Top Things in Phuket Itineraries

Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is known as ‘The Pearl of the Andamans’ due to it’s stunning tropical white sand beaches, turquoise waters and jungley mountain interior. 

The island is one of Thailand’s most popular destinations and is an essential stop on any Thailand itinerary because of the amazing beaches, beautiful resorts, interesting places to visit, fun activities, tourist attractions and unique things to do in Phuket.

Popular activities in Phuket include island hopping boat trips, enjoying Thai food, relaxing with a Thai massage and visiting water parks and tourist attractions in Phuket. There’s plenty for culture, history, nature and food lovers as well.

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Some of the best things to do in Phuket, like enjoying the beaches are free, but some activities, like island hopping trips are best booked as a day trip tour package. You can check out the best Phuket tours online on our site.

What I love about these sites is that you can choose from a huge variety of trips and tours , so there’s no more bargaining for the price or bad experiences and you can get everything planning before you go for a stress-free and more enjoyable vacation.  

There’s really something for everyone and that’s what makes Phuket such a great destination. In fact, there’s so much to do in Phuket that you probably won’t be able to fit it all into one trip

Enjoy Phuket’s Beautiful Beaches 

Of course one thing you can’t miss when visiting Phuket, or any Thai island, is enjoying the amazing white sandy beaches and swimming or snorkelling in the clear, turquoise waters. A beach day is certainly one of the best things to do in Phuket.

The best beaches are found on Phuket’s West Coast. Lively and busy Patong Beach is the most famous in Phuket with plenty of watersports and nightlife to enjoy, and there are also quieter, unspoiled beaches and hidden coves nearby to explore for those who want to relax and get away from it.

Patong Beach

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We have seen many beautiful beaches around the world and Patong Beach in Phuket is up there with the best of them. With fine yellow sand and warm, crystal-clear water of the Andaman Sea, we were spoilt for choice when it came to deciding what to do.  

Patong Beach offers something for everyone with its year-round vibrant atmosphere and array of restaurants and bars on Bangla Road.  Thrill seekers can take in a birds-eye view from one of the many Parasailing rigs that fly along the beach line, launching off the sand behind a speed boat.  

It is worth walking along the whole beach to get a full appreciation of what’s on offer. We saw banana boats, Jet skiing, kayaking, snorkelling, swimming, volleyball and sunbathing to name just a few of the seemingly endless things to do on this popular beach in Phuket.   

Patong Beach is ideally positioned for one of the most stunning sunsets in the world. Clear skies and a rippling heat combine to create a photographer’s dream, with fiery orange rays reflecting off the sea as the sun sinks quickly below the horizon.

We loved taking evening strolls along the beach as crowds reduced and cooler temperatures made it an ideal time to visit to end your day. 

Trekking The Dream are a family of five bold trekkers with a wanderlust for adventurous travel.

If Patong doesn’t sound like your vibe don’t worry, there are so many more beaches in Phuket to explore so you’re sure to find the perfect one for you whether you prefer family friendly ones with plenty of amenities or unspoiled beaches in Sirinat National Park.

Surin Beach

 

Widely regarded as the most beautiful beach in Phuket, this small beach is one of the island’s most natural spots.

The beach clubs and restaurants that lined the beach are now gone so you can enjoy the beach as nature intended. But don’t worry, if you need refreshment after swimming and sunbathing you can still sit down under the coconut trees and enjoy local Thai food from one of the stalls.

Surin Beach is located near to Bang Tao Beach which is another of the best beaches in Phuket that also boasts some incredible beachfront luxury resorts and beach clubs and is great for couples looking for a relaxing stay with plenty of pampering.

Kata Beach and Karon Beach

 

Some of our favorite Phuket beaches to stay at include Kata Beach and Karon Beach. These are beautiful beaches, great for swimming, surfing and watersports.

There’s plenty of amenities and accommodations for all budgets, but not the crazy nightlife scene that Patong beach has, which makes this area ideal for families and couples. If you’re looking for beach front luxury check out the resorts on stunning Kata Noi Beach.

The location makes these beaches a convenient base for checking out many of Phuket’s best beaches and attractions. You can even trek up to the viewpoint or Big Buddha from here.

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Island Hopping Boat Trips

In our opinion, the very best thing to do in Phuket is to get on a boat and explore some of the nearby islands.

There’s a huge amount of choice when it comes to island hopping tours and day trips from Phuket, you could visit a different island everyday, but these are ones that really can’t be missed.

Koh Phi Phi and Maya Bay Tour

 

No trip to Phuket is complete without visiting the stunning Phi Phi islands and the best way to do this is with a boat tour where you can spend the day swimming, snorkelling and taking in the gorgeous scenery.

We got you picked up at your hotel early in the morning and taken to the Rassada Pier where the boats leave from.  Enjoy a thrilling speed boat ride across the turquoise waters to the Phi Phi islands where make stops for snorkeling in clear waters teeming with vibrant marine life, visiting Maya Bay, the Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and Bamboo island. Plenty of time to explore, swim and enjoy the included lunch on Koh Phi Phi.

Even though the island is a busy and popular tourist attraction, it’s still one of the most beautiful places The turquoise waters, golden sandy beaches, towering limestone cliffs and colorful long tail boats are just picture postcard perfect. It’s really worth hiking up to the viewpoint for a breathtaking panoramic view over the island.

While you can no longer swim at Maya Bay it’s definitely still worth seeing this famous place, especially if you are a fan of the movie ‘The Beach’. To avoid scams check tour reviews first.

James Bond Island Day Trip

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One of the best things  in Phuket is take a day trip to James Bond Island and Phang Nga Bay. The tour visits many beautiful and interesting locations in Phang Nga Bay.

The first stop of the tour is Wat Suwan Khuha, commonly known as Monkey Cave. Inside the cave, there are fascinating carvings and a big statue of a resting Buddha. Of course, there are lots of cheeky monkeys!

Next, you will take a longtail boat to Panyee Island, the Floating Village.  It’s like a little floating world where people live and work in houses on stilts and narrow paths. The lunch stop of the tour is at a local spot here. Then, onto Talu Cave with canoes. The water’s super clear and inside the cave, you’ll find tons of stalactites and stalagmites.

Finally, the last stop of the tour is at James Bond Island. The dramatic rock formation coming out of the emerald water was the highlight of our trip. It’s super famous because it was in a 1974 James Bond movie ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’

Booking a tour is the easiest way to reach Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island from Phuket. Pick this tour with a longtail boat and hotel pickup for convenience. The tour  starts at 08.00 and costs about USD 70 per person. Prices and exact times can vary, so check in advance. And if you can, visit during the dry season, from November to April, for the best weather.

Keep in mind that visiting Phang Nga Bay, and in particular, James Bond Island is one of the most popular activities, so it is going to be crowded. If you’re interested in avoiding the crowds, then look into booking a sunrise cruise.

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4 Islands Tour

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The 4 Island Tour from Phuket is a wonderful way to explore some of the most beautiful places in the Krabi region via an easy excursion.

The best way to get there is to book a tour by speedboat. On our 4 Islands Tour explore Tub Island, Koh Poda, Chicken Island and Phra Cave Beach.

Tub Island was one of the highlights. This island is famous for the sandbar that emerges at low tide and connects the island to Chicken Island. This natural wonder creates a breathtaking path where you can walk between the two islands, surrounded by crystal clear water.

Another beautiful stop is Koh Poda, a small picturesque island with powder white sand, an ideal place for sunbathing and relaxing. Here you can do snorkeling, and also the change to take some amazing pictures.

Also really cool is Chicken Island. This island gets its name from a rock formation that looks like the head and neck of a chicken. It’s a fantastic place to snorkel with a colorful underwater world to discover.

Our favorite spot on the 4-island-tour was Phra Cave Beach. It is a hidden gem on the Railay Peninsula known for its stunning cave that houses a small Buddhist shrine with numerous penis sculptures.

During a 4-island tour from Phuket, you can swim, snorkel and explore the stunning scenery of the Krabi Islands. In addition, a delicious lunch is usually included in the itinerary. Early-bird tours are often offered, perfect if you want to be on the road before the other tourists.

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Private Long-tail Boat Trip to Khai Nok island and Rang Yai Island

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Visit Phuket for a family holiday and one of the most memorable days is taking a private long-tail boat trip and spending the day out on the ocean. Being out on the open seas with a cold beer and warm spray on our faces was just perfect on a sunny day.

The first stop is at Khai Nok island,on the white sandy beach. The next stop is at Rang Yai Island, a popular spot for day tours to Phang Nga Bay. Enjoy relaxing on its wide, long beach, swimming in the ocean and having a lovely meal at one of the shacks.

We can guide you on hiring a long-tail boat. Longtail boats are cheaper to hire than speedboats.

The price depends on the season, how many people are going, how many islands are being covered.

The boats can carry upto 8 passengers and have life jackets. We were 4 adults and 2 kids.  It takes an hour to reach the first island, spent about 40 minutes there, about 2 hours on the second island and again an hour to come back.

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Similan Islands

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Phuket is surrounded by not only stunning beaches but also protected marine national parks, so make sure not to miss exploring the underwater life as well! One of the best places for snorkeling and scuba diving in Thailand is the Similan Islands, a pristine national park just off the coast from Phuket.

You can explore these stunning islands on a day trip to the Similan Islands from Phuket or, even better, a liveaboard excursion. This was one of the best experiences  in Thailand. Essentially, you stay, sleep, eat, and then scuba dive off of the ship. 

And since the excursion is usually between 4-7 days, you can reach the remote scuba diving areas other tourists cannot reach. This makes for one of the most amazing experiences and was one of our top scuba diving trips ever! 

The best season to do this trip is during the dryer months of mid-October to mid-May. Make sure to book in advance as there are only spots for each trip! 

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Make sure you book your island hopping trip in advance, especially if you’re visiting during peak season (Dec – Feb) as spots do sell out. 

 

Culture, History and Food Experiences

One of the things that makes Phuket such a great vacation destination is that the island offers so much more than just beautiful beaches.

Visiting the temples and cultural attractions, wandering the colorful historic streets of Phuket Town, browsing the night markets and trying Thai food, is one of the best things to do in Phuket that gives you an interesting insight into Thai culture.

If you want to see all Phuket’s cultural highlights and viewpoints, including the old town, Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, this Phuket City tour is the easiest way to do it.

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Explore Phuket Old Town

 

One of the best ways to see and experience the ‘real’ Phuket is to visit Phuket Town. Before tourism, Phuket’s rubber plantations and tin mining industry attracted traders from around the world. The blend of Chinese and Thai created the unique Peranakan culture which you can learn about at the Peranakan Phuket Museum and explore in Phuket Old Town.

The highlight is simply taking a stroll down Thalang Road and Soi Romanee, admiring the beautifully preserved, colorful, Sino-Portuguese architecture and vibrant street art. The streets of Phuket Old Town are lined with quirky boutique hotels, shops and cafes. You’ll also find interesting street art, historic Chinese shrines, and local eateries offering authentic Thai cuisine.

If you’re a foodie, don’t miss your chance to try all the delicious and fragrant local foods. Join this amazing food tour which included 15 tastings that took us on a journey through Phuket’s history and culture though it’s food.

If you visit Phuket Town at the weekend visit Naka Market, also known as the Phuket weekend night market. Here you’ll find a lively atmosphere with live music and loads of stalls selling everything from spicy Thai street food to colorful handicrafts. It’s a great spot for some souvenir shopping and to practice your bargaining skills.

On Sunday evenings, Phuket Old Town comes alive with a huge and vibrant Sunday walking street market complete with souvenir shops, street food stalls, music and performances. This is the island’s biggest night market and a must-visit. Getting to Phuket Town is easy by taxi, bus or tour.

Wat Chalong

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What better way to experience it than a visit to Phukets largest Temple, Wat Chalong.

Built in the 19th century, Wat Chalong is the most beautiful and popular temple in Phuket. The exterior of the temple is awe-inspiring with dashes of pink and gold. 

As soon as you enter the interior of the temple, you enveloped with a sense of calmness.See paintings of the life of Buddha adorning the walls. In fact, it is said that a fragment bone of Buddha is set atop the tower. 

Wat Chalong is open daily from 8am – 5pm . Don’t forget to dress conservatively (sleeveless clothes and shorts should be avoided) and leave your shoes outside the temple. 

Best way to reach Wat Chalong is to hire a tuk tuk or you can also rent a bike for the day which will be a much cheaper option. The drive time is approx 30 mins from Patong.

The temple is located very close to the Big Buddha and Phuket Town so it would be best to combine these places together to visit.

 

Big Buddha 

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Standing 45 meters tall on Nakkerd Hills, the Big Buddha is a significant attraction on Phuket Island. It is an iconic spot that holds spiritual value for many.

One of the best things about the Big Buddha is the immense sense of peace and tranquility that one feels while visiting. From the moment you ascend the hill to the serene atmosphere inside the temple, it is a place for meditation, reflection, and a break from the hustle and bustle of the island. Youcan even follow the meditation guide inside and meditated for 10 minutes. 

The serenity doesn’t end there. Upon leaving the temple, you’ll witness the stunning panoramic views of Phuket, making it one of the best places to witness the sunset!

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The Big Buddha is open daily, and the best time to visit is early morning or late afternoon to catch the beautiful sunrise or sunset. The best part is that the entry is completely free but as this is a religious site visitors are required to dress respectfully and cover shoulders and knees.

Book your tour at TravelTour Asia. and experience off-the-beaten paths, local adventures, and mindful activities 

Thai Cooking Class

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If you love Thai food, one of the most popular and enjoyable activities to do in Phuket is taking a Thai cooking class. 

These classes are offered at various locations throughout the island and gives you the opportunity to not only learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes but also experience the vibrant local markets where fresh ingredients are sourced. There are tours available that include a market visit followed by a cooking class for the most immersive experience.

Pleasure of taking a Thai cooking class during your trip to Phuket and it is definitely a highlight of your vacation. The group is taken to a local market where your guide teacht you about different herbs, spices, and produce used in Thai cuisine.  Then went back to the cooking school where you are able to cook and enjoy our own dishes.

During the cooking class, you learn how to make classic Thai dishes such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum Soup, and Green Curry. The best part was that you are able to customize your dishes based on your spice level preference. For those with dietary restrictions, there are also options for vegetarian or gluten-free versions of the dishes.

The class is not only informative but also interactive and fun, making it a great activity for groups or solo travelers. Thai cooking classes last between 2-4 hours and costs $60-$85, depending on whether a market visit and transportation are included. The class can be booked through our website. 

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Get a Tasty Dim Sum Breakfast or Brunch

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In the late 1800’s Phuket’s Chinese-Thai Peranakan population was established around the tin mining industry. Their culture is still quite prevalent in Phuket today most noticeably around the Old Town.

One tasty aspect of the Peranakan culture you must try when in Phuket is Dim Sum, which is a range of bite sized savoury dishes typically steamed in small bamboo baskets.

Most of Phuket’s Dim Sum restaurants are clustered around the Old Town District, though some are scattered further around the island. 

 Dim Sum restaurants are open for breakfast (including brunch) typically from 6am until 12pm midday. For just a few hundred Thai Baht you can expect to be leaving with a full stomach, and probably some left over for later.

The easiest way of getting to one of these Dim Sum restaurants if you don’t have your own wheels is to book a Grab Taxi. A typical one-way fare is between 100 to 200THB from the centre of Phuket Old Town, depending on which restaurant you visit.

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Muay Thai

 

Muay Thai is Thailand’s traditional martial art, often referred to as “the art of eight limbs” or ‘Thai boxing.’ What we love about Muay Thai is that it offers both an insight into Thai culture as well as being entertaining to watch and a great way to keep fit.

There are several places on the island where you can watch entertaining, professional and amateur fights and Thai boxing matches. Patong Boxing Stadium is a popular option and there are also several stadiums in Phuket Town.

There are also many gyms and Muay Thai camps where experienced Thai and international trainers provide an accessible and safe environment where you can learn this unique sport. Rawai and Chalong are full of gyms offering Muay Thai training. Many classes are held in English and are suitable for beginners but prices vary depending on the school.

Thai Massage

 

One of the favorite things to do in Phuket is to indulge with a spa day or relax with a cheap massage on the beach. Getting a massage in Thailand is a lot more affordable than it is back home so it’s a great chance to treat yourself.

Phuket is home to numerous spas and massage parlours that cater to all budgets. You’ll find luxury spas in Phuket’s 5 star resorts as well as cheaper local spas and beachfront massage places. You can even get a foot massage at the night market or walking street so there’s really no excuse not to indulge, no matter your budget.

As well as the traditional Thai massage many spas also offer other treatments like oil massages, facials, body wraps and scrubs. Lets Relax Spa offers professional and affordable spa treatments and massages across numerous branches in Phuket, including Kata, Karon and Patong, as well as other places in Thailand

You can also learn the art of Thai massage yourself by taking a Thai massage class offered at many of the larger spas or a dedicated school like Suai Thai Massage Training Center.

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Other Things to do in Phuket

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

 

One of the dreams when coming to Thailand was to see an elephant up close and soon discovered that there’s no shortage of elephant camps and attractions in Thailand.

Sadly, not of all of them are ethical. Even some so-called sanctuaries still offer elephant rides, and there are several tourist attractions, like Tiger Kingdom and Phuket Fantasea Show, where animals may be mistreated, so always do your search and check reviews before visiting.

Thankfully there are some elephant sanctuaries that are committed to caring for the elephants rather than exploiting them for profit like Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Inspired by Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai, The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary rescues sick, injured and old elephants from a life working in the logging and tourism industries.

As well as our guided tours and hands-off! experiences where you can watch the elephants from a safe and respectable distance, this ethical elephant sanctuary also has a long raised canopy walkway where you can observe these magnificent gentle giants from above as they have space to roam, feed, bathe and socialize in their natural habitat.

The elephant sanctuary is located in the Thalang district and when you book a guided tour transportation is included. The half day program is 5,000 Thai Baht. They don’t allow drop in visitors, you must book in advance Make sure you book well in advance as they can be fully booked for a week or two in high season. You also need to make sure you bring along a copy of your passport (printed or on your phone) for insurance purposes.

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Waterfalls

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If you’re looking to be outdoors and discover the natural landscape around the island, why not visit the waterfalls of Phuket. The natural areas outside of the tourist portions of the island are definitely worth going to and see a different aspect of the area far removed from all the tourist activities on the island. 

You’ll enjoy seeing these waterfalls mostly during the rainy season on the island which is from May to October timeframe and low season which means less tourists and cheaper prices when you visit the island.

There are 5 main waterfalls around Phuket island centered in nature and wild areas of the natural parks and preserves. The most popular waterfalls to explore includes: Bang Pae waterfall, Ton Sai waterfall, Kathu waterfall, Ton Ao waterfall and Bang Wan Waterfall. The best one for a refreshing swim is Kathu waterfall.

The best way to reach them is through our guided tour, tuk tuk, rental car or even (shared taxi) on local songthaew. While you are visiting these national parks, it’s good to enjoy the area and do some easy to more challenging hiking trails.

You might want to consider staying longer and enjoy more of this type of experience to really see and enjoy a different and less frequented part of your Phuket trip. Many of these waterfalls make an easy day trip and you can combine a variety of places to also visit along the way to make your visit worthwhile to these nature parks.

 You’ll enjoy a different take of Phuket and see more natural landscape and these amazing waterfalls along with the various national parks and nature areas of the island to explore.

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Volunteer for a Beach Clean Up

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Participating in a beach cleanup at Kamala Beach in Phuket was an enlightening experience. It’s easy to get caught up in the usual tourist activities, but this offered something more fulfilling. 

I was staying at the Sunwing Kamala Resort (which is a great resort in Phuket for families), making it convenient to join the Sunday morning group of volunteers at Kamala Beach. In high season, local workers handle the cleanups at Kamala, so volunteers focus on other beaches (there’s plenty of litter everywhere, unfortunately).

This activity is not just a unique thing to do in Phuket; it’s also a way to contribute to the environment and an opportunity to interact with locals and like-minded travelers. I believe it’s very important to do that when you’re fortunate enough to be able to travel.

The location is easy to reach; catch a tuk-tuk or taxi to the temple at the end of Kamala Beach. The meet-up is at 10 AM on Sundays and participation is, of course, free. It’s an activity you can do year-round, although the location varies depending on the season. We ended up picking 140+ kilos of trash in just 2 hours with our little group of volunteers.

Babs Rodrigus blogs about queer family travel at Mums On Flip Flops while she’s exploring the world with her wife and kids, one country at a time.

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Sunset at Baba Nest Rooftop Bar

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If you are looking to experience Phuket’s glamorous side,we highly recommend a visit to the Baba Nest Rooftop Bar. It is the place to go for arguably the best sunset views on the island complemented by a selection of craft cocktails and a romantic open-air setting. 

Baba Nest is nestled on the southernmost point of Cape Panwa, a serene southeast corner of Phuket. You can easily get there by songthaew or taxi from Phuket Old Town. The journey takes about 30 minutes, depending on traffic.  

Although Baba Nest is part of the luxurious Sri Panwa resort, you don’t need to be a guest to visit. However, keep in mind that advance table reservations are required. To book your spot, email or chat with us.

Lastly, there is a minimum spend of 2,000 baht (US $60) per person. The payment is required to confirm your booking. Although this may seem expensive by Thai standards if your budget allows, the stunning sunset views of the Andaman Sea and the surrounding coastline are so worth it.  

If you prefer light drinks with a touch of sweetness, go for the Adult Pink Lemonade cocktail which is our personal fave. Combining vodka, pomegranate, lemon and soda, it is the perfect companion for those balmy Phuket evenings. 

The bar is open daily between 5pm and 8pm, perfectly timed for enjoying the sunset. The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is at its best. 

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Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

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If your looking for something different to do in Phuket how about visiting Chalong Bay Rum Distillery which is known for it’s high-quality, handcrafted, 100% natural rum made from locally sourced sugarcane.

The distillery uses traditional techniques and locally grown tropical ingredients with an emphasis on sustainability to create their award winning spirits. Not just rum – they also make gin and vodka too.

Take our a guided tour to the distillery , which give you an opportunity to learn about their rum, gin, and vodka making process, from sugarcane cultivation to the final distillation stages. The highlight, of course, is the tasting session and trying a refreshing signature Chalong Bay mojito 

Located in Chalong Bay just below Phuket Town, visiting the distillery is a good opportunity to explore a more authentic area of the island. Plus, they also offer a cocktail making workshop with a mixologist and have a restaurant which serves lunch so you can make a day out of it. Distillery tours and cocktail workshops are available every day from 11am – 6pm with prior booking.

Simon’s Cabaret Show

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Without a doubt one of the most unique things to do in Phuket is to visit Simon’s Cabaret Show. 

Whilst Simon Cabaret Show allows you to experience something different, it still provides you with great entertainment and fun for all. You will be treated to a range of extravagant and sparkly attire along with some top quality dancing. We loved the fact that the show got the audience involved.

The venue is situated just outside the main hustle and bustle of Patong, one of the most famous beaches in Thailand so you will need to take a short taxi ride between to and from the Cabaret. 

There are three shows every single evening, at 6pm, 7:30pm and 9pm so there is plenty of opportunity to get tickets, especially in the 600-seat hall. We’d recommend purchasing the slightly cheaper “regular seats” for 800 baht on the second floor, especially if you are traveling on a budget. You will still receive an uninterrupted view of the show. 

You should also get yourself down early to sample the excellent choice of drinks at the bar and the pre-show entertainment. 

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Trips from Phuket

Phuket is the perfect jumping-off point to explore so many beautiful places in southern Thailand. And it’s not just island hopping trips, there’s national parks and plenty of natural beauty to be explored inland as well.

Khao Sok National Park

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As a nature enthusiast and a big fan of unique places, Khao Sok National Park is one of my favorite places in Thailand. 

Khao Sok NP covers an area of an impressive 740 km2. The park includes the oldest rainforest in the world, Cheow Lan Lake, limestone mountains, caves, rivers, and lively wildlife.

Khao Sok NP offers the most spectacular stays in the most breathtaking environment in Thailand – the floating houses on emerald green Khao Sok NP. Enjoy waking up in a floating bungalow on the lake, going on a jungle trek, observing the rainforest wildlife, swimming, and kayaking in the lake. 

Khao Sok National Park is in Surat Thani Province in southern Thailand, about 100 km from Phuket.To save time, you can take a private transfer arranged with our guide in Phuket. Many hotels in Phuket offer that service. In addition, visiting Khao Sok No on an organized day tour from Phuket is popular. 

However, I would recommend visiting Khao Sok NP on a multiday tour or independently so as not to miss out on staying in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake. Sleeping in a floating bungalow, waking up on  on Cheow Lan Lake and jungle trekking in Khao Sok NP are some of the best things to do in Thailand.

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Tips for Visiting Phuket

Now you know about all the best things to do in Phuket, here’s some tips to help you plan your trip and make the most of your time in Phuket.

Best Time to Visit Phuket 

For the best weather, the ideal time to visit Phuket is between December to March when the days are consistently sunny and dry. This is also the peak season and the busiest and most expensive time to visit Phuket.

November can be a great month to visit as it is relatively quiet but the weather can be unpredictable as it is the end of the rainy season. If you don’t mind the heat, visit in April and May as the island is not too crowded by this time, but it can be very hot with temperatures ranging from 27°C to 36°C.

The rainy season in Phuket falls between June and October with frequent downpours, cloudy and overcast skies and unpredictable weather. Rough seas mean that it is sometimes not safe to swim during this time.

 

Where to Stay in Phuket

Phuket spans over 576 square kilometers and is the largest island in Thailand. There’s a huge range of accommodation to suit all budgets, from luxury resorts, to family friendly hotels. and budget hotels and backpacker hostels.

Phuket Town is the cultural and historical heart of the island with many boutique hotels where you can stay in the colourful historical buildings. However, the best beaches are found on the West Coast making that the most popular area to stay for tourists.

Patong Beach is best for nightlife while Kata beach, Karon beach and Kamala beach offer a more balanced experience and are popular with families and couples. Further north Bang Tao beach and Mai Khao beach offer luxury resorts and unspoiled beaches for those who want to relax and get away from it all.

Each beach has a very different vibe so check out my guide to where to stay in Phuket which will guide you through all your options for the best beaches, areas and hotels.

How Long to Stay

There’s so many things to do in Phuket that you could easily be entertained every day for weeks and still want to come back again to enjoy more!

We recommend staying in Phuket for anything between 7 to 14 days. 1 week is enough time to see the top sights and go on a couple of day trips, check out our 7 day Phuket itinerary for more details, while 10 days or 2 weeks means you can explore at a more relaxed pace and have time to see more off the beaten path places and try out unique experiences. 

Colorful taxi minibus in Patong, Phuket

 

Getting to Phuket and Getting Around

Phuket International Airport is Thailand’s second busiest airport with many direct flights across the world which makes getting to Phuket easy. Visitors of most nationalities can either get a visa exemption for 30 days or a visa on arrival which makes entering Thailand easy and convenient.

Even if you’re traveling to Phuket from other parts of Thailand, air travel is the quickest and easiest option. There are also bus services from all over the country, but beware that Phuket is approximately a 12-hour journey from Bangkok.

There are various options for getting to your accommodation from the airport. The easiest and smoothest way is to book an airport transfer through your hotel or a reputable company. There are also taxi and bus services on offer at the airport.

Riding in a tuktuk is a fun experience but they are a little more costly, so good only for short distances. Taxis in Phuket can also be expensive, so never hop in without agreeing the rate first.

Alternatively, online apps like Grab or Bolt are a more convenient and cheaper option, but fares here are still more expensive than in other parts of Thailand.

If you want to visit multiple places in one day then taking a guided tour ay TravelTour Asia or organised day trip can be a better option than multiple taxis.

A cheaper way to get around Phuket is by using the Smart Bus, which runs from the airport to Rawai and stops at all the major beach towns. A single ride is 100 THB, but you can buy day or multi-day passes for a very reasonable price.

For the most freedom you can also hire a scooter or motorbike but, as Phuket’s roads can be busy and windy, We only recommend this if you have experience with scooters and have driven in Thailand or Asia before. Ensure you have an international driving license and insurance that covers motorcycles, too.

 

How to Book Tours and Activities in Phuket

If you are visiting in the peak season we would advise booking in advance to avoid missing out. If you want to plan your vacation and get the best activities like island hopping trips booked in before you go I recommend using our website where you’ll have a huge variety of trips and day tours to choose from.

 It makes travel planning easy as there’s no need to negotiate on price and you can get everything booked in before you go which makes for a stress-free and more enjoyable holiday.  

Now You Know What to Do in Phuket!

So know you know what to do in Phuket! As Thailand’s largest island, there’s certainly no shortage of beaches, tourist attractions, activities, experiences and fun things to do in Phuket – the only problem is fitting them all in!
Check out my 7 day Phuket itinerary which contains all the highlights and must sees of both Phuket and nearby Krabi.

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