Things to Do in Phuket: Beaches, Islands, Culture & Activities

Phuket has more to offer than beach lounging — though the beaches are excellent. Thailand’s largest island combines turquoise water, limestone cliffs, ornate temples, a historic Old Town, and some of the country’s best seafood. Most visitors base themselves on the west coast (Patong, Kata, Karon) for beach access, but the real character of Phuket is found in Phuket Town, the quieter southern beaches, and the offshore islands.

Beaches

Patong Beach

Phuket’s busiest beach — 3 km of sand lined with hotels, restaurants, and bars. Bangla Road (the nightlife strip) is a block inland. Good for: jet skiing, parasailing, people-watching, nightlife access. Not ideal for: quiet relaxation or clear water. Patong is the default base for first-time visitors who want everything within walking distance.

Kata & Kata Noi

Kata Beach is a well-balanced option: lively enough to have good restaurants and beach bars, but not as overwhelming as Patong. Kata Noi, the smaller bay just south, is one of Phuket’s prettiest beaches with clearer water. Good for: families, couples, surfing in low season (May-October).

Freedom Beach

Widely considered Phuket’s most beautiful beach — white sand, turquoise water, jungle backdrop. Access is by longtail boat from Patong (200 THB/person return) or a steep 10-minute trail. Entry fee: 100 THB. Worth the effort. Best visited on weekday mornings before the day-trip boats arrive.

Nai Harn

A locals’ favorite at the southern tip of the island. Less developed than the west coast tourist beaches. Calm water for swimming (in high season), a lake behind the beach for kayaking, and fewer hawkers. Several good restaurants within walking distance. No jet skis or parasails.

Bang Tao / Laguna

An 8 km stretch of beach backed by the Laguna Phuket resort complex (Banyan Tree, Angsana, Dusit Thani). Quieter, upscale feel. Beach clubs like Catch, Xana, and Dream Beach Club offer daybeds and DJ sets. Best for: families at resorts, couples seeking a quieter upscale vibe.

Island Day Trips

Phi Phi Islands

The most popular day trip from Phuket. Speedboat tours (1,500-2,500 THB) visit Maya Bay (made famous by “The Beach”), Pileh Lagoon (stunning turquoise water surrounded by cliffs), Monkey Beach, and snorkeling spots. Maya Bay has a visitor cap — go early. Full-day tours depart from Rassada Pier around 8 AM and return by 5 PM.

Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island)

Dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald water. Tours include James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), canoeing through sea caves and mangrove tunnels, and lunch at a floating village. Longtail boat tours from Phang Nga are cheaper and less crowded than speedboat tours from Phuket. Budget 1,200-2,000 THB for a full day tour.

Similan Islands (November-May only)

Thailand’s premier snorkeling and diving destination — crystal-clear water with visibility up to 30 meters. Located 84 km northwest of Phuket. Day trips depart from Khao Lak (1.5 hours north of Phuket). Budget 2,500-3,500 THB. The islands close during monsoon season (June-October). Book in advance during peak season — tours sell out.

Coral Island (Koh He)

A quick 15-minute speedboat ride from Chalong Pier. Good for a half-day trip with snorkeling, banana boats, and beach time. Less dramatic scenery than Phi Phi but much closer and cheaper (800-1,200 THB). Good option for families with young children who don’t want a long boat ride.

Culture and Sightseeing

Old Phuket Town

The island’s cultural heart. Thalang Road and Soi Romanee are lined with colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses dating from the tin mining era (19th century). Street art, independent cafes, galleries, and small museums. The Sunday Walking Street Market (4-10 PM) fills Thalang Road with food stalls, live music, and local crafts. Allow 2-3 hours to explore.

Big Buddha (Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri)

A 45-meter white marble Buddha statue sitting on Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata. The viewpoint offers 360-degree views of southern Phuket. Free entry (donations welcome). Dress modestly — shoulders and knees covered. Access by car or scooter up a steep, winding road. Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light and fewer crowds.

Wat Chalong

Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple. The Grand Pagoda houses a fragment of bone from the Buddha, and the temple grounds feature ornate buildings with detailed murals depicting the life of Buddha. Free entry. Open daily 7 AM – 5 PM. Located centrally, easy to combine with Big Buddha (10-minute drive).

Activities and Adventures

Snorkeling and Diving

Phuket is one of Thailand’s top diving bases. Day trips to the Similan Islands, Racha Islands, and Shark Point offer diverse marine life including reef sharks, manta rays (at Koh Bon, February-April), and colorful coral. A two-dive day trip costs 3,000-4,500 THB. PADI Open Water certification takes 3-4 days and costs 12,000-16,000 THB.

Thai Cooking Classes

Half-day cooking classes run 1,500-2,500 THB and typically include a market visit, 4-5 dishes, and recipes to take home. Popular schools include Blue Elephant (upscale, in a Sino-Portuguese mansion), Phuket Thai Cooking Academy, and Kata Thai Cooking Class. Morning classes usually start with a fresh market tour.

Elephant Sanctuaries

Ethical elephant experiences have replaced riding tours. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary let you observe, feed, and walk with retired elephants in a natural setting. Half-day visits cost 2,500-3,500 THB including transport. No riding, no chains, no tricks. Book in advance — popular sanctuaries fill up.

Viewpoints and Sunsets

Karon Viewpoint — The classic postcard shot of three bays (Kata Noi, Kata, Karon) stretching into the distance. Free, roadside parking. Best in morning light.

Promthep Cape — Phuket’s most popular sunset spot at the island’s southern tip. Arrive 30 minutes before sunset to get a good position. Free. Small lighthouse and shrine on site.

Windmill Viewpoint (Ya Nui) — Less crowded alternative to Promthep Cape with views over Ya Nui Beach. Wind turbines make a distinctive backdrop. Located on the road between Nai Harn and Promthep.

Food and Night Markets

Some of Phuket’s best food is found at markets and local restaurants, not resort dining rooms:

• Sunday Walking Street (Thalang Road) — Phuket Town’s weekly market with local food, crafts, and performances. 4-10 PM.
• Chillva Market — Open nightly near Phuket Town. Container-style market with street food, vintage clothing, live music. Popular with locals.
• Rawai Seafood Market — Buy fresh seafood (prawns, crabs, fish) from fishermen’s stalls, then have it cooked at adjacent restaurants for 100-200 THB cooking fee. The cheapest way to eat premium seafood in Phuket.
• Lock Tien — A food court in old Phuket Town serving Hokkien-influenced Phuket specialties like Hokkien noodles (mee Hokkien), oh-aew (ice dessert), and tor (steamed buns). Most dishes 40-80 THB.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days do you need in Phuket?

3-5 days is ideal. Day 1: beaches and relaxation. Day 2: island day trip (Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay). Day 3: Old Phuket Town, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong. Days 4-5: diving, cooking class, elephant sanctuary, or day trip to Similan Islands. With a week, you can add Khao Lak or Krabi as side trips.

What’s the best beach in Phuket?

Freedom Beach is the most visually stunning (turquoise water, white sand, jungle backdrop) but requires a boat or hike to access. For convenience, Kata Noi is the best balance of beauty and accessibility. For families, Bang Tao is calm and has resort facilities. For nightlife proximity, Patong can’t be beat but the beach itself is average.

Is Phuket expensive?

Phuket is one of Thailand’s more expensive destinations but still affordable by international standards. Budget travelers can manage on 1,500-2,500 THB/day ($42-70 USD) including accommodation, food, and transport. Mid-range comfort costs 3,000-6,000 THB/day. The west coast tourist beaches (Patong, Kata) are pricier than Phuket Town or the east coast.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

November to March is peak season: dry weather, calm seas, best for diving and island hopping. April-May is hot but less crowded. June-October is monsoon season with afternoon rainstorms, rougher seas on the west coast, and the lowest hotel prices. Similan Islands are closed June-October. Surfing at Kata is best in the low season when swells arrive.

How do I get around Phuket?

Phuket has no public transit system. Options: rent a scooter (200-300 THB/day, most popular), rent a car (800-1,500 THB/day), use Grab (available but pricier than Bangkok), or hire songthaews (blue buses, 30-50 THB on fixed routes between beaches and Phuket Town). Tuk-tuks exist but charge inflated tourist prices — always negotiate or use Grab instead.