Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, home to around 450,000 residents and a steady stream of tourists. Sometimes, it feels like the polar opposite of an island paradise - especially when you’re stuck in traffic or sharing beaches with hundreds of people. However, there are still pockets of untouched beauty and authentic local life to be found here, whether its pristine palm-fringed beaches, bustling local markets or relaxed, boutique resorts.

Tourism started to boom in the 1980s, transforming the island from a tin-mining outpost and sleepy regional hub into one of the world’s most sought after destinations. The arrival of a new international terminal (T2) at Phuket Airport in 2016 only increased visitor numbers, to the point now where it’s reached a staggering 10-14 million visitors per year!

While there’s many downsides to the over-tourism in Phuket, especially during peak season, there are a few benefits to bear in mind. Phuket has the infrastructure - airport, road networks, hotels, restaurants, piers, boat tours, etc. - to serve as a base not only for its own attractions, but also as a jump-off point for the islands and sea excursions that sit offshore.

For us, this is the main appeal of Phuket. Flying direct from Bangkok is easy, renting scooters and exploring Phang Nga province is a breeze, and jumping on boat tours to beautiful places like the Similan Islands or Koh Yao Yai is well-organised. Additionally, Kat intuitively knows how to find the best local restaurants and street food stalls - showing Cam why Thai people consider Phuket to be one of the country’s top culinary destinations. Balancing tourist activities with a healthy dose of local life is always our approach.

And that’s the key to a great experience. Since it’s so large, you’ve really got to do your own research, follow the locals, get off the main drag, and discover the version of Phuket that feels right for you. Don’t fall into the trap of booking all-inclusive packages. Instead, go exploring, and you never know what you’ll find.

Things To Do in Phuket - Sunday Walking Market — *Sunday Market, Old Town, Phuket*

How We Like to Experience Phuket

Our favorite place to stay in Phuket is the Old Town. It has this seductive, charming vibe with enough local life to retreat from the swarm of tourists. In particular, we love the Sino-Portuguese architecture, quaint shops and restaurants, and the chaotic but always entertaining Sunday Market. A typical day for us starts with morning coffee in a cute little tucked-away cafe, followed by sunset drinks on a rooftop terrace, with plenty of scooter adventures in between.

Renting scooters in Phuket is not only fun, it’s essential. There’s no other practical or cheap way of venturing up and down the peninsula, or traveling further afield to places like Phang Nga Bay or Khao Lak in a day. We also highly recommend the boat tours in Phuket, with two of our favorites being the journeys we took to the Similan Islands and Surin Islands. They both made for long days, but we had some of our best experiences in all of Thailand there.

Utilizing the airport is another thing we quite like about Phuket (guilty pleasure). Yes, it’s busy, and isn’t exactly helping to reduce overcrowding, but it does make Phuket a convenient place to plug into a wider Thailand itinerary. For example, one of the best 2-week trips we’ve ever taken was flying to Koh Samui from Bangkok, exploring the Gulf Islands, then returning to the mainland via Khao Sok National Park, and finishing in Phuket (before flying home). It had everything: vibrant cities, serene islands, jungle adventures and more!

With that in mind, you’ll still want to allocate at least 3 or 4 days for Phuket because it offers an incredible variety of activities. One day for beach exploration, another to wander around the Old Town, a boat tour to the Similan Islands or scooter adventure to Phang Nga Bay, and a final day for the simple pleasures of food, markets and temples. Here’s our curated list of the best things to do in Phuket, no matter how long you’re staying for.

Things To Do in Phuket - Old Town Sino Portuguese Architecture — *Phuket Old Town*

Things To Do in Phuket - Old Town Sunday Market Live Music — *Live music at the Sunday Market, Old Town*

Things To Do in Phuket - Similan Islands Boat Tour — *Boat tour to the Similan Islands*

Things To Do in Phuket - Phang Nga Bay — *Phang Nga Bay*

20 Best Things To Do in Phuket

1. Spend the Day at Phuket Old Town

There’s a lot to see and do in the Old Town, which is why we recommend a full day here. If you can time it with the Sunday Market, you’ll have a wonderful time. You could easily spend a morning wandering around the pastel facades of Thalang Road, taking photos and stopping for coffee. Having lunch here is a no-brainer, as the Old Town is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, offering all sorts of food that combines Southern Thai, Chinese Hokkien and Peranakan styles.

Afternoons could be dedicated to street art hunting, museums/cultural sites, and a relaxing Thai massage. If you can make it, the Lard Yai Sunday Market starts at 4:00 PM every Sunday - meaning more food, a bit of shopping and some live music. Nights are made for cocktails in old Portuguese shophouses, jazz music, and maybe a spot of ice cream.

Things To Do in Phuket - Exploring the Old Town — *Exploring Phuket Old Town*

Things To Do in Phuket - Old Town Street Art — *Old Town street art*

Things To Do in Phuket - Old Town Bars — *Cool little bars of Phuket Old Town*

Things To Do in Phuket - Old Town Sunday Market — *Bustling Sunday Market, Old Town*

2. Book a Boat Tour to the Similan Islands

The Similan Islands are among some of the most beautiful islands we’ve ever seen in Thailand. What’s not to love about white sand beaches, unbelievably blue waters, dramatic granite boulders and colorful coral reefs? Well, the only catch is that you have to share it all with an increasing number of tourists. The good news is that the Thai government has capped the number of daily visitors, so the crowds are still manageable for most people.

On the tour we took with Love Andaman, we enjoyed an action-packed day. We arrived at Donald Duck Bay and spent an hour walking on the whitest sand we’ve ever seen, swimming in impossibly clear waters and hiking up to Sail Rock to take iconic photos of the beach. You typically get an hour dedicated to this famous beach, plus get to go snorkeling, and relax and have lunch on a few other spectacular islands.

In our opinion, you should definitely book this tour! Love Andaman knows what they’re doing: the day runs smoothly, the guides are affable and knowledgeable, and all the essentials are provided like snorkeling gear. It’s no doubt a long day, with an early morning van pick-up and transfer to the pier in Khao Lak, but it’s absolutely worth doing. One important note: the national park is closed from May 16 - October 15. Outside of those dates, she’s good to go.

Things To Do in Phuket - Similan Islands — *Similan Islands*

Things To Do in Phuket - Similan Islands Beach — *Stunning waters of the Similan Islands*

Things To Do in Phuket - Similan Islands Granite Boulders — *Granite boulders of the Similan Islands*

3. Discover the Surin Islands (Hidden Gem)

The Surin Islands are a true hidden gem of the Andaman Sea. A boat tour here brings you to rugged, untouched beaches, turquoise waters and some of Thailand’s healthiest corals - making it an excellent choice for snorkelers and nature-lovers who want to enjoy paradise without the crowds.

The highlight of our trip, also booked with Love Andaman, was getting the opportunity to visit the Moken Village. You get to walk through the community, see the traditional stilted homes and learn all about their unique seafaring way of life. Local villagers sell handmade jewellery and simple crafts, and we were happy to support them through our small purchases.

This is a much more “off-the-beaten-path” day trip, although it comes at a cost: the boat journey there takes 2 hours one way! This means 4 hours of boat rides, plus the 4 hours of total travel time from Phuket to the pier (and back). Half the day is literally spent traveling. We arrived back at our hotel at 10:00 PM, which was a bit of a shock, but luckily we had nothing planned the next day apart from some much-needed R&R.

Things To Do in Phuket - Surin Islands Trip — *Boat trip to the Surin Islands*

Things To Do in Phuket - Surin Islands Beach — *Unique rock formations, Surin Islands*

Things To Do in Phuket - Surin Islands Moken Village — *Moken village, Surin Islands*

4. Ride Scooters to Phang Nga Bay

One of the most memorable days we’ve spent in Phuket was when we set off on our scooters to Phang Nga Bay. We did some research online and discovered a pier with direct longtail boat access to Ko Panyi, a unique floating village. So we headed there first, bartered for a fair price at the pier and eventually started making our way through the winding mangroves. We enjoyed a good few hours at the village, wandering around the maze of narrow alleyways, having a seafood lunch and just admiring the limestone karsts surrounding us.

Next on our Phang Nga bucket-list was Samet Nangshe Viewpoint, known for its stunning lookouts over the bay. Just around the corner sits Bay View Cafe as well, so we decided to visit both at the same time. If you have to choose between the two, definitely go with Bay View Cafe - you’re up higher and the views are more panoramic. We stopped here for a while before sunset, relaxing over drinks and taking way too many photos! These three places, plus the amazing ride back to Phuket at golden hour, made for a magical day.

Things To Do in Phuket - Ko Panyi Drone Shot — *Ko Panyi*

Things To Do in Phuket - Ko Panyi — *Ko Panyi*

Things To Do in Phuket - Ko Panyi School — *School at Ko Panyi*

Things To Do in Phuket - Phang Nga Bay Viewpoint — *Viewpoints of Phang Nga Bay*

Things To Do in Phuket - Samet Nangshe Viewpoint — *Bay View Cafe at Samet Nangshe Boutique*

5. Relax at the Secluded Banana Beach

Banana Beach is tucked away between Layan and Nai Thon beaches on the northwest coast of Phuket island. Its under-the-radar status means it only attracts a modest number of visitors every day, making it a great alternative to the busier Karon, Kata or Patong beaches.

Getting there requires parking your scooter on the road above and walking down a steep, hillside path until the small crescent-shaped shoreline comes into view. We enjoyed a lovely little morning here: relaxing in the sheltered bay, swimming in the calm waters and having an awesome fried-fish lunch at the beach shack.

Things To Do in Phuket - Banana Beach Sign — *Banana Beach sign*

Things To Do in Phuket - Banana Beach — *Banana Beach, Phuket*

Things To Do in Phuket - Banana Beach Fish Lunch — *Fish lunch at Banana Beach*

6. Check Out the Views from the Big Buddha

Standing 45-meters tall on a hilltop above Chalong, the marble-white statue known as “the Big Buddha” can be spotted from various different points in Phuket - making it one of the most easily recognisable temples on the island. It is officially called Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, acting as an important spiritual site for Phuket locals. But for travelers, the temple is mainly considered a panoramic viewpoint. From the terraces at the top, you’re afforded incredible views over the sea, Kata Bay and the island’s lush interior.

Things To Do in Phuket - Big Buddha — *Big Buddha, Phuket*

Things To Do in Phuket - The Big Buddha — *Worshippers at Big Buddha*

Things To Do in Phuket - Big Buddha View — *Views from the Big Buddha*

7. Visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s Most Revered Temple

If you want to experience the most locally revered temple in Phuket, then head to Wat Chalong. It’s considered the main spiritual centre of the island with long historical connections, revered monk statues (notably: Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang who played key roles in Phuket’s history), and it even houses a sacred Buddha bone relic. The temple complex is beautifully maintained, characterised by its white and gold chedis and intricate murals. On your visit, be sure to respect the dress code and give worshippers space.

Things To Do in Phuket - Wat Chalong — *Wat Chalong, Phuket*

8. Stop By Bangla Road & Patong Beach

Bangla Road, by Patong Beach, is where you’ll find some of the wildest parties in Thailand. It’s certainly not our favorite part of Phuket but it does guarantee one thing: a night out with lots of stories to tell the next morning. Wander down Bangla Road, a pedestrian-only street at night, and you’ll stumble upon everything from cocktail lounges and live music bars, to pumping nightclubs and even cabaret shows! You could make it a day of it by visiting Patong Beach beforehand, relaxing on sun loungers and enjoying some water-sports. For many, this is the Phuket they’ve heard about: loud, chaotic and high-energy.

Things To Do in Phuket - Patong Beach — *Bangla Road, Patong Beach*

9. Enjoy a Laidback Day at Kamala Beach

Kamala Beach is another one of Phuket’s most popular beaches. Once a “hidden gem”, it has become busier in recent years due to the establishment of beach clubs like Cafe del Mar, which opened its doors in 2018. That being said, there are still quieter and more mellow sides, spots where couples and families can enjoy a slower pace. Besides the beach clubs, the best things to do at Kamala are to swim, sunbathe, have lunch at one of the casual restaurants and unwind at a massage hut, making it a nice place to spend the day.

Things To Do in Phuket - Kamala Beach — *Kamala Beach, Phuket*

10. Go Snorkeling at Coral Island (Koh Hae)

Coral Island, known locally as Koh Hae, is one of the easiest day trips you can take from Phuket, just a short 15-25 minute speedboat ride away. The island is undeniably beautiful, but it’s definitely a tourist destination with sun loungers and water-sport activities offered on Long Beach. Banana Beach is the more relaxed area, famous for its paradisiacal turquoise waters and palm trees. Coral Island got its name from the colorful coral reefs that fringe the shoreline - creating easy-to-access, shallow snorkeling spots. If you’re a family with young kids or just a casual snorkeler, you’ll love this place!

11. Do the Phi Phi & Maya Bay Boat Tour

If you’re not planning on staying in Koh Phi Phi, but would love to tick Maya Bay off your bucket list, then the Phi Phi & Maya Bay boat tour from Phuket is a fantastic option. It’s only 45-60 minutes via speedboat and the day is full of adventure. Most tours include snorkeling and swimming time at Pileh Lagoon plus a full visit to Maya Bay, known for its massive limestone cliffs that surround the beach like a natural amphitheatre. Just note: Maya Bay is heavily regulated nowadays which means no swimming and no direct boat access (you arrive at a pier and take a wooden walkway). But you can still dip your feet in and admire the stunning views.

Things To Do in Phuket - Maya Bay Tour — *Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands*

Things To Do in Phuket - Maya Bay — *Enjoying Maya Bay*

Things To Do in Phuket - Phi Phi Islands Tour — *Swimming spots on the Maya Bay boat tour*

12. Pass the Day at a Beach Club

If you want to “while the day away” - with nothing on the agenda apart from lounging, swimming, eating and drinking - then Phuket’s beach clubs are a solid option. Catch Beach Club is one of the most popular spots, with daybeds right by the sea and banging DJ sets that go well into the evening. For something quieter, Carpe Diem is a good choice. Here, it's all about the food, rather than partying, with a stylish design and acclaimed Mediterranean menu. There's also The Lazy Coconut, sitting right on Bang Tao Beach, which encourages a more "barefoot" atmosphere.

13. Take a Muay Thai Boxing Class

Something we notice every time we go to Phuket is how full the Muay Thai gyms are with foreigners and digital nomads. Whether it’s serious training or just casual sessions, people seem to love the idea of doing a bit of exercise on their vacations! Phuket is easily one of the best places in the country to try a class, learn some moves and get fit.

Tiger Muay Thai is the most recognisable camp, situated in an area called the “fitness street” of Chalong. They are so serious about training that they offer accommodation and healthy eating plans, in combination with group and private classes. Sinbi Muay Thai, in Rawai, is ideal for those who want to practice their pad work in a more local setting. While Sutai Muay Thai, close to Bang Tao Beach, has smaller classes and a more boutique gym feel.

14. Stay Overnight on Koh Yao Yai

Koh Yao Yai is a different world to Phuket, even though it’s only a short longtail or speedboat ride away. It’s home to sleepy beaches, rolling coconut groves, winding village roads and small seafood restaurants. Visiting for the day is great, but staying overnight really allows you to settle into the quieter pace of life here. One of the best places to book is Santhiya Koh Yao Yai Resort & Spa - the views alone make it worthwhile! Many visitors choose to spend their time riding scooters along the coastline, stopping off at random beaches, piers, villages and cafes along the way, with the highlight being the sandbar at Laem Had Beach.

Things To Do in Phuket - Ko Yao Yai — *Ko Yao Yai*

15. Get a Thai Massage in Phuket

After days of adventure, whether it be long boat tours, scooter rides or beach-hopping trips, nothing quite soothes the body and mind like a massage. There’s no shortage of options in Phuket - you’ll find simple street parlors and luxury wellness spas around every corner. There’s no right or wrong answer, just head inside, choose your style (we always go for the traditional Thai massage) and let your worries slip away.

16. See Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Gone are the days when riding elephants or making them perform was acceptable practice in Thailand. These days, people want to visit ethical places where the gentle giants can roam around their natural habitat, free to forage and bathe as they please. One organisation that ticks all of these boxes and more is Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. They take visitors on guided, educational walks to see the retired working elephants in a protected forested area.

17. Swim & Sunbathe at Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach is a little slice of paradise located just south of Patong. It’s generally quiet, but can get busy from December through to February, so come early in the morning during this period, before the longtail boats start pulling in. There’s two ways to get here: either attempt the walk down a challenging, steep path or take a longtail. Upon arrival, you’re greeted to turquoise waters, white sand, and a peaceful cove framed by palm trees and lush hills.

Things To Do in Phuket - Freedom Beach — *Freedom Beach, Phuket*

18. Watch the Sunset at Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape, at the very southern tip of the island, is a gorgeous spot to catch the sunset. The cape juts out into the Andaman with nothing but sea, horizon and a few small islets in the distance. Make sure you arrive a good few hours before sunset. This is for two reasons: 1) to secure a parking space (it can fill up quickly) and 2) to see the sky change color from fiery orange to deep purple.

Things To Do in Phuket - Phromthep Cape — *Phromthep Cape, Phuket*

19. Eat at the Best Local Restaurants

Two of the most critically-acclaimed restaurants in Phuket are One Chun Cafe & Restaurant and Tu Kab Khao. The former does a Michelin-level crab curry and moo hong (braised pork), while the latter plates beautifully presented southern Thai dishes. Combine a few of these hotspots with random street encounters, and you'll be set for a unique culinary journey.

The best foodie experiences we’ve had in Phuket have come from wandering the back roads somewhere and finding a little neighborhood eatery. Without another tourist in sight, we sit on plastic chairs, order cold beers and feast on a colorful array of different dishes - with Kat always ordering “Thai spicy” which sometimes leaves Cam struggling a bit!

Things To Do in Phuket - Street Food — *Street food in Phuket*

20. Snap Photos of Karon Viewpoint

Karon Viewpoint, or “Three Beaches Viewpoint”, offers a nice little view of (you guessed it) three beaches: Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches. Riding there is easy, so is parking your scooter and walking the path to the lookout. It’s an effortless trip, easily included in a day of beach-hopping.

Things To Do in Phuket - Karon Viewpoint — *Karon Viewpoint*

Where to Stay in Phuket

Choosing where to stay in Phuket can be overwhelming. There are endless possibilities, from the color and charm of the Old Town to the serenity of the northern end of Bang Tao Beach. You can go budget in a backpackers, have a comfortable stay in a mid-range hotel, or indulge in a luxury beachfront resort. Below are some of the best options, no matter your travel style:

Backpacker - Mad Monkey Hostel Phuket (Patong) - This is a great place to meet other travelers, join pub crawls and parties, and partake in the daily events offered by the hostel. Mad Monkey has stellar reviews on Hostelworld, clean dorms and a superb location just a 5-minute walk to Patong Beach.

Mid-Range - The Memory at On On Hotel (Old Town) - A fantastic choice if you’re seeking affordable rates, an unbeatable central Old Town location and a heritage style. The character-filled rooms and relaxed atmosphere, just steps away from food, markets, and bustling streets makes this one of the best mid-range hotels in Phuket.
Mid-Range - Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel - SHA Plus (Old Town) - Set inside a restored Sino-Portuguese building, Casa Blanca offers stylish rooms, a small pool and a super convenient location in the heart of the Old Town.
Luxury - Banyan Tree Phuket (Bang Tao) - Banyan Tree is synonymous with luxury in Thailand, and this world-class resort offers all the indulgency you’d expect with the brand: villas with their own private pools, a spa offering massages and yoga classes, tennis courts, and private access to Bang Tao Beach.

When to Visit Phuket

Phuket is a tropical destination with two main seasons. The best time to visit really depends on the type of trip you’re after. The most reliable weather - think clear skies, calm seas and warm days - runs from December to March. This is peak season, so the beaches and boat tours can get very busy. But if you don’t mind the lively atmosphere, it’s a great time to go.

For savvy travelers, the sweet spot tends to be the shoulder season of November and April. November is the start of the dry period, without the crazy crowds. April is also less crowded, however the heat does really ramp up. When we spent a week here in April, the humidity was repressive, making day trips up to the Big Buddha (for example) hard to handle.

The rainy season, May to October, brings more rainfall although it mostly arrives in short downpours. Everything from accommodation to tours are discounted, providing incentive for visitors to stay longer and be more flexible with their travel plans. Just know that ferry and boat trips can be rescheduled due to choppy sea conditions.

Things To Do in Phuket - Phang Nga Bay Longtail Trip — *Longtail to Ko Panyi*

Final Thoughts on Phuket

Phuket is a place we’ll continue to visit well into the future. We’re constantly hearing about exciting new places and experiences to add to our bucket-list. Like Bangkok, Phuket is in constant evolution and each return trip feels like we’re discovering a new side to the island. If you can limit your exposure to over-tourism and dig a bit deeper into local life, you’ll be generously rewarded. For those who are weighing up the options of Phuket and Krabi (two quite similar places), feel free to read our Krabi travel guide which highlights some of the best experiences for first-time visitors.

20 Best Things To Do in Phuket: Skip the Tourist Traps