Things to do and see in Phuket: Many people forget that Phuket Town, with its old town, is just a few kilometers from the beaches and coastline. With its Sino-Portuguese houses and other historical buildings, it's well worth a visit. However, Phuket's main attraction is the Big Buddha on a hill near Chalong. We visited it, of course, even though the construction of the complex housing the 45-meter-high statue is still underway, and enjoyed the breathtaking views of part of the island. At the bottom of the page, you'll also find a list of recommended tours, excursions, and activities you can do in or from Phuket. Click here to view them.

Sights in Phuket: Phuket Big Buddha (วัดพระใหญ่) My rating: 5/5 stars. The most famous landmark on Phuket Island. It's still quite new and under construction, but the main statue is already finished. The rest still needs to be built or completed. It will take years, but you can already visit it. From there, you have a magnificent view of the island and Chalong Bay. Phang Nga Bay (อ่าวพังงา) My rating: 5/5 stars. One of the most beautiful natural landscapes in Thailand with its limestone cliffs and mountains in the turquoise sea. The main attractions in the bay are the famous James Bond Island and Koh Panyee with its floating village. James Bond Island (เขาตะปู) My rating: 5/5 stars. The nail-shaped island in the sea has borne its name since its appearance in "The Man with the Golden Gun." Old Town (เมือง จังหวัดภูเก็ต) My rating: 5/5 stars. This historic district is home to many houses in the Sino-Portuguese style. A unique architectural style in Thailand, featuring many vibrant colors. An interesting and easy excursion to discover Phuket's history alongside its beaches and sea. Similan Islands (My rating: 5/5 stars) The Mu Ko Similan National Park consists of eleven islands and offers breathtaking seascapes and beaches, as well as some of the most beautiful snorkeling and diving spots in Thailand. Many local agencies in Phuket offer daily excursions to the Similan Islands. Koh Surin Islands (My rating: 5/5 stars) With their beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and snorkeling and diving spots that are among the best in Thailand, the Surin Islands are an absolute must-see during your stay in the region. However, please note that they are only open to the public for six months of the year. Koh Surin Islands My opinion: 5/5 With their beautiful white sand beaches, turquoise waters, snorkeling spots, and some of the best diving areas in Thailand, the Surin Islands are a must-see during your stay in the region. But be aware, they are only open to the public for six months of the year. Samet Nangshe Viewpoint My opinion: 5/5 The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint was discovered by a photographer looking for a dominant vantage point to photograph Phang Nga Bay. In just a few years, it has become one of the most popular attractions in the region. For one unique reason: The panorama is simply incredible! On Koh Yao Noi, you can stay in a tent, a simple bungalow, or a comfortable room. My rating: 5/5 stars. Koh Yao Noi is located about ten kilometers from Phuket and is a pretty little island that isn't yet overrun with tourists, boasting beautiful beaches and stunning views of Phang Nga Bay. Tourists particularly appreciate this destination for its tranquility and its still unspoiled, rural character. Be warned: Koh Yao Noi is definitely not for partygoers!

Other places worth seeing in Phuket: Koh Panyee Island (5 stars). The island and its mostly floating village are very touristy. They welcome all tourists visiting the bay and James Bond Island, but once the tourist crowds have left, it's a dreamy place. You can rent a bungalow and enjoy the unique atmosphere before and after the arrival of the large tourist groups. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (5 stars). This elephant sanctuary is one of the most respectful in Thailand. Here you can experience a wonderful encounter with elephants without unintentionally contributing to their mistreatment. This is one of the two elephant sanctuaries I recommend in Phuket. Promthep Cape (5 stars). At the southern end of Phuket, the area offers magnificent views of the Andaman Sea, especially worthwhile at sunset.

Other excursion tips in Phuket: Khao Phra Thaew Nature Reserve, Koh Phi Phi Islands, Surin, or the Similan Islands. Koh Phi Phi is best known for the film "The Beach." The island group is a popular diving destination and captivates visitors with its limestone cliffs, forests, and turquoise sea. The Similan Islands and Surin, located further north, are also interesting destinations and offer opportunities for relaxation. Wat Chalong is the most famous temple in Phuket.

Tours in and around Phuket: This selection includes tours, excursions, and activities in Phuket that I have personally tested or that have been tested by trusted individuals, as well as offers from agencies and websites known for their reliability and quality. Phuket: Local Cuisine – The Tastiest Culinary Adventure (English). This tour is ideal for anyone who loves to sample local specialties! You'll be taken to five authentic dishes that are guaranteed not to be found in tourist restaurants! Afterward, relax with a Thai massage and enjoy breathtaking views of Phuket to round off the day! Details & Booking. Day Trip to Racha Noi & Racha Yai Islands (English). Located 20 km south of Phuket, the Racha Islands provide a dreamy backdrop for this boat trip: crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and beautiful diving and snorkeling spots. Details & Booking. Phuket Splash Jungle Water Park (English). Large water park in Phuket. Discounted tickets. Details & Booking Phuket Temple Tour: Discover Thai and Chinese culture with a local expert (English-speaking tour). Experience the fascinating blend of Thai and Chinese culture on a tour of Phuket's most famous Thai and Chinese temples! And of course, you'll also enjoy delicious local specialties! Details & Booking Temples, Food & Viewpoints: One-day walking tour in Phuket! (English-speaking tour). Discover the city's main attractions, a fascinating mix of tradition and modernity! Visit temples with their impressive architecture, which are an important part of Thai culture, enjoy breathtaking views of this beautiful island, and relax on a beach! Details & Booking Racha (Raya) and Coral Island: Full-day speedboat excursion (English-speaking tour). You'll travel to Racha (Raya) Island, one of Phuket's most beautiful islands. It's the perfect choice for snorkeling in the beautiful, clear Andaman Sea. Second stop on Coral Island: Enjoy a Thai buffet lunch and relax on the white sandy beaches. Details & booking: Activities and excursions in Phuket

Excursions from Phuket Lemon Dives & Tour 1 Day in Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Koh Phi Phi islands from Phuket. You will visit the famous Maya Bay, the stunning Phi Leh Lagoon, the Viking Cave, and stop at Monkey Beach. Details & Booking Lemon Dives & Tour Day Trip James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay Spend the day in the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, one of Thailand's most stunning coastal locations. Admire the famous James Bond Island, take a canoe trip in a breathtaking setting, explore the mangroves, and visit a sea nomad village... Details & Booking Lemon Dives & Tour Day Trip to the Similan Islands Visit the Ko Similan Marine Park from Phuket and enjoy its idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, and snorkeling spots where you can swim among colorful fish. Details & Booking Lemon Dives & Tour Day Trip to the Surin Islands Visit Ko Surin National Park, one of Thailand's best snorkeling destinations. This 1-day tour from Phuket includes: Paradise beaches and snorkeling among coral reefs and colorful fish. Details & Booking: TakeMeTour (advertisement) Day trip to Koh Yao Noi from Phuket. I'll pick you up anywhere in Phuket and we'll travel in the morning by traditional longtail boat to Koh Yao Noi! Experience the best kayaking spots around the island or take a bike tour through the villages! Details & Booking

Other sights in Thailand: James Bond Island: This nail-shaped island in the sea owes its name to its appearance in the film "The Man with the Golden Gun." View details for James Bond Island. Khao Khanab Nam: These two mountain peaks, rising on either side of the Krabi River and visible from the town center, are among Krabi's most famous landmarks. They are only accessible by boat and are home to… View details for Khao Khanab Nam. Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri: This temple in town is partially situated on a hill. It is an important pilgrimage site and is particularly well-known in Thailand for the Tak Bat Thewo ceremony, which takes place at the end of the Buddhist Lenten season. Also… View details for Wat Sangkat Rattana Khiri. Krabi Town Walking Street Like all Walking Streets except the one in Pattaya, it is a large night market that takes place several times a week, and in Krabi on weekends, in some streets of the city that are closed to traffic for a few hours… arrow_circle_right Show details about Krabi Town Walking Street.