Top 10 Things to Do in Phuket

Phuket is the largest and the most well-known island in Thailand. For many, it associates with gorgeous beaches, romantic sunsets, and wild nightlife. Well, all of these are true. Plus, it has amazing views, delicious food and so many things to do. Let’s take a look at the top 10 things to do in Phuket.

Rent a Scooter

First things first, you need to rent a scooter. That way, you can explore the island on your own and make stops whenever and wherever you want. The price for a day is about 250-300 THB (6.7 – 8 EUR, 7.5 – 9 USD). It is better to rent it for a couple of days thus, the price per day will be even cheaper. As you will be driving around, there will be many little “shops” where you can buy gasoline for about 30 – 40 THB (0.80 – 1 EUR, 0.90 – 1.20 USD) per bottle. Nop, that’s not whiskey in those bottles, that’s gasoline, haha!

More: Explore Phuket Off the Beaten Path – Vlog

 

Visit the Big Buddha

This huge Buddha is one of the most famous landmarks on the island. It’s a must in the top 10 things to do in Phuket. The view from up there is amazing, especially at sunset. There is no entry fee but be aware of what you are wearing – be respectful. No shorts, skirts, no short-sleeves allowed, so, take some long pants or shawl with you. Even if you forget to take some clothes with you, don’t stress, you can get some clothes to cover yourself by the entrance. Please do remember to bring them back after the visit!

The incredible Big Buddha!

Shop at Malin Plaza Patong

In the end, it’s all about the food. And where can you get the best food in Thailand? In the night market of course! We promise when you walk in, your stomach will start to celebrate – set the table and pop the champagne – its time to feast. While exploring Patong in the evening go to Malin Plaza market and have some good time. You can get absolutely anything there – smoothies, fruits, desserts, seafood, many different snacks on a stick, souvenirs, clothes etc. We recommend going there empty handed as you will buy a lot of goodies!

Go for a Party at Bangla Road

As we say, Patong by night is like one big, never-ending bar! Everywhere you go you can see colorful drinks, inviting staff and cheerful people. On the Bangla road, all of this is being doubled, it’s like a crazy summer festival all street long. It has it all – the best beers, the best cocktails, the best ladyboys, the best music and, well, let’s honest, the best party on the whole island! This is definitely one of the top 10 things to do in Phuket, even if you are not up for a party – go check this place out!

Book some great activities so you are set to go:

Stop at Karon Viewpoint

Karon viewpoint is located just to the South from Kata Noi Beach and if you are driving around the island you will definitely notice it. It is the most popular viewpoint on the island and most probably will be crowded. Still, it is worth to stop there and take a look at the amazing view over the ocean and the beaches. When you get there you’ll understand why it is so popular and full of people.

Even in 35 degree heat the view was stunning!

Get Some Great Views from the Phromthep Cape

When someone asks about the top 10 things to do in Phuket, this viewpoint is definitely our favorite in Phuket. The views are amazing and the pictures are turning out just gorgeous. It takes about 20 – 30 minutes to go down to the very end but it is so worth it. You can catch that “Titanic feeling” while standing there and watching the neverending ocean. Important note: take water, don’t be like us!

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Phang Nga Bay

If you type this name in Google you’ll get all the iconic Phuket and Thailand pictures. The bay is full of many small islands, caves, lagoons, and mangroves. There are various boat trips you can choose from. Most of them start early in the morning and take all day. You can book them in advance through GetYourGuide or just book a trip from one of the many stalls on the streets. The prices vary from 500 to 2500 THB (13 – 60.00 EUR, 15 – 75.00 USD) depending on the group size, tour length and your negotiation skills.

Explore the Gorgeous Beaches

We believe that one of the most important reasons why you go to Phuket is beach life. No one can blame you for that, beaches in Phuket are amazingly beautiful. From the busy Patong beach to quiet Freedom beach. The best way to explore them is just to hop on your scooter, drive around and stop and the most beautiful ones. Just to name a few – Kata, Nai Harn, Nai Thon, Yanui, Mai Khao, and many more. Enjoy the sun, crystal clear waters, and worry-free life!

Crystal clear beaches, our 3 favourite words. (Photo by Eng Hoe Ang)

Visit the Wat Chalong

You should visit this stunning temple while exploring Phuket. Wat Chalong is the biggest of Phuket’s temples and the most popular one. It is very beautiful and you can feel the iconic Buddhist atmosphere there. The place is big with several buildings so plan plenty of time to visit Wat Chalong with no rush. A great panoramic view of Phuket opens up from the top.  As in any temple, you must follow the dress code!

Another beautiful Buddha statue

Have a Drink From a Bucket

And the last one of the top 10 things to do in Phuket (but definitely no the least) is drinking from a bucket! In Phuket cocktails served in glasses are ancient history, as it is better to just have a drink from a bucket. Yes, exactly that kind of bucket we all used while playing in a sandbox when we were kids. The prices vary between 250 – 350 THB (6.70 – 9.40 EUR, 7.60 – 10.70 USD) depending on the spot and, again, your negotiation skills. Let the party begins!

Where to stay in Phuket

The Shore At Katathani – amazing choice for a luxurious vacation! The views are just fantastic, and the location is superb. The staff is very friendly and polite, very professional and they will always take care of every single guest. Rooms are very clean, bright and spacious, decorated to the smallest detail. The breakfast is great, many choices from the English breakfast, waffles, fruits, and even Prosecco (because it’s never too early to have a Prosecco while on a vacation)! It’s quite a splurge but definitely worth even if for 1 night.

Mai House Patong Hill – the perfect choice for a quieter vacation as it is located a bit further from Bangla Road. Still, the views from the hill are gorgeous which makes the location so great. Very relaxing atmosphere, clean and comfortable rooms, staff very welcoming and professional, and the food is also great.

La Maison Ya Nui Resort Phuket – great price-performance ratio. You are staying in a nice resort for such a decent price. Rooms are very clean, new, and bright. They are also offering scooters for rent, snorkeling equipment, and much more of the beach gear. The pool comes in a very good size, it’s just a perfect way to start your day!

Taj Phuket Inn – very good choice for the budget travelers. The location is great, very good value for the money, rooms are clean and comfortable. The staff is very polite and friendly, speaks good English, there is also a possibility to rent a scooter right on the spot. The fact that you can get a pool for that price is just amazing!

Summary

For many travelers, there are three main places they want to see in Thailand – Phuket, Chiang Mai and Bangkok. And that is for a reason because all three of the places have amazing things to do. We hope that these top 10 things to do in Phuket have made you search for the cheap flights and planning your next vacation way easier! See you in Thailand!