Best things to do in Phuket
Find out more about those top places in Phuket
Phuket Travel Guide: Top Attractions, Things to Do, and Places to Visit in Thailand’s Tropical Paradise
With its stunning karst islands rising from crystal-clear turquoise waters, miles of golden sand beaches, and lush rainforest-clad mountains, Phuket is a true tropical paradise. Located in southern Thailand, this island province is one of the country’s most popular destinations, drawing millions of visitors each year. While the famous Patong Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife and 24-hour party atmosphere, there’s much more to Phuket than just its party scene. For travelers seeking a more relaxed experience, Phuket offers hidden gems, rich culture, and mouth-watering cuisine that will captivate the senses.
For sightseeing beyond the bustling beaches, start with a visit to Phuket Town, where you can explore the best of Sino-Portuguese architecture. The town is brimming with colorful buildings, quaint streets, and charming cafes, offering a glimpse into the island’s colonial past. The Old Phuket Town is a vibrant blend of traditional and modern elements, making it one of the top attractions for history and architecture enthusiasts. Be sure to wander through the Thalang Road area, where you’ll find beautiful heritage buildings, local markets, and galleries showcasing local art.
Phuket is also home to some of the most stunning Buddhist temples in Thailand. The Wat Chalong Temple, located in the southern part of the island, is a must-visit. This ornate temple, dedicated to two revered monks, offers a serene escape and provides insight into the spiritual side of Phuket. Another notable temple is Wat Phra Thong, which is home to a half-buried golden Buddha, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to your visit. These temples rival some of the most famous in Bangkok and offer an opportunity for quiet reflection amid the island’s natural beauty.
For those interested in nature and outdoor adventures, Phuket is home to some of the most spectacular beaches and natural landscapes in Thailand. Whether you’re relaxing on the pristine sands of Kata Beach, snorkeling in the clear waters of Karon Beach, or kayaking around the famous Phang Nga Bay, there are plenty of things to do that let you connect with the stunning surroundings. If you're feeling adventurous, you can explore the rainforest-clad mountains of Phuket, trekking to hidden waterfalls like the Bang Pae Waterfall or taking a boat tour to the serene Similan Islands, known for their world-class diving spots.
Phuket’s cuisine is another highlight of any trip to the island. Influenced by Thai, Chinese, and Malaysian traditions, the island’s food scene offers a fusion of flavors that are as bold as they are delicious. From traditional Thai curries and street food to unique dishes like mee hokkien noodles and roast pork, Phuket's food is a delightful mix of savory, sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. For foodies, the Chinatown area in Phuket Town is the perfect place to sample local dishes in a vibrant, historic setting. Be sure to try Pad Thai from the street vendors or indulge in a fresh seafood feast at one of the beachside restaurants.
While Patong often steals the spotlight for its wild nightlife, Phuket’s relaxed beaches, rich culture, and diverse culinary experiences make it an ideal destination for those seeking both relaxation and adventure. Whether you're soaking up the sun on a quiet beach, exploring cultural landmarks, or indulging in the island's culinary delights, Phuket is a destination that offers something for every type of traveler.
In short, Phuket is not just a beach paradise—it’s a dynamic destination filled with top attractions, rich history, and unforgettable experiences. From the stunning temples to the lush rainforests and breathtaking beaches, this tropical island should definitely be on your list of places to visit in Thailand.
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Phang Nga Bay
The sheer limestone cliffs, jungle-clad mountaintops, bio-diverse mangrove forests and sparkling turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay are one of the world’s most iconic landscapes. To get to grips with the area’s magical birdlife, gravity defying geological formations and role in James Bond’s Man With a Golden Gun, tour the bay with an expert local guide who will take you off the beaten tourist trail.
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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary
For most visitors to Thailand visiting an elephant sanctuary is a must-do experience. One of the best places to do so is the ethical Elephant Jungle Sanctuary in scenic jungle-clad hills near Phuket, which is home to tens of elephants rescued from captivity and poachers. During tours of the wonderful sanctuary you will get the opportunity to feed the jungle giants bananas and sugar cane and get muddy with them in a mud spa.
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Surin Islands Snorkeling
The Robinson Crusoe-esque Surin Islands form one of the world’s most important marine national parks playing host to a dazzling array of coral reefs, tropical fish species and marine mammals. To explore the region’s extraordinary bio-diversity, guided tours from Phuket take you the premier snorkeling spot of Ao Mae Yai where you can experience the rich flora and fauna first hand.
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Phi Phi Islands
As one of Thailand’s most remarkable landscapes, the lush Phi Phi Islands are rightly one of Phuket’s biggest draws. Tours of these tropical islands encompass snorkeling in the area’s dazzling coral reefs, relaxing on white sand beaches and visiting numerous historic attractions.
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Siam Niramit Show
For those looking to learn about Thailand’s unique history without slogging through books the colorful Siam Niramit Show is an ideal experience. Showcasing the incredible martial arts and acrobatic skills of over 100 performers, the shows take you on a journey through the country’s immense culture and history.
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Phuket Trickeye Museum
One of Asia’s best museums of optical illusions, the Phuket Trickeye Museum is bound to enthral visitors of all ages. With thrilling waterfall simulations, exhibitions that take you back to the ancient world and 3 dimensional paintings that come to life, the museum is an unforgettable experience.
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Scuba Diving at Racha Noi & Yai
The Andaman Sea is one of the world’s premier scuba diving destinations. Tours of this remarkable stretch of water run daily from Phuket and allow you to explore the underwater phantasmagoria that are coral reefs, which is home to innumerable species of colorful fish, sharks, dolphins and turtles.
Phuket: 3-Dive PADI Discover Scuba Diving at Racha Noi & Yai
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Rainforest Adventure
For thrill seekers, the Flying Hanuman attraction on Phuket's outskirts is a must. Set amongst lush tropical rainforest and with the utmost respect for the region’s bio-diversity, the rainforest adventure takes place high in the canopy through a series of adrenaline pumping zip lines and sky bridges.
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White Water Rafting
To truly immerse yourself in the wilderness of the jungles that surround Phuket, white water rafting tours on the immense Song Phraek River let you experience the raw power of nature.
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Big Buddha
Perched atop the jungle-clad Nakkerd Hills and visible from across Phuket Island is the Big Buddha statue. The towering statue still under construction and will reach 45 meters tall when complete, offers remarkable views of the surrounding landscape and can be incorporated into tours of Phuket city.
