. Warm and comfortable double room with private balcony or terrace from €110, breakfast at €19. Strong points: sea-side location, private beach, quiet, playground for children, setting. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Phuket!

If you prefer to stay in Phuket Town, here is my selection of hotels:

• Baan Baan hostel: Hostel located in Phuket Old Town. Dormitory bed from €8, breakfast included. Strong points: helpful staff, cleanliness, location, calm atmosphere. The best youth hostel to stay in Phuket Town!
• Ritsurin Boutique Hotel: Located 600 metres from Thalang Street. Clean and well-equipped double room from €28. Strong points: location, cleanliness, friendly staff.
• The Malika Hotel: Located 1.8 km from the old town. Double room with very comfortable bedding and balcony from €38, breakfast at €6. Strong points: swimming pool, quiet atmosphere, friendly staff, ideal location to take the boat to Koh Phi Phi. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Phuket Town!
• Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel: Located in the old town. Double room decorated with great taste from €50 per night, breakfast at €7. Strong points: excellent location, friendly staff, right next to the night market.
• Novotel Phuket Phokeethra: Located 1 mile away from the old town. Super spacious double room, modern design from €85, breakfast at €15. Strong points: setting, comfort, ideal to visit the old town, close to the boat to the islands of Koh Phi Phi and Koh Lanta. This is my recommendation for an upscale stay in Phuket Town!

To have a meal in Phuket and everywhere in Thailand, you can’t do better than a night market and its numerous food stalls. Everyone can eat whatever they want and this avoids arguments about the choice of the restaurants (it happens to all of us!)! 😆

Alternatively, you’ll find plenty of restaurants all over Phuket, whether near the beaches or on Bangla Road. However, as the area is very touristy, the prices are often higher than elsewhere in Thailand and the quality is not always there. It is always better to go a bit further away from the busiest streets.

If you want a “real” restaurant with a little more class and a nice view, then I recommend the Mum Tri’s Kitchen. It is located in the bay of Kata. The meals are good and well presented but you will have to pay around €18 per person, which is very expensive for Thailand.

To discover authentic Thai cuisine, your best option is a food tour by a local guide.

The visit I have selected will give you the opportunity to taste fifteen dishes including: a Burmese curry, samosas , naans , exotic fruits, shrimps cooked in banana leaves, noodles, pork kebabs…

Needless to say, it is better to go there on an empty stomach! The dishes are really good and the fact that there is a an upper limit of 8 people is great.

You can book it here:

To get around and visit Phuket, you have several options:

• Scooter: the ideal way to be independent and stop where you want. But you still need to be capable of driving and be really careful. Most of the hotels or guesthouse in Phuket offer one for rent. Don’t forget to wear your helmet.
• Car: you can rent a car to get around Phuket. You should compare prices on Booking.com Cars.  
• Bus / Song Thaew: convenient to travel to/from Phuket Town and to beaches. However, it takes long enough to go from one beach to another because most of the times you will travel through the city and have to change buses. Buses generally stop around 5:00 or 6:00pm.
• Tuk-tuks: a small special feature of Phuket, the price of a tuk-tuk trip is not really negotiable, the latter having agreed on the prices! And of course it’s very expensive, and even more so at the end of the day when the buses don’t run anymore.
• Taxi: the same as for tuk-tuks, it is impossible to negotiate and no driver will want to set the metre on (apart from those at the airport, if you are lucky). You will therefore have to pay 700 Bahts for less than 30 minutes!
• Private taxi: to combat the taxi mafia, you can book a private car or a minibus with a driver. They will drive you everywhere and wait for you every time. You must book online by clicking here to get an assured price.
• Organised trips: at least, there won’t be any nasty surprises since you book and pay online. You can click here to see the different trips offered.

How to get to Phuket

To reach Phuket, you have several option.

Phuket has an international airport, so you can land there directly or arrive on a national flight from Bangkok, Chiang Mai or Chiang Rai.

Flights are therefore the quickest way to get to Phuket.

The airport is located to the north of the island.

Do not hesitate to compare the flight prices to Phuket using our comparator in the next section.

To avoid getting ripped off by a taxi or the stress of taking the bus , once you arrive at Phuket airport, you can book your transport back to your accommodation in advance. The driver will wait for you with a name-sign. You can also choose your vehicle (4 to 8 seats).

All information about booking a transfer from Phuket Airport is available by clicking here:

You can also go to Phuket by bus , from Bangkok for example.

The journey takes at least 12 hours and the fares start from 640 Bahts.

From Bangkok, the other option is to take the train to Surat Thani (8 hours ) + 1 bus to Phuket (add 5 hours).

From Krabi, Koh Lanta and Koh Phi Phi , you can go by boat to Phuket.

You can choose between speed boats (faster but more expensive and – less comfortable) or ferries . You will disembarked at the Rassada port , 3 km from Phuket Town.

For a ferry transfer from Koh Phi Phi to Phuket , you can book by clicking here.

For a trip in a speedboat to Koh Lanta or Koh Phi Phi, you can click directly by booking here!

Since flight prices for Phuket vary greatly, it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner.  You can rest assured that you will get the best rates.

To help you visualise the town a little better, I made you a tourist map of Phuket listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 23 things to do in Phuket and nearby. You can display the map legend by clicking the button at the top left with a small arrow.

So what have you planned to in Phuket?

Thailand travel Guides

• Buy the Lonely Planet Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk
• Buy the DK Eyewitness Thailand guide on Amazon.com or on Amazon.co.uk

Discover all my articles about Thailand : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Thailand are listed there.

The 25 Best Things to Do in Thailand

• Itinerary: One week in Thailand – Perfect to visit Bangkok, Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai!
• Itinerary: 6,7 or 8 days in Thailand – 2 itineraries to the southern islands, starting from Phuket or Krabi
• Itinerary: 10 days in Thailand – The perfect itinerary to discover the best of Thailand!
• Itinerary: 2 weeks in Thailand – Discover Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Sukhothai , + Best Southern islands!
• Itinerary: 15 days in Thailand – The best itinerary to visit the most beautiful Southern islands
• Itinerary: 3 weeks in Thailand – Discover the best of Thailand in 20-21 days
• Itinerary: 1 month in Thailand – The most complete itinerary to visit Thailand!
• Road trip in Thailand: The best itineraries for 7, 10, 15, 21 and 30 days
• Ayutthaya: The definitive guide to visit the archaeological park
• Bangkok: The 30 best places to visit
• Chiang Mai: The 20 best things to do
• Chiang Rai: The 17 must-see attractions
• Koh Lanta: The 15 most beautiful places to see on the island
• Koh Yao Noi: All the things to do on this paradise island!
• Krabi: Top 17 best places to visit
• Phuket: The 23 best things to do
• Sukhothai: How to visit the historical park?
• 3 days in Bangkok – The best itinerary to visit the Thai capital in 72h!
• 3 Days in Chiang Mai – The perfect itinerary to visit the Chiang Mai in 72h!

You’re using Pinterest? Here is the picture to pin!

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

Related Stories

Where to stay in Tokyo? The best areas and places to stay

3 Days in Chiang Mai: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

3 Days in Bangkok: The Perfect Itinerary (First Time Visit)

Discussion 2 comments.

We are traveling to Scotland and will be there during Easter. Is there a recommendation of where to go to avoid crowds and get accomdations. We will probably start in Edinburgh and travel West for 2 weeks. Thanks

Hello Judy,

I haven’t visited this part of Scotland (apart from Edinburgh) so unfortunately I can’t help you with your itinerary. But most people visit the Highlands, Isle of Skye, Edinburgh, Loch Lomond and Glasgow so the East of Scotland is bound to be less crowded.

Enjoy your trip to Scotland!

Leave A Reply Cancel Reply

Your Name (required)

Your Email (required)

Your Website (optional)

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

• Middle East
• North America
• Cheap car rentals: my best advice
• Back to Homepage

Awesome, you're subscribed!

Thanks for subscribing! Look out for your first newsletter in your inbox soon!

The best things in life are free.

Sign up for our email to enjoy your city without spending a thing (as well as some options when you’re feeling flush).

Déjà vu! We already have this email. Try another?

By entering your email address you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and consent to receive emails from Time Out about news, events, offers and partner promotions.

Love the mag?

Our newsletter hand-delivers the best bits to your inbox. Sign up to unlock our digital magazines and also receive the latest news, events, offers and partner promotions.

• Things to do
• Los Angeles

Get us in your inbox

🙌 Awesome, you're subscribed!

The 21 best things to do in Phuket

From diving with manta rays to nights out on the town, here is how to make the most of your time in this island utopia

Thailand ’s largest island has been a popular tourist destination for decades, but what exactly are the best things to do in Phuket ? Well, we’re sure glad you asked.

Now we’ve got a solid excuse to reel off about not just the history and culture of Phuket but also its incredible natural sights and unbeatable restaurant scene. Phuket sparkles in the day and comes alive at night , a 24/7 destination with endless entertainment and some of the best resorts in an area of the world where great resorts are ten a penny. Let’s delve into the best things to do in Phuket. 

RECOMMENDED: 🛏  Where to stay in Phuket 🪩 The ultimate  guide to Phuket nightlife

An email you’ll actually love

Best things to do in Phuket

1.  Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

What is it? The best and most ethical way to see elephants up close in Phuket. No trick shows, no tourist rides – just elephants being elephants in a lovingly cared-for environment.

Why go? Elephants can be seen working and performing all over Phuket, but unless you head deep into the jungle you won’t find any as happy as those who are lucky enough to call this place home. Beyond the gentle giants themselves, the real attraction here is the chance for you to get hands-on with feeding, cleaning and even swimming with these majestic creatures.

2.  Phuket Old Town

What is it? The picturesque historical quarter of Phuket Town where you’ll find beautiful old buildings, museums, boutique shops and a thriving night market.

Why go? A million miles away from the tourist packed beaches and night time hedonism on offer elsewhere in Phuket, this antiquated area of town is steeped in heritage and small enough to explore on foot. There’s a strong old colonial Chinese and Portuguese influence here, especially along the particularly charming Soi Rommannee, where brightly coloured old buildings house boutique shops, guesthouses and cafes.

3.  Mom Tri’s Kitchen

What is it? Probably the most romantic place to dine in Phuket, this award-winning restaurant – attached to the resplendent Villa Royale boutique hotel – has some of the best food, wine and views on the island.

Why go? If you’re looking for an elegant, classy restaurant with incredible views and food and drink to match, Mom Tri’s Kitchen is for you. Located on the headland between Kata Noi and Kata Yai beaches, book a table on the terrace, pick a bottle from the 700-strong wine list and soak up the atmosphere at one of Phuket’s best restaurants.

4.  Bangtao Beach

What is it? An eight-kilometre-long stretch of soft white sand lapped by crystal clear water that’s home to some of Phuket’s best-regarded restaurants and resorts.

Why go? There are dozens of beautiful beaches on Phuket (Freedom, Kata and Karon all deserve mention) but Bangtao Beach is the pick for many in the know. Home to the upscale bars, beach clubs and resorts of Laguna Complex, where there’s a relaxed yet refined vibe that’s perfect for sunbathing and slow strolls in the sand.

5.  Simon Cabaret

What is it?  One of the best ‘ladyboy’ cabaret shows on Phuket with spectacular shows three times a night.

Why go? Simon Cabaret is renowned as one of the very best of its kind in the country, with extravagant sets and high-tech production backing faultlessly choreographed and opulently dressed performers. The recently opened Aphrodite Cabaret just outside Phuket Town is also well worth a look.

6.  Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

What is it? A small eco-minded distillery producing award-winning rum, offering tours and tastings.

Why go? Thailand might be best known for its ferocious whiskies, but the young French couple behind this place are proving it can produce rum that’s up there with the very best. Sustainably produced using purely hand-harvested, local sugarcane, the rum tastes great; and the spacious, airy bar is the perfect place to sample a mojito, capriosa, or both.

7.  Wat Chalong

What is it? The most important and largest Buddhist temple on Phuket with a grand pagoda housing a splinter of bone from Lord Buddha himself.

Why go? The beautiful buildings and grounds are the perfect place to take a break from the beach. Always bristling with local worshippers and curious tourists, it can get really crowded here so try to come as early in the day as you can if you want time and space to take it all in - or get that perfect photo for the ‘gram. Remember: this is a sacred site, so make sure you cover up.

8.  Big Buddha

What is it?  The clue's in the name with this one. Phuket's 45-meter marble Buddha statue is one of the biggest draws for Thailand.

Why go?  You can't go to Phuket and miss the big Buddha. Quite literally, as it can be seen from just about anywhere in the south of the island. But take the time to climb up the hill in Karon and you'll be treated not only to an impressive close-up of the religious icon, but also stunning views of the mountains and Andaman sea. While you're up there, make a pitstop in the cafe and pop into the gift shop.

9.  Island hopping in Phang Nga Bay

What is it? The chance to jump aboard a speed boat and take a day trip (or two) out to explore some of the hundreds of tiny paradise islands surrounding Phuket.

Why go? There are dozens of tour operators offering all sorts of different day trips out from Phuket. If you’ve only got one day, head out on a Phan Nga Bay/James Bond Island trip, which takes you to the jaw-dropping limestone cliffs made famous by 007 plus a few other small islands for quality snorkelling and beach time.

10.  Diving

What is it? The submerged reefs of East Asia are among the prettiest in the world and teeming with life. There's no better way to see them than a close-up dive.

Why go?  Even if you've never dived before in your life, you'll have a blast exploring the Andaman ocean. Phuket has numerous diving instructors on-hand at hotels, hostels and beach resorts ready to take groups and private tours out. We'd recommend Hin Daeng and Koh Dok Man to dive at and if snorkelling’s more your thing, head to Nai Harn beach.

11.  Bang Pae Waterfall, Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

What is it? A small, but beautiful and tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense tropical jungle in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park on Phuket’s sparsely populated eastern side.

Why go? Bang Pae might not be Niagara Falls, but it is Phuket’s largest waterfall and attracts plenty of locals and tourists alike throughout the year. It’s best visited in wet season, when the rock pools are full enough to take a dip in and the lush jungle is at its verdant best. There’s a couple of decent local restaurants nearby for when you get hungry, but make sure you bring decent shoes and plenty of mosquito spray. Entry to the park costs 200 baht.

12.  Naka Weekend Market

What is it? An enormous weekend market in Phuket Town selling all sorts of wares, with a large outside area packed with street food hawkers serving speciality dishes and Thai favourites.

Why go? The biggest and best place to chow down on delicious, authentic Thai food without breaking the bank. You can get everything from spicy stir fries and freshly grilled fish to pancakes, fruit salads and spring rolls here. Most stalls do just one dish, but do it very well. If you’re feeling brave, try the deep fried locusts. They taste like popcorn. Really.

13.  Monkey Hill

What is it? Forget the tourist packed, more famous Monkey Beach and take a walk from Phuket Town up Toh Sae Hill for a close encounter with our furry cousins.

Why go? If you’re keen to ensure your holiday features some monkey-spotting, this is the best place to go. Head up the hill and you’ll soon meet monkeys looking for food. Bring some nuts or fruit along and you’ll make plenty of friends. But remember, these aren’t tame monkeys so don’t get too intimate. And if it’s raining, don’t bother – monkeys hate rain as much as we do.

14.  Floating restaurants at Laem Hin Pier

What is it? A cluster of floating restaurants that can only be reached by a short boat journey from the mainland, serving up some of the finest seafood on the island.

Why go? It’s one of the most unforgettable and unique dining experiences you can have on Phuket. Jump aboard one of the free long tail taxi boats (five minutes) that run from Laem Pier and head out to the floating restaurants near Koh Maphrow. Fill your face with the freshest oysters, crab, prawns and fish – all cooked to traditional Thai methods – and then catch a boat back beneath the stars. There are a few restaurants here; Bang Mud and The Black Crab are two definitely worth your attention.

Photograph: Courtesy Willy Thuan/ Phuket101

15.  Promthep Cape

What is it? The most southerly point of Phuket, where you can breathe in the most awe-inspiring, sublime views on the island.

Why go? You can’t really visit Phuket and not make your way up the viewpoint on Promethep Cape for at least one sunset. It can get incredibly busy, but the views more than make up for the constant stream of camera clicking tourists that arrive in the adjacent car park every evening. If crowds aren’t your thing, wait for night to fall and grab a table at the nearby Promthep Cape restaurant for a serene sundowner meal.

16.  Bangla Road

What is it? A notorious and raucous (but great fun) 400-meter strip of all kinds of night time entertainment that’s the beating heart of Phuket nightlife.

Why go? If you want a big night out in Phuket, this is the place to come. Running from the beach to the centre of Patong, take a walk up Bangla Road after dark and you’ll pass everything from beer bars and live music spots (Red Hot, Rock City) to enormous nightclubs (Illuzion, Tiger Disco) and, of course, plenty of go-go bars (Soi Freedom, Soi Sea Dragon). You probably won’t have a civilised night out here; but come with the right attitude and you’ll definitely have a great time.

17.  Mor Mu Dong Restaurant

What is it? An authentic, rustic restaurant nestled in the mangroves where locals and tipped-off tourists dine on incredible seafood in bamboo huts.

Why go? Mor Mu Dong in Phuket Town isn’t the easiest place to find, but is well worth the effort. Despite its location well off the beaten path (head past Phuket Zoo and keep going down the track), the quality of the food and the peaceful setting means this place is always. Don’t miss the stuffed curried mackerel.

18.  Muay Thai at Patong Boxing Stadium

What is it? A buzzing Thai boxing stadium where the fights are very real and the seats are packed with locals cheering their favourite fighters to victory.

Why go? You'll see plenty of billboards advertising Muay Thai fights all over Phuket, but most are nothing more than tourist-pleasing staged spectacles. This is the place to go for the real deal. The fights are violent and the atmosphere can get pretty wild – but that’s exactly what makes it all so exciting.

19.  Chillva Night Market

What is it? Constructed from colourfully painted upcycled shipping containers and aimed at young, fashionable locals, this bohemian little market is among Phuket’s best.

Why go? While you shouldn’t miss the island’s famed Night Market and Walking Street in Phuket Town, or the foodie paradise of Malin Plaza down in Patong, if you’re looking for a local experience, make sure you spend a couple hours browsing, eating and people watching here.

20.  Siam Supper Club

What is it? A seriously chic bar and dining destination, renowned for its refined yet relaxed old-school atmosphere, sublime cocktails and fantastic food.

Why go? Stepping out of the tropical heat and inside Siam Supper Club is like being transported to another world. Dim lighting, a long bar and wooden walls covered in black and white photographs of Hollywood’s golden era all combine to give this place an atmosphere that’s unique on Phuket. The menu is mostly Western and the wine list among the best on the island.

21.  One Chun Restaurant

What is it? One of the island’s best Thai restaurants with food, service and prices that have made it a real local’s favourite.

Why go? There’s no shortage of dining options on Phuket, but you come to Thailand for Thai food so pass on the pizza, ribs and burgers for at least one night and make your way here for a taste of authentic southern Thai food. The seafood is exceptional; don’t miss the stir-fried crab with lime sauce or deep fried tuna.

More great things to do in Phuket

Looking for places to stay.

Where to stay in Phuket

With dozens of paradise beaches boasting super soft sand, calm blue waters and their own selection of hotels and attractions, you can be sure that no matter how big your budget, there’s an area of this beautiful island that’s right for you.

[image] [title]

Discover Time Out original video

• Press office
• Investor relations
• Work for Time Out
• Editorial guidelines
• Privacy notice
• Do not sell my information
• Cookie policy
• Accessibility statement
• Terms of use
• Modern slavery statement
• Manage cookies
• Advertising
• Time Out Market

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.

Travel Insurance Don't forget a travel insurance for your Thailand trip! Heymondo covers medical emergencies, theft, delays, cancellations, lost luggage, and more, with 24/7 worldwide assistance and medical chat. As a Salt in our Hair reader, we've got you 5% off! Check Heymondo here

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!

By purchasing through our links, you support us at no additional cost. Thank you for your support. ♥️

• Find Hotels via Booking.com
• Find a Rental Car via Sunny Cars
• Find Flights to Phuket via Skyscanner
• Get a Travel Insurance via Heymondo
• Book Tours & Attractions via GetYourGuide
• Book a Bus/Train/Transfer via 12Go

Doi Inthanon National Park: Best Things to do on Your Visit

Co van kessel: the best tour of bangkok by bike, 10 best things to do in chiang rai, thailand.

Looking for more travel information? Plan a chat with us for personalised travel advice or get an answer from the Salt in our Hair Travel Community on Facebook.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  Notify me when new comments are added.

Touropia Travel

Discover the World

10 Best Places to Visit in Phuket

By Fiona Fiorentino · Last updated on October 3, 2023

Beaches of extraordinary beauty are the star attractions of Thailand’s largest island and wealthiest province. Served by the second largest airport in Thailand and connected to the mainland by road bridges, Phuket’s easily accessible location on the western shore of the Andaman Sea attracts holiday travelers from around the world. Stretches of white sand arcing around blue lagoons aren’t the island’s only appealing features. Phuket also boasts a broad array of cultural and entertainment attractions, ranging from the clubs of lively Patong to national parks, serene temples and engaging museums.

There’s plenty of active adventures to experience in Phuket too, including deep-sea diving, snorkeling and hikes into the island’s mountainous interior. An abundance of pampering resorts, hotels and restaurants means that visitors don’t have to sacrifice comfort to enjoy all the sights and activities Phuket has to offer. An overview of the best places to visit in Phuket:

10. Hat Mai Khao [SEE MAP]

Hat Mai Khao is a beach on the northwestern coast of Phuket. It’s also known as Airport Beach, as it’s very close to the airport. The northern portion is known as Hat Sai Khao, a long sandy beach with groves of Casuarina trees along the shore. The area around Mai Khao is still very quiet and undeveloped as it is part of the Sirinat National Park.

On quieter days it is still possible here to walk for kilometers without seeing a single person. A short distance out into the water, there is a sharp drop off into the Andaman Sea, making swimming dangerous from May to November.

9. Cape Panwa [SEE MAP]

The cape that stretches out from the southeastern corner of Phuket is home to a number of attractions worth visiting, including Khao Khat, or Panwa Beach. While the sand is rougher than beaches elsewhere on the island, few places in Phuket are as untouched by urbanization as Panwa.

While there are few facilities on the beach itself, a stay in one of the seaside villas offers travelers the chance to enjoy a quiet and peaceful holiday in perfect comfort. Nearby is the recently renovated Phuket Aquarium where visitors can stroll through a long underwater tunnel for up-close looks at marine life ranging from sharks to sting rays.

8. Hat Nai Han [SEE MAP]

Often referred to as Hat Nai Harn, Nai Han is a secluded beach located at the southernmost tip of Phuket Island. As home to the Nai Han monastery, this tranquil beach has escaped overdevelopment, although there are several fine resort hotels along the shoreline as well as anchorage for visiting yachts.

Hat Nai Han is also close to Phromthep Cape, one of the Phuket’s most popular viewpoints. Each evening, travelers from all over Phuket come to watch the sunset. Adventurous visitors climb down a rocky trail to the edge of the promontory to enjoy the best view.

7. Hat Kamala [SEE MAP]

Located to the north of Patong, Hat Kamala is a tranquil, picturesque beach that’s ideal for swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing. The north end of Hat Kamala has a coral reef that invites undersea adventures while the rest of the beach features a sandy sea floor that’s perfect for wading.

Located at the south end of this uncrowded beach is Wat Baan Kamala, a Buddhist temple, which includes images and statues depicting the Buddha’s life. With theatrical productions showcasing the legends and myths of Thailand, the nearby Phuket Fantasea theme park is a great place for families to explore the country’s cultural heritage.

6. Hat Surin [SEE MAP]

For an upscale beach vacation in Phuket, it’s hard to beat the amenities offered at the luxury resorts located among the gorgeous homes on the island’s so-called Millionaire’s Row. High-end resorts in the area offer everything from spa treatments and Thai cooking classes to elephant rides.

Lined with gently swaying casuarina trees, the west coast beach features beautifully groomed sand and crystal-clear water. For most of the year, Hat Surin’s calm waters make it ideal for snorkeling and kayaking. Strong currents during the off season, however, can make swimming treacherous.

5. Hat Rawai [SEE MAP]

Despite the fact that Hat Rawai was the first tourist beach established on Phuket, it’s better known today as a jump-off point for island-hopping tours. The southern-facing beach is primarily used as a harbor for long-tail, speed boats and fishing boats. A recently built pier invites leisurely strolls, but it’s the Sea Gypsies Fish Market situated next to it that makes a visit to Hat Rawai worthwhile.

Fishermen hawk a wide selection of freshly caught seafood. Across the road is a line of family-run restaurants that will cook the purchased fish. There are few better places than Hat Rawai to experience Phuket’s seafood cuisine.

4. Phuket Town [SEE MAP]

Phuket’s capital and largest city offers visitors the chance to step back in time and explore the island’s rich history. Tin mining made Phuket a boom town during the 19th century, and much of the city’s charm comes from the splendid Sino-Portuguese architecture built during this prosperous era.

With its rows of tightly packed and colorfully painted shops, the Old Town is a must for shoppers on the hunt for Phuket specialties like pewter and batik clothing. The incredible trompe-l’œil paintings of the Phuket Trickeye Museum make it a can’t-miss attraction as well.

3. Hat Kata [SEE MAP]

Known as Hat Karon’s sister beach, Hat Kata is situated to the south of its sibling and features two stretches of golden sand separated by a rocky headland. On the northern side, the clear waters and relatively safe swimming conditions of Hat Kata Yai make it a family favorite.

Multiple resorts, restaurants and shops are located across the road next to the beach. The more secluded Kata Noi Beach is a small cove nestled among forested hills. Challenging waves attract surfers to Kata Noi during the monsoon season, and the gorgeous scenery draws visitors year round.

2. Hat Karon [SEE MAP]

Located just a short drive south of bustling Patong, Karon Beach is the second most popular place to visit in Phuket. With large resorts lining the shoreline, Hat Karon attracts visitors who want comfortable accommodations that make it easy to relax and enjoy the sun, sea and sand.

From lazy strolls along the island’s third longest beach to snorkeling and diving adventures among the coral reefs located at the southern end of the sand, activities in Hat Karon revolve around the water. An array of excellent seafood restaurants adds to Hat Karon’s appeal.

1. Hat Patong [SEE MAP]

More than 50 years of continual development has transformed Hat Patong from a secluded beach into a holiday destination best known for its dusk-to-dawn nightlife. Located on Phuket’s west coast, the city of Patong is jam-packed with hundreds of restaurants, discos, bars and clubs, most of which are centered around Bangla Road.

Quieter sections of the city feature upscale shops and one-of-a-kind boutiques. Despite the city’s growth, with its scenic crescent-shaped bay and wide sandy shoreline, the beach remains one of the prettiest in Thailand.

Map of Phuket

Share this post:

10 Most Amazing Destinations in South Thailand

15 Best Cities to Visit in Thailand

How to Spend 2 Weeks in Thailand: DIY Itinerary

12 Best Things to do in Chiang Rai, Thailand

Where to Stay in Chiang Mai: 6 Best Neighborhoods

10 Best Thailand Beach Resorts

12 Best Beaches in Koh Samui, Thailand

5 Best Beaches in Koh Lipe

10 Best Beaches in Koh Tao

10 Best Beaches in Thailand

Reader interactions, leave a reply cancel reply.

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

• Today's deals
• Search travel guides

Places to Visit in Phuket, Thailand | 25 Must-See Attractions & Landmarks

Part of what makes Phuket such a fantastic travel destination is that you will rarely run out of things to see and do. While known mainly for its beaches – like vibrant Patong Beach and more relaxing Kata Noi Beach – the island also has a wide variety of landmarks and attractions. Take your pick between exploring the colorful streets of Phuket Old Town or enjoying a day trip to the beautiful Similan Islands , between a night of partying on Bangla Road or a day of sightseeing at Big Buddha Phuket . Here is a look at 25 of the top places to visit in Phuket to help you decide what stops to add to your itinerary.

1. Patong Beach

Patong Beach is Phuket ‘s most famous resort, known for its raucous nightlife and for the 1.77-mile-long beach that runs the length of the town. Though usually crowded, the beach has soft, white sand and crystal clear blue water that definitely make it worthwhile to visit. Plus, you can find quieter areas further north or south along the beach. Some of the most popular activities on Patong Beach are jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling, and you can easily rent equipment. There is also a range of accommodation options for every budget, whether you want something affordable in the heart of the action or a more upscale resort in a quieter but still accessible area. Patong Beach generally draws a younger crowd, but there is plenty for couples and families to do as well, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Phuket .

Check In to X2 Vibe Phuket Patong , Step Out to Patong Beach

2. Bangla Road

Located in Patong Beach , Bangla Road is the central nightlife hub on the island. This infamous party road and its adjoining streets are packed with more bars and clubs than anywhere else in Phuket . Once the sun goes down, Bangla Road closes to traffic and comes to life with neon lights as music blasts from every establishment. Just over 400 yards long, it offers everything you need for a night on the town, whether you want to dance until early morning or sit back with a beer and listen to live music. The section of Bangla Road closest to the beach has the most laid-back feel. As you head further into town, you’ll come across the street’s many go-go bars. On the end of the street furthest from the beach is where you will find most of the major dance clubs.

Check In to Hotel Clover Patong Phuket , Step Out to Bangla Road

3. Freedom Beach

If Patong Beach is a little too busy and overdeveloped for your liking, then you can easily make the trip over to one of Phuket ‘s most beautiful and secluded beaches instead. Freedom Beach can be reached via long-tail boat from the southern end of Patong Beach , a journey that costs around 1,500 baht for a round-trip. Only 330-yards long, Freedom Beach has stunning blue water and the softest white sand. The bay is flanked by hills covered in thick, green jungle, making for wonderful photographs. There are no noisy water sports here, so you can relax in the sand or enjoy the fantastic snorkeling opportunities offered by the clear, shallow water. Its secluded location keeps Freedom Beach from getting overly crowded. If you get peckish or thirsty, there is a restaurant that serves Thai food and chilled drinks.

Check In to Beyond Patong , Step Out to Freedom Beach

FIND HOTELS NEAR THE BEST PLACES TO VISIT IN PHUKET

4. Bangla Boxing Stadium

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, and it is also the country’s most popular spectator sport. The fighters utilize their fists, knees, shins, and elbows in a variety of striking techniques, making it one of the most exhilarating combat sports to watch, particularly in person. Whether you are already a fan or you want to see what it’s all about, you can catch an exciting match at the Bangla Boxing Stadium on Patong Beach . Located just a few minutes away from Bangla Road , the stadium hosts fights every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday night. A Muay Thai match is worth seeing both for the amazing display of physicality and for the traditional ceremony around it, which includes a special pre-fight dance. The energy of the crowd is also infectious.

Check In to The Marina Phuket Hotel , Step Out to Bangla Boxing Stadium

5. Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is an important historical area in the center of Phuket Town , the capital of Phuket . It is one of the best places to visit in Phuket for an authentic experience of the island’s culture. Phuket Old Town was built with the proceeds from the tin mining boom of the 18th century, and it shows. There are several beautiful mansions that once belonged to the tin barons, as well as other buildings constructed in the unique style known as Sino-Portuguese. Many of these buildings now house museums, shops, restaurants, and hotels. The buildings are also brightly painted, which makes for some lovely photographs. Phuket Old Town is highly walkable and an easy place to spend a day exploring and stopping for refreshments at quaint cafes. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs as well.

Check In to Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel Phuket , Step Out to Phuket Old Town

6. Jui Tui Shrine

A traditional Chinese temple in Phuket Town , Jui Tui Shrine is one of the top cultural sights in the capital. A pivotal part of the daily lives of many local worshippers, it also plays a central role in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Jui Tui Shrine was initially constructed in 1911 inside of Phuket Old Town but, after a fire, it was moved just to the west of the main Old Town area. More buildings were then added to create the bright and colorful temple complex you see today. The focal point of the temple is the main pagoda, which contains three altars. The central altar is devoted to the god Tean Hu Huan Soy, who is associated with dancing and the performing arts. Before you leave, make sure you pick up a fortune from the prayer hall.

Check In to The Besavana Phuket , Step Out to Jui Tui Shrine

7. Phuket Weekend Night Market

Located to the west of Phuket Old Town , the Phuket Weekend Night Market is another fantastic spot to shop for souvenirs. The market is held every Saturday and Sunday from around 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Chao Fa West Road. One reason you don’t want to miss it is that it is the biggest night market in all of Phuket . You’ll discover all manner of food and goods being sold among the stalls, making it easy to find the perfect gift to bring back home to a loved one or some goodies and knick-knacks for yourself. Some of the most common items sold here include second-hand clothing and accessories, jewelry, bags, electronics, and electronic accessories. When you’ve had enough of shopping, make sure you head to the food section to try some delicious Thai street food.

Check In to Little Nyonya Hotel , Step Out to Phuket Weekend Night Market

8. Wat Chalong

Though Phuket has a total of 29 Buddhist temples, Wat Chalong is considered to be the most important of them all. It is located in the subdistrict of Chalong and dedicated to two venerated monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who aided the Chalong citizens during a rebellion in 1876. Wat Chalong is a visually striking building with a bright red roof, a golden spire, and golden embellishments along the walls. It is filled with numerous statues, and the pagoda is said to hold a fragment of one of the Buddha’s bones. The pagoda also has many paintings depicting the Buddha that are worth taking the time to stop and admire. Don’t miss the exhibition hall either, as it contains life-like wax models of several monks as well as beautiful porcelain and antique Thai furniture.

Check In to The Lake Chalong Resort , Step Out to Wat Chalong

9. Kata Noi Beach

One of the smallest beaches in Phuket , Kata Noi Beach is also among the most tranquil and relaxed spots on the island. The lush jungle, soft sand, and blue water combine to form an idyllic backdrop for a day under the sun. Located at the end of a dead-end road, it doesn’t tend to get overly crowded. The sea is calm and suitable for swimming from December to April, while the rougher waters from May to October provide favorable surfing conditions. Even when the swell is too strong for swimming, you can have a lot of fun watching the surfers. Kata Noi Beach is also a great locale for families, with one of the most popular activities being the banana boat rides. Jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling are available as well.

Check In to Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach , Step Out to Kata Noi Beach

10. Karon Viewpoint

Phuket is full of stunning vistas, but perhaps none are more breathtaking than Karon Viewpoint . Located just past Kata Noi Beach , it is one of the most visited viewpoints on the island. From the top, you can look out west directly over the sea, but most tourists will have their eyes and their cameras looking north, towards the bays of Kata Noi Beach , Kata Beach , and Karon Beach . Each beach can be distinctly made out with the white sand and blue water glistening in the sun. Karon Viewpoint is almost always busy, but parking isn’t usually too hard to come by. There is a large gazebo where you can sit in the shade, and snacks and drinks are available as well. Note that locals might know this famous attraction better as Kata Viewpoint, as that is what it used to be called.

Check In to Katanoi Resort , Step Out to Karon Viewpoint

11. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach is another of the arguably most beautiful beaches in Phuket (there are a lot of contenders!), and it is located just a few minutes past Karon Viewpoint . This quiet seaside resort is known for its fine, soft sand and deep blue water. The water quality is excellent and great for swimming during the high season, but, like at other west coast beaches, the low season brings strong currents better for surfing and kitesurfing. Just behind the beach, there is a large, freshwater lagoon that is also used for paddleboarding. The local restaurants provide wonderful views of the sea, particularly at sunset. Nai Harn Beach is popular among locals and expats, but it usually isn’t overcrowded with tourists, making it a perfect place for a peaceful stop along your travels.

Check In to Naiharn Beach Resort , Step Out to Nai Harn Beach

12. Promthep Cape

Continuing on past Nai Harn Beach , you will hit the southernmost tip of the island: Promthep Cape . This elevated viewpoint that looks out over the sea is also one of the most commonly photographed spots in Phuket . It is particularly popular at sunset when scores of tour buses bring throngs of visitors to photograph the sun as it dips below the watery horizon. You can take the relatively easy hike down to the end of the rocky promontory that extends into the ocean for some incredible views; just be mindful that you will have to make your way back up! There is also a lighthouse that doubles as a museum and which has a nice outdoor viewing terrace as well.

Check In to The Windmill Phuket Hotel , Step Out to Promthep Cape

13. Big Buddha Phuket

Big Buddha Phuket is one of the newest and one of the most prominent major landmarks in Phuket . Seated at the top of a large hill near Chalong , the massive concrete statue measures 83.5 feet wide and 148 feet tall. It is covered in white marble, which causes it to gleam in the sun, and it can be seen from all over southern Phuket , including Karon Beach and Phuket Town . This means that, from all the way up here, you can enjoy incredible, 360-degree views of all the surroundings. The sunset views are truly spectacular, though it does tend to get crowded around that time. Construction on Big Buddha Phuket began in 2004 and was funded mostly through donations, and some parts of the attraction are still receiving their finishing touches.

Check In to Splendid Sea View Resort , Step Out to Big Buddha Phuket

14. Surin Beach

At just over half a mile long, Surin Beach is known for its upscale village feel. Accommodations here aren’t cheap, but staying close to this idyllic tropical beach is worth it. The number one activity at Surin Beach is to sit back and relax with a refreshing drink in hand as you enjoy the sun and the sound of the waves. Because the water is exceptionally clear, this is also a top spot to do some snorkeling during the high season. The best snorkeling spots are found along the beach’s northern and southern ends. During the low season, the beach becomes a prime location for activities like surfing and boogie boarding. There is a good selection of restaurants along the beach road offering both Thai and international fare.

Check In to Villa Baan Phu Prana , Step Out to Surin Beach

15. Tiger Kingdom Phuket

Tiger Kingdom Phuket is a world-famous attraction where visitors get to spend some one-on-one time with gorgeous Indochinese tigers who have all been hand-raised by humans. The price of a visit will vary depending on the size of tiger you want to see. The largest tigers cost 1,300 baht while small and medium tigers are the most affordable at 900 baht. You can also purchase a ticket that allows for multiple visits with tigers of different sizes. Each encounter lasts 10 minutes, and guests are welcome to take as many photos as they want. For an extra 500 baht, you can opt to have a professional photographer accompany your group. Tiger Kingdom Phuket is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a restaurant and a souvenir shop on-site as well.

Check In to Plus condo 2 by Tida , Step Out to Tiger Kingdom Phuket

16. Phang Nga Bay

While there is more than enough on Phuket to fill your vacation, a day trip to beautiful Phang Nga Bay will make it all that much more memorable. Located between the island and the mainland of Thailand, this stunning bay is known for its emerald green waters and mystifying rock formations. Jutting straight out of the water, the limestone rocks feature craggy cliffs and are covered in lush greenery. The most popular islands are James Bond Island – named for its appearance in a Bond flick – and Koh Panyi , which is home to a floating village where many tours stop for lunch. Booking a tour of Phang Nga Bay is easy and can often be done from your hotel. Alternatively, you can drive to the bay and rent a boat once there to explore at your leisure.

Check In to Phang Nga Viewpoint , Step Out to Phang Nga Bay

17. Similan Islands

Another incredible locale worthy of a day trip, the Similan Islands is an archipelago consisting of 11 islands off the coast of southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The archipelago has been protected as a national park since 1982, which helped to limit development and has kept the islands in a more pristine state. The Similan Islands are a dream destination for those who love snorkeling or diving. Beneath the crystal clear waters, you will find some stunning rock formations as well as some of the most beautiful coral growths in the world. On land, the islands consist of low-lying rock overgrown with thick forests. Note that the Similan Islands are closed from mid-May to mid-October every year to help them recover from tourist activity during peak season.

Check In to Eden Beach Resort and Spa , Step Out to Similan Islands

18. Wat Phra Thong

Wat Phra Thong is a relatively small temple, but it makes a great addition to a cultural tour of the island. It is also a highly convenient stop on the way to or from Phuket International Airport , as it is located just eight miles away. The main feature of the temple is a half-buried golden Buddha statue. Legend says that the top of the statue was discovered by a farmer boy and that the villagers tried but failed to completely dig it up, so a temple was built up around it. Wat Phra Thong is likely one of the oldest temples in Phuket , with a history dating back to at least 1909. The temple’s museum is also worth a visit, as it houses some interesting historical items from the tin-mining era.

Check In to Junior house & Apartment , Step Out to Wat Phra Thong

19. Thalang National Museum

Recently reopened after being closed for refurbishment for the past few years, the Thalang National Museum is shaping up to be one of the top places to visit in Phuket . Originally built in 1985, the museum started waning in popularity due to poor upkeep and an old-fashioned design. The new layout is very well designed and features excellent lighting that really showcases the exhibitions. The exhibitions themselves are all about the history of the region, from ancient times to the tin-mining boom, to exhibits on life in Phuket today. You’ll get to see a wide variety of artifacts, antiques, and statues, as well as old photos, maps, and illustrations. The Thalang National Museum is free to visit and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Check In to Green House Phuket , Step Out to Thalang National Museum

20. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Paklok should be at the top of every animal lover’s itinerary. It provides a comfortable home for retired working elephants to enjoy forest life. The rescued elephants are usually old or injured and sick from working in industries like logging or tourism. The sanctuary ensures that they are well looked after. Visitors can come and see how these beautiful creatures socialize with one another and go about their daily activities, which includes bathing in the freshwater lagoons. A visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary costs 3,000 baht and lasts three and a half hours. During this time, you will get to observe and even feed the elephants. The sanctuary is open every day except for April 13th.

Check In to Moonlight Cottage Resort , Step Out to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

21. Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae Waterfall is located just down the road from Phuket Elephant Sanctuary . It is the tallest waterfall on the island at about 33 feet high. While this isn’t too tall by international standards, it is still a highly popular landmark among tourists and a common spot for locals to enjoy a picnic and to cool down in the water. Waterfalls in Phuket tend not to get very tall as the granite rock that the island is made of is hard for water to wear away. What Bang Pae Waterfall lacks in height, it makes up for in beauty. The waterfall can be reached via a short walk through the jungle. Though not far from the road, it feels very secluded.

Check In to Maneerat Goat farm and homestay , Step Out to Bang Pae Waterfall

22. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

Once you’ve had your fill of beaches, viewpoints, and other natural landmarks, Chalong Bay Rum Distillery offers a more unique activity on your tour of the island. It is located on the southeast coast of Phuket , just a short drive from Phuket Town . The distillery is famous for its high-quality rum, which it produces using only the best organic sugarcane and traditional distillation methods. Tours are offered every day at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. and last for about half an hour. Guests are provided with a refreshing mojito while they get to see how the rum-crafting process works. The cost is 450 baht per person.

Check In to Studio 77 Phuket , Step Out to Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

23. Phuket FantaSea

Phuket FantaSea is a 60-acre nighttime theme park located in Kamala Beach . It first opened its doors in 1998 as a showcase of Thai culture, and it continues to be one of the island’s top attractions to this day. The main attraction at the theme park is an epic stage performance that takes place at a 3,000-seater venue called the Palace of the Elephants. About 70 minutes in length, the show takes you through the history of the Kamala region while acrobats perform astounding feats, and lights and illusions mystify the audience. After the show, you can grab a meal at the park’s buffet restaurants or from one of the eateries located along the shopping street.

Check In to Kamala Resotel , Step Out to Phuket FantaSea

24. Soi Dog Foundation

Just a short drive away from Phuket International Airport , the Soi Dog Foundation is another top attraction for people who love animals. Rather than exotic wild creatures, however, the sanctuary cares for cats and dogs who live on the street. The dedicated staff provides medical treatments and vaccinations, and they also run a sterilization program to help manage the street animal population. Visitors are welcome to come and take a 40-minute tour of the sanctuary, which is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Tours are free, but there is a small store where you can purchase souvenirs to help support the important work that the Soi Dog Foundation does.

Check In to MaikhaoBeach Home , Step Out to Soi Dog Foundation

25. Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao Beach is the longest beach in Phuket , offering miles and miles of uninterrupted coastline. The wide beach is clean and well-maintained, and it is located entirely in a national park. Nevertheless, a variety of fantastic resort hotels have sprung up in the area over the last several years. The most popular activities are, of course, swimming, suntanning, and sunset walks along the beach. One very unique feature of Mai Khao Beach , however, is that its southern end is located very close to the runway of Phuket International Airport . Many people come here to watch the planes as they land and pass incredibly close overhead. Because the beach is inside a national park, an entry fee of 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child is required.

Check In to Maikhao Home Garden Bungalow , Step Out to Mai Khao Beach

You may also like

Feast in Opulence: The Ultimate Guide to Dubai’s Luxurious Dining Experiences

Unveiling Busan's Night Markets: Culinary Delights Meet Culture

Top Luxury Resorts in Bohol for the Ultimate Pampering Experience

A Culinary Journey Through Shah Alam: Must-Try Dishes and Where to Find Them

3 Days in Pondicherry: Exploring Coastal Charm and French Legacy

3 Days in Vientiane Itinerary: Exploring Art and Culture

Boutique Bliss: Discovering Taichung's Unique Boutique Hotels

Luxury Living in Phuket: A Rendezvous with Lavish Island Villas

Discover Da Nang's Hidden Gems: Boutique Hotels That Offer Unique Experiences

Uncover Nagoya's Night: A Guide to the Best Izakayas

Discover Historical Malacca: A Complete One-Day Travel Guide

Exploring Istanbul's Unique Nightlife: A Blend of Asian and European Flavors

Your Ultimate Guide to the Spanish Grand Prix 2024

Exploring Sapporo's Summer Blooms: A Guide to Lavender Fields and Floral Wonders

Discover the Charms of Palembang: Your Ultimate Travel Guide

Discover Lombok's Hidden Gems: A 5-Day Itinerary

Discover Ko Phi Phi's Best Things to Do for Sea Lovers

Luxury Unveiled: Indulge in a 3-Day Elegant Itinerary of Manama, Bahrain

Discover Kuala Terengganu's Top Attractions and Shopping Spots

Discovering Kitakyushu: A Journey Through Japan’s Gateway to the West

Discover Prague's Boutique Gems: A Guide to Unique Stays

Explore the heights of luxury dining in Dubai with our guide. Discover Michelin-starred restaurants, scenic rooftops, and lavish accommodations.

Unveiling Busan's Night Markets: Culinary Delights Meet Culture

Explore Busan's night markets for a blend of delicious street food, vibrant culture, and unforgettable experiences. Discover more with our guide.

Discover the top luxury resorts in Bohol for an unforgettable pampering experience. From beachfront paradises to exclusive wellness retreats, explore the best high-end stays for your perfect getaway.

Explore Shah Alam's top culinary spots, from Nasi Lemak Pak Ayob to Kopitiam Chicken Rice Guys. Discover where to indulge in the best local dishes.

Discover the enchanting blend of French colonial architecture and rich Indian culture with our 3-day Pondicherry itinerary. Explore serene beaches, heritage sites, and vibrant markets.

Discover Vientiane in 3 days with our detailed travel guide. Explore ancient temples, vibrant markets, and French-colonial architecture while indulging in the rich Laotian culture and cuisine.

Boutique Bliss: Discovering Taichung's Unique Boutique Hotels

Discover Taichung's best boutique hotels for a unique experience. Explore luxury, design, and local culture with our insider guide to Taiwan's hidden gems.

Discover the essence of luxury in Phuket with our exclusive guide to the island's most lavish villas—ultimate comfort, privacy, and opulence await.

Discover Da Nang's Hidden Gems: Boutique Hotels That Offer Unique Experiences

Explore Da Nang's unique boutique hotels for a memorable stay. Discover eco-luxury, cultural gems, and culinary delights in Vietnam's coastal city.

Uncover Nagoya's Night: A Guide to the Best Izakayas

Explore Nagoya's vibrant nightlife with our guide to the best izakayas. Discover where locals go to dine and drink in Japan's bustling heart.

Explore Malacca's rich history & culture in a day with our guide. Discover top sights, local cuisine & best stays for an unforgettable trip.

Exploring Istanbul's Unique Nightlife: A Blend of Asian and European Flavors

Discover Istanbul's electrifying nightlife, a perfect mix of East meets West. Explore rooftop bars, local taverns, and vibrant streets with our guide.

Discover the ultimate guide to the Spanish Grand Prix 2024, from tickets to exploring Barcelona, sustainability, cuisine, and more for F1 fans.

Exploring Sapporo's Summer Blooms: A Guide to Lavender Fields and Floral Wonders

Discover Sapporo's enchanting summer blooms, from vibrant lavender fields to colorful flower festivals, with our ultimate travel guide.

Unlock the secrets of Palembang with our 5-day guide: from historic sites to lush landscapes, savor the cuisine, culture, and adventures awaiting in South Sumatra's gem.

Discover Lombok's Hidden Gems: A 5-Day Itinerary

Embark on a journey through Lombok and explore its undiscovered boutique hotels and unique stays.

Discover Ko Phi Phi's Best Things to Do for Sea Lovers

Embark on a journey to Ko Phi Phi's top spots! Our guide offers an insider's look at luxury, romance, and adventure for unforgettable seaside stays.

Embark on a journey of luxury in Manama with our exclusive 3-day itinerary. Discover the blend of culture, culinary delights, and unparalleled elegance that Bahrain's capital has to offer.

Discover Kuala Terengganu's Top Attractions and Shopping Spots

Embark on a journey through Kuala Terengganu's bustling markets and popular attractions.

Embark on a 5-day journey through Kitakyushu, Japan, exploring ancient castles, lush gardens, and cutting-edge museums.

Discover Prague's Boutique Gems: A Guide to Unique Stays

Embark on a journey through Prague and discover the city's best boutique hotels with our exclusive 2024 guide.

Current language

All languages.

• Meet the Team
• Work with Us
• Czech Republic
• Netherlands
• Switzerland
• Scandinavia
• Philippines
• South Korea
• New Zealand
• South Africa
• Budget Travel
• Work & Travel
• The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
• Travel Resources
• How to Travel on $10/day

Home » Southeast Asia » Thailand » Phuket

31 Unique Things to Do in Phuket | Activities, Itineraries & Day Trips

Between its stunning natural landscape and its vibrant local culture, there are a lot of things to do in Phuket! Our list has gathered  the very best  of Phuket to give you a vacation that is fuss-free and full of fun!

Phuket (pronounced  poo-KEHT ) lends itself to time spent outdoors with sparkling coastline and lush tropical jungle, so you’ll find plenty of outdoor activities on our  list of things to do on the island ! However, don’t forget to discover Thai culture on the island with Thai yoga, cuisine, and art. This combination of nature and culture is something that not many destinations can boast, so be sure to soak it all up!

Whether you’re cooking up a green curry or cooling off in the gentle waters of Kata Beach, there are so many things to do in Phuket! It may be easy to feel overwhelmed with all of the activities here, so pull from our list for an  unforgettable  time in Phuket.

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Where To Stay In Phuket

Top things to do in phuket, unusual things to do in phuket, things to do in phuket at night, romantic things to do in phuket, best free things to do in phuket, best things to do in phuket with kids, other things to do in phuket, day trips from phuket, faq on things to do in phuket.

When traveling to this glorious area of Thailand, we want you to know the top neighborhoods in Phuket  so that you can book a cool place to stay for your trip!

Phuket City is Phuket’s capital and is by far the largest city on the whole island!

Stroll the narrow streets, and find the best and most exclusive Thai restaurants, novel shops and beautifully unique must-see attractions like the Thai Hua Museum.

• Phuket City is the place to be if you enjoy learning about history and culture, so soak up the local atmosphere and enjoy the charming attractions in this urban city.
• 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! You will have no problem finding things to do in Karan, and there is an unending amount of cool restaurants and bars for you to check out!
• 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, we can see why!

Whilst you enjoy the laid-back energy, be sure to think about how you’re going to unleash your wild side during the night as Patong also happens to be the premier party destination in Phuket! Bangla Road is where to be when you’re looking for the heart of the nightlife scene.

There are also some beautiful homestays in Phuket .

Best Hostel in Phuket- Lub D Phuket Patong

The Broke Backpacker is supported by you . Clicking through our links may earn us a small affiliate commission, and that's what allows us to keep producing free content 🙂 Learn more .

This magnificent Hostel in Phuket 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 11 th floor, this contemporary condo offers guests a king sized bed, colorful décor, and a comfortable living space.

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

Best Budget Hotel in Phuket – Natural Mystic Patong Residence

The Natural Mystic Patong Residence has some of the most amazing views of Phuket’s mountain landscapes that you can view from your own private balcony. Each room also offers you an air-conditioned apartment, and this hotel has a convenient on-site parking area it is also only a 10-minute ride from Jungceylon Shopping Mall. Natural Mystic Patong Residence is a short 3-minute drive from the amazing Patong Beach and a 30-minute drive from Phuket Town.

One other advantage is that Phuket International Airport is a 45-minute ride away, so you can easily find your way to and from your terminal. Lounge on the modern sofas and enjoy local Phuket shows on the flat-screen cable TV at night after a busy day. You will also find incredible restaurants within 5 minutes walk, and if you have any questions there is a 24-hour open desk.

Best Luxury Hotel in Phuket – The Nchantra Pool Suite

This luxury 5-star hotel is located directly on Siray Bay Beach. The Nchantra Pool Suite has very spacious and beautifully decorated suites, each with its own private pool and a kitchen. You will be a short 5-minute drive from Rassada Pier, and the property itself also includes a pool, a tour desk, and a 24-hour front desk. Each room at The Nchantra Pool Suite features a separate and comfortable living area and a fabulous balcony with world-class views! Experience luxury and peacefulness at this remarkable hotel and enjoy fine service from one of Phuket’s best hotels!

Phuket boasts so many different attractions that it can be hard deciding what to prioritize. With this list of the best places to go in Phuket, you can be sure of an amazing vacation!

1. Explore Phuket Town on Bike

As a visitor to this corner of Thailand, one of the top places to see on the Island of Phuket should be Phuket Town. It’s the capital of the eponymous island and is home to a variety of fascinating sites that can be explored on a bike.

Some of the loveliest attractions in the town are its Sino-Portuguese architecture which manifests in buildings like the former Charter Standard Bank Building. Phuket Town is also home to a burgeoning street art scene which you can appreciate by cycling along Thalang Road !

2. Try Water Sports on Banana Beach

Let’s be honest, most of us visit Phuket for the beaches! The various water sports here are some of the best things to do in Thailand! You can try all these adrenaline-inducing adventures with a trip to Banana Beach.

Whether you’re zooming across the sea on a banana boat or parasailing , you’re sure to have lots of fun and maybe face some of your fears! The beach also offers superb scuba diving and kayaking. If that’s not enough, try sea walking – a newer activity that allows you to walk on the ocean floor and breathe normally!

Phuket Town

Phuket Town is the capital of Phuket province and the largest city on the island. Made up of narrow streets, Phuket Town is where you’ll find great restaurants, unique shops, and one-of-a-kind attractions.

• Hike up Monkey Hill and see dozens of monkeys in their natural habitat
• Take in the breathtaking views at Windmill Viewpoint
• Visit the largest temple in Phuket, Chalong Temple

3. Hike in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Besides its beautiful beaches, Phuket is also teeming with lush, vibrant jungle! Hiking through this landscape and admiring the stunning views is one of our top Phuket activities. It would be a shame to visit this part of the world and miss out on an authentic jungle adventure!

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is the island’s premier jungle destination. Thanks to the canopy of trees that provide shade, walking here is comfortable. You’ll walk a path and do just a bit of rock scrambling by the creeks and waterfalls along the way. The route tours palm trees and dramatic woody vines growing between the rocks before arriving at the lovely Tonsai Waterfall for a refreshing dip!

4. Ramble around Phuket Island

There are so many things to do in Phuket Town that it can be hard not to spend your entire vacation there, but remember that there is a whole island waiting to be discovered!

Some of the most fabulous beaches you can visit outside of town include Kata, Rawai and Karon Beaches, as well as the famed Patong Beach. These beaches all offer an array of water activities. Suntanning before a quick dip is also a great idea!

Be sure to visit Karon Viewpoint, where you can see miles of the coastline and the glistening Andaman Sea. Wat Chalong Temple, the most important temple on the island, is also a must-visit! The island isn’t  enormous  but it’s easy to fill a whole day with sightseeing!

5. Learn to Cook Thai Food

One of the best Phuket things to do is joining a cooking class! I mean, why are you in Thailand anyway if not to enjoy its food? Beyond experiencing wonderful southern Thai cuisine, a cooking class is a great way of learning more about Thai culture and, of course, adding to your repertoire of meals to make at home!

The class includes a visit to a local market , where you can engage with vendors and learn to select the best fresh produce. Next, it’s on to the kitchen where you will whip up Thai dishes like green curry, mango sticky rice, and deep-fried banana! And, of course, you will get to enjoy the fruits of your labor — yum!

6. Learn to Surf at FlowRider

Trying out the super-cool FlowRider surfing environment is something you must do in Phuket! FlowRider is a kind of waterpark where they generate thin waves that are easy to surf.

This is the perfect environment for those who are new to surfing, but old hands will enjoy this unique experience too as you’re sure to have consistently pristine waves! The company offers surf lessons every hour , and there’s a cafe for you to relax out of the sun as well. It’s near Patong Beach so you can always just head outside to try the real thing once you’ve got the hang of it.

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…

7. Watch a Muay Thai Match

Once you’ve been to a Muay Thai boxing match, you’ll see why it deserves a place in our top 10 things to do in Phuket! Muay Thai is a form of martial arts that has been developed for over 500 years. It is now the national sport of Thailand!

Patong Boxing Stadium is the ideal place to catch a match. Here, you can watch youth fighters, as well as male and female fighters from Thailand and abroad. Martial arts enthusiasts should get ringside seating, but those there for the atmosphere should book stadium seating where you can join locals in betting on their favorites!

8. Practise Thai Yoga

Reusi Dat Ton is a traditional Thai healing practice that has many similarities to the practice of yoga. There’s nowhere better to learn it than in the country it originated, and it’s the perfect antidote to the toll Phuket sightseeing takes on your body!

Thai yoga is particularly focused on increasing blood circulation. Apparently you can stimulate circulation by holding poses and halting blood flow to the targeted area. At first that’s pretty counter-intuitive, but when the pose is released, the blood flows back fresh!

A one hour class will show you self-massage and acupuncture techniques, as well as teaching meditation and exercise poses. It also includes fruit and herbal tea, the perfect complement to your relaxing experience!

9. Trek to Krating Cape

Krating Cape is one of the loveliest places to visit in Phuket! It’s a viewpoint on the south-west part of the island that offers great hiking and incredible vistas!

To get to this photographer’s paradise, you need to put in a bit of physical effort as the spot is surrounded by rocks, cliffs and steep hills! It can take as little as 30 minutes to get there, but it’s always a good idea to extend your hike and see more of this stunning landscape.

The best time to come to Krating Cape is at sunset — this is a mesmerizing, unforgettable experience! Just remember to bring a headlight so you can find your way back in the dark.

10. Visit a Thai Temple

Most Phuket attractions have something to do with the island’s landscape but if you’re wondering what to do in Phuket that’s more cultural , visiting a local temple is perfect!

Once you arrive in Phuket, it doesn’t take long to see how important religion is to the local culture. The island is dotted with elegant, colorful Buddhist temples that are very welcoming to foreigners.

Of course, you can visit these temples by yourself, but the experience is so much more enriched if you have a local guide . They’ll be able to explain the ceremony to you and answer any questions you might have!

Most people come to Phuket to suntan on the beaches and lounge around resort pools, but there are some truly epic things to do in Phuket, Thailand, for those seeking a less resort-y adventure!

11. Zipline through the rainforest

Picture yourself flying through dense foliage, high above the ground, and having the time of your life — this is what you get when you go ziplining at Flying Hanuman Phuket!

Flying Hanuman Phuket is a truly unique place to visit in Phuket. It’s an 861,112 square-foot facility that offers a range of ziplining routes in the midst of the forest. You can choose between a 28-platform journey or the 16-platform route. Either way, you’re sure to have a thrilling time!

12. Cycle Around Northern Phuket

For those who are very fit and a bit daring, this bicycle trip is one of the best things to do in Phuket, Thailand! The 62-mile journey offers an invigorating activity on your trip, as well as superb views.

Phuket can be an intimidating place to get around on your own (unless you’re keen on flying around on a scooter at 80km/hr) but fortunately, there are a few long, well-maintained, and mostly shaded bike paths to key points.

Riding a scooter can be a great and inexpensive way of traveling around Phuket. Although you don’t need a license to rent a scooter, most travel insurance companies will ask for a valid motorbike license to be able to claim if you crash! Always make sure that you have travel insurance with a motorcycle-riding coverage.

This tour goes around the northern part of Phuket Island . You can explore the developed Laguna area, before heading to the leafy beaches. After some hard work uphill, you’re rewarded with the sight of the iconic Sarasin Bridge that connects Phuket to mainland Thailand!

The route will also take you further inland, through verdant forests and rubber plantations. It is a challenging ride but there are refreshment breaks, and the views are totally worth it!

13. Jump into Adventure

Another unusual Phuket tourist attraction is the bungy jumping site near Patong Beach where you can enjoy an epic 164-foot fall!

This site prioritizes s afety . It’s been in operation since 1992 and is managed by a team from New Zealand- the home of bungy jumping! The platform is situated above a lagoon, and you can even choose to fall into the water if you like! Once you’re back on the ground, the friendly staff will award you a certificate for your bravery! Bravo!

Safety in Phuket

Phuket tends to be as laid-back as all the postcard images of beaches suggest. Nevertheless, there are a few things to be aware of if you plan on keeping your vacation as relaxed as that postcard picture!

The tourist’s main concerns in Phuket are scams. Jet ski hire companies may claim that you’ve damaged their equipment or a tuk-tuk driver may charge exorbitant rates. Do your research on reputable companies and have a rough idea of how much certain trips should cost.

There is a dedicated tourist police service that speaks English. Use them if you need to! You can call them on 1155.

Thailand is among the safest countries in the world. Honestly, there isn’t much crime here, and people don’t really steal! Your biggest concern will be local business people who know how to get away with scamming locals. To be prepared, always get travel insurance before you fly. Check out our roundup of  the best travel insurance .

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

You’re sure to have heard of Phuket’s legendary nightlife, and this list of things to do come nightfall is a winner!

14. Party on a Bar Crawl

Bar crawls are some of the best Phuket attractions! For adults, that is… It’s the ideal way of exploring all that Bangla Road, the center of Phuket’s nightlife, has to offer!

Bangla Road is located in Patong and has a myriad of frenzied clubs and lively bars to keep tourists entertained all night long! A bar crawl is the ideal nightlife option for tourists since your leader will know the best spots in town. You’ll also get shots and club entry , as well as discounted drinks!

15. Watch a Cabaret Show

For a swanky night out, a cabaret show is something you must see in Phuket! The Simon Cabaret Show is the leading show in the Andaman Gulf so you’re assured a quality performance!

Simon Cabaret was established back in 1991 and has risen to become on par with the cabaret you get in Las Vegas! The theater is luxurious, with state-of-the-art technology to ensure an immersive experience. Dancers perform acts from local and international shows in English, as well as other languages. It’s a knock-out!

Buy your tickets  here  before you go.

16. Eat your way through the Weekend Night Market

Just outside of Phuket Town is this incredible night market , known to locals as ‘Naka Market’! It’s a great place to go souvenir shopping, eat street food and soak up the vibrant atmosphere! I won’t lie, on some parts of the island you’ll begin to wonder if there’s any local spirit left. Well, here’s where you find it!

There are so many different, and bizarre, things on sale at the market. Don’t be surprised if you find gigantic pineapples beside second-hand clothes! Come late afternoon to get a good look before the market becomes too crowded.

Street food is super cheap at the market so it’s a perfect place to sample Thai dishes like buttered corn on the cob and deep-fried bananas!

With so many gorgeous places to go in Phuket, and so many experiences, it’s no surprise that Phuket is a favorite with couples!

17. Dine on the Beach

A delicious dinner and a breathtaking sunset are the perfect foundations for a romantic night out with your partner!

Head down to the nearest beach just before sunset. You’ll find informal vendors selling drinks and street food but you may want to pack a picnic basket ahead of time so that you can have all of your partner’s favorite snacks!

If you’d prefer a heartier meal, why not eat at one of the beachfront restaurants? They may seem pricey but there are some that serve affordable, quality meals. Our favorite is Pan Yaah Thai Restaurant on Patong Beach!

18. Enjoy a Thai Massage

If you’re wondering what to do in Phuket, Thailand, as a couple, then it’s definitely time for a couple’s massage! Thailand is world-famous for its traditional massage technique that is seriously relaxing.

Traditional Thai massages use acupuncture and Ayurvedic techniques, as well as yoga postures to relieve pain and encourage relaxation. Unlike many other massage techniques, Thai massages do not use oils but rely on the body’s natural oils.

Ohsabai is a unique massage service that comes to your hotel. It’s the perfect activity if you’re looking to spend an intimate night in!

If you’re up for it though, hit the streets and you’ll find massage places aplenty in touristy areas. Don’t be afraid to give feedback to the masseuse during the massage as they should be willing to accommodate your preferred style.

Are you thinking of what to see in Phuket when you’re on a budget? No worries, Phuket’s a bit more expensive than mainland Thailand but you can save money with these fantastic activities that don’t cost a thing!

19. Relax on the Beach

The nearest beach to your accommodation is guaranteed to be the star Phuket attraction on your itinerary ! The best part is that this needn’t cost you anything! We’ll tell you some of our favorite beaches, but honestly, there aren’t any  bad ones.

Kata Beach is the ideal beach for swimming. With soft sand and palm trees, it’s also optimal for suntanning! Similarly, Paradise Beach is a small cove with gentle waters and great facilities.

Ya Nui is a very popular tropical beach in Phuket. It’s surrounded by rocky outcrops and the water is a teal color, making it perfect for striking photos! Another popular, and much busier, beach is Patong. It has a bustling atmosphere and great water sport activities.

20. Admire the Views

So many of the greatest things to see in Phuket are actually the gorgeous island landscape itself. This is totally free if you’re willing to plan the logistics yourself!

Karon Viewpoint is top of the list for its panoramic views of Kata Beach and the small island just offshore! The landscape is dense with trees and contrasts beautifully with the turquoise ocean!

Promthep Cape is another sure bet for breathtaking vistas and envy-inducing photos! It’s at its best during sunset but you do have to share with hordes of other tourists. It’s worth it, though, once you’ve seen the lovely, palm-fringed, golden shots you get of the coastline!

21. Gaze Upon the Big Buddha

Standing at 147 feet above the ground, the Big Buddha is one of the most iconic Phuket tourist attractions.

Located in the southern part of Phuket Island, it can be seen for miles! It was funded by ordinary people’s donations and is still undergoing construction at its base, so you’re welcome to chip in but it’s not obligatory. There’s a working temple that you can visit at the base of the Buddha but remember to cover your knees and shoulders as a show of respect!

Books to Read in Phuket

Lonely Planet Thailand Travel Guide  – It’s always worth having a Lonely Planet packed away, plenty of useful info on bus routes and where to go.

A Thailand’s Best Street Food: The Complete Guide to Streetside Dining  – Thailand is known all over the world for its brilliantly spicy and whacked out cuisine. Carry this guide along to find the most bizarre and the yummiest food Thai street markets have to offer.

A History of Thailand  – A great insight into Thailand’s rich cultural and political history.

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

Pop your email here & get the original Broke Backpacker Bible for FREE.

Many parents rack their heads over what to see in Phuket with their kids, but there’s no need for you to be one of them! Phuket is an excellent family destination and our list is meant to take some of the stress off your family vacation while giving you some options  besides laying at the beach all day.

22. Cool Off at the Splash Jungle Water Park

The Splash Jungle Water Park is probably the top of our list of fun things to do in Phuket with kids! It can keep kids busy for hours on end with very little parental involvement, as they dash between exciting slides and rides!

Unlike theme parks in Europe and America, this one tends to be queue-free and relatively uncrowded . Best of all, there are professional lifeguards standing by to keep your kids safe and sound!

There are also loads of eateries at the park, including two bars where you can join other parents and toast to a tantrum-free day of play! Cheers!

23. Visit the Soi Dog Foundation

Children love animals so this animal shelter is one of the greatest attractions in Phuket for families! There can be as many as 400 adorable cats and dogs here for you to admire.

Thailand is known for struggling with a booming stray dog population and they’re not famous for positive treatment of street animals.

The Soi Dog Foundation has a fantastic educational benefit for children as they educate visitors on how to look after these beautiful animals. The shelter has done so much good in the area for animals and it’s heart-warming to see!

The foundation runs guided tours throughout the day during which you can learn about their work and, of course, play with the cutest animals!

Worried that you’re running out of Phuket places to visit? Not likely — there are still plenty of fabulous activities to do in Phuket!

24. Explore the Phuket Trickeye 3D Museum

The Trickeye 3D Museum is one of the most fun Phuket points of interest! The museum is filled with over 100 paintings and sculptures that playfully straddle the line between illusion and reality !

The Classic In Flame zone boasts a number of spins on world-famous paintings by Van Gogh and Da Vinci, amongst others. You’ll either love or hate the Mona Lisa which has been updated to depict an inflated figure connected to a bicycle pump!

There are also some heart-racing exhibits that may have you running from bulls in a Spanish town, sitting in the sidecar of a motorbike that’s driving along a precarious mountain road, or even standing on a broken bridge as the river rushes just below!

25. Taste the Best Food in Phuket

With fresh ingredients and bright colors, Thai food is as inviting as Thailand itself! Discovering the best of Thai cuisine is, therefore, one of the most amazing things to do in Phuket Town!

A food tour is an ideal way of finding delicious dishes that represent the best of local cuisine. Tours include a trip to the local market where you learn about fresh produce, as well as taste some incredible flavors!

Thai menus can be intimidating, but we recommend exploring until you hit on the meal you could keep eating over and over. Whether it’s a Burmese curry or a Phuket-style crepe, you’re sure to find at least one dish that you’ll be ordering for the rest of your stay in Phuket!

26. Go Stand Up Paddle-Boarding

Stand up paddling tends to stand out on many visitors’ list of Thailand things to do — for good reason!

This activity is a fun way to keep up your fitness routine since it’s renowned for its cardio workout. It also improves stamina, endurance, and balance! And how often do you get to exercise while smelling the salty sea and taking in some stunning views?

You can book a lesson or hire a board and paddle easily in Phuket. Kata Beach is the perfect spot to go stand up paddling since the clear waters mean you’ll be able to admire the fish and corals beneath you!

27. Kayak through Rural Phuket

Some of the best things to do in Thailand revolve around spending time in nature, and Phuket’s lush landscape lends itself perfectly to kayaking!

The northeastern part of Phuket consists of prime farmland where you can experience the products of local farming techniques, such as juicy pineapples! The slow pace of local life and the care put into conserving nature are beautiful to witness.

Kayaking is an ideal way to explore the area’s lush mangroves ! After all, you get to see many small animals and to enjoy the tranquil surroundings with minimal effort!

28. Surf in the Andaman Sea

Surfing is definitely the most popular of all the water activities in Phuket, Thailand! Whether you’re a novice taking a lesson or a pro hiring a board, surfing is a must on your vacation!

Phuket’s waves may not be as famous as those of Hawaii or Sydney but they are gaining a devoted following. Kata, Kalim, Kamala, Surin, and Nai Harn are the best beaches to catch some waves on the island! Remember to bring or buy a rash guard (a kind of protective swimwear) so that your experience is as comfortable as possible.

29. Enjoy a Siam Niramit Show

A Siam Niramit Show is one of the best places in Phuket to marvel at traditional Thai arts! The excellent show features music, dance and martial arts, and is sure to keep you mesmerized all night long!

The show takes the audience through the history of Thailand and the three aspects of culture that are most important to Thai people. Featuring intricate sets, lavish costumes, and mind-blowing special effects, this show truly brings a Thai story to life for foreigners!

If you arrive a bit before the show, you can enjoy a night market, Thai boxing, and a light show! For a truly indulgent night out, book a buffet dinner to savor alongside the performance!

30. Marvel at the Upside Down House

The Upside Down House is a Phuket must-see if you’ve never done anything like it! It’s literally an upside-down house that boasts one incredible optical illusion after another! Don’t ask us how the island fell into this optical-illusion niche, but we dig it.

This attraction is sure to produce lots of laughs as you walk on the ‘ceiling’ of the house! Furniture and toys are stuck to the ‘floor’ of the house above you, giving you a unique perspective on modern homes.

These optical illusions are just as good to experience through images and the friendly staff is happy to show you the best camera angles and take your picture! Make sure to admire the life-sized tuk-tuk parked in the garage and to do a ‘handstand’ while riding a bike!

31. Get Lost in the A-Maze Garden

Just beside the Upside Down House, the A-Maze Garden has good reason to be on our list of the best places to visit in Phuket! You’re guaranteed to have lots of fun as you argue over which path to take, and run into leafy dead ends!

The maze was designed by award-winning maze designer Adrian Fisher. His company has been responsible for around 600 mazes around the world, so this is no regular maze! It spans 3116 square feet so expect to be in and out within half an hour!

Experience the best that Phuket has to offer on these incredible day tours! Whether you are going to be spending more than 4 days in Phuket or a weekend in Phuket, these are some of the best ways the full your sunny days!

5-Hour City Highlights & Viewpoints Small Group Tour

Getting to know Phuket is a fun and exciting adventure! This special island has so much colorful and diverse history and incredible cultural landmarks that exude a presence that will captivate and inspire you!

Fall even more in love with Phuket on this half-day tour that is designed so that you get the best experience of Phuket’s magnificent highlights. During your day out, you will see the authentic lives of the locals, visit historical landmarks and go on a journey through Phuket Old Town.

It doesn’t end there, you will also be taken with an expert guide to all of Phuket’s raved-about viewpoints and have access to some of the best memories (and pictures) of a lifetime.

Check available tours  here.

Phuket: Half-Day Ethical Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Thailand is renowned for having some of the best and most respected elephant sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers in the world! We can’t recommend going to an unverified sanctuary with questionable treatment of these incredible animals, so we’ve done the research and picked out one for you.

Elephants are important to the way of life for the locals in Phuket and are indeed also important to the hearts of everybody who is lucky enough to encounter them.

On this half-day tour , you will have the rare opportunity to spend quality time with the elephants on an elephant retirement park that is run in a completely ethical way, paying a lot of respect to the lives of the elephants! Enjoy meeting, feeding, bathing and even playing with these magnificent animals. (And NEVER riding them!)

Similan Islands Early Bird Day Trip from Phuket/Khaolak

Phuket has some of the most interesting and beautiful islands known to mankind, and each one has a new treasure just waiting to be admired and explored! On this day trip, you will have an amazing opportunity to visit the world-famous Similan Islands!

The Similan Islands are popular globally for having gorgeous coral-white sand beaches, crystal clear blue waters, exotic fish life, remarkably picturesque landscapes and for being the home to dozens of glorious sea turtles!

Spend your day lazing on the beach, soaking up the sun, swimming with the fishes and experiencing the majesty of the sea turtles as they glide under the surface of the water. Remember to bring your camera for some truly epic snapshots!

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 are some quick answers to common questions about what to do and see in Phuket.

What are the best things to do in Phuket?

Jump on a bike and explore the island , it’s the only way to really see it properly. Visiting the stunning viewpoints and secluded beaches as well as the towns and villages along the way and the famous big buddha.

What are some things to do in Phuket for couples?

Take a romantic hike through the beautiful Khao Phra Thaeo National Park . The trails here are pretty easy going which is great given the heat. Call by the wonderful Tonsai Waterfall for a cool off before heading back.

What are the best things to do in Phuket with family?

All the family will have fun learning to cook authentic Thai food with the help from the welcoming locals. Indulge in your creations afterwards… if you can cook that is!

What are some unusual things to do in Phuket?

It’s not all about beaches on Phuket, so instead why not fly through the jungle on a zipline ! You’re in for a thrilling time as you explore the island from a different perspective.

Phuket Island is so full of activities that setting foot on the island is almost a guarantee of adventure. The island is one of the best Thailand points of interest and with our list of things to do in Phuket, it’s easy to see why!

You may spend just 24 hours exploring one great place to see in Phuket after another. Perhaps you’ll spend a week on the island and find a new thing to do in Phuket every day! It doesn’t matter how many days in Phuket you spend, because there’s plenty to do here!

Clair Cathryn

Share or save this post

Planning on travelling to Phuket next month so this list of things to do is great! Thanks

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

The 15 Best Places to Visit in Phuket, Thailand

Phuket, Thailand is for beach enthusiasts and those who adore the island life. Situated on the west coast of Thailand, it is home to some of the country’s most popular beaches as well as a bevvy of markets, restaurants and nightclubs to keep endlessly entertained in. Here, one can stay in one of the many Phuket villa rentals, blissfully relax on a turquoise beach and live it up in a vibrant nightlife environment all in one day. Here are some of the most interesting things to do in Phuket :

Table of Contents

15 Must-See Places to Visit in Phuket

Patong beach.

Patong Beach is the main tourist hub of the island and the most famous beach resort, and there are plenty of reasons why. Not only is the beach gorgeous with people all over the world bathing in the sun in a relaxed atmosphere, there is also plenty of water sports activities to do there, too. Lining the beach are plenty of restaurants, bars and markets, making it fairly busy during the day but thriving at night.

Phi Phi Islands

Made famous by the movie ‘The Beach’ starring Leonardo di Caprio, Phi Phi Islands and particularly Maya Bay is busy but nonetheless beautiful and worth the visit. When you first enter the islands by boat, giant cliffs rising out of the azure blue waters greet you. Each island is stunning in its own way and makes for unbelievable pictures: long-tail boats line the shores, golden sands gleam in the sun and ethereally blue waters beckon you in.

Phang Nga Bay

North-east of Phuket is a bay comparable to that of Halong Bay in Vietnam, other-worldly in its beauty and simply spectacular. Gliding through the waters by canoe is the best way to explore Phang Nga Bay and its dramatic limestone cliffs. Don’t forget to visit the ‘hongs,’ or rooms, within the bay – these are like fairytale realms where open-air caves are surrounded by towering cliffs – and they are sure to take your breath away.

James Bond Island

One of the most popular places in Phang Nga Bay, this is another island in Phuket made famous by a movie (no guesses which one!) and is a coveted bucket-list destination for travelers when in Thailand. Moving through the larger-than-life limestone cliffs is an experience in itself, but the climax begins when you get to KoTapu, the 20-meter vertical rock it is famous for.

Old Phuket Town

This town is a historical district and the provincial capital of Phuket, with Sino-colonial buildings, shrines and temples making this Old Town an interesting place to visit. The best-known street in this part of town is Thalang Road and it is very easy to explore by foot. Stroll around when it is not so hot and discover beautifully preserved shops, cafes and museums at your leisure, stopping at one the many restaurants on offer when you are ready for refreshments.

Bangla Road

Perhaps one of the most infamous streets in Thailand, Bangla Road is the heart of Phuket nightlife entertainment. Vibrant and colorful, this street is lined with nightclubs, bars and raunchy shows and is best enjoyed after-dark with an open mind and sense of humor. Be warned that it is loud as a lot of the establishments are open-air so the music blends into each other, and be wary of scammers. Other than night, it is a great place to have a lively night, whether you’re people watching, gawking at the extravagant ladyboys or having a few drinks.

Sitting on Nakkerd Hills, this stunning 45-meter tall Buddha statue is one of the most revered landmarks in Phuket. The white jade marble the statue is made of makes for a shimmering vision, and the site itself offers an impressive 360-degree view of the island. It is a peaceful and refreshing getaway from the hustle and bustle of other parts of the island. Make sure to wear clothes appropriate for religious sites, otherwise, you can borrow a sarong to cover yourself up at the site.

Wat Chalong

One of Phuket’s most important temples, Wat Chalong is a Buddhist site open to locals and foreigners alike. Exquisite, ornate and peaceful, visitors can see the Buddhist statue Poh Than Jao Wat and The Grand Pagoda where lies a splinter of Lord Buddha’s bone. As with most religious sites in Thailand, make sure you cover yourself appropriately and take off your shoes when entering some of the buildings.

Promthep Cape

Considered as one of the most photographed and best-known viewpoints on the island, Promthep Cape is the perfect place to watch the sun go down either with friends or a loved one. The stunning view of the Andaman Sea makes it extremely popular but worth the visit. Also on the hill is a lighthouse which you can enter for interesting maritime artefacts as well as handicraft shops, stalls and a restaurant.

Patong’s Paradise Complex

By Stefan from the Nomadic Boys

Phuket Island is one of the top LGBTQ destinations in Asia. As well as offering an array of stunning beaches to visit and unique world-famous islands close by to check out, it’s also famous for its large gay scene in Patong’s Paradise Complex. 

The  gay scene of Phuket  in the Paradise Complex is quite a unique and super exciting atmosphere to experience that we highly recommend! It is comprised of a series of pedestrianised streets located just off Thanon Ratuthit Songroipi Road, opposite the Royal Paradise Hotel. The Complex has lots of gay-owned/managed cafes, bars, clubs and restaurants.

The most famous include Boat Bar and ZAG Club, each offering quite a dramatic drag show every evening. From around 10 pm, the crowds head to the Paradise Complex to watch the hilarious displays of drag queens and GoGo dancer boys performing on the streets outside. Other places to check out here include the Frank Sinatra-inspired bar called “My Way” and the “James Dean” bar.

Baan Teelanka (Upside Down House)

By Sharon from Baby Journey

This unique attraction is actually three attractions – there is the upside-down house itself, a garden maze and an escape room. It’s the perfect place to visit in Phuket if you want to do something different and laugh a lot.

The main attraction, the upside-down house, is definitely the best part though. You start by entering the house in the roof since it is upside down. You then get to walk around the house and there are the usual rooms – like kitchen, living, bedrooms and bathrooms – but they are all upside down including laptops, wine glasses, paintings, absolutely everything. Even the garage is upside down complete with an upside-down tuk-tuk. The attention to detail is superb.

The staff can help you pose for bizarre photos that make you look like you are upside down or crawling around the walls like in the photo above. Walking around in here can cause some vertigo and it’s definitely strange walking down/up upside downstairs, but a lot of fun.

Phuket Night Market

By Sasha Naslin from The Alternative Travel Guide 

If you love good food, then visiting the night markets should be on your  Phuket bucket list . It will turn your trip into a real gastronomic adventure! 

One of the popular night markets in Phuket is Malin Plaza Market located near Patong Beach. The market is quite small and divided into grocery and clothing parts. Malin Plaza Market has an excellent selection of exotic fruits – pineapples, mangoes, coconuts, rambutans, dragonfruits… The fruit market is open all day, and in the evenings a night market with ready-made Thai food springs up around it. 

Here you can taste fried shrimps, crocodile barbecue, Thai fried chicken, noodles, rice, pad thai, Thai sweets. I recommend trying traditional Thai omelettes that are crispy, fluffy, sprinkled with fresh herbs and spicy Sriracha sauce. 

The good side of the Malin Plaza food market is that you can get large portions, and the food is delicious! There are even several tables and chairs nearby where you can sit down and eat your Thai street food. 

Another night market worth visiting is Naka Market in Phuket Town, opposite Naka Temple.  Here you can eat traditional and unusual food such as fried grasshoppers and scorpions. 

If you are a seafood lover, try grilled squid, deep-fried shrimp, and boiled crabs with spicy sauce. Most restaurants have tables where you can sit down with friends and enjoy your food, which is actually a favourite pastime of Thai people. So, Naka Market looks like many small pop-up cafes and restaurants in one place. 

Thai Mueang Sea Turtle Conservation Centre and Lampi Waterfall (Namtok Lampee)

By Karen from Big Adventures for Little Feet

Looking for a fantastic day trip location and some fun attractions from Phuket that take you away from the tourist trail? Head north towards Khao Lak and make some fun stops at the Thai Mueang Turtle Conservation Centre and Namtok Lampee (or Lampi Waterfall).

The turtle conservation centre is part of the Phang Nga Coastal Fisheries Research and Development Centre and is playing its part to rehabilitate injured turtles for release into the wild as well as a well-run breeding program.

The centre is no-frills and guests can wander freely amongst the tanks on a self-guided tour to see all the aquatic creatures being cared for. You may even be lucky to find a crocodile and sting rays as well as many turtles ranging from newborn babies through to mature turtles awaiting release.

Just a short distance away from the Turtle Rehabilitation Centre is the extremely pretty Lampi Waterfall. With an easy rainforest boardwalk leading you to a tiered waterfall complete with a swimming waterhole at the bottom this is a great place to visit and have a picnic.

Don’t be dissuaded to visit if it is raining as this is when the waterfall is at it’s most beautiful and you can visit in relative peace and quiet – or completely alone as we enjoyed! 

Monkey Hill

By Jessie Moore of Pocket Wanderings

Khao To Sae – more commonly known as “Monkey Hill” – is located in the north side of Phuket Town. A recognisable hill with its various antennas and radio masts at the top, it is easy to spot from afar. This monkey playground is free to visit and, along with Monkey Bay in the Phi Phi Islands , is the best place to see and interact with monkeys in Phuket.

The hill is walkable but can be hard work in the intense humidity and high temperatures, so you may prefer to take a motorbike or taxi ride. You can feed the monkeys fruit and nuts, but it’s always worth being cautious around the monkeys – although they are used to interacting with humans, they are still wild animals. If feeding the monkeys isn’t for you, they are extremely entertaining to watch with their signature cheeky personalities. 

Monkeys aside, a visit to Monkey Hill is worth it just for the viewpoints at the top. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking views over Phuket, which are particularly special at sunrise or sunset. The best time to visit Monkey Hill is early morning or late evening to avoid the scorching temperatures in between

Sirinat National Park

By Cora + Helen from Inside our Suitcase

Sirinat National Park is located on the northwestern coast of Phuket, less than one mile from the airport. The national park is relatively undiscovered compared to many of the additional areas in Phuket and is designed to protect natural habitats of mole crabs, nesting turtles and seashells. 

Nai Yang Beach is just one of the beaches within Sirinat National Park, and our personal favourite.   If you’re looking to stay in the region then you’ll have a handful of hotel resorts and hostels to choose from. The prices can be slightly more than you may find elsewhere in Phuket as a result of them being so close to the airport. 

Whether you arrive in Phuket for a religious experience, to enjoy the many beautiful beaches and resorts on offer or to party in its infamous nightlife setting, you will be sure to walk away with a unique and memorable experience of Thailand.

It is an island bustling with visitors from all over the world hoping to understand what the fuss is all about – and people are hardly disappointed provided they keep an open mind and a sense of adventure.

Have you been to Phuket? Do you have more things to add to the list?

Did you like this post? Pin it>>>>>>>

Sharing is caring!

2 thoughts on “The 15 Best Places to Visit in Phuket, Thailand”

Great info. What’s your top 3 favourite places in Thailand?

I don’t know Thailand that well but I like Khao Sok National Park, Ayuthaya and Ko Phi Phi. What about you?

Leave a Comment Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

8 Places to Visit in Phuket + Things To Do

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a top-notch tourist attraction. It features scenic surroundings dotted with high-end resorts, restaurants, spas, nightclubs, and everything the eclectic crowd could wish for.

The main attractions in Phuket include The Big Buddha, Patong, Kata, and Karon Beach, Banzaan Fresh Market, Ko Hong Lagoon, and Old Phuket Town. Treat yourself to some of the most thrilling adventures you can take on the island, from island hopping to all-night partying, shopping, swimming, diving, snorkeling, and even hiking. Moreover, enjoying the beautiful beaches while discovering the local lifestyle guarantees the best experience of Phuket. And for a great price, too. Some people also love coming here to shop. That’s because Jungceylon Shopping Center, Premium Outlet, and Central Festival offer lots of good buys you would love coming home with.

 Phuket is a well-connected destination with an extensive network, consisting of domestic and international flights. Regular schedules are available from Phuket to Taipei, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, Hong Kong, Singapore, Melbourne, Abudhabi, Manila, and back.

1. Patong Beach

Location : Kathu District, Phuket, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

See prices & book online

Surf House Phuket at Patong Beach

Phuket Simon Cabaret Show Admission Ticket

Phuket Siam Niramit Admission Ticket

Phuket Travel Essentials:

Where to stay in Phuket (click below to see rates and book online) Cheapest Rates | Best Reviews  | Home Rentals/Airbnb

Phuket Tours & Discounts

Shared Phuket International Airport (HKT) Transfers for Phuket

Private Phuket International Airport (HKT) Transfers for Phuket and Nearby Areas

Phuket car charter

Private City Transfers between Phuket and Nearby Cities

Thailand  WIFI/SIM Card

See also :   Places to visit in Thailand  |  Bangkok Itinerary  |  Cambodia Tourist Spots  |  Where to go in Vietnam  |  Indochina Itinerary

More travel tips coming up! In the meantine, enjoy this  quick list  of attractions and tourist spots in Phuket. To help with your trip planning, I’ve added links to the locations on Google Maps. Feel free to click/tap on the links posted. Then, use the “save” feature on the Google Maps app for easy reference.

Follow me on Instagram

2. Bangla Road (Bangla Walking Street)

Location : Thanon Bangla, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

3. Banzaan Fresh Market

Location : Banzaan Market Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

4. Jungceylon Shopping Center

Location : ถนน ราษฎร์อุทิศ 200 ปี Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

5. Thalang Road & Old Phuket Town

Location : Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

6. Phuket Town Weekend Night Market (Sunday Walking Street Market)

Location : Thalang Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

Where to go near Phuket

7. Ko Hong Lagoon

Location : Pha Nga, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

Phang Nga Bay ‘Koh Hong by Starlight’ Tour from Phuket by Big Boat

8. James Bond Island & Ko Hong Islands (Pha Nga Bay)

Location : Pha Nga Bay, Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

Phuket to James Bond Day Tour by Longtail Boat, Speedboat or Big Boat

3 Khai Islands, Phi Phi, or James Bond Tour from Phuket by Speedboat

Phuket-Phang Nga Sea Canoeing

Beyond Phuket

Location : Krabi province, southern Thailand. West coast facing the Andaman Sea. . Save on Google Maps .

Krabi Travel Essentials

Where to stay Tours + discounts

Krabi-Phuket Shuttle – Shared Transfers

Top discounts

Krabi 4 Islands Day Tour

Krabi Private City Transfers to Koh Samui, Ko Tao, Koh Pha Ngan, Surat Thani

Private Phuket International Airport (HKT) Transfers for Phuket and Nearby Areas by TTD

See more : Krabi travel tips

Ko Phi Phi Travel Essentials

Phi Phi Cruise Transfers from Phuket – Round Trip Ferry

Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Tour in Phuket

Krabi to Phi Phi Day Tour by Speedboat

Phi Phi and Maya Bay Snorkeling Tour by Speedboat

Krabi to Phi Phi Day Tour by Speedboat or Speed Catamaran

See more : Ko Phi Phi travel tips

Location : Chumphon Archipelago, Surat Thani province, southern Thailand. East coast facing the Gulf of Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

Ko Samui Travel Essentials

Koh Samui-Phuket Ferry/Bus Ticket – Nathon Pier

Phuket-Ko Samui Ferry/Bus Ticket – Nathon Pier

Koh Nangyuan Full Day Tour from Koh Samui by Speed Boat

Koh Tao and Koh Nangyuan Day Tour from Koh Samui – w/ Snorkeling Experience by Catamaran

See more : Ko Samui travel tips

Location : Bangkok, central Thailand . Save on Google Maps .

Bangkok Travel Essentials

Bangkok Suvarnabhumi Airport Rail Link (ARL) Ticket

Bangkok Chao Phraya Princess Cruise

Ayutthaya Day Trip with Sunset Boat Ride from Bangkok

See more : Bangkok travel tips

What places have you added to your bucketlist? Have you been to beautiful places in Phuket that should be on this list? Feel free to share your thoughts!

Places to visit in Phuket

Phuket tourist spots, things to do in Phuket, where to go in Phuket & more.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Click below & search recommended Phuket hotels/hostels/home rentals within your budget. Remember to set your  min/max price , travel dates, and  sort by review ratings . I often book online with these trusted booking sites below for rock-bottom prices & convenient bookings.

Agoda Airbnb Booking.com

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Phuket Essentials & Top Discounts

See discounts

See discounts Compare here

Phuket Half Day, Full Day & multiple days private car charter

Thailand mobile data sim card/pocket wifi.

Travel with ease & confidence throughout your trip. Get a data SIM card or pocket WIFI device! Access Google Maps and all your favorite travel apps. Share your travel stories instantly with all your friends. Click below and choose your pick-up location:

Thailand SIM card Pocket WIFI See all discounts

Popular discounts and tours booked by other travelers:

Krabi Airport Shuttle – Shared Transfers for Ao Nang, Krabi Town & more

Racha Yai, Racha Noi, Coral, or Maiton Island Day Tour from Phuket by Speedboat, Catamaran or Yacht

Krabi/Phuket Airport to Krabi Hotel Transfer – KBV/HKT Private Car/Shuttle

Koh Tao-Phuket Ticket – Ferry & Bus Transfers

Click below to see more on:

Don’t Stop Here

Click below for more travel inspiration:

Don’t leave yet. There’s more!

Discover more blogs and travel tips in:

• Southeast Asia

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed .

Phuket   Travel Guide

Courtesy of simonlong | Getty Images

8 Best Things To Do in Phuket

Updated May. 8, 2023

From white sand beaches and breathtaking boat excursions to relaxing spa treatments and tours of Buddhist sites, such as Big Buddha and Wat Chalong Temple , there is a range of diverse things to do in Phuket. The only tricky thing is carefully

• All Things To Do

Promthep Cape Promthep Cape free

Where Nai Harn Beach is Phuket's southernmost beach, Promthep Cape (or Laem Promthep) is the island's southernmost point, and likewise, it offers an amazing view of the Andaman Sea. Visitors can also take a short hike from the cape (less than a mile) to a scenic lighthouse.

Sunset is the best time to view the beauty of Promthep Cape, according to recent visitors, but they also say that this is no longer a secret spot: Travelers will usually have to share their vantage point with a host of others, but even so, a trip to Promthep Cape comes highly recommended. 

Big Buddha Big Buddha free

Big Buddha is a giant statue of Buddha encased in Burmese alabaster that towers over Phuket from the peak of Mount Nagakerd. Construction on Big Buddha began in 2007, and Phuketians are proud of both the structure and the vantage point from which travelers can view the island. Visitors to Big Buddha will enjoy a bird's-eye view of the Kata Bay, the Karon strand and the islands that speckle the Chalong Bay.

Although some travelers say they had a spiritual experience at Big Buddha, most reviewers say the views from the peak are what captivated them. To that point, visitors suggest bringing your camera (and a wide-angle lens). 

Nai Harn Beach Nai Harn Beach free

Nai Harn Beach is the southernmost strip of sand in Phuket, and locals love it just as much as visitors. Picture gleaming white sands bordered by grassy knolls and rolling cerulean waves, and you'll start to be able to imagine the beauty of this seemingly remote spot. The beach also gets high marks for its authentic collection of nearby restaurants. 

While experiencing all of the Nai Harn beauty, visitors recommend keeping your ear out for the lifeguards' warnings. They also suggest only swimming within the flagged areas, since Nai Harn is no stranger to strong, dangerous riptides – especially during monsoon season (May to October). 

Popular Tours

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V. Marine

(2164 reviews)

from $ 78.03

Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

(578 reviews)

from $ 130.98

Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket

(403 reviews)

from $ 50.16

Soi Dog Foundation Soi Dog Foundation free

When you travel to an exotic Thai island, you might not think that an animal shelter would be high on your list of to-dos. But think again. Travelers call this innovative cat and dog shelter a must-do. The Soi Dog Foundation was established in 2003 to try and care for the tens of thousands of street cats and dogs as well as to fight the dog meat trade. Today, the shelter contains hundreds of animals that visitors can meet and play with. 

Reviewers said that although the Soi Dog Foundation is a bit out of the way, it's completely worth it, calling their visit both heartbreaking and inspirational. To get the fullest experience, most suggest taking one of the guided tours throughout the shelter, and some even recommend clearing a few days in your itinerary to volunteer at the shelter. 

Kata Noi Beach Kata Noi Beach free

Kata Noi Beach is known for its brilliant white sands and transparent aquamarine waters, as well as its relatively calm atmosphere, especially compared to other popular beaches like party-centric Patong (located just north). Backed by the fancy (and sprawling) Kata Thani Phuket Beach Resort, the beach is described by recent visitors as "family friendly." 

This spot along the southwest coast of Phuket is popular among travelers for its kid-friendly atmosphere and nearby facilities, including a handful of restaurants and shops and a 7-Eleven, which is useful for picking up drinks and snacks. 

Phuket Spas Phuket Spas

Relaxing at a spa is a must-do in Phuket. The island's spas, like many in Thailand, feature aromatherapy, herbal treatments and traditional Thai oil massages, among other services, which makes for a unique experience not found stateside. Plus, for a relatively small island, Phuket boasts an extraordinary number of spas – hundreds – and compared to U.S. prices, spa treatments are relatively affordable in Phuket. 

Travelers say their experience at Phuket's spas were amazing – even perfect – but as with most things, you get what you pay for. Visitors who spent a bit more for their treatments and went with traveler-approved spas tended to be rewarded with clean, relaxing treatment rooms and out-of-this world massages while those that went with cheaper, less-reviewed places had disappointing experiences. 

Phuket Boat Tours Phuket Boat Tours

You'd be remiss if you didn't spend some time sailing the waters around Phuket, stopping for a snorkel break along the way. Whether you want to stay dry and view all the beauty of the sea and surrounding islands from the boat deck or you want to swim, stand-up paddleboard, canoe, or even scuba dive, there is a boat trip for you. 

Travelers gush about their experiences on the various boat tours, calling them "a dream come true," wonderful, peaceful, entertaining and fun, among other descriptors. Still, it's important for travelers to do their research and book with a quality, well-reviewed tour operator even if the tours are a bit pricier. For every glowing review of the great tour operators, there are poor reviews of the not-so-great operators.

Wat Chalong Wat Chalong free

Wat Chalong is a colorful Buddhist temple and it's also the biggest and most famous temple on Phuket. Of particular note are the gilt statues of two monks, who are credited with helping halt the Chinese Rebellion of 1876. At 5 p.m. daily, visitors can see present-day monks praying. 

Visitors highly recommend a visit to Wat Chalong, as well as a stroll through its impressive, clean and well-maintained grounds, saying that the temple complex exuded peace and serenity. Reviewers also suggest planning a midweek visit, as the temple can get very crowded on the weekends. 

Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat

(2670 reviews)

from $ 99.00

Elephant Sanctuary Small Group Tour in Phuket

(215 reviews)

from $ 85.03

Phi Phi Island Private Boat Tour

(417 reviews)

from $ 947.48

Explore More of Phuket

Best Hotels

When To Visit

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

Recommended

The 28 Best Water Parks in the U.S. for 2024

Holly Johnson|Timothy J. Forster May 8, 2024

The 18 Best Napa Valley Wineries to Visit in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Sharael Kolberg April 23, 2024

The 25 Best Beaches on the East Coast for 2024

Timothy J. Forster|Sharael Kolberg April 19, 2024

The 50 Best Hotels in the USA 2024

Christina Maggitas February 6, 2024

The 32 Most Famous Landmarks in the World

Gwen Pratesi|Timothy J. Forster February 1, 2024

9 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in Florida for 2024

Gwen Pratesi|Amanda Norcross January 5, 2024

24 Top All-Inclusive Resorts in the U.S. for 2024

Erin Evans January 4, 2024

26 Top Adults-Only All-Inclusive Resorts for 2024

Zach Watson December 28, 2023

Solo Vacations: The 36 Best Places to Travel Alone in 2024

Lyn Mettler|Erin Vasta December 22, 2023

26 Cheap Beach Vacations for Travelers on a Budget

Kyle McCarthy|Sharael Kolberg December 4, 2023

You will be redirected to your dashboard shortly. We will also call you back in 24 hrs .

• 32 Places To Visit In Phuket In 2024 For An Exciting Thai Vacation

23 Mar 2023

Phuket is endowed with stunning golden sand beaches, colourful shore line stuffed with shacks, colourful chairs and umbrellas, thrilling water sports, amusement shows and mind blowing night life. The Thai city ranks pretty high among the popular holiday destinations when it comes to parameters like tourist-friendly, accommodations, basic amenities and accessibility, thus ensuring delightful and enthralling holiday.

There are a number of great places to visit in Phuket. Starting from beaches to nightclubs, Phuket has it all in store for you. The list of places is so huge that you may actually get confused figuring out what you must visit. In Phuket, it is guaranteed that you cannot have a single boring day. Well, such is the charm of the place. So, if you are planning your next trip to Phuket, then, you have come to the right spot as we have the list of places to visit in Phuket ready for you.

32 Places To Visit In Phuket In 2023

For them, who are already convinced about Phuket as their next holiday destination and for those who are yet to finalise, here is a catalog of amazing places to visit in Phuket:

1. Patong Beach – Adventure Amidst Nature

Image Source

Patong beach is the lifeline of Phuket town. It, certainly, is one of the most happening beaches in Phuket, and hence a top contender among amazing places to visit in Phuket. The hemispherical golden sand beach is vibrant and dotted with cafes, shacks and pubs. It offers plenty of enthralling water sports and the surrounding cliffs with crystal clear water. The shining sand adds up to the glamor of the seashore. The charges for each watersport are different. Parasailing costs INR 1,500 for 10 minutes. Prices are high and one can negotiate hard!

Places to Stay: La Flora Resort Patong, Palmyra Patong Resort, Amari Phuket, Le Meridien Beach Resort, Fishermen’s Harbour Urban Resort Things to do : Sunbathing, snorkelling, swimming, jet skiing, hobie cat sailing, parasailing and banana boat ride. Location:  West Coast, Phuket Timing: No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

7 Stunning Cruises In Phuket For A Perfect Thailand Vacation

Thailand Holiday Packages On TravelTriangle

Experience thrilling adventure sports, enjoy Thai cuisines, or pamper yourself with a relaxing spa. Book Thailand holiday packages on TravelTriangle and enjoy the beauty of the beaches of Krabi, Phuket, and Ko Samui.

Thailand Family Holiday 4D/3N Package @ Rs 10,000

Plan your trip today!

Family Holiday 5D/4N Package To Thailand @ Rs 12,000

Get quotes from multiple travel experts.

Best Selling Thailand Tour 6D/5N Package @ Rs 16,000

Compare & customize quotes before booking.

Phuket & Bangkok Thailand 7D/6N Package @ Rs 18,000

Have Questions? Talk to our travel experts today.

Kids Special Thailand Family 7D/6N Package @ Rs 32,000

Best prices guaranteed. EMI option available.

See more at TRAVELTRIANGLE.COM

2. Karon Viewpoint – Reviving Hours

Image Source Located between Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, Karon Viewpoint is one of the popular sightseeing places in Phuket. The viewpoint offers stunning view of three beaches — Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon. It is also known as Khao Saam Haad. The place is often crowded with tourists busy taking amazing photographs. Moreover there are small eateries serving tea and snacks offering some respite from scorching sun.

Things to do : View the stunning Andaman Sea and take splendid photographs of glistening blue sea, snow-white sea, shining beaches, an outlandish island – Koh Pu and lush green hills of Phuket. Location:  4233 Tambon Karon, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83100, Thailand Timing:  24×7 Entry Fee:  NA

3. Koh Panyee – Traditional Thai Village

Koh Panyee is a small, traditional Thai village, It is one of the significant places to see in Phuket. Location of Koh Panyee is quite interesting — in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. The place is always crowded with travel groups, so if you want to have the actual feel of the village, reach early on any given day.

Places to Stay: Jamesbond Bungalow Koh Panyee, Krasom Homestay, Khao Chang View Resort, Palms Hill Resort  Things to do : Explore the village, try mouth-watering local food at various seafood restaurants and some retail therapy at stalls selling knick-knacks. Location:  Phang Nga Province Timing: No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

  18 Surreal Islands Near Phuket You Should Definitely Explore In Thailand

4. Phi Phi Island – Serene Cum Exciting

Cruising for nearly an hour in the Andaman Sea will take you to this picturesque island – Phi Phi, one of the amazing places to visit in Phuket . The surrounding beauty is mesmerising, the bluish-green water is absolutely see-through and the sizzling beaches are extremely alluring.

Phi Phi is the most glamorous and happening islands in Thailand. It is among the ideal places to visit in Phuket for honeymoon. Phi Phi can be accessed via daily cruises from Phuket. Just remember that stay options are limited. Phi phi is actually one of the main attractions in Phuket. Without visiting Phi Phi your trip to Phuket will remain incomplete.

Places to Stay: Holiday Inn Phi Phi Island, Panmanee Hotel, JJ Residence, Zeavola, hi Phi Bayview Premier Resort Ideal Duration: 2 Nights/3 Days Best Time to Visit: November to April Things to do : Snorkeling, surfing, swimming, sunbathing and diving in Shark Point, Anemone Reef and the King Cruiser Wreck. People mostly wish to spend the day on the beach with a beer or drink, relaxing and building sand castles. Location:  Located island of Phuket and the Straits of Malacca coast of Thailand Timing: No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

5. James Bond Island – Beauty At Its Best

Located in Phang Nga National Park, James Bond Island displays excellent profile of karst (limestone) topography. One can see and explore picturesque stalactites, stalagmites, pillars and helictites here. It was formerly known as Khao Phing Kan. Then in 1974, the island was featured in a couple of James Bond movies like Tomorrow Never Dies and The Man with the Golden Gun — hence the popular name of the island.

Since then, it has become one of the popular tourist places to visit in Phuket, Thailand . Quite filmy! If you wish to have some fun time with your family and friends then this could an ideal destination for you.

Places to Stay: Tukonnee Villas Koh Yao Noi, TreeHouse Villas, Ao Luek Panoramic Pool Villa, Tukonnee Villas Koh Yao Noi  Things to do :  Swimming, kayaking, sailing and exploring the karst topography. Location: Northeast of Phuket Timing:  24×7 Entry Fee:  NA

  13 Best Places For Shopping In Phuket That Prove Thailand Is The Ultimate Paradise!

6. Kata Noi Beach – Stunning Sunsets

Kata Noi is a less crowded, not so popular, serene beach in southern Phuket.  This secluded bay is mostly visited by people for relaxing and enjoying the stunning view of the sea and shore. Kata Noi is a tranquil place and its romantic backdrop has made it one of the ideal places to visit in Phuket for couples.

Places to Stay: The Shore At Katathani, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale, The Sea Galleri by Katathani, The Sea Galleri by Katathani, Katathani Phuket Beach Resort Things to do :  Nothing much to do besides spending leisure time, swimming and snorkelling. Avoid swimming during monsoon season (May to October). Location:  Southwest side of the island of Phuket Timing:  No entry fee Entry Fee:  NA

7. Rang Hill – Bird’s Eye View Of Phuket

Located in the northern side of Phuket, Rang Hill is a famous viewing area with magnificent views of the entire island, of a surrounding island, of hills, of greenish-blue sea and of Big Buddha statue. The upland comprises of a well-designed park with play area for children, few restaurants and bars, a fitness zone and a fascinating terrace. People visit this viewing area to have a splendid view of the city, especially post sunset – to see the dazzling city lights.

Things to do : Experience the bird’s eye view of Phuket city, eat out at the well-appreciated Tungka Café and Phuket View Restaurant. Location: Northwest of Phuket city Timing:  8:00 AM to late afternoons Entry Fee:  NA

Honeymoon In Phuket: Your Guide For An Incredible Romantic Experience

8. Old Phuket Town – Shopping Delight

Image Source The old Phuket town with its century old traditional houses, streets and urban infrastructure, takes you way back to the colonial era. If that sort of charms you, it is certainly one of the not-to-be-missed places to visit in Phuket. The houses built in Sino-Portuguese fashion, colourful walls, narrow streets, quaint café, bakeries and small eateries together augment the lure of the ancient township.

Places to Stay: Shunli Hotel, WOO Gallery & Boutique hotel, White Wall Poshtel, Book a Bed Poshtel  Things to do : Explore Buddhist and Chinese temples, abandoned mansions and public museums like Thai Hua Museum. Take a walk along the Soi Romanee Street to see the sino-Portuguese style shop houses. Do not miss the Thalang Road for retail therapy. This road is lined with small boutique shops and outlets.

Location: Thalang Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand Timing:  24×7 Entry Fee:  NA

Planning your holiday in Thailand but confused about what to do? These Thailand travel stories help you find your best trip ever!

Real travel stories. Real stays. Handy tips to help you make the right choice.

Devansh Went On A Honeymoon Trip To Thailand & Came Back With Some Useful Tips

The Best of Bangkok, Phuket, & Pattaya!

Parveen's Account Of A Family Trip Highlights The Best Places In Pattaya & Bangkok

Coral islands. Nong Nooch. Chao Phraya dinner cruise. Tell me more!

Apurva Breaks All Cliches With Her Account Of A Family Trip To Thailand

Traveling with an infant to Thailand isn't so bad afterall!

Jitnedra Gives An Illustrative Account Of His Trip To Thailand With His Family & Friends

Beaches, corals, speed boats, & temples. Where do you wanna go?

Karthik Is Setting New Standards For An All-Boys' Vacation In Thailand

Street food. Thai massage. Kayaks. Wow! I'm interested!

Ramya Narrates The Story Of 6 Girls On An Extraordinary Trip To Thailand

Bangkok. Phi Phi. Krabi. Why should guys have all the fun?

9. Big Buddha – Divinty And Nature

Big Buddha is one of the significant milestones of Phuket. Located atop Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, this 45 m tall statue overlooks Phuket Town, Kata, Karon beaches and Chalong Bay. The statue is made of white marble and is among a must visit while sightseeing in Phuket.

Places to Stay: Tall Tree Poshtel Phuket, DUNE Guest House, Mountain Seaview Luxury Apartments, THALASSA POOL KATA BEACH Things to do : Enjoy the bird’s eye view of the Phuket town and surrounding bays and explore the museum of history of this Big Buddha. Location:  Po Lin Monastery Timing:  10:00 AM-5:30 PM Entry Fee : INR 550 for adults, and INR 275 for children

  25 Best Things To Do In Phuket That You Must Not Miss On Your Vacation

10. Wat Chalong – Oldest Buddhist Temple 

Image Source Wat Chalong is one of the oldest and most prime Buddhist temple of Phuket — built as early as 19th century. This large and visually fascinating temple, originally known as Wat Chai Tararam, is dedicated to two abbots. The present structure is a 60 m long Chedi(stupa) guarding a chip of Buddha’s bone.

Places to Stay: Signature Phuket Resort, The Lake Chalong, The Fusion Resort, Pennapa Chalet, Happy Cottage

Things to do : Poh Than Jao and Nonsi – the two most significant golden Buddhist statues, the gilt-covered statue of Luang Poh Cham, Luang Pho Chuang and Luang Poh Gleum – ex-abbots of the temple and splendid wall paintings depicting the life history of Buddha cannot be missed. Location:  Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand Timing: 7:00 AM-5:00 PM Entry Fee: NA

11. Fantasea – Electrifying Performances

Fantasea is a cultural show which demonstrates the cultural heritage and true essence of Thailand. The charm and vibrancy of Thailand is showcased with music, dance performances, drama, lavishly decorated stage and digitally enriched special effects.  Fantasea is a cultural premises sprawling over 140 acres. The show is known as Fantasy of a Kingdom. The cultural complex here consists of a plethora of activities, fun games and adventure rides, themed villages, souvenir shops and a grand restaurant that can offer buffet dinner to almost 4,000 people.

Places to Stay: Bungalow Phuket, Sunwing Kamala Beach, The Umbrella House, Kamala Resotel Things to do : Fantasy of a Kingdom – The extravagant melodrama, Tiger Jungle Adventure, Hanuman’s Lair, Carnival Village, hoping Street, Golden Kenmare Buffet Restaurant and Suriyamas Seafood Buffet Restaurant. Location: 99 Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand Opening hours : Gates open at 8:45 pm, but the show starts at 9 pm  every day. Duration of the show is 70 minutes. Buffet dinner starts from 6 pm and goes till 9 pm every day. Entry fee : There are two types of tickets – shows with buffet dinner cost INR 4,050 for adults and INR 3,700 for children. Shows without dinner costs INR 3315 for adults and children both. Children below 4 years of age are not provided separate seats.

  5 Secret Beaches In Phuket To Include In Your Honeymoon Itinerary

12. Soi Bangla Road – Epicurean’s Delight

The first thing that comes in mind when you hear Phuket is its nightlife. The dazzling after sunset scene of Phuket is famous worldwide. One of the important places to visit in Phuket, it is the lifeline that sparkles in the evening. The linear stretch becomes alive with glowing neon sparkles, loud party music, numerous not-so-expensive resto pubs and attractive girls. Shopkeepers and bar workers distributing pamphlets and brochures of different shows and performances is common sight. Leave your kids back at the hotel, as it is not an appropriate place for the little ones.

Things to do : Take a walk along the Soi Bangla Road to get a feel of it and enjoy a drink or two at famous pubs like D Club, Money Night and Moulin Rouge. Location:  Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83150, Thailand Entry Fee: NA Opening hours : After sunset

13. Simon Cabaret – Transvestite Cabaret Show

This is a special transvestite cabaret show by the world famous ‘ladyboys’. The performances are extravagant, dazzling and in harmony with melodious music.  The talented ladyboys with their perfect body, pretty faces and outstanding skill make the show mesmerising.

Places to Stay: TEERAK HOLIDAY, Sukcheewa Residence Phuket, Sun Hill Hotel, La Piccola Patong, C & N Resort and Spa Things to do : Gorgeous get-ups, dazzling set up and stage décor, tech savvy sound system and the splendid dramatic concerts. Location:  8 Sirirat Rd, Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83150, Thailand Opening hours : Simon Cabaret Show can be seen every day. There are three show times: 6 pm, 7:45 pm and 9:30 pm. Entry Fee : INR 1290 onwards

  20 Romantic Things To Do In Phuket For An Enchanting Beach Vacay With Your Loved One!

14. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery – Best Rums In City

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is located close to Phuket Zoo and is one of the important places to visit in Phuket city. The world-class white rum produced in this manufacturing unit is world famous. The distillery tour allows tourists to experience the various stages of rum production and tasting them. Complete bliss! For more details, see their website .

Things to do : The cocktail workshop where people can actually get hands-on training. One can also enjoy some relaxing drink at the distillery bar. Location:  14/2 Moo 2, Palai soi 2, Tambon Chalong,, Amphur Muang Phuket, Phuket 83130, Thailand Opening hours : The distillery tour is for 30 minutes. The hourly tours start from 2 pm to 6 pm. The bar stays open from 10 am to 8:30 pm. Closed on Sunday. Entry Fee : INR 555 for distillery tour and 2,210 for the cocktail workshop with 4 participants. For workshop, prior booking is mandatory.

15. La Moet- Day Cruise

La Moet is a popular day cruise starting from Phuket, and encompassing beautiful sights of the translucent sea, mesmerising surroundings and rocky cliffs. It is an escape from urban chores of Phuket city, amidst of fresh air.

Things to do : Sunbathing at the deck, enjoy the surrounding sceneries along panoramic ocean views and view the amazing beauty of sunset. Location:  Chaofa Road 9/65 Chalong Park View, Chalong, Mueang, Phuket 83130, Thailand Opening hours : Cruise starts at 9 am every day. Entry fee : INR 6,445 for adult and INR 3,225 for kids

  Budget Resorts In Phuket: 10 Properties Under 5K For A Joyous Vacation

16. Nai Harn Beach – Best For Sun Bath 

Located in the south of the island, the Nai Harn Beach is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Phuket. Travelers love to come to the beach to soak themselves under the sun while enjoying the view of the beach. Every year the beach entertains thousands of visitors from all over the world. The crystal clear water and soft sand of the beach will give you an idea why the beach is so popular among the tourists.

The beach is also filled with numerous restaurants where you can try out some of the popular cuisines. You can also buy souvenirs from the shops. If you have plans to go for a swim in the waters then you can even get floats and beachwear from the shops at the beach. Overall, it can be said that this is a beautiful beach which is totally worth visiting.

Places to Stay: The Gallery Hotel Nai Harn, Naiharn Beach Resort, Phuket Riviera Villas, Utopia Loft, Sense of Yanui Things To Do: Try out the delicious local cuisine at the beach and also shop souvenirs from the local shops at the beach. Location:  Nai Harn, Rawai, Phuket, Thailand Timing:  No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

17. Surin Beach – Snorkeling And More

This is yet another great beach to visit in Phuket. This beach is commonly known as Millionaires Row. The beach is surrounded by houses of the famous and rich people. You can also find some of the best and the most luxury resorts on the beach. It can be said that this is a beach where the rich reside. The beach is mainly popular with foreigners and Thai people. Anytime you visit the beach you can get to see a number of foreigners and Thai people relaxing at the beach.

Eating and relaxing at this part of the beach is actually very expensive. Most of the restaurants located at the beach are known to sell high-end cuisine. The beach also sports a number of trendy bars for you to choose from. So if you are up for some luxury experience in Phuket then this is the place to be. Apart from all the rich and famous, you can actually have fun at this place and there is no doubt about that.

Places to Stay: Baan Phu Prana Boutique Villa, Pen Villa Hotel, Novotel Phuket Surin Beach Resort, Surin Beach Residence Things To Do: Take a swim at the beach and have a luxury meal at one of the expensive restaurants. Location: Surin, Phuket Timing:  No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

  12 Exciting Water Sports In Phuket You Should Not Miss On Your Thailand Trip

18. Phang Nga Bay – Soulful Ambiance

When in Phuket you simply cannot afford to miss paying a visit to Phang Nga Bay. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Phuket. The beauty of the place is truly beyond words. One look at the place and you will know why it is described as such. The bay is known to the home around 40 small islands that come straight out of the sea. The area looks beautiful with all the caves, mangroves and lagoons surrounding it.

If you plan to explore the entire place in one day, it can actually seem to be a challenging task for you. The bay stays protected from a lot of bad weather throughout the year and especially in monsoon because of its location. If you wish to explore the area nicely then it is advised that you hire a tour guide so that you don’t miss out on anything.

Places to Stay: The Simple Koh Yao Noi, The Retreat Khaolak Resort, Cape Kudu Hotel, Casacool Hotel, Rakkawan Residence, Baan Suan Coconut Ko Yao Noi  Things To Do: You can go swimming in the crystal clear water of the bay. Location:  Ao Phang Nga National Park Timing:  No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

19. Phuket Trickeye Museum – Artistic Strolls

This is one of the best things to explore in Phuket. In fact, it can be said that the museum is one of its kind. Located in the Southern part of Thailand, the museum is actually an interactive one. The main purpose of the museum is to stimulate your creativity and imagination. The museum was established with the hope that visitors will engage themselves with art in a completely new way and that is by becoming a part of the art.

The museum is filled with a lot of 3D arts which will simply blow your mind. Other than that you can also find a lot of other amazing pieces as well. In short, it is a fun place to hang and especially if you are with your family.

Things To Do: Explore all the amazing 3D arts that are stored in the museum. Don’t Miss: Don’t forget to click pictures with the interactive artworks. Location:  130/1 Phangnga Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand Timing:  10:00 AM-7:00 PM Entry Fee:  INR 1100

Krabi Vs Phuket: Which Exotic Destination Fits Your Holiday Plans?

20. Khao Rang Viewpoint – Lush Ambiance

This place is located in the northwest of the city center and is known to offer an excellent view to its visitors. If you want to enjoy the beauty of Phuket then this is a place that you simply cannot afford to miss. From this place, you can have a beautiful view of the town, the hills, and the neighboring islands. The view that you see is worth capturing. The hills around the place are known to make the spine of the island.

The place also has three bars and restaurants where you can relax after exploring the entire place. The bars and restaurants are located at the viewpoint where you can also find a panoramic terrace. You can enjoy the great views from the panoramic terrace. If you are a fitness freak then you can also find a fitness park in the area. Overall, this is a great place to be where you can both enjoy the beauty of the place and also entertain yourself.

Things To Do: You can have a great view over the town from the panoramic terrace viewpoint. Enjoy a relaxing meal and drinks at the restaurants located in the area. Location:  145/5 Thanon Patiphat, Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand Timing:  24×7 Entry Fee:  NA

21. Jui Tui Shrine – Religious Center

Your visit to Phuket is incomplete if you do not visit the Jui Tui Shrine. This is one of the most beautiful shrines that you will find in Phuket. The shrine has three large statues each of which represents a different Chinese God. Out of the three statutes, the most prominent one is Tean Hu Huan Soy, the god of performing arts and dancing.

Next, to this statue, you will find a dog and a chicken as they are considered to be his favorite pets in childhood. At the left of the shrine, you will find a firecracker house. During various celebrations, you will get to see people throwing burning firecrackers.

Places to Stay: Shunli Hotel, Aekkeko hostel, The Memory at On On Hotel, The Besavana Phuket, The Besavana Phuket, The Memory at On On Hotel Don’t Miss: If you visit the shrine during any celebration, don’t forget to light a firecracker at the shrine. Also, check out the beautiful statues including the three main statues in the shrine. Location:  283 Soi Phutorn, Tambon Talat Nuea, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand Timing: 8:00 AM-8:30 PM Entry Fee:  NA

  Best Spa In Phuket: 10 Places For Rejuvenating Your Mind, Body & Soul Like Never Before

22. Shrine Of The Serene Light – Beliefs And Culture

The shrine was built 150 years ago by a local family. The shrine was hidden away at the end of an alleyway. The walls of the shrine are etched with Taoist. The shrine also has a vaulted ceiling. There are a lot of things for you to notice about the shrine. The shrine has been recently renovated and repainted on the outside. However, the insides have been left untouched.

No matter when you visit the shrine you will also find freshly laid flowers and burning incense inside the shrine. The shrine is taken care of by a caretaker who makes sure that everything is well maintained at the shrine. This is a very peaceful and serene place to visit. If you are looking for some peace of mind when visiting this place can be a good option for you.

Don’t Miss: When visiting the Shrine of the Serene Light don’t forget to notice the intricate details of the walls and the ceiling of the shrine. The true beauty and artwork of the shrine lie in there. Location:  72/1 Yaowarat Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand Timing:  NA Entry Fee:  NA

23. Khai Island – Best Romantic Escape

If you want to escape the noise and traffic of the city and have some great time away from all the chaos then this is the place to be. This is the best place to have a quiet and peaceful day with your loved ones. The serenity of Khai Island is really worth experiencing. This is considered to be one of the best places in Phuket and you will know why once you visit the place. The island is located just 30 minutes away from Phuket and is described as a gem of a place.

This is a place where you can explore the beautiful beaches and indulge yourself in swimming and snorkeling. The crystal green water along with the shiny white sands will give you an amazing feeling. You can also explore the beautiful coral reefs while you are here on the island. The place has a lot of things to offer to you. You can actually have a great time at Khai Island.

Things To Do: When in Khai Island you simply cannot afford to miss go swimming and snorkeling in the crystal clear waters around the island. You should also explore the beautiful coral reefs around the area. Location:  Koh Khai Nok Timing:  No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

  7 Phuket Day Tours To Ensure A Ravishing Week In Phuket

24. Phuket Aquarium – Glancing Underwater Life

If you want to witness the majestic underwater life in Phuket then this is the place to be. Witness the beauty of underwater by visiting the Phuket Aquarium. This is one of the most beautiful experiences that you can have in Phuket. This is actually a great place to hand out if you are with your family and kids.

This is a place where you can learn plenty of things about aquatic animals and also about their ecological environment. You can move through the giant tunnel from where you can catch the glimpse of the varied aquatic creatures. This is one of the most fun places to be especially if you are a wildlife lover.

Places to Stay: Kantary Bay Hotel Phuket, Sri Panwa Phuket Luxury Pool Villa Hotel, Amatara Wellness Resort, Cape Panwa Hotel Location: 51 Sakdidet Road, Cape Panwa Timing: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm Entry Fee: 180 Baht for adult and 100 baht for kids

25. Raya Island – Peaceful Stays

For a refreshing experience at Phuket, you can escape to the Raya islands. The island is located 12 km away from Phuket and is one of the most beautiful places that you can visit in Phuket. The highlights of the island are it’s white glittering sands and the clear blue water. You can truly have a great time on the island. This is actually a perfect place for all the nature lovers out there. Dive into the beauty of Raya Island and relax.

The place is also very famous for swimming because of its clear blue water. If you are a water baby then this is actually the right spot for you. The area around the island has an abundance of marine life and coral reefs which you can explore. Well, this is what makes the area an ideal spot for snorkeling. Some of the main spots in the Raya Island include Kon Kare Bay and Torbay.

Things To Do: When in Raya Island, you must go swimming and snorkeling in its crystal blue waters. You should also explore the main attractions spots including Ter Bay and Kon Kare Bay in the area. Location:  Ko Racha Yai Timing:  No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

15 Holiday Homes In Thailand You’ll Never Want To Leave

26. Koh Mai Ton – Paradise For Adventurers

Koh Mai Ton is a private in Phuket which is also known as Honeymoon Island. You can take a cruise, speed boat or catamaran tour to the this island. You can enjoy fishing and Dolphin watching on the way to the island. Maiton is a great place for swimming, snorkeling and spending some leisure time. Just few steps away from the shore is a coral sanctuary with about 400 species of fish and spectacular marine life waiting for you to be explored. This private island allows only a handful of guests at a time to keep the exclusivity intact. Take a massage session to relax your body after a refreshing snorkeling experience. You must also explore the jungle and go on souvenir shopping. Come here after you have been to all the best places to visit in Phuket town .

Things To Do: When in MaiTon Island, spend a night on the island and explore their hospitality and food. Location:  100 Vichit Maung,, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand Timing:  No time limit Entry Fee:  NA

27. The Tiger Kingdom – Endangered Species

The Tiger Kingdom in Phuket is one of the most preferred destinations for wildlife lovers holidaying in Thailand. This enthralling excursion will make you witness the majestic tigers. You can also meet the small cubs or their ferocious parents if you are comfortable in doing so! If you want to get yourself clicked with the tiger then an additional amount will be charged.  

Location: 118/88 Moo 7, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand Timing: 9:00 AM-5:30 PM Entry Fee: INR 2,000

10 Chiang Mai Resorts: Treat For One’s Body & Soul In Thailand

28. Bang Tao Beach – Longest Beach

An impeccable and the second longest beach in Phuket, Bang Tao Beach best for travelers looking for a luxuriating retreat. You can hop into the numerous interesting clubs and cafes lined up along the beach and offering amazing delicacies. You can also sneak-peek the luxury brand stores located near the beach.  

Places to Stay: OYO 503 Phuket Numnoi, Diamond Resort Phuket, Dream Phuket Hotel & Spa, Cassia Phuket, Dusit Thani Laguna Phuket  Location: Bangtao Beach, Phuket 83110, Thailand Timing: No time limit Entry Fee: NA

29. Phromthep Cape – Nature At Its Best

If you love to capture the beauty of Mother Earth in your lenses then do turn up to this mesmerizing location offering panoramic vistas of lush green landscapes. You will be glancing the beauty of Andaman Sea and its neighbouring islands here. Some of the popular attractions here includes shrine on the top of the hill, a lighthouse, and mystic ambiance. 

Location: Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand   Timing: No time limit Entry Fee: NA

12 Great Hostels In Lopburi, Thailand, That Are Easy On The Pocket

30. Phuket Zoo – Interactive Sessions

Another adventurous excursion in Phuket includes a visit to this interesting zoo, named Phuket Zoo . The zoo showcases an enormous range of flora and fauna. If you are holidaying in Phuket with your kids then this one destination will surely enthrall them. You can even click photographs with the inhabitants of this zoo and this interactive and lively place will make you create beautiful memories with your family. 

Location: 23/2 Moo 3, Soi Palai, Chaofa Road  Timing: Monkey Shows: 09.00 AM, 12.00 PM, 02.30 PM and 04.45 PM, Crocodile Shows: 09.45 AM, 12.45 PM, 03.15 PM and 05.30 PM, Elephant Shows: 10.30 AM, 01.30 PM and 04.00 PM Entry Fee: INR 1,800 for adults & 1,130 for kids

31. Loma Park – Vibrant Sights

Loma Park is located next to Patong Beach and comprises children’s recreation area and a small fitness park. The park has been home to numerous important events of Phuket including the Tsunami Memorial service, Patong Carnival, and Phuket Bike Week. The place is crowded with locals as well as international tourists. Do step here to experience the lively vibe of this dazzling city. 

Location: North of Patong Beach Timing: 10:00 AM-8:00 PM Entry Fee: NA

10 Resorts In Thailand That Will Make Your Vacation A Relaxing And Rejuvenating One!

32. Wat Phra Thong – See The Half Buried Buddha Statue

One of the most beautiful places to see in Phuket, the Wat Phra Thong Temple is somewhere you must visit to see the beautiful and half-buried Golden Buddha. Yes, you read that right! It is only the head and the shoulder of Buddha that is visible and there have been legends about how those who try excavating the idol have either fallen severely ill or have met with serious accidents. The Wat Phra Thong Temple is believed to be one of the oldest temples in Phuket. 

Location: 172/2​ Nanai Rd, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand Timings: 8:00 AM-6:00 PM Entry Fee: Free

So these are the 33 best places to visit in Phuket. All of these mentioned places have something special to offer to you. By visiting these places you can actually make your holiday to Phuket a memorable one. Explore the places and have a great time with your loved ones. Hope, this ready reckoner of sightseeing in Phuket will help you plan the trip. So, when are you heading to your Phuket vacation ?

For our editorial codes of conduct and copyright disclaimer, please click here

Frequently Asked Questions About Phuket Places To Visit In Phuket

Is Phuket expensive for tourists?

However, Phuket is the most expensive part of Thailand, there are numerous pocket-friendly alternatives as well! You can surely find inexpensive accommodation and food here.

What can you do for free in Phuket?

There are numerous free things to do in Phuket such as relaxing by beach, visiting famous attractions including Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Hock Guan Kong Temple, strolling through the Phuket Old Town and numerous other exciting things.

Is Phuket dangerous to visit?

Phuket is as safe as any other city in Southeast Asia. The government works exhaustively to assure safe environment to the visitors.

Where should we stay in Phuket?

There are a lot of luxurious hotels where you can stay in Phuket on your vacation. Here is a list of the best budget-friendly as well as luxurious hotel! 1) Sea Sun Sand Resort & Spa 2) The Bliss Hotel 3) The Nap Patong Hotel 4) Kalima Resort & Spa

Which beach in Phuket is most beautiful?

A vacation in Phuket is incomplete without indulging in some beach fun. There are a plethora of beaches in Phuket like Karon, Freedom Beach, Kata Beach, Kata Noi Beach and more. All of these beaches are ravishing but Patong Beach is considered the most beautiful beach in Phuket.

How many days in Phuket are enough?

There are a plethora of things to do and alluring places to visit in Phuket and if you want to make the most out of your vacation then you must plan a 4 days vacation. If you are planning a short trip then plan it at least 2 or 3 days so that you can cover all the major tourist attractions.

Is Phuket too crowded?

With picturesque beaches and exciting must do’s and must-see places, Phuket attracts a lot of travelers all round the year. Yes, Phuket is over-crowded throughout the year as it has a lot to offer to all travelers.

What is the best time to visit Phuket?

If you want to enjoy all the fun-packed water sports and you also want the weather to be pleasant then you must visit Phuket between November and April. If you are a traveler who wants to plan a budget-friendly vacation then you can visit Phuket in the monsoon season as the hotel prices are quite low between May and October.

Looking To Book An International Holiday?

Book memorable holidays on TravelTriangle with 650+ verified travel agents for 65+ domestic and international destinations.

Trip to Sri Lanka at Rs 13,500/-

Plan Your Vacation Today!

Trip to Singapore at Rs 20,499/-

Get Quotes From Local Experts

Mauritius Holiday Starting at Rs 65,000/-

Talk to Our Experts Today

Maldives Honeymoon Trip at Rs 39,800/-

Pay with easy EMI Option

Europe Trip at Rs 89,999/-

All Inclusive Deals

Vacation in Dubai at Rs 27,499/-

Hong Kong Holiday at Rs 24,999/-

Money Safe Guarantee

Thailand Holiday at Rs 7,999/-

Flights Excluded

People Also Read

Places To Visit In Thailand Places To Visit In India Places To Visit In World

Recent Posts

Top 9 Places To Visit In Marmaris To Unwind Yourself

Explore The Historical Journey Of Hadrians Gate In Antalya

Your Complete Guide To Cu Chi Tunnel In Vietnam

A Guide To Enjoy A Mesmerising Sea Walk On Havelock Island

Pyramid of Djoser Explore The Pioneering Structure Of Egypt

Oub Kham Museum The Rich History Of The Lanna Kingdom

Trending Blogs

20 Mysterious Places In India To Visit In 2024 More Bizarre Than The Bermuda Triangle

10 Scariest Roads In India That Are A Driver’s Nightmare

101 Places To Visit In India Before You Turn 30 in 2024

35 Exotic Places To Visit In December In India 2024 To Enjoy A Surreal Vacation

60 Best Honeymoon Destinations In India In 2024

95 Best Honeymoon Destinations In The World In 2023 For A Romantic Escape!

Best Places To Visit In India By Month

Best places to visit outside india by month.

• TravelTriangle
• Places To Visit »
• Tour Packages
• Honeymoon Packages
• Family Packages
• Budget Tour Packages
• Luxury Tour Packages
• Adventure Tour Packages
• Group Tour Packages
• Kerala Tour Packages
• Goa Tour Packages
• Andaman Tour Packages
• Sikkim Tour Packages
• Himachal Tour Packages
• Uttarakhand Tour Packages
• Rajasthan Tour Packages
• Tour Packages From Delhi
• Tour Packages From Mumbai
• Tour Packages From Bangalore
• Tour Packages From Chennai
• Tour Packages From Kolkata
• Tour Packages From Hyderabad
• Tour Packages From Ahmedabad
• Kerala Tourism
• Goa Tourism
• Sikkim Tourism
• Andaman Tourism
• Himachal Tourism
• Uttarakhand Tourism
• Rajasthan Tourism
• Hotels in Kerala
• Hotels in Goa
• Hotels in Sikkim
• Hotels in Andaman
• Hotels in Himachal
• Hotels in Uttarakhand
• Hotels in Rajasthan

Top Things to Do in Phuket, Thailand

Places to visit in phuket.

• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• 4.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 3.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• 2.0 of 5 bubbles & up
• Khan Na Yao
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Good for Couples
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Big Groups
• Good for Kids
• Honeymoon spot
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Adventurous
• Hidden Gems
• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. Big Buddha Phuket

2. Bangla Road

3. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

4. Banana Beach

5. Kata Beach

6. Karon Beach

7. Nai Harn Beach

8. Patong Beach

9. Chaithararam Temple (Wat Chalong)

10. Soi Dog Foundation

11. Freedom Beach

12. Phuket Elephant Care

13. Kata Noi Beach

14. Jungceylon

15. Kamala Beach

16. Andamanda Phuket

17. Naka Market

18. Surin Beach

19. Old Phuket Town

20. Gibbon Rehabilitation Project

21. Promthep Cape

22. Bang Tao Beach

23. Naiyang Beach

24. Karon Viewpoint

25. Central Phuket

26. Banana Beach

27. Mai Khao Beach

28. Monkey Hill

29. Patong Boxing Stadium

30. Rawai Beach

What travellers are saying.

• Group Enquiry? NEW
• 55 Places to Visit in Phuket

Tourist Places in Phuket

Quick navigation.

Must Visit Places in Phuket

Patong beach.

Ideal for shopping lovers and fashionistas, Patong Beach is known for its shopping centres and stalls. Party lovers and bar hoppers flock here, because of the sheer variety of beer bars, go-go bars and nightclubs lining the beach. The vibrant nightlife invites crowds of bustling tourists, so you are sure to make some friends. Neon lights, bucket drinks, and thumping music are the trademarks of Patong, so it may not be ideal for those of you looking for peace and quiet. However, it is the place to be if you are a party animal. Hundreds of restaurants dot the beach, so you can also get some delicious local dishes if you get the munchies after a late night of dancing and drinking.  Location: Pa Tong, Kathu District, Chang Wat Phuket Timing: Open all day Entry Fees:  None Explore More:  Island Hopping in Thailand You Can Also Book:   Phuket Tour Packages For Family

Located a short drive away from Karon Beach, this place is enchanting with its soft sandy bays and crystal clear water. The palm trees lining up the shore, various restaurants as well as easy accommodation facilities available closely make it a pleasant site to spend quality time with your family. It is lively even during the night, but there are no wild parties as such. The beach remains open throughout the year. From May to October, several people come to surf while November to April finds people who want to enjoy the sun. The beach has two primary divisions; the Kata Centre up north and Kata South. There are several little shops that sell souvenirs, resorts, fashion stores and a large variety of fine eateries and street food stalls.  Location : Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand Timing: Open all day. Entry Fees: None Recommended Read: T hailand Famous Night Market Also Checkout:  Best Things To Do In Phuket

The seated Maravija Buddha statue is one of the most popular Sightseeing places in Phuket and the most revered landmark in the country. Nestled atop the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata, the statue is 45 meters tall and can be seen even from the town. The serene atmosphere and chirping birds add to the tranquil vibes of this place. Soft dharma music and the gentle tinkling of bells can be heard in the background, and hundreds of yellow Buddhist flags fluttering in the wind create a mesmerizing sight. The statue is created with reinforced concrete, and a layer of Burmese white jade marble covers it, creating an awe-inspiring effect.  Location: Tambon Karon, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket Timing: 8 am to 7.30 pm Entry Fees: no entry fee  Click here to Book:  Big Buddha Phuket Tour Must Checkout:  Phuket Tour Packages

Trick Eye Museum

The internationally famous art gallery is one of the few tourist places in Phuket where you can unleash your imagination and enjoy the delights of augmented reality. Immerse yourself into an entertaining world with sound and light effects.The installations have been integrated with AR in order to deliver an extraordinary experience you will remember your entire life. The art installations and paintings seem almost realistic, and the optical illusions will boggle your mind. Relax on the beach, or fly on Aladdin’s magic carpet, ride on an elephant, or wrestle with sharks – Trick Eye transports you to an entirely different. Unlike other museums, patrons are encouraged to touch the artwork here and take as many photos as you want.  Location: Sentosa Gateway, #01-43/44, Singapore Timing: 10 am to 9 pm Entry Fees: INR 1000 Also Checkout & Book:   Trick Eye Museum Phuket Tickets Also Explore: Water Parks in Phuket

Phuket Bird Park

Spread over 12 acres of land, Phuket Bird Park is one of the most famous Tourist places in Phuket among nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts. Featuring more than a hundred bird species from South America, Africa, and Asia – the park houses thousands of birds in their natural habitat. The lush gardens are well-maintained and also feature a natural waterfall, thus allowing the birds to fly freely and wildly in the premises. Live bird shows are also held thrice a day for the entertainment of guests. Enjoy walking through the dense jungles and witnessing hornbills, parrot Marcos, drawing birds, and ostriches flying and playing all around you.  Location: Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Timing: 9 am to 5 pm Entry Fees: INR 600/ THB 261 Checkout &  Book:   Phuket Bird Park Tickets You may also Explore:  Markets in Phuket 

Best of Thailand

Slip N Fly Phuket

Enjoy one of the major Attractions in Phuket at KC Kathu Connection Club Bar and Restaurant featuring active entertainment options as well as a place to relax and rejuvenate in the quiet and comfortable beach gazebos. Moreover, for people who are travelling with family, there is a special kids’ zone where your little ones can engage with other children there are. A stylish and sophisticated bar for partying, and a clear swimming pool to splash around in the cool waters are also available. Intimate wine and dining can be enjoyed at the chic restaurant while enjoying the panoramic views of the mountains.  Location: 2/98 Moo 2 Phraphuketkeaw road Kathu, Phuket 83120 Timing: 11 am to 7 pm Entry Fees: INR 700 Planning for a honeymoon trip to Phuket, then you can Checkout:   Phuket Honeymoon Tour Packages Also Checkout:  Phuket Packages From Delhi

Hanuman World

Emerging as one of the most attractive Sightseeing places in Phuket, Hanuman World is the latest eco-adventure park in Thailand where you can enjoy ziplining. The 800-meter ride twists and turns over the dense canopy at the speed of 40 kilometers per hour. For adventure seekers and adrenaline junkies, there is nothing more thrilling than defying gravity and flying over the heart of the Thai rainforest. Get a bird’s eye view of the city and soak in the spectacular vistas around the Andaman Sea. For those of you who have a heart of steel, you can also try the Roller Coaster Zipline which has a winding path through the forest.  Location: 105 Moo 4, Chaofa Road, T. Wichit, Muang Phuket Timing: 8 am to 5 pm Entry Fees: INR 3550 You can Click here to Book: Flying Hanuman Ziplining in Phuket Suggested Read: Things to Do in Phuket with Kids

The 60-acre cultural theme park is one of the major attractions in Phuket. Inspired by the rich cultural history of the island, FantaSea offers the best in night-time entertainment in the city. The state-of-the-art theatre uses ultramodern technology and mesmerizing special effects to present the spectacular beauty of Thailand in its shows. From acrobatics to aerial performances, magic shows to pyrotechnics and animal performances – the production covers a host of categories and you will be left spellbound at the sheer scale and size of it all. There is also a grand dining facility where you can feast on delicious Thai food after the show.  Location: Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand Timing: 5.30 pm to 11.30 pm Entry Fees: Starting from THB 1745 / INR 4000. Also Checkout & Book:  Phuket Fantasea Tickets You may also like to Explore:  Best Thailand Resorts

Phuket Old Town

The old town of Phuket is a historically rich provincial capital where you will find beautiful shrines, majestic temples, and delicate shops preserved with their original architecture. Indisputably one of the most stunning places to visit in Phuket, Old Town features chic cafes, private and public museums, quaint little printing shops, and even an ex-red-light area. Magnificent mansions designed with Chinese colonial architectural motifs are common, and there is a host of restaurants to choose from. The amulet market is the perfect place to buy souvenirs for friends and family. Also makes sure you visit the Jui Tui Shrine, a popular Chinese temple famous as the oldest and most sacred spiritual centre in the city. Location: Krabi Road, Phuket Town Timings: Mon to Sat 9 am to 4:30 pm Entry Fees:  200 Baht. Click here to Book:   Phuket City Sightseeing Tour Must Checkout: Places To Visit In Phuket For Honeymoon

Surf House Phuket

Famous among novices as well as seasoned experts, Surf House is home to all kinds of surfers in the city. The incredible feeling of chasing through the waves and cutting through the waters is an unmissable experience. Thrill chasers will love the adrenaline high of riding wave after wave, and there is an afterparty filled with fun and booze where you can get to know the locals. If you are feeling especially adventurous, try the Double FlowRider where continuous waves of water are released to throw you off your board.  Location: 4 Soi Pakbang, Tambon Karon, Muang Chang Wat Phuket Timing: 9.30 am to 11 am, 10 pm to 11 pm Entry Fees: INR 1600 Must Checkout & Book:  Surf House Phuket Popular Read:   Islands in Thailand

Best of Dubai

Patong Boxing Stadium

Enjoy the famous Muay Thai live kickboxing matches at one of the most popular tourist places in Phuket, Patong Stadium. Considered a quintessential part of Thai culture, an authentic Muay Thai match is an unparalleled experience not to be missed. Buy VIP tickets and get seats close to the ring in order to view the spectacular action-packed scenes from up close. Enjoy unhindered viewing experience as the boxers battle it out in this intense sport using their legs, elbows, knees and all kinds of techniques in five rounds of 3 minutes each.  Location: Sainamyen Rd, Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket Timing: 9 am to 5 pm Entry Fees: INR 2800 Also Checkout:  Beaches in Phuket                             Phuket Packages From Bangalore

Sirinat National Park

Wat Phra Thong

Jungle Xtreme Adventure Park

Ziplining is one of the most famous Attractions in Phuket, and the best place to enjoy this adrenaline-releasing adventure sport is Jungle Xtreme Adventure Park. Featuring 16 zip lines criss-crossing across the dense forest, the park provides a truly goosebumps-inducing ride. Fulfill your childhood dream of flying like superman. Just put on your wings and glide over the rainforest’s dense canopy like a bird. You can also try the climbing tracks and walking bridges if you love hiking. The deep woods and nature trails make the entire experience serene and tranquil. Location: Phuket Rd, Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83130, Thailand Timing: 9 am to 6 pm Entry Fees: INR 4400 Must Explore:  Bangkok Resorts Checkout & Book:  Jungle Xtrem Adventure Park You should also Know:  Best Places to Visit in Pattaya at Night

Bang Tao Beach

Best of Singapore

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Of all the Attractions in Phuket, the jungle sanctuary is the most fun. Housing the national animal of Thailand, this place offers you a chance to connect with the beautiful majestic beasts in their natural habitat. Participate in activities like bathing and feeding the animals, and learn about their behaviour and instincts. Meet cute baby elephants, swim with them, and have a relaxing mud spa. You can also arrange a traditional Thai lunch in the woods, or hike through the area to soak in the rich natural beauty. All the elephants are trained by professionals and are extremely docile and obedient, so you can take your kids along with you too.  Location: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, Pong District Timing: 6.30 am to 5.30 pm Entry Fees: INR 4810 You Must Checkout:  Hidden Things To Do in Bangkok                                     Phuket Tour Packages From Kolkata

Tha Rua Shrine

• Places to Visit in Pattaya
• Things to Do in Pattaya

Bang Pae Waterfall

Relaxing Spa Treatments in Phuket

What better place to pamper yourself than Phuket where there is no dearth of luxurious and cosy spas? Rejuvenate your mind and replenish your body with a relaxing massage while enjoying the splendid views of the Andaman Sea. The luxe establishments are equipped with modern facilities and you can enjoy a variety of treatments, like Thai massage, aromatherapy oil massage, and hot rocks massage. You can get a facial and scrub too. Formed by a combination of Chinese and Indian healing practices, the massages employ both stretching and acupressure techniques to loosen the knots in your muscles.  Location: there are several branches of the brand all over Phuket Timing: 10 am to 12 am Entry Fees: starting at INR 1280 You can also Explore: Water Parks in Pattaya                                        Pattaya Tour Packages

Wat Chalong

Best of Malaysia

Laem Singh Beach

Places to Visit in Phuket with Family & Kids

Splash jungle water park.

When it comes to Sightseeing places in Phuket, Splash Jungle Water Park located in Mai Khao Beach is an unmissable destination in southern Thailand. With its 12 magical water slides and a host of rides and attractions, the park is particularly fun for little ones. If you are visiting with your family, make sure you take your kids here. From Lazy River ride where you can float in the water at your leisure – to goosebumps-inducing Boomerango, Splash has a buffet of options for the entire family. Facilities like Kids Aquarium, Kids Slide Pool, and Splash Jungle are also available for toddlers. Adventure lovers should check out The Superbowl ride where they will be dropped through an Aqua Tube into the pool.  Location: Grand West Sands Villa Phuket, 65 Moo 4, Mai Khao Timing: 10 am to 6 pm Entry Fees: INR 2160 Must Checkout:   Things To Do in Koh Samet Island

Dolphin Show

If you are looking for Tourist places in Phuket, make sure you visit the local dolphinarium where you can get up-close views of marine animals. Escape from your everyday life and humdrum routine to engage with these cuddly creatures and enjoy their naughty activities. Incredibly fun and playful, the dolphins are well trained and obedient. Witness them performing amazing tricks, and if you are lucky, you may even get a kiss or a hug. The dolphin bay is the perfect place to teach your children about loving animals and protecting the environment.  Location: Tambon Chalong, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket Timing: 11 to 11.45 am, 2 to 2.45 pm, 5 to 5.45 pm Entry Fees: starting at INR 1414 Do Checkout: Best Night Markets in Pattaya                          Pattaya Packages From Delhi

Visit Phuket Zoo and appreciate this superbly diverse kind of zoo. Rich tropical gardens welcome you to walk around in the shade of huge trees lined along the islands containing a wide range of exotic creatures. If you will ask locals about 'what to do in Phuket'? They will come up by saying 'go to Phuket Zoo and enjoy' New types of fish, feathered creatures and different wildlife species are received every year and also different brooding projects welcome more and more of off-springs every year.

The zoo also trades creatures with different zoos to dispose of abundance stock and get fresh beautiful recruits. The attentive and prepared staff will do their best to keep you entertained and enrich you with an array of wonderful photography opportunities. Icy beverages, desserts and so on are sold at a few unique areas around the broad grounds so you can sit and rest amid your visit.

Location : 23/2 Moo 3, Soi Palai, Chaofa Road (not far from the Chalong circle, the zoo is very well indicated)

Timings: Monkey Shows: 09.00 AM, 12.00 PM, 02.30 PM and 04.45 PM, Crocodile Shows: 09.45 AM, 12.45 PM, 03.15 PM and 05.30 PM, Elephant Shows: 10.30 AM, 01.30 PM and 04.00 PM 

Entry Fees: The approximate price is INR 1,800 per adult and INR 1,130 per child. Planning a trip to Bangkok? Then Checkout:  Islands near Bangkok                                                                               Bangkok Family Tour Packages

Phuket Aquarium

Dive into a world of tropical beauty that dwells underwater with a visit to Phuket Aquarium. A great place to have an entertaining day with your friends and family, Phuket Aquarium is where you can learn a great deal about aquatic animals and their ecological environment. 

With a giant tunnel that offers a glimpse of the most varied aquatic creatures, Phuket Aquarium is one of the most fun places for wildlife lovers in Phuket. Watching the fishes like reef sharks, stingrays etc swim past through you through the tunnel at Phuket Aquarium is a surreal experience in itself. 

Phuket Aquarium is a great visit if you want to take a break from the usual activities or going with children who are too young for snorkeling. 

Timings:  8:30 am to 4:30 pm

Location: Phuket Aquarium, Cape Panwa, Phuket  

Entry Fees:  INR 225 You can Also Book:  Resorts in Phuket                                   Bangkok Tour Packages

Best of Bali

The Tiger Kingdom

Gear up for an enthralling visit as you roam around in the company of majestic tigers when you are in Phuket. Visiting the Tiger Kingdom in Phuket should be on top of your list of places to visit in Phuket if you are a wildlife lover. Offering an opportunity to get close with these magnificent creatures. While visiting, tourists are asked whether they want to meet the small cubs or full-grown tigers on their visit. These animals have been raised in a human company since their birth and thus one can notice a wide indifference on the part of these tigers when you visit this place.  Tourists here can also enjoy capturing these adventurous moments with a tiger by paying some extra charge for photography at The Tiger Kingdom. Location: 118/88 Moo 7, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand Timing: 9 AM to 6 PM. Entry Fees: Staring from 1,500 THB Checkout for Best Offers: Tiger Kingdom Phuket Tickets Also Checkout:  Places To Visit In Phuket In 4 Days  

Karon Viewpoint

Best Beaches to Visit in Phuket

Karon beach.

The third-longest beach located between Patong in the north and Kata to the south, Karon Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket. It is also wide enough for the beachgoers to not feel crowded. It has spots for snorkelling and diving at its southern end. Karon is divided into three main areas, each very distinct: Karon Centre is a lively small city that has a lot of options for food, shopping, nightlife, and a Buddhist Temple hosting a bi-weekly market. An ideal place for evening strolls, Karon Road boasts of several large resorts, restaurants and shopping areas including Karon Bazaar. The third main area is towards the south end of the beach which flaunts excellent restaurants and more rowdy nightlife spots of the town. Location : Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Thailand. Timing: Open all day. Entry Fees: None Recommended Read:  Places To Visit Near Jomtien Beach Suggested Read:  Best Places In Thailand

Nai Harn Beach

 A beautiful beach with an expanse of white sand and crystal clear water, Nai Harn Beach is a peaceful abode for revitalizing and recharging your soul and spirit. The bay is not sprawling in terms of size and has a few hotels and restaurants dotted along the shore. The conditions for swimming are most ideal from November to April while in the low season, it gets tricky. The time from May to October is best suited for activities such as kite-boarding and surfing. A few local restaurants on the beach makes it the perfect spot for relaxing and lazing in the sun.  Location : Nai Harn beach, Phuket town, Thailand Timing: Open all day. Entry Fees: None Looking out for Religious Tourism in Thailand, then Checkout: Temples in Thailand Also Checkout - T hailand Tour Packages From Pune

Freedom Beach

The 300-meter long stretch of white sand at Pa Tong is a hidden gem when it comes to Tourist places in Phuket. Set amidst beautiful granite rocks and flanked by lush green hills, the immaculate beach is ideal for people who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Observe the incredible beauty of the sea, enjoy sunbathing, and take part in beach volleyball and soccer. If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can also explore the rich marine life of the bay via snorkelling. Longtail boats are also available if you want to explore the bay and enjoy the beautiful vistas.  Location: Pa Tong, Kathu District, Chang Wat Phuket. Timing: Open all day. Entry Fees: None You Must Checkout:  Things To Do in Krabi in 2 Days                                     Thailand Family Packages

Best of Hong Kong

Places to Visit in Phuket at Night

Siam niramit show.

There is no dearth of Sightseeing places in Phuket, but to get to know the rich cultural history of Thailand, you must check out the Siam Niramit Show. The elegant show is held just outside the town, off the by-pass road and features some of the wonderful costumes you will ever see, not to mention the powerful performances by the actors. It tells the rich history, culture and lifestyle of the local people through a series of breathtaking dance performances, melodious music, and beautiful art styles. The theatre can seat nearly 2000 people at once, and more than a hundred people take part in the performance. After the show, you will get to enjoy an authentic Thai buffet.  Location: 55/81 Moo 5, Rassada Road, Muang, Phuket Timing: 5 pm to 11 pm Entry Fees: INR 1400 Checkout & Book:  Siam Niramit Show Bangkok Tickets Recommended Read:  Places To Visit In Phuket With Family

Rawai Village

Irish Times

Of all the Sightseeing places in Phuket, there is nothing more fascinating than the Irish Pub - what with its stripped brick walls, a vast array of Gaelic paraphernalia, and photos from a long-forgotten world. You will also find a collection of hammers displayed here, along with many tin beer slogans. The cosy setting of the place is enhanced by compartment seating just outside and plush sofas inside. Although the entire facility is air-conditioned, ornamental ceiling fans are hung that give this place an old-world charm. It’s a great place for getting a few drinks with your friends and munching on some snacks. The pub is famous for its cordon bleu chicken and sirloin steak, and there is also a special kids’ menu. Location: Jungceylon Shopping Center, Phuket Timing: 11 am to 11 pm Entry Fees: INR 900 Must Explore: Beach Resorts In Thailand For Families                           Thailand Tour Packages From Chennai

Bangla Road

Best Places to Visit Near Phuket

James bond island.

Shot to fame with a feature in the famous 1974 James Bond movie, this island is one of the most serene places to visit in Phuket. Offering a glorious view of nature at its best, James Bond Island is known for limestone cliffs and turquoise waters. James Bond Island is covered under the group of Phang Nga Bay and is under national park protection. 

The island captivates the tourists with its brilliant flora and fauna and offers a glimpse of many exotic species like Pandanus, cycads, euphorbs etc. The scenic beauty here is unparalleled and attracts a lot of tourists who are looking for a day getaway from Phuket. 

Offering a number of activities like water sports, kayaking, diving etc, James Bond Island is one of the most fabulous tourist attractions in Phuket that you should add to your bucket list.

  Location: James Bond Island, Phang Nga Bay, Phuket

Timings:  8 am to 6 pm 

Best of Kuala Lumpur

Similan Islands

Of all the Tourist places in Phuket, Similan Islands are the most fun, especially if you love exploring nature. Adventure enthusiasts and water sports lovers unite at the islands where you can engage in tonnes of thrilling activities like swimming, snorkelling, and beach volleyball. Spread over 140 square meters, the panoramic islands offer magical views of the clear blue waters. Since the Andaman Sea has a rich marine life, you can also try scuba diving and get up close and personal with the beautiful underwater creatures. Or if you want to relax, you can hang out by the beach with your favourite book and a chilled drink.   Location: West Coast of Southern Thailand, in Lam Kaen, Thai Mueang District Timing: Tour starts at 6 am Entry Fees: INR 4780 Also Explore & Book: Similan Island Tour By Speedboat Suggested for You:  Best Things To Do In Kata Beach

Phi Phi Island

One of the major Attractions in Phuket is the famous Phi Phi island where you can enjoy the vibrant discos and thumping music all night long. Known for its lively atmosphere and crazy gatherings, the island is a haven for party animals. But if that’s not your thing, you can also enjoy the sun, sand and sea on the beautiful beaches. Cliffs jutting out into the aquamarine waters, clear blue skies, and immaculate shorelines are the trademarks of Phi Phi Islands. Participate in watersports activities, go shopping, and try delicious local curries. Witness tangerine sunsets over the sea and immerse yourself into the unparalleled natural beauty of Phi Phi.  Location: Krabi, Phuket Timing: open 24 hours  Entry Fees: INR 2050 Also Checkout:  Things To Do In Phuket In 3 Days                              Thailand Tour Packages From Bangalore

Raya Islands

Raya Islands are considered as the most beautiful places to visit in Phuket because of their immaculate white sandy beaches, majestic mountains, and peaceful environment. Surrounded by aquamarine waters of the Andaman Sea, Raya Islands are famous among people who love natural beauty and calm atmosphere. Getaway from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and swim in the crystal-clear waters. Enjoy the panoramic views with a cocktail on the beach. You can also try snorkelling and explore the colourful corals and sea life. Make sure you get a delicious meal at the famous Raya Feather restaurant before heading back to your hotel.  Location: Rawai, Thailand Timing: 8 am to 4 pm  Entry Fees: INR 2400 Explore & Book:  Raya Islands Tour near Phuket Must Checkout:   Places To Visit In Krabi For Honeymoon

Khai Island

Escape the noise and traffic of city to enjoy a quiet day with your loved ones wrapped in the serenity of Khai Island when you are in Phuket. Located just 30 minutes away from Phuket, Khai Island is a hidden gem where you can enjoy in the beautiful beaches and indulge in swimming and snorkelling. 

The clear green waters and the shiny white sands at Khai Island will take your breath away and one can catch a glimpse of the beautiful coral reefs as well when you are there. Offering a relaxing getaway where you can sit all day sipping cocktails and witness the heavenly scenery around, Khai Island is one of the best places to visit in Phuket. 

The islands are also a delight for photography enthusiasts who want to capture the tropical fishes swimming in the beautiful turquoise waters.

Location: Koh Khai Islands is located 15 minutes away from Phuket

Timings: N/A

Phang Nga Bay

Of all the Tourist places in Phuket, Phang Nga is the richest in terms of natural beauty and mesmerizing panoramas. It is worth taking a canoe and exploring the spellbinding region on your own. Abundant in naturally formed limestone cliffs and beautiful sunken caves, the bay is a treasure trove of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Since it is untainted by human touch, the pristine location is serene and peaceful. Catch a view of magnificent mountains and strange rock formations while traversing the water channels, and enjoy a delicious dinner as you witness the tangerine sun disappearing in the waters.  Location: Lies between southern Thailand's mainland and Phuket Island Timing: 11.30 am to 8 pm Entry Fees: INR 7000. Popular Read:   Places To Visit In & Near Grand Palace Bangkok Book Now:  Bangkok Pattaya Tour Package From Mumbai

Best of Pattaya

Phromthep Cape

Banana Beach

Tri Trang Beach

Other Places to Visit in Phuket

Bangla boxing stadium.

One of the major attractions in Phuket, or any major Thai city for that matter, is the live kickboxing matches called Muay Thai. It is a traditional Thai sport and you can enjoy it at the Bangla Boxing Stadium in the city. The high-stakes sport features locally trained kickboxers who use every strategy they know to defeat their opponents. Every move is fair game in this high stakes sport - whether it is using elbows and knees, or kicking and punching. If you want to watch the stimulating fight from up close, you have to pay a little extra, but the action and thrill of watching a live fight are worth it.  Location: Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket Timing: 10 am to 11.45 pm Entry Fees: INR 3400 Click here to Book:  Bangla Boxing Stadium Tickets with Transfers Popular Read: Beaches Near Walking Street Pattaya

Best of Koh Samui

Khao Rang Hill View Point

Treat yourself with the scenic vistas of Thailand from Khao Rang Hill View Point on your vacation. Offering a 360 degree view of the town of Phuket, Khao Rang Hill View Point is an ideal place to enjoy a romantic dinner at one of the restaurants or just have a laid back time sitting at the terrace. 

One of the most remarkable views from here is the Big Buddha which forms the ‘spine’ of the island. Along with the panoramic views, Khao Rang Hill View Point has numerous attractions like a landscaped park with children’s playground, three restaurants and bars, a fitness park, and a panoramic terrace. 

Being a popular picnic spot, Khao Rang Hill View Point attracts a number of tourists throughout the day and is best visited during the evenings when one can see the beautiful town all lit up from the top.

Location: 145/5 ThanonPatiphat, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

Timings: Open 24 hours

Entry Fees: N/A Suggested Read:  Unexplored Places In Phuket Click Here to Book:  Thailand Honeymoon Packages

Phrompthep Cape

Bring your cameras to capture some of the most serene moments of your life watching the sunset at Phrimpthep Cave. One of the popular places in Phuket that offers a glimpse of the brilliant hues of the sun at the time of dusk, Phrompthep Cape is always buzzing with crowds. 

Offering a surreal viewpoint to witness the beauty of Andaman Sea and other neighbouring islands, this place is where you can find beautiful sceneries along with a number of other things. Some of the popular attractions of Phrompthep Cape include the small and beautiful shrine on top of the hill, a lighthouse and an unwinding escape into the tranquillity of nature. 

There is a popular Promthep Restaurant here, where one can enjoy a nice dinner as one can see the sun finding its way down towards the horizon.

Location: Rawai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand

Entry Fees: N/A Must Explore:  Best Pattaya Restaurants                           Thailand Tour Packages From Kerala

Wat Phranang Sang

Wat Srisoonthorn

Jui Tui Shrine

Best of Phi Phi

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

Monkey Hill

Witness the most incredible views of Phuket town by visiting Monkey Hill, also known as Toh Sae Hill. Named Monkey Hill because of the presence of a number of macaques here on the hill, this place is a popular vantage point to soak in some mesmerising vistas of Phuket. 

In the company of these playful macaques who are always looking for a fruit to munch to be given away by the tourists, this place couldn’t be named more appropriately. An awesome place to go with your friends for a picnic or just enjoy a wonderful climb for some great views, Monkey Hill is one of the most idyllic tourist attractions of Phuket. 

It is the highest hill in Phuket and has many TV and radio stations.

Location: 34133 SoiMuensri, TambonRatsada, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83000, Thailand

Timings: Sunset and sunrise is the best time to visit Monkey Hill.

Entry Fees:  Free Popular Read:  Private Pool Villas in Phuket

Phuket Seashell Museum

Home to more than 2000 species of shells, Phuket Seashell Museum is a place where you will be fascinated by Phuket’s most offbeat tourist attraction. Displaying a variety of seashells and fossils, Phuket Seashell Museum is a repository of rare exhibits ranging from noble volute, tiger cowries and stout-spine murex in its collection. 

An ideal tourist attraction for tourists visiting Phuket with family and kids, this place offers an interesting insight into the beauty of underwater life. The popular museum in Phuket is a delight for history and archaeology lovers as one can see rare collections of seashells. 

There is also a gift shop at the museum where one can find a number of souvenirs of shells like seashell carving for indoor decoration, seashell jewelry, key chains, shell mobiles, and many more shell crafts and arts. 

Location: Viset Road Rawai Beach, Rawai, Phuket 83100, Thailand

Timings: 9 am to 5:30 pm

Entry Fees: INR 450                     200 Baht Also Know:  Things To Do & Places To Visit in Pattaya for Bachelors

Karon Temple Market

All shopping-lovers can gear up for a delightful visit at Karon Temple Market. One of the most recommended places to visit in Phuket to take back home some amazing souvenirs, Karon Temple Market is a popular shopping place. One can find a number of amazing goodies here ranging from t-shirts, bags, watches, cheap jewellery etc.  Offering a glimpse of the splendid local culture, Karon Temple Market is a place where you can put your bargaining skills to test and buy a number of things from Phuket.  The popular market is a fun getaway when you are tired of sightseeing and looking forward to enjoying some refreshing time while sampling some delectable street food of Phuket. Location: Patak Rd, Tambon Karon, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket 83100, Thailand. Timing: 4 to 10 pm every Tuesday and Saturday. Entry Fees: None Read More:  Things To Do In Phuket In November

People Also Ask About Phuket

What are the romantic places to visit in phuket, what are the places to visit in phuket at night, which are the best islands to visit near phuket, how to reach phuket, what is phuket best known for, what part of phuket is best to stay, is 3 days in phuket enough.

Trending in Phuket

Adventure in phuket.

Phuket Top Attractions

Phuket Big Buddha is one of the most significant and admired landmarks in Phuket, Thailand. It is the third tallest statue in Thailand after Luangpho Yai and the Great Buddha of Thailand.  If you're planning a Thailand trip from India, exploring iconic sites like the Phuket Big Buddha can be a captivating part of your itinerary. The marvelous statue of the Great Buddha of Phuket is nestled on top of the Nakkerd Hills between Kata and Chalong. The Big Buddha Statue is structured to a height of 45 meters, while the lap of the statue is around 25 meters wide.The Big Buddha built during the year 2004 is devoted to the late King of Thailand, His Majesty Bhumibol Adulyadej. There is a tiny Buddha placed beside the large statue made from brass, which is dedicated to Her Majesty Queen Sirikit.The entire body of the Big Buddha has a layer of magnificent Burmese white jade marble that glistens in the sun. A tiny Buddha sits next to the Phuket Big Buddha which is completely made of 20 tonnes of brass. However, it has a golden color to it. Popularly known as Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, the massive statue offers a 360-degree view of the island with extensive vistas of Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay, and Phuket town, thereby providing a meditative atmosphere for the tourists.The surrounding atmosphere of the Phuket Big Buddha is relatively peaceful. You can only hear the tinkling of tiny bells and the large bell going after every 7 minutes. Soft Dharma music fills the entire background of the serene atmosphere of Phuket Big Buddha. The funds of this tourist destination come entirely from the heavy donations by the visitors. At the base of the Big Buddha Statue, there is a hall that displays the history of the construction, some teachings of Buddhism, and plenty of donation boxes. You are not allowed to visit the site in beachwear, short skirts, and T-shirts containing offensive images as it is a religious place. You can also witness the novice ordination of the son of the family. It is a sign of pride for the entire family. Thus, the visitors also feel mesmerized to watch the ceremony of leaving the worldly things of life and attain Nirvana.

Old Phuket Town happens to be a place that takes you down in the memory lane on a cultural walk through some of the beautiful traditional architectures and marketplaces. The township is located on the eastern side of Phuket Island and is considered to be the capital of various shades of culture. Adding this place to your Thailand travel packages, you will get a chance to enjoy the traditional and Sino-Portuguese architecture. The township was brought into being in the 19th century and it has been able to earn a good name from the tin trade. Old Phuket township is also very much famous for being home to a number of cafes and restaurants that delight the taste buds of visitors with unique local delicacies like Dubik, Ranong, Rasada, Yaowarat, Krabi and Thalang. You will truly be amazed by the rich flavour of Thailand as well as get a chance to explore the exquisite combination of fresh ingredients and species. Old Phuket town can also be considered as a paradise for history and photography buffs. The township is home to some of the age-old structures and heritage sites giving a chance to the visitors to trace facts and capture some of the best pictures to cherish the moments.

Phuket Fantasea is located on Kamala beach and is known for its fine dining options, Thai theatre, and colorful events. This award-winning park is built over an area of 140 acres. With a Thailand trip package from India visitors can get a unique opportunity to experience Thai culture and traditions through mind-blowing and spectacular performances. The show is inspired by Thai mythology, folklore, and legends which forms the main attraction of the park. It offers a combination of 4-dimensional theatre effects, magnificent audio-visual effects, and magical illusion. The exhibition of the Legend Of Kingdom leaves you amazed with its fantastic blend of fireworks, music, and dance. The Phuket Fantasea is also quite well-known for its live street performances, cultural parades, and pageants. The carnival mascots are a main attraction of the street performances and are often seen chatting with the visitors and their kids. The park also features a plethora of exhibitions featuring traditional arts and crafts, organized by local craftsmen. The place offers a great shopping experience for the visitors at its Festival Village, participating in various exciting games while exploring the park. They can have a marvelous dining experience at the various restaurants, including the Golden Kinnaree, Asia’s biggest restaurant that has a seating capacity of 4000 people.

More Phuket Attractions

Phuket travel guides.

Phuket Reviews

Popular Nearby Places Around Phuket

More things to do in phuket, more on phuket tourism, popular related destinations.

Best Domestic Packages

Best international packages, domestic honeymoon packages, international honeymoon packages, places to visit in india, international places to visit, things to do in india, international things to do, popular on thrillophilia.

• We assure the privacy of your contact data.
• This data will only be used by our team to contact you and no other purposes.

Your enquiry has been received successfully. Our destination expert will reach out to you soon!

10 THINGS TO DO IN PHUKET

1. Laem Phromthep and viewpoints (แหลมพรหมเทพ และจุดชมวิว)

Laem Phromthep (แหลมพรหมเทพ), locally dubbed “Laem Chao”, is located on the southernmost point of the island. With its breathtaking scenery and beautiful sunset spot, the cape is one of the most favorite locations for photography among tourists in Phuket. From the edge of the cliff, a line of palm trees inclines downward to the cape’s end, which features rocky reefs where the island, Ko Kaeo Phitsadan, appears at the front. It is also a site of the Laem Phromthep Kanchanaphisek Lighthouse, built on the occasion of the Golden Jubilee of King Rama IX’s accession to the throne. The light from the lighthouse can be seen as far as 39 kilometers. Inside the lighthouse is showcased the exhibition about the lighthouse’s construction, keeping standard time, and the calculation and display of the times of the sunrise and sunset. From the top of the lighthouse, visitors can view endless spectacular scenery.

2. Old Phuket Town (ย่านเมืองเก่าภูเก็ต)

         Strolling around town is one of the favorite activities for tourists to explore the history of Phuket that comprisesa diversity of ethnicities and religions; such as, Chinese, Indian, European, and Muslim, who came to reside and made a living as merchants. They constructed houses in a row-house pattern, so-called Sino-Portuguese, along both sides of the streets. At present, some buildings have been preserved as museums; for example, the Phuket Thai Hua Museum and Peranakan Nithat Museum, while other buildings have been adapted to be restaurants, stylish coffee shops or accommodation.           It is recommended for tourists to explore the lifestyle of the local people and Baba-Nyonyadressing culture, taste the local food, as well as take pictures with more than 20 kinds of street art. Every Sunday, a market fair called “Lat Yai” is held for visitors to enjoy and try local foods as well.

3. Ko Racha and Ko Mai Thon (เกาะราชา และเกาะไม้ท่อน)             

Located in southern Phuket, Ko Racha is composed of two islands: Ko Racha Noi and Ko Racha Yai. Ko Racha Yai covers a white sandy beach shoreline with crystal water. It is known as a paradise for tourists, especially,for those who are fond of diving. Equipped with full facilities, this island is ideal for staying over amidst the nature. Ko Racha Noi is a popular diving spot, which is suitable for professional divers only. Divers will also have a chance to meet Manta ray or great white shark here. 

Ko Mai Thon (เกาะไม้ท่อน), a small island located in the southeast of Phuket, is rich with nature and features beautiful beaches. It is therefore, one of the destinations for tourists who have limited time since it does not take long to travel by a speedboat from a deep water port to get to this stunning island.

4. Wat Chalong (Wat Chai Tharam) (วัดฉลอง) (วัดไชยธาราม)

Wat Chalong (Wat Chai Tharam) is a historical temple that is a center of the powerful faith of the Phuket people carrying the important history of the legendary, Luangpho Chaem of Wat Chalong, a monk who mastered in Vipassana orinsightful meditation, magical power, and traditional medicine. During the time of the Ang Yi (Chinese Secret Society) rebellion, he gave Phra Prachiat, a good luck charm to those people who fought and defeated them. Luangpho Chaem was granted a title from King Rama V the Great as Phrakhru Wisutthi Wongsachan Yanmuni, holding an ecclesiastical rank of Sangkhapamok, a monk dean of Mueang Phuket. It is believed that his sacred objects are famous for providing charm, protection from danger, and good fortune. 

Location: Chao Fa Road, TambonChalong, Amphoe Mueang, Phuket province.

5. Hat Patong (หาดป่าตอง)

The beach features a wide curvy bay enhanced by clear indigo sea and beautiful white beach that is suitable for any kind of marine-based sports.It is also internationally well-known and a center of tourists around the world. Patong Beach is almost like a small developed town that is equipped with hospitals, large department stores, a wide range of accommodation, and restaurants, which offer from seafood, Thai to international food. To get there: the Beach is 15 kilometers from Phuket town. Take Highway No. 4019 or Wichit Songkhram Road for about 9 kilometers, then turn left along the Highway (following the signpost of Hat Patong) for about 6 kilometers. The road is quite meandering and sloping.

6. Hat Nai Yang (หาดในยาง)

Located in the Sirinath National Park, the beach comprises a pleasant pine garden, which is ideal for relaxing and swimming. It also encompasses large coral reefs, a habitat of a variety of marine life species, particularly, sea turtles that will lay their eggs during November to February. However,recently, the sea turtle population has been drastically decreased. 

To get there: Go out of Phuket town and follow Thep Kasat Tri Road. After passing Thalang town, turn left at the intersection that has traffic lights (with the signpost to Hat Nai Yang). After that,follow the signpost to the entrance of the National Park and Hat Na iYai will be on the left-hand side.

7. Hat Surin (หาดสุรินทร์)

A peaceful beach at the foothill is dotted with a line of pine trees which is located on the right on the north side of the beach. It used to be a golf course in the reign of King Rama VII. The beach is very steep. In the monsoon season, there are strong waves and storms, so it is not recommended for swimming. 

To get there: the Beach is about 24 kilometers from Phuket town. Follow Thep Kasat Tri Road to the Monument of Thao Thep Kasat Tri and Thao Si Sunthon, then turn left for about 12 kilometers.

8. Hat Laem Sing (หาดแหลมสิงห์)

Hat Laem Sing is a tiny and tranquil beach covered by clean sand with beautiful rock reefs and shady trees that is suitable for swimming and relaxing.  The Beach is only 1 kilometer from Hat Surin towards the south. From Hat Surin, drive along the road leading to Hat Kamala, there will be a small signpost on the right hand to Hat Laem Sing.

9. Traditional Festivals(งานประเพณี)

Chinese New Year-The Old Phuket Festival (งานตรุษจีนย้อนอดีตเมืองภูเก็ต) is annually held after the Chinese New Year Festival with the aim of showing the local life and culture of Phuket as well as publicizing for tourists to experience the attractions in old Phuket town. During the Festival, prominent roads in old Phuket town including Thalang, Krabi, Dibuk, Phang-nga, Thep Kasat Tri, and Phuket will turn into walking streets. Spectacular parades of local culture, dressing in traditional costumes in the Baba-Nyonya style, local food demonstrations and food stalls, ancient recreation and other interesting activities will be offered to the public. The last day of the Festival will be organised on the God Worshipping Day, which is an ancient tradition of Phuket.

10. Phuket Fantasea (การแสดงภูเก็ตแฟนตาซี)

Located at Hat Kamala, the show is one of the famous attractions in Phuket and the world’s first Thai cultural theme park. The show’s highlight is the performance called the “Amazing Kamala”, which is a combination between Thai arts and culture and cutting-edge special effects of light and sound including over 10 Thai elephants and other animals on the stage of the grand theatre. The services also include dinner in an international buffet style. Souvenir shops are available. Open daily except Thursday from 5.30-11.30 p.m. For more information, please call Tel. 0 7638 5000.

Get Inspiration

Chiang mai-lamphun: hotspots for..., thailand : may, from dust to dragon, sculptor ph....

See & Do

3 Can’t-miss Trekking Places in ...

Must-visit places in tak, must-eat restaurants in tak.

FinanceBuzz

8 Overrated Tourist Attractions (And What to See Instead)

Posted: November 7, 2023 | Last updated: December 2, 2023

If your wish list of travel destinations keeps growing, you can’t afford to waste another vacation visiting overrated tourist attractions. So many of us have fallen into the trap of seeing the perfect Instagram shot in what appears to be a remote destination, a magical place that’s a must-see. 

Whatever the reason, savvy travelers know there are a lot of places that simply aren’t worth the hype. 

So whether you're worried about your next trip or are experiencing FOMO about not being there, here are eight overrated travel destinations that you can skip. 

Compare the best travel credit cards for nearly free travel

Visiting the Mona Lisa in Paris

Despite her never-ending popularity, the Mona Lisa may not actually be all she’s cracked up to be. Coming in at just two feet, six inches by one foot, nine inches, it’s unlikely you’ll be able to see her well enough to contemplate all the wonder and artistry of Leonardo Da Vinci. 

In fact, it’s pretty unlikely you’ll come anywhere near her at all — or at least, not for very long. According to recent reports, the Mona Lisa’s temporary new location makes seeing her even less tempting — since your time in the tiny room where she now resides only lasts a few seconds as guards pressure visitors to keep moving.

Instead, consider going to the Louvre, which hosts an amazing collection of works that go way beyond the favor La Joconde .

Get expert advice on making more money - sent straight to your inbox.

Taking in Times Square in New York City

Unless you really like large, bright advertisements, you can probably pass up the flashiness of Times Square. It is an undeniably cool place to spend New Year’s Eve, but barring that? It’s frankly just a bit overwhelming.

People flock to see Times Square every year, only to arrive and realize it’s little more than a collection of very large TVs, colorful shop signs, and pure chaos. New York has a lot to offer, so don’t spend too much time in this spot if you do go and eliminate some money stress from your life from the tempting shops.

Instead, get a real (and much more chill) NYC vibe by taking a stroll down the High Line or even walking across the Brooklyn Bridge into DUMBO (Down Under Manhattan Bridge Overpass), a trendy, cobblestoned neighborhood in Brooklyn. 

Navigating the Spanish Steps in Rome

Stairs are pretty and all, but no matter where you’re from, you’ve seen them before. Like everything in Rome, these stairs have a story. But unless you like the feeling of being packed into a crowd with souvenirs shoved in your face, you can probably skip this destination.

After flying all the way to Europe, you don't want to waste a single day on an underwhelming tourist trap. Rome is positively overflowing with must-see destinations like the Colosseum and the Roman Forum, so you may find your time better spent elsewhere.

Instead, you can visit Ostia Antica which is probably the most underrated destination near Rome. Once the harbor city of ancient Rome, Ostia Antica offers tourists an amazing opportunity to walk through an entirely excavated ancient city, seeing homes, bathhouses, and even pizza ovens once used by the people living there.

10 brilliant ways to build wealth after 40

Bondi Beach, Sydney

Bondi Beach certainly looks idyllic in photos, but visitors seem to agree that the reality is anything but. “Overcrowded” and “dirty” are some of the ways disappointed tourists in Sydney have described the beach in recent years. 

The consensus seems to be the same — if you only have a little time in Sydney, don’t waste it at this beach. Instead, put your best credit cards to use at numerous other offerings that Sydney has.

You could also take a stroll through the Royal Botanic Gardens or peruse the attractions in Darling Harbor. If you’re looking for an indoor activity, take a walk through the hundreds of stalls in Paddy’s Markets.

Ciudad Mitad del Mundo in Ecuador

If you’re heading to Ecuador’s famous “middle of the world” just to say you went there, then we can save you the price of the ticket. Although this famous monument was built over what was once believed to be the equator, modern measurements confirm that it’s about 250 meters off its mark.

It should be mentioned that the monument does have a museum hosting some worthy artifacts and bits of history about the Highland and Amazonian tribes, which is one reason to make a quick trip without grabbing a “middle of the world” photo. 

Instead of getting caught up in the great equator debate, head to La Ronda, a charming street in colonial Old Town that’s worthy of a visit regardless of its GPS coordinates. 

Pick up a few souvenirs or duck into a cafe for a cup of coffee, then continue your tour of Quito — Ecuador’s capital city — by visiting its many famous churches, most notably the Basilica del Voto Nacional.

Taking on stroll on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles

Although this seems to be on everyone's must-see list for LA, anyone who has actually spent time on the Hollywood Walk of Fame will tell you to pass. 

While you can star hunt for your favorite celebrity’s name on the boulevard, it might be hard to see much beyond tourists’ shoes and people running around in costumes. LA has a slew of way better things to see and do.

Rather than trying to catch ‘em all on Hollywood Boulevard, take a walk instead on Venice Beach or cruise the famous Mulholland Drive for scenic views of the city. And if you’ve never been, go ahead and check out Disneyland. Whether or not you like rides, this iconic theme park has something for everyone.

Will you be able to retire early? Take this quiz to find out.

Phuket, Thailand

Thailand makes most people’s bucket lists for a variety of reasons, and when you see photos of it, imagining why isn’t very difficult. Phuket is the country’s largest island and receives more than 30,000 tourists per day, in addition to the quarter of a million people who already call it home.

Suffice it to say the place is crowded and expensive (you'll use your travel credit cards a lot more here). Unless you really want to see something specific on the island, there are many more relaxing places to visit in Thailand.  

Thailand is literally a collection of amazing and beautiful islands worthy of exploring; you’ll have quite a bit of choice in where you go if you want to avoid the chaos that is Phuket. 

Koh Chang, for example, is a large island not far from Bangkok that’s moderately developed but still has enough wild land to make memorable day hikes (without a million people around) a real possibility.

Seeing the Cradle of Humankind in South Africa

Not to be biased, but this country is one of the most amazing places to visit. However, its renowned world heritage museum is not. It's a bit expensive so you may need to earn some extra money if you do want to go.

The museum is small and although you see some really old bones, your time would be better spent watching a show about it on the Discovery Channel. Don’t waste any time that could be better spent elsewhere in and around Johannesburg by making the drive here.

Instead, learn some local history with visits to the Apartheid and Nelson Mandela museums. After visiting Nelson Mandela’s house (which is part of the museum) in Soweto, take a stroll up and down the vibrant Vilakazi Street for some authentic local cuisine and better (and more affordable) souvenirs than the ones you’ll find in Cape Town.

Bottom line

Whether you just started globe-trotting this year or are an old hand in the airport security lines, travel only gets easier the more you do it. It's important to make sure you know what you're getting into, or really missing out on, before you book a trip or get lost in the fear of missing out.

Take the time to find your perfect travel rewards card before booking your next dream destination. With one of the best travel credit cards in your wallet, you can start racking up some serious points to be sure your adventure funds never run out.

More from FinanceBuzz:

• 6 genius hacks Costco shoppers should know.
• Can you retire early? Take this quiz and find out.
• 7 things to do if you're scraping by financially.
• 9 simple ways to make up to an extra $200/day

More for You

Stephen Hawking once gave a simple answer as to whether there was a God

Adele hits back at heckler who shouted ‘Pride sucks’ at her concert: ‘Shut up’

Ron DeSantis Speaks Out On Donald Trump's Voting Rights

What Causes Motorcycle Death Wobble, And How Can You Fix It?

Older Married Adults Are Revealing The Common Misconceptions About Marriage That More People Should Know

14 arrested in largest child predator sting in Mooresville police history

Research uncovers side effect of sudden decrease in car use during pandemic: 'Each fluctuation ... became an unplanned experiment'

Michael J. Fox celebrates lookalike son Sam's birthday with rare photo and tribute

Jennifer Lopez cancels summer tour: 'I am completely heartsick and devastated'

'Big Bang Theory' Fans Congratulate Kaley Cuoco as She Announces Career Milestone

People Are Sharing The "Dirty Little Secrets" About The Industries They Work In That They Think Everyone Should Really Know, And It's Eye-Opening

Here's How Traffic Lights Actually Work, And How They Detect Your Car

The Kansas Supreme Court has ruled that voting is not a fundamental right. What's next for voters?

Marjorie Taylor Greene Reprimanded by Republican During Hearing

Should You Install A Toilet Before Or After New Flooring? Our Plumbing Expert Weighs In

18 Things to Never Do in the Shower

I Help People Get Divorced. I'm Begging You — Don't Ignore These Red Flags Before Marrying.

A 63-year-old explains how Blue Zones helped him rethink his retirement plan to avoid his 'biggest fear' of loneliness

30 Fun and Weird Science Facts That Made Us a Little Smarter

5 Tips For Extending The Life Of Your Vehicle's Transmission

Now boarding: Faces, places, and trends shaping tourism in 2024

After falling by 75 percent in 2020, travel is on its way to a full recovery by the end of 2024. Domestic travel is expected to grow 3 percent annually and reach 19 billion lodging nights per year by 2030. 1 Unless otherwise noted, the source for all data and projections is Oxford Economics. Over the same time frame, international travel should likewise ramp up to its historical average of nine billion nights. Spending on travel is expected to follow a similar trajectory, with an estimated $8.6 trillion in traveler outlays in 2024, representing roughly 9 percent of this year’s global GDP.

About the authors

This article is a collaborative effort by Caroline Tufft , Margaux Constantin , Matteo Pacca , and Ryan Mann , with Ivan Gladstone and Jasperina de Vries, representing views from McKinsey’s Travel, Logistics & Infrastructure Practice.

There’s no doubt people still love to travel and will continue to seek new experiences in new places. But where will travelers come from, and where will they go? We developed a snapshot of current traveler flows, along with estimates for growth through 2030. For the purposes of this report, we have divided the world into four regions—the Americas, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East and Africa.

Our analysis identifies three major themes for industry stakeholders to consider:

• The bulk of travel spending is close to home. Stakeholders should ensure they capture the full potential of domestic travel before shifting their focus to international travelers. And they should start with international travelers who visit nearby countries—as intraregional trips represent the largest travel segment after domestic trips.
• Source markets are shifting. Although established source markets continue to anchor global travel, Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are all becoming fast-growing sources of outbound tourism.
• The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine. Alongside enduring favorites, places that weren’t on many tourists’ maps are finding clever ways to lure international travelers and establish themselves as desirable destinations.

The bulk of travel spending is close to home

International travel might feel more glamorous, but tourism players should not forget that domestic travel still represents the bulk of the market, accounting for 75 percent of global travel spending (Exhibit 1). Domestic travel recovered from the COVID-19 pandemic faster than international travel, as is typical coming out of downturns. And although there has been a recent boom in “revenge travel,” with travelers prioritizing international trips that were delayed by the pandemic, a return to prepandemic norms, in which domestic travel represents 70 percent of spending, is expected by 2030.

The United States is the world’s largest domestic travel market at $1 trillion in annual spending. Sixty-eight percent of all trips that start in the United States remain within its borders. Domestic demand has softened slightly, as American travelers return abroad. 2 Dawit Habtemariam, “Domestic U.S. tourism growth levels off as Americans head overseas,” Skift, August 18, 2023. But tourism players with the right offerings are still thriving: five national parks broke attendance records in 2023 (including Joshua Tree National Park, which capitalized on growing interest from stargazers indulging in “dark sky” tourism 3 Scott McConkey, “5 national parks set attendance records in 2023, and the reasons may surprise you,” Wealth of Geeks, April 16, 2024. ).

China’s $744 billion domestic travel market is currently the world’s second largest. Chinese travelers spent the pandemic learning to appreciate the diversity of experiences on offer within their own country. Even as borders open back up, Chinese travelers are staying close to home. And domestic destinations are benefiting: for example, Changchun (home to the Changchun Ice and Snow Festival) realized 160 percent year-on-year growth in visitors in 2023. 4 Shi Xiaoji, “Why don’t Chinese people like to travel abroad anymore? The global tourism industry has lost 900 billion yuan. What is the situation?,” NetEase, February 12, 2024. In 2024, domestic travel during Lunar New Year exceeded prepandemic levels by 19 percent.

China’s domestic travel market is expected to grow 12 percent annually and overtake the United States’ to become the world’s largest by 2030. Hotel construction reflects this expectation: 30 percent of the global hotel construction pipeline is currently concentrated in China. The pipeline is heavily skewed toward luxury properties, with more than twice as many luxury hotels under construction in China as in the United States.

India, currently the world’s sixth-largest domestic travel market by spending, is another thriving area for domestic travel. With the subcontinent’s growing middle class powering travel spending growth of roughly 9 percent per year, India’s domestic market could overtake Japan’s and Mexico’s to become the world’s fourth largest by 2030. Domestic air passenger traffic in India is projected to double by 2030, 5 Murali Krishnan, “Can India’s airports cope with rapid passenger growth?,” Deutsche Welle, February 7, 2024. boosted in part by a state-subsidized initiative that aims to connect underserved domestic airports. 6 “India is seeing a massive aviation boom,” Economist , November 23, 2023.

When travelers do go abroad, they often stay close to home (Exhibit 2).

Europe and Asia, in particular, demonstrate strong and growing intraregional travel markets.

Recognizing this general trend, stakeholders have been funneling investment toward regional tourism destinations. An Emirati wealth fund, for instance, has announced its intent to invest roughly $35 billion into established hospitality properties and development opportunities in Egypt. 7 Michael Gunn and Mirette Magdy, “UAE’s $35 billion Egypt deal marks Gulf powers’ buying spree,” Bloomberg, April 27, 2024.

Europe has long played host to a high share of intraregional travel. Seventy percent of its travelers’ international trips stay within the region. Europe’s most popular destinations for intraregional travelers are perennial warm-weather favorites—Spain (18 percent), Italy (10 percent), and France (8 percent)—with limited change to these preferences expected between now and 2030.

Despite longer travel distances between Asian countries, Asia’s intraregional travel market is beginning to resemble Europe’s. Intraregional travel currently accounts for about 60 percent of international trips in Asia—a share expected to climb to 64 percent by 2030. As in Europe in past decades, Asian intraregional travel is benefiting from diminishing visa barriers and the development of a low-cost, regional flight network.

Thailand is projected to enjoy continued, growing popularity with Asian travelers. Thailand waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists in 2023 and plans to do the same for Indian tourists starting in 2024. It has aggressively targeted the fast-growing Indian traveler segment, launching more than 50 marketing campaigns directed at Indians over the past decade. The investment may be paying off: Bangkok recently overtook Dubai as the most popular city destination for Indian tourists. 8 “Bangkok overtakes Dubai as top destination for Indians post visa relaxation, reveals Agoda,” PR Newswire, January 18, 2024.

A McKinsey ConsumerWise survey on consumer sentiment, conducted in February 2024, suggests that Chinese travelers are also exhibiting high interest in international travel, with 36 percent of survey respondents indicating that they intend to spend more on international travel in the next three months. 9 Daniel Zipser, “ China brief: Consumers are spending again (outside of China) ,” McKinsey, April 8, 2024. Much of this interest is directed toward regional destinations such as Southeast Asia and Japan, with interest in travel to Europe down from previous years. 10 Guang Chen, Zi Chen, Steve Saxon, and Jackey Yu, “ Outlook for China tourism 2023: Light at the end of the tunnel ,” McKinsey, May 9, 2023.

Given travelers’ preference for proximity, how can tourism stakeholders further capitalize on domestic and intraregional travel demand? Here are a few strategies:

• Craft offerings that encourage domestic tourists to rediscover local gems. Destinations, hotels, and transportation providers can encourage domestic tourists to integrate lesser-known cultural landmarks into their trips to visit friends and relatives. In France, the upscale hotel chain Relais & Châteaux markets historic properties that lie far from classic tourist sights—such as Château Saint-Jean in rural Auvergne—as a welcome escape from the bustle of Paris. In Mexico, the Pueblos Mágicos program has successfully boosted domestic tourist visits to a set of “magical towns” that showcase Mexican heritage.
• Fold one-off domestic destinations into fuller itineraries. Route 66 in the United States is a classic road trip pathway, which spurs visits to attractions all along the highway’s length. Tourism stakeholders can collaborate to create similar types of domestic itineraries around the world. For instance, Mexico has expanded on its Pueblos Mágicos concept by branding coordinated visits to multiple villages as “magical routes.” In France, local tourism boards and vineyards have collaborated to promote bucket list “wine routes” around the country.
• Make crossing borders into neighboring countries seamless. Removing logistical barriers to travel can nudge tourists to upgrade a one-off trip to a single attraction into a bucket list journey across multiple, less-trodden destinations. In Africa, for example, Ethiopian Airlines is facilitating cross-border travel to major regional tourist sites through improved air connectivity. In Asia, Thailand has announced its intent to create a joint visa easing travel among Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam.

Source markets are shifting

The United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, China, and France remain the world’s five largest sources of travelers, in that order. These countries collectively accounted for 38 percent of international travel spending in 2023 and are expected to remain the top five source markets through 2030. But interest in travel is blossoming in other parts of the world—causing a shift in the balance of outbound travel flows (Exhibit 3).

North Americans’ travel spending is projected to hold steady at roughly 3 percent annual growth. US consumers voice growing concerns about inflation, and the most cost-constrained traveler segments are reducing travel, which is affecting ultra-low-cost airlines and budget hotels. Most travelers, however, plan to continue traveling: McKinsey research suggests that American consumers rank international and domestic travel as their highest-priority areas for discretionary spending. Instead of canceling their trips, these consumers are adapting their behavior by traveling during off-peak periods or booking travel further in advance. Travel spending by Europeans paints a slightly rosier picture, with roughly 5 percent projected annual growth. Meanwhile, the projected 12 percent annual growth in Chinese travelers’ spending should anchor substantial increases in travel spending across Northeast Asia.

Alongside these enduring traveler segments, new groups of travelers are emerging. Eastern Europe, India, and Southeast Asia are still comparatively small source markets, but they are developing fast-growing pools of first-time tourists (Exhibit 4).

India’s breakneck GDP growth of 6 percent year over year is bolstering a new generation of travelers, 11 Benjamin Laker, “India will grow to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2027,” Forbes , February 23, 2024. resulting in a projected annual growth in travel spending of 9 percent between now and 2030. Indian air carriers and lodging companies are making substantial investments to meet projected demand. Budget airline IndiGo placed the largest aircraft order in commercial aviation history in 2023, when it pledged to buy 500 Airbus A320 planes 12 Anna Cooban, “Biggest plane deal in history: Airbus clinches massive order from India’s IndiGo,” CNN, June 19, 2023. ; that same week, Air India nearly equaled IndiGo’s order size with purchase agreements for 250 Airbus and 220 Boeing jets. IndiGo later added an order for 30 additional Airbus A350 planes, well suited to serving both domestic and international routes. 13 “Airbus confirms IndiGo's A350 aircraft order,” Economic Times , May 6, 2024. The Indian Hotels Company Limited is ramping up its hotel pipeline, aiming to open two new hotels per month in the near future. International players are not sitting on the sidelines: seven hotel chains are launching new brands in India in 2024, 14 Peden Doma Bhutia, “Indian Hotels expansion plans: 2 new brands launching, 2 hotels opening every month,” Skift, February 2, 2024. including Marriott’s first Moxy- and Tribute-branded hotels in India and entrants from Hilton’s Curio and Tapestry brands. 15 Forum Gandhi, “Check-in frenzy: International hotel giants unleash fresh brands in India’s booming hospitality landscape,” Hindu Businessline , February 13, 2024. Development focus has shifted away from major metropolises such as Mumbai and Delhi and toward fast-developing, smaller cities such as Chandigarh and Hyderabad.

Southeast Asian travel spending is projected to grow at roughly 7 percent per year. Pockets of particularly high growth exist in Cambodia, Malaysia, and the Philippines. To capitalize on this blossoming source market, neighboring countries are rolling out attractive visa arrangements: for example, China has agreed to reciprocal visa waivers for short-term travelers from Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. 16 Julienna Law, “China launches ‘visa-free era’ with Southeast Asia. Will travel retail boom?,” Jing Daily , January 30, 2024.

Travel spending by Eastern Europeans is expected to grow at 7 percent per year until 2030—two percentage points higher than spending by Western Europeans. Areas of especially high growth include the Czech Republic, Hungary, and Poland, where middle-class travelers are increasingly venturing farther afield. Major tourism players, including the TUI Group, have tapped into these new source markets by offering charter flights to warm-weather destinations such as Egypt. 17 Hildbrandt von Klaus, “TUI develops Czech Republic as a new source market,” FVW, December 22, 2023.

Although the number of travelers from these new source markets is growing, their purchasing power remains relatively limited. Compared with Western European travelers (who average $159 per night in total travel spending), South Asians spend 20 percent less, Eastern Europeans spend 40 percent less, and Southeast Asians spend 55 percent less. Only 3 percent of the current Asian hotel construction pipeline caters to economy travelers, suggesting a potential supply gap of rooms that could appeal to budget-constrained tourists.

While acknowledging that historical source markets will continue to constitute the bulk of travel spending, tourism players can consider actions such as these to capitalize on growing travel demand from newer markets:

• Reduce obstacles to travel. Countries can look for ways to strategically invest in simplifying travel for visitors from growing source markets. In 2017, for example, Azerbaijan introduced express processing of electronic visas for Indian visitors; annual arrivals from India increased fivefold in two years. Requirements regarding passport photocopies or in-person check-ins can similarly be assessed with an eye toward reducing red tape for travelers.
• Use culturally relevant marketing channels to reach new demographics. Unique, thoughtful marketing strategies can help destinations place themselves on first-time travelers’ bucket lists. For example, after the release of Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara , a popular Bollywood movie shot in Spain with support from the Spanish Ministry of Tourism, Indian tourism to Spain increased by 65 percent. 18 “ Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara part of syllabus in Spain colleges,” India Today , June 6, 2004.
• Give new travelers the tech they expect. Travelers from newer source markets often have access to tech-forward travel offerings. For example, Indian travelers can travel anywhere within their country without physical identification, thanks to the Digi Yatra app. The Southeast Asian rideshare app Grab has several helpful travel features that competitors lack, such as automated menu translation and currency conversion. Tourism stakeholders should consider how to adapt to the tech expectations of newer travelers, integrating relevant offerings that ease journeys.
• Create vibrant experiences tailored to different price points. Crafting lower-budget offerings for more cost-constrained travelers doesn’t need to result in giving them a subpar experience. Capsule hotels, in which guests sleep in small cubbies, began as a response to the high cost of accommodations in Japan, but they have become an attraction in their own right—appearing on many must-do lists. 19 Philip Tang, “24 of the best experiences in Japan,” Lonely Planet, March 23, 2024.

The places you’ll go: The destinations of the future may not be the ones you imagine

The world’s top ten destination countries (the United States, Spain, China, France, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, Italy, Thailand, Japan, and India, in that order) currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including for domestic travel. But some new locales are gaining traction (Exhibit 5).

A significant number of travelers are expanding their horizons, booking journeys to less visited countries that are near to old standbys. For instance, Laos and Malaysia, which both border Thailand—an established destination that is home to Bangkok, the world’s most visited city 20 Katherine LaGrave, “This is the world’s most visited city,” AFAR , January 31, 2024. —are up a respective 20 percent and 17 percent, respectively, in year-over-year international travel spending.

The world’s top ten destination countries currently receive 45 percent of all travel spending, including domestic-travel spending. But some new locales are gaining traction.

Several other countries that have crafted thoughtful tourism demand generation strategies—such as Peru, the Philippines, Rwanda, and Vietnam—are also expected to reap benefits in the coming years. Vietnam logged a remarkable 40 percent increase in tourism spending in the five years before the pandemic. Postpandemic, it has rebounded in part by waiving visa requirements for European travelers (while indicating intent to offer similar exemptions in the future for Chinese and Indian travelers). 21 Ashvita Singh, “Vietnam looks to offer visa-free entry to Indians: India report,” Skift, November 20, 2023. The Philippines has made a concerted effort to shift its sun-and-beach branding toward a more well-rounded image, replacing its long-standing “It’s more fun in the Philippines” tourism slogan with “Love the Philippines.” Peru is highlighting less visited archeological sites while also marketing itself as a top-notch culinary destination through the promotion of Peruvian restaurants abroad. Rwanda is investing in infrastructure to become a major African transit hub, facilitated by Qatar Airways’ purchase of a 60 percent stake in the country’s major airport. 22 Dylan Cresswell, “Rwanda plots ambitious tourism recovery,” African Business , July 28, 2022. Rwanda has also successfully capitalized on sustainable tourism: by charging $1,500 per gorilla trekking permit, for instance, it has maximized revenue while reducing environmental impact.

Tourism players might consider taking some of these actions to lure tourists to less familiar destinations:

• Collaborate across the tourism ecosystem. Promotion is not solely the domain of destination marketing organizations. Accommodation, transportation, and experience providers can also play important roles. In Singapore, for instance, the luxury resort Marina Bay Sands partners extensively with Singapore Airlines and the Singapore Tourism Board to offer compelling tourism offerings. Past collaborations have included flight and stay packages built around culinary festivals and a Lunar New Year drone show. 23 “Singapore Tourism Board, Marina Bay Sands & UOB partner to enliven Marina Bay precinct,” Singapore Tourism Board news release, January 25, 2024.
• Use infrastructure linkage to promote new destinations. By extending route options, transportation providers can encourage visitors to create itineraries that combine familiar destinations with new attractions. In Asia, Thailand’s tourism authority has attempted to nudge visitors away from the most heavily trafficked parts of the country, such as Bangkok and Phuket, and toward less popular destinations.
• Deploy social media to reach different demographics. Innovative social media campaigns can help put a destination on the map. Australia launched its “Ruby the kangaroo” campaign in China to coincide with the return of postpandemic air capacity between the two places. A video adapted for Chinese context (with appropriate gestures and a hashtag in Mandarin) garnered more than 20 million views in a single day on one of China’s largest social media platforms. 24 Nicole Gong, “Can Ruby the kangaroo bring Chinese tourists hopping back to Australia?,” SBS, June 5, 2023.
• Embrace unknown status. “Off the beaten path” messaging can appeal to widely traveled tourists seeking fresh experiences. Saudi Arabia’s “#WhereInTheWorld” campaign promoted the country’s tourist spots by acknowledging that they are less familiar to travelers, using a series of images that compared these spots with better-known destinations.

As tourism stakeholders look to the future, they can take steps to ensure that they continue to delight existing travelers while also embracing new ones. Domestic and intraregional tourism remain major opportunities—catering to local tourists’ preferences while building infrastructure that makes travel more seamless within a region could help capture them. Creative collaboration among tourism stakeholders can help put lesser-known destinations on the map. Travel tides are shifting. Expertly navigating these currents could yield rich rewards.

Caroline Tufft is a senior partner in McKinsey’s London office, Margaux Constantin is a partner in the Dubai office, Matteo Pacca is a senior partner in the Paris office, Ryan Mann is a partner in the Chicago office, Ivan Gladstone is an associate partner in the Riyadh office, and Jasperina de Vries is an associate partner in the Amsterdam office.

The authors wish to thank Abdulhadi Alghamdi, Alessandra Powell, Alex Dichter, Cedric Tsai, Diane Vu, Elisa Wallwitz, Lily Miller, Maggie Coffey, Nadya Snezhkova, Nick Meronyk, Paulina Baum, Peimin Suo, Rebecca Stone, Sarah Fellay, Sarah Sahel, Steffen Fuchs, Steffen Köpke, Steve Saxon, Sophia Wang, and Urs Binggeli for their contributions to this article.

This article was edited by Seth Stevenson, a senior editor in the New York office.

Explore a career with us

Related articles.

The future of tourism: Bridging the labor gap, enhancing customer experience

The promise of travel in the age of AI

From India to the world: Unleashing the potential of India’s tourists