Things to do in Phuket
There are so many phenomenal things to do in Phuket for holidaymakers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a blissful break on the beach, to get up close with the local wildlife or explore the thriving nightlife scene, you’ll have the time of your life.
You’re assured of a warm welcome and a laid-back pace. If you’re considering a holiday to Southern Thailand as your next adventure, Phuket is a sparkling sunshine destination you’ll never forget. Choosing between its many fantastic attractions and activities isn’t easy, but we’ve narrowed our list down to the seven below.
Visit Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is an unmissable Phuket landmark. Located on Nakkerd Hill and standing 45 metres tall, it’s a unique attraction that should be at the top of your itinerary.
It was only completed in 2014, but this white marble statue has already become a must-see for anyone visiting the area. There are plenty of ways to get to the Big Buddha from Old Phuket Town, including by bus, taxi and tuk-tuk.
As well as being an incredible spiritual sight, the views from the hill are stunning. It’s worth setting aside an hour or two on your trip to experience the Big Buddha for yourself.
Grab a taste of paradise at Patong Beach
Patong Beach stretches for approximately 3km and is one of Phuket’s most popular spots. Grab a lounger next to the Andaman Sea and get ready for a day of relaxation to recharge your batteries.
If you’re feeling more adventurous, there’s plenty of opportunity to try parasailing and jet skiing. Patong Beach isn’t the best spot for snorkelling, though; other nearby beaches, such as Ao Sane and Kata Noi, are ideal for this.
When it’s time for a spot of lunch, there are countless cafes, bars and restaurants nearby where you can enjoy an array of international cuisine with stunning sea views to make your meal even more special.
Dive into Bangla Road’s nightlife
You can choose to extend your day at Patong Beach into the evening to experience the famous Bangla Road nightlife. With a great selection of bars, nightclubs and live music venues, you can hop from place to place and savour the unmistakable Bangla Road buzz.
It’s one of the most popular things to do in Phuket, with young adults looking to party into the small hours. It may only be 400 metres long, but the bright lights and variety of entertainment on offer ensure you’ll have a memorable time.
Wander around Old Phuket Town
For a more sedate experience, strolling around Old Phuket Town is a lovely way to spend an hour or so. This 19th-century area features colourful Colonial houses, souvenir shops and a Sunday street market serving aromatic local dishes and handmade crafts. There are cafes galore to explore every day of the week, so if you’re a bit of a foodie, you’ll be in absolute heaven tasting your way around a wealth of mouth-watering dishes.
As you wander through the streets, you’ll also see many Chinese shrines, including the Saeng Tham Shrine. The intricate carvings and colours give Old Phuket Town a bright and appealing aesthetic.
Experience the wonder of Wat Chalong
Taking the short trip from Phuket City to Chalong is well worth it because of the Chaithararam Temple, also known as Wat Chalong. It’s one of 29 Buddhist temples in the area and dates back to the 19th Century.
It’s free to enter but worth bearing in mind you’ll need to respect the traditions of removing your shoes before going into the temple and covering up any exposed areas of your body. Wat Chalong is an architectural masterpiece and contains several striking statues and paintings inside. While unverified, it’s also said that a splinter of Lord Buddha’s bone is within Wat Chalong’s grand pagoda.
Savour the serenity of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
If ethical tourism is important to you, paying a visit to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary will be right up your street. It’s a place where these magnificent animals can roam freely, socialise and live a happy and content life.
To allow them the peace and harmony to be themselves, you’ll get to view the elephants from a stunning 600-metre canopy walkway six metres above the ground. Many of the incredible creatures at the 30-acre sanctuary have been rescued from years of working in the logging and tourist industries. They’re now in their natural environment and looked after by an expert team which includes round-the-clock vet care.
Look to the horizon at Karon Viewpoint
As your holiday to Thailand draws to a close, our final recommended thing to do in Phuket is to spend an evening at Karon Viewpoint. The panoramas across local beaches and out to Phuket City are spectacular by day, but it’s in the evening when they truly come into their own.
When you’ve had a memorable time in Southern Thailand with the one you love, there’s no more romantic way to round things off than watching the sun setting over the ocean. It’s truly magical. Don’t just take our word for it, though; search for pictures on social media and look forward to experiencing it for yourself.
Think of these seven things to do in Phuket as a delicious starter - there’s a whole lot more waiting to be devoured.
If this article has whet your appetite for a picturesque holiday in Phuket, you can browse our latest multi-centre holidays to Thailand.
