Things to do in Phuket

Things to do in  Phuket

Life’s a beach

Welcome to Phuket, Thailand's vibrant seaside destination, where turquoise waters, golden sands, and rich culture await. Visitors can explore the enchanting Old Phuket Town, where Sino-Portuguese architecture, bustling markets, street food, and Thai cooking classes await. Sunbathe on the pristine beaches of Patong, Kata, and Karon, or set sail to the idyllic Phi Phi Islands for a tropical escape and outstanding snorkeling conditions. The long list of things to do in Phuket continues with Wat Chalong Temple and the Big Buddha, where spirituality meets panoramic views.

Learn more

Top 15 attractions in Phuket

#1

Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi)

star-4.510,402
From the emerald waters of the Andaman Sea, the jungle-shrouded limestone cliffs of Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands rise majestically, giving way to white-sand beaches and lush green jungles further inland. Longtail boats putter between the islands, collectively known as Koh Phi Phi or Ko Phi Phi, surrounded by turquoise waters and colorful marine life.More
Tours & Tickets
#2

James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan)

star-4.58,268
A starring role in the 1974 James Bond movie The Man With the Golden Gun put the towering limestone islands of Ko Khao Phing Kan and the 66-foot-tall (20-meter) islet Ko Tapu firmly on Thailand's tourist trail. While boats aren't allowed to get too close to the islands, there are opportunities for sightseeing in the surrounding area.More
Tours & Tickets
#3

Maya Bay (Maya Beach)

star-4.510,618
The stunning Maya Bay (Maya Beach) became a major tourist attraction after the 2000 film,The Beach, was filmed here. It’s situated within Thailand’s Phi Phi Islands, off the coasts of both Krabi and Phuket on the mainland, and is distinguished by its beautiful white-sand beach sheltered by limestone cliffs on three sides.There are in fact several beaches here, but most are small and some only exist at low tide. The main beach, where most boats drop passengers just offshore, is a 200-meter long strip of silky white sand. It’s surrounded by clear waters filled with colorful coral and an abundance of exotic fish, making it an absolute haven for snorkelers. Walking inland is also a treat, with a path that winds through lush greenery and reveals some simply spectacular scenery.It’s true that Maya Bay’s popularity has taken a certain degree of the shine from this once little-heard of slice of paradise. It’s become so well-known that its shores are filled with hoards of boats dropping visitors off and picking them up throughout the day, particularly in peak season. Visitors should arrive early in the morning to avoid the larger part of the crowds.Please note: Maya Bay (Maya Beach) is closed indefinitely due to overtourism.More
Tours & Tickets
#4

Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga)

star-57,382
Thailand's Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga) draws in visitors with its limestone rock formations and emeraldine waters. Many visitors to Thailand find themselves crossing the bay on the way to popular tourist spots, such as Phuket or Krabi, but this place deserves some dedicated exploration time of its own.More
Tours & Tickets
#5

Big Buddha (Wat Chalong)

star-4.54,017
The Big Buddha Phuket is hard to miss. Built on a patch of virgin rain forest on Khao Nakkerd Hill high above Phuket, this gigantic 148-foot (45-meter) statue is one of the island's most prominent landmarks, easily seen from most places in the south. From the statue’s base, visitors enjoy panoramic views of Chalong Bay and Phuket town.More
Tours & Tickets
#6

Chalong Bay

star-4.54,757
Sheltered by Racha Island and Coral Island, Chalong Bay (Ao Chalong is one of Phuket’s busiest tour boat ports. But there’s more to the area than the 1,640-foot (500-meter pier. Chalong is home to Wat Chalong temple, the Chalong Bay Rum distillery, a yacht club, muay thai camps, and a wealth of resorts and restaurants.More
Tours & Tickets
#7

Ao Phang Nga National Park

star-4.52,798
Known for its limestone rock formations rising out of the turquoise Andaman Sea, the protected Ao Phang Nga National Marine Park covers a large swathe of water in southern Thailand. Many visitors come to the area to enjoy the scenery and take part in watersports.More
Tours & Tickets
#8

Phuket Old Town

star-4.54,777
The prominence of Phuket’s beaches and out islands mean that Phuket Old Town is often overlooked. Yet, it offers a wealth of 19th-century architectural delights and fantastic photo ops. Beside the latticed windows of Malay-style shop-front buildings on Soi Rommanee, Old Phuket Town boasts temples, museums, and restaurants.More
Tours & Tickets
#9

Wat Chalong

star-4.53,765
As the most significant of Phuket’s 29 Buddhist temples, Wat Chalong attracts hundreds of visitors daily. A mountain backdrop emphasizes a golden spire, while wall paintings inside each temple depict vibrant Buddhist images. The main stupa, known as the Grand Pagoda, is said to harbor a splinter of the Buddha’s bone.More
Tours & Tickets
#10

Patong Beach

star-51,519
Big, brash, and bold, Patong is a high-energy resort on the west coast of Phuket, Thailand. Patong Beach, a deep stretch of white sand on a crescent bay, holds natural charms. But many head here for the restaurants, cabarets, dance shows, Thai boxing matches, and the loud and lively nightlife that draws travelers young and old alike.More
Tours & Tickets
#11

Cave Temple (Wat Suwan Kuha)

star-4564
Step into the tropical forests of Phang Nga to visit one of southern Thailand’s most important temples, Cave Temple (Wat Suwan Kuha). Commonly known as the Cave Temple, it sits inside a large cave complex and features many religious statues—the most prominent being the 50-foot (15-meter) golden reclining Buddha in the Tam Yai cave.More
Tours & Tickets
#12

Promthep Cape (Laem Phromthep)

star-51,155
Jutting out into the Andaman Sea, crowned with a lighthouse and an elephant shrine, Promthep Cape (Laem Phromthep) is Phuket’s southernmost point. Sweeping views over sparkling waters, rugged islands, sailing boats, sugar palms, and maybe even a paraglider or two make the headland a favorite photo stop, particularly around sunset.More
Tours & Tickets
#13

Racha Island (Raya Island)

star-4.5453
Racha Island (Raya Island) is, in fact, two islands—Ko Racha Yai and Ko Racha Noi—both known for their excellent snorkeling and diving. Whether for day-long underwater exploring trips or stays of a few days to relax on the unspoiled beaches, the southern Thai islands are popular with water sports enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.More
Tours & Tickets
#14

Bangla Road (Patong)

star-5633
This eclectic strip of bars, discos, shops, and attractions is the epicenter of entertainment in Patong. It offers a taste of local traditions and access to plenty of Western amenities, such as high-end boutiques in the modern Bangla Mall and restaurants that serve everything from pizza to pad thai.More
Tours & Tickets
#15

Phuket Simon Cabaret Show

star-4.5352
As one of the most glamorous cabaret shows in southern Thailand, the Simon Cabaret is a must for fans of glitz and drama. Shows are a flamboyant combination of costumed transgender performers, traditional Thai dance and music, and comedy routines. After the show, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the stars and take photos.More
Tours & Tickets
See more Phuket attractions

Explore Phuket by interest

Trip ideas

How To Choose a Theater Show in Phuket

How To Choose a Theater Show in Phuket

Whether you want to immerse yourself in Thai culture and traditions, enjoy an evening of family-friendly entertainment, or be dazzled by cabaret performers, here are some of our favorite Phuket theater shows.
See all Phuket articles

Itineraries for your Phuket trip

Top activities in Phuket

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine

star-5
2073
From
$77.61
Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat

Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island - Big Boat

star-5
2598
From
$99.00
Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong
Special Offer

Phuket City Tour: Karon View Point, Big Buddha, Wat Chalong

star-4.5
918
From
$27.07
$29.11  $2.04 savings
Starlight Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

Starlight Sea Cave Kayaking and Loy Krathong Floating

star-5
1043
From
$109.49
Phi Phi Island by Premium Speedboat includes Lunch and Park Fees
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Phi Phi Island by Premium Speedboat includes Lunch and Park Fees

star-4.5
223
From
$71.61
Small Groups of 20 people - Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Small Groups of 20 people - Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands with Lunch

star-5
189
From
$97.02
Exclusive Small Group Phi Phi Islands Sunrise or Day Trip

Exclusive Small Group Phi Phi Islands Sunrise or Day Trip

star-5
219
From
$108.10
Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Phi Phi Islands Day Tour from Phuket

star-4.5
370
From
$49.89
Jame Bond, Panyee Island, Hong Island and Naka Island by Speedboat From Phuket

Jame Bond, Panyee Island, Hong Island and Naka Island by Speedboat From Phuket

star-4.5
362
From
$62.19
A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

star-5
816
From
$83.16
ATV Big Buddha Phuket Viewpoint

ATV Big Buddha Phuket Viewpoint

star-4.5
93
From
$33.26
Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat
Special Offer

Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

star-5
501
From
$119.20
$139.00  $19.80 savings
Phi Phi , Khai & Maya : Unforgettable Island Hopping by Speedboat
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Phi Phi , Khai & Maya : Unforgettable Island Hopping by Speedboat

star-4
115
From
$47.52
Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option

Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option

star-5
1467
From
$55.44
Phi Phi Islands PRIVATE BOAT TOUR (customized)
Likely to Sell OutLikely to Sell Out

Phi Phi Islands PRIVATE BOAT TOUR (customized)

star-5
4
From
$859.29
per group
Guided Fast-Track Immigration Service: Phuket International Airport

Guided Fast-Track Immigration Service: Phuket International Airport

star-4.5
115
From
$47.12
️ Phuket Private Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive

️ Phuket Private Instagram Tour: All-Inclusive

star-5
439
From
$139.00
Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Khai Nai Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

Phi Phi Don, Phi Phi Lay, Khai Nai Snorkeling Tour from Phuket

star-4.5
414
From
$51.28
Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

Phi Phi and Khai Islands Snorkeling Tour with Lunch by Speedboat

star-4.5
405
From
$145.00
James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat
Special Offer

James Bond Island with Canoeing and Lunch by Speedboat

star-5
545
From
$117.39
$119.00  $1.61 savings
See all Phuket tours

Explore our promoted experiences

Operators have paid Viator more to have their experiences featured here

All about Phuket

When to visit

November marks the end of monsoon season in Phuket, and islanders waste no time in celebrating the glorious winter weather. Peak season runs through March, when temperatures are ideal for beach days and snorkeling, and the Lantern Festival (Loi Krathong Festival) and Patong Carnival draw in the crowds. If you can bear the heat, which sometimes climbs as high as 100°F (39°C), come in April for the legendary Thai New Year (Songkran) celebrations—the gigantic water fight will cool you down.

Getting around

Whether you prefer a taxi or tuk-tuk, you’ll need wheels to get around Thailand’s largest island. The cheapest option is catching a songthaew, which run to most destinations on the island—ask locally for the routes as formal timetables are hard to come by. For a bit more flexibility, rent a motorbike or car, or download Grab (Southeast Asia’s answer to Uber). If you want to explore further, regular ferries and speed boats cruise out to the surrounding islands.

Traveler tips

Escaping the beaten track isn’t easy in Phuket, but there are still a few lesser-known spots to seek out. For uncrowded sands and underwater views with more fish than snorkels, Banana Beach, on the northwest coast, is reached by a steep trail and remains one of the least developed of Phuket’s beaches with a single beachfront restaurant. For a street food hub with a more local vibe, try the small Kor Jaan night market along Kra Road in Phuket Town.

Attractions
34
Tours
1,444
Reviews
28,939
EN
6987165a-7fdd-480a-9bc7-3d70ec464d0b
geo_hub

People Also Ask

Why is Phuket famous?

Phuket is known for its tropical beaches, vibrant nightlife, and rich culture. Tourists flock here to try outdoor activities such as scuba diving and snorkeling and to enjoy a relaxing vacation on the beach. The Thai island has everything from zoos and museums to great restaurants and lively bars.

...More
How do you pronounce Phuket?

Phuket is pronounced “poo-ket” not “foo-ket.” You'll see the “ph” letter combination in the Thai language often, but it’s always pronounced with a hard “p” rather than the “f” sound that English speakers are accustomed to.

...More
Which part of Phuket is best to stay?

Phuket is a large island with several regions. Singles and young travelers flock to popular Patong. For a more family-friendly stay, there's Kata and Kamala beach areas. Surin and Karon boast lovely beaches. Stay in Bangtao for more sophisticated nightlife. Beachless Phuket Town is a thriving cultural hub.

...More
What should we do in Phuket?

Phuket is known for its outdoor activities, from scuba diving to parasailing to relaxing on the beach. Popular day trips from Phuket include the nearby Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island. At night, you can visit a bustling night market with authentic Thai food and souvenirs.

...More
Is Phuket expensive for tourists?

No. Phuket is an affordable destination. Stay in modest rooms on the cheap or go for luxury resort options with higher price tags. Enjoy local street food for a dollar or two, or sit down to a nice meal that costs about what fast-casual food does in Europe or the US.

...More
What can you do in Phuket for cheap?

The cheapest activity to do in Phuket is relaxing on its sandy beaches, which is free. For a more adventurous activity with a relatively low price tag, try a parasailing tour over Patong or a Muay Thai boxing match.

...More
Frequently Asked Questions
The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What are the top things to do in Phuket?
A:
Q:
What are the top activities in Phuket?
A:
Q:
What are the top things to do near Phuket?
A:
Q:
What do I need to know before visiting Phuket?
A:

More Tours in Phuket