From the depths of the Andaman Sea to the heights of the Big Buddha, from bustling night markets to serene elephant sanctuaries, we’ve curated the top 10 must-try activities that will make your Phuket journey truly unforgettable. Let’s explore the very best experiences this enchanting island has to offer, complete with detailed locations and insider tips to help you plan your perfect Phuket adventure.
Phuket is a top destination for divers, with famous dive sites such as the Phi Phi Islands and Similan Islands. These areas are home to vibrant coral reefs and rare marine life, including whale sharks and sea turtles. Visitors can enjoy professional scuba diving courses or try snorkelling at tranquil bays like Ao Sane Beach, ideal for beginners.
Phi Phi Islands: located in the Andaman Sea, about 45 kilometres southeast of Phuket. They are part of Krabi Province and consist of several islands, with Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh being the most popular. You can reach the islands by ferry or speedboat, with journeys taking around 1-2 hours from Phuket or Krabi
Similan Islands: located about 84 kilometres northwest of Phuket, in the Andaman Sea, and are part of Phang Nga Province. These islands are protected as the Mu Ko Similan National Park. They are accessible via speedboat or liveaboard tours, typically departing from Khao Lak, with the journey taking around 1-2 hours.
Phuket Old Town is known for its Sino-Portuguese architecture, reflecting the island’s blend of Chinese and European influences. Restored old buildings now house cafes, art galleries, and local shops. Visitors can also explore historic temples in the area and enjoy local delicacies such as Mee Hoon Pa Chang and freshly made roti from popular eateries.
Phuket Old Town: located in the heart of Phuket City, on the eastern side of the island. It lies within Mueang Phuket District, about 30 kilometres from Phuket International Airport and 16 kilometres from Patong Beach.
Day trips to islands like Koh Khai and Racha Island offer peaceful beaches perfect for swimming, snorkelling, and kayaking. James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay is another must-visit, famous for its limestone cliffs and emerald waters, featured in the James Bond movie. Exploring sea caves and kayaking through lagoons makes for a memorable adventure.
Koh Khai: located about 15 kilometres east of Phuket in Phang Nga Bay. These islands are a quick getaway, reachable by speedboat in 20-30 minutes
Racha Island: located about 20 kilometres south of Phuket. The islands are accessible by speedboat, with the journey taking around 30-45 minutes from Chalong Pier.
The Big Buddha stands atop Nakkerd Hill, a 45-metre-tall statue made of white marble. Visitors can climb to the top to pay respects and enjoy panoramic views of Phuket from all directions. Along the way, the site provides insights into Buddhist teachings through sculptures and information boards.
Big Buddha Phuket: It is approximately 8 kilometres from Kata Beach and around 20 kilometres from Patong Beach. The site is easily accessible by road, with taxis and tours regularly making trips to the hilltop.
At Keemala Resort, guests can immerse themselves in Thai culinary traditions through personalised cooking classes. Surrounded by lush tropical forests, participants learn to prepare authentic dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, and Green Curry, guided by experienced chefs. The experience often includes a garden tour, where guests hand-pick fresh herbs and vegetables grown on-site, adding a farm-to-table touch to the meals. This unique setting offers a memorable way to explore Thai cuisine while embracing the resort’s philosophy of wellness and sustainability.
Keemala Resort: Situated about 30 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport and around 10 minutes from Patong Beach, the resort offers a secluded, tranquil setting surrounded by lush forests.
Venues like Patong Boxing Stadium and Bangla Boxing Stadium host regular Muay Thai fights, showcasing Thailand’s traditional martial art. The fast-paced matches combine athletic skill with ancient combat techniques, offering an exciting cultural experience for spectators.
Patong Boxing Stadium: The stadium is about 1 kilometre from Bangla Road and the heart of Patong Beach.
Bangla Road in Patong Beach is the heart of Phuket’s nightlife, lined with bars, clubs, and restaurants. The lively street comes alive with music, street performances, and shows. Visitors can enjoy cocktails at popular venues like Illuzion or Tiger Nightclub and dance the night away.
Patong Beach: It is about 15 kilometres from Phuket Town and approximately 40 kilometres from Phuket International Airport.
Sanctuaries like Green Elephant Sanctuary Park provide a safe and ethical environment for elephants. Visitors can feed, bathe, and play with the elephants without any exploitation. These experiences help raise awareness about conservation and promote ethical tourism.
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park: Situated about 30 minutes from Phuket International Airport and 20 minutes from Patong Beach
Phuket offers a variety of rejuvenating spa experiences, with Keemala Resort standing out for its serene, nature-inspired setting. Nestled in the hills of Kamala, Keemala’s spa focuses on holistic wellness, offering treatments such as traditional Thai massages, herbal compress therapies, and detoxifying body scrubs. Guests can enjoy personalised wellness programs amid lush tropical surroundings, making it the perfect retreat to relax and restore balance after a day of exploration.
Keemala Resort: Situated about 30 minutes by car from Phuket International Airport and around 10 minutes from Patong Beach.
Promthep Cape is the most popular spot to watch the sunset in Phuket, offering breathtaking views over the Andaman Sea. Visitors can follow the nature trail to the main viewpoint and enjoy the romantic atmosphere as the sun sets over the horizon, making it an ideal place for photography and relaxation.
Promthep Cape: located at the southernmost tip of Phuket Island, approximately 19 kilometres from Patong Beach and about 2 kilometres from Rawai Beach. It is situated within Tambon Rawai, Mueang Phuket District
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