Phuket not only has beautiful sea and white sand beaches. Thailand’s largest island is also offering plenty of various attractions and activities for tourists with different preferences. We are here to open you the new experiences on the island with the list of 25 best things to do in Phuket.
1. Worshiping the Big Buddha Phuket
Phuket’s Big Buddha or Wat Phra Yai houses the largest Buddha image in Phuket. The temple is situated on the top of Khao Nak Koet mountain and offers spectacular panoramic views of Phuket and the surrounding islands. Big Buddha image, officially called as Phra Puttamingmongkol Akenakkiri Buddha, is a 45-meter-tall statue that is made of marble and can be seen from many distant places in the southern part of the island. This is one of the most popular spots to visit in Phuket for devotees and respectful tourists as well.
2. Enjoying the classic sunset at Phromthep Cape
Phromthep Cape or Laem Phromthep is the classic and also the most romantic sunset spot in Phuket. The palm trees on the cape are the landmark of Phromthep Cape where you can take many beautiful pictures. If the waves are not strong, you can walk down to the tip of the cape for about 500 - 800 meters and watch the boats sailing in the sea. The place can be a bit crowded by the tourists arriving by tour buses, so you’d better be there early to find a place to sit and enjoy the magical sunset in Phuket.
3. Admiring the view at Karon Viewpoint
Phuket has many viewpoints and Karon Viewpoint is one of the places that we would like to recommend. Karon Viewpoint (which used to be called Kata Viewpoint) gives a bird's eye view of 3 bays. The nearest beach is Kata Noi Beach, in the middle - Kata Beach and at the end - Karon Beach. In addition, there is also a small island called Koh Pu that can be seen from far away. Going to Karon Viewpoint is easy as it is located in the same direction as Promthep Cape.
4. Enjoying the view at Windmill Viewpoint
Windmill Viewpoint is another unique place in Phuket that is suitable for admiring the sunset. The viewpoint is located in the south of Phuket Island, next to Phromthep Cape. Windmill Viewpoint is still unknown to many tourists so it is less crowded than Promthep Cape with only few locals enjoying the sunset there. From this point, you can see Phromthep Cape and Ya Nui Beach. In summer, the golden-colored grass field and clear blue seawater makes a stunning contrast.
5. Strolling around Phuket Old Town
At Phuket Old Town you will find the charm of the Sino-Portuguese buildings. They were built during the reign of King Rama 5 and influenced by Penang and Singapore architecture. Phuket Old Town is a prosperous commercial area with a history that remains in the identity of Phuket. Not only the picturesque buildings can be found here as you can still feel the way of life of local people and learn about the history of Phuket. Phuket Old Town is also a good place to taste a unique local food.
6. Hopping on the islands around Phuket
Phuket is Thailand's largest island but there are countless small islands surrounding it that must be explored during your stay. Visiting the amazing islands around Phuket on a day tour is easy and there are many day trips to choose from.
Take advantage of these island tours departing from Phuket to complete your trip:
Racha (Raya) Island & Coral Island - 2 of Phuket's most beautiful islands
James Bond Island - the world's most famous island in Phang Nga Bay
Rok Island & Haa Island - home to an impressive coral reef system
Phi Phi Island & Maya Island & Maiton Island - the ultimate beach getaway in Thailand
Krabi 4-Islands - the gorgeous shores of Koh Poda, Koh Gai, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor
Similan Islands - Thailand's best snorkeling islands
7. Relaxing at the little paradise, Mai Thon Island
Mai Thon Island or Koh Maithon is a small private island on the Andaman coast which has been given the name "The Maldives of Thailand". It is also well-known as a Honeymoon Island. This island has a peaceful atmosphere and is surrounded by coral reefs and white sandy beaches. You can enjoy relaxation, swimming, fishing and snorkeling at the beach.
Currently, spending overnight on Mai Thon Island is not allowed so you need to get there by taking a day trip. Those who are willing to experience the beauty of this island can join the Day Trip Maiton Private Beach and spend a day on this gorgeous island.
8. Enjoying a day on Hey Island & Banana Beach
If your time is limited and you are looking for a day trip from Phuket, then you definitely have to put Hey Island in the list as it takes only a 20-minute boat ride to get to this private island. Hey Island (sometimes written Koh He, Koh Hay, or other variations), also called Coral Island Phuket, is the island located off south coast of Phuket. The island is well known for its coral reef. Hey Island is like the pearl of the Andaman with fine white sand beach and clear waters that lets you see coral reefs and rocks beneath. Banana Beach is the best corner of Koh Hey to soak in the sea, sun, and sand. To complete your trip in Phuket, make sure to visit Banana Beach on Koh Hey Island.
For those who love to try out thrilling activities like parasailing or the fun banana boat ride, check Water Activities at Banana Beach Phuket.
9. Shopping at Sunday Walking Street Market
Sunday Walking Street Market (aka Lard Yai or Phuket Night Market) is situated right in the middle of the historic Sino-Portuguese district of Phuket Town.
The market is divided into 4 zones: souvenir zone, activity zone, food zone and student zone. This is an ideal place in Phuket for tourists to go shopping for handicrafts and souvenirs to take home. Phuket Walking Street is held every Sunday, starting at 17:00 and closing at 22:00.
10. Having a picnic with locals at Saphan Hin Phuket
Saphan Hin is a recreation area in Phuket Town that offers a nice atmosphere. This place is popular for Thai families to have picnics and take strolls around the park. Saphan Hin is home to the remarkable 60-year-old monument, which was built in 1968 as a memorial to Captain Edward. In addition, it is the location of the Sports Center as well. During weekends, you can find many festivities and carnival rides such as a Ferris-Wheel as well as street food available at Saphan Hin.
11. Staying at the hostel in Phuket
Do not think that only expensive luxury hotels can be found in Phuket. If you are planning to come to Phuket and have a limited budget, don't worry. There are many chic and cool hostels available on the island. Check Lub d Phuket Patong, which is the biggest hostel in Phuket and offers both private and dormitory-style rooms, or Nonnee Hostel, situated in Kata Beach. Both stylish hostels feature their own swimming pools.
12. Watching planes taking off at Mai Khao Beach
Before flying back to your home country, don't miss a chance to visit the sandy beach of Mai Khao. Mai Khao Beach is located right next to Phuket International Airport. Things that everyone must do here is relaxing on the beach with the view of planes landing and taking off and taking their impressive photos. The best time to go there is from 6:00 to 14:00 because after that time the planes change the direction of landing to the east of Phuket Island.
13. Enjoying time with elephants
A Phuket trip isn't complete without a visit to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. This is the place where you can truly experience meeting the elephants up close and natural. You can play, touch and feed elephants. You still have the opportunity to give them a mud bath which helps to keep their body temperature down and protect them from parasites. Consider to join the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Experience in Phuket as it is one of the best elephant sanctuaries offering Half Day, Full Day, Exclusive and One Day Walk with Elephants.
14. Spending the evening at Phuket FantaSea
Phuket FantaSea is an impressive place inspired by Thailand's rich and exotic heritage. Located at Kamala Beach, tis stunning themed complex is packed with a multitude of family-friendly activities and entertainments. At Phuket FantaSea you will find a carnival village with games, handicrafts and shopping. There’s also a 4,000 seat themed restaurant offering a grand buffet of Thai and international cuisines. The highlight of Phuket Fantasea is a breath-taking theatrical show, displaying Thailand's myths, mysteries, grace and beauty. Phuket FantaSea is open from 17:30 to 23:30 and the main performance begins at 21:00 (no show on Thursday).
Book your Phuket FantaSea ticket online and you will be able to enjoy this fantastic show cheaper than it would cost you at the door.
15. Watching Siam Niramit Show
Siam Niramit Show is a must-see performance for first timers in Thailand as it presents Thailand's history and culture of all Thai regions in a breathtaking theatrical performance. If you missed the show in Bangkok, watching Siam Niramit Show in Phuket is definitely worth it.
Booking a discounted ticket of Siam Niramit Phuket online gives you an opportunity to enjoy this show cheaper than buying it at the door.
16. Watching Simon Cabaret Show
Simon Cabaret Show is a ladyboy cabaret show in Patong, Phuket. Colorfully dressed ladyboys present nice music and dance performance during the show. Visiting one of ladyboy shows in Thailand is really a unique experience and Simon Cabaret Show is a good choice if you want to get familiar with this kind of entertainment while staying in Phuket. Plan your visit to Simon Cabaret Show in advance and buy your ticket online here and you will save money significantly.
If you are staying in Phuket Old Town, you can visit a Simon Star Show instead as it’s the branch of the same show.
17. Visiting Aquaria Phuket
Aquaria Phuket is Thailand’s largest aquarium located in the heart Phuket Town, beneath Central Phuket Floresta. It houses over 25,000 water creatures like various kinds of fish, otters, reptiles, penguins, rays, turtles, sharks, and jellyfish. Aquaria Phuket is divided into four interactive zones with different habitats: Mystic Forest, Coastal Haven, South China Sea, and Station Aquarius, where you can engage with aquarium’s exhibits and learn more about them. At Aquaria Phuket you can also take the opportunity to dine in an underwater restaurant. It is a great place for kids and family.
You can visit Phuket’s aquarium cheaper by booking your tickets online here: Aquaria Phuket Tickets.
18. Meeting dolphins at Nemo Dolphins Bay Phuket
If you have kids, then Nemo Dolphins Bay Phuket is a must-see place in Phuket. This is the place where you can see dolphins doing tricks and performing for a crowd of tourists visiting the island. 45 minute long show of these intelligent animals is a perfect activity for all the family. You can even take photos with them! There are three daily dolphin shows at Nemo Dolphins Bay Phuket: at 11:00, 14:00 and 17:00.
Dolphin show in Phuket can be visited cheaper when booking a visit online here: Phuket Dolphin Show Ticket.
19. Getting wet at Splash Jungle Water Park
Splash Jungle is a water park in Phuket that is a perfect place to get away from the heat. The water park is featuring 6 different geographical themes. The interior of the water park is decorated and designed by gathering the wonders of the world such as Inca, Maya, Africa, Asia, Turkey, Northern Europe, North America and North Pole. Here you will find plenty of thrilling rides such as the Boomerango and Superbowl as well as the six-level wave pool. For more relaxing experience, you can float around on the 335 meters long river or treat yourself to some hydrotherapy in the spring pool. Splash Jungle has something for the whole family to enjoy a day full of fun in Phuket.
Spend less when booking your visit at the water park here: Splash Jungle Waterpark Tickets.
20. Taking photos at Phuket Trickeye Museum
Phuket Trickeye Museum allows you and your friends to take some creative photos. It is the first extravagant 3D art painting museum in Phuket. At the museum, there are exhibits of 3D paintings from more than 20 Korean artists who created more than 100 artworks. Visitors can enjoy the fun of climbing the stairs up to the scary waterfall or going skiing, playing with snow, parachuting, or running away from the tsunami that looks so realistic. Phuket Trickeye Museum is easy to go to as it is located in the heart of Phuket Town, close to Montri-Phangnga Road. The building of the museum originally was an old cinema (called Pearl Cinema) before being renovated to the museum. Visit Phuket’s famous Trickeye Museum with a discounted ticket.
21. Surfing at Surf House Phuket
Phuket is the only place in the southern region that has wave simulations for surfing. Those who like extreme sports shouldn't miss a chance to enjoy surfing on the Double FlowRider. You don't need to have experience as there are professional surfing instructors to teach from the start. Depending on which location is more convenient to you, you can choose Surf House Phuket at Patong Beach or Surf House Phuket at Kata Beach.
22. Flying through the rain forest at Flying Hanuman
Flying Hanuman is an amazing attraction for those who are looking for a real adventure. It is a zip line adventure in Phuket allowing you to see the beauty of the island far beyond the sun, sea and beaches. You will fly through the rain forest's tree-tops on zip lines between 16 or 28 different platforms. The course covers 80,000 square meters of lush jungle in Phuket Mountains.
Online bookings are available here: Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience.
23. Exploring Phuket Upside Down House (Baan Teelanka)
Baan Teelanka is the first strange upside down house in Thailand that will make your world turn upside-down. Inside the house, you will enjoy visiting many upside-down rooms like the children’s bedroom, kitchen, and bathroom to snap creative photos. There is also a magical 1000 square meters labyrinth for you and your friends to find a fun way out.
Explore Phuket Upside Down House cheaper with discounted tickets booked online.
24. Joining Thai food cooking classes
For those who fell in love with Thai food at first sight, joining a cooking class in Phuket is a must as you will be able to take home a little part of this beautiful culture with you. There are many Thai cooking classes to choose from in Phuket. Most of the classes include bringing you to explore a local market to pick the best fresh ingredients and learning how to cook the authentic Thai food dishes, including Sticky Rice with Mango, Pad Thai, and Tom Yum Goong from a skilled chef.
At Phuket Thai Cooking Academy you can select your own 5 or 10 courses of authentic Thai food to cook and Blue Elephant Thai Cooking Class lets you create a selection of Thai dishes such as papaya salad, green curry, coconut soup, spicy chicken and more.
25. Watching Thai Boxing
If you are a fan of martial arts or sports, you simply cannot miss watching some Muay Thai in Phuket. Muay Thai or Thai boxing is a national sport of Thailand, which is well-known throughout the world. Visit Bangla Boxing Stadium or Patong Boxing Stadium, the well-known boxing arenas in Phuket, to experience an authentic Muay Thai match and watch the fights of some of the top professional boxers there.