21 Best Things to Do in Phuket 🇹🇭

Most Thailand travelers dedicate a large part of their trip to exploring the country’s many islands. When it comes to Thai islands, Phuket is a top choice – beaches, waterfalls, markets and an old town, there are plenty of things to do in Phuket to keep you busy!

Phuket is not only the largest island in Thailand, but is also visited by around a third of all international visitors to the country.

It is also the only island in Thailand that is connected to the mainland by not one, but two bridges – Sarasin (for pedestrian traffic) and Thepkasattri, which is used for motor vehicles.

With such a large and popular island, it’s no surprise that there’s a lot to experience on Phuket. Whether you’re looking for rest and relaxation, adventure or just a fun party, you’ll find it on Phuket.

There is so much to experience here that you could exhaust your tourist visa just by exploring this one island.

The best things to do in Phuket

If you’re the kind of person who enjoys lounging on gorgeous beaches, taking part in a variety of water sports or indulging in culinary and nightlife activities, you’ll love what Phuket has to offer. Phuket is definitely one of the best places to visit in Thailand.

With so many things to do, planning a trip to Phuket can be a little intimidating. Fear not – I’ve put together a solid list of the 21 best things to do in Phuket to make your life easier.

1. Beach Bumming

Before we get into all the things to do and see in Phuket, let’s start with a classic vacation activity on the island – the beach walk!

On this huge island, you have plenty of opportunities to stick your toes in the sand. But first, make sure you know which beaches are recommended and which you should avoid.

Due to the explosive development of the Phuket coast in recent decades, many beaches have seen their best days. In my opinion, Patong Beach in particular should be avoided. If you don’t like being bombarded by touts and almost run over by jet skis, I would advise you to avoid Patong.

Now that we’ve got the bad news out of the way, let’s move on to the good news.

Despite its popularity, Phuket still has some unspoiled, hidden beaches. If you put in a little effort, you’ll be rewarded with postcard-perfect beaches that are free of hotel chains and pushy vendors.

I could put together a whole guidebook on Phuket’s beaches – and maybe I will – but for now, here’s a short list of some of my favorites that stand out for their scenic beauty and fewer crowds: Ya Nui, Laem Singh, Pleumsuk, Nai Han Beach, Karon Beach und Naiyang Beach. All of these beaches are an excellent choice.

2. Visit the Great Buddha

One of Phuket’s most revered landmarks is the Great Buddha. This 45-meter high Buddha is made of white marble and can be seen from many points on the island. As it is located on the highest peak of the Nakkerd Hills, you can also enjoy an incredible panoramic view from here.

The Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s main attractions. If you really want to see a place where there is a lot going on, you should time your visit for one of the many Buddhist holidays celebrated in Thailand.

Visiting the Great Buddha is free in Phuket, but many people choose to make a donation to receive a small white tile on which you can write a message.

If you are an experienced driver, you can ride here on a motorcycle. The road up is windy and steep, so you should take a cab or sign up for a tour. Try to get here early in the morning or at sunset to avoid the heat and crowds. Check out 👉 this highly rated tour that takes in many of Phuket’s popular sights, including the Big Buddha.

• Address: ยอดเขานาคเกิด Karon, Mueang Phuket district, Phuket
• Opening hours: 6:00 – 19:00 Monday to Sunday
• Admission: Free
• Tours: 👉 This half-day tour takes you to many sights in Phuket, including the Big Buddha

3. Go diving or snorkeling

When it comes to the best things to do in Phuket for couples, families or solo travelers, it’s all about the water. For both divers and snorkelers, there are some excellent options here.

At many beaches in Phuket, you can simply rent a mask, snorkel and fins to make your own. Alternatively, you can sign up for a tour that takes you to different locations and enjoy a day at sea.

There are several dive stores in Phuket where you can sign up for a course if you are not yet certified. Once you’re ready to dive, you’ll have the opportunity to visit a variety of world-class dive sites. With its crystal clear waters and abundance of marine life, Phuket is one of the best places in the world to dive.

If you really want a first-class snorkeling/diving experience, consider a trip to the 👉 Similan Islands. Liveaboards depart regularly from Phuket to this incredible national park, which is considered the best dive site in all of Thailand.

After diving in Phuket for a while, check out the underwater scene on the other side of the country. Koh Tao is another world-famous diving destination that you should definitely include in your Thailand itinerary.

4. Stroll through the night markets

Back on land, there are still plenty of great things to do in Phuket. There are several fantastic night markets on the island that are the perfect place for a casual evening out.

One of the coolest options is definitely the Chillva Market, which uses colorful shipping containers as shop windows. Whether you want to shop for souvenirs or simply sample some delicious Thai street food, you’ll enjoy a stroll. A visit to the markets is one of the best things to do in the evening in Phuket.

• Address: 141/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town
• Opening hours: 4-11PM Thursday-Saturday
• Admission: Free

5. Tour of a rum distillery

Chang beer is great, but every now and then it’s nice to drink something different in Thailand. A trip to the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is a good idea. This tasty white rum is distilled from 100% pure sugar cane and is just the thing if you’ve had enough of watered-down beer!

Guided tours of the distillery take place daily on the hour from 2-6pm. The cost is 450 baht ($14.50) and includes a tasting and a delicious mojito at the end. Click here for tickets.

On Mondays, Wednesdays and Saturdays, there is a cocktail workshop where you learn how to make three different drinks, in addition to a tour of the distillery. This is one of the best places to visit in Phuket when it’s raining.

• Address: 14/2 Moo 2, Palai soi 2, Tambon Chalong, Amphur Muang Phuket
• Opening hours: Daily from 11AM-11PM
• Costs: Tours cost 450 THB ($14.50 USD) Click here to order your tickets in advance

6. Day trip to Phang Nga Bay

If you are traveling in Phuket, a day trip to Phang Nga Bay ein absolutes Muss. These stunning limestone cliffs jutting out of the sea are well worth the time and effort it takes to reach them.

If they look familiar, you have probably already seen them in the James Bond film “The Man With the Golden Gun.“. Thanks to its starring role in the 007 film, one of the rock formations has even been dubbed James Bond Island. The bay also appeared in “Star Wars: Episode III” as the backdrop for the planet Kashyyyk.

How cool is that?

Most people visit Phang Nga Bay 👉 on a tour from Phuket. The tours usually include stops at some of the islands as well as snorkeling and kayaking. Depending on your budget and taste, there are a variety of options for tours. You can even book a 👉 luxurious sunset cruise if you want to really let it rip!

7. Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

There is no doubt that Thailand has a big problem with wildlife tourism, especially when it comes to the country’s national animal. Over the years, elephants have been abused for tourism and deforestation throughout the country, but thankfully this is slowly changing as more and more people are standing up to this and making a difference in their travels.

Best of all, you can be a part of it here in Phuket!

A visit to one of the elephant sanctuaries is definitely one of the most rewarding things to do in Phuket. Here you can interact with the peaceful pachyderms in an ethical way and learn more about them. There is absolutely no elephant riding here, and that’s a good thing.

While there are a few places in Phuket that offer elephant “sanctuaries”, two that come highly recommended are the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and the Tree Tops Elephant Reserve. Note: Many places pose as these ethical businesses. Make sure you choose a reputable company that does not allow the elephants to bathe, as this causes stress to the animals.

At the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, you can even work as a volunteer for several days if you are interested. Taking care of elephants is also one of the best things to do in Chiang Mai.

8. Temple hopping

Every now and then you have to get out of your deck chair and do something cultural! A great way to experience a dose of Thai culture is to spend a day temple hopping. Like all of Thailand, Phuket is home to several Buddhist temples.

The most important and impressive Buddhist temple on the island is certainly Wat Chalong. There is a lot to see in this huge complex, with the highlight being the glittering Great Pagoda. It is said that a splinter of a bone from Buddha himself is kept in the pagoda.

• Address: Wat Chalong is located about 8 km from Phuket Town. Click here for directions.
• Opening hours: Open daily from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.
• Note: Wear modest clothing when visiting this and other Buddhist temples in Thailand. Save the neon-colored undershirts for the full moon party.

9. Enjoy the view

To really admire the beauty of Phuket, you should visit one of the island’s many viewpoints. On this rather hilly island, there are many places where you can enjoy incredible panoramic views.

Neben dem Großen Buddha gehören das Promthep-Kap an der Südspitze der Insel, der Karon viewpoint near the beach of the same name and the Rang Hill in Phuket-Stadt zu den besten Plätzen, to see Phuket from above. If you visit the latter, you should be hungry so you can eat at Tunk-Ka Cafe speisen können.

10. Take part in a Thai cooking class (one of the best foodie experiences in Phuket)

One of the best things to do in Phuket (and Thailand in general) is to sample the country’s delicious cuisine. While you’re here, why not try making it yourself? There are many excellent cooking classes in Phuket that you can sign up for so you can take that delicious Thai food home with you!

I can’t tell you how many times I’ve craved Thai food in places where it’s simply not to be found. If you learn to cook a few dishes yourself, you’ll never have to go without again. You can also impress your friends by hosting a sweet dinner party and blowing them away with your new skills.

There is a large selection of cooking schools in Phuket. Highly recommended are the 👉 Phuket Thai Cooking Academy and the 👉 Phuket Easy Thai Cooking Course. Both include a trip to the local market to buy ingredients, and there are also vegetarian options.

11. Experience the nightlife

If you like to party, then you’ve come to the right place! Phuket has an epic nightlife, no matter what night of the week it is. From stylish cocktail lounges to laid-back reggae bars and vibrant nightclubs, you’ll find it all on this Thai island.

Most of the action after dark takes place in Patong on Bangla Road. This place is like Khao San Road in Bangkok on steroids. It can be a little tiring (and definitely seedy), but it’s worth stopping by at least once.

Those looking for a more relaxed experience can head to other parts of the island. In der Quip Rooftop Bar in Phuket Town is a great place to have a drink and enjoy the view. Another good choice is the Ska Bar at the southern end of the beautiful Kata Yai Beach.

12. Island hopping

Just because you’re already on one island doesn’t mean you can’t see a few more! Spending a day exploring the islands by speedboat is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Phuket.

In addition to the tours in Phang Nga Bay, you can also take 👉 day trips to the nearby Phi Phi Islands. In fact, the possibilities are endless.

There are a number of smaller islands around Phuket, many of which are completely deserted. If you are traveling in a group and rent your own boat, you can choose your own adventure.

Of course, the prices for the tours depend on a variety of factors. A half-day tour that visits one or two other islands can be booked for as little as 50 dollars or less, while a full-day tour that visits several islands is more likely to cost 100 dollars or more. Island hopping is definitely one of the best things to do in Phuket in Thailand; don’t miss out.

13. Monkey theater on the Toh Sae hill

Der Toh Sae Hill in Phuket Town is also known as Monkey Hill, and for good reason. Around 400 macaques live in groups around the hill, and you’re sure to see some of them.

There is a viewpoint at the top of the hill, but you get a better view if you go up on foot. About halfway up the hill is a fitness park popular with the locals. The road is even closed to traffic at 5pm so that people can enjoy the area free from exhaust fumes.

Join in and exercise while you wait for a glorious Phuket sunset. Just watch your belongings, as the monkeys have been known to steal things like sunglasses or cell phones from time to time. If this happens, you’ll have to bribe them with fruit to get your stuff back!

14. Explore Phuket Town

Phuket Town is often overlooked by travelers who only focus on the beach. However, there is a lot to experience in Phuket Town if you take the time to visit. The Chinatown alone is worth a visit. Phuket Town was once the center of the island’s mining boom, attracting many Chinese immigrants who left their mark on the town through its architecture (Chinese Baroque) and cuisine.

But there is more to see here than Chinatown. Here you’ll find the Phuket Cultural Center and the Butterfly Farm, as well as several museums, temples and markets. You can sign up for a tour that covers many of the highlights, or simply set out on your own and pick up a copy of the free Phuket Town Treasure Map to create your own map.

If you want to visit Phuket on a budget – which is becoming increasingly difficult – consider staying in Phuket Town. Accommodation and food are much cheaper here, and you’ll be close to some of the island’s main attractions and numerous beaches.

15. Water sports in abundance

Water sports are very important in Phuket, which is not surprising on a huge tropical island. In addition to the excellent diving and snorkeling opportunities that abound here, you can also go kayaking, SUPing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, sailing, fishing, surfing – the list is endless.

Many water sports can be practiced directly on the beach in Phuket. There are numerous providers who rent out equipment such as snorkels, kayaks and jet skis. Of course, there are also plenty of tours that will take you out for a fun day on the water. The possibilities for water sports in Phuket are endless.

Believe it or not, there are even opportunities for water sports inland. There are places like the Phuket Wave Park, which pulls wakeboarders around a lake on a rope system. It’s suitable for all skill levels and is a great place to learn wakeboarding, as it’s much easier when you don’t have the wake of a boat to contend with.

16. Amazing cabaret show

One of the most entertaining things to do in Phuket is the 👉 Simon Cabaret Show, an incredible performance that simply has to be seen to be believed. Billed as “Thailand’s most famous ladyboy show”, it is a true spectacle.

The hour-long performance features extravagant costumes, incredibly talented actresses, elaborate sets and a ridiculously good lighting and sound system. They put a lot of time and effort into this show, which satisfies well over a thousand visitors every evening.

The shows take place every evening at 6pm, 7:30pm and 9pm. Tickets cost around 25 dollars for a normal seat or 30 dollars for a VIP seat. You can book the ticket 👉 here or book a ticket that includes transportation 👉 here.

17. Pamper yourself at The Spa

While there are plenty of fun things to do in Phuket, every now and then you just have to treat yourself to a relaxing day at the spa. Luckily, the options for spa treatments here are practically endless.

In the popular tourist areas of Phuket, you can hardly move a meter without being offered a massage. You can even get a Thai massage right from your sun lounger!

Many high-end hotels and resorts have their own spas, but there are also plenty of great local spas at a fraction of the price.

Visit the Reisenweg, which has nine locations across the island. Indulge in a variety of treatments, from 30-minute aromatherapy baths (650 baht / $20++) to the fantastic 5-hour “Seaside Sensation” package (7,500 baht / $235++).

18. Experience Muay Thai

The most popular sport in Thailand is undoubtedly traditional Muay Thai kickboxing. Although you can see advertisements for Muay Thai fights all over the island, many of them are only organized for tourists. If you want to experience a real fight, you have to go to the Patong Boxing Stadium.

The fights take place on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays, and the place is always packed with locals and tourists alike. 👉 Click here to order your tickets in advance (including hotel pick-up).

If you want to get into the ring yourself, Muay Thai training is even available. Even if you’re not interested in fighting, Muay Thai training is a great way to get in shape. After all that Pad Thai and all those Chang beers, it might not be such a bad idea!

19. Dine in a floating restaurant

Phuket has a wide selection of fantastic restaurants to suit all tastes and budgets. For a truly unique culinary experience, sit down to a meal at one of the island’s amazing floating restaurants – dining here is one of the most unusual things to do in Phuket.

To get to the floating restaurants, you have to go to Laem Hin Pier on the east side of the island. From here, it’s a short (and free) longtail boat ride to the floating restaurants.

Es gibt zahlreiche Restaurants, aber “The Black Crab” und “Kruvit Seafood Raft” are a good choice.

Of course, seafood is the first choice of food here. Be sure to try the fried crab meat with yellow curry, giant oysters with garlic, chili and lime and much more. If you time your visit right, you can enjoy a boat ride under the stars with a full and very satisfied belly.

20. On the hunt for waterfalls

Hunting for waterfalls is definitely one of the coolest things to do in Phuket. Most of the waterfalls on the island are located in the national parks. Spending half a day in nature to enjoy a refreshing dip in a waterfall is a great escape from the crowded and overdeveloped beach towns.

Einer der beliebtesten Wasserfälle ist Bang Pae. It is located in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, a protected, untouched jungle in the north-eastern corner of the island. If you fancy a hike, you can follow an 8 km trail to Tonsai Waterfall. Ask the park administration for a map before you set off.

There is more to see here than just waterfalls. The national park is also home to several plant and animal species, including wild boars and gibbons. Speaking of gibbons, we come to our last item on this long list of things to do in Phuket.

21. Visit the gibbon rehabilitation project

If you are in the national park, you should definitely visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project. Gibbons are killed by hunters and abused by people who abuse them for photo opportunities with tourists. This organization is doing everything it can to rescue, rehabilitate, reintroduce and breed these adorable primates.

Visiting the center is free, and you might be lucky enough to see a few gibbons. But even if not, it’s a good place to learn more about the center’s work. They are always looking for volunteers to help out, and you can even adopt a gibbon. The most important thing to remember, however, is that you should not take photos with animals of any kind on your trip through Thailand and beyond.

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