Top things to do in Phuket
Must-Do Activities for Your Thailand Holiday
If you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime trip to one of the most beautiful destinations in the world – you’ll need a bucket list of things to do in Phuket. We’ll take you all across the island, with activities, excursions, and experiences you’re sure to enjoy.
Without further ado, here’s our ultimate list of the best things to do in Phuket.
The best things to do in Phuket will depend on many factors, including your location, budget, preferences, and spare time. That is why we’ve assembled the ultimate guide to take you all around Phuket, with activities and sights that you’re sure to enjoy.
Elephant Sanctuary
The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the first and only ethical elephant sanctuary in the entire province. There, the majestic animals can roam free, bathe, and explore the lush green habitat.
The sanctuary is spread across 30 acres of tropical land, bordering the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Suppose you’re looking for a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience and a better sense of what these gorgeous animals look like in their natural habitat. In that case, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary should be at the top of your list.
For a closer look at the adventure that awaits there, book your elephant sanctuary excursion with Club Med Phuket.
Phuket Bird Park
If you’re an avid bird-watcher, one of the best things to do in Phuket is to visit the Phuket Bird Park. Phuket Bird Park is sprawled across 20 acres of gardens and grounds at the base of a hill and features nearly 1,000 birds. Consisting of almost 100 different species, the birds are mostly from Asia, Africa, and South America.
At the Phuket Bird Park, you can see smaller birds like parrots and magpies, as well as bigger ones including ostriches, cranes, and peacocks. The parrots fly overhead and tourists can feed them fruits and nuts.
However, the highlight of the Bird Park is the bird show, held near the top of the hill. Depending on the weather, there are up to three performances per day, lasting around 30 minutes, all of which are incredibly interactive and exhilarating.
Phuket Aquarium
For a better sense of Phuket's marine life, Aquaria Phuket is the place to be. It’s the biggest aquarium in Thailand, and it’s located in Central Phuket Floresta. Spread across three miles, the aquarium consists of nine different zones.
From Mystic Forest, Canopy Walk, and Stingray Bay, to Jewels of the Jungle, and more, the Aquarium is spectacular inside and out. There, you can see both big and small freshwater fish, different reptiles, otters, penguins, sharks, and much more.
Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is one of the most striking sceneries in all of Phuket and a must-see spot on your Phuket holiday. It features sheer limestone karsts that spring up from the emerald-green water. The two most famous spots in the Bay are James Bond Island and Koh Panyee, but there’s also so much more to see there.
James Bond Island, as it’s affectionately known, became popular for its feature in The Man with the Golden Gun back in 1974. With its signature rocky pinnacle, the spot is pretty popular and you can expect to encounter lots of tourists there.
Coral Island
Koh Hae or Coral Island is a beautiful paradise destination, only 3 kilometres southeast of Phuket. It has two main beaches, and at Banana Beach, snorkelling is a thrilling experience, while Long Beach is perfect for coral reef exploration.
Even though the island gets a bit crowded during the day, at night it’s all calm and serene. If you’re looking for activities or excursions at Coral Island, you’ll be in luck as there’s so much to do and see there. From exploration to snorkelling, banana boat tours, parasailing, and more, you’re sure to have an exhilarating day there.
Chalong Temple
Wat Chalong or Chalong Temple, built in the 19th century is the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket and the most visited one. Many locals and pilgrims come to pray and pay their respects to several monks who founded Wat Chalong.
However, if you decide to visit the Chalong Temple, make sure to follow a strict dress code by covering your shoulders. Also, wear pants or skirts that go below the knee, and take your shoes off before going inside the temple.
Old Phuket Town
The charming Sino-Portuguese streets of Phuket Old Town dotted with beautiful shops and magnificent mansions are a sight to behold. Perfect for a day trip, it’s one of the best things to do in Phuket and get to know Thai culture. There, you’ll see many small cafes, bakeries, and restaurants along the way, ideal for sampling delicious and authentic Thai food.
You can easily reach Old Phuket Town by tuk-tuk or with a local blue bus that stops at the city market. If you’re there on a Sunday, you should head to the Phuket Walking Street for a chance to try out some local and hard-to-come-by delicacies and street food.
Siam Niramit Phuket
Siam Niramit Phuket is an incredible show that narrates the 700 fascinating years of Thailand’s rich history. With an immense stage and over a hundred performers, it’s truly one of the most interesting things to do in Phuket, especially if you like history.
Thanks to the excellent sound system and simple narration, spectators can be immersed in the fantastic stories of Thai myths and legends. The large park surrounding the theatre recreates traditional Thai villages. Each house displays what a province was known for, including food and handicrafts.
Big Buddha Phuket
As one of the biggest attractions in Phuket, climbing to the Big Buddha offers a fantastic panoramic view of the whole town. A steep, but well-paved, walk to the landmark will lead you to a 45-meter-tall white marble statue.
Before you start the climb up, remember that the Big Buddha is more than a tourist attraction; it’s also a religious place. Make sure you’re dressing appropriately, covering your knees and shoulders. Also, try to be respectful while you’re there and speak in quiet tones.
Phuket Night Markets and Bangla Road
Phuket Night Markets
Phuket night markets are the best places to find souvenirs, clothes, accessories, delicacies, and more. The night markets in Phuket are incredibly vibrant, colourful, and busy and offer a unique glance at the daily life of Thai people.
There are many night markets in Phuket, with the Phuket Walking Street weekend market seemingly the most popular of all. Then, there’s the Chillva Market, Naka Weekend Night Market, Malin Plaza Patong, and many others.
Bangla Road
For the nightlife lovers in your group, Bangla Road is going to be one of the best things to see and experience during your holiday in Phuket. A must-see for many who visit Phuket, Bangla Road might not be to everyone’s taste, but it’s sure to provide a unique experience.
A colourful and vibrant street, Bangla Road is full of restaurants, shops, bars, discos, and more. Lively all year round, the street is closed to traffic from 7 PM and most of the parties start after 9 PM when streets become full of tourists, dancers, and more.
Flying Hanuman Near Patong Beach
Another can’t-miss activity tipping our list of things to do in Phuket is the Flying Hanuman. An incredible zipline adventure in the jungle above Kathu village, between Phuket town and Patong.
If you’re looking for a high-thrill adventure, this is sure to provide some unforgettable memories. It’s open to beginners and pros, and children ages four and up can join in on the fun.
Baan Teelanka or Upside Down House
Baan Teelanka, or the Upside Down House, is one of the most popular Phuket attractions. Suitable for all ages, the fun park is an incredible spot to explore, take photos, and create mind-bending videos.
Just a few minutes from the Central Festival, the Upside Down House is by far one of the most entertaining things to do in Phuket as it’s fun for all ages and groups. In addition to the house itself, there’s also a garden maze, room escape, and more.
Dinner in the Sky
One of the best things to do in Phuket if you’re feeling adventurous (and aren’t afraid of heights) is the Dinner in the Sky experience. Suspended by a crane, guests sit at a table high above Karon Beach and take in the gorgeous view of Phuket island.
Dinner in the Sky seamlessly blends thrill and luxury, all while featuring delicious dishes prepared by skilled chefs. Each session includes food and drinks, but you can also opt for the Cocktail in the Sky experience. If you decide on dinner instead, you will get a three-course meal, as well as three glasses of wine or non-alcoholic beverages.
Patong Boxing Stadium
One of the best things to do in Phuket if you want to see a lively and spirited Muay Thai boxing match, is to head over to the Patong Boxing Stadium. Every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday night, crowds gather at the stadium to see professional Muay Thai boxers from Thailand and abroad and it’s a truly unique experience.
Located in the heart of Patong Beach, the boxing stadium is down a side street of Sainamyen Road. Visitors can choose between VIP, ringside, and stadium seats, with the high season being especially popular. Another arena for fans to enjoy Thailand’s traditional sport is the Bangla Walking Stadium, located behind Jungceylon Shopping Mall.
Koh Racha Yai
Lying 20 kilometres south of Phuket, Racha Island consists of two islands, Koh Racha Yai and Koh Racha Noi. Both islands are surrounded by crystal clear waters, lapping waves, and white sandy beaches.
Racha Yai is an incredibly popular destination for snorkelling, and it’s where travellers can see the most beautiful and vibrant marine life around. Racha Noi on the other hand is completely uninhibited, comprising more rocks than beaches.
If you want to explore the beauty of Koh Racha Yai, you can book your excursion with Club Med Phuket.
The Phi Phi Islands
Koh Phi Phi or the Phi Phi Islands, in the middle of the Andaman Sea, is a collection of two big and four smaller islands. Koh Phi Phi features a vibrant nightlife, beautiful beaches, and dozens of shops, bars, and restaurants.
When you book your excursion with Club Med, you’ll get the full Phi Phi experience. Starting with the stunning beaches where you can swim and snorkel and look at the mesmerizing limestone cliffs. Then, we move on to a bit of shopping and lunch and finish the day at the serene Bamboo Island.
Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi or just Kata Beach is one of the most beautiful and popular beaches on the west coast of Phuket island. It is part of a gorgeous sandy bay, featuring incredibly blue seas and pristine waters.
Even though Kata Beach can get pretty busy during the high season, it’s still much less crowded than Patong. It also offers a great choice of hotels, restaurants, bars, shops, and nightlife activities. Known as a great family destination, Kata Beach is the perfect place to go snorkelling, work on your tan, or get a relaxing massage.
Nai Harn Beach
Arguably one of the most beautiful beaches in all of Phuket, Nai Harn Beach is set in a small bay. Home to only a few hotels, restaurants, and shops, it has managed to retain its quiet charm over the years.
During high season, Nai Harn is a popular anchorage for boats, but incredible to swim in from November to April. However, if you go from May to October, take extra precautions as the calm seas are replaced by strong currents. Instead of swimming, these months and the strong currents provide the perfect opportunity for surfing and kitesurfing.
If your water activity of choice is snorkelling or diving, you should head to Ya Nui Beach, which is a bit to the south of Nai Harn.
Kamala Beach
If you’re on your Phuket holiday with your family or simply prefer a calm beach atmosphere, Kamala Beach could be the right pick. Featuring many local and international restaurants, the immense beach is very long with clear waters during the high season.
The main road from Patong Beach passes through Kamal, which is a tourist part of Phuket, built all along the beach. In addition to the beach itself and the many restaurants, you can also visit Fantasea Park, a local market, and a modest temple.
