Phuket is Thailand's largest island and home to around 450,000 inhabitants and a steady stream of tourists. At times, it feels like the antithesis of an island paradise – especially when stuck in traffic or sharing beaches with hundreds of other people. Nevertheless, unspoiled nature and authentic local life can still be found here, whether on pristine, palm-fringed beaches, in bustling markets, or in relaxed boutique resorts.
Tourism boomed in the 1980s, transforming the island from a tin-mining outpost and sleepy regional center into one of the world's most sought-after destinations. The opening of the new international terminal (T2) at the airport in 2016 further boosted visitor numbers, which now reach an incredible 10 to 14 million visitors per year!
Of course, mass tourism in Phuket (especially during peak season) has many disadvantages, but there are also some advantages. Phuket has the necessary infrastructure – airport, road network, hotels, restaurants, piers, boat tours, etc. – to serve not only as a base for exploring its own attractions, but also as an ideal starting point for excursions and island-hopping tours off the coast.
For us, that's the main appeal of Phuket. Direct flights from Bangkok are straightforward, renting scooters and motorbikes and exploring the Phang Nga province is a breeze, and boat trips to beautiful places like the Similan Islands or Koh Yao Yai are superbly organized. Plus, Kat has a knack for finding the best restaurants and street food stalls – and shows Cam why Phuket is one of Thailand's top culinary destinations. Our motto is always to combine tourist activities with an authentic glimpse into local life.
Since Phuket is so large, you should definitely do your own research, follow the locals' lead, venture off the beaten track, and discover the island that appeals to you most. Avoid booking all-inclusive packages. Instead, go exploring – you'll be amazed at what you discover.
Sunday market, Old Town, Phuket
This is how we experience Phuket
Our favorite place to stay in Phuket is the Old Town. It exudes a captivating charm and offers enough local life to escape the tourist crowds. We are particularly taken with the Sino-Portuguese architecture, the quaint shops and restaurants, and the chaotic but always entertaining Sunday market. A typical day for us begins with a morning coffee in a cozy little café, followed by a sundowner on a rooftop terrace – and, of course, plenty of scooter adventures in between.
Renting a scooter or motorbike in Phuket isn't just a pleasure, it's essential. There's no other practical and affordable way to explore the peninsula or visit more distant destinations like Phang Nga Bay in a single day. We also highly recommend the boat tours in Phuket. We particularly enjoyed the trips to the Similan and Surin Islands. While both tours were long, they provided us with some of our most memorable experiences in all of Thailand.
Using the airport is another thing we really appreciate about Phuket (admittedly, it's a bit of a chore). Yes, it's bustling, and the crowds don't exactly help, but this makes Phuket an ideal base for a longer trip through Thailand. For example, one of our best two-week trips was flying from Bangkok to Koh Samui, where we explored the Gulf islands, then back to the mainland via Khao Sok National Park, and finally back to Phuket (before flying home). It had everything: vibrant cities, idyllic islands, jungle adventures, and much more!
Therefore, you should plan at least three to four days for Phuket, as the island offers an incredible variety of activities. Spend one day at the beach, another in the old town, take a boat trip to the Similan Islands or a scooter ride to Phang Nga Bay, and enjoy the culinary delights, markets, and temples on your last day. Here is our personal list of the best things to do in Phuket – no matter how long you stay.
Live music at the Sunday market in the old town
Boat tour to the Similan Islands
20 Top Things to Do in Phuket
1. Spend the day in Phuket's Old Town.
There's so much to see and do in the Old City that we recommend setting aside a whole day for it. If you can combine your visit with the Sunday market, you'll have a wonderful time. You can easily spend a morning strolling along the pastel-colored facades of Thalang Road, taking photos, and enjoying a coffee break. Lunch here is an absolute must, as the Old City is a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy and offers a wide variety of dishes that blend southern Thai, Chinese, Hokkien, and Peranakan cuisine.
In the afternoon, you can explore street art, visit museums and cultural sites, or enjoy a relaxing Thai massage. If possible, visit the Lard Yai Sunday Market, which starts every Sunday at 4:00 PM – there you'll find more culinary delights, a bit of shopping, and live music. In the evening, cocktails in traditional Portuguese shophouses, jazz music, and perhaps an ice cream await you.
Read more: Phuket Old Town: 10 top activities, sights & culinary highlights
Exploring the Old Town of Phuket
Cozy little bars in Phuket's old town
2. Book a boat tour to the Similan Islands
The Similan Islands are among the most beautiful islands in Thailand. White sandy beaches, azure waters, imposing granite cliffs, and vibrant coral reefs – what could be better? The only catch: you have to share it all with ever-increasing numbers of tourists. The good news: the Thai government has limited the number of visitors per day, so it's still manageable for most.
Our tour with Love Andaman was an unforgettable day. We arrived at Donald Duck Bay and spent an hour strolling along the whitest sand beach we've ever seen. We swam in the crystal-clear water and hiked up to Sail Rock to take the iconic beach photos. Normally, you have an hour to explore this beach, go snorkeling, and relax and have lunch on some of the other beautiful islands.
In our opinion, you absolutely should book this tour! Love Andaman knows what they're doing: the day runs smoothly, the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, and everything you need, such as snorkeling equipment, is provided. It is a long day with the early morning pickup and transfer to the pier in Khao Lak, but it's absolutely worth it. Important: The national park is closed from May 16th to October 15th. Outside of this period, the tour is easily arranged.
Read more: Similan Islands travel guide: beaches, snorkeling & tours
Breathtaking waters of the Similan Islands
Granite blocks of the Similan Islands
3. Discover the Surin Islands (Hidden Gem)
The Surin Islands are a true hidden gem in the Andaman Sea. A boat trip will take you to rugged, pristine beaches, turquoise waters, and some of Thailand's healthiest coral reefs – an ideal destination for snorkelers and nature lovers who want to enjoy paradise away from the crowds.
The highlight of our trip, which we also booked through Love Andaman, was visiting the Moken village. You can stroll through the village, see the traditional stilt houses, and learn all about their unique way of life as seafarers. The villagers sell handmade jewelry and simple crafts, and we were happy to support them with our small purchases.
This day trip is significantly less touristy, but it comes at a price: the boat trip takes two hours each way! That means four hours on the boat plus the four-hour journey from Phuket to the pier (and back). So we spent half the day getting there. We were back at the hotel by 10:00 PM, which surprised us a bit, but luckily we hadn't planned anything for the next day except some much-needed rest.
Read more: Surin Islands: Getting there from Phuket or Khao Lak
Boat trip to the Surin Islands
Unique rock formations, Surin Islands
Moken village, Surin Islands
4. Take a scooter or motorcycle to Phang Nga Bay
One of our best days in Phuket was our scooter trip to Phang Nga Bay. We had done some research beforehand and found a dock with longtail boats to Ko Panyi. So we went there first, negotiated a fair price at the dock, and finally set off through the winding mangroves. We spent a few wonderful hours in the floating village, strolling through the labyrinth of narrow alleyways, eating seafood for lunch, and simply admiring the limestone formations that surrounded us.
Next on our Phang Nga bucket list was Samet Nangshe viewpoint, known for its breathtaking views across the bay. The Bay View Cafe is just around the corner, so we decided to visit both at the same time. If you have to choose between the two, definitely go for the Bay View Cafe – it's higher up and offers a better panoramic view. We stopped there for a while before sunset, relaxing with drinks and taking countless photos! These three places, along with the fantastic drive back to Phuket during the golden hour, made it an unforgettable day.
Read more: Phang Nga Bay: The perfect day trip from Phuket
Viewpoints of Phang Nga Bay
Bay View Cafe in Samet Nangshe Boutique
5. Relax at the secluded Banana Beach
Banana Beach is tucked away between Layan and Nai Thon beaches on Phuket's northwest coast. As it's still a hidden gem, it attracts only a few visitors each day, making it a great alternative to the busier beaches of Karon, Kata, or Patong. We spent a wonderful morning here: relaxing in the sheltered bay, swimming in the calm water, and enjoying a delicious lunch of fried fish at a beach bar.
Fish dishes at Banana Beach
6. Enjoy the view from the Great Buddha.
The 45-meter-high, white marble statue, known as the "Great Buddha," sits atop a hill overlooking Chalong and is visible from various points in Phuket, making it one of the island's most famous temples. Officially named Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, it is an important spiritual site for locals. For travelers, however, the temple is primarily a popular viewpoint. From the terraces at the summit, there are breathtaking views of the sea, Kata Bay, and the lush interior of the island.
Believers at the Great Buddha
Views of the Great Buddha
7. Visit Wat Chalong, Phuket's most revered temple
If you'd like to visit the most revered temple in Phuket, Wat Chalong is the place to go. Considered the island's most important spiritual center, it boasts a long and rich history. Here you'll find revered statues of monks (especially Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang, who played a pivotal role in Phuket's history). Even a sacred Buddha bone relic is kept here. The temple complex is beautifully preserved, featuring white and gold chedis and intricate murals. Please be mindful of the dress code and maintain a respectful distance from worshippers during your visit.
8. Take a side trip to Bangla Road and Patong Beach.
Bangla Road by Patong Beach is known for its lively parties. While it's not one of our favorite areas in Phuket, one thing is for sure: it's an unforgettable night with plenty of stories to tell the next morning. Stroll along Bangla Road, a pedestrian zone, and discover everything from cocktail bars and live music lounges to vibrant nightclubs and cabaret shows! You can also combine the day with a visit to Patong Beach, relaxing on sun loungers and enjoying some water sports beforehand. For many, this is the Phuket they've heard about: loud, chaotic, and full of energy.
Bangla Road, Patong Beach
9. Enjoy a relaxing day at Kamala Beach
Kamala Beach is one of Phuket's most popular beaches. Once a hidden gem, it has become significantly more lively in recent years with the opening of beach clubs like Café del Mar (2018). Nevertheless, quieter spots remain where couples and families can relax. Besides the beach clubs, swimming, sunbathing, lunch at one of the cozy restaurants, and a relaxing massage in one of the massage huts are among the most enjoyable activities in Kamala – making it an ideal place to spend a day.
10. Snorkel at the coral island (Koh Hae)
Coral Island, also known as Koh Hae, is one of the easiest day trips from Phuket, just a 25-minute speedboat ride away. The island is undeniably beautiful, but also a typical tourist destination with sun loungers and water sports on Long Beach. Banana Beach, on the other hand, is much quieter and famous for its idyllic turquoise waters and palm trees. Coral Island gets its name from the vibrant coral reefs that fringe the coastline, providing easily accessible, shallow snorkeling spots. Whether you're a family with young children or a casual snorkeler, this place will captivate you!
11. Take the boat tour to Phi Phi and Maya Bay
If you don't want to stay overnight on Koh Phi Phi but are keen to visit Maya Bay, a boat tour from Phuket to Phi Phi and Maya Bay is a fantastic option. The speedboat ride takes only 60 minutes and promises an exciting day out. Most tours include Maya Bay and also stop at Pileh Lagoon for snorkeling and swimming. However, please note that strict rules are now in place at Maya Bay: swimming and landing on the beach with the boat are not permitted (access is via a jetty and a jungle trail on the back side of the island). You can still dip your toes in the water, though, and enjoy the spectacular views of the limestone cliffs.
Read more: 20 top activities on Koh Phi Phi (Beyond Maya Bay)
Maya Bay, Phi Phi Islands
Swimming spots during the boat tour through Maya Bay
12. Spend the day at a beach club
For those who simply want to while away the day and relax – lounging, swimming, eating, and drinking – Phuket's beach clubs are the perfect place. Catch Beach Club is one of the most popular spots, with sun loungers right on the beach and exciting DJ sets that last until late into the evening. The Lazy Coconut, located directly on Bang Tao Beach, is also highly recommended, where you can stroll around barefoot in complete relaxation.
13. Take a Muay Thai boxing class.
Phuket is undoubtedly one of the best places in the country to take a course, learn new techniques, and get in shape. Tiger Muay Thai is the most well-known camp and is located in Chalong, the so-called "Fitness Street." Here, training is taken so seriously that in addition to group and private lessons, accommodation and healthy meals are also offered. Sinbi Muay Thai in Rawai is ideal for those who want to train in a more authentic environment. Sutai Muay Thai, near Bang Tao Beach, offers smaller classes and a more exclusive studio atmosphere.
14th overnight stay on Koh Yao Yai
One of the best hotels on Koh Yao Yai is the Santhiya Resort & Spa – the view alone is worth the trip! Besides relaxing at the resorts, many visitors enjoy spending their time riding scooters along the coast, stopping at various beaches, piers, villages, and cafes. A definite highlight is the sandbar at Laem Haad Beach.
15. Treat yourself to a Thai massage in Phuket
After an eventful day, whether it's an extended boat trip, a scooter ride, or beach hopping, there's nothing more relaxing for body and mind than a massage. In Phuket, you're spoiled for choice – from simple massage parlors on every corner to luxurious wellness spas, there's something for everyone. There's no right or wrong here; just go in, choose your massage style (we always prefer traditional Thai massage), and leave the everyday world behind.
16. Visit elephants at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Gone are the days when elephant riding and shows were accepted in Thailand. Today, visitors seek ethically sound places where these gentle giants can roam freely in their natural habitat, foraging and bathing as they please. One organization that meets all these criteria and more is the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. There, visitors are taken on guided, educational walks to observe retired working elephants in a protected forest area.
17. Swimming and sunbathing at Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is a little paradise south of Patong. It's usually quiet, but it can get a bit crowded from December to February, so arrive early in the morning before the longtail boats arrive. There are two ways to reach the beach: either on foot down the steep jungle path or by longtail boat. Once there, you'll be greeted by turquoise waters, white sand, and a peaceful bay framed by palm trees and lush hills.
18. Enjoy the sunset at Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape, at the southernmost tip of the island, is a dreamy spot to enjoy the sunset. The cape juts far out into the Andaman Sea, surrounded by nothing but ocean, horizon, and a few small islands in the distance. Be sure to arrive a few hours before sunset. There are two reasons for this: 1) to secure a parking spot (they fill up quickly) and 2) to witness the sky transform from fiery orange to a deep purple.
19. Eat at the best local restaurants
Two of the most renowned restaurants in Phuket are One Chun Cafe & Restaurant and Tu Kab Khao. The former serves crab curry and moo hong (braised pork) at a Michelin-star level, while the latter offers beautifully presented southern Thai dishes. However, our best culinary experiences in Phuket came when we discovered small, off-the-beaten-path eateries in the neighborhood. With not a tourist in sight, we sat on plastic chairs, ordered cold beers, and feasted on a colorful array of dishes – Kat always ordered her food spicy, which sometimes caused Cam some trouble!
20. Take photos from the Karon viewpoint.
The Karon Viewpoint, also known as the "Three Beaches Viewpoint," offers a beautiful view of three beaches: Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon. Getting there is easy, as is parking your scooter and walking to the viewpoint. A relaxing excursion that fits perfectly into a beach visit.
Accommodation in Phuket
Phuket offers countless options – from the colorful and charming Old Town to the tranquility of the northern end of Bang Tao Beach. You can stay in a budget-friendly hostel, enjoy a comfortable stay in a mid-range hotel, or pamper yourself at a luxurious beach resort. Below are some of the best options, whatever your travel style:
When is the best time to travel to Phuket?
Phuket is a tropical destination with two main seasons. The most consistently good weather – clear skies, calm seas, and warm days – prevails from December to March. This is the peak tourist season, so beaches and boat tours book up quickly. The months before and after, November and April, also offer fantastic conditions for a stay in Phuket.
November marks the beginning of the dry season, when it's not as crowded as usual. April is also less busy, but the heat increases significantly. When we spent a week there in April, the humidity was oppressive, making day trips, for example to the Big Buddha, almost unbearable.
The rainy season, from May to October, brings more rainfall, though it usually comes in the form of short showers. Discounts are often available on everything from accommodation to tours, encouraging visitors to stay longer and make their travel plans more flexible. However, be aware that ferry and boat trips may be delayed due to rough seas.
More information: Thailand's new visa regulations: How to stay for 60–90 days
Final thoughts on Phuket
Phuket is a place we'll definitely be returning to. We constantly hear about exciting new places and experiences that we're eager to try. Like Bangkok, Phuket is constantly evolving, and with each visit, we discover a new side of the island. Those who escape the crowds and immerse themselves in local life will be richly rewarded. If you're torn between Phuket and Krabi (two quite similar destinations), we recommend our Krabi travel guide with tips for first-time visitors.
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