While trick art gallery regulars might quibble at the quality of some of the paintings, the Phuket Trickeye Museum is a great way to beat the heat of the day and keep both kids and adults entertained. The five different sections run from famous works of art—adapted to include the viewer—to illusions such as severing your own head; and movie scenarios featuring Gollum, zombies, and more. Buying tickets in cash at the door can work out expensive; look online for discount deals.
Phuket Trickeye Museum sits in the heart of Phuket Town, about a 0.5-mile (800-meter) walk east of the songthaew (covered pickup bus) stop on Ranong Road. Families and larger groups will find it easier to book a ticket package that includes transfers.
The museum is usually open from morning until evening throughout the week. It’s least busy soon after opening, early in the week.
There are plenty of indoor family-friendly attractions in Phuket. The Upside Down House (Baan Teelanka) lets you take photos on the “ceiling” of inverted rooms; Phuket Aquarium lets kids too young to snorkel experience the underwater world; REBEL Rock Climbing is an indoor climbing gym that’s perfect for letting off steam; and Ice Arena Phuket offers the chance to go skating in the tropics.