Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is famous for its beautiful beaches, and rich culture. This tropical paradise in the Andaman Sea has clear waters, lush landscapes, and stunning scenery. Tourists come to enjoy top activities to do in Phuket, including beach relaxation, exploring hidden spots, and experiencing thrilling water sports. Besides its natural beauty, Phuket boasts a vibrant food scene, bustling markets, and historic sites, such as the Big Buddha and Old Phuket Town. Whether you seek relaxation, adventure, or cultural experiences, there are many things to do in Phuket to suit your needs.
Best 15 Things to Do in Phuket:
1. Phi Phi Islands: The Phi Phi Islands in Thailand draw travellers from across the country. The Islands also serve as the primary destination for those visiting Phuket. Phi Phi lives up to its reputation for stunning beauty. The islands emerge dramatically from the sea, with towering cliffs and lush jungles that enchant visitors upon arrival.
Location: Mueang Krabi District, Krabi, Thailand.
2. Big Buddha Phuket: The Big Buddha in Phuket sits on Nakkerd Hills, offering views over Chalong, Kata, and Rawai. Standing 45 metres tall and costing 30 million Baht to build, the statue is accompanied by a smaller golden statue made of solid brass and a nearby shrine. The drive-up provides scenic views through lush jungle, with stunning vistas at the top.
Opening Hours: Daily from 6:00 AM till 6:30 PM.
3. Similan Islands: Visiting the Similan Islands is one the top things to do in Phuket, as they are known for their stunning clear blue waters and pristine white sandy beaches. These islands are a paradise for both island hoppers and scuba divers alike. Located approximately 30 km off the coast of Khaolak, this group of nine islands is renowned as one of the world's top dive destinations, boasting vibrant coral reefs and exceptional visibility. For those not diving, the iconic Sailing Boat Rock on Similan Island No. 8 is a standout feature of this must-visit archipelago.
Location: Lam Kaen, Phang-nga, Thailand.
Opening Times: From 15th October till 15th May (dates may vary).
4. Phuket Night Markets: Phuket boasts a remarkable array of night markets, each with its own distinct allure, yet all providing attractive souvenirs at affordable rates. Visiting these markets is one of the interesting things to do in Phuket at night as they offer an opportunity to savour local street food and snacks, with some featuring street performances and music for added entertainment.
5. Old Phuket Town: Phuket Town has much more to offer than you might expect, with excellent restaurants and notable local attractions. The unique blend of colonial and Chinese architecture, combined with a charming quaintness, makes exploring Phuket's Old Town a fascinating and unforgettable experience. Be prepared for surprises and remember to bring your camera.
6. James Bond Island: Officially known as Koh Tapu (its meaning is the 'Nail Island' due to its shape), the Island gained fame from its appearance in the 1974 movie "The Man With the Golden Gun." The area surrounding this iconic rocky pinnacle is breathtakingly beautiful. However, its immense popularity often results in crowds on this small island in the middle of Phang Nga Bay.
Location: Phang Nga Bay, 82130, Thailand.
Best Time to Visit: From November to April.
7. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park: At the Elephant Sanctuary Park, you can experience elephants in the most natural way possible. There, the elephants roam freely in their natural environment, showcasing their true beauty. You can emphasise the importance of witnessing the daily lives of these magnificent creatures. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with them during feeding or bathing times. In short, it’s a remarkable experience that will stay with you for a long time.
Duration: 2-3 Hours.
Opening Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM.
8. Scuba Diving: Phuket is a premier diving destination, perfect for beginners and experienced divers alike. Highlights include the underwater scenery at Phi Phi, the King Cruiser wreck near Anemone Reef, and Shark Point, known for its Leopard sharks. For an exceptional diving experience with larger marine life, Liveaboard dive cruises to the Similan and Surin Islands in the Andaman Sea are recommended.
9. Snorkelling: Snorkelling in the tropical waters of the Andaman Sea is one of the top things to do in Phuket. The best snorkelling spots are typically beaches with rocky shorelines, such as Ya Nui Beach or the headland between Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. Snorkelling is possible year-round in Phuket, but the prime season is from November to April, during the high season. You can rent snorkelling gear at some beaches for the day or buy from the shops around the island that offer a variety of masks, snorkels, and fins for sale.
10. Dino Park Phuket: Considered one of the top activities to do in Phuket, Dino Park Mini Golf offers great fun for the entire family. Fire-breathing dragons, an active volcano, T-Rex and Brontosaurus replicas, eerie jungle sounds, and exciting rounds of mini-golf await you! After the game, enjoy a meal or drink at the Jurassic-themed restaurant. Just watch out for the hungry elephant!
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM till 10:00 PM.
11. Flying Hanuman: Flying Hanuman in Phuket is one of the fun things to do in Phuket. It is a zipline adventure park where you can glide 40 metres above the jungle. This eco-friendly attraction allows you to explore Phuket's hillsides through various obstacle courses and sky bridges. Flying Hanuman offers 3 courses, each including a free premium collection T-shirt and roundtrip transfer. You can explore the park's facilities, which feature platforms, ziplines, sky bridges, abseiling points, spiral stairways, and a wilderness walk. It's important to wear pulleys and safety helmets at all times.
Working Hours: Daily from 8:00 AM till 5:00 PM.
Contact: +66819792332.
12. Phuket Wake Park: Phuket Wake Park offers exciting wakeboarding for both beginners and experts on a large freshwater lake with two Sesitec Cable systems. Located near Kathu Waterfall, it features scenic views of trees and hills. Equipment rentals and 30-minute private training sessions with professional instructors are available.
Opening Hours: Daily from 9:00 AM till 6:00 PM- except Monday from 10:00 AM till 6:00 AM.
Contact: +66 89 873 0187.
13. Parasailing: Ideal for adventure lovers, parasailing is one of the most thrilling activities to do in Phuket. In Phuket, several operators offer this service, but Patong Beach is the main hub for parasailing. Prices range from around 800 to 1,300 Baht per ride, which lasts about 5 minutes. Some operators may use terms like ‘short rope’ and ‘long rope’ to increase prices, so be prepared to use your bargaining skills before agreeing to any rope length.
Note: Mentioned prices may vary.
14. Monkey Hill: Visiting Monkey Hill is one of the fun things to do in Phuket. The reason for its nickname becomes clear after a few hundred metres, as you encounter a group of macaques eating fruits provided by locals. These macaques are generally not aggressive, but caution is advised if you are with young children.
15. Splash Jungle Waterpark: Splash Jungle Water Park at Mai Khao Beach offers unparalleled excitement in southern Thailand. With 12 thrilling waterslides, rides, and attractions, it ensures a fun and safe experience, thanks to professional lifeguards. Located near Phuket International Airport, hotel guests enjoy free access, while affordable ticket prices allow outside visitors to enjoy the park's fast-paced and relaxed attractions, as well as great food and drinks.
Opening Hours: Daily from 10:00 AM till 5:45 PM.
Transportation Options in Phuket
Here some of the transportation means in Phuket:
Tuk-tuks: Tuk-tuks are suitable for short trips, but their compact size can make rides over 30 minutes quite uncomfortable. These motorised three-wheelers can also be quite expensive, particularly in popular resort areas.
Taxi: Authorised 'limousine' service at Phuket International Airport offers fixed fares: 100-200 Baht for shared minibuses, and up to 500 Baht for private taxis. Metered taxis outside the airport start at 50 Baht for the first 2 km plus 8 Baht per km, with a 100-baht surcharge for airport departures. Flat rates may apply for longer distances.
Note: Mentioned prices may vary.
Local Bus (Songthaew): A Songtaew is Thailand's term for local open-air buses. These brightly painted blue buses are easily recognisable and have destinations written in English on the exterior for your convenience. In Phuket, there are no designated bus stops, so you can simply flag one down from the roadside.
Airport Bus: Phuket's airport buses operate on a fixed route, making stops at various bus stops between the main Phuket City Bus Terminal 1 and Phuket International Airport.
Motorbike Rentals: Riding a motorbike around Phuket is convenient but highly risky, as insurance is typically not included. In the event of an accident, you may be responsible for damages and medical expenses. To make a successful insurance claim, you must have a Thai or international motorbike licence.
Motorbike Taxi: Motorbike taxis in Phuket are ideal for short distances and are available almost anytime. Look for riders in red or green vests at taxi stands, usually on street corners or outside stores. Always negotiate the fare beforehand, as prices vary based on distance and your bargaining ability.
Potong Bus: For travelling outside Phuket Town at lower fares and if you're not in a rush, Potong buses are a good option. These non-air-conditioned local buses serve most major beach resorts on the west coast, including Patong, Surin, and Kamala.
Things to Know Before Travelling to Phuket
Budget needed: A one-week trip to Phuket for two people costs, on average, $1,461. This amount covers accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing. Please note that the mentioned amount is an average, and it could vary depending on your choices for accommodations, transfers, activities, and so on.
Best time to visit Phuket:
The best time to visit Phuket is between November and April when the weather is suitable for many activities.
How to reach Phuket:
- By air: There are several direct flights to Phuket from numerous Asian and European countries, including Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and many others. Alternatively, you can fly to Bangkok and then take a domestic flight to Phuket.
- By road: You can easily travel to Phuket from Bangkok by car or taxi via the Thao Thepkasattri Bridge
FAQs About Phuket Activities:
Q. How many days do I need in Phuket?
A: At least a week to be able to try everything.
Q. Is Phuket safe to walk around?
A. Stick to the well-lit areas while walking, and avoid going out when it’s too late.
Q. Are there free things to do in Phuket?
A. There are many free things to do in Phuket, such as visiting architectural sites , exploring many beaches, visiting Bangla Road and the night markets.
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