Top Things to Do in Phuket: Best Activities & Must-Sees

Phuket is THE ultimate Thai tropical paradise! You’ve been dreaming about it for years and are wondering how to organise your trip to Thailand to make the most of it? You’ve come to the right place!

Whether you're lounging on postcard-perfect beaches, exploring islands by longtail boat, or diving into the vibrant nightlife of Bangla Road, the things to do in Phuket truly cater to every traveller. It's this vibrant mix of cultural authenticity, diverse attractions, and developed tourism that makes the island so addictive.

Best things to do in Phuket: Top sights & activities 🎫

• 🐘 Elephant Care Park Nai Dee Phuket ⭐ From £14.03 - Ethical elephant encounters
• 🎭 Simon Cabaret Phuket 🌈 From £18.74 - Stunning cabaret show
• 🌳 Hanuman World From £30.51 - Jungle ziplining
• 💦 Andamanda Phuket Waterpark 🎢 From £30.89 - Giant water park
• 🏝️ Phi Phi Islands 🚤 From £7.61 - Paradise by longtail boat

What to do in Phuket based on your stay 📅

Whether you’ve only got 2 days on a quick stopover or a well-deserved two-week holiday under the palm trees, here are our recommendations for every type of traveller. Even with just 48 hours, you can see the highlights if you get up early!

Must-visit districts in Phuket 🏖️

Phuket is, above all, an island of breathtaking beaches, and trust us, every single one boasts its own distinct personality! From the lively tourist shores of Patong to hidden coves reachable only by boat, and even the vibrant historical charm of Old Town, we've gathered our favourite spots and insider tips just for you.

Patong Beach: the vibrant heart of Phuket

Patong Beach is a world-renowned spot, famous for its vibrant party atmosphere! This sprawling 3km stretch of golden sand is the beating heart of Phuket, with hundreds of sun loungers lined up as far as the eye can see, bustling street vendors, thrilling water sports, and a festive vibe from morning till night. During the day, you can go jet-skiing (be sure to haggle!), try parasailing, go paddleboarding, or go diving. Alternatively, you can simply work on your tan while sipping on fresh coconut cocktails.

But it’s really in the evening that Patong reveals its true party spirit! The famous Bangla Road transforms into a festival of neon lights, music, open-air bars, clubs, and shows, with a simply unique atmosphere that carries on until the early hours. For the party animals among you, Patong Beach is an absolute must!

Kata Beach: A paradise for families and surfers

Kata Beach is a real Trip.com favourite for families! This stunning crescent-shaped beach offers everything you could dream of: soft, fine sand perfect for sandcastles, and clear, shallow water for several metres! In short, it’s paradise for relaxing and enjoying some quality family time!

But Kata isn't just about soaking up the sun; it's also *the* number one surf spot in Phuket! Oh yes, from May to October during the southwest monsoon, the waves can easily reach a thrilling 2-3 metres, attracting surfers from all over Asia. Several surf schools offer fantastic beginner lessons (expect to pay around 1500-2000 baht for a 2-hour session). If you've never tried surfing, this is truly the ideal place to get started!

📌 Trip.com tip: Kata is actually divided into two distinct beaches: Kata Yai (the big one), which is the liveliest, and Kata Noi (the little one) just to the south, which is even more peaceful and intimate.

Karon Beach: Expansive Sands and Endless Tranquility

Karon is the second longest beach in Phuket, with nearly 5km of white sand stretching as far as the eye can see! What’s truly great about this place is that you never feel crowded despite the influx of tourists, even during the peak Christmas-January season. You can walk for kilometres, lay your towel down anywhere and still have plenty of space to yourself – what a luxury!

The southern end of the beach near the Hilton offers some great snorkelling spots with tropical fish and coral (no need to go far!).

Phuket Old Town: The Sino-Portuguese charm of Phuket

Phuket Old Town offers a total change of atmosphere! Leave the beaches and bikinis behind to dive into the island's fascinating history and culture. This historic district is brimming with stunning Sino-Portuguese buildings—remnants of the golden age when Phuket was a thriving tin-mining hub during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The three main streets (Thalang Road, Dibuk Road and Yaowarat Road) are lined with colourful shophouses featuring facades of pastel pink, sky blue, bright yellow, mint green... It’s an architectural rainbow!

The atmosphere here is truly unique and quite different from the rest of Phuket: there's street art all over the walls, Chinese temples with burning incense, free museums, vintage boutiques, and local markets where Thai people actually come to do their shopping (not just tourists!).

📌 Trip.com tip: Make sure you visit on a Sunday afternoon for the Thalang Road Sunday Walking Street Market (known as "Lard Yai" by the locals)! From 4pm to 10pm, the entire street is pedestrianised and transformed into a huge, bustling market filled with delicious local street food, handmade crafts, free street performances, and a truly festive atmosphere.

Freedom Beach: The secret beach (well, almost)

Freedom Beach is something of a legend in Phuket – the kind of place people only speak about in hushed tones! Tucked away just south of Patong but completely secluded by the hills, this 300-metre stretch of sand is widely regarded as one of the island's most beautiful spots, boasting ultra-fine white sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters.

What makes it so unique? It’s only accessible in two ways: either by longtail boat from the south of Patong Beach (expect to pay 1,000-1,500 baht, depending on your haggling skills and the size of your group), or via a super steep and challenging jungle trail (a 700-metre steep descent through the forest, with a 200 baht entry fee).

Top 5 activities and landmarks to see in Phuket 🌴

Now, let's dive into the highlight activities that truly make Phuket a unique destination! Here are Trip.com's top picks:

Elephant Care Park: an encounter like no other

Elephant Care Park Nai Dee is a truly ethical sanctuary where you can get close to the elephants with total respect for their well-being.

Here, you'll learn the story of each elephant (often rescued from the tourism or logging industries), feed them bananas, sugar cane, and watermelons, watch them bathe in the mud (they love it!), and even take a dip with them in a natural pond.

A typical half-day includes learning about the elephants, feeding them, preparing natural vitamins, and enjoying a mud bath and a dip in the pond. You'll leave with unforgettable photos and, most importantly, a genuine connection with these majestic creatures – all while respecting the animals!

📌 Trip.com tip: Make sure to book well in advance, as spaces are intentionally limited to ensure the animals stay nice and peaceful (maximum 8-10 people per session).

Simon Cabaret: The show that will blow you away

Simon Cabaret is THE must-see show to experience at least once in Phuket! This glamorous and professional cabaret showcases transgender performers (ladyboys) in absolutely stunning lip-syncing, dance, and comedy routines.

The sets are spectacular, the choreography is incredibly professional (you can really tell it’s been rehearsed hundreds of times), and the performers' energy is truly infectious. The show lasts around 1 hour 15 minutes, featuring a series of acts inspired by different cultures and eras: traditional Thai dance, explosive Bollywood, Parisian cabaret with feathers and frills, American musicals, Korean K-pop...

Hanuman World: Adrenaline and zip lines in the jungle

For thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies, Hanuman World is truly THE ultimate adventure park in Phuket! Set deep within the lush tropical jungle in the centre of the island, this park offers spectacular zipline courses.

The longest zip line stretches for 400 metres and offers an absolutely incredible bird's-eye view of the canopy and the jungle below, with the wind in your hair and your adrenaline pumping!

Phi Phi Islands: Your Tropical Paradise Excursion

The Phi Phi Islands are a true tropical dream for some relaxation—the kind you see on postcards! Located about 45 km southeast of Phuket (allow 45 minutes by speedboat or 2 hours by traditional ferry), these limestone islands offer absolutely stunning landscapes, with towering 200-300 metre karst cliffs plunging into crystal-clear emerald-turquoise water.

The most famous, Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh island, served as the backdrop for the cult film 'The Beach' starring Leonardo DiCaprio in 2000, and has since become a global icon!

Andamanda Phuket Waterpark: The giant water park for all the family

Andamanda is undoubtedly the must-visit water park if you're travelling with the family! Opened in 2021, this massive park spans 100,000 m² and offers 32 different slides, 17 attractions, and 5 themed zones inspired by Thai mythology. The architecture blends traditional Buddhist temples with Phuket’s Sino-Portuguese style.

The park's star attraction is the 10,000 m² Andamanda Bay wave pool (the largest in Southeast Asia!), with waves up to 3 metres high—just like a real beach, but without the jellyfish. Kids love the Atoll Adventures zone with its 300 interactive water features, giant water cannons, and the famous bucket that tips tonnes of water every 5 minutes (get ready to get soaked!).

There’s also a beautiful 300-metre man-made white sand beach, perfect for relaxing peacefully between attractions. It’s open every day from 10 am to 6 pm.

Phuket, a paradise for Thai food and seafood 🍜

What would a trip to Phuket be without sampling its exceptional cuisine? The island perfectly blends traditional Thai specialities with ultra-fresh seafood from the Andaman Sea!

Must-try dishes:

• Tom Yum Goong: a spicy prawn soup with lemongrass and galangal. That spicy-sour-fragrant blend is seriously addictive!
• Pad Thai: stir-fried rice noodles with prawns, peanuts and lime, created in the 1930s
• Massaman Curry: a mild curry with coconut milk and peanuts, perfect if you're a little wary of chilli.
• Grilled seafood: crabs, lobsters, squid and king prawns, fresh from the daily catch

Best time to visit Phuket ☀️

Phuket has a tropical monsoon climate, so it’s hot all year round! But take note, there are two very distinct seasons that will completely change your experience on the island.

💡 Trip.com tip: December, January, February, and March are truly the best times to visit! The weather is stunning with azure blue skies, the sea is perfectly calm—ideal for snorkelling and boat trips—and the atmosphere is festive with the end-of-year celebrations and Chinese New Year, which falls in January or February.

The temperatures are manageable (it’s not yet the scorching heat of April and May), and you’ll be able to enjoy every single activity without exception.

Phuket day trips: Best nearby sights 🚤

Phuket is also the perfect base for exploring the many natural wonders nearby! Here are our two favourite excursions:

Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island: Spectacular karsts

Ah, Phang Nga Bay... imagine hundreds of limestone karst formations rising vertically from the emerald waters like stone cathedrals. The most famous island, Khao Phing Kan (nicknamed James Bond Island because it featured in the 1974 film "The Man with the Golden Gun"), has become a real tourist hotspot but remains spectacular.

Practical info:

• Journey time: 1–1.5 hours (approx. 75 km north-east of Phuket)
• Transport: Organised excursions by classic boat or kayak
• Must-see highlights: Kayaking through sea caves (hongs), the floating Muslim village of Koh Panyee, James Bond Island, and caves filled with stalactites

📌 Top tip: kayak tours are absolutely ideal! They let you explore sea caves and hidden lagoons that are inaccessible to big boats!

Similan Islands: A World Top 10 Diving Destination

The Similan Islands are a protected archipelago of nine islands, located 84 km north-west of Phuket in the Andaman Sea.

These paradise islands boast absolutely pristine white sand beaches, giant granite boulders stacked in surreal formations, and, above all, exceptional marine life! Ranked among the top 10 diving spots in the world, they are an absolute must for divers, with manta rays, whale sharks, turtles, and incredible corals.

Practical info:

• Journey time: 1 hour 30 minutes by speedboat from Tab Lamu Pier (near Khao Lak)
• Open: November to mid-May ONLY (closed during the monsoon for protection)
• Must-sees: Snorkelling at Islands No. 4 and No. 8, Paradise Beach, the iconic "Sailing Rock", and diving

Phuket is calling, with its idyllic beaches, turquoise waters, Sino-Portuguese heritage, and enchanting islands! Whether you're drawn to ancient temples, thrilling excursions to the Phi Phi Islands, incredible snorkelling, or the vibrant Thai street food scene, the Pearl of the Andaman Sea is sure to capture your heart.

Have a great trip to Phuket! 🌴

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