Phuket is renowned for its stunning beaches, but there is much to see and do beyond the beach on Thailand’s largest island. Immerse yourself in local culture, sample the fabulous food and admire the natural wonders. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with family, Phuket is an ideal holiday destination.
Beach life
Phuket is home to over 40 beaches, each offering a unique vibe. The main stretch of beaches with the biggest choice of accommodation can be found on Phuket’s west coast. Whether you would like somewhere family-friendly, somewhere quiet and romantic, or somewhere to party, there is a beach for every style of traveller.
The beaches at Kamala, Karon, and Kata are good options for families. For more seclusion, take a look at Nai Yang Beach or Mai Khao Beach. The latter is part of Sirinat National Park and unlike many other of Phuket’s beaches, you won’t see any sun loungers or beach hawkers here. Parts of the beach are so quiet that sea turtles can come ashore undisturbed to lay their eggs.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
At the other end of the scale, there is Patong Beach, Phuket’s best-known and most developed beach. While the beach itself is attractive, this is a busy area and the centre of the island’s nightlife scene. In addition to the developed beaches, plenty of smaller beaches like Freedom Beach remain more difficult to reach and have been spared development.
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Phuket Old Town
Although Phuket is known today as a tourist destination, its history is deeply rooted in maritime trade and tin mining. In the 1800s, Phuket’s thriving tin mining industry attracted European and Chinese merchants, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful architecture. Many of these historic buildings still stand in the charming Phuket Old Town district.
Phuket Old Town shares similarities with Georgetown in Penang, boasting well-preserved heritage buildings, vibrant street art, fascinating museums, cosy cafés, and an exciting food scene. Wander down Soi Romanee, where pastel-hued buildings transport you back in time, and visit the serene Shrine of the Serene Light (Sangtham Shrine) through the Chinese gate on Phang Nga Road.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
For an extra treat, plan your visit to coincide with the Sunday Walking Street Market which brings Thalang Road to life with street food, crafts, and live entertainment.
Big Buddha
At 45 metres tall, the majestic white marble Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hill is an impressive landmark with a viewing platform providing panoramic views.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
It’s easy to arrange a visit to the Big Buddha when you’re in Phuket and this can be combined with a visit to the nearby temple of Wat Chalong (aka Wat Chaiyathararam), Phuket’s largest Buddhist temple.
Viewpoints and waterfalls
In addition to the Big Buddha, there are several other viewpoints worth checking out in Phuket. From the Karon Viewpoint, you can see three of Phuket’s beaches: Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon Beach. Also visible is the island of Ko Pu.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
On the southern tip of Phuket, Promthep Cape is famous for its panoramic sunsets and is one of the most photographed spots on the island. In Phuket Town, make the trip up the hill to Khao Rang for more impressive views of the island.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Phuket’s waterfalls are pleasant rather than spectacular, but can still be an enjoyable place to while away a few hours and cool off. The highest (at around 18 metres) and most popular is Bang Pae Waterfall. Located in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, there is an entry fee but it’s popular with Phuket locals and worth a visit.
Island-hopping
Phuket is the gateway to some of Thailand’s most stunning islands. From here it’s easy to reach the Phi Phi Islands which are renowned for their dramatic cliffs, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Maya Bay, featured in the 2000 movie The Beach, is the star attraction.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
The Similan Islands and Surin Islands can also be accessed via Phuket. Both groups of islands are a paradise for divers, but even if you aren’t a keen diver, they are still worth visiting.
Nearer to Phuket, the Racha Islands are a less crowded alternative to the Phi Phi Islands with Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi both offering excellent snorkelling and diving opportunities.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Phang Nga Bay
Make the short boat ride from Phuket and cruise through the spectacular Phang Nga Bay with its limestone karsts, emerald-green waters, and hidden caves.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
One of the most iconic locations is ‘James Bond Island’ which got its nickname after featuring in the 007 movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. Another famous spot nearby is the floating village of Ko Panyee. Complete with a mosque and floating football pitch, many day tours will stop here for lunch and the chance to observe the unique way of life of the villagers.
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Sport and adventure
Phuket is an adventure playground for active travellers. Go scuba diving or snorkelling to explore the underwater wonders around the Racha Islands, the Similan Islands, or Shark Point.
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At certain times of the year, Kata Beach and Kalim Beach are good spots for surfers and while the waves aren’t huge, they are suitable for beginners and intermediate surfers. At other times of the year, you can try your hand at standup paddle boarding (SUP).
(Photo: Shutterstock)
Experience Thailand’s national sport and attend a Muay Thai fight at any of Phuket’s Thai boxing stadiums like Bangla Boxing Stadium or Patong Boxing Stadium. If you’re interested to learn more about a sport known as the ‘art of eight limbs’, there are several Muay Thai gyms in Phuket offering classes for beginners.
Phuket is a popular destination for golfers with several wonderful courses dotted across the island. From the challenges of Blue Canyon Country Club in the north of Phuket down to Red Mountain Golf Club and Loch Palm Golf Club in the middle of the island, keen golfers will not be disappointed by the quality of the facilities.
(Photo: Red Mountain Phuket Facebook page)
Nightlife
Whether you like to party hard, prefer chilled-out bars or like to listen to live music, there are plenty of options in Phuket. The most famous (or infamous) nightlife area is Bangla Road in Patong, lined with neon-lit bars and clubs. For something less crazy, head to any of Phuket’s beach clubs like Catch or Café del Mar, which offer a more sophisticated beachfront vibe.
(Photo: Catch Facebook page)
If live music is your thing, you’ll find some of the best musicians on the island performing at various venues in Phuket Town. The long-established Rockin’ Angels seldom disappoints while you’ll find a good mix of tourists and locals at the nearby Anfield Cafe which serves food to go with the tunes. For Thai music, Sewana on the corner of Phuket Road and Thalang Road is a great option.
Food
Foodies are spoiled for choice in Phuket with an array of restaurants serving international cuisine alongside local favourites.
Must-try local dishes include the delicious mee Hokkien, stir-fried yellow noodles with seafood or pork, and the southern Thai classic of moo hong, a satisfying bowl of braised pork belly with a peppery soy sauce.
(Photo: Luke Charny / Streets of Food)
For seafood lovers, restaurants like Laem Hin Seafood and Kan Eang@Pier serve up fresh catches cooked to perfection. Phuket also has Michelin-recommended eateries for fine dining enthusiasts.
Wherever you are staying in Phuket you won’t have too far to go to find excellent food. However, for a local experience, be sure to try any of the restaurants in Phuket Town with venues like Mee Ton Poe (for mee Hokkien), Kopitiam by Wilai, and Tu Kab Khao, popular with locals and tourists. For a special treat, you can sample Royal Thai cuisine at the elegant Blue Elephant restaurant located in a beautifully restored heritage building.
Health and wellness
Phuket is home to world-class health and wellness centres where you can enjoy luxurious spas, rejuvenating massage treatments, yoga retreats, and detox programs.
(Photo: Keemala Facebook page)
If you’re seeking quality wellness experiences during your time on the island, check out Banyan Tree Spa Phuket, an award-winning spa that offers holistic treatments amidst a tranquil lagoon. Amanpuri Wellness is another luxurious sanctuary which features a holistic approach to health and well-being. Blending into the hills above Kamala Beach, Keemala is also a great choice for a wellness holiday.
Ethical animal encounters
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was the island’s first ethical sanctuary, which focused on rehabilitation and care for sick, old, or mistreated elephants. Located in the north-east of Phuket, visitors to the refuge can watch the elephants bathe and help to feed them.
(Photo: Phuket Elephant Sanctuary Facebook page)
The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is another worthy cause on the island. Founded in 1992, the project has been instrumental in reintroducing gibbons to the Phuket rainforests after they were poached to near extinction.
Markets and shopping
If you’re looking for unique souvenirs or local handicrafts, visit Phuket’s vibrant markets. Phuket Old Town is home to an eclectic mix of independent shops and boutiques. This is a great way to support local artisans with shops like OMG Outstanding Market Goods collaborating with local producers and makers. Phuket Old Town is fun to explore on any day of the week, but visit on a Sunday to explore the atmospheric Walking Street Market.
(Photo: Roy Cavanagh)
Naka Weekend Market is Phuket’s largest weekend market and a treasure trove of souvenirs, clothes, and street food.
With a trendier vibe and attracting a younger crowd, Chillva Market is one of Phuket’s most popular weekday markets with boutique stalls, live music, and an array of tempting street food options.
Local life
Immerse yourself in local life and support responsible tourism with a visit to any of Phuket’s community-based tourism initiatives. Live Like Locals programs can be found at several locations on the island, including Phuket Old Town, Bang Tao and Choeng Talay. Ask at your hotel or tour office in Phuket for more details.
Attending a local festival is another fascinating way to learn more about Phuket culture. In addition to events like Songkran and Loy Krathong, which are celebrated throughout Thailand, Phuket hosts several festivals that have a particular affinity to the island and its Chinese heritage. This includes the Phuket Vegetarian Festival (usually held in September/October) which is a fascinating mix of spirituality, devotion and the macabre. Look out too for the Por Tor Hungry Ghost Festival (August/September) an important month-long event for Phuket’s Hokkien Chinese community that honours the dead.
