Thailand's largest island - From pristine beaches and turquoise islands to cultural temples and vibrant nightlife
Phuket offers an incredible mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and modern amenities. Whether you're seeking quiet coves, world-class diving, island-hopping adventures, or cultural exploration, Phuket delivers. The island's west coast features the famous beaches of Patong, Kata, and Kamala, while the east offers mangrove forests and Old Phuket Town's Sino-Portuguese architecture.
Peak season (November-April) brings perfect weather and calm seas ideal for island tours. Green season (May-October) offers lower prices and lush landscapes, though some islands may be inaccessible during monsoon months (August-September).
💡 Phuket Travel Tips:
Phuket's most famous beach and entertainment hub. 3km stretch of white sand with calm waters perfect for swimming. The beach gets crowded but offers every amenity imaginable - restaurants, bars, shops, water sports, and massage pavilions lining the shore.
Best for: Nightlife, dining, entertainment, first-time visitors
3km
Nov-Apr (calm seas)
Beautiful 1.5km crescent bay with soft white sand and turquoise water. Split into Kata Yai (Big Kata) and Kata Noi (Small Kata) by rocky headland. More relaxed than Patong but still has good restaurants, bars, and shops. Great surf during monsoon season (May-Oct).
Best for: Families, surfing, swimming, balance of quiet and amenities
1.5km
Year-round (surf May-Oct)
Long 3km stretch of golden sand between Patong and Kata. Wider and quieter than both. The squeaky sand makes a distinctive sound when you walk on it. Good for long walks and jogging. Can have strong currents during monsoon - heed warning flags.
Best for: Long walks, less crowded beach experience, families
3km
Nov-Apr
Peaceful 2km beach north of Patong with local village atmosphere. Mix of Thai families and tourists. Less developed than other west coast beaches. Great seafood restaurants along beach road. Phuket Fantasea show located here.
Best for: Peaceful atmosphere, local experience, avoiding crowds
2km
Nov-Apr
Upscale beach area with luxury resorts and beach clubs. Beautiful white sand and clear water. Beach chairs banned to preserve natural beauty. Popular with affluent Thais and expats. Excellent restaurants and bars nearby.
Best for: Upscale experience, beach clubs, natural beauty
1km
Nov-Apr
Phuket's second longest beach at 6km. Northern section home to Laguna Phuket resort complex. Southern end more local with cheaper dining. Wide beach with plenty of space. Calm waters good for families.
Best for: Long beach walks, resort luxury, space and tranquility
6km
Nov-Apr
Stunning crescent bay in Phuket's south with turquoise water and white sand. Surrounded by green hills and home to royal yacht club. Less developed and more natural. Strong currents during monsoon. Popular with locals on weekends.
Best for: Natural beauty, photography, escaping tourist zones
1km
Nov-Apr
Hidden gem accessible only by longtail boat (฿500-800 return) or steep jungle path. Pristine white sand and crystal-clear water. Small beach with limited space. Bring your own supplies as only one small restaurant on-site. Worth the effort for seclusion.
Best for: Seclusion, crystal-clear water, adventure seekers
300m
Nov-Apr
Trendy beach club destination with white sand and turquoise water. Entry fee includes sunbed and access to facilities. Popular with younger crowds. Full-service restaurant and bar. DJs play on weekends. Can get crowded during high season.
Best for: Beach club vibes, partying, young travelers
200m
Nov-Apr
Small secluded beach between Kamala and Surin accessible by steep stairs (247 steps). Rocky outcrops provide snorkeling opportunities. Clear water and good swimming when calm. Several small restaurants. Gets busy but never overwhelming.
Best for: Snorkeling, small beach atmosphere, workout (stairs!)
200m
Nov-Apr
Not ideal for swimming due to shallow water and long-tail boats, but excellent for seafood. Famous Rawai beachfront restaurants serve fresh catch. Jumping off point for island hopping tours. Local sea gypsy village. Great sunset views.
Best for: Seafood dining, boat tours, local culture, sunsets
2km
Year-round
Krabi Province (2 hours from Phuket)
Visit the stunning Phi Phi Islands made famous by "The Beach" movie. Tour includes Phi Phi Don (main island with restaurants), Phi Phi Leh (Maya Bay), Pileh Lagoon with emerald water, Viking Cave, and Monkey Beach. Snorkeling at multiple spots with colorful coral reefs. Speedboat tours faster but pricier; ferry tours cheaper but longer travel time.
Andaman Sea (5 hours north)
Thailand's premier diving and snorkeling destination. Nine islands with pristine white sand beaches, massive granite boulders, and world-class underwater visibility (30m+). Marine life includes manta rays, whale sharks (Feb-April), sea turtles, and colorful reef fish. National park protected. Day trips available but overnight liveaboards recommended for best experience. CLOSED May 15 - October 15 annually.
20km south of Phuket
Two pristine islands with crystal-clear water and excellent visibility (20-30m). Racha Yai has beautiful Patok Bay with white sand beach, restaurants, and beach chairs. Popular for snorkeling and beginner diving. Racha Noi is more remote, better for experienced divers, with chance to see manta rays. Quieter and less crowded than Phi Phi.
15 minutes from Phuket
Closest island to Phuket with two main beaches: Long Beach (peaceful) and Banana Beach (water sports). Good snorkeling with coral reefs close to shore. All water sports available: parasailing (฿1,000), banana boat (฿300), jet ski (฿1,500/30min), sea walking (฿1,500). Budget-friendly day trip. Can get crowded with tour groups.
North of Phuket
Explore dramatic limestone karst formations rising from emerald water. Visit James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan) from "The Man with the Golden Gun". Canoe through sea caves and mangrove forests at Hong Island. Visit Koh Panyee floating Muslim village. Options include longtail boat tours, speedboat tours, or luxury yacht charters.
Phang Nga Bay
Twin islands between Phuket and Krabi offering authentic Thai island life. Muslim fishing communities, rubber plantations, rice paddies, and quiet beaches. Perfect for cycling tours, kayaking, and escaping tourist crowds. Several boutique resorts for overnight stays. Much less developed than other islands.
2 hours north of Phuket
Ancient rainforest (160 million years old) with dramatic limestone cliffs, Cheow Lan Lake, and diverse wildlife. Activities include jungle trekking, bamboo rafting, cave exploration, and swimming in natural pools. Elephant encounters at ethical sanctuaries nearby. Overnight floating bungalows available on Cheow Lan Lake.
Krabi Province
Visit Krabi's famous four islands by longtail boat: Phra Nang Cave Beach (stunning beach with caves), Chicken Island (rock formation), Tup Island (sandbar appears at low tide), and Poda Island. Excellent snorkeling, swimming, and beach time. Cheaper alternative to Phi Phi with similar beauty.
Iconic 45-meter tall white marble Buddha statue sitting atop Nakkerd Hill at 400m elevation. Visible from much of southern Phuket. Panoramic 360-degree views of Kata, Karon, Chalong Bay, and Phuket Town. Free entry but donations welcome. Modest dress required (shoulders and knees covered - sarongs available). Peaceful atmosphere with temple bells visitors can ring for good luck.
Free (donations)
6am-7pm daily
Phuket's largest and most important Buddhist temple. Built in early 19th century and dedicated to two revered monks who helped Phuket residents during 1876 Chinese coolie rebellion. Beautiful main prayer hall with intricate gold decorations, glass artwork, and Buddha images. Grand pagoda contains bone fragment of Buddha. Witness locals making merit and setting off firecrackers. Respectful dress required.
Free (donations)
7am-5pm daily
Historic district showcasing Sino-Portuguese architecture from tin mining boom era (19th century). Colorful colonial buildings, Chinese shrines, street art, museums, and quirky cafes. Sunday Walking Street market (4-10pm) offers food, crafts, and performances. Key streets: Thalang Road, Dibuk Road, Soi Romanee. Free walking tour maps available at tourism office.
Free (museums vary)
24/7 (shops 10am-6pm)
Cultural center showcasing traditional Southern Thai culture. Daily shows at 11:30am and 5:30pm feature classical Thai dance, martial arts demonstrations (Krabi Krabong), and elephant shows. Traditional Thai village houses display local crafts. Also offers elephant trekking and Thai cooking classes. Touristy but educational introduction to Thai culture.
฿800 adults, ฿600 children
8:30am-5:30pm (shows at 11:30am, 5:30pm)
Well-preserved Sino-Portuguese mansion built in 1903 by wealthy tin mining family. One of Phuket's finest examples of colonial architecture. Interior displays antique furniture, family photographs, and artifacts from era. Featured in film "The Killing Fields". Guided tours provide insights into Phuket's tin mining history and Chinese-Thai merchant families.
฿150
9am-4:30pm daily
Important Chinese Taoist temple in Phuket Town, center of annual Vegetarian Festival. Built in 1911, dedicated to Tean Hu Huan Soy, a deity believed to bring good fortune. Active place of worship with devotees burning incense and making offerings. Elaborate architecture with colorful dragons, lanterns, and intricate wood carvings. During Vegetarian Festival (Sept/Oct), hosts extreme ritual acts and street processions.
Free (donations)
6am-6pm daily
Phuket's most famous viewpoint at southern tip. Stunning panoramic views of Andaman Sea, Nai Harn Beach, and offshore islands. Legendary sunset spot (arrives around 6:30pm Nov-Feb). Lighthouse and small shrine. Very crowded at sunset but worth it. Arrive early to secure good spot.
Elevated viewpoint between Kata and Nai Harn offering spectacular views of three beaches: Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon. Beautiful curved bays with turquoise water. Less crowded than Promthep. Small vendors sell drinks and snacks. Good photo stop when driving around island.
Hill park in Phuket Town offering 360-degree views over the town, surrounding islands, and mountains. Popular with locals for evening exercise and jogging. Fitness park, playground, and several restaurants. Less touristy than beach viewpoints. Beautiful at sunset with city lights appearing below.
Named after large wind turbines on hilltop. Views of Nai Harn Beach, Yanui Beach, and Promthep Cape. Less crowded alternative to Promthep. Access via steep path. Small beach (Yanui) at bottom is excellent for swimming and snorkeling. Combine both in one visit.
Small roadside viewpoint between Kata and Rawai offering elevated views of Kata beaches and surrounding coastline. Quick stop, not as dramatic as Karon Viewpoint but still worth brief visit if driving past. Limited parking.
Small viewpoint above Laem Singh Beach between Kamala and Surin. Beautiful views down to secluded beach cove with turquoise water and rocky outcrops. Can see beach from above before deciding if you want to descend the 247 steps. Less crowded viewpoint.
Hanuman World
Phuket's premier zipline adventure with 32 platforms, 15 ziplines (longest 400m), sky bridges, abseiling, and spiral staircase. Set in pristine jungle canopy. Three packages available: Zipline (2hrs), Journey (3hrs), and Full Experience (4hrs). Professional safety equipment and guides. Hotel transfer included.
Flying Hanuman
Another top-rated zipline course featuring 16 platforms, 5 abseil points, sky bridges, and spiral staircases through jungle. Known for excellent safety standards and professional guides. Longer than Hanuman World with more platforms. Located in Kathu district. Includes photos, video, lunch, and transfers.
Multiple operators
Explore Phuket's interior on all-terrain vehicles through jungle trails, rubber plantations, and muddy tracks. Tours range 1-3 hours. Most include visit to viewpoint or waterfall. No license required. Automatic vehicles available. Can get very muddy - wear clothes you don't mind ruining. Protective gear provided.
Beach operators
Available at Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches. 10-15 minute flights offering aerial views of coastline. Single, tandem, or triple options. Safety equipment and life jackets provided. Book directly with beach operators (better price than through shops). Best conditions Nov-Apr with calm winds.
Phuket FantaSea
Las Vegas-style cultural theme park and show in Kamala. Spectacular theatrical production featuring Thai culture, mythology, acrobatics, aerial ballet, pyrotechnics, and elephants. Carnival village with games, shopping, and dining. Gold package includes buffet dinner (largest in Asia - 4,000 seats). Show at 9pm, arrive 5:30pm for carnival.
Siam Niramit
World-class theatrical performance showcasing Thai history, culture, and traditions across different regions. Stunning costumes, elaborate sets, and special effects. Pre-show includes traditional Thai village with demonstrations, games, and activities. Optional buffet dinner (฿500 extra). Show at 8pm, village opens 5:30pm.
Surf House
FlowRider surf simulator at Kata Beach. Learn to surf on artificial wave without ocean dangers. 30-60 minute sessions with instruction. Good for beginners and experienced surfers. Also offers bodyboarding. Beach club atmosphere with bar and restaurant. Great for photos.
Trickeye Museum
3D art museum with interactive painted scenes creating optical illusions. Over 100 artworks across multiple zones: underwater world, safari, classic art, and more. Fun for all ages, especially kids. Located in Phuket Town. Allow 1-2 hours. Air-conditioned - good rainy day activity.
Phuket Cable Ski
Wakeboarding and water skiing on freshwater lake using overhead cable system (no boat needed). Suitable for beginners and experts. Equipment and instruction included. Also offers knee boarding and wake skating. Located near airport. Session packages from 1-3 hours.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
Ethical elephant sanctuary with no riding, no tricks, no bathing forced on elephants. Rescued elephants roam freely in natural habitat. Observe, feed, and walk with elephants. Learn about each elephant's rescue story. Half-day morning or afternoon sessions. Vegetarian meal included. Book well in advance - limited daily visitors.
Newest and largest shopping mall in Phuket (opened 2018). Premium and international brands, large food court, cinema, kids' play area, and rooftop activities. Modern design with outdoor sections. Central Department Store, Supersports, B2S bookstore. 10-min drive from Patong.
Patong's main shopping center with 200+ shops. Mix of high-street brands (H&M, Adidas), Thai brands, electronics, souvenirs, and restaurants. Large Robinson Department Store. Cinema, bowling alley, and entertainment zone. Central location on Bangla Road. Popular with tourists.
Beachfront shopping mall at end of Bangla Road. Central Department Store, fashion brands, beauty products, and restaurants with sea views. Less crowded than Jungceylon. Rooftop bars and restaurants offer sunset views over Patong Bay.
Portuguese-themed lifestyle mall with colorful architecture. Boutique shops, cafes, restaurants, and small market. Less focus on big brands, more on unique shops and Instagram-worthy spots. Good for evening stroll and dinner. Regular events and performances.
Discount outlet mall with 50+ international brands at 30-70% off retail. Nike, Adidas, Levi's, Under Armour, Converse, Reebok, and more. Open-air design. Located north of airport. Less crowded than other malls. Free shuttle bus from Patong on weekends.
Massive local market every Saturday and Sunday evening (4-11pm). Hundreds of stalls selling clothes, accessories, handicrafts, souvenirs, street food, and fresh produce. Authentic Thai shopping experience. Bargaining expected. Much cheaper than tourist shops. Can get very crowded.
Hip night market targeting young Thais and expats. Vintage clothing, handmade crafts, live music, and trendy street food. Cool atmosphere with shipping container shops. Open every evening. Much smaller than Weekend Market but more curated selection.
Artisan night market featuring local designers, artists, and crafters. Handmade jewelry, art, clothing, and unique souvenirs. More upscale than typical markets. Good live music and craft beer. Thursday-Sunday evenings. Located in Old Town near Bangkok Bank.
Phuket is one of Thailand's premier diving destinations with access to world-class sites. The Similan Islands rank among Asia's best dive sites with granite rock formations, vibrant coral reefs, and abundant marine life including manta rays and whale sharks (Feb-April). Racha Yai and Racha Noi offer excellent visibility and are perfect for beginners and Open Water certification courses.
Best diving season: November-April. Similan liveaboards close May 15 - October 15 annually.
Highly rated PADI 5-star dive center established 1996. Small groups (max 4 students per instructor). Own speedboat for day trips. Courses in multiple languages. Specialize in Racha Islands, Phi Phi, and Shark Point. Professional instructors with excellent reviews.
Award-winning PADI dive center operating since 1999. Two locations (Kata and Chalong). Offer full range of PADI courses from beginner to instructor level. Daily trips to local sites and liveaboards to Similan/Richelieu Rock. Purpose-built dive boats with oxygen and first aid.
Australian-owned dive center known for friendly service and safety. PADI and SSI courses available. Specialize in nervous beginners and private tuition. Own dive boat "MV Aussie Explorer". Regular trips to Racha Islands and Shark Point. Free underwater photos included.
Established dive operator with excellent safety record. Multiple boats including luxury dive vessel for Similan liveaboards. Wide range of day trips and courses. Well-maintained equipment. Nitrox available. Good for both beginners and technical divers.
September 22 - October 1, 2025
Phuket's most famous and extreme festival. Nine-day Taoist celebration featuring street processions with devotees performing body-piercing rituals, fire walking, and other acts of self-mortification believed to shift evil spirits. Participants wear white and follow strict vegan diet. While rituals are shocking, the festival is also a food paradise with hundreds of vegan food stalls throughout Phuket Town. Yellow flags mark vegetarian restaurants.
Early November 2025 (TBC)
Annual street festival along Patong Beach Road featuring live music, cultural performances, beauty pageants, food vendors, and children's activities. Parade with decorated floats, dance troupes, and marching bands. Marks beginning of high season. Bangla Road closes for festivities. Free event attracting thousands.
April 25-27, 2025
Thailand's largest Pride celebration featuring pride parade, beach parties, circuit parties at top venues, drag shows, and cultural events. Three-day festival celebrating LGBTQ+ community with international DJs, performers, and thousands of attendees. Patong's gay scene comes alive with special events. Pride parade through Patong culminating in beach party.
April 13-15, 2025
Thailand's famous water festival celebrating Thai New Year. Massive water fights with water guns, buckets, and hoses throughout Phuket. Patong, Kata, and Phuket Town are main celebration zones. Traditional elements include visiting temples, making merit, and pouring scented water on Buddha images and elders. Three days of fun chaos - expect to get completely soaked!
November 15, 2025
Beautiful festival of lights where Thais float decorated baskets (krathongs) on water to honor water goddess and wash away sins. Krathongs made from banana leaves, flowers, candles, and incense. Best viewing at beaches, Saphan Hin, and lakes throughout Phuket. Fireworks, cultural performances, and beauty pageants. Magical evening atmosphere.
Popular Asian booking platform with competitive prices, instant confirmation, and verified reviews. Strong selection of Phuket tours and activities. Often has flash sales and discount codes. Mobile app convenient for bookings and tickets. Free cancellation on many activities.
International platform with extensive Phuket coverage. Detailed tour descriptions, photos, and honest reviews. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on most tours. Excellent customer service and refund policies. Price match guarantee. Good for comparing options.
Largest tour marketplace with thousands of reviews from TripAdvisor community. Wide selection from budget to luxury. Reserve now, pay later on many tours. Integration with TripAdvisor reviews helpful for decision-making. Lowest price guarantee.
Book directly with tour operators via websites, WhatsApp (+66 prefix), or Line messaging app. Often get better prices and more flexibility. Can negotiate group discounts. Supports local businesses directly. Good for custom requests and special needs.
Pro Tip: For best prices on island tours, compare prices between Klook, GetYourGuide, and local tour shops in Patong/Kata. Local shops often match online prices and offer more flexibility with pickup times.