Things to Visit in Phuket: Beaches, Islands, and Thai Culture
Make the most of Phuket from its stunning beaches and island-hopping day trips to Old Town heritage and Thai street food. Covers beaches, water activities, cultural sites, nightlife, and local food.
One of the most beautiful beaches on the island with soft white sand and clear turquoise water. Less crowded than Patong but with enough restaurants and shops nearby. The southern end has good snorkeling along the rocks during calm seas from November to April.
Visit Freedom Beach by longtail boat
This secluded white-sand cove is only accessible by boat or a steep jungle trail. Longtail boats from Patong Beach cost 1,500-2,000 THB round trip with a 2-3 hour wait. The crystal-clear water and lack of development make it worth the effort. Bring your own food and water.
Watch sunset at Promthep Cape
The southernmost tip of Phuket offers the most dramatic sunset viewpoint on the island. Arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset to get a good spot along the railing. The lighthouse nearby has a small museum and additional viewing platform. Parking fills up quickly at sunset.
Explore the quiet Nai Harn Beach
A local favorite on the southern coast with calm waters sheltered by headlands. Less commercial than the west coast beaches with a more laid-back atmosphere. The small lake behind the beach is surrounded by a jogging path. Several affordable Thai restaurants line the beach road.
Surf at Kata Beach during monsoon season
From May to October, the southwest monsoon brings consistent waves to Kata Beach. Surf schools rent boards and offer lessons for 1,500-2,500 THB for 90 minutes. The waves suit beginners and intermediate surfers. Outside monsoon season, Kata is a calm swimming beach.
Island Hopping and Water Activities
Day trip to Phi Phi Islands
The limestone cliffs and turquoise lagoons of Phi Phi are about 45 minutes by speedboat from Phuket. Day trips include snorkeling stops, lunch, and a visit to Maya Bay. Speedboat tours cost 1,500-3,000 THB. Longtail boat trips are slower but more atmospheric.
Kayak through Phang Nga Bay sea caves
Paddle through dramatic limestone karsts and hidden lagoons called hongs. James Bond Island, used in a 1974 film, is the most famous formation. Full-day tours cost 1,500-3,500 THB and include kayaking, lunch, and swimming. Afternoon trips avoid the morning tour boat crowds.
Snorkel at the Similan Islands
Open only from October to May, the Similan Islands National Park has some of the clearest water and best coral in the Andaman Sea. Day trips by speedboat take 70 minutes and cost 2,500-4,500 THB including park fees, snorkeling gear, and lunch. The visibility often exceeds 30 meters.
Take a longtail boat to Coral Island
Just 15 minutes off the southeast coast, Coral Island has clear water, good snorkeling, and parasailing. Longtail boats from Rawai Beach cost 500-1,000 THB per person for a half-day trip. The island has basic restaurants and beach chair rentals.
Phuket Old Town and Culture
Walk the Sino-Portuguese streets of Old Town
Thalang Road and Soi Romanee feature colorful restored shophouses mixing Chinese and Portuguese colonial architecture. The pastel facades are a photographer's paradise. Most buildings now house cafes, boutiques, and galleries. The area is compact and walkable in 2-3 hours.
Visit Wat Chalong, Phuket's most important temple
This Buddhist temple complex is the most visited on the island and houses relics of a revered monk. The main chedi tower has four floors of murals depicting the life of Buddha. Entry is free but dress modestly with covered shoulders and knees.
See the Big Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill
This 45-meter white marble Buddha sits atop a hill with 360-degree views of the island. The site is free to visit and still under ongoing decoration. The winding road up is steep and scenic. Visit in the morning for clear views before afternoon clouds roll in.
Browse the Sunday Walking Street Market in Old Town
Every Sunday from 4-10 PM, Thalang Road closes to traffic and fills with food stalls, live music, and craft vendors. Local dishes cost 40-100 THB and the atmosphere is festive. This is the best single evening experience in Phuket for food and culture combined.
Food Experiences
Eat at a local Phuket-style restaurant
Phuket cuisine blends Thai, Chinese, and Malay influences. Signature dishes include moo hong braised pork belly, oh tao hokkien-style oyster omelet, and nam prik kung siap shrimp chili paste. Restaurants in Old Town serve the most authentic versions at 60-150 THB per dish.
Try fresh seafood at Rawai Beach
The fish market at Rawai's southern end sells fresh catches daily. Buy your seafood at the market and take it to the row of restaurants behind, where they cook it to your specifications for a small fee. A full seafood spread for two costs 500-1,000 THB total.
Take a Thai cooking class
Half-day classes typically start with a market tour to buy fresh ingredients, then teach 3-4 dishes including curry paste from scratch. Classes cost 1,500-3,000 THB per person and include a recipe booklet. Morning classes are cooler and more comfortable than afternoon sessions.
Eat pad thai and som tam at a night market
The Chillva Market near Old Town and the Naka Weekend Market offer dozens of food stalls with classic Thai dishes at local prices. Pad thai costs 40-60 THB, som tam green papaya salad 40-50 THB, and mango sticky rice 60-80 THB. Night markets open around 5-6 PM.
Nightlife and Entertainment
Experience Patong's Bangla Road at night
This pedestrianized strip is the epicenter of Phuket nightlife with bars, clubs, and live music venues packed side by side. The road closes to traffic at 6 PM. Drink prices are higher here than elsewhere on the island, with beers at 100-200 THB and cocktails at 200-400 THB.
Watch a Muay Thai boxing match
Patong Boxing Stadium and Bangla Boxing Stadium host fights most evenings with a mix of local fighters and international challengers. Ringside seats cost 1,500-2,500 THB. The atmosphere is electric and the fights are real competitive bouts, not tourist shows.
Catch a beach club sunset session
Several beach clubs along the west coast host DJ sunset sessions with infinity pools and cocktail service. Entry is often free with a minimum spend of 500-1,000 THB. The best ones are on Surin and Kamala beaches. Book a daybed in advance during peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do you need in Phuket?
Five to seven days lets you enjoy the beaches, take island-hopping day trips, explore Old Town, and still have relaxation time. Three days covers the highlights but feels rushed. With a full week, add a Phi Phi Islands day trip, a Phang Nga Bay kayaking trip, and dedicate a day to snorkeling the Similan Islands during their open season.
What is the best time to visit Phuket?
November through April is the dry season with calm seas, clear skies, and peak tourism. December and January are the busiest and most expensive months. The monsoon season from May to October brings afternoon rain showers and bigger waves, but also lower prices, fewer crowds, and lush green landscapes. September and October tend to be the wettest months.
How do you get around Phuket?
Phuket has limited public transport, so most visitors rent scooters for 200-300 THB per day or use ride-hailing apps. Songthaew shared trucks run set routes along the west coast for 30-50 THB. Taxis and tuk-tuks are more expensive, with rides often costing 400-800 THB between beaches. If renting a scooter, an international driving permit is technically required and helmet use is enforced.
Is Phuket suitable for families?
Phuket is excellent for families, especially Kata and Karon beaches which have gentler waves and more family-oriented accommodation. The Phuket Aquarium, Elephant sanctuaries, zip-lining parks, and ATV tours are popular family activities. Patong is more party-oriented and better suited to adults. Many resorts have kids' clubs and family pools.