Phuket is the largest island in Thailand, and there are so many best things to do in Phuket, presenting tourists with a healthy dose of natural beauty, rich culture, and heart-pounding adventures. From world-famous beaches to hidden gems, Phuket is one grand playground waiting for anyone to venture into.
Whether you are after relaxation, excitement, or immersion in culture, this guide will give you a view of the main attractions and best places to go in Phuket. Just read along as we reveal the 10 things you can engage in, the landmarks you should not miss, and helpful hints for your unforgettable trip to Phuket City.
READ ALSO:
Phuket Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting
Phuket’s Attractions: What are the Best Things to Do In Phuket
From the beautiful beaches to cultural landmarks, shopping, night markets, and adventure activities, Phuket offers many enticing top attractions that cannot be found anywhere. Find out a few below:
Discover Phuket’s Pristine Beaches
The beaches in Phuket are among the best in the world, each with its singular charm. Patong Beach is one of the most favored places on the island, and it is perfect for those seeking to plunge into the active atmosphere. Famed for its rowdy nightlife, watersports, and golden sand, Patong is the exact place to sunbathe and enjoy fine dining right on the beach. You may also want to try parasailing or renting a jet ski for that adrenaline fix in the water.
For a more relaxed atmosphere, head to Kata Beach. It is also famous for its transparent waters and snow-white sand, which is why the beach is highly valued by families and people seeking tranquility. The calm waves of the high season provide excellent conditions for snorkeling, while the surfers just love waves in the low season. From cafes on the beach, you can get fresh seafood and viewpoints nearby, allowing for great sunset watching.
If you prefer a secluded beach experience, Freedom Beach is a must-try. Tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the usual tourist spots, it remains one of Phuket’s best-kept secrets. Reachable by either a short boat ride or a steep hike, Freedom Beach offers crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming and snorkeling. With fewer crowds, this beach allows more privacy and peace, making for a more personal beach experience.
READ ALSO: 10 Best Beaches in Phuket to Visit
Cultural Landmarks
Besides the beaches, Phuket has a lot of cultural heritage. Visiting Wat Chalong temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples in Phuket, allows visitors to get a glimpse of the spiritual side of the island. This temple is a haven for locals and visitors who come to pray and show respect—beautiful architecture, intricate statues, serene atmosphere- are the prime reasons to compel a visit. If visiting, note that dressing modestly is an act of respect. For these reasons, early mornings are the best times to visit to avoid the afternoon heat and large crowds.
The other highly recognizable attraction is the Big Buddha in Phuket, which is a superb view from Nakkerd Hill. Constructed of white Burmese marble, the 45-meter-tall statue is grooved and depicts peace and serenity. The view from the top is great, making it one of the best places for photography on the Island of Phuket. Consider visiting during the late afternoon when the sun begins to set, casting a golden glow over the landscape, for the best captures.
Discover the Hidden Gems Off the Beaten Path
Besides the major attractions, Phuket offers less busy areas for a more local and serene experience. These include:
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
Lush Panoramic view of the limestone karst formations in Phang Nga Bay. Sunrise will give the best experience.
Ao Sane Beach
This beach is one of the isolated beaches where the water has crystal clear visibility and is full of marine life. You can do your snorkeling here without tour operator hassles.
Phuket Old Town
Take an easy stroll around the quaint streets lined with Sino-Portuguese architecture and colored buildings housing local markets. Old Phuket town is a good place for those who want to see history or what Phuket used to be.
It is a good way to catch an intimate glimpse of Phuket, far from the hustle and bustle that characterizes most of this island’s more tourist-concentrated areas.
READ ALSO: Phuket Hidden Gems: Unexpected Attraction in Phuket
Adventure Activities in Phuket
Phuket offers many varied activities to adventurers. From island hopping to jungle trekking, there is something to satiate every adventure lover.
Cruising Islands: Phi Phi Island and James Bond Island
You should take the time to visit the breathtaking islands around Phuket. Our favorite destinations include Maya Bay in Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island. These tours will allow you to see turquoise waters, cliffs of limestone, and secret lagoons.
You can easily book your tour on our website, so you don’t need to pay extra money to local agencies to do that for you. The general price for each package entails most transportation expenses, as well as food and equipment used for snorkeling. Always make early bookings, at least a day prior, and carry essential things like sunscreen, swimwear, and waterproof cameras.
Jungle Trekking
Phuket rainforests are excellent spots for trekking. More precisely, nature lovers love this sport in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, one of the perfect spots in Phuket for jungle treks and a destination point to waterfalls and natural pools. Guided treks provide insight into the flora and fauna of the island. This is ideal if you want to experience Phuket’s natural beauty on foot. Wear comfortable shoes, bring lots of water, and prepare for an unforgettable humid experience.
Shopping and Dining
Phuket’s shopping and dining scenes are as varied as its landscapes. There are numerous places to visit, from bustling markets to fine-dining restaurants.
Phuket Weekend Market
Often known as Naka Market, this melodious market deals in everything, from clothes and accessories to street food. It is a good market to find those ‘special’ souvenirs while munching away on delicious Thai treats-grilled seafood, sticky mango rice, and spicy papaya salad.
The Local Thai Dishes
The dishes you should try during the tour are Pad Thai, tom yum, a spicy shrimp soup, and Green Curry. All these are prepared most appetizingly at the local markets or stalls alongside the roads. The Banzaan Fresh Market is located near Patong Beach and is one of the best places to relish fresh seafood and other Thai cuisine. You can also choose the seafood of your choice there and have it cooked right before your eyes!
Practical Travel Tips
Before embarking on your Phuket travel adventure, secure a luxurious accommodation at Sarayah Phuket for a smooth and unforgettable experience. Our private pool villa and four-bedroom villa packages are more affordable than most hotel deals in Phuket.
Here are some practical travel tips to know:
- Transportation: Modes of transport around Phuket include the tuk-tuk, motorbike taxi, and car rentals. Tuk-tuks are best for shorter distances, but if you want freedom around the island, which sometimes goes deep into places that are difficult to reach, you can rent either a motorbike or a car. You must always haggle for the price before hopping on to a tuk-tuk.
- Safety First: While Phuket can be considered a safe city in most aspects, carelessness when driving should be avoided, especially if you are renting a motorbike. Always wear a helmet and follow the local traffic rules.
- Respect for Local Culture: The Thai culture of Phuket places a high premium on respect, particularly in temple environments. You should dress modestly while visiting any religious place of worship and take off your shoes before entering a temple.
Online resources will help you book your transport, accommodation, and tours in advance. You can check out websites like Agoda and Booking.com, which have comprehensive listings. Smaller and local agencies are also around the corner, where you can easily book a tour on the spot.
READ ALSO: Is Phuket Safe for Tourists
A conclusion on the Best Things You Can Do in Phuket as a Tourist
For every beach and adrenaline junkie, cultural enthusiast, and food lover, Phuket offers some forms of adventurous activities. Check out this guide to learn the best things to do in the heart of Phuket so you do not miss out on any of these special moments on your island tour. So, while visiting Phuket- be it to laze around on beaches, go around all cultural spots, or seek thrilling adventures. Phuket will not let you go home disappointed or show less of what you expect to see on Thailand’s beautiful Island.
