Things To Do
in Phuket
Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, renowned for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich cultural heritage. The island blends traditional Thai temples and Sino-Portuguese architecture in Old Phuket Town with modern resorts and beach clubs along its coast. Visitors can explore lush jungles, hidden waterfalls, and nearby island paradises while enjoying fresh seafood and world-class diving.
With a warm tropical climate year-round, Phuket offers a mix of relaxation and adventure for every traveler.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Wake up to the gentle buzz of local life as you stroll through the pastel-hued Sino-Portuguese buildings. Marvel at the hidden street art and secrets tucked away in the winding lanes. Savor a traditional Thai iced coffee at a charming café while watching vendors set up shop.
Dive into Phuket’s history with a visit to the Thai Hua Museum and the ornate Baan Chinpracha mansion. Sample freshly made roti from a street food stall and browse artisan boutiques for souvenirs. Enjoy the slow rhythm of local living as tuk-tuks trundle by.
As the sun dips below the rooftops, wander through the vibrant night market sampling grilled seafood and spicy papaya salad. Let the scent of lemongrass and chili lead you to a food stall for tangy tom yum soup. Cap off the evening with chilled mango sticky rice.
Set sail early to the iconic Phi Phi Islands on a speedboat, feeling the dawn breeze on your face. Make your first stop at Maya Bay to marvel at the turquoise waters and limestone cliffs. Snorkel among colorful corals and schools of tropical fish just below the surface.
Enjoy a beachside picnic of fresh fruits, satays, and pad thai under the warm sun. Head to Pileh Lagoon for a swim in the emerald-green water. Capture memories as you relax on the soft, white sand.
Return to Phuket harbor and treat yourself to a seafood feast at a waterfront restaurant. Toast to the day’s adventures with a refreshing coconut cocktail. Wind down by the shore, listening to the gentle lapping of waves.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Street food meal | $1–2 |
| 🍺Local draft beer | $2–3 |
| ☕Coffee at cafe | $1.50–3 |
| 🚕Taxi start (meter) | $1 |
| 🏨Budget hotel/night | $20–40 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning beaches and clear waters
- Wide range of activities from culture to adventure
- Delicious, affordable food
- Well-developed tourist infrastructure
- Very crowded during high season
- Heavy rains and rough seas in monsoon
- Traffic congestion in popular areas
- Risk of petty theft in busy spots
- "Sawasdee kha/krub" - Hello
- "Khob khun kha/krub" - Thank you
- "Mai pen rai" - No worries/It's okay
- "Tao rai?" - How much is it?
- "Hong nam yoo tee nai?" - Where is the restroom?
Places to Visit in Phuket
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful shophouses, street art, and charming alleys provide endless photo backdrops.
Giant white marble statue perched atop Nakkerd Hill with 360° views over Phuket.
Iconic sunset viewpoint overlooking sweeping seas and limestone islets.
Dramatic limestone karst rising from emerald waters, best shot from a longtail boat.
Food in Phuket
Phuket Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy and sour shrimp soup spiced with lemongrass and galangal, found at street stalls in Patong and Old Town.
Must-Try!
Phuket-style stir-fried egg noodles with pork, seafood, and crunchy pork lard, available from Old Town street carts.
Rich coconut-based curry with tender beef or chicken, potatoes, and peanuts, served in local eateries near Kata Beach.
Sweet ripe mango served with coconut milk–soaked sticky rice, a must-try dessert at markets and beach stalls.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Adjacent to Patong Beach, this market offers seafood grills, fresh fruit juices, and coconut ice cream.
A trendy late-night spot in Phuket Town featuring roti, satay skewers, and artisanal snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Press your palms together at chest level and bow slightly when saying ‘Sawasdee’ to show respect.
Always remove shoes before entering homes, temples, and some shops.
Cover shoulders and knees; avoid wearing hats or revealing clothing inside religious sites.
Never touch another person’s head or point your feet at people or religious objects.
Safety
Tipping in Phuket
Ensure a smooth experience
Not mandatory but appreciated; round up taxi fares, leave 20–50 THB at cafes, and tip guides 100–200 THB for good service.
Cash in Thai baht is king for markets and small vendors; credit cards accepted at most hotels and mid-range restaurants; ATMs are widely available.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Cooler, dry weather with calm seas—ideal for beach days and sightseeing but expect higher prices and crowds.
Temperatures can reach 35°C; beaches are less crowded early in the season but bring sun protection.
Frequent heavy showers and choppy seas; good for lower rates, lush landscapes, and indoor activities.
Phuket at Night
Hiking in Phuket
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Home to evergreen rainforest trails leading to Bang Pae and Ton Sai waterfalls.
Short jungle hike from Chalong to the Big Buddha statue with occasional macaque sights.
Moderate trek through lush forest ending at a scenic cascade, ideal for a cool swim.
Airports
How to reach Phuket by plane.
Main gateway with flights to major Asian cities; 15-minute drive to Patong
Serves southern Thailand, about a 2-hour drive from Phuket via bus or ferry options
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Predominantly Buddhist community with strong southern Thai culture.
Large visitor segment, especially during Chinese New Year and Golden Week.
Growing community drawn by beaches, coworking spaces, and relaxed lifestyle.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Thailand’s national martial art; training camps and live bouts are widely available.
Commonly played on Patong and Kata beaches, with nets set up daily.
Local leagues and casual pickup games are popular among residents and expats.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Phuket.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Ask for dishes labeled ‘Jay’ at markets and restaurants; many curries and noodle dishes can be made meat-free.
Specify no fish sauce or oyster sauce; stick to vegetable curries and tofu stir-fries in larger eateries.
Rice-based dishes like curries, soups, and salads are usually safe; confirm soy sauce substitutes at restaurants.