Uncover the most amazing things to do in Phuket for the ultimate holiday in Thailand.
Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. Lusted after for its breathtaking beaches, rich history, welcoming locals, and dramatic landscapes it is easily one of the most diverse places you will ever visit. One of the most popular places to visit in Thailand for a beach-filled holiday is Phuket, the country’s biggest island located in Southern Thailand. It is the perfect place to visit if you want to be close to all the best attractions, beaches, and cultural attractions in Thailand.
Below are the 18 best things to do in Phuket.
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18 Amazing Things to do in Phuket
Swim at Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is a secluded and beautiful beach located in Phuket. This paradise-like beach is complete with white sand, bright blue waters, and stunning scenery. Heading here is one of the best things to do in Phuket for snorkeling, swimming, and soaking in the tranquil beauty of Thailand. You can reach it by taking a long-tail boat or hiking down the steep cliffs.
Note: This beach is privately owned and costs 200 baht (at the time of writing this) to enjoy.
Marvel at Similan Island
The Similan Islands are a stunning archipelago in Thailand just north of Phuket. The beautiful and unique rock formations are one of the main draws to visiting Similan Island. They look similar to those of Seychelles and at first glance, you may think this is the Seychelles, but it is indeed Thailand. Heading here is one of the best things to do in Phuket for soaking in some of the most ethereal beachy beauty of the region.
Explore Phuket Town
Phuket Town is the capital “city” of Phuket Island. Visit here is one of the top things to do in Phuket to see and experience a more cultural side of the island. Phuket is more than just beaches and islands it also has a rich history and Phuket Town is the perfect place to experience it. Here you will find 19th-century shophouses in colorful hues, local restaurants, and more!
Climb the Big Buddha
The Phuket Big Buddha is one of the most popular cultural hotspots to visit in Phuket. This giant Buddhist temple is located in Karon and offers 360-degree views of the southern part of Phuket. It is 45 meters of white marble and is free to see and admire! Opening hours are from 8 AM – 6 PM.
Spend a Day at Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is one of the most beautiful, spacious, and easily accessible beaches in Phuket. This beach has a more relaxed, laid-back vibe located in a small village full of local shops and restaurants. Heading here for a beach day is one of the best things to do in Phuket to relax on the fine white sand and swim in the clear blue water. This beach is also home to one of the best hotels in Phuket – The Nai Harn.
Day Trip to Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is one of the most famous and breathtaking places in Thailand. Located a short distance from Phuket it is the perfect day trip to see and experience the most dramatic landscapes and beautiful beaches in the country. This is also where you will find the iconic James Bond Island.
Eat Delicious Thai Food
Thai food is one of the best cultural cuisines in the world. There is so much diversity and famous dishes that are mouthwatering and even more delicious when made in their home country. With so many options find a few restaurants, or even better a street market with stands run by locals, and get eating!
Take a Thai Cooking Class
Go beyond eating amazing Thai food and learn how to cook it. Bring the delicious flavors and dishes home by taking part in a Thai cooking class! Below are some great options you can book and plan for.
Enjoy Sunset Drinks
The sunsets from Phuket’s west coast are unreal. All along the coast there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy mother natures most magical show, from beaches to restaurants and beyond. Two of the best places to watch the sunset in Phuket are The Sundeck and Tann Terrace Phuket.
Visit Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is Phuket’s most famous rum distillery and visiting it is one of the best things to do in Phuket. Here you can tour the distillery and join a memorable rum tasting.
Relax at Karon Beach and Kata Beach
Karon Beach and Kata Beach are two long stretches of white sandy beaches. They are the perfect place to head to for a relaxing beach day with plenty of activity. This is one of the best things to do in Phuket if you want an easy beach with restaurants nearby, beautiful swimming conditions, and sunbeds to rent.
See The Giant Lily Pads at Ma Doo Bua Cafe
Seeing the Giant Lily Pads at Ma Doo Bua Cafe is one of the most unique things to do in Phuket. This cafe is one of the most special places in Phuket where you can not only eat and drink in a very unique environment but get on a boat in the middle of the lily pads and get amazing drone photos!
Venture to Naka Weekend Market
Going to a night market is a must while in Phuket and Naka Weekend Market is one of the best options there is! Only open Saturday and Sunday 4 PM – 10 PM this market is where you will find all the best Thai street food but also clothes, electronics, and all kinds of travel souvenirs.
Go to the Top of Karon View Point
Karon View Point is a stunning viewpoint in Phuket that offers picturesque views of the country and the Andaman Sea. The views are gorgeous and it’s the best way to see the stunning blue water and lush greenery of Phuket from above. This is one of the top things to do in Phuket that is quick and majestic.
Take a Trip to Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is the largest and most important Buddhist temple in Phuket. This temple attracts both locals and tourists alike to pray or simply admire the stunning temple. Visiting Wat Chalong is one of the best things to do in Phuket to see and experience one of the island’s most notable historical landmarks.
See the Monkeys at Monkey Hill
If you love hiking, nature, and adventure then venturing to Monkey Hill is for you. This is a hiking path that brings you up the mountains which are home to wild monkeys. There are a ton of monkeys starting from the bottom of the hill so you don’t even have to hike the entire path to see and experience them.
While here be CAREFUL. These are wild monkeys and will steal anything and everything. Leave your valuables behind and don’t have anything in your pockets that you don’t want to be stolen.
Have a Night out on Bangla Road
Bangla Road is Phuket’s most famous party street and the number one place to visit to enjoy the wild nightlife Thailand is known for. This street is full of live music bars, rooftop bars, nightclubs, and more all screaming for attention with pounding music and bright neon lights. Heading here is one of the top things to do in Thailand to see and experience a night out unlike any other.
Visit Koh Phi Phi
Koh Phi Phi is easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in all of Thailand. It is so beautiful and magical that it is best to stay overnight for 1-2 nights, but if time doesn’t permit going for a day trip is also an option. This is where you will find those iconic dramatic cliffs, bright blue waters, and countless long-tail boats. It is the epitome of beauty.
There is not just one island in Koh Phi Phi but various to see and explore and many iconic beaches! A day trip will just scratch the surface but heading here is one of the top things to do in Phuket. Below are some great tour options that will show you the highlights of Phi Phi from Phuket and return.
Where to Stay in Phuket
The number one best place to stay in Phuket is The Nai Harn Hotel. This hotel is located right on the iconic Nai Harn beach and offers the perfect high-end escape with everything you could need and more. Pictured below it is easily one of the most beautiful hotels in Phuket that offer a taste of Greek beauty combined with Thai elegance.
A more budget-friendly area to stay in Phuket is Karon Beach and Kata Beach. See more options below.
Booking.comTravel Insurance
Getting travel insurance before you travel is a MUST. It’s the number one thing you should always pack before travelling that can save you a lot of money, time, and stress. With how crazy travel has gotten recently you need that peace of mind that no matter what happens there is something protecting you from losing out. I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should.
I always travel with travel insurance and think everyone should. Below is my favorite travel insurer Safety Wings, enter your details to get a free quote!
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Great round up! Those massive lily pads seem like a must-see, but when in doubt the food can always keep me entertained!
You added so many cool things to do in Phuket. I love cooking classes and would love to see those giant lily pads. I will be heading to Phuket at the end of the year, so definitely saving this post.