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

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By Tina

January 19, 2026

Things to do in Phuket

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 🎫

💡 Did you know? Phuket actually takes its name from the Malay word "Bukit", which means "hill"! Long before it became the holiday destination we know today, the island made its fortune through tin mining and rubber production. It’s this rich history that gave rise to the stunning Sino-Portuguese houses you'll find in Old Town.

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!

Length of stay

Couples' Adventures

Family adventures

Adventures with friends

Solo

1-2 days

Big Buddha + Promthep Cape sunset + romantic waterfront dinner

Kata Beach + aquarium + colourful Old Town

Patong Beach and Bangla Road at night

Phuket Old Town + Thai massage + tranquil beach

3-4 days

Phi Phi Islands tour + spa + Old Town + Karon Beach

Elephant Care Park + water park + family-friendly beaches

Phang Nga Bay kayaking, snorkelling and Patong nightlife

Big Buddha + island hopping + local markets

1 week

Beach getaway + Similan Islands + wellness + Old Town + romantic dinners

Multiple beaches + parks + island excursions + water sports

All the beaches + endless excursions + diving + nightlife

Full exploration + cookery course + diving

💥 Book your perfect hotels in Phuket & cheap flights. Arrive connected with a Thailand eSIM.
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Discover captivating attractions in Phuket
See all attractions
2600 booked
4.6/5178 reviews
Phuket Phi Phi Islands Maya Bay + Mai Thon Island 1-day tour with optional White Moonlight Indigo longtail boat photography
Day tours
£42.10
16361 booked
4.7/51221 reviews
Phuket Phi Phi Island + Maya Bay + Koh Phi Phi Island Day Tour with Snorkeling and Island Access Fee Included
Day tours
£41.03
1843 booked
4.8/5340 reviews
From Phuket: Phi Phi Islands+Maya Bay + Bamboo Island one-day tour
Day tours
£48.00
860 booked
4.3/579 reviews
Departing from Phuket: Phang Nga Bay Whitewater Rafting Day Tour|Optional Jungle ATV/Elephant Riding Experience
Day tours
£23.81
1292 booked
4.6/5100 reviews
Similan Islands: Island hopping and snorkeling day tour
Day tours
£52.71
4321 booked
4.9/5748 reviews
Phuket Phi Phi Island + Maya Bay + Honeymoon Island Snorkeling Day Trip
Day tours
£50.08

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

Patong Beach

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

Kata Beach

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 Beach

Karon Beach

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

Phuket Old Town

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

Freedom Beach

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).

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Top hotels in Phuket

5 star

8.1/10Very Good447 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|13.53km from city centre
**Patong Bay Hill Resort Review** *Stay Period: August 13-17, 2025* *Rating: 4/5 stars* My family and I recently spent four nights at Patong Bay Hill Resort with friends, and overall, it proved to be a pleasant hillside retreat with both strengths and minor limitations. **Accommodation & Location** We booked a pool access sea view room, which was impressively spacious. The bedroom comfortably accommodated our family of three, while the separate hall area could easily house an additional couple. The elevated location provides excellent panoramic views and delivers an authentic Thai local resort atmosphere that many guests will appreciate. **Service & Amenities** The staff consistently demonstrated exceptional hospitality throughout our stay. Room service operates until 11 PM, with housekeeping available 24 hours - a thoughtful touch for families. One pleasant surprise was discovering the resort spans multiple buildings across different elevations. For guests who prefer not to walk extensively, the resort provides complimentary 24-hour shuttle service between buildings and to the reception area. Transportation to Patong Beach (1.5-2 km away) is conveniently provided via free shuttle service until 11 PM, with Bangla Road just another 200-300 meters beyond the beach. **Dining Experience** The resort offers decent food quality, though options lean toward local cuisine. While vegetarians seeking Indian dishes may find limited choices, both egg-eaters and non-vegetarians will find ample variety. We particularly enjoyed the chicken delight pizza, which had a charming homemade quality reminiscent of early Asian pizza establishments. **Physical Considerations** The hillside location naturally involves considerable walking and elevation changes. Fitness enthusiasts will appreciate this as excellent natural exercise for cardiovascular health and stamina building. However, guests with mobility concerns should be aware of the terrain. **Recommendation** Patong Bay Hill Resort suits families seeking a hillside location with scenic views while maintaining proximity to Patong's attractions. The combination of attentive service, spacious accommodations, and convenient transportation makes it a solid choice, particularly for those who enjoy a more secluded resort feeling without sacrificing accessibility to local amenities. *Best suited for: Families, fitness enthusiasts, guests seeking authentic Thai resort experience*
From£45
8.3/10Very Good427 Reviews
Phuket Town Phuket|12.4km from city centre
The pool water was very clean, and being on the 7th floor with no obstructions, the view was excellent. The room was super spacious and very clean, with all the sofas and chairs looking brand new. The front desk staff were very friendly during check-in and even offered welcome drinks. The only downside was the breakfast. Although it's served until 10:30 AM, by a little past 9 AM, almost all the food trays were empty. There were only 2-3 trays with a small amount of food left. I walked around and couldn't find anything to eat, which was quite disappointing. Eventually, a staff member brought me a plate of stir-fried rice noodles, which at least filled me up. This was the first time in decades of traveling that I've encountered such a breakfast situation. We stayed for two nights, and the breakfast on the second day was only slightly better, still feeling like leftovers. It's also quite close to the King Power Duty-Free Shop.
From£35
8.7/10Very Good312 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|12.16km from city centre
Amazing stay everything was perfect! Staff are very helpful and nice! Location of the hotel is perfect away from all the noise however a very short walk away from the main areas! The pool is amazing also would highly recommend
From£51
8.7/10Very Good542 Reviews
Kamala Beach Phuket|11.65km from city centre
We had a wonderful stay at this resort. From arrival, Front Desk Agent Polly and Guest Assistant Minnie were incredibly helpful and friendly. Even the buggy driver kindly explained the room facilities and minibar details to us. Our tropical garden view room was clean, comfortable and well-maintained. A special thank you to our room housekeeping for the thoughtful birthday decoration, it truly made my day extra special. Breakfast offered a wide vegetarian-friendly selection with salad bar, cheese, bakery items, and more. I would love to see a bit more variety in the Asian local dishes, as the menu was quite similar each day. Tropical fruits are my favourite in the resort. The resort feels like a one-stop getaway with a beautiful beach and clear water. Have to rent snorkelling gear and I recommend renting wet shoes due to stones and dead coral in the beach area. I had a small injury from the coral, but the beach staff took great care of me. We also enjoyed the small petting zoo, the staffs were very friendly. Overall, the team went above and beyond to make our stay comfortable. It’s perfect for anyone looking for relaxation and quiet time, and we would definitely love to return.
From£59
8/10Very Good132 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|10.97km from city centre
This hotel is located on the main road in Patong, with restaurants and car rental shops nearby, and Patong Beach is within walking distance. The room was clean and fully equipped with toiletries. The staff here are very welcoming and provide excellent service.
From£46

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Business travel

8.5/10Very Good507 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|13.29km from city centre
Although the hotel isn't big, it's very comfortable and the service is excellent. The surrounding transport links are super convenient, and the hotel offers great value for money. They have Chinese-speaking staff and a butler service, plus rooms with direct pool access. Highly recommended!
From£23
8.5/10Very Good629 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|11.95km from city centre
I had a great stay at Best Western Patong Beach Hotel and was very satisfied overall. The room was super clean and well maintained, which made the stay very comfortable. The staff were incredibly helpful and friendly, and the service throughout my stay was amazing. I initially booked my stay without breakfast, but I decided to try the breakfast for one day at the hotel, and I was pleasantly surprised. The breakfast was very good, with a nice variety, and it was reasonably priced, making it great value for money. The hotel’s location is another big plus. It’s close to everything — you can easily find tuk-tuks nearby, it’s very close to Bangla Road, and getting to the surrounding beaches is quick and convenient. Despite being so centrally located, the hotel is quiet at night, with no noise disturbance, which I really appreciated. I was also very happy and touched by the birthday gesture from the hotel, which made my stay feel even more special. Overall, I had a wonderful experience and would definitely recommend Best Western Patong Beach Hotel to anyone looking for comfort, great service, and a convenient yet peaceful location in Patong
From£30
8.6/10Very Good475 Reviews
Rawai Beach Phuket|23.31km from city centre
This was my favorite hotel of the trip! The location is fantastic, right on Rawai Beach, and there are so many charming beachfront restaurants along the strip. My kids absolutely loved the pool and spent ages playing in it. It's also a great spot for taking photos!
From£16
8.8/10Very Good997 Reviews
Phuket Airport Phuket|14.68km from city centre
Very nice big hotel. We choose it because it seemed to be close to the beach but, the straight road that goes there ends up with the gate of kinda National Park and they require you to pay 200 bath per person! Hotel has the free transfer to the beach, so we just used it. By the way, if you’re ok with a little walk you can go to the beach with the airplanes from there (to avoid paying for the ticket or taxi around the airport ). Also you can enter the “park” freely after 5pm. Breakfast is ok, consists of the western and thai cuisine. Nice swimming pool on the rooftop. Free transfer from and to airport. The area compared to Patong or Karon beaches is a bit boring, but to me that was even the advantage, because the beach was not packed.
From£25
8.7/10Very Good1456 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|11.84km from city centre
Great location, right next to Patong Beach. There's a 7-Eleven and a pharmacy just across the street downstairs. Patong Beach is just a short walk across the road. They have a gym downstairs and a 24-hour laundry room (for a fee). It's close to roadside food stalls and bars, so it can be a bit noisy, but the soundproofing is decent enough that it won't keep you from sleeping. The pool is very clean.
From£32

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Family friendly

8.5/10Very Good1251 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|11.83km from city centre
We were two adults and one child, and to ensure a comfortable stay, we booked a family room in the Royal Wing. We specifically requested a quiet room. However, the room we were given was incredibly noisy. It faced the bar street directly, and the clubs had performances every night from 10:30 PM to 1:30 AM. I'd strongly advise against booking this room if you're traveling with children. The service was mediocre; when we tried to change rooms late at night, they said they were fully booked and we'd have to wait until the next day. The next day, they offered a room on the 5th floor, still facing the bar street. We didn't bother changing because of the hassle. Also, rooms on the 2nd floor are above the lobby access, which is even noisier, so beware. We asked to move to an inner room, but they said it was a different room type and we'd have to pay more, which was ridiculous. The hotel breakfast was decent. The room was newly renovated, but some facilities can't be changed by renovation, so it didn't feel modern enough. The air conditioning's temperature control was faulty; adjusting the temperature and fan speed had no effect. It was freezing! We called a technician, but it made no difference, so we endured it for two days. The hotel pool was pretty good and suitable for kids. The Royal Wing generally offers average value for money. If you're not traveling with children, the Heaven Wing might be a slightly better option for value.
From£38
8.9/10Very Good777 Reviews
Kata Beach Phuket|19.24km from city centre
Love this hotel! I really love the environment — very natural and calm. I stayed in a villa. The room looks a bit old, but it’s big and I like that it has a bathtub and direct pool access. My baby loved it! Breakfast was delicious with many varieties to choose from. I also love the kids club — very clean and well maintained. The staff named Wee (not sure if I got the name right) was very kind and took good care of my baby. She was lovely and my baby enjoyed it so much. We will come back again! The only small issue was there was some sand in front of the door and on the table. Even after cleaning, it still appeared, and I’m not sure where it came from. Other than that, everything was great and we really enjoyed our stay.
From£65
9/10Great592 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|11.37km from city centre
We had a wonderful stay at Graceland Phuket and would happily return. The resort is beautifully maintained, with large pools, direct beach access, and a relaxed atmosphere that still feels close to the action in Patong. The rooms were spacious, clean, and very comfortable, with daily housekeeping that was always reliable. The staff were friendly, welcoming, and genuinely helpful throughout our stay,from check-in to any requests we had.
From£55
8.7/10Very Good191 Reviews
Patong Beach Phuket|11.22km from city centre
His hotel is very nice and it’s well recommended very nice roof top pool where you can relax had a great 5 days in this hotel all staff is very friendly and I would go back again
From£37
8.6/10Very Good1262 Reviews
Kata Beach Phuket|18.55km from city centre
Hotel exceeded our expectations. Room was very spacious, very clean and modern. Nice design, comfortable bed, all amenities working. View over the pool was nice. Walking distances within the hotel are quite long, not good for people that have issues with that. We loved the breakfast buffet, which was a brunch with loads of hot options like a soup and salad bar and huge variety of hot savory dishes (Asian and western food) and highly recommend booking it with the room rate. Only they didn’t have any milk alternatives which wasn’t great for me as someone allergic to dairy. Coffee wasn’t good, but two 7 eleven just around the corner for your daily dose of iced coffee 😋 Pool super clean and pretty. Layout is cool, temperature is great, enough chairs available, swim up bar with music and reasonably priced drinks. Location was convenient for us, not too loud but loads of Restaurants, bars, night market and shops around the corner. If you wanna spend time at the beach rather than the pool I would recommend a hotel that’s closer to the beach, even though the Aurich has a free shuttle service to the beach and it’s not that far to walk (feels longer in the heat or with kids though) We recommend as a great stay for couples and if we come back to Phuket will certainly book again :)
From£32

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Top 5 activities and landmarks 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

Elephant Care Park

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

Simon Cabaret

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

Hanuman World

Hanuman World

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

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands

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 Phuket Waterpark

Andamanda Phuket Waterpark

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 🍜

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.

Season

Weather

Reviews

Activities & Festivals

☀️Dry season (Nov-Apr)

Sunny (24-32°C)

The absolute best time! Blue skies, calm seas, and not a drop of rain.

Loy Krathong, Chinese New Year, diving in the Similan Islands

🌊Rainy season (May-Oct)

Humid and windy (24-31°C)

Daily showers, rough seas, and red flags

40% off, surfing at Kata, lush greenery

💡 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.

Discover cheap flights to Phuket
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London
STN
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22:25
41h 30m
2 stops
Phuket
HKT
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21:55+1
Sat, May 16 - Mon, May 18
One way
12% off
From 254.00£224.00
London
LTN
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07:05
32h 50m
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21:55+1
Wed, May 13 - Thu, May 14
One way
12% off
From 254.00£224.00
London
STN
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22:25
41h 30m
2 stops
Phuket
HKT
|
21:55+1
Sun, May 10 - Tue, May 12
One way
11% off
From 254.00£225.00
London
STN
|
22:25
41h 30m
2 stops
Phuket
HKT
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21:55+1
Fri, May 8 - Sun, May 10
One way
11% off
From 254.00£226.00
London
STN
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16:45
47h 10m
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Phuket
HKT
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21:55+1
Tue, May 12 - Thu, May 14
One way
11% off
From 254.00£226.00
London
LGW
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13:30
50h 25m
2 stops
Phuket
HKT
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21:55+1
Tue, May 12 - Thu, May 14
One way
11% off
From 254.00£227.00
London
STN
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19:10
44h 45m
2 stops
Phuket
HKT
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21:55+1
Thu, Apr 30 - Sat, May 2
One way
9% off
From 254.00£230.00
London
STN
|
16:05
47h 50m
2 stops
Phuket
HKT
|
21:55+1
Thu, May 14 - Sat, May 16
One way
9% off
From 254.00£230.00

Day Trips from Phuket 🚤

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

Phang Nga Bay

James Bond Island

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

Similan Islands

Similan Islands

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! 🌴

FAQ – Things to do in Phuket

  • What to do in Phuket in 2-3 days?

    Day 1: Big Buddha + Promthep Cape at sunset. Day 2: Full-day trip to the Phi Phi Islands. Day 3: Kata Beach + Old Town (Sunday Market if it’s Sunday) + Thai massage + Bangla Road in the evening!
  • What is the best beach in Phuket?

    It all depends on what you're after! Patong for the nightlife, Kata for families and surfing, Karon for space and peace, Freedom Beach for secluded paradise. Each has its own unique charm!
  • What to do in Phuket with children?

    Elephant Care Park, Andamanda Water Park, Kata Beach (shallow water), snorkelling at Racha Islands, colourful Old Town on Sunday. Avoid Patong and Bangla Road with young kids!
  • What to do in Phuket when it rains?

    Old Town and its cafés, air-conditioned shopping centres (Central Phuket, Jungceylon), traditional Thai massage or a cooking class. Rain showers rarely last more than 1-2 hours anyway!
  • Where to go snorkelling in Phuket?

    Kata Noi (free from the beach), Freedom Beach, Racha Islands (30 minutes by boat), Phi Phi Islands, and absolutely the Similan Islands (November–April, world top 10).

Explore Phuket & beyond 🧩

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