28 TOP Things to Do in Phuket + Map (from a local)

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Updated: 18 January, 2025

Guide to the best things to do in Phuket: beaches, viewpoints, temples, markets, and local gems.

Phuket, Thailand's largest island, is a popular tourist destination famous for its resorts and wide range of activities.

Moreover, it boasts stunning beaches and exotic landscapes, including lush jungles with waterfalls and scenic mountain viewpoints.

Another perk of Phuket is its international airport, offering direct flights from various parts of the world. During the pandemic, it was the first place to reopen in Thailand and Southeast Asia.

Phuket enjoys excellent connectivity by air, land, and sea, linking it to both the mainland and the Andaman Islands.

In this guide, I'll share with you the top things to do in Phuket, drawing from my two years of living on the island, and I'll provide you with a map marking each location.

Phuket's Must-See

1. Beaches in Phuket

Phuket is an island with many beautiful beaches mainly located on the west side, where you'll find white sandy beaches and crystal-clear water.

Here are the best beaches in Phuket:

1. Kata beach: Located in the south of the island, it's a long stretch of white sand perfect for relaxing on beach loungers. During the surfing season, it's the best beach for catching waves.
2. Surin beach: Found in the north, it's a beautiful beach ideal for lounging on beach chairs and enjoying stunning sunsets.
3. Nai Harn: A large beach suitable for relaxation and popular among the expatriate community living in Phuket. It's a great spot for sports activities like running, swimming, or yoga.
4. Paradise beach: Located near Patong, it's a small hidden gem of a beach. Access requires a fee of 200 baht, and visitors are transported to the beach by van.
5. Freedom beach: A beautiful and tranquil little beach also near Patong. Access to this beach also requires a 200 baht fee for van transportation.
6. Laem Sing: One of Thailand's best beaches and my favorite in Phuket, though it's a bit hidden and not easily accessible. In the early morning, it's almost deserted and truly delightful. That's why I included it in another article about the 9 Best Beaches in Thailand, where I explain the different ways to get there.

When to Visit Phuket Beaches?

Phuket's beaches offer varying experiences depending on the season you visit.

• April to October: Ideal for surfing due to waves, but swimming may be risky in certain areas.
• November to March: The sea is calm, making it perfect for swimming, snorkeling, and other water sports.

⭐ In this other article you can read more about the 17 best beaches in Phuket: for all tastes. I also share my insights on four other tourist-popular beaches that, in my opinion, aren't as impressive.

2. Phuket Town

Phuket Town is the main city of Phuket and is one of the most surprising places on the island.

One of the city's standout features is its charming old town, characterized by Sino-Portuguese architecture reflecting influences from both past Portuguese settlers and the Chinese, who still have a strong presence on the island today.

Stroll its streets adorned with historical landmarks like the clock tower, traditional markets, souvenir shops, cozy cafes, and inviting restaurants where you can take a break and recharge.

Notable streets include the famous Thanlang Road and the picturesque Soi Rommani, perfect for capturing memorable moments.

While wandering through Phuket Town, you'll encounter captivating street art, such as the renowned work by Alex Face depicting Baby Mardi, inspired by the artist's own daughter.

Another highlight is The Memory at On On Hotel, a stunning colonial-style building that gained fame for its appearance in the movie "The Beach" starring DiCaprio.

Renovated in 2012, the hotel still exudes its old-world charm and remains one of the island's most sought-after accommodations, offering affordable rates for couples depending on the season.

In this small city there is so much to see, that's why I recommend you join this Phuket Town tour guided so as not to miss any details.

This comprehensive tour includes visits to iconic landmarks like the Big Buddha, Karon Viewpoint, and Wat Chalong, each with its own unique story to tell.

You can check the availability and book here below:

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about 7 Movies Filmed in Thailand with their locations.

3. Chinese Temples

The Chinese community plays a significant role in Phuket, impacting various aspects of daily life. As a result, some of the island's key temples are of Chinese origin.

These temples are characterized by their vibrant red lanterns, banners, and sculptures depicting dragons and other mythical creatures.

You'll come across these temples all across Phuket, with particularly intriguing ones found in Phuket Town, such as:

• Jui Tu Shrine: Regarded as the most important Chinese temple on the island, it often marks the beginning or end of various Chinese festival parades. I'll provide more details about this below.
• Sangtham Shrine: It is a very small temple, although it features intricate ornamental designs.

4. Buddhist Temples

Buddhism is the primary religion in Thailand, so temples are abundant throughout the country. In Phuket, three temples stand out as the most significant and intriguing:

• Wat Chalong: Situated in the southern part of the island, Wat Chalong is one of Phuket's most beautiful and popular temples among tourists. It features multiple temple buildings and a serene garden area where you can observe Buddhist worshippers daily.
• Wat Phra Thong: This is the most important Buddhist temple in terms of religious significance, known for its Buddha statue partially buried underground. Legends surround this peculiar sculpture, with stories of misfortune befalling those who attempt to excavate it, such as illness or wasp attacks.
• Big Buddha: Among Phuket's iconic landmarks is the Big Buddha temple, housing a grand statue of the Buddha. I'll provide more details about this in the following section.

When visiting these temples, remember to dress modestly, covering your shoulders and knees. You can bring a sarong for this purpose, although some temples may offer scarves for visitors. Additionally, be prepared to purchase attire if needed, such as at the Big Buddha, where a skirt costs 200 baht.

5.- Big Buddha Phuket

The Big Buddha is one of the most captivating attractions and best things to see in Phuket.

Perched atop Nakkerd Hill, the 45-meter-tall white marble statue offers stunning panoramic views of the island's southern area.

Belonging to the Kitthi Sangkharam temple, the statue and surrounding viewpoints provide a serene atmosphere, especially if you visit in the morning when monks may be chanting.

The complex is open from 6 am and 6 pm and there's no admission fee. However, if you can, consider making a donation to contribute to the site's upkeep.

Just a heads up, some parts of the road can get pretty steep, and riding a motorcycle might be a bit challenging if you're not too experienced.

Below, you'll find a short video from my visit to the Big Buddha. If you continue exploring the playlist, you'll discover a video showcasing one of the rituals during the Vegetarian Festival and other clips featuring Phuket and nearby areas.

6. Night Markets

One of the must-visit in Phuket is its night markets, offering a wide array of wonderful street food options.

These markets serve as a gathering spot for expats, locals, and tourists alike, providing a vibrant atmosphere perfect for ending the day on a high note.

These are the best night markets in Phuket:

1. Phuket Town: Every Sunday afternoon, Thalang Road in the old town of Phuket Town transforms into a bustling night market, known for its variety of stalls. Operating hours are Sundays from 4 pm to 11 pm, with peak activity from 6 pm to 8 pm.
2. Chillva Market: Situated close to Phuket Town and within easy reach of the Central Festival shopping center, this market caters to a younger crowd with its modern offerings of accessories, souvenirs, and authentic Thai cuisine. It operates from Monday to Saturday, from 5 pm to 11 pm.
3. Phuket Weekend Night Market: Commonly referred to as Naka Market, this market near Central Festival features a mix of second-hand goods, handicrafts, and mouthwatering street food. It's exclusively open on Saturdays and Sundays, from 4 pm to 11 pm.

7. Phuket Viewpoints

Exploring viewpoints ranks among the top activities in Phuket, given its mountainous terrain offering numerous spots for breathtaking views.

As mentioned earlier, I highlighted the island's key viewpoint, the Big Buddha.

Additionally, other notable viewpoints in Phuket are situated in the southern part of the island, such as:

1. The Windmill: This spot offers stunning views of Ya Nui Beach and a glimpse of Nai Harn Beach on the opposite side.
2. Black Rock: Popular for hiking, this viewpoint provides an elevated perspective of Nai Harn Beach and the southern region of the island, making it a hotspot for paragliding enthusiasts.
3. Karon Beach Viewpoint: Known for its easy accessibility, this viewpoint offers excellent vistas of Kata and Karon beaches, making it a timeless favorite among visitors.

8. Best Sunset Spots

The sunsets in Phuket are truly stunning and widely recognized across the country.

That's why it's common for Thai locals to make a trip to Phuket for New Year's just to catch the sunset from a particular spot, Prompthep Cape.

Located in the southern part of the island, Prompthep Cape boasts breathtaking views overlooking two small islands.

As the sun sets behind Koh Man Island, you'll often find street musicians adding to the ambiance near the viewpoint.

Personally, I love watching sunsets at Kata Beach, where you can grab some delicious street food, a cold beer, or a coconut from the stalls and soak in the natural beauty.

If you ever visit Phuket, be sure to share your favorite spot for sunset viewing with me. 😉

9. Phi Phi Islands

The Koh Phi Phi are renowned as the most beautiful islands in Thailand, and their reputation is well-deserved.

This archipelago consists of four islands located a short distance from Phuket.

The only means of reaching them is by boat, and it's truly worth it, especially if you opt for a tour from Phuket like the one linked below, which is the most popular tour in all of Thailand. You can check availability using the link provided.

⭐ You can read more about What to do in Phi Phi: the Ultimate Guide One of the most breathtaking areas near Phuket is Phang Nga Bay, evoking the stunning beauty of Vietnam's famous Halong Bay.

10. James Bond Island

One of the most spectacular areas near Phuket is Phang Nga Bay, an area reminiscent of the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam.

The best way to explore the bay is by joining a tour like this one, which includes various stops, including the iconic James Bond Island, known for its appearance in the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun."

⭐ You can read more about the Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island including attractions and transportation options, you can find additional information.

Water Sports

11. Surfing in Phuket

Thailand has more than 2,500 km of beaches and most of them have calm waters.

Phuket is one of the few places where you can surf waves for about 6 months a year, from April to October.

Kata Beach stands out as the prime spot for surfing, where depending on the day and your skill level, you'll find the perfect area to catch waves.

At the beginning and end of the season, smaller waves prevail, making it ideal for beginners to start. Throughout the rest of the season, especially in the northern part of the beach, waves are suitable for beginners.

However, if you're an experienced surfer and Kata Beach's waves seem too gentle, you can head to Kata Noi for larger waves.

Surfing lessons typically cost around 800 bahts (20.58 euros / 22.44 USD) for a 1-hour session, and board rentals start from 150 bahts (3.86 euros / 4.21 USD).

12. Snorkeling in Phuket

I'll be honest with you, the marine life in Phuket doesn't stand out too much when compared to other places in Thailand, especially Koh Tao, where marine life is abundant.

However, you'll still find some beaches where you can snorkel and see huge colorful starfish, porcupinefish, boxfish, among others.

The best beach for snorkeling in Phuket is Ao Sane, located north of Nai Harn Beach and accessible via a dirt road, which you can easily navigate by motorbike or car.

This small beach boasts a vibrant coral reef that attracts a variety of fish, including three-lined damselfish (pictured above), squids, surgeonfish (like Dory from Finding Nemo), and other colorful species.

However, there are no snorkeling gear rentals at this beach, so you'll need to bring your own or rent from elsewhere.

👍 Friend's advice: when snorkeling in Phuket, don't forget to wear fins, the currents change quickly and you could find yourself in trouble.

13. Kayaking in Phuket

Phuket offers numerous beaches where you can rent a kayak or SUP, but let me suggest my favorite spot: Yanui Beach.

It's a stunning beach with a W shape, though it's not ideal for extended stays due to some areas of its sand having an unpleasant odor (from dog urine). 😣

Yanui Beach has a couple of places where you can rent the most affordable kayaks I've come across in all of Thailand, priced at just 100 bahts per hour (2.57 euros / 2.81 USD).

The most exciting part is the opportunity to paddle across to the small island opposite, Koh Man.

The kayak trip to Koh Man takes about 10 minutes, and once there, you'll discover an exceptional snorkeling spot with a vast area of corals teeming with diverse marine life (there are far more fish than at Ao Sane from the previous point).

🤿 Alternative: Swimming to Koh Man

If you prefer, you can swim across. Depending on the tide, the depth isn't more than 10 meters, and you can see the bottom clearly.

During my swims, I've encountered spotted eagle rays on a couple of occasions. Once, I was fortunate enough to have one swim alongside me for a few meters before gracefully diving to the bottom (as shown above).

If you decide to swim, wear fins and carry a buoy or a dry bag like the one linked to ensure passing boats can see you.

14. Similan Islands

If you are a sea lover, , I've got some great news about the Similan Islands. This archipelago comprises 11 islands and stands out as one of Thailand's prime spots for diving and snorkeling.

Moreover, it's a fantastic beach getaway for those seeking a peaceful vacation.

The ideal way to explore these islands is by joining a day snorkeling tour .

Nightlife

15. Bangla Street in Patong

Bangla Road is the main street in Patong and the hub of nightlife activity on the island.

From 6 pm onward, the tightly packed bars spring to life and remain bustling until the break of dawn.

The liveliest partygoers often choose to stay in Patong to experience every bit of its wild and peculiar atmosphere, where go-go dancers and ladyboys are the main hosts.

If you're traveling solo or looking to meet people, a fun alternative is joining this group bar crawl with shots included.

16. Ladyboy cabaret

One of the highlights of Patong's vibrant nightlife scene is Simon Cabaret, a must-visit attraction in Phuket.

At this cabaret, you'll enjoy a fun and colorful show suitable for all audiences, and you can reserve tickets here.

The show features Western-style cabaret acts and others with beautiful traditional Thai costumes, all executed with great taste.

17. Muay Thai combat

Another captivating nighttime activity in Thailand is attending a Muay Thai fight, the country's beloved national sport, particularly appealing to martial arts enthusiasts.

In Phuket, the premier venue is located in Patong, where fights typically last around three hours and showcase multiple bouts. You can buy the tickets here.

Outdoor Adventures for Active Travelers

One of the most thrilling aspects of visiting Phuket is the array of activities to choose from, including hiking and urbex.

Furthermore, you'll discover a wide range of adventure sports at affordable prices. Below, I've listed my favorite activities:

18. Hiking to the Big Buddha

This is the best hiking trail on the island because you can do it in half a day and it offers the best views. Plus, it's the best way to visit the Big Buddha. 😍

Although the distance is short, the ascent is steep, making it moderately difficult.

There are several routes from Chalong, ranging from 6 to 7 km in distance, with an accumulated elevation gain of about 400 meters depending on the starting point. There's also a much shorter but steeper route from Kata.

For this hiking trail, a pair of sports shoes is enough. Bring plenty of water, mosquito repellent (I use Relec Extra Forte), and if possible, hike early in the morning.

19. Khao Phra Theao National Park

For nature enthusiasts, Khao Phra Theao National Park is another fantastic destination for hiking in Phuket, offering well-marked and beginner-friendly trails.

This park represents the last remaining area of tropical rainforest on the island and functions as a protected wildlife sanctuary, hosting 80 bird species and 60 reptile species.

Moreover, if you're lucky you can see any of the released gibbons by the Rehabilitation Center situated within the park.

The park is also home to two small waterfalls, Tonsai and Bang Pae, although their water levels can fluctuate significantly depending on the season.

Entrance to the park is priced at 200 baht, and it operates from 8 am to 5 pm.

20. Urbex in Phuket

Phuket offers numerous opportunities for urbex (exploration of abandoned sites) and capturing stunning photos. Below, I'll recommend the most interesting ones:

1. The resort in Rawai from the photo below, a complex that was never completed.

The main highlight of this resort is the main building, the stairs overgrown with banana trees, and the pool area.

Interestingly, some rooms are inhabited by bats. They're not easy to spot, but you can detect their presence from a distance by their sounds and odor.

2. Another very unique place to do urbex in Phuket is the temple in Thalang (photo below), this has been the only abandoned Buddhist temple that I have found in Thailand.

Urbex Tips:

• For safety reasons, avoid going alone; there might be residents, or in case of an accident, no one around to assist you.
• If a location seems unsafe, it's best not to enter.
• Ensure your phone is fully charged and use the battery wisely.
• Bring a flashlight or a headlamp like the one in the link used for hiking.

21. Hanuman World Zip Line

Exploring Hanuman World is one of the most thrilling adventures you can have in Phuket.

Thailand, featuring a total of 32 ziplines and numerous walkways weaving through the lush treetops, promising an exhilarating experience.

You can book the tickets here.

😋 Tip: After your Hanuman adventure, you'll likely build up an appetite. Let me tell you, right next to the zipline is one of my favorite restaurants in Phuket, Three Monkeys. Offering exquisite Thai cuisine in a beautifully crafted ambiance atop wooden platforms, it's a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos. Now, you have double reason to visit Hanuman! 😜

22. Quad through the jungle and mangroves

Another of the best activities in Phuket if you are looking for adrenaline is to get on a quad bike like this link tour that goes through the jungle, a mangrove area and a deserted beach.

23. Andamanda Water Park

Andamanda Water Park is a great place to cool off and ride its thrilling slides, which is why it's so popular among adults.

There are also areas for children aged 6 and up, but the park is slightly more focused on adults.

If you compare the walk-in ticket prices, they're a bit expensive. I managed to get discounted tickets here.

🤑 Money-saving tips: Bring your own towel; otherwise, they'll charge you 200 baht for rental. Also, leave your valuables in the car or on your bike; lockers cost 150 baht.

Other activities (lesser known)

24. Vegetarian Festival

The Vegetarian Festival is an annual event organized by Phuket's Chinese community and is almost exclusive to this island.

The dates vary each year, usually falling between late September and early October. If you're traveling during this time, it's an experience I highly recommend.

Throughout the duration of the festival, people only consume vegetarian food to purify their bodies.

While there are numerous vegetarian food stalls, they often lack variety, and the vast majority is fried food.

The most fascinating parts are the events. There are concerts, parades, and rituals in the Chinese temples and streets of Phuket Town.

The parades as any traditional Chinese celebrations, complete with fireworks and vibrant colors.

However, the most remarkable experiences occur during the temple rituals. While not for the faint of heart, these rituals involve piercings and other practices, including self-flagellation.

They truly offer an intense and unique experience to understand a bit more about Chinese culture in Phuket.

You can also find a video of one of these rituals in the playlist I provided above (point 5).

25. Monkey Hill (macaques in the wild)

Macaques are quite common across Phuket, especially the long-tailed macaques, which are large monkeys that almost appear to have makeup around their eyes. 😍

You can find them on various mountains, in the jungle, and in the mangroves. There's even a sizable colony residing at the base of the Big Buddha, on the right side of the temple.

If you're keen to see hundreds of monkeys freely roaming, Monkey Hill is the perfect destination.

While they roam freely in the jungle, they often spend a significant portion of their day along the road leading to the viewpoints.

Here, you'll encounter monkeys of all ages, including mothers carrying their babies.

If you're curious to see them, I recommend:

• Not carrying any food or drinks in your backpack, as they'll try to steal it. They are very smart.
• Keeping your distance. They're not shy at all, and as wild animals, they can bite, potentially transmitting diseases like rabies.
• Being cautious if you're on a motorcycle; they might jump on it and enjoy chewing on seats and helmets. It happened to me! 😅

26. Beach swings

Nui Beach is one of the most picturesque spots for snapping photos, thanks to its iconic swings, including a gigantic one that might give you a thrill.

What's more, you'll find several charming nooks and seats in various shapes, all with stunning views of the sea.

The staff onsite are incredibly friendly and always willing to snap a few shots for you.

To reach this beach, you can opt for a leisurely walk, but be prepared for a steep descent.

Alternatively, you can hop on the van for just 100 bahts, roughly less than 3 euros/USD, and trust me, it's worth the ride.

Once you arrive, there's a small entrance fee of another 100 bahts, which you can use at their beach club. As if that weren't enough, to complete your visit, there's a small, quite beautiful beach.

27. Giant Lotus Lake

In the northern part of the island lies Ma Doo Bua café, a charming café overlooking a large lake filled with giant lotus. It's truly one of Phuket's most stunning attractions.

This place is incredibly photogenic and popular among Thais.

While it might not be as well-known among tourists, in my opinion, it's one of the top experiences to have in Phuket, especially if you're exploring the island's northern region.

Menu prices here are a bit higher than other places in Phuket, but both the drinks and the food are delicious, making it worth it to experience this unique location.

If you visit during the weekend, you can even step onto the lotus leaves (priced at 350 bahts); these leaves are so large that they can support a person weighing up to 80 kg.

Additionally, they offer drone photography sessions on their boat, capturing the serene beauty of the lotus-filled backdrop, with prices starting from 500 bahts.

28. The Best Beach Club in Phuket

If you're up for a mix of partying and beach time, I recommend this beach club that's quite unique – it's on a boat with a pool and palm trees.

Plus, the atmosphere and music are fantastic.

Just keep in mind that it can get pretty crowded sometimes, and it's not a chill spot; it's more about having fun and hitting the dance floor. 💃🥳

Map of Phuket

* To check the legend for each place, click the button in the top left corner of the map. To view this map on your phone or computer, tap the star on the right side of the title. Then go to Google Maps, select "Your Places" and "Maps" from the menu.

Places to Avoid in Phuket

While Phuket offers numerous opportunities to see elephants and other animals, many of these places keep the animals in very poor conditions or mistreat them. That's why I recommend avoiding these places.

When it comes to elephant encounters, many establishments in Thailand claim to be sanctuaries, but not all uphold ethical practices.

🐘 You can read more about my experience in this article, Elephant Sanctuary in Thailand: ethical or just a business?, where I talk about the issues surrounding elephants in Thailand and how you can recognize an ethical sanctuary.

Where to Stay in Phuket?

Phuket is a large island, so I recommend choosing your hotel location based on the activities or places you plan to visit.

The island can be divided into the north and south. In my opinion, the south offers more interesting attractions and the best beaches.

With that in mind, here are three areas in Phuket where I recommend staying:

1. Phuket Town: This is the main city with great nightlife. The most popular hotel here is The Memory at On On Hotel which I mentioned earlier in the article.
2. Patong Beach: Ideal for those seeking nightlife. The best hotel in Patong is the Four Points, located right on the beach in a quiet area where you can get a good night's sleep, yet still close enough to the party area.
3. Kata Beach: This area offers a nice blend of good atmosphere and tranquility. My personal favorite hotel in all of Phuket is the SIS Kata Resort, with stunning views from its infinity pool where you can enjoy Phuket's sunset.

⭐ You may also be interested in this article about 5 Hotels in Phuket: resorts with the best value for money.

How to Get to Phuket?

International Flights to Phuket

Phuket has an international airport with direct flights from other Thai cities, as well as from various Asian, European and Australian cities.

From Europe, flights are available from Zurich, Frankfurt, Helsinki, and Istanbul.

If you're flying from Australia, you're in luck –direct flights are available from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.

However, if you're flying from the US or a European city without direct flights, you'll need to make at least one stopover.

I recommend this search engine to find the affordable flights to Phuket.

From the airport

Upon arrival at the airport, if your accommodation is in the southern part of the island, you can opt for a minibus service that makes stops along the way. Keep in mind that this journey may take up to 2 hours, depending on your destination.

Additionally, exercise caution as there are many individuals at Phuket airport (taxi drivers and other transportation services) who may attempt to overcharge foreigners.

Another alternative is to go with this transfer that takes you directly to the hotel and is very affordable.

From Bangkok and Other Thai Cities

• By Plane: Phuket airport has low cost direct flights connecting the island with Bangkok (both airports), Chiang Mai, and Koh Samui.
• By Bus: This is the cheapest way to get to Phuket from some cities in southern Thailand such as Krabi, Surat Thani, Phang Nga, and Khao Lak. On this website you can see all transportation options in Thailand, including schedules, prices, and make reservations right there without going to the station.

⭐ Check out this article for further insights on How to get around Thailand: all transportation

How to Get Around Phuket and Go Island Hopping?

Getting Around Phuket

1. Songthaew: In Phuket, you'll find some of these typical pickup trucks that shuttle between Phuket Town and Patong or between Phuket Town and the southern beaches.

However, the frequency to the beaches is very low. Once, I've personally waited at the stop for over an hour. 😬

2. Taxi: They are quite expensive in Phuket, at least compared to prices in Thailand. My advice is to negotiate the price as much as possible.

3. Grab: It's available on the island, but unlike in Chiang Mai and Bangkok, it's not worth it here; the prices are exorbitant.

If you need to book a car, you'll get a better deal with a taxi. I usually don't recommend taxis, but after living in Phuket for two years, I can tell you that I never got good prices with Grab.

4. Motorcycling Routes: It's useful for getting around the areas near where you're staying. However, using a motorbike to explore the entire island can be challenging as Phuket is large and mountainous.

5. Car: Undoubtedly, this is the best option for getting around the island. I recommend using this car rental search engine where I've found cars for less than 20 euros / 22 USD per day.

Moving between the Andaman Islands

1. Long-tail boat: If you're traveling with a large group, it's worth considering renting a long-tail boat to explore the islands you're interested in.

Simply head to one of the many ports in Phuket and negotiate the rates directly with the boat operator.

2. Day trips: The most convenient and cost-effective way to visit the islands near Phuket is by taking day trips, like this one to Phi Phi Islands or this one to Coral Island.

3. Private boat: Another fantastic option for discovering the Thai islands is to rent a boat in Phuket, which is renowned as one of the best sailing destinations in the country.

If you want to rent a boat recommend using this search engine, which offers boats in excellent condition from reputable providers.

In this article you can read more about the Best places to Rent a Boat in Thailand.

4. Sailing tour: The ultimate experience is to take this catamaran tour around the Andaman Islands to explore the islands at a relaxed pace, away from the mass tourism.

The price is quite reasonable because it includes everything: cabin accommodation, meals, use of kayaks, snorkeling gear, meaning you don't need to worry about a thing.

Final Thoughts

These are the best things to do in Phuket, a fascinating island with plenty of activities, beautiful beaches, lush nature, and vibrant nightlife.

In this guide to Thailand you can keep reading the main articles I’ve written about this beautiful country.

If you have any questions, leave me a comment below and I'll help you as much as I can. If you found the article useful, share it with other travelers. Have a good trip! 😘

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