Welcome to the best things to do in Phuket, Thailand!
Phuket is a dream destination for many travelers.
It’s known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, luxury resorts, and vibrant nightlife. But there’s more to this tropical paradise than just sun, sand, and parties.
In this post, I’ve put together the best things to do in Phuket, from visiting historical landmarks and temples to exploring hidden beaches and indulging in delicious Thai cuisine.
Ready to explore the best of Phuket?
Let’s dive in.
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Phuket Essentials
Top Tours & Experiences In Phuket
- Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip
- Amazing Phuket Island Guided Tour w/ Big Buddha
- Morning With Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Where To Stay In Phuket
Budget-friendly
- The Blanket Hotel Phuket Town
- Panwaburi Beachfront Resort – This is where I stayed! It’s a little isolated, but good value and VERY photogenic.
Mid-range
Luxury
How To Get Around Phuket
The easiest way to get around in Phuket is by taxi or Grab, which is basically the Asian version of Uber.
Just download the Grab app, which makes calling for rides a breeze.
Short on time? I recommend booking an Amazing Phuket Island Guided Tour w/ Big Buddha!
1. Relax on the Beach
Phuket is home to tons of stunning beaches, and (of course) no trip to this island would be complete without some time spent on the sand.
Kata Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket, with crystal-clear water that’s perfect for swimming.
Here, you’ll find vendors selling snacks, drinks, massages, and lots of beach chairs available for rent.
If you’re looking for somewhere quieter, head to the nearby Kata Noi, which is much more secluded.
For a more off-the-beaten path experience, visit Freedom Beach, which can only be reached by hike or by boat.
It’s a picturesque place to spend the day due to its white dunes, turquoise waters, and lush flora.
2. Visit the Big Buddha
Phuket’s Big Buddha, or Phra Putta Mingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, is one of the best places to visit on the island.
The impressive statue is made out of white marble, and stands at 148 feet tall.
It’s situated atop a hill, and offers beautiful panoramic views of Phuket and the Andaman Sea.
Because it’s a place of worship, make sure to dress in proper temple attire when you visit.
This means covering shoulders and knees, and avoiding wearing tight or revealing clothing.
The Big Buddha is open from 6 am to 6:30 pm.
If you’re visiting early in the morning or late in the day, try to secure your ride back before you leave.
It can be difficult to find taxis to pick you up outside of peak hours.
If you want to see the Big Buddha along with more of Phuket’s highlights, consider taking this Amazing Phuket Island Guided Tour.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
3. Explore the Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi Islands (pronounced “pee pee”), also known as Koh Phi Phi, are a collection of islands that can be reached by boat from Phuket.
The islands are renowned for their crystalline waters, coral reefs, and dramatic cliffs.
Phi Phi is also home to some of the most beautiful and iconic locations in Thailand, like Pileh Lagoon and the famous Maya Beach.
Day Trip
By speedboat, you can easily reach Phi Phi in about 1 hour, so it makes for the perfect day trip.
I highly recommend taking this Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip tour, which includes pickup, drop-off, lunch, and all snorkeling gear.
On this tour, you’ll hit Maya Beach, Pileh Lagoon, Monkey Beach (where you can admire the cute wild monkeys) and more.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
Overnight Trip
If you want to explore Phi Phi at your own pace, or on an iconic longtail boat, the only way to do so is by staying on the island.
You’ll first need to book accommodations, and a ferry to Phi Phi.
You can check the schedule and buy tickets at Phuketferry.com.
Then, you’ll need to either book a tour that leaves from Phi Phi, or simply hire a private taxi boat for a few hours to go anywhere you’d like.
Phi Phi Don is the largest and the only inhabited Phi Phi island.
This is where you’ll find restaurants, hotels, bars, and tour operators.
I did an overnight trip here from Phuket, and I’ll be completely honest- I wouldn’t go this route again.
The town had a very party/backpacker vibe, and really reminded me of Bourbon Street in New Orleans.
(Aka, really crowded and dirty, lol.)
So while Phi Phi itself wasn’t for me, all the beautiful sights around Phi Phi are definitely worth visiting!
4. Watch Sunset at A Blanket & Pillow
A Blanket & Pillow is one of the most Instagrammable cafes in Thailand, and definitely worth a visit while you’re in Phuket.
This beautiful cafe, located in Kata, is situated on a hill overlooking the ocean.
They have seating areas at multiple levels, connected by stairs leading all the way down to the water.
At each level, there are lots of places to lounge on soft cushions, chairs, and hammocks.
The food and drinks are delicious, and the music and ambiance are just *chef’s kiss*.
One of the best times to visit A Blanket & Pillow is around sunset, when you can admire the sun lowering over the water.
Just make sure to arrive well before sunset to stake out your spot, because it gets crowded at this time.
5. Go Island Hopping
Phuket is surrounded by numerous stunning islands, and it’s a great jumping-off point for exploring these more secluded places.
You can access other islands by taking guided tours, or by booking a ferry.
James Bond Island
Khao Phing Kan, also known as James Bond Island, is a popular tourist destination in Phang Nga Bay.
It gained its name from its appearance in the 1974 James Bond film, “The Man with the Golden Gun”.
The island features a distinctive limestone rock formation, which is vertically oriented and stands out in the middle of the bay.
You can explore the island, take photos, and enjoy the scenic views of the surrounding area.
For a more budget-friendly tour, check out this Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island Tour.
For more luxurious experience, I recommend this Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with lunch and sunset dinner.
Koh Yao Yai
Koh Yao Yai is a small island in the Koh Yao archipelago, which also includes the neighboring island of Koh Yao Noi.
Koh Yao Yai is a quiet and unspoiled island, with beautiful beaches, lush tropical forests, and traditional Thai fishing villages.
It’s a perfect destination if you want to get away from the crowds and experience the natural beauty and local culture of Thailand.
Some popular activities on the island include snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and visiting local markets and temples.
Koh Yao Noi
Koh Yao Noi is often referred to as the quieter and less developed of the two Koh Yao islands, with a laid-back vibe and even fewer tourists.
Koh Yao Noi is known for its stunning natural beauty, with towering limestone cliffs, pristine beaches, and lush forests.
The island offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking, snorkeling, and diving.
It is also home to several traditional fishing villages where you can experience the local way of life and try fresh seafood.
Overall, Koh Yao Noi is a great hidden gem if you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the more crowded tourist hotspots.
6. Get a massage
I think every trip to Thailand should include as many massages as possible!
They’re so relaxing, and so much more affordable than massages in the States.
I’m personally not a fan of Thai massages, because they include a lot of stretching movements that I don’t enjoy.
So I always opt for the “back and shoulder” massages, which are more my style.
If you’re in the Kata area, I highly recommend Massage T&J.
I had the most divine massage there!
7. Eat Your Way Through Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is a historic district in the heart of Phuket City.
The area is known for its colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture, which reflects the town’s rich cultural heritage and unique blend of Chinese and European influences.
Sampling local foods here like pad thai, tom yum, and mango sticky rice is one of the best things to do in Phuket.
I recommend taking this Phuket Old Town Food Tour for a fun foodie experience.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
8. Explore Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is the biggest Buddhist temple in Phuket, dating back to 1837.
Visiting is one of the best things to do in Phuket if you want to learn more about Thai Buddhist culture.
You can explore the temple’s pagoda, which features several levels adorned with intricate Buddhist artwork and statues.
The temple grounds also include smaller shrines, a meditation garden, and a museum with exhibits on the history of Wat Chalong and Buddhism in Thailand.
Because it’s a place of worship, make sure to dress in proper temple attire when you visit.
This means covering shoulders and knees, and avoiding wearing tight or revealing clothing.
If you want to combine a visit to Wat Chalong with more of Phuket’s highlights, like the Big Buddha, I recommend taking Amazing Phuket Island Guided Tour.
Click here to check availability on Viator.
9. Snap a picture at Ma Doo Bua
Ma Doo Bua is one of the most Instagrammable places in Phuket, and one of the best places to capture unique pictures.
While the food and drinks here aren’t bad, this cafe is really known for its signature pond full of massive water lilies.
While you’re here, you can take pictures all around the property, which features lush vegetation and classic Thai architecture.
For 1000 baht, you can even have a drone photo taken of you on the striking boat surrounded by lily pads.
If you’re staying nearby and want to really capture some beautiful memories, this is one of the best things to do in Phuket.
10. Visit Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a safe haven for elephants rescued from the unethical tourism and logging industries.
If you aren’t already visiting Chiang Mai (which is known for its elephant sanctuaries) on your trip, this is one of the best things to do in Phuket.
The sanctuary is home to elephants that have been retired or rescued from work camps or circuses, and it provides them with a natural environment in which to live out their lives.
Here, you can observe the elephants in their natural habitat, learn about the challenges they face, and support the organization’s mission to protect these gentle giants.
The sanctuary also offers opportunities to interact with the elephants, such as feeding them or taking jungle walks.
I recommend this Morning With Elephants experience, which includes learning about and feeding elephants, plus lunch for yourself.
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