The Best Things to Do in Phuket: 16 Incredible Attractions You Must Visit 
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Discover the best things to do in Phuket with this handy travel guide. From admiring the city’s historical landmarks to relaxing on idyllic beaches, here’s what you should include on your Phuket itinerary.
Known for its turquoise waters, sandy beaches and - of course - an easy take on the naughty pleasures of life, Phuket is no wonder party-goers around the world love to visit. But there’s more to this island than just raves and a sultry coastline. The whole bouquet of excursions around Phuket is presented on Sputnik, see for yourself: https://www.sputnik8.com/ru/phuket
There are also softer (and more spiritual) things to do on the island, from diving into the warm waters for snorkeling to shopping at the hippest night markets. After all, Thailand is one of the best places to visit in Asia.
You can also visit important religious sites, leave with inner peace, and then turn into a raucous party-goer all night long if that’s what your heart desires. In any case, there is something to do on this island.
Enough talk - let’s take a closer look at the best things to do in Phuket.
Visit Big Buddha
You can’t miss this big boy. Literally. The Big Buddha atop the Nakkerd Hills is visible from the southern part of the island, including Phuket Town and Karon Beach.
It rises to 45 meters, is made of concrete and covered with white jade Burmese marble that sparkles in the sun. In other words, it’s a pretty epic sight.
Despite being a popular tourist spot, the site itself is fairly quiet, with only dharma music and the ringing of small bells filling the peaceful void.
This is a very spiritual experience, especially at sunset when the view is panoramic. If you prefer to visit this place on a group tour, then this tour is quite popular.
For extra luck, you can write messages on purchased items or donate to the upkeep of the Buddha built in 2004.
Top tip: This is a religious place, so don’t come in very short clothes - it’s considered disrespectful. Luckily, you can ask for a free loan of a sarong if your skin is too exposed.
Wander around the Old City
Beaches and bustling nightlife may come to mind when you think of this island, but Phuket’s Old Town has plenty of great places to do.
Exploring colonial architecture with Chinese and Portuguese influences along the busy and charming streets of Soi Rommanee and Thalang are just two of them.
Delightful cafes and old but vibrant boutiques can charm any traveler. If you walk down the main street on a Sunday, you’ll see it come alive with food vendors, artists, and cheap knick-knack sellers. Going here is one of the best cheap things to do in Phuket.
There are also dazzling Chinese shrines with shining lanterns hidden between colonial buildings, one of the most beautiful of which is the Hokchu Club. This tour will take you to the Old City and many other places on the island.
Snorkeling and diving
I have been lucky enough to snorkel in several places around the world and I must say that Phuket is one of my favorite places. The warm waters of the Andaman Sea, at around 25ºC, are the perfect breeding ground for spectacular reefs and an abundance of magnificent marine life.
Hin Daeng and Hin Muang are two of the best places for snorkeling and diving, but most of the places in the west of the island will not leave you indifferent.
October to May is the best time for snorkeling, and the National Marine Park is open to divers from November to May. Fantastic visibility, light currents, sea turtles, clown fish, lion fish and giant moray eels await you.
If you’re lucky, you might even see whale sharks and manta rays.
To snorkel with sea turtles in the ocean around Phuket, book this Similan Islands tour with 2 snorkel stops.
Go to the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
If you are wondering what to do in Phuket, then you are here. Seeing elephants up close is what is considered one of the best things to do in Thailand.
And if you want to do it ethically (that’s the only way to do it, FYI), head to the Green Elephant Sanctuary. Here you will not ride on elephants and will not be shown any tricks, but everything is human here, and you can get to know the animals better.
Feeding these majestic creatures, cleaning them and taking close-up selfies with them are just some of the most incredible activities you can experience in Phuket. Trust me, an elephant mud bath is something you will never forget.
Don’t be afraid to get dirty - the park has excellent restrooms, including showers and a dining area, despite being off the beaten path.
Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is one of the most impressive and spiritually significant attractions in Phuket.
There’s a lot to see here, starting with the two statues of elderly men at Poh Joa Wat - one named Nonsi and the other Ta Khee-Lek. The latter is famous for having won several lotteries after visiting the statue of Poh Than Jao Wat (maybe this is fortunate?).
The main attraction is the Grand Pagoda with its igloo-like architecture in white, red and gold.
It contains a fragment of the bone of Lord Buddha himself - now you understand why this is such an important place. The pagoda also has images depicting the life of the Buddha and images of his likeness.
Spend an Evening at Naka Weekend Night Market
If thrift shopping and tantalizing street food are your style, head to the Naka Weekend Night Market, one of the best things to do in Phuket.
Multi-colored lights glow in the trees, and mouth-watering aromas waft from stalls selling specialty fries and sticky rice with mango. Are you brave enough to try deep-fried locust?
Grab your chosen snack and shop around locally because it’s a lot of fun to shop here. You will find not-so-authentic imitations of major brands, from handbags to perfumes and watches. Their quality is not very high, so keep an eye out for local products that are better.
The music can be loud, but it adds a fun, carnival-boutique vibe to the market. The market is open from 16:00 to 22:00 on Saturdays and Sundays. For an easier option, take this tour which includes a visit to the market.
Attend a show at Simon’s Cabaret
This is no ordinary cabaret. Simon Cabaret has been renowned for the best performances in Phuket for over two decades.
Night after night, these hour-long shows dazzle audiences with the most incredible costumes and dramatic sets, not to mention divas that dazzle the imagination.
The musical numbers include a variety of Western themes and traditional Thai songs, adding an extra touch of local tradition. You can even see elegant fan dancing in true Korean style.
But this is not the Moulin Rouge - this is Thailand. These performances are even more special because they are performed by "ladyboys" as we know them, but in Thai culture they are called "kathoi". They can also be considered some kind of drag show queens and are warmly received by the island’s locals.
This is a show you won’t want to miss, so book your entry ticket here to secure your seat. This is one of the best things to do in Phuket, Thailand.
Party on Bangla Road
Bangla Road is where the nightclubs rage, the music stays on until dawn, and the neon lights are so bright you can’t see the stars.
It’s a 0.24-mile-long, exuberant strip where all sorts of entertainment, both naughty and pleasurable, awaits you. It stretches from the beach to the center of Patong, and here you will find beer bars, live music performances, as well as huge nightclubs and go-go bars. This is one of the most interesting things to do in Phuket.
This is no ordinary place to sit down for a sunny cocktail. It’s very busy here, so don’t expect too many social courtesies from your diners. Instead, just immerse yourself in the atmosphere of freedom and fun.
But if someone tries to invite you to a ping pong show, I warn you right away: this is 120% adult entertainment, and you will probably never be able to look at a ping pong ball the same way again.
Island trip around Phang Nga Bay
There are 42 tiny islands in Phang Nga Bay, many of which rise straight out of the sea, so hop on a speedboat and explore!
Mangroves, lagoons, and even caves dot the area, so you won’t be short of scenic views. It is technically a national park, so you can see how it manages to maintain its natural beauty.
You can even visit James Bond Island from the 1974 movie known as Khao Phing Khan with its dramatic limestone cliffs for snorkeling and beach time. However, Hong Island has its fair share of limestone drama as well as a hidden lagoon.
The bay is naturally protected from monsoonal weather, although it does rain, so November to February is the best time to visit when the weather is nice. Sea kayaking is also a great way to explore the shallow waters of the bay, as long as your hands are in good shape.
Sample a cocktail at Chalong Rum Distillery
Who wouldn’t want to visit an organic rum distillery with award-winning drinks and guided tours? Strong whiskey is usually made in Thailand, but the French couple who created Chalong Rum Distillery make high-quality, high-quality white rum.
In their sustainable practice, they use local hand-harvested sugarcane, and the bar on the factory site, where you can taste the drinks on offer, is spacious and roomy.
The rum is very tasty, but if you don’t like it in its pure form, no problem: drink a refreshing mojito or caprioso (or both - you’re on vacation, after all!).
Visit the Tai Hua Museum
I’ll make a reservation right away - museums in Thailand, as a rule, are nothing special. And this is a pity, given the huge history of this place. However, the Thai Hua Museum, housed in an incredible Sino-Portuguese building, is well worth a visit.
Located in Phuket’s old town, this museum is housed in Phuket’s oldest Chinese language school and tells the story of the area’s earliest Chinese immigrants.
You will get to know the influential Chinese families who are still prominent in Thailand today, as well as some significant events in Chinese history in Phuket.
Relax in the Phi Phi Islands
When it comes to dreamlike islands, Thailand has everything you need. And since there are so many around Phuket, you might be tempted to skip Phi Phi. But, my friends, that would be a huge mistake.
How do you like a holiday on a perfect beach? Very good, I think you will agree.
I highly recommend booking a tour from Phuket that also allows you to snorkel - the region has one of the most beautiful coastlines I have ever seen.
Seek Thrills in Hanuman’s World
Do you want thrills? If you are tired of the quiet island life (I’m not sure if this is possible, but still), then be sure to visit Hanuman World.
This zipline park is the perfect place to get your pulse racing in Phuket. You will be strapped in and sent flying over the rainforest.
If zip-lining through the jungle high above the trees sounds too strenuous for you, go for a sky walk - you can still admire the soaring leafy landscapes, but at the same time there will be a real path under your feet.
Go to Monkey Hill
Sure, Lopburi may be Thailand’s most famous monkey-related destination, but Phuket’s own Monkey Hill is less touristy. Therefore, a more personal experience awaits you.
Just walk from Phuket Town up Toh Sae Hill and you will see monkeys in abundance. Bring fruit and nuts with you and they’ll come running for those treats.
Crab-eating macaque monkeys are considered sacred in Thailand, so the locals tolerate their mischievous antics to the delight of tourists. This is because they are (allegedly) direct descendants of Hanuman, who was the monkey god in the Ramayana tale.
But remember that these are still wild animals, although they are not afraid to get close to people, so do not try to pet them.
Top tip: Monkeys don’t go out in the rain, so if the weather is bad, choose this activity over a sunny day.
Visit a rubber tree plantation
The rubber industry in Thailand began in 1899, and a symbolic tree representing the first group of rubber trees was planted here on the road in Kantang, Trang. Rubber is one of the main exports of the island, so it makes sense that they are proud of their plantations and their history.
Thailand is home to many rubber tree plantations, and while it may not seem like a very interesting place to visit during your vacation, it is truly a breathtaking sight.
Not only can you see the manufacturing process in action, from rubber trees dripping into coconut bowls to rubber rolled into sheets. You can also go hiking or quad biking, depending on what the plantation has to offer.
The 2.1-mile Soi Manisi Rubber Plantation Loop hiking trail is pleasant and easy, taking an average of one hour to complete through scenic rubber trees and native birds.
Top tip: Wear long, breathable pants to protect yourself from mosquito bites.
Spend time on Phuket’s northern beaches
The beaches in the southern part of the island are where the parties take place. But in order to feel the coolness on the beach, where there are less crowds and competition for the best places, head north.
Mai Khao is one of the longest beaches in Phuket. Plus, it’s close to the airport, so you can watch planes fly overhead while you’re sunbathing.
There is also the quiet Anantara Beach, which hosts a resort with quiet sands and lines of comfortable white sun loungers. Further downstream is Bang Tao, known for its turquoise waters and tranquil atmosphere, though there are plenty of shops nearby to suit all tastes.
There is even a market here on Thursdays. Don’t neglect the northern beaches for the trendy southern ones, full of tourists.
How long to stay in Phuket?
It depends on what you want to see and do. Seven days will give you plenty of time to see the main sights, but ideally 10 days to two weeks is the perfect time to relax and make the most of your Phuket visit.
Best time to visit Phuket
The cool season runs from November to February and is the perfect time to travel. Don’t worry, you won’t get cold - temperatures stay between 23-30ºC so it’s still perfect beach weather.
In addition, the monsoon season has already ended, so there is less chance of rain ruining your Thai holiday.