Phuket has been a top destination for travellers for years, but let’s address the big question—is Phuket still worth visiting? The answer? It’s a mix! Phuket boasts gorgeous beaches, vibrant coral reefs, and incredible food, but over-tourism has left its mark. Thanks to global travel restrictions, especially in Russia, Phuket has seen an influx of tourists, making some spots busier than ever. But don’t worry—Phuket is full of activities, so visitors are usually spread across the island, except in the popular night markets, which can get a bit crowded.
Here’s a quick tip: Phuket isn’t exactly cheap. Be prepared for tourist prices, whether you’re booking accommodation, renting a scooter, or planning excursions. But if you’re on a budget (like we are on our 625-day travel journey), you’ll still find plenty of affordable and free things to do.
In this guide, I’ll share the top things to do in Phuket—perfect for couples, families, or solo travellers. From budget-friendly activities to unforgettable experiences, we’ve got you covered. Ready? Let’s dive into the ultimate list of things to do in Phuket!
1. Island Hopping
When you think of Phuket, island hopping is likely the first thing that comes to mind (right after the food, of course). With Phuket being such a tourist hotspot, there are plenty of tour packages catering to all budgets and preferences. Let me start with a budget-friendly island hopping tour we experienced and loved—plus, I’ll share a few more popular options to inspire your plans!
James Bond and Phang Nga Bay Tour
We booked this trip through Klook, and here’s why: it was the only platform offering pick-up and drop-off at a reasonable price. Before diving into the details, let me give you a quick overview of how these tours usually work.
If you opt for pick-up and drop-off (which I highly recommend), be prepared for a bit of extra travel time. The driver goes around collecting passengers from various hotels, which can be smooth or a test of patience if you’re unlucky like us. We ended up waiting an hour for a couple who just weren’t ready. Let’s chalk it up to bad luck and hope your experience is better!
Once everyone is picked up, the tour starts at a base camp where you’re welcomed with refreshments and a briefing about the day ahead. From there, you’ll head to your speedboat or big boat, and the real adventure begins. Thankfully, after that initial hiccup, the rest of the trip was seamlessly managed.
The tour includes:
- James Bond Island: A must-visit spot, but fair warning—it’s crowded! Don’t worry; you’ll still have plenty of chances to snap those Insta-worthy shots without people photobombing your frame. Swimming isn’t allowed here, but you can explore the island, enjoy the stunning views, and check out the nearby caves.
- Traditional lunch: Served on the boat, it was delicious, and we also enjoyed cookies, tea, and other refreshments throughout the day.
- Well-timed stops: Each location was perfectly timed, giving us enough space to soak in the beauty without feeling rushed.
Overall, this tour is a fantastic budget-friendly option if you’re looking to experience Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island. Despite the initial delay, the trip was smooth, fun, and well-organised. Bonus: we met some amazing people onboard!
Racha & Coral Islands Day Tour
This is another fantastic option if you’re travelling on a budget! Racha Island truly blew us away with its stunningly clear blue water—it was the clearest we had swum in at the time, and it felt like stepping into a postcard. We opted for the pick-up and drop-off service again, and luckily, this time everything went smoothly—no delays or waiting around!
The first half of the trip was nothing short of dreamy. The crystal-clear waters and the peaceful vibe made it feel almost surreal to be there. If you’ve never tried snorkelling before, this is the perfect chance to dip your toes into it—literally!
For the second half of the trip, they take you to Coral Island, which is famous for water activities like parasailing and jet skiing. However, it’s also quite popular, so expect to see a crowd. That said, here’s a tip: walk a little further along the bay, and you might just find a quiet stretch of beach to enjoy, just like we did. Keep in mind, that food and drink prices are higher here, as expected in touristy spots, so plan accordingly!
We decided to skip the oh-so-famous Phi Phi Islands, and honestly, we have no regrets. It’s super crowded, especially for a day trip. Staying there for a couple of days sounded dreamy, but the accommodation prices were insane! Plus, the reviews made it seem like a rushed affair—hopping from one spot to another without actually enjoying them.
Also, Maya Bay has only recently reopened after being closed for years to help restore the coral reefs. While we’d love to see it someday, we didn’t want to add to the crowds just yet. Maybe next time, when it feels right!
Now, about the 3 Khai Islands Tour—we almost picked this one but went with Racha instead, thinking it was more offbeat (spoiler: not so much!). The Khai Islands are a great option for a budget-friendly day of snorkelling and swimming. If you’re okay with group tours and don’t mind following a schedule, it’s a fun way to explore! Just don’t forget your sunscreen.
2. Phuket Big Buddha: A Sunrise Gem
The Big Buddha is an absolute must-see in Phuket! Perched on Nakkerd Hill, this 45-meter marvel offers stunning views of the island. The best time to visit? Definitely early morning. We got there just in time to catch the sunrise, and oh my—the golden hues lighting up the horizon were pure magic. Bonus: fewer tourists and no midday heat to deal with!
You can hike up if you’re feeling adventurous, but it’s a steep more than an hour-long climb—not for the faint-hearted. Otherwise, rent a bike or grab a Grab (pun intended!). There’s plenty of parking, and if your fuel’s running low, a tiny shop on the way sells petrol in bottles—classic Thailand vibes!
Keep it simple: arrive early, dress modestly, and soak in the peaceful vibes. Trust me, it’s worth the trip!
3. Chaithararam Temple – Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong, or Chaithararam Temple, is one of Phuket’s most popular temples, and for good reason. It’s not just beautiful—it’s also deeply spiritual. The main temple is stunning, but there’s another hidden gem here: a smaller temple with different Buddha statues. Trust me, this spot is pure magic.
We got there just before it opened, and it felt like the entire place was ours. If you can, go early. Sit in the middle of the room with those statues in front of you. The energy? Absolutely incredible—it’s peaceful, grounding, and unlike anything else.
Pro Tips:
Dress Modestly: This is a sacred place, so cover your shoulders and knees.
Arrive Early: Fewer tourists, cooler weather, and a more serene vibe.
Explore the Premises: Don’t stop at the main temple—there’s so much more to see.
Fun Fact: Wat Chalong is famous for its connection to a revered monk, Luang Pho Cham, who helped locals during a 19th-century rebellion. His statues are still worshipped here today!
4. Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is a vibrant maze of stunning architecture, colourful streets, and bustling energy. Known for its Sino-Portuguese buildings, this area is a visual treat. But heads up—it’s a hotspot for tourists, so expect some crowds.
Take your time strolling through Dibuk Road, Phangnga Road, Thanon Talang, and Soi Romance. These streets capture the charm of the Old Town with their pastel-coloured buildings, quirky cafes, souvenir shops, and local art spots. Some restaurants here go all out on decor—perfect for those Insta-worthy shots.
Fun Fact: A few scenes from Leonardo DiCaprio’s movie The Beach were filmed here! The iconic hostel in the movie? That’s The Memory at On On Hotel, right in the heart of the Old Town.
There’s no strict way to explore this area—just wander, take in the beauty, and maybe grab some ice cream or shop for unique crafts. Phuket Old Town is all about soaking up the atmosphere at your own pace.
5. Night Markets
Phuket is buzzing with night markets, each offering its own vibe and flavours. While the best way to choose one is by checking Google reviews and the number of people talking about it, I’ll share a few highlights based on my research and personal experience.
Phuket Indy Night Market
- When: Wednesday to Friday, 4 PM – 10:30 PM
- Why Go: This market had live music and a relaxed atmosphere that we absolutely loved. The food options were reasonably priced and tasty—a perfect mix for a fun evening!
Kata Night Market
- When: Monday to Sunday, 12 PM to 11 PM
- Why Go: We ended up visiting this one a few times since it’s open daily and it was very near to our accommodation. While prices are a bit on the touristy side, the variety is good. The food we tried here was good.
If you’re exploring other markets like Phuket Weekend Night Market (Naka Market), Chillva Market, Malin Plaza Patong, Phuket Walking Street (Lard Yai Market), and Karon Temple Market, look for ones with good reviews and a lively crowd. Each market has its own charm, so don’t hesitate to wander, snack, and soak in the night vibes!
6. Rent a Motorbike in Phuket:
If you’ve ridden a motorbike before, exploring Phuket on two wheels is a game-changer! The winding roads might seem tricky, but it’s the best way to feel the island vibe. Taxis are fine, but nothing beats the freedom of a bike.
We rented ours from Tamarind Motorbike Rental & Tours:
- Cost: 280 Baht/day (for 7 days).
- Deposit: 3000 Baht (refunded hassle-free).
Follow traffic rules and drive safely—Thai police don’t mess around! Renting a motorbike is not just practical; it’s part of the adventure
7. Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape is one of Phuket’s most iconic sunset spots, and for good reason—the views are absolutely breathtaking! Unfortunately, we had to skip it during sunset as it was packed with tourists, making it hard to enjoy the moment. If you plan to visit, arrive early to claim a good spot and soak in those insane views without the crowds. Even if you can’t stay for sunset, the scenery is still worth the trip!
8. Indulge in street food
If you visit Thailand and skip the street food, it’s practically a crime! But here’s the thing—Phuket, being a tourist hotspot, doesn’t make it easy to find authentic, budget-friendly local food. Prices are often inflated, and true local spots can be hard to come by. That said, we’ve done the homework for you and found a few gems you shouldn’t miss:
- Hug Street Food
A cozy, tiny spot run by the sweetest couple. Their menu is small but mighty—don’t leave without trying the Khao Soi. It’s a bowl of deliciousness that we still dream about! - The Pad Thai Shop
This place is the real deal. Authentic, local, and home to the BEST and CHEAPEST Pad Thai we had in Phuket—just 60 Baht! It’s a simple setup, filled mostly with locals (a good sign!) and a few in-the-know tourists. - Nok Restaurant
Not ready to dive straight into a super-local setup? Nok strikes a balance. It’s a modest, no-frills restaurant serving up some seriously tasty dishes in a relaxed atmosphere.
Pro tip: Go early or off-peak hours to avoid the crowds and enjoy a slower, more authentic experience. Phuket may be touristy, but good food is always out there if you know where to look!
9. Thai Massage
If you’re in Thailand and skip a massage, future-you might hold a grudge! The sheer number of massage spots can feel overwhelming, so I recommend checking reviews before picking one.
I tried Be Wellness Massage, and it was a wonderful experience. While you might hear a bit of chatter or laughter (nothing constant), it’s all part of the charm of these small, local spots. Expecting 5-star spa vibes here isn’t realistic, but the massage itself? Incredibly soothing and worth every baht! Just relax and enjoy—you deserve it.
10. Mai Khao Beach
I saved this one for last because my expectations were sky-high—literally! Mai Khao Beach is famous for its unique experience of watching planes fly overhead as they land at the nearby airport. Sounds incredible, right?
Here’s the catch: this phenomenon isn’t year-round. The best time to witness it is from November to April when the wind direction allows planes to approach the runway from the beachside. Unfortunately, we visited in April, and the wind had already shifted, so planes were taking off instead of landing.
If you’re visiting during the right months, don’t miss the chance to experience this up-close aviation magic!
There are elephant sanctuaries, tiger parks, and adventurous sports like ATV and zip lining if that’s your vibe. But honestly, we weren’t sure how ethical some of these places were, so we decided to skip them. Instead, we chose to soak in the dreamy beach sunset at Kata Beach—it was the perfect chill vibe we needed for this trip.
That said, if you’re into these activities, they’re definitely out there. Just do a little homework to make sure they’re ethical and animal-friendly before you go. Enjoy responsibly!
Our Essential Travel Gear
CamelBak eddy+ Water Filter Water Bottle by LifeStraw Integrated 2-Stage Filter Straw
This one purchase has truly transformed our travels. After visiting 19+ countries, we never had to worry about staying hydrated because this stainless steel water bottle has our back. It’s leak-proof, so you can toss it in your bag without a second thought!
Travel Insurance
Make sure to research a solid travel insurance policy before jetting off to any country. We’ve been with SafetyWing since the beginning of our journey, and they’ve provided top-notch customer service. Based on our experience, we can confidently recommend them!
eSIM
This has been a game-changer for us! When we started our 625-day adventure, I was initially overwhelmed by the pricing and limited data options. But switching to eSIM while in Istanbul has been a lifesaver! It offers instant connectivity as soon as you land in a new country. Roaming and local SIMs can be tricky, but eSIMs are seamless and super easy to install before you even arrive. We’ve tried both Eskimo and Airalo and recommend them! If you purchase through our link, we get a small commission at no extra cost to you, and we’d really appreciate the support!
Carry-On luggage
Seriously, this bag feels bottomless! It fits so much stuff, and I’m amazed every time I pack. We initially bought one for Sagar for our Japan trip last November, and after seeing how much he loved the design and pocket accessibility, I just had to get one too! If you’re after a stylish, long-lasting bag, this is it. It’s a bit pricey, but after using it daily for the past seven months, it’s been worth every penny.
Wise Card
What did we do before this card? It’s been a blessing! Transferring money is super easy with minimal fees, and the user-friendliness is next level. Highly recommend it!