Located in the Andaman Sea of Southern Thailand, Phuket Island is an incredibly popular tourist destination frequented by millions of tourists from all across the globe. With a range of exciting things to do in Phuket, there is no doubt that your holiday to Thailand is going to be a memorable one.
While holidaying in Phuket, you can enjoy open sea boat tours, unbelievably beautiful sunsets, engaging live shows, adventurous watersports, and vibrant nightlife. Since the choice is spoiling, here are the top 15 best things to do in Phuket. Pick from the best and have a wonderful time.
Top 25 Things To Do In Phuket
With so many things to do and experiences to explore in this part of Thailand, many travellers have an exclusive bucket list prepared just to ensure that they cover all of it. Here’s a list of the things that you ought to try too!
- Boat Tour
- Old Phuket Town
- Beaches
- Nightlife
- Big Buddha Statue
- Phuket FantaSea Show
- Promthep Cape
- Jungle Safari
- Watersports
- Shopping
- Phuket Dolphin Show
- Racha Yai Island
- Tiger Kingdom
- Weekend Night Market
- Bar Hopping
- Elephant Sanctuaries
- Island Hopping
- Beach Clubs
- Phi Phi Islands
- Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
- Karon View Point
- Thai Cooking Class
- Soi Dog Foundation
- Monkey Hill
- Phuket Trickeye Museum
1. Boat Tour
Phang Nga Bay is known for boat tours that take you past the limestone rocks, looming vertically out of the water, letting you witness breathtaking views and amazing surrounding scenery. Tourists can take a tour of the much-known James Bond Island or a full-day tour to the fishing village of Koh Panyee and the floating Muslim Island where you can enjoy Thai lunch. You can also opt for a day’s tour of the turquoise waters of Phi Phi Islands and spend some time at the beautiful white sandy beaches.
If you have more than a day at hand, visit Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park which houses various species of mangroves, birds, mammals, fish, amphibians, and reptiles. The park is one of the famous Phuket tourist attractions and a treat for wildlife and nature lovers.
Don’t miss: Phang Nga Bay is an awesome destination for watersports such as scuba diving, snorkelling, sea kayaking, and speed boating.
Best time to take boat tours in Phuket: November to January usually during the daytime or before the sunset.
Cost: INR 4455 for adults and INR 3985 for child
Best For: Family, friends and couples
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2. Old Phuket Town
Next on the list of must-do things in Phuket is, revelling in the old-world charm of Old Phuket Town. Come here to witness the amazing combination of Chinese and colonial architecture, and savour finger-licking Thai delicacies.
Long before Phuket became a tourist destination, it was one of the major trading routes between India and China. You can still find centuries-old Sino-Portuguese mansions in Old Phuket Town.
Don’t miss: Phuket Walking Street event is organized every Sunday at Thalang Road which attracts thousands of visitors making it a lively place to hang around in the evening. Also, don’t miss shopping in local markets and walking along the town’s streets while touring Old Phuket Town.
Best time to visit Old Phuket Town: From December till March, the weather is pleasant and tourist-friendly. However, for shopaholics, mid-June to mid-August is the best time to visit Phuket Old Town when the ‘Amazing Grand Sale’ is on with up to 80% discounts on offer.
Best For: Family, friends and couples
3. Beaches
If you are a beach bum, you are in for a treat! Phuket is home to a number of stunning beaches where you can sunbathe, take romantic strolls, enjoy the sunset, and of course, enjoy your favourite water sports. Beach hopping is undoubtedly one of the fun things to do in Phuket. Some of the popular Phuket beaches that you must see are:
- Freedom Beach: Less crowded and suitable for couples and adventure seekers as you have to trek through a jungle to reach there.
- Kata Beach: Half a kilometre of sandy stretch is great for a beach walk. Enjoy jet skiing and parasailing here.
- Banana Beach: Beautiful clear turquoise waters are perfect for snorkelling and swimming. The beachside restaurant offers delicious Thai food.
- Laem Singh Beach: Often bustling with tourists, this stunning beach is surrounded by jungle. Indulge in swimming, beach music, partying, etc.
- Bang Tao Beach: Home to the popular Laguna Complex, this is an 8 km stretch of beautiful sandy beach with hotels and restaurants at the Southern end.
Don’t miss: Enjoy beach sports, building sand castles, bonfire parties, and water surfing.
Best time to visit Phuket Beaches: The best time to enjoy Phuket beaches is from November to March.
Best For: Friends and couples
Suggested Read: 10 Idyllic Beach Resorts In Phuket
4. Nightlife
Phuket has a tremendous reputation as an international party and nightlife destination in Thailand. Bangla Road in Patong is the undisputed centre of nightlife with its flashy lights, loud party music, and crazy young crowd dancing to the tunes of live bands and international DJs.
Lively world-class nightclubs, bars, and restaurants awaken the city as the sun sets. Don’t forget to enjoy clubs, restaurants and bars set up near the beaches as you go about partying in Phuket as this is one of the most amazing things to do in Phuket at night.
Don’t miss: Tiger Nightclub, Hollywood Phuket, and Rockin’ Angels and Timber Hut are some of the best hotspots to enjoy the nightlife in Phuket.
Best For: Friends and couples
5. Big Buddha Statue
The unique blend of culture and religious sites proves that Phuket is not just about beaches and nightlife. The 45 m tall Big Buddha Statue atop Nakkerd Hills with pleasant sounds of small ringing bells and dharma music in the background is perfect for a spiritual experience in Phuket.
Made of Burmese white marble, the view of Big Buddha is breathtakingly beautiful anytime you visit the site. This Big Buddha Statue is not just a symbol of religion but of faith, humanity, and love which you can feel when you visit this place.
P.S. Don’t visit this place wearing T-shirts with offensive text, shorts or beachwear.
Don’t miss: Nakkerd Sea View Restaurant near Big Buddha is a great place to visit. You can also go for a religious tour of Wat Chalong and other nearby temples in Phuket.
Best time to visit Big Buddha: Pay a visit early in the morning or evening
Best For: Family and friends
Suggested Read: Krabi vs Phuket: Which Exotic Destinations Fits Your Holiday Plans?
Planning your holiday in Thailand but confused about what to do? These Thailand travel stories help you find your best trip ever!
6. Phuket FantaSea Show
In Thailand, you just can’t miss out on Phuket FantaSea Show, also known as Fantasy of a Kingdom, which is a Thai Cultural Theme Park Show. It is a combination of modern technology and state-of-the-art show elements. Thai ethos such as love, fun, freedom, and courage are represented in various acts including magic illusions, acrobatics, pyrotechnics, stunts, animal performances and special 4-D shows.
The show is performed in a 3000-seat theatre. Moreover, there’s a shopping street and buffet restaurant serving mouth-watering cuisines that can seat 4000 guests. Adding to the experience are fun activities and a playground for children that hosts an animal exhibit.
Don’t miss: Watch out for the famous Siam Niramit Show featuring over 100 performers.
Best time to enjoy FantaSea Show: It is open all days 05:30 pm to 11:30 pm, except Thursdays.
Cost: Starting from INR 4000
Best For: Family and friends
7. Promthep Cape
One of the most clicked places in Phuket, Promthep Cape is a rocky headland that runs into the sea and is located at the Southwestern coast. The big open space atop the hill with a shrine is a great viewpoint. Here, you will find tourists from all across the globe waiting for a mesmerising sunset view.
Besides, you can visit the Three Beaches Viewpoint and the Nai Harn Windmill Viewpoint which are nearby attractions. Trekking down the cape’s top, and visiting Rawai Beach and Yanui Beach are some other things to do while touring this part of Phuket.
Don’t miss: Lighthouse Museum in Promthep Cape which houses interesting maritime artifacts and offers spectacular views of the island.
Cost: NA
Best For: Friends and couples
Suggested Read: Pattaya Vs Phuket: Which Vacation Spot Is Better?
8. Jungle Safari
If you love wildlife, enjoy the wild safari tours offered in Khao Lak Park and Khao Sok National Park. Both the parks are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Be ready with your cameras as you will see lots of wild elephants, big cats, and gazelles in action.
Also, indulge in interesting activities such as bamboo rafting, elephant trekking, and trekking to a waterfall. You will be more than surprised to witness the fearless snake handlers kissing, caressing and playing with the most dangerous snakes as part of the snake shows that are held in Phuket.
Don’t miss: Visit the Phuket Aquarium, walk through the Phuket Botanical Gardens, and Thai martial arts and dance performances in the Phuket Orchid Garden and Thai village.
Best time to go for Jungle Safari: Wildlife safari is best enjoyed in the daytime during December and January. Don’t forget to keep track of the visiting hours before you plan to move out.
Cost: INR 692(For adults; approx); INR 346(For children; approx)
Best For: Family, friends and couples
9. Watersports
Perfect for adventurers and thrill-seekers, Phuket’s clear waters and easy access to open seas is a water sports lovers’ paradise. There are numerous water activities in Phuket. The west coast of Phuket, especially, has state-of-the-art facilities for watersports such as snorkelling and windsurfing.
Beaches on the southeastern corner of Phuket such as Nai Yang, Layan, and Friendship Beach are known for kite surfing. Seasonal sports, such as surfing and Hobie Cat sailing, are great fun too.
Don’t miss: Seasonal sports such as surfing
Best time to try water sports in Phuket: November to March is the best time of the year to indulge in watersports activities as the sea is smooth and the weather is suitable.
Best For: Friends and couples
Suggested Read: Phuket Vegetarian Festival
10. Shopping
Phuket is a paradise for shopaholics. From vibrant flea markets to gigantic shopping malls, you will find all sorts of avenues in Phuket. There are a variety of things you can buy in Phuket like traditional handicrafts, jewellery, antiques, and designer clothing and bags. Use your haggling skills at the open-air markets and night markets. If bargaining is not your cup of tea, then you can enjoy swiping your credit cards in high-end stores.
Don’t miss: Jungceylon Shopping Mall and Central Festival Phuket where you will find brands. Phuket Weekend Market, Chillva Market, and Phuket Walking Street are famous for bohemian vibes and artisanal products.
Cost: varied
Best For: Shopaholics
11. Phuket Dolphin Show
Dolphins with their friendly nature towards humans win the hearts of many tourists every year at this famous show in Phuket. Performing live with the help of a few instructors, these adorable creatures can be seen entertaining at the famous Dolphin Bay Nemo theme park in exchange for a ticket for this beautiful show. If you’re a dolphin-lover, this show is one of the best things to see in Phuket.
Don’t miss: A royal diving activity is a must-try here as you also get to swim with the dolphins under the supervision of their respective instructors.
Cost: Starting at INR 900 (approx)
Best For: Families and friends
Suggested Read: 7 Best Water Parks In Phuket
12. Racha Yai Island
A day trip to soak in absolute bliss and witness the serenity of Racha Yai Island is nothing less than a good idea when in Phuket. Be it simply relaxing on the beach under the sun or trying various water sports like snorkelling, scuba diving and kayaking, there’s always scope for more entertainment at this venue, especially if you’re looking for some things to do in Phuket with family.
Don’t miss: With a vastly diverse marine life, you wouldn’t want to miss out on the vibrant sea creatures that are a part of peaceful coexistence beneath the waters.
Best For: Friends and couples
13. Tiger Kingdom
One of the many great things to do in Phuket is to visit the grand Tiger Kingdom which has many tigers on board for you to interact. Here, you will get to see a different side of this animal which is amongst the biggest predators in the wild. This is surely a unique experience that contributes to the list of unusual things to do in Phuket and since it is not every day that you get this close with tigers, this is a must-try for all.
Don’t miss: You can get pictures clicked with adult tigers and interact with tiger cubs too.
Cost: Starting at INR 2,000 (approx)
Best For: Families and friends
Suggested Read: 7 Stunning Cruises In Phuket
14. Weekend Night Market
If you’re out and about in this scenic part of Thailand, this is surely something you cannot miss out on. Be it your first time in Phuket or another one of your frequent visits, the night markets around weekend time are fun to explore, especially when you’re with your partner. Strolling around the streets and going crazy down the shopping avenues here are one of the best things to do in Phuket for couples.
Don’t miss: The colourful trinkets and clothing available at a very reasonable price will surely be worth your time in this market at Talad Tai Rot.
Best For: Friends and couples
15. Bar Hopping
Amongst several things to do in Phuket town bar-hopping on Bangla road tops the list due to the eventful and lively vibes of this place. Perfect for solo travellers and even for a group of friends looking to spend their night filled with dance, music and delicious drinks, this place has a variety of bars that will make you party all night. Bar hopping is one of the amazing Phuket activities for adults.
Don’t miss: Choose from a wide list of bars, open cafes and discos depending upon your preferences and that of the group you’re visiting this place with.
Best For: Friends
Suggested Read: 13 Best Places For Shopping In Phuket
16. Elephant Sanctuaries
As the attitude towards animals and sanctuaries and bird and animal reserves is changing Phuket is doing everything to keep up with the world and elephant sanctuaries in Phuket are getting the well-deserved fame. These camps work on animal-friendly and healthy interaction and let the tourists get a first-hand experience of being close to animals. The well-being and welfare are the topmost priorities of these elephant sanctuaries. Many of the elephants you meet here have been rescued from elephant trekking industries. If you are looking for some exciting things to do in Phuket with kids then this will surely be a great experience for your kids.
Don’t miss: A ride on the elephant’s back.
Cost: INR 6700 for adults(approx); INR 3300 for children(approx)
Best For: Families and friends
17.Island Hopping
Phuket is not just about Similans and Phi-Phi Islands but there are many more. There are many pristine and stunning islands near Phuket which are if not more than equally beautiful. If you want to escape the world and at the same time be at an exotic location then island hopping at Phuket is what you should be doing. The Andaman Sea around Phuket is full of breathtakingly beautiful tropical islands and we say you will fall in love with them.
Don’t miss: Choosing from the best of the best islands and deciding on which is perfect for you.
Best For: Families, friends and couples
Suggested Read: Best Places To Visit On A 6 Day Family Trip To Thailand
18. Beach Clubs
If there are beaches there are gonna be beach clubs. There are more than 30 beaches around the island so it’s not surprising that there are some really exquisite and stunning beach clubs in Phuket which are quite famous and a popular choice. From grand seaside places to modest venues which are filled with guests, everyone will find something here. If you want a day to relax and chill, these beach houses in Phuket are your best bet.
Don’t miss: Catch Beach Club which is the first beach club ever opened in Phuket.
Best For: Couples, families and friends
19. Phi Phi Islands
If you wanna visit the star of the islands then one of the famous places to see in Phuket Phi Phi Islands is where you should be at. It’s a hot topic of conversation among travellers, it has been featured in the movies and for some it’s even the reason for visiting Thailand but these are not all the reasons for you to visit the destination. You should visit Phi Phi Islands to have the best time of your life, as it is one of the best things to do in Phuket with family, to admire its beauty and to enjoy the captivating views and to have fun.
Don’t miss: Phi Phi Leh, an isolated island and Phi Phi Don, an island on which you will never be in a hurry.
Best For: Friends and couples
Suggested Read: 18 Surreal Islands Near Phuket
20. Have a Tour of The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Taking a tour of the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is one of the best activities to do in Phuket. When you arrive at the distillery, there is a lot to do. You can start by learning about the way rum is produced. You can then have a look at what goes on behind the making of the rum. The best and final part of the tour is the cocktail bar where you will learn about the making of the various cocktails that include Chalong Bay Rum. After this, you can relax as you sample the rum. This is a must-visit place for any keen rum drinkers.
Don’t miss: Enjoy learning the making of the rum and as you sample them
Cost: INR 1030 for a small bottle and INR 1500 for a large bottle
Best For: Friends and couples
21. Take a Wander to Karon View Point
Karon viewpoint, also known as Kata viewpoint located just south of Kata Noi Beach is one of the famous viewpoints of Phuket. Normally crowded with tourists most days of the year, you can take in views of Kata Yai, Kata Noi and Karon beaches. The highlight of the place is that it features the best of the island – beautiful blue seas, white sandy beaches, snow-white surf, and an exotic nearby island, Koh Pu.
Don’t miss: The northern vista from Karon viewpoint
Best time to wander to Karon View Point: All time of the day
Best For: Group, solo, couple and family
Suggested Read: Beach Hopping In Phuket
22. Get Learning at a Thai Cooking Class
Thai cooking classes offered in Phuket at so many different locations are certainly worth taking. While you are in Thailand, you will notice that the Thai food you eat here is different than in your own country. To learn about the ingredients that they use and the skills to cook, enrol yourself in a class so that you can continue cooking once you go back home. Many places have classes all day long and in the end, you can always eat what you have cooked.
Don’t miss: Learning about the ingredients. You can always eat what you have cooked at the end of the class.
Cost: Starts from INR 4000
Best For: Family and couples
23. Visit the Soi Dog Foundation
Visiting the Soi Dog Foundation is one of the unusual things to do in Phuket. This foundation since 2003 has been taking care of stray dogs and cats roaming the streets. You can volunteer your time to look after these animals or if you are for a short duration, you can just go for a guided tour. This place is worth visiting for all the animal lovers out there.
Don’t miss: Guided tour around the grounds of the foundation
Best time to visit Soi Dog Foundation: For a guided tour, visit at 09.30, 11.00, 13.30, and 14.30 Monday to Friday, and at 10:00 on Saturday.
Best For: Families, friends and couples
Suggested Read: 10 Blissful Beaches In Phuket
24. Watch the Monkeys at Monkey Hill
Monkey Hill, the highest hill in Phuket Town is also known as Toh Sae Hill. There are about 400 macaques living on the hill. They live in little groups all over the hill. These monkeys are not known to harm humans but care should be taken if you are with small children. At the bottom of the hill houses colourful shrines dedicated to Toh Sae Dam, Toh Sae Dang and Toh Sae Kaow. It is popular with Thai people. It is believed that many people come here to ask lucky numbers for the lottery.
Don’t miss: A show done by a man known as Pae Hog.
Best time to visit Monkey Hill: 7-8 AM and 4-7 PM is the best time when the way is closed for motor vehicles
Best For: Families, friends
25. Be Impressed At The Phuket Trickeye Museum
The first 3D Trickeye Museum of Southern Thailand is an interactive museum designed to stimulate your imagination and creativity. It engages visitors with the art in a new way by actually becoming part of the art. With plenty of 3D art to see, it is a great place of fun for the whole family. The quality of the painting is extremely phenomenal. Before entering the museum, one needs to take off their shoes.
Don’t miss: Interactive 3D painting exhibition which offers an amazing photo opportunity
Best time to visit Phuket Trickeye Museum: During the daytime
Cost: Approximately INR 1170 for adults and INR 700 for children
Best For: Families
Further Read: 7 Things Not To Do In Thailand
The Plethora of attractions and things to do in Phuket makes it the kind of destination that never disappoints the tourists. So, are you ready to explore? Plan a trip to Thailand for an extraordinary vacation experience amidst the land of soothing spas and fun activities worth trying!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Things To Do In Phuket
What is there to do in Phuket at night?
Some of the best things to do in Phuket at night are:
1. Visit Phuket night markets
2. Watch cultural shows at Siam Niramit
3. Have an entertaining night at Phuket FantaSea
4. Enjoy live music at Patong
5. Go clubbing at Dream Beach Club
What do to in Phuket for 5 days?
Some of the best things to do in Phuket are:
1. Trip to Kata Noi Beach
2. Tour of the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
3. See the Phuket Big Buddha
4. Shop at Phuket weekend night market
What are the free things to do in Phuket?
There are plenty of things to do in Phuket for free. They are:
1. Admire the beautiful scenery at viewpoints
2. Relax at the sandy beaches
3. Explore the grand lighthouse
4. Visit the local markets
What Phuket is famous for?
Phuket is famous for a number of things like exotic beaches, vibrant nightlife, colorful night markets, delicious seafood, white marble Big Buddha and of course scuba diving.
What is the best month to visit Phuket?
November to April is an ideal time to visit Phuket as the weather conditions are favorable for beach activities such as boating and swimming.
What are the best things to buy in Phuket?
Some of the most amazing things to buy while shopping in Phuket are handicrafts, spa products, batiks, soap flowers, Thai-silk, antiques.
What can you do in Phuket for cheap?
Cheap things to do in Phuket are plentiful. You can enjoy the delicious street food, shop souvenirs at the weekend market, go snorkeling and travel around Phuket by Songthaew.
What you should not miss in Phuket?
All the famous, as well as amazing places in Phuket, should not be missed by any traveler. One of the most beautiful places in Phuket is Phi Phi island, one can arrange their stay at this island for a day or two.
Which is the best beach in Phuket?
Several beaches in Phuket are beautiful in their way. Freedom Beach is one of the most beautiful beaches in Phuket. You may visit each one of them to enjoy it.
What is the cost of living in Phuket?
The expenses in Phuket can vary according to your location. It will be dependent on what kind of area you have opted for your stay.
Is there any concern regarding natural calamities in Phuket?
Phuket is a part of Thailand, nowadays every country is ready to face any kind of natural calamities. So does Thailand. Phuket is quite safe from natural calamities however one cannot hold such security.
Is Phuket better than Bali?
Phuket and Bali are both dominating tourist destinations in their respective countries and the travel culture is very contrasting in terms of the experiences you will gain. While we won’t recommend comparing two such marvellous places to visit in Thailand and Indonesia, we do recommend you visit and enjoy both.
Which is better Maldives or Phuket?
Similar to the above answer, Phuket and Maldives are incomparable when it comes to the experiences that they offer. The Maldives is more archipelagic as it provides more of the ocean and an unwinding itinerary for couples, as well as families. While Phuket does offer all that and more, there’s a little more of the cultural aspect to explore being a melting-pot destination.
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