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What to Do?

What to Do in Phuket? What not to miss, and what are the must-see? There are so many answers. Phuket is blessed with many activities and attractions. Some are on the island, and the most impressive are near enough to visit one or more in a single day. After 25 years here, it is quite easy to answer, and we listed all the places we love most in this ‘Phuket Attractions’ section… have fun!

Samnaksong Samakkhi Sam Kong Pai in Phuket

Samnaksong Samakkhi Sam Kong Pai

    Samnaksong Samakkhi Sam Kong Pai is a Buddhist monastery and temple located in Phuket, Thailand. We found it’s more commonly known by several other names, including Wat Samakkhi Sam Kong, Wat Sam Kong, and Samakkhi Sam Kong Monastery.

    Alanna Wellness & Spa

    Alanna Wellness & Spa

      Discover a sanctuary of serenity in the heart of Laguna Bangtao. At Alanna Wellness & Spa, ancient traditions meet modern therapies to restore harmony, beauty, and inner balance.

      Phuket Thai Cooking Academy

      Phuket Thai Cooking Academy

        Phuket Thai Cooking Academy is a small cooking school in Kathu, about 5 minutes from Patong. Classes run in an air-conditioned kitchen on a hillside overlooking a lake near Kathu Waterfall.

        Blue Harbour Coffee at Tri-​Trang Beach

        Blue Harbour Coffee at Tri-​Trang Beach

          Blue Harbour Coffee is a small but popular cafe built into the steep hillside along Tri Trang Beach, facing Patong Bay, on the road to Paradise Beach. The view from the top alone is worth stopping for.

          Salsa Mexicana Restaurant in Phuket

          Salsa Mexicana Phuket

            Salsa Mexicana is one of those places you go for the location first and the food second. Built on a rocky hillside above the ocean between Patong and Kamala, the restaurant drops down in terraces from road level to the waterline.

            San Chao Sam Ong Hu in Cherngtalay, Phuket

            San Chao Sam Ong Hu

              San Chao Sam Ong Hu is one of the oldest Chinese shrines in Phuket, founded in 1901 by the local Hokkien community in Cherngtalay,  about 15 minutes from Bang Tao Beach.

              Private Catamaran Phuket

              Private Catamaran Phuket

                Sailing the Andaman Sea since 2005: Experience Phuket like a local with Private Catamaran Phuket. Want to see the crystal clear waters of Koh Racha Noi without the crowds?

                Koh Nok Island in Phang Nga Bay, near Koh Yao Noi

                Koh Nok in Phang Nga Bay

                  Koh Nok is where most Phang Nga Bay day trips stop for lunch. It’s a small, uninhabited island between Koh Yao Noi and Koh Yao Yai, and it serves a simple purpose

                  Koh Panak in Phang Nga Bay

                  Koh Panak in Phang Nga Bay

                    Koh Panak is the adventure stop on Phang Nga Bay day trips. No beach here. No swimming. Instead, you get caves. Real caves, the kind where you need a helmet and flashlight, where you lie flat in a canoe to squeeze under low ceilings.

                    Laem Haad Beach on Koh Yao Island

                    Laem Haad Beach

                      Laem Haad Beach is all about one thing: that sandbar. At low tide, a long strip of white sand extends far into the sea, maybe 100 metres or more. You can walk right out to the tip with water on both sides.

                      Kudu Island in Phang Nga

                      Koh Kudu Yai in Phang Nga Bay

                        Koh Kudu Yai is one of those stops in Phang Nga Bay that catches you off guard. We’ve done this trip many times, and this little island remains a favourite.

                        Fantastic Phuket - Museum Thai Phuket in Kathu

                        Fantastic Phuket Museum

                          Fantastic Phuket Museum (Museum Thai Phuket) in Kathu covers Thai history from Sukhothai to Rattanakosin with Buddha statues, a haunted house, and photo zones.

                          Nirin Farm in Thalang Phuket

                          Niran Farm

                            Niran Farm is an escape in peaceful countryside near Bang Tao beach. Surrounded by greenery and open views, the farm offers equestrian experiences led by highly qualified international instructors for riders of all levels

                            Napas Art Gallery in Thalang, Phuket

                            Napas Art Gallery

                              Established in 2013 by Phuket-based artists Soon Papan and Juffy Joob, Napas Art Gallery is an intimate studio and gallery space. The gallery presents original paintings and sculptures, offering visitors the opportunity to engage directly with the artists in a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

                              Phang Nga Bay vs Phi Phi Island

                              Phang Nga Bay vs Phi Phi Island

                                Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi Island are the two most popular day trips from Phuket, but they offer completely different experiences. I’ve done both trips dozens of times over 30 years, and the honest answer is: it depends on what you want from your day.

                                Saturday Buddha posture Pang Nak Prok (ปางนาคปรก) - seated under seven-headed Naga serpent

                                Saturday Buddha Posture – Pang Nak Prok

                                  If you were born on a Saturday, your Buddha posture shows something unusual: the Buddha isn’t alone. A giant serpent coils beneath him, and a many-headed hood rises behind his shoulders like an umbrella.

                                  Friday Buddha posture Pang Ram Phueng (ปางรำพึง) - standing with arms crossed on chest

                                  Friday Buddha Posture – The Contemplation Image

                                    Walk into any Thai temple and you’ll see Buddha statues in different poses. Each one represents a day of the week. The Friday image shows Buddha standing with his arms crossed over his chest, a gesture that looks like he’s deep in thought.

                                    Wat Chalong Firecrackers

                                    Wat Chalong Firecrackers

                                      The first time we heard an explosion at Wat Chalong, we thought something had gone wrong. A deep boom echoed across the temple grounds, followed by another, then another.

                                      Is Wat Chalong Worth Visiting?

                                      Is Wat Chalong Worth Visiting?

                                        Wat Chalong is worth visiting if you want to see Phuket’s most important Buddhist temple. We’ve been dozens of times over the years and still stop by when showing friends around the island.

                                        IRON BOT Cafe & Bar Phuket

                                        IRON BOT Cafe & Bar Phuket

                                          Iron Bot Cafe is hard to miss. Two massive robot statues guard the entrance on the coastal road between Patong Beach and Kamala Beach. We stopped here on a late afternoon drive and ended up staying for sunset.

                                          Phuket Old Post Office and Stamp Museum

                                          Phuket Old Post Office and Stamp Museum

                                            The Phuket Philatelic Museum, also known as the Phuket Post Office Museum, is a modest building located in a historic heritage building on Montri Road in Phuket Old Town.

                                            Wednesday morning Buddha posture Pang Umbat (ปางอุ้มบาตร) - standing holding alms bowl

                                            Wednesday Buddha Postures

                                              Wednesday is the only day with two Buddha postures in Thai tradition. People born on Wednesday during the day follow one image. Those born at night follow another.

                                              Wat Kanan - The White Temple of Phuket

                                              Wat Kanan

                                                Wat Kanan is Phuket’s striking white Buddhist temple, often referred to as the island’s answer to the famousWhite Temple in Chiang Rai. Located in the Thalang area of Phuket, this relatively new and lesser-known temple has recently gained attention as a stunning spiritual and architectural destination.

                                                Baanrai I Talay Cafe Phuket - Kamala Beach

                                                Baanrai I Talay Cafe Phuket

                                                  Baanrai I Talay Cafe in Kamala has panoramic views over Kamala Bay. Thai food, coffee, cakes. Best for sunset. How to get there, what to order, prices.

                                                  Ton Phrai Waterfall in Phang Nga

                                                  Ton Phrai Waterfall

                                                    Ton Phrai Waterfall is one of Phang Nga’s most majestic natural attractions, situated within the lush expanse of Khao Lampi-Hat Thai Mueang National Park.

                                                    Freedom Elephant Reserve in Phuket

                                                    Freedom Elephant Reserve

                                                      Freedom Elephant Reserve’s dream is to provide retired working elephants with love and care, with limited human interaction on an observation-only basis.

                                                      SAWADEEBIKE in Chalong

                                                      SAWADEEBIKE

                                                        Renting or buying bikes from SAWADEEBIKE allows a clean and easy way to move without a driving license. Rent your e-bike and explore Rawai, Chalong, Kata, Karon at your own pace. Silent, eco-friendly, easy to ride.

                                                        Bodhi Dog Rescue and Shelter in Phuket

                                                        Bodhi Dog Rescue and Shelter

                                                          Bodhi Dog Rescue and Shelter is both a rescue and a shelter located in Wat Sophon Wanaram, a Thai temple on the east coast of Phuket. An NGO, funded solely with donations, is on a mission to help every animal we can. We are a no-kill organisation.

                                                          Space and Time Cube in Bangkok

                                                          Space and Time Cube in Bangkok

                                                            The Space and Time Cube at Seacon Bangkae is one of those immersive art installations that seamlessly blends art, light, and reflection, making it truly unique. Hidden in the basement floor of Seacon Bangkae, you will find a series of rooms with its own unique style of immersive art or creative photpraphy.

                                                            Sak Yant Phuket

                                                            Sak Yant Phuket

                                                              Sak Yant Phuket operates in Patong and offers authentic traditional Thai bamboo tattoos by Master Ajarns alongside modern machine work

                                                              Best Food Tours In Phuket

                                                              Best Food Tours In Phuket

                                                                Food tours in Phuket centre on Old Town’s rich street food scene, featuring Chinese‑influenced Hokkien noodles, Southern Thai curries, and dishes like Oh Aew ice dessert and A‑pong pancakes from vendors recommended by the Michelin Guide.

                                                                Party Tours and Party Cruises In Phuket

                                                                Party Tours and Party Cruises In Phuket

                                                                  Party tours and party cruises in Phuket combine catamaran clubbing on boats like Hype and YONA Beach Club with guided bar crawls along Bangla Road in Patong, mixing daytime sailing with nighttime club hopping.

                                                                  ATV and Zipline Adventure Tours In Phuket

                                                                  ATV and Zipline Adventure Tours In Phuket

                                                                    ATV and zipline adventure tours in Phuket combine off‑road riding through jungle trails, rubber plantations, and muddy tracks with canopy ziplining across platforms set 40 metres above the rainforest floor.

                                                                    Bangkok City Tours

                                                                    Bangkok City Tours

                                                                      Bangkok city tours cover famous landmarks in efficient half‑day or full‑day routes, typically linking the Grand Palace and Wat Phra Kaew with Wat Pho and Wat Arun for a clear overview of royal and religious history.

                                                                      Cooking Classes In Phuket

                                                                      Cooking Classes In Phuket

                                                                        Phuket cooking classes combine hands‑on Thai cooking lessons with short market visits to learn about fresh herbs, spices, and local produce before preparing 3–5 traditional dishes like pad thai, tom yum, and green curry.

                                                                        Best Tours In Phuket and Around

                                                                        Best Tours In Phuket and Around

                                                                          Phuket tours are an easy way to discover the island’s highlights, from viewpoints and Old Phuket Town to Wat Chalong, plus island‑hopping by speedboat or catamaran to Coral, Racha, Phi Phi, and Phang Nga.

                                                                          Luxury Tours In Phuket

                                                                          Luxury Tours In Phuket

                                                                            Luxury tours in Phuket include private catamaran and yacht charters for daylight island routes and timed sunset sailings to Coral, Racha, or Phang Nga Bay, with swim stops and snorkelling where conditions allow.

                                                                            Elephant Sanctuaries in Phuket

                                                                            Tours to Elephant Camps In Phuket

                                                                              Tours to elephant camps in Phuket focus on ethical sanctuaries where rescued elephants roam freely without riding, performances, or chains, emphasising observation, feeding, and education about elephant conservation.

                                                                              Best Temple Tours in Phuket

                                                                              Best Temple Tours in Phuket

                                                                                The best temple tours in Phuket typically feature Wat Chalong, the island’s most important Buddhist temple, alongside the iconic Big Buddha on Nakkerd Hills with panoramic views across three beaches.

                                                                                Old Phuket Town Tours

                                                                                Best Phuket Town Tours

                                                                                  Phuket Town Tours usually bundle the island’s highlights into half‑day or full‑day routes, typically covering Wat Chalong, Old Phuket Town, and scenic viewpoints like Karon or Windmill for beach panoramas.

                                                                                  Best Day Trips Tours nearby Bangkok

                                                                                  Best Day Trips Tours near Bangkok

                                                                                    The best day trips from Bangkok typically include Ayutthaya’s UNESCO-listed temples, the Maeklong Railway Market with Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, and Kanchanaburi’s River Kwai and Erawan Falls, all available as shared or private tours with hotel pick-up.

                                                                                    Greek Kitchen Phuket on the way to Big Buddha

                                                                                    Greek Kitchen

                                                                                      Greek Kitchen is about halfway up the hill to the Big Buddha of Phuket, right on Soi Yot Sane 1 in Wichit. It’s one of those places where the view does half the work.

                                                                                      Best Street Food Tours

                                                                                      Best Street Food Tours around Bangkok

                                                                                        Bangkok food tours are a fast and easy way to explore Chinatown and Talat Noi while sampling street stalls recommended by the Michelin Guide, all in a few concentrated hours

                                                                                        Plane spotting in Phuket Phuket

                                                                                        11 Best Things to do in Mai Khao Beach

                                                                                          There are quite a lot of fun things to do in Mai Khao Beach, from unique plane spotting to turtle conservation experiences. This quiet stretch of Phuket’s north coast offers everything from watching aircraft land overhead at the airport to having fun in a water park.

                                                                                          Kata Beach in Phuket

                                                                                          13 Things to do in Kata Beach

                                                                                            There is so much to do in Kata Beach, as it combines natural beauty with exciting activities along its 1.5-kilometre stretch of soft white sand and crystal-clear waters.

                                                                                            Karon Beach in Phuket

                                                                                            13 Things to Do in Karon Beach

                                                                                              Karon Beach is one of Phuket’s most popular seaside destinations, offering a good mix of relaxation and activities along its 3-kilometre stretch of white sand.

                                                                                              Ombre Yacht Phuket

                                                                                              Ombre Yacht Phuket

                                                                                                For those who want to explore Phuket’s coastline in comfort, Ombre Yacht Phuket offers a luxury experience on the water. Perfect for private charters, day trips, or special events, this modern yacht combines elegance with adventure, letting you enjoy the best of the Andaman Sea.

                                                                                                Pho Ta Toh Sae Shrine in Phuket Town

                                                                                                Pho Ta Toh Sae Shrine

                                                                                                  Pho Ta Toh Sae Shrine is a small, old Chinese shrine renowned for its unusual display of tiger statues, located on Monkey Hill in Phuket Town. You will discover dozens of tigers in varying sizes and ages guarding the entrance and lining the inner courtyard.

                                                                                                  Phu Anda Cafe in Phuket Town

                                                                                                  Phu Anda Cafe

                                                                                                    Phu Anda Cafe sits quietly above Wat Charoen Samanakij on Toh Sae Hill (better known as Monkey Hill), offering one of Phuket Town’s hidden dining secrets, popular with locals