Things to do in Phuket

More about Phuket

There is a diverse range of things to do in Phuket if you love food and activities, especially from November to April. Seek some sports activities at the beach with more convenient weather. Phuket is a second home to many retirees and expats, you will find fancy villas built on inclines.

Make sure to select the right time to visit Phuket as there might be limited activities to explore in the rainy season. The rainy days in September outnumber the sunny days and make it the wettest month of the year. There is usually still a mix of sun and rain, but you had better postpone until a few months later.

Top Things to Do in Phuket

For those who are visiting Phuket, expect parties and vibrant nightlife during your holiday. You can arrange a packed itinerary for favorable activities, from city hopping and swimming to spa massages.

1. Big Buddha

Sits atop the Nakkerd Hills, a 45-metre-tall Big Buddha of Phuket looks down over Chalong, Kata, and Rawai. You can also find a shrine near the car parking lot. Along the way towards this place, you will see some beautiful jungle.

• Location: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 6 AM – 6.30 PM

2. Patong’s Bangla Road

Find the best pubs and live music venues along the centre of Phuket. Select a diverse range of live music bars and rock bars at your preferences. The road comes to life after sunset with 400-meter neon lights, loud music, and cheap beer.

• Location: Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83150, Thailand

3. Phuket Old Town

Immerse yourself in wonderful blends of colonial and Chinese architecture in Phuket Old Town. It will be a great historic walk while arranging a visit to the night markets or trying a ferry. For a beautiful photo walk, take a walk to Thalang Road, Phangnga Roa, and Soi Romanee.

• Location: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

4. Wat Chalong Temple

The temple is a must-see for everyone visiting Phuket. Thousands of visitors visit the beautifully decorated temple with infinite reflections of glass pieces on its pagodas every year. Thai people make merit by offering lotus flowers and adding a small piece of gold paper to the monk’s statues at the central temple.

• Location: 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Rd, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 8 AM – 5 PM

5. Sunday Walking Street Market

Known as Lard Yai Market by the locals, everyone should experience the culture and its lively atmosphere at least once. Take place at historical Thalang Road, food and clothing vendors lined in the lively hustle of this road.

• Location: 150 Thalang Rd, Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
• Opening hours: Sunday from 4 PM – 10 PM

6. Koh Panyee

Aside from its bustling city in the centre of Phuket, there is a home to a Muslim community in Phuket. You can spend time overnight to reveal the natural peace and tranquillity of the village.

• Location: Koh Panyee, Muang, Phang-nga 82000, Thailand

7. Andamanda Water Park

Enjoy 100,000 square meters of water kingdom and its exhilarating slides, surf, and artificial wave pool. You will have a great adrenaline rush trying the Eagle Flyer or Racing Nagas. You can enjoy the longest lazy river to relax after a thrilling water adventure.

• Location: W937+PCV Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 7 PM

8. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Interact with magnificent elephants in the safety and security of their natural home. It is the most ethical elephant sanctuary with incredible tours and experiences. You can go swimming and enjoy bathing with the elephant.

• Location: 168/29-30 Phangmueangsai Road Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83150, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 6.30 AM – 10 AM

9. Carnival Magic

Featuring carnival-style attractions, it is a brand new nighttime theme park located near Phuket Fantasea. Enjoy the world-class dining options and well-appointed staterooms on a dynamic ship designed to enhance your sailing experience.

• Location: 999 Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
• Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday from 5.30 PM – 11.30 PM

10. Simon Cabaret Show

Luxuriate yourself to enjoy one of the most glamorous entertainment shows in Phuket. Enjoy immersive visuals and laugh along at the comedy and fun.

• Location: 8 Thanon Sirirat, Tambon Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83150, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 6 PM – 11 PM

11. Football Crazy Golf

As it is named, you will kick a football around the “gold course” with similar rules as a normal golf game. It has bunkers, tunnels, and other entertaining gimmicks on the course. Visit this place for fun and you can bring the kids.

• Location: W85G+9XG, Kathu, Kathu District, Phuket 83120, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 9 AM – 7 PM

12. Patong Go-Kart Speedway

Be entertained by a 750-long race track with a series of sharp curves, smooth bends, and a long straight start lane for acceleration. The speedway offers four types of go-karts: 140 cc for kids, 200 cc standard karts, 270 cc two-seater karts, and 400 cc race karts.

• Location: 118/5 Vichitsongkram Rd. M.7 Kathu, Phuket, 83120, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 7 PM

13. Coqoon Spa at The Slate

Relax yourself to enjoy five-star hospitality in a spa room with immense spherical thatch structures resembling cocoons. It offers you a magical experience as you will be fresh and fabulous as a metamorphosed butterfly.

• Location: 116, Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

14. Hanuman World

Best place for an adrenaline junkie or a nature lover who seeks a unique and unforgettable experience. Enjoy Flying Hanuman, the first Zip-line Park which is purely rainforest with a waterfall. You can take a combined package with thrilling activities and round-trip transfers.

• Location: Wichit, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 8 AM – 5 PM

15. Similan Islands

Surrounded by clear blue seas and white-sand beaches, it is a heaven for island-hoppers and scuba divers. Be amused by the lively and colourful coral reefs with perfect visibility.

• Location: Lam Kaen, Thai Mueang District, Phang-nga 82210, Thailand

Best Restaurants in Phuket

Contrast flavours of Thai cuisine are refreshing if you like spicy, sweet, and citrusy aftertaste. Find the most popular restaurants recommend by tourists and locals or get off the beaten track to enjoy Thai street food in Phuket.

1. One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

Serving popular Southern Thai dishes, must-try cuisine at this place are Crab Curry and the authentic Pad Thai. Satisfies your craving while relaxing in a homey ambience.

• Location: 48/1 Thep Kasattri Road, Talad Yai Subdistrict, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

2. Raya Restaurant

Located in a quiet street in Phuket Town, their signature dish is Moo Hong, a braised pork belly that will make your palate go wild. Savour the local flavours of spicy curries and stir fries in this hidden gem restaurant.

• Location: 48/1 Dibuk Rd, Tambon Talat Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
• Operating hours: Daily from 10 AM – 10 PM

3. Laem Hin Seafood

Best-known local seafood restaurants loved by tourists and locals. Using fresh ingredients, the price is still reasonable. This place is recommended for families or group to enjoy late lunch or early dinner while enjoying the sunset.

• Location: 90/11 Moo 7, Soi Baan Leamhin, Thepkasattri Road, Koh Kaew, Phuket 83200 Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 10 AM – 9 PM

4. Kanom Jeen Pa Mai

Near the famous restaurant in Phuket, you can find this modest Thai restaurant located at the intersection. Savour this cuisine by picking up a plate of cold white rice noodles, select the curry sauce, add condiments and leave on display on top of the table.

• Location: Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000
• Opening hours: Daily from 7 AM – 1.30 PM

5. Nam Yoi Restaurant

Expect a low-key Thai restaurant with steel tables and plastic placemats. An open-air with a covered-roof restaurant serves unique and classic Southern Thai dishes such as mushroom spicy curry cake, shrimp paste with dried shrimp, spicy sour seabass soup and crab curry with rice noodles.

• Location: 63, 250 Rumpattana Rd, Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
• Opening hours: Daily from 10.30 AM – 2.30 PM, 4.30 PM – 7.30 PM

Best Hotels Reccomendations in Phuket

Have a good stay in Phuket and have a good time exploring this iconic city. Select the best hospitality around Phuket at these recommended hotels.

1. Courtyard by Marriot Phuket Town

Located near Phanga Road, it is a modern hotel with free wifi, pool, and great on-site dining. Walkable to various shops and restaurants if you plan to explore the town. Very close to the airport and Patong Beach.

• Locations: 1 Soi Surin Montri Road, Phuket Town, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand, 83000
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 130.48 per night

2. Blue Monkey Hub & Hotel Phuket

Great place to stay if you plan to explore the Old Town area with a reasonable budget and nice breakfast. They have a 24-hour bar and people love dim sum places and cafes near the hotel.

• Location: 3 Soi 3 Phangnga Road, Taladyai, Phuket Town, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand, 83000
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 193.64 per night

3. Ibis Style

Good neighbourhood hotels with a wide range of facilities for the guests. They have standard twin bed and family room with a bunk bed. Great selection if you are visiting Phuket with group or family.

• Location: Amphur, 23 Thawornwongwong Road, Talad Yai, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 58.77 per night

4. HOMA Phuket Town

If staying in hotels matches your preference, HOMA Phuket Town will be a great choice. With a reasonable price, you will have a well-maintained studio room with 24-hour front desk ready to serve you.

• Location: 3/41 Moo 5, Soi Samkong 1, Phuket Town, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket, Thailand, 83000
• Room rate: Start from S$ 158.70 per night

5. Bedline Hotel

Enjoy your stay in a clean and modern hotel room with an outdoor swimming pool. The room is quite spacious and the hotel is just a few minutes from Old Town Phuket.

• Location: 74 15-20 Phoonpon Rd, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
• Room rate: Starts from S$ 58.37 per night

Tips When Visiting Phuket

Wear comfortable lightweight clothes to Phuket as you might prepare for the tropical heat. Cotton T-shirts, summer dresses, shorts, and linen will be the most comfortable choice of clothes you must bring. Don’t underdress in public especially when entering restaurants and buildings.

Greet people and smile even if you are negotiating prices at the market. Learn some Thai phrases as you may face the language barrier.

Respect your surroundings as you are visiting a fairly conservative country. You are recommended to avoid public displays of affection. As some actions might be considered public indecency, you might get a fine.