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PHUKET offers such a rich variety of experiences – beach-bumming, culture, diving, fabulous food, and hedonistic or holistic pleasures – that visitors are spoilt for choice. Phuket is the biggest destination for tourism in Thailand. This is where you see all the good and bad of Thai tourism – from overdeveloped beaches and sex tourism, to tiny towns with no tourists and authentic Thailand. You’ll find great beaches and amazing activities this island, and if you stay away from Patong Beach, you can avoid most of the over-development and crowds. Phuket draws a lot of tourists, and if you really want to enjoy the area, get out of the main spots.
Of course, the white-sand beaches that ring the southern and western coasts are the principal draw, along with some of the finest hotels and spas in Thailand. Each beach is different, from the upmarket resorts of Surin and Ao Bang Thao to family-oriented Rawai, or the sin city of Patong, home of hangovers and go-go girls. But there’s also the culturally rich east-coast capital Phuket Town, as well as wildlife sanctuaries and national parks in the north. With so many options, you may just forget to leave.
Transportation in Phuket
As a travel destination, Phuket is a breeze to navigate. The whole island is accessible by road, and none of the beaches require an admission fee. Getting there is even easier — with around 60 flights from Bangkok per day, travelers can show up pretty much on a whim. Once you’re here, choose from diving, nature hikes, massages, or even a day trip out to the surrounding Phi Phi Islands, Similan Islands, or the narrow sea caves of Phang Nga Bay.
A motorbike taxi will cost on average 60 THB, with a 3km ride in a tuk-tuk around the island costing about 335 THB. A ride in a songthaew (a covered pick-up truck taxi) usually starts around 25-50 THB. Walking and bicycling is a great way to get around the island too!
Phuket Thailand is full of amazing things to do, whether you are looking to relax on a beach chair as the water slowly laps at your feet, or you’re looking to become one with nature in the rainforest. Temples, night markets and a historic town all await you on the island of Phuket as well as limestone cliffs that jut out of the ocean and tower above the sparkling emerald waters.
Between hikes to the impressive marble Buddha that overlooks Southern Phuket and canoes through the mangrove caves, any visitor will consider themselves the luckiest person on the planet to be able to experience the jaw-dropping beauty. Did you know that Phuket, one of the most popular islands in Thailand, is almost as big as Singapore?! It’s no wonder there are so many things to do while visiting. We have chosen just a few of the amazing things to do while you are in Phuket but these are just the start of the epic experiences that await you here:
Climb to the Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is a staple landmark in Phuket and can be seen from pretty much everywhere in the south. The impressive 45m tall statue is layered with beautiful white marble that gleams in the sunlight. Although the Buddha has been under construction for the past 10 years and still has many more years to go; this epic statue is a true symbol of peace and hope. What makes this Buddha even better is the climb up.
The road to the Buddha has been completed but your journey to the top becomes even more amazing when you choose to hike up. Not for the weary hiker as it is a steep 4km hike from the base of the hill. Along the way, you will catch glimpses of amazing landscapes and if you have timed your hike correctly you will arrive at the top to see the sun setting over the city.
Look around and you can see Chalong Bay, Phang Nga Bay, Kata Bay and Kata Noi Bay. On the way down make sure to stop in for a nice cold beer at one of the restaurants that have popped up along the road. The Big Buddha and its enormity are truly appreciated when you are standing next to it after an epic hike up the hill.
Explore Phang Nga Bay
The most amazing thing about Phang Nga Bay is the scenery, and its beauty is truly jaw-dropping. From the sheer limestone cliffs that rise vertically out of the water to the sparkling emerald green waters, this landscape is the perfect backdrop for those stunning photographs you will send home. There are many different ways to explore Phang Nga Bay but none is more amazing than by canoe.
Become one with nature as your paddle glides effortlessly through the still waters, the only sounds are the chirping of the birds, the calls of the animals, and the splash of the water. Travel through rock caves that resemble something out of an Indiana Jones movie, have lunch on a deserted island and swim in the sandy waters. Visit a fisherman’s village, squeeze into a mangrove cave and soak up the beautiful surroundings. A visit to Phuket is not complete without exploring Phang Nga Bay and our favorite way is by canoe.
Khao Sok National Park
Although not technically located in Phuket, this national park is just too amazing to leave off our list. Southern Thailand’s largest virgin forest resides here and is older and more diverse than the Amazon Rainforest offering numerous exotic animals, plant species, and breathtaking scenery. Huge limestone cliffs, deep valleys, exciting caves and breathtaking lakes make this destination truly amazing.
For a truly amazing opportunity head to Cheow Larn Lake located in the heart of this National Park. Here you can spend the night in one of the floating raft houses or luxury tents. Surrounded by crystal clear water that begs you to dive in, sounds of wild elephants and monkeys in the distance; you can’t get much better than that.
There are plenty of tour operators offering treks throughout this forest whether you are looking to do it by foot, canoe or even truck. We do recommend staying away from the elephant tours as the treatment of the elephants in Thailand is not always the greatest. However you choose to explore this National Park; the scenery, animals, and serenity will blow you away.
Tour Old Phuket Town
Located away from the beaches lies a section of town that was once a hub of activity but is now considered the historical section of Phuket. Consisting of five roads and several smaller streets Phuket’s old town is teaming with fabulous architecture, Chinese temples, crumbling mansions, and culture. Explore this area on foot as it proves difficult in a car and makes sure to either grab a map of the area or join the historical walking tour.
Make sure to visit the Shrine of the Serene Light; where a beautiful garden and colorful temple welcomes you. Thailand Road offers plenty of batik shops run by local Malays and Indians and a look at some of the renovated buildings that gleam in the sunlight. A colorful Chinese shrine, a fresh food market, and the Thai Hua Museum are all found throughout this maze of roads. Hip shops, restaurants, cafes and even bars have been popping up all over Old Phuket Town and it is worth the time to come and experience this history-rich area.
Snorkel the Clear Waters
Boasting some of the clearest waters around, the area of Phuket has some incredible snorkeling conditions. Not all beaches are suitable for snorkeling and some of them are extremely overcrowded with tourists but if you can find that amazing beach with the right conditions; you will never want to get out of the water. Luckily we are here to help you with that:
Banana Beach is a well-kept secret beach in Phuket offering up great snorkeling in crystal clear waters along with large palm trees and excellent sand. Throw in a restaurant that has been around for years and only offers the freshest seafood (you often see the cooks carrying it up the beach) and you have yourself a winning beach.
Ao Sane Beach is another hidden gem that not only offers great snorkeling but has a dive shop on site where you can rent equipment and even take a lesson. The rock formations divide it into three coves creating an underwater paradise for marine life. We cannot forget about the infamous Similan Islands which by far offer the clearest water and some of the world’s greatest snorkeling. Pick a beach, grab your snorkel gear and head out to view some amazing marine life.
Visit Wat Chalong
The most important temple of the 29 Buddhist temples in Phuket is definitely worth a visit and is absolutely amazing in its beauty and meaning. This temple is dedicated to two monks who led citizens in the fight against the Chinese Rebellion in 1876 and who helped many injured people with their knowledge of herbal medicine. Please remember to dress appropriately when visiting any of the temples and respect that although many tourists come here; it is an important place of worship for the locals.
Take your time to explore this temple noticing details such as the dragons painted in vibrant colors along the staircases and the painted ceilings. Make sure to see the famous Poh Than Jao Wat statue located in the old hall of the temple along with the statue of a local that is said to have won the lottery after consulting the Poh Than Jao Wat statue.
The upper level is the Grand Pagoda and is said to house a fragment of Buddha’s bone. This area is breezy, beautiful and contains many images of the Buddha and paintings that depict his life. There are many beautiful and amazing temples in Phuket and we encourage you to visit as many as you can but if you only have time for one, make sure you come here.
Best Top 6 Hotels in Phuket
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket is known for stunning beaches and plentiful water activities. Travelers can spend their days relaxing poolside, sunbathing on a sandy beach, or snorkeling various reefs. A popular travel destination, there are dozens of top-notch resorts offering ample amenities, posh guest rooms, and impeccable service. Check out the best luxury hotels in Phuket, Thailand and start planning your island getaway:
Andara Resort and Villas
Andara Resort and Villas is one of the most expensive five-pearl options in Phuket, but with the high price tag comes over-the-top extras like private chefs and access to a customized yacht. Well-heeled guests choose from luxury villas or suites; most of them have gorgeous private pools and sweeping views of the Andaman Sea. It would be easy to spend an entire vacation holed up in the villas, which get stocked with guests’ favorite foods, and a private chef comes to prepare customized meals.
Other great features are the relaxing spa, infinity-edge swimming pool, and Silk restaurant found in the common areas. One caveat: the beach is about a 10-minute walk (or quick buggy ride) from the hotel.
Pullman Phuket Arcadia Naithon Beach
The five-pearl Pullman Phuket Arcadia Resort is alone in its class in this part of Phuket. Accessed via a single, windy road that also leads to Naithon Beach and a national park, the hotel is far from any other properties. The Pullman is about a 10-minute drive from Phuket International Airport, but it takes at least 45 minutes to get to the tourist activities in Phuket Town.
Both families and couples adore this hotel for its gorgeous design details, extra-comfortable rooms, and the infinity-edge pool overlooking the Andaman Sea. There are six on-site bars and restaurants, a luxe spa, and a fun kids’ club.
The natural beach is stunning, but the water can get a little rough at certain times of the year, and steep steps to the beach may be difficult for little ones to traverse. Staff is available to drive guests around the resort in small buggies. Rates are generally low for all this luxury and include Wi-Fi and airport transfers.
Trisara
Trisara Phuket is one of the most luxurious and private five-pearl properties in Phuket. Guests are met at the airport by an SUV and shuttled to the stylish resort, complete with a private sandy beach, infinity-edge swimming pool, three restaurants, and gorgeous accommodations with private pools and views of the Andaman Sea.
There’s a private boathouse and a popular Jazz Brunch on Sundays. Prices are high, but freebies include airport transportation, a breakfast buffet, chocolates, and Wi-Fi. For honeymooners and families who can afford it, Trisara is hard to beat.
Paresa Resort Phuket
Paresa means “heaven” in Thai, and with a staff that refers to themselves as angels, panoramic views of the Andaman Sea over Millionaires Mile, and private luxury villas — to some guests, Paresa is truly a five-pearl piece of (expensive) heaven on earth. At night, the infinity-edge pool is lit up with hundreds of twinkling LED lights. Two on-site restaurants and a cooking school offer gourmet fare.
The location on a cliff means privacy (and those uninterrupted views), but the tradeoff is a remote neighborhood and no direct beach access; the resort works around that problem with a free hourly shuttle to town and Kamala Beach. Kiddos are welcome but there isn’t much for them to do.
Phuket Panwa Beachfront Resort
Built in 2012, the 224-room Phuket Panwa Beachfront Resort is a sleek, five-pearl property with the stylish and contemporary decor. The location is on the remote side, with little to do in the area (and taxis can be expensive) but there are two quality restaurants on-site. Minimal rooms are modern and appealing with furnished balconies; some lovely suites have pool access.
The beach may be a let-down, as it’s on the slim side and not especially impressive, but the two pools here surrounded by tropical gardens are stunning. It’s worth noting that having a “captive audience” means prices for food, drinks, and spa services are quite high. Many previous guests have also reported that as the majority of the staff do not speak any English, communication can be a challenge.
Banyan Tree Phuket
Banyan Tree Phuket is one of the larger five-pearl resorts in Phuket, with over 100 guest villas on sprawling garden grounds that can be difficult to navigate. Manmade lagoons and the Andaman Sea provide beautiful water views. Villas are spacious and include luxurious details like private outdoor spaces with hot tubs or pools, designer furniture, and pillow menus.
Features here are more akin to what you’d find at an all-inclusive in the Caribbean than what is usually on offer in Thailand: cooking lessons, boat rides, a kids’ club, several restaurants, a sandy beach, a freeform pool, yoga, a golf course, bikes, and even a baby elephant for photo ops. Downsides include high prices and an often red-flag beach during low season.