Plan your Trip to Phuket With Locals
When planning a trip, it is important to make informed choices to make sure you will not miss the best of Phuket. We explored the island for 30 years to bring you the best of Phuket, sorted in what we saw and what people liked the most. There is an incredibly vast range of attractions, activities and tours, from fabulous beaches and natural wonders to glittering temples and human-made attractions for you to explore and experience, such as Phuket Big Buddha or Wat Chalong.
Phang Nga Bay is an absolute must-do, with jaw-dropping limestone cliffs and flooded caves. Phi Phi islands are everyone’s second favourite thing to do in Phuket, even though they can be a little crowded. The 45-meter-high Big Buddha of Phuket is also on everyone’s list, and this attraction is not difficult to reach. Walking with the elephants to help them escape a life of hard labour is the next big thing in Phuket and is growing fast in popularity.
4 Important things to know when planning tours in Phuket
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Our full list of things to do
With so much to choose from, it may be challenging to fit all the things to do in Phuket into one holiday. So to make your travel planning a lot easier, here is a long list of must-do things in Phuket sorted by popularity. Some are on the island, and some are around the island but easily accessible in one day.
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 we 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. Read more about Phuket beaches.
Island Hopping with Faraway Yachting
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Explore Phang Nga Bay
The incredible scenery of Phang Nga has always been at the top of our 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. Read more about Phang Nga Bay.
How to get there: Phang Nga can be booked even one day before, once in Phuket, at your hotel or street booth. However, everyone agrees that the best way to do it is with John Gray Seacanoe, which should be booked in advance online, especially during the high season (December to May)
When to get there: Thanks to its sheltered geography, Phang Nga is accessible and beautiful all year round, even during the rainy season. The sea is never rough, so you won’t have to worry about seasickness.
Dinner in the Sky
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 into 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.
Climb to Big Buddha of Phuket
Number 3 on our list of best things to do in Phuket has always been the Big Buddha, an iconic 45-meter tall white marble statue sitting at the top of Nakkerd hill in the south of the island. The construction of this statue, entirely from donations, started in 2002. You can contribute too by sponsoring one small white marble tile and signing your name on it.
It’s a great thing to do; your name will be there forever. Remember that Big Buddha is more than just a landmark; it is a religious place. You should respect it by dressing appropriately: if you wear shorts or skirts above the knee, you will need to wear a sarong provided by security at the entrance. It would be best if you also tried to keep your voice down, which unfortunately is not very well understood by tourists.
The road to get up there is steep but well-paved, and the panoramic view from the top is worth the climb. To the north, you can see the whole of Chalong Bay to Phang Nga; in the south, you will see Kata Beach. On the way down, stop at one of the many little panoramic bars to get a bird’s view of Karon Beach. Read more about Phuket Big Buddha
How to get there: you can easily reach the Big Buddha with your motorbike or car. Tuk-tuks will happily take you there and wait for you. Keep in mind that most tours include a visit to the Big Buddha.
When to get there: all year round
Price: Entrance is free, but donations are appreciated
Take a Trip to Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi is a beautiful archipelago made of fantastic beaches and immense cliffs over two bays you can admire from a famous viewpoint. Phi Phi is also renowned among young crowds for those legendary beach parties lasting all night long, reminding a bit of the Full Moon Parties on Koh Phangan. But this fame comes with a price, and Phi Phi may have become too popular.
The crowds, greed and developments have severely affected the island, so don’t imagine yourself walking alone on the deserted Maya Beach like they do in the movie The Beach, unless you book a hotel in the north of the island. Read more about Phi Phi Islands.
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 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.
Maya Bay
We can’t talk about Phi Phi Islands without talking about Maya Bay. We 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. Read more about Maya Bay.
Party on Bangla Road
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 tourists having a drink; Patong is a lot more easygoing than Bangkok or Pattaya. Read more about Bangla Road.
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.
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! Read more about Phuket Old Town.
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.
Visit Wat Chalong Temple
Wat Chalong, built at the beginning of the 19th century, is the largest and the 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. Just like in any temple in Thailand, remember to dress appropriately: no shorts or skirts above the knee, and no sleeveless shirts. Remember to remove shoes and caps when entering the temple buildings. Read more about Wat Chalong.
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
Explore the many Night Markets!
Phuket has a lot of night markets, but on any day of the week, the line between a night market and a night bazaar is relatively thin. Some markets only open during the weekend, and some during the weekdays. The Sunday Walking Street Market on the old Thalang Road of Phuket Town is the most creative. Read more about Phuket Night Markets
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. As you may expect, the prices are often on the high side in the most popular clubs, such as Catch Beach Club or Carpe Diem on Bang Tao Beach and Cafe Del Mar on Kamala Beach, but our list includes a lot of little hidden beach clubs at fair prices. Read more about Beach Clubs
Spa and Massages
Thailand is a massage and well-being destination famous around the world. Almost every hotel has a spa, and massages are available everywhere, even on the beach! The prices start around 300 baht for a simple Thai massage to extravagant half-day packages in luxury resorts. Everyone should try, especially to recover from jet lag, help with a sunburn, make use of a rainy day or treat themselves to a relaxing experience.
Keep in mind that a spa is one of the most popular things to do in Phuket when it rains, so book with your spa or hotel in the morning to beat the queue!
James Bond Island
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 Lord of the Rings?), no one talked about this island. The movie wasn’t even good (45% on Rotten Tomatoes). Read more about James Bond Island.
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
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. Read more about Koh Panyi
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.
Enjoy Sunset Drinks and Dinner
When 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 we love in Phuket.
Plane Spotting on 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! Read more about plane spotting in Phuket.
Andamanda Phuket Water Park
Andamanda Phuket is an immense new water park near Phuket Town, which passes Kathu when coming from Patong Beach. This massive park covers a staggering 100,000 sq.m. and 25 attractions, including many impressive waterslides, a 10,000 sq.m. swimming area with artificial waves and the longest lazy river in southeast Asia.
Location: Kathu
Go on an Instagram Photo Spree!
The island is an Instagrammer’s paradise! Between the many natural wonders, the beaches and islands, the beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture of Old Phuket Town and the Instagram-dedicated photo playgrounds, Instagrammers will find endless opportunities to shine. Several spots are on this list already, but we keep adding new ones on the dedicated page!
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 south 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!
See and feed the Elephants
At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, visitors are offered an opportunity to interact with elephants enjoyably. Unlike the old and controversial practice of elephant trekking, no one rides the animals here. Instead, guests can feed, play with, and bathe adult and baby elephants in a way that is unlike any other experience. The visitors also have the chance to prepare food for the animals and then join them in muddy waters for playtime.
Location: Kathu
Dinner in the Sky
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 into 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.
Location: Karon Beach
Carnival Magic
Carnival Magic is a brand new 40-acre nighttime Thai carnival theme park known as the Magical Kingdom of Lights. It features numerous record-breaking attractions that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Situated on Kamala Beach, Carnival Magic stands as an iconic destination that no visitor to Phuket should miss.
Location: Kamala Beach
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 it can only accommodate a few resorts.
The Upside Down House Museum and Fun Attractions
‘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. Read more
Location: By Pass Road near Phuket Town
Address: 51/11 Chalermprakiet Ratchakan Thi 9 Road, Phuket 83000
Open: 10 am – 6 pm
Phone: 076 376 245
Price: Adults: 470 Baht, Kids 4 to 11: 240 Baht
Karon Viewpoint
Next on our list of best things to do in Phuket is the famous Karon Viewpoint, 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 the far 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. Read more
Price: free
Watch a sunset at Prompthep Cape
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 enjoy local shopping and even an excellent Thai dinner at the ‘Promthep Restaurant‘. Read more about Promthep Cape.
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!
Price: Free
Take a Cooking Classes
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. Read more about Cooking Classes.
Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
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. Read more about Samet Nangshee.
Be Amazed by the Similan Islands
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. Read more about the Similan Islands
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 speed boat.
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.
Yona Floating Beach Club
Yona is a floating beach club taking the Phuket Beach Club scene to a new level. The boat is 1,200 sqm on three floors with a central 22-metre-long swimming pool surrounded by trendy loungers and palm trees. At the back of the pool are the DJ station and a bar with a vast choice of fun cocktails to enjoy the party. The floating beach club anchors in the bay of Patong during the high season.
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.
Bamboo Rafting in 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.
Komol’s Corner Bamboo Rafting
Location: Phang Nga
Phone: 095 410 1988
Facebook: click here
Visit Phuket Aquaria
Phuket now has two aquariums: the original Phuket Aquarium in Cape Panwa, on the southeast coast, and the newly built Aquaria in Phuket Town. Cape Panwa Aquarium is a marine biological centre that often rescues dolphins, dugongs and turtles. Aquaria, the latest and largest aquarium in Phuket, is a tourist attraction built under the immense Central Floresta Shopping Mall, and it even includes a restaurant. Read more about Aquaria.
Location: Central Floresta Shopping Mall, Phuket Town
Watch the Simon Cabaret Show
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! Read more about Simon Cabaret Show
Location: Patong Beach
Siam Niramit
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.
Location: By Pass Road near Phuket Town
Phuket Fantasea
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.
Location: Kamala Beach
Scare yourself at Flying Hanuman
There are 3 or 4 Ziplines around the island, and we tried Flying Hanuman in the forest near Patong Beach. Zipline 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! Read more about ziplining in Phuket
Location: Kathu
Dino Park Mini Golf
Phuket Dino Park is an iconic mini golf with a fun prehistoric theme in Kata Beach. Play around the dinosaurs and inside a volcano. It’s fun and quite easy, and the central location makes it an easy thing to do after dinner if you stay in Kata or Karon Beach.
Location: Kata Beach
Black Rock Viewpoint
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 you can see on our page. The spectacular view from up there offers a superb bird’s view of Nai Harn Beach and the islands. Read more about Black Rock Viewpoint
Monkey Hill
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 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.
Visit Fresh Markets
Visiting any of the fresh markets in Phuket is a chance to see amazing tropical fruit displays and even experience some you may never have seen or heard about. Beyond this, if you are into cooking, this is also a chance to find the immense array of herbs and spices that make Thai food so delicious! There is a fresh market in almost every town and beach resort, and visitors are always warmly welcomed. Banzaan Fresh Market is the most impressive, located in Patong Beach, just behind the famous Jungceylon Shopping Center.
Froggy’s Fun Park and Adventure Village Phuket
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. Location: Patong Beach, Jungceylon Department Store – Address: 3rd floor, 175 Rat Uthit Song Roi Pi Rd, Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket 83150 – Hours: 11 am – 10 pm – Phone: +66 65 348 5777 Adventure Village Phuket Adventure Village, the largest amusement park in the north of Phuket is located in the Blue Tree complex in BangTao and offers a variety of activities and attractions suitable for all ages, including trampolines, playgrounds, rides, and engaging games. Location: Cherngtalay, Blue Tree Complex – Address: 4, 2 Srisoonthorn Rd, Tambon Si Sunthon, Cherngtalay, Phuket 83110 – Hours: 10 am – 8 pm – Phone: +66 611 789 794 
Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
Did you know that Phuket produced its own rum, which is made of pure sugar cane juice instead of molasses? You can visit the factory, do some rum tasting and even take a cocktail class in their beautiful setting in the Chalong area. It’s a lot of fun (and great if it rains!) Read more about Chalong Bay Distillery
Location: Chalong, near Phuket Zoo
The Selfie Experience
The Selfie Experience is a fun photo playground near Phuket Town with more than 40 backgrounds to play with! This is a fun way for families, friends and selfie lovers to spend a fun day away from an occasional rainy day.
Location: Phuket Town (Bypass road)
Adventure Mini Golf
Adventure Mini Golf is an 18-hole miniature classic championship golf course surrounded by palm and bamboo trees and a large restaurant on Bangtao Beach.
Location: Bangtao Beach
Address: 72/44 Moo 3, Bangtao Beach Road, Soi 2 Cherngtalay, Talang Phuket, Phuket 83110
Hours: 11 am – 11 pm
Phone: 076 314 345
Get your Dream Dress or Suit Done!
Having a dress or suit custom-made in Phuket with local tailors offers a fantastic opportunity during your holiday. Not only will you receive a one-of-a-kind garment that fits you perfectly, but you’ll also experience the long tradition of craftsmanship. Phuket’s tailors are known for their skilful work, attention to detail, and use of high-quality fabrics and unbeatable prices. Moreover, the process is typically efficient, allowing you to have your custom outfit ready before your vacation ends. This is a chance to get a suit or a dress done for those special events once back home.
Get an Amazing Tattoo
Getting a tattoo done while on holiday in Phuket is an opportunity to consider if you have been wanting to do this but have always been worried about the quality of the artwork and the price! Phuket boasts a vibrant tattoo scene with talented artists who can bring your vision to life for a reasonable cost. Whether you dream of traditional Thai designs or modern styles, skilled tattooists can create stunning and meaningful artwork on your skin. With a range of reputable studios offering top-notch hygiene standards, you can trust the process.
Have Dinner on Rang Hill
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. Read more about Rang Hill
How to get there: You will need your transportation or ride a tuk-tuk (or grab).
Volunteer at Soi Dog
Dog lovers who spend long enough on the island can dedicate a day or two to doing a good deed. Visit the surprisingly large and well-organised Soi Dog on Maikhao Beach, and you will make some dogs happy by walking them around and interacting with them; they love it! And for those who worry, all the animals are in good shape, and you will not have to see anything scary!
Location: Mai Khao Beach
Tiger Kingdom Phuket
The Tiger Phuket Kingdom is a captivating wildlife sanctuary in Phuket, Thailand, offering visitors an opportunity to interact with various tiger species. The facility combines conservation and tourism, housing well-cared-for tigers in naturalistic enclosures. Guests can observe, learn about, and even have limited supervised contact with the tigers. While it aims to educate and raise awareness about these magnificent creatures, concerns have been raised about the ethics of such interactions and the impact on tiger welfare.
Location: Between Patong Beach and Kathu
Watch a Muay Thai Fight at the Stadium
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 experience for the end. The last fights can be quite impressive. Read more about Thai Boxing Stadiums
Location: Patong Beach
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.
Discover the little-known island of Maiton
There are a lot of islands near Phuket, but because Maiton was a very exclusive private island for a long time, it has remained a little mysterious. Even though Maiton is only 15 minutes from Phuket by speedboat, not many people visit it. To add to this surreal atmosphere, 60 of the once luxurious 70 villas are now just standing wrecks. It’s a very peaceful and beautiful island, great to relax, snorkel and take photos, and there are no loud watersports here.
▷ SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
Beyond landmarks and islands, there are a lot of fun things to do in Phuket for active travellers, from easy-going spas and cooking classes to water activities like surfing and scuba diving, all the way to intense training in Muay Thai camps.
Snorkeling
Snorkelling is an easy and fun activity anyone can enjoy, young or old. During the high season, the water is crystal clear, and the island has many great bays where you can easily admire tropical sea life and enjoy beach time.
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.
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.
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.
Wakeboarding
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. Wakeboard 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 for each little step done.
Location: Kathu
Take a 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 maximize their experience. Read more about Muay Thai Camps
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.
Join a Yoga Session
Many yoga classes are available around the island, some in beautiful tropical surroundings and at reasonable prices. Yoga is also a perfect activity for one of those occasional rainy days.
62. 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.
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.
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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 |
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