75 Activities, Tours & Attractions (Updated March 2026)
Phuket has more things to do than most visitors realise. The beaches are famous for good reason, but the island also has some of the best day trips in Southeast Asia, a genuinely beautiful historic town, world-class diving, night markets, temples, viewpoints and entertainment for all ages. There is enough here to fill two weeks without repeating yourself.
I’ve lived here since 1994 and have personally visited every place on this list. Some I go back to every year. A few I’d skip if I were a first-time visitor with limited time – and I’ll tell you which ones.
My top picks for first-timers are just below. Then browse the full list by category – beaches, landmarks, nightlife, food, water sports and more.
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My Top 10 for First-Time Visitors
After 30 years on the island, these are the 10 places I still recommend to anyone visiting Phuket for the first time.
Phang Nga Bay
A protected marine park with dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald water, about 90 minutes north of Phuket. You can explore by speedboat, sea canoe through caves, or private cruise. Day trips include James Bond Island and Koh Panyi, the village built on stilts. After 30 years, this is still the first thing I tell every visitor to book. Read More
Phuket Big Buddha
A 45-metre white marble statue on Nakkerd Hill with panoramic views over Chalong Bay. Entry is free. It reopened in early 2026 after a long restoration. When I rode my motorbike up that hill in 1994, there was nothing there, just a dirt road and a view. Watching the statue take shape over the years has been one of the quiet privileges of living here. Read More
Phuket Old Town
The historic heart of the island was built by Chinese tin merchants in the 19th century. Thalang Road is lined with Sino-Portuguese shophouses now home to cafes, galleries and restaurants. Compact enough to explore on foot in half a day. I first walked these streets in 1990 when most buildings were empty and crumbling. Still my favourite part of the island. Go hungry. Read More
Wat Chalong Temple
The largest and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket, about 9 km south of Phuket Town. Free entry, beautiful grounds, ornate buildings and a chedi with relics. Cover legs and shoulders. One warning: the firecracker oven goes off without notice and sounds like an explosion. First time it happened to me I nearly jumped out of my skin. Don’t miss the upper terrace. Read More
Chillva Market Phuket
A popular night market built around colourful stacked shipping containers near the bypass road. Food stalls, small bars, live music, crafts and fashion. The crowd is young and mostly local. I first stopped here, curious about the containers visible from the road. It felt less like a tourist market and more like somewhere Phuket people actually go on a Friday night. That hasn’t changed. Read More
Phuket Sunday Walking Street
Every Sunday, Thalang Road in Old Town transforms into a 360-metre street market with local food, crafts and street performances. Stalls now extend onto Phang Nga Road, too. I was here when it launched in September 2013. Go before sunset; once the crowd peaks, moving between stalls becomes a slow shuffle. The food stalls near the end of Thalang Road are the ones I always return to. Read More
Similan Islands
A national park archipelago about 70 km offshore, consistently rated among the best dive and snorkel sites in Asia. Extraordinary water clarity, healthy coral and abundant marine life. Day trips run from November to May. One of the most beautiful places I have visited anywhere. I swam with sea turtles. Get ready for a long day – long van ride, long speedboat. Worth every minute. Read More
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
A hilltop viewpoint in Phang Nga Province, about 90 minutes north of Phuket, with a panoramic view over the bay. Best visited at sunrise. Several restaurants and small hotels are now on the hill. I went when there was one small restaurant and a few wooden bungalows. Rent a car – the road is easy, and the drive through the countryside is part of the experience. Read More
Carnival Magic Phuket
A large-scale themed entertainment park in Kathu with elaborate sets, live performances and interactive attractions. Plan 2 to 3 hours. Aimed at families but genuinely fun for adults too. I waited too long to go because Phuket Fantasea had started feeling tired. Carnival Magic is completely different – immense, colourful, and interactive. You walk through the sets. Build in time for photos. Read More
Phi Phi Islands
An archipelago 45 km southeast of Phuket, famous for limestone cliffs, turquoise water and Maya Bay. Daily speedboat and ferry trips from Phuket. Staying overnight changes the experience once the day crowds leave. I have been going since the early 1990s, when Maya Bay was near-empty. Watching it become overrun was painful. The careful reopening has helped. Still beautiful, still worth it. Read More
▷ Islands & Day Trips
Explore Phang Nga Bay
The incredible scenery of Phang Nga has always been at the top of my list of places to visit. There are many ways to explore it. You can take a lazy sunset cruise on a Chinese Junk or explore Phang Nga by canoe through caves and enclosed lagoons. If you can afford it, a full day on a customised private cruise around Phang Nga is the most relaxing and enjoyable experience. Day trips to Phang Nga usually include a stop at the famous James Bond Island and Koh Panyi, the village built entirely on stilts. Similar to the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam, these landscapes will leave unforgettable memories.
How to get there: Phang Nga can be booked even one day before, once in Phuket, at your hotel or street booth. Everyone agrees that the best way to do it is with John Gray Seacanoe and 5 Star Marine. You should book these tours online in advance, especially during the high season from December to May. Phang Nga is accessible and beautiful all year round because of its sheltered geography. This is true even during the rainy season.
If the budget allows, skip the cheap group speedboat and book a more expensive speedboat or, even better, a small private cruise. It is a completely different experience, and you won’t regret it.
Take a Trip to Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi is a beautiful archipelago made of fantastic beaches and immense cliffs over two bays, which you can admire from a famous viewpoint. Phi Phi is also renowned among young crowds for those legendary beach parties lasting all night long, reminiscent of the Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan. But this fame comes with a price, and Phi Phi may have become too popular.
How to get there: Book it in advance if you plan to stay overnight. You can book a ferry or speedboat once in Phuket if you only want to go for the day, but day trips usually allow you such a short time on Phi Phi Island that you won’t have much time for exploration. The price starts as cheap as 375 baht for a ferry ticket + hotel transfer.
When to go there: Phi Phi Island is open all year round, but of course, it’s more beautiful with a blue sky during the high season (December to May). During the low season, the ride can be bumpy, so take some pills if you are prone to seasickness.
Book the overnight stay if you can; the island is a different place once the day-trippers head back to Phuket. Unless you are here to party, book a hotel on a nearby beach; it is a lot quieter and feels more like what Phi Phi used to be.
Maya Bay
I can’t talk about Phi Phi Islands without talking about Maya Bay. I listed it separately because it can be a day trip on its own. Maya Bay has reopened after being closed for a while, but access is restricted. I visited Maya Bay in the early 1990s when it was near-empty. Go early in the morning before the speedboats arrive.
James Bond Island
| Phang Nga Bay |
James Bond Island is one of those bucket list items many people want to tick off their list of Things to Do in Phuket. There are many positive and negative opinions about James Bond Island, and most are justified. Before that old 1974 James Bond movie, The Man With The Golden Gun, with Roger Moore and Christopher Lee (remember Count Dracula or Saruman in The Lord of the Rings?), no one talked about this island. The movie wasn’t even good (45% on Rotten Tomatoes). The rock itself is genuinely striking in person, and seeing it makes the trip worthwhile.
How to get there: Check with your hotel or a local agent. This tour can usually be booked the day before.
When to get there: all year round
Koh Panyi
| Phang Nga Bay |
Koh Panyi is a surprisingly small fishermen’s village built entirely on stilts in the middle of Phang Nga Bay. What used to be a remote place is now more of a tourist attraction, but it is still a real village with a sizeable Muslim community, a mosque and a school. You can explore the narrow ‘streets’ and see the water through the crevices of the floor, do some local shopping and enjoy a tasty seafood lunch. Take a longtail boat early to reach there before tourists arrive, and you get a completely different feel for the place. Continue to James Bond Island if you feel like seeing the shooting set of this old movie, The Man with the Golden Gun. The seafood lunch there is worth staying for.
How to get there: Almost every tour agent offers this tour with James Bond Island. You could also drive to one of the many Phang Nga piers and ride a longtail boat.
When to get there: There are no waves all year round, as Phang Nga is a bay.
Be Amazed by the Similan Islands
| 100 km north of Phuket |
Similan Island is the most impressive set of Islands accessible from Phuket, blessed with incredible white sand and clear blue waters. But these are only open from November to May and are a bit far, 100 km northwest of Phuket in the Andaman Sea. If you get a chance, you should go. If you are not confident, go to Phi Phi Island, but it’s crowded. More accessible and closer is Racha Island, or nearby is also Coral Island. One of the most beautiful places I have visited anywhere. I swam with sea turtles and used to sleep on the island when a handful of bungalows were still available.
How to get there: You can book this tour from your hotel or a local agent once in Phuket. A van will usually pick you up from your hotel and drive you to Tap Lamu Pier outside the island. From there, you will ride a speedboat.
When to get there: Similans are only open between October and May.
Price: starts around 2,350 baht. Just remember that cheap tickets may mean overcrowded boats.
Koh Khai Islands
Koh Khai is a group of famous tiny islands just 15 15-minute speedboat ride from Phuket’s east coast. There are three islands: Koh Khai Nai, Koh Khai Nui and Koh Khai Nok, but their names get a little confusing, especially once you know that ‘Koh’ means ‘Island’ in Thai.
Snorkel in Koh Racha
Koh Racha Yai is a tiny island with amazingly clear blue water that is easy to access, as it is only a dozen kilometres from Phuket. It is very popular for day trips, snorkelling and scuba diving. The island is so small that it can only accommodate a few resorts.
▷ Beaches & Coastal Areas
Explore the Beaches of Phuket
This seems to be an obvious thing to do in Phuket since this is the main reason why most travellers travel such long distances, but did you know that I counted more than 46 beaches? You probably know the famous ones, mostly located on the southwest coast: Patong, Kata, Karon, Kamala and Nai Harn. They are famous because they are truly beautiful, but they can also be too busy if you come to find peace and isolation. Don’t limit yourself to one beach and explore Phuket: drive around and discover the north and east coast beaches, as some are superb and still peaceful: Nai Yang, Naithon, and Mai Khao Beaches.
After 30 years, I have explored all 46 beaches on the island. The north and east coast beaches are the ones most visitors never reach, and some of them are the best.
Plane Spotting on Mai Khao Beach
| Mai Khao Beach |
Plane Spotting has become a viral phenomenon since the day it became forbidden. The more it’s forbidden, the more people go there, and this once-deserted beach has become a permanent Instagram playground. And why not? Seeing these enormous flying machines approaching from far away and getting closer to you in a roar is jaw-dropping. As they are about to land, they fly so low above the turquoise water that you could almost touch their wheels! It is surprisingly addictive once you see the first plane come in low over the water. Remember it only works during the high season when planes land from the east.
How to get there: Most people use their cars or bikes to get to Maikhao beach. It seems that some local agencies offer a ride there. Read how to go there by yourself.
When to go there: Please remember that planes land over the beach only during the high season (November to May) when the wind blows east to west! During the low season, planes will land from the other side, over the main road. This is just an indication that the wind can change according to the weather.
▷ Landmarks and History
Climb to the Big Buddha of Phuket
[Update March 2026: Big Buddha has reopened]
The Big Buddha of Phuket sits on top of Nakkerd Hill, 400 metres above sea level. You can see it from almost anywhere in the south of the island. The statue stands 45 metres tall and is covered in white Burmese marble. Construction started in 2004 and has continued ever since. The viewing platform offers some of the best panoramic views in Phuket, looking out over Chalong Bay, Kata, and Rawai. Getting there is half the experience. The winding road up the hill is steep, but the views along the way are worth the drive.
When I rode my motorbike up that hill in 1994 there was nothing there. Just a dirt road and a view. Watching the statue take shape over the years has been one of the quiet privileges of living here.
Explore Phuket Old Town
It’s hard to resist those old Sino-Portuguese streets with beautiful shophouses and magnificent mansions. Phuket’s old town is perfect for a half-day, with many small cafes, bakeries, and eateries along the way. You can reach there by tuk-tuk or even by taking the local blue bus that stops at the city market, then walk to Thalang Road, the most popular of the old streets of Phuket Town.
Visit the local markets near the bus station and explore the little streets here and there to discover some incredible abandoned mansions. Don’t miss Phuket Walking Street on Sunday, which is a chance to try a lot of local food you cannot find easily!
How to get there: Tuk-Tuk or Grab taxis are the standard options. Then the cheapest way, apart from driving there yourself, is to ride the local blue bus. I first explored these streets in 1990 when most of the shophouses were empty and crumbling. The Sunday Walking Street is the best time to visit if you want to combine sightseeing with food.
Learn About Phuket in a Museum
There is a surprising amount of museums here, and while they might not be jaw-dropping, they offer an interesting view of how Phuket island became what it is today, starting with the arrival of the first Chinese immigrants who brought wealth with tin mining long ago. The Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Road is the one I recommend most.
Visit Wat Chalong Temple
| South Phuket |
Wat Chalong, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is the largest and most visited Buddhist temple in Phuket. The most iconic building on the temple grounds is a 60-meter-tall stupa sheltering a fragment of bone from Buddha. Inside the building, beautiful paintings and illustrations on the walls and ceilings narrate the life of Lord Buddha, and each floor is full of donated golden statues. You can also climb stairs to reach a terrace and enjoy a panoramic view.
How to get there: easy to reach by car or motorbike. Most tours will include Wat Chalong, usually combined with a visit to the Big Buddha.
When to get there: The temple is open from 7 am to 5 pm, but you can walk around the property anytime. Price: free entrance, but donations are appreciated
▷ Water Parks
Andamanda Phuket Water Park
| Kathu, near Phuket Town |
Andamanda Phuket is an immense new water park near Phuket Town, which passes Kathu when coming from Patong Beach. This large park covers 100,000 square meters. It has 25 attractions, including many waterslides. There is a 10,000 square meter swimming area with artificial waves. It also has the longest lazy river in Southeast Asia. I visited during the opening week in 2022. The scale of the place is impressive and the lazy river is a good way to recover between the bigger slides.
Splash Jungle
| Mai Khao Beach |
Splash Jungle Water Park is a popular theme park on Mai Khao Beach, just next to Phuket International Airport. It’s not huge and a bit pricey, but it’s a great way to spend the day with the kids and the family, having fun, eating or even drinking in the water of the pool bar. Splash Jungle was the first water park in Phuket, which was quite a big deal when it opened. Smaller than Andamanda but well run, and a great option if you are staying in the north of the island.
▷ Shopping and Night Markets
Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market
Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market is a vibrant weekly market held every Sunday on Thalang Road in Old Phuket Town. Operating from late afternoon until 10 pm, the market stretches along colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses offering diverse attractions. Visitors can enjoy Thai street food, including grilled seafood, Thai pancakes, coconut ice cream, and traditional sweets, alongside shopping for handmade crafts, clothing, and souvenirs. The market features live music and street performances, creating an energetic atmosphere perfect for experiencing local culture after beach visits.
I was here when it launched in September 2013. The food stalls near the end of Thalang Road are the ones I always return to.
Jungceylon
Jungceylon Phuket is a large shopping mall located in the heart of Patong Beach, near Bangla Road. After a complete renovation in 2024, it now features a wide array of shops, restaurants, and entertainment for all ages. Visitors can dine at Thai, French, Japanese, and steakhouse restaurants or enjoy affordable meals at the food court. The mall also offers a cinema, electronics stores, and a kids’ playground. Uniqlo and Big C supermarkets make shopping easy for families. It’s a popular escape during rainy or hot days and provides convenient parking for shoppers and diners.
I remember when it first opened in 2007. It felt enormous compared to what Patong had before. The 2024 renovation has made it much better.
Central Phuket
Central Phuket is one of Phuket’s largest shopping complexes, divided into two wings: Festival and Floresta. Located in Phuket Town, it opened in 2004 with the newer Floresta wing added in 2018. The mall features diverse dining options, including Haidi Lao Hot Pot, Italian at Azzurro, and local Thai cuisine at Maimorn. Entertainment includes Aquaria aquarium, AR Trick Eye Museum, and SFX Cinema. Shopping ranges from luxury brands like Gucci and Hermès to everyday stores like Uniqlo and SuperSports. A free shuttle connects Patong to Central Phuket hourly, making it accessible for tourists seeking air-conditioned comfort during hot or rainy days. The Aquaria aquarium underneath is worth an hour, especially on a hot or rainy afternoon.
Chillva Market
Chillva Market is a popular night market in Phuket featuring colourful shipping containers and a trendy atmosphere that attracts young locals and tourists. Located on Yaowarat Road between Phuket Town and Patong, the market operates Monday to Saturday from 5 pm to 11 pm. Visitors can browse locally-made clothing, jewellery, and crafts whilst enjoying diverse food options from grilled seafood to exotic dishes like fried insects. The market includes container bars, live music, and a quieter Chillva Retro area for relaxation.
I first stopped here curious about the containers visible from the road. It felt less like a tourist market and more like somewhere Phuket people actually go on a Friday night. That hasn’t changed.
Get your Dream Dress or Suit Done!
▷ Nightlife & Entertainment
Party on Bangla Road
| Patong Beach |
Bangla Road might not be to everyone’s taste, but judging by the enormous crowd walking up and down Patong Walking Street every night, Bangla is on many people’s must-see list. Unlike what most people believe, Soi Bangla is not a Sin City for Single Men. It’s a colourful and vibrant street full of life, restaurants, shops, bars and dancing girls. If you want to learn more, visit these famous go-go bars and see what a go-go bar is. You will often see couples of tourists having a drink; Patong Beach is a lot more easygoing than Bangkok or Pattaya.
When to go there: Bangla is lively all year round. Nothing happens during the day, and the street closes to traffic around 7 pm. However, the party atmosphere only kicks in after 9 or 10 pm.
I have been coming here since 1990 and still find it worth one evening, at least to know what the hype is all about. Just arrive after 10 pm when it really comes alive.
Watch the Simon Cabaret Show
| Patong Beach |
Simon Cabaret on Patong Beach is a performance with a Las Vegas atmosphere but with a twist. The stage is magnificent, and the sets and costumes are glittering and colourful, but what people come to see are the stunning ladyboys! Perfect bodies with cute faces, most of them would fool you! One of those Phuket experiences that surprises most visitors. The production quality is genuinely high and the performers are extraordinary. Book in advance during high season.
Carnival Magic
| Kamala Beach |
Siam Niramit
| Near Phuket Town |
Siam Niramit Phuket is a surprising show narrating 700 years of Thailand’s history. The stage is immense, and the choreography involving over a hundred people is spotless. The narration is simple and clear enough for everyone to understand each scene. The superb sound system immerses you in a fantastic world based on centuries of Thai myths and legends. It is seriously impressive. One of the most underrated shows in Thailand.
Phuket Fantasea
| Kamala Beach |
Phuket Fantasea is a dazzling cultural theme park in Thailand, blending magic, elephants, and vibrant performances. It’s a mix of traditional Thai folklore and modern technology with dazzling shows, games, and an elephant village, offering a fun experience of Thailand’s rich culture and entertainment.
I have been a few times over the years. It has aged a little, and Carnival Magic has since taken its crown for sheer spectacle, but it is still a solid evening out for families.
Watch a Muay Thai Fight at the Stadium
| Patong Beach |
There are two Muay Thai stadiums in Patong Beach where travellers can pay to get a seat to watch a fight. The easiest to reach is Bangla Walking Stadium, which is now located behind the famous Jungceylon Shopping Mall, and Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen, which is on a back street. The fights consist of several confrontations, usually starting with the youngest and least experienced fighters, keeping the most experienced for the end. The last fights can be quite impressive.
The camps on Soi Ta-Ied near Chalong are the serious ones used by international fighters. Even a week of training there will change how you see this sport.
Get an Amazing Tattoo
▷ Beach Clubs & Bars
Yona Floating Beach Club
| Patong Beach is only open during high season |
Relax or Party in a Beach Club
There is a growing list of superb beach clubs all around Phuket. Most are open all day for customers to enjoy food and drinks on comfortable sofas or beach beds, and some turn into party clubs at night. Prices are often high in popular clubs like Catch Beach Club, Carpe Diem on Bang Tao Beach, and Cafe Del Mar on Kamala Beach. The list also includes many small, hidden beach clubs with fair prices.
I watched the whole beach club scene begin when Catch opened on Surin Beach around 2012. It changed the island’s afternoon culture completely.
Hilltop Cafe by Sinae Phuket
| Koh Sirey near Phuket Town |
▷ Viewpoints of Phuket
Karon Viewpoint
| near Kata Beach |
Karon Viewpoint offers a spot where you can enjoy a panoramic view of three magnificent bays. The closest is Kata Noi Beach, further is the beautiful bay of Kata with its small iconic island, and farthest is Karon Beach. The place is well-known and frequently busy, but people don’t stay long.
Apart from taking a couple of photos and maybe buying some drinks, snacks and ice creams, there is not much to do up there. You will often see a Thai guy on his motorbike with a big eagle offering to take a photo with the bird for a small fee. Remember that wildlife is protected, and you should not encourage this practice, no matter how cool the picture looks on your Instagram.
Watch a sunset at Prompthep Cape
| South Phuket |
Promthep Cape is not as grand as you might expect, but it still attracts busloads of tourists every evening at sunset. The elevated location at the very south of the island offers beautiful views of the bay and the few nearby islands. You can also enjoy local souvenir shopping. I still drive down here a few times a year, and I stay longer than most people do because the blue hour is the most beautiful time to take photos.
How to get there: usually, people ride their cars or motorbikes.
When to go there: sunsets are much more impressive during the low season (June to November), but some days might be cloudy. Need to know when to arrive to see the sunset? Check the time on Google!
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
|
North Phang Nga Bay |
Samet Nangshe is quite a recent discovery, and the view from up there is jaw-dropping. As it is just outside Phuket island, it takes some driving to reach it, but the beauty of this natural wonder is well worth the effort! It used to be quite a challenge to climb the hill to one of the viewpoints, but a pickup truck takes you up there for a small fee.
Black Rock Viewpoint
| near Nai Harn Beach |
Black Rock is not as hard to reach as Samet Nangshee, listed higher on this page, but it still requires a bit of climbing. It’s not too difficult to find, as the path is not well defined, as described on the dedicated page. The spectacular view from up there offers a superb bird’s-eye view of Nai Harn Beach and the islands.
The climb is short but the path is not marked, so allow a little extra time to find it. The view over Nai Harn Beach from the top is worth every step.
Monkey Hill
| Phuket Town |
Monkey Hill in Phuket town used to be a popular attraction and would rank higher in the past, but the proliferation of monkeys and tourists started to affect the behaviour of the animals. The monkeys rely on humans to feed them and sometimes get impatient and grab what they can. The big boss can also be territorial and may try to intimidate you. If you decide to go, put your small belongings in a bag and keep an eye on the monkey’s behaviour. The boss monkey chased me down the hill on an early visit. Keep your distance and never bring food.
Rang Hill
| Phuket Town |
Rang Hill is a beautiful viewpoint above Phuket town, with city lights and a good view daily and at night. Enjoy the view from the panoramic platform and stay for lunch or dinner at the beautiful Tunk Ka Cafe. If you drive down the other side of the mountain, stop for a photo at the golden sitting Buddha of Wat Kao Rang.
The viewpoint itself is pleasant but the real reason to come is Tunk Ka Cafe, one of the best spots in Phuket Town for lunch with a view. Go for the food, stay for the panorama.
▷ Food and Dining
Enjoy Sunset Drinks and Dinner
When the weather permits, Phuket sunsets can be pretty impressive, especially during the low season, because clouds reflect the red hues in remarkable ways. You will be able to enjoy sunsets from most of the beaches on the West Coast, but the best way is to share the moment with a cold drink in hand! Here is a list of sunset spots I love in Phuket.
Try Real Local Food!
Trying local Thai food in Phuket is a must-do for any traveller visiting the island. Phuket is known for its delicious and authentic Thai cuisine, with a variety of dishes that are unique to the region and southern Thailand. Trying local Thai food is also a chance to experience the local food culture by visiting night markets, street food vendors and local restaurants, but you need to know where to find these small restaurants! The best local food in Phuket is not on the tourist strips. The night markets and the small family restaurants near the fresh markets are where you find the real thing.
Take a Cooking Class
Cooking classes are an increasingly popular activity in Phuket because Thai food is so famous and good, and TV and social media feature it so frequently. There are many cooking schools all around the island, and for all budgets. Several are in hotels around Phuket, which are usually more expensive than privately run schools. Some cooking classes include visiting a local market, which is a fun experience. The classes that include a morning market visit are the most rewarding. Understanding the ingredients before you cook makes the whole experience fun.
Dinner in the Sky
| Karon Beach |
Dinner in the Sky takes eating to new heights—literally. Suspended by a crane, guests sit at a table high above Karon Beach, taking in the beautiful views while enjoying a delicious dinner. The experience blends thrill and luxury, with guests safely secured in their seats. Chefs cook excellent dishes directly in front of your eyes, delivering an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Whether it’s a romantic date or an adventurous adventure, Dinner in the Sky promises an unforgettable dining experience above the clouds.
Visit Fresh Markets
▷ Adventure & Outdoor Activities
Scare yourself at Flying Hanuman
| Kathu |
There are 3 or 4 Ziplines around the island, and I tried Flying Hanuman in the forest near Patong Beach. Ziplining is a great way to do something fun and exciting with friends and family. You can do something active, fun and unforgettable in the dense forest in Kathu. It’s enormous, impressive and safe; anyone can do it, even a four-year-old kid!
Paragliding in South Phuket
| Nai Harn Beach |
Bamboo Rafting in Phang Nga
| Phang Nga |
Bamboo rafting in Phang Nga is a fun and relaxing experience, a chance to discover an activity that has always been popular in Chiang and Chiang Rai. Glide gently in the green tropical jungle. Quite scary to be honest, but the team knows how to keep everyone safe. A day I will not forget – everyone was screaming and laughing the whole way down.
ATV
ATV in Phuket is a wild ride through nature! You get to zoom on rugged trails, feeling the adrenaline rush as you explore jungles, hills, and muddy paths. It’s like a thrilling adventure on wheels, letting you experience the island’s beauty in an exciting and fast-paced way.
Race a Go Kart
Go Kart Phuket is a fun, fast and exciting way to compete with friends while on holiday in Phuket. Several Go-Kart tracks are available on the island, two near Patong, just past the hill and close to Kathu. Patong Go-Kart Speedway is easy to spot and has been a long-time favourite.
▷ Water Sports
Snorkeling
Snorkelling is an easy and fun activity anyone can enjoy, young or old. During the high season, the water is clear and blue, and the island has many great bays where you can easily admire tropical sea life and enjoy beach time.
The high season water clarity around Koh Racha and the Khai Islands is extraordinary. Even beginners can see turtles and reef fish without going far from the surface.
Learn to Surf
Surfing in Phuket is mostly possible during the rainy season, from May/June until October. The waves are not big, so it is the perfect opportunity to start and practice safely. There are a few surf schools in Kata Beach and Bang Tao Beach. Great for beginners because the waves in Phuket are actually small. The water temperature is always warm, which means you can stay in the ocean for much longer than you expect.
Active travellers can find many fun things to do in Phuket. These include easy spas and yoga. You can also try water activities like surfing, kite surfing, snorkelling and scuba diving. For intense training, there are Muay Thai camps and serious fitness centres on the famous Soi Ta Ied.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving has always been a big attraction in Phuket, and the dive sites in the Andaman Sea made it to the top 10 best dive sites in the world, especially Richelieu Rock. Diving is easy and affordable, and many advanced courses are available. There are many dive clubs for all nationalities, languages, specialities and budgets.
Richelieu Rock in the Surin Islands is consistently rated one of the best dive sites in the world. If you are a certified diver, that trip alone is worth planning your holiday around.
Wakeboarding
| Kathu |
Wakeboarding is a popular activity at Phuket Wake Park in Kathu, around an O-shaped lake equipped with a 700 m long cable running counterclockwise at 30 km/h for a fun cable ski experience. Wakeboarding is much easier to enjoy than one would imagine! You will be surprised how fast you can succeed and how much pleasure you will get from each little step taken.
Much easier to pick up than it looks. The cable system at Phuket Wake Park means you do not need a boat, which makes it more accessible and more affordable for beginners.
Kitesurfing
Kitesurfing is an exhilarating water sport that is getting popular in Phuket. It’s a mix of surfing, wakeboarding, and flying kites. Phuket is a good spot for kitesurfing because it has amazing beaches, warm water, and a holiday vibe all year round, but the low season is the best time to learn and improve your kitesurfing skills.
▷ Unique Experiences & Attractions
The Upside Down House Museum and Fun Attractions
| Near Phuket Town |
‘The Upside Down House Museum and Fun Attractions’, also known as Baan Teelanka, is a fun place for kids and adults on any day, rain or shine! This unusual photo playground, which is built on three floors, is on the outskirts of Phuket.
Go on an Instagram Photo Spree!
The island is an Instagrammer’s paradise! Instagrammers will find many chances to shine. Phuket has many natural wonders, beaches, and islands. Old Phuket Town has beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture. There are also photo playgrounds made for Instagram. Several spots are on this list already, but I keep adding new ones on the dedicated page!
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
| Chalong |
The factory is small, and the tour takes about 15 minutes, but the story behind it is genuinely interesting. The real reason to come is the restaurant and the cocktails made with their own rum. A fun and relaxed afternoon stop.
▷ Wellness & Relaxation
Spa and Massages
Join a Yoga Session
▷ Animal Experiences
See and feed the Elephants
The elephant sanctuaries have replaced the old trekking camps across Phuket. At a sanctuary, you feed, bathe and walk with the animals rather than riding them. Several good ones operate in the hills above Phuket Town. The shift away from trekking camps has been one of the most positive changes I have seen on the island in 30 years.
Visit Phuket Aquaria
| Near Phuket Town |
Tiger Kingdom Phuket
| Between Patong and Kathu |
Volunteer at Soi Dog
| Mai Kha0 Beach |
▷ Mini Golf & Family Activities
Dino Park Mini Golf
| Kata Beach |
Phuket Dino Park is an iconic mini golf with a fun prehistoric theme in Kata Beach. Play around the dinosaurs and inside a volcano. A Kata Beach institution – the central location makes it an easy choice after dinner if you are staying in Kata or Karon.
OTO Play Park
At Oto Play Park, located at Robinson Chalong, children are free to dive into hands-on activities that nurture their creativity and spark positive play. Whether it’s climbing, building, or creating, each area is designed to ignite their sense of adventure and fun. Meanwhile, parents can unwind and relax at our top-tier restaurant with delicious dishes in a tranquil setting.
Froggy’s Fun Park and Adventure Village Phuket
| Patong Beach |
Froggy’s Fun Park is the largest amusement park in Phuket, located on the 3rd floor of Jungceylon Shopping Mall in Patong Beach. It offers exciting activities and attractions for families, including Trampolines, a two-level and safe Rope Track with many obstacles, a Kids’ Playground, Attractions and VR games, Arcade games, and more.
Adventure Mini Golf
| Bang Tao Beach |
▷ Sports
Try Muay Thai Training in a Camp
Muay Thai is another way to make the best of your holiday and experience the legendary Muay Thai martial art. There is a surprisingly large number of Muay Thai camps around the island, offering full training and even accommodation for those who want to maximise their experience. The camps on Soi Ta-Ied near Chalong are the serious ones used by international fighters. Even a week of training there will change how you see this sport.
Play Golf in Phuket
You are spoilt for choice if you intend to play golf in Phuket, with seven golf courses on the island and several more just across the border in Phang Nga province. Most of the golf courses in Phuket are in the northern half of the island.
Fast Facts about Phuket Attractions
| 📷 Iconic landmark: | Phuket Big Buddha |
| 📷 Important temple: | Wat Chalong |
| 🏝️ Popular island: | Phi Phi Island |
| 📷 Popular day trip: | Phang Nga Bay |
| 📷 Popular walk around: | Old Phuket Town |
| 🍺 Popular nightlife: | Bangla Road |
| 🛍️ Popular shopping: | Sunday Walking Market |
| 🐘 Popular activity: | Elephant sanctuaries |
