a lot of travellers to Thailand dedicate a good portion of their trip to exploring the country’s lots of islands. When it pertains to the Thai islands, Phuket is a top choice — beaches, waterfalls, markets, an old town, there are lots of things to do in Phuket to keep you busy!
Not only is Phuket the largest island in Thailand, but it’s also checked out by around one-third of all international visitors to the country. It’s also the only island in Thailand to be connected to the mainland by not one, but two bridges — Sarasin (which is used for pedestrian traffic) and Thepkasattri, which is used for motor vehicles.
On such a large and popular island, it must come as no surprise that there are plenty of fun things to do in Phuket. Whether you’re trying to find some R&R, adventure, or just to let your hair down and party, you’ll find it in Phuket. There’s so much going on here that you could max out your vacationer visa just exploring this one island.
If you’re the kind of person who enjoys lounging on stunning beaches, partaking in a variety of water sports, or indulging in culinary and nightlife scenes, you’ll love the activities in Phuket. It’s absolutely one of the top places to visit in Thailand.
With so much going on, planning a trip to Phuket can be a little intimidating. never concern — I’ve compiled a solid list of the 21 best things to do in Phuket for you to make life easier!
Sommario
1. beach Bumming
2. visit the big Buddha
3. Go Diving or Snorkeling
4. wander around the night Markets
5. excursion a Rum Distillery
6. Day trip to Phang Nga Bay
7. visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
8. Go temple Hopping
9. take in the Views
10. join a Thai cooking class (one of the top things to do in Phuket for foodies)
11. Partake in the Nightlife
12. Go Island Hopping
13. Monkey service on Toh Sae Hill
14. explore Phuket Town
15. Water sports Galore
16. See An outstanding Cabaret Show
17. treat yourself at The Spa
18. Experience Muay Thai
19. Dine at a Floating Restaurant
20. Go Chasing Waterfalls
21. visit the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
Now You know What To do in Phuket!
1. beach Bumming
Before we get into all the things to do and places to visit in Phuket, let’s start out with a classic island holiday activity — beach bumming! On this huge island, you’ve got tons of choices for dipping your toes in the sand. but first, you’ll want to make sure you know which beaches come recommended and which ones are best avoided.
With the explosive development of Phuket’s coastline in recent decades, lots of beaches are well past their glory days. In my opinion, Patong Beach, in particular, must be avoided. Unless you like being bombarded with touts and nearly run over by jet skis, I’d encourage you to give Patong a hard pass.
Now that we’ve gotten the bad news out-of-the-way, let’s step on to the good! despite its popularity, Phuket is still home to several pristine, hidden beaches. With a little bit of effort, you’re rewarded with postcard-worthy beaches that are devoid of chain hotels and pushy vendors.
I could put together a whole guide on the beaches of Phuket – and maybe I will – but for now, here’s a quick list of some of the best beaches which feature a lot more picturesque appeal and less crowds: Ya Nui, Laem Singh, Pleumsuk, Nai Han Beach, Karon Beach, and Naiyang Beach. all of these are exceptional choices.
2. visit the big Buddha
One of the most revered landmarks in Phuket is the big Buddha. This 45-meter tall Buddha is made of white marble and can be seen from lots of points on the island. As it’s located atop the highest height of Nakkerd Hills, you can take pleasure in some extraordinary panoramic views from here as well.
The big Buddha is one of the top Phuket attractions. If you really want to see the place bustling with activity, time your visit on one of the lots of Buddhist holidays that are celebrated in Thailand.
It’s complimentary to visit the big Buddha, but lots of people choose to make a donation to receive a small white tile that you can write a message on.
You can get yourself here on a motorbike if you’re an experienced rider. The road up is windy and steep, so you may just want to get a taxi or sign up for a tour. try to get here early in the morning or around sunset to beat the heat and crowds. check out this highly-rated excursion which takes in lots of of the popular sights around Phuket, including the big Buddha.
Address: ยอดเขานาคเกิด Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Hours: 6:00am – 7:00pm Monday to Sunday
Entrance: Free
Tours: check out thishalf-day excursion which takes in lots of sights around Phuket, including the big Buddha
3. Go Diving or Snorkeling
When it pertains to the best things to do in Phuket for couples, families or solo travellers, it’s all about getting in the water. There are some exceptional opportunities for both scuba divers and snorkelers alike here.
On lots of of the beaches in Phuket, you can simply rent a mask, snorkel, and fins to DIY. Alternatively, you can sign up for a excursion to hit a few different spots and take pleasure in a day out at sea.
There are several dive shops in Phuket where you can sign up for a course if you’re not already certified. once you’re ready to go, there are tons of world-class dive sites at your fingertips. With clear blue waters and an abundance of marine life, Phuket is one of the best places on the globe to go diving.
If you really want a superior snorkeling/diving experience, consider tacking on a trip out to the Similan Islands. Liveaboard trips depart from Phuket regularly to this extraordinary national park, which is considered to be the best dive site in all of Thailand.
After diving in Phuket for a while, why not check out the underwater scene on the other side of the country? Koh Tao is another world-famous diving destination, so be sure to add it to your Thailand travel plan as well.
4. wander around the night Markets
Back on land, there are still plenty of great things to do in Phuket. The island boasts several fantastic night markets that make for the best place to spend a casual evening out and about.
One of the coolest choices is absolutely the Chillva Market, which makes use of colourful shipping containers as storefronts. Whether you’re shopping for souvenirs or just seeking to dig into some tasty Thai street food, you’ll take pleasure in a stroll around. checking out the markets is one of the top things to do in Phuket at night.
Address: 141/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town
Hours: 4-11PM Thursday-Saturday
Entrance: Free
5. excursion a Rum Distillery
While Chang beer is great and all, once in a while it’s great to drink something different in Thailand. That’s where a trip to the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery comes in. Distilled from 100% pure sugarcane, this tasty white rum is just what you need when you get sick of watered-down beer!
Tours of the distillery run every day on the hour from 2-6PM. The cost is 450 Baht ($14.50) and includes a tasting plus a yummy mojito at the end. Click here for tickets.
They also run an awesome cocktail workshop on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday where you learn how to make three different drinks in addition to the guided visit of the distillery. This is one of the top places to visit in Phuket when it rains. learn a lot more about the cocktail workshop here.
Address: 14/2 Moo 2, Palai soi 2, Tambon Chalong, Amphur Muang Phuket
Hours: From 11AM-11PM daily
Cost: excursions are 450 THB ($14.50 USD) Click here to get your tickets ahead of time
6. Day trip to Phang Nga Bay
When travelling in Phuket, a day trip out to Phang Nga Bay is an absolute must. These sensational limestone cliffs that jut out of the sea are well worth the time and effort to reach.
If they look familiar, that’s probably because you’ve seen them in the James Bond film “The man With the golden Gun.” thanks to its starring role in the 007 film, one of the rock formations has even been dubbed James Bond Island. The bay also appeared in “Star Wars: Episode III” as the backdrop for the planet Kashyyyk.
Quant’è fico?!
Most people visit Phang Nga Bay on a excursion out of Phuket. excursions normally include stops at a few islands as well as a bit of snorkeling and kayaking. There are tons of options for excursions depending on your budget and tastes. You can even book a luxury sunset cruise if you really want to live it up!
7. visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
There’s no doubt that Thailand has a major problem with animal tourism, especially when it pertains to the country’s national animal. Elephants all across the country have been extremely abused for tourism and logging purposes over the years, but thankfully things are starting to change as a lot more people are standing up against this and wanting to make a difference when they travel.
Best of all, you can be a part of it here in Phuket!
Paying a visit to one of the elephant sanctuaries is absolutely one of the most satisfying things to do in Phuket. here you can interact with the pePachyderms aceful in modo etico mentre impari molto di più su di loro. Non c’è assolutamente alcun elefante in corso qui, ed è una buona cosa.
Mentre ci sono alcuni posti da visitare a Phuket che offrono “santuari” degli elefanti, due che vengono altamente raccomandati sono il santuario di elefanti di Phuket e la riserva di elefanti in cima agli alberi. Nota: molti luoghi impersonano queste aziende etiche. Assicurati di scegliere un’azienda legittima che non consente di fare il bagno agli elefanti, poiché questo sottolinea gli animali.
Al Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, puoi anche fare volontariato per diversi giorni se sei interessato. Prendersi cura degli elefanti è anche una delle cose migliori da fare a Chiang Mai.
8. Vai al tempio saltare
Di tanto in tanto, devi lasciare la sedia da spiaggia e andare a fare qualcosa di culturale! Una grande opzione per una dose di cultura tailandese è un giorno di salto del tempio. Come nel caso in tutta la Thailandia, Phuket ospita diversi templi buddisti.
Il tempio buddista cruciale e molto sensazionale sull’isola è assolutamente Wat Chalong. C’è molto da vedere in questo enorme complesso, con il momento clou è il Grand Pagoda scintillante. Si dice che la pagoda ospita una scheggia da un osso di Buddha stesso.
Indirizzo: Wat Chalong si trova a circa 8 km da Phuket Town. Clicca qui per le indicazioni.
Ore: è aperto dalle 7 alle 17 ogni giorno.
Nota: assicurati di indossare abiti modesti quando controlli questo e qualsiasi altro tempio buddista in Thailandia. Salva quei singlet al neon per la festa della luna piena.
Vedi anche: Ayutthaya Historical Park: una guida per i viaggiatori
9. Assumi le opinioni
Per ammirare sinceramente il fascino di Phuket, vorrai andare in uno dei molti punti di vista dell’isola. Su questa isola piuttosto collinosa, ci sono molti posti in cui puoi divertirti in alcune straordinarie viste panoramiche.
Oltre al Big Buddha, alcuni dei posti migliori per ottenere una prospettiva elevata su Phuket includono Promthep Cape nell’idea meridionale dell’isola, il punto di vista di Karon vicino alla spiaggia con lo stesso nome e ha suonato in collina nella città di Phuket. Assicurati di avere fame se visiti quest’ultimo in modo da poter rimanere in giro per cenare al Tunk-Ka Cafe.
10. Unisciti a una lezione di cucina tailandese (una delle migliori cose da fare a Phuket per i buongustai)
Una delle cose migliori da fare a Phuket (e in Thailandia in generale) è indulgere nella cucina appetitosa del paese. Mentre sei qui, perché non provare a prepararlo da solo? Ci sono tonnellate di eccezionali lezioni di cucina che puoi iscriverti a Phuket in modo da poter portare con te quel gustoso cibo tailandese!
Non posso dirti quante volte ho avuto un desiderio di cibo tailandese in luoghi in cui è impossibile trovare. Imparando a cucinare alcuni piatti da solo, non dovrai mai più andare senza di esso. Puoi anche impressionare i tuoi amici organizzando una dolce cena e facendo esplodere le tue nuove abilità.
Ci sono molte grandi scelte per le scuole di cucina a Phuket. Una coppia che è altamente raccomandata include la lezione di cucina di Tony e Phuket Thai Cookery School. Entrambi includono un viaggio nel mercato locale per acquistare ingredienti e sono disponibili opzioni vegetariane.
11. Partecipa nella vita notturna
Se ti piace fare festa, allora sei arrivato nel posto ideale! Phuket ha una vita notturna piuttosto epica indipendentemente dalla notte della settimana. Dalle eleganti salotti da cocktail, ai bar reggae rilassati, alle discoteche pulsanti, puoi trovare tutto su quest’isola tailandese.
La maggior parte dell’azione dopo il buio continua a Patong su Bangla Road. Questo posto è come Khao San Road a Bangkok su steroidi. Può essere un po ‘intenso (e assolutamente squallido), ma vale la pena dare un’occhiata almeno