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Phuket, Thailand

Destination Guide

Phuket

Thailand

Best things to do in Phuket

22 curated attractions in Phuket, Thailand. Handpicked for every kind of traveler.

Best time

November - February

Average temp

28°C/82°F

Budget

Mid-range

Safety

Generally safe

About Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and a major tourist hub, shaped by its beaches and nightlife. The coast is lined with resorts, and each beach has its own character: Patong is for those who prefer chaos, while others like Kata or Karon offer a more laid-back vibe. The island's cultural side emerges in places like Old Phuket Town, filled with Sino-Portuguese architecture, and Wat Chalong, the largest Buddhist temple on the island. The diverse attractions include the Big Buddha that towers over the landscape and Phang Nga Bay's dramatic limestone cliffs. The real reason most people end up here, however, is the convenient combination of sunbathing and nightlife, though you can pick your poison, whether that's a quiet sunset on a beach or a wild night at Bangla Road.

Who it's for

Ideal for sun-seekers and party-goers who want to switch easily between relaxation and revelry. Not the best choice for those looking for an authentic Thai experience or deep cultural immersion, unless you count karaoke as culture, that is.

Getting around

Public transport: Moderate

  • Old Phuket Town is easily walkable in about thirty minutes from end to end
  • Local buses run but are infrequent, so taxis or rideshares are best for longer journeys
  • The airport is about thirty minutes from Patong Beach, depending on traffic
  • Phuket's beaches are often crowded, so expect a bit of a shuffle to find your spot
Freedom Beach

Freedom Beach

Beach
Thalang National Museum

Thalang National Museum

History museums
Monkey Hill

Monkey Hill

Scenic viewpoints
Patong Beach

Patong Beach

Beaches
Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town

Old towns & historic quarters
Karon Viewpoint

Karon Viewpoint

Scenic viewpoints
Andamanda Phuket

Andamanda Phuket

Entertainment
Bangla Road

Bangla Road

Streets & neighbourhoods
Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape

Scenic viewpoints
Elephant Sanctuary

Elephant Sanctuary

Wildlife sanctuaries
Hanuman World

Hanuman World

Adventure
Loma Park

Loma Park

Natural Wonders
Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga Bay

Islands
Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong

Buddhist temples & pagodas
Karon Beach

Karon Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Big Buddha

Big Buddha

Monuments & memorials
Dino Park Mini Golf

Dino Park Mini Golf

Family-Friendly Attractions
Phuket FantaSea

Phuket FantaSea

Theme parks
Nui Beach

Nui Beach

Beach & Coastal Attractions
Karon Food Market

Karon Food Market

Shopping and Markets
Splash Jungle Water Park

Splash Jungle Water Park

Family-Friendly Attractions
Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae Waterfall

Natural Wonders

Where to eat in Phuket

The places worth planning a meal around.

Carnival Magic

Carnival Magic

★ 4.7 · 9,092 reviews

Cafe Del Mar

Cafe Del Mar

Modern Thai · $$

★ 4.4 · 8,727 reviews

Hidden Cafe

Hidden Cafe

Modern Thai Fusion · $$

★ 4.7 · 3,433 reviews

Catch Beach Club

Catch Beach Club

★ 4.3 · 2,234 reviews

Sky Beach Club

Sky Beach Club

Thai Fusion · $$

★ 4.9 · 2,051 reviews

Black Ginger

Black Ginger

Thai · $$

★ 4.2 · 723 reviews

Things to do in Phuket

Tours, cruises and experiences, rather than places to visit.

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