From spiritual encounters at mountaintop temples to speedboat journeys through emerald bays, Phuket offers the kind of experiences that stay with you long after you’ve brushed the sand from your feet. Whether you're in search of relaxation, adventure or a deeper connection to Thai heritage, here are the best things to do in Phuket.
1. Visit the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong
Towering 148 feet high on Nakkerd Hill, the Big Buddha is one of Phuket’s most sacred and iconic landmarks. Clad in gleaming white marble and overlooking sweeping views of the island, this statue is more than a photo stop—it’s a serene and spiritual experience. Nearby, Wat Chalong dazzles with golden pagodas and vivid murals, offering a glimpse into the heart of Thai Buddhist tradition. Together, these two sites reflect the island’s deep devotion and cultural pride.
2. Island-Hop Through the Andaman Sea
One of the top things to do in Phuket is to trade land for sea on a speedboat ride through the dazzling Andaman archipelago. Snorkel through coral gardens around Phi Phi Island, unwind on Bamboo Island’s soft white sands or cruise past Viking Cave’s dramatic cliffs. For film fans, a stop at James Bond Island—made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun—adds a cinematic twist to the day. With each island offering its own slice of paradise, this is the ultimate Thai adventure.
3. Wander Through Phuket Old Town
Colorful and charismatic, Phuket Old Town is a walkable time capsule of the island’s trading past. Here, you’ll find pastel-hued Sino-Portuguese mansions, hidden temples and colonial-era shopfronts transformed into coffee houses, artisan stores and galleries. Meander down Soi Romanee, once a red-light district turned boutique hotspot and don’t miss the vibrant street art or the chance to try a Thai iced tea in a vintage café.
4. Cruise Through Phang Nga Bay’s Limestone Karsts
Glide past towering limestone cliffs and hidden lagoons on a long-tailed wooden boat through Phang Nga Bay. The bay’s otherworldly landscape is dotted with jungle-topped islets and sea caves that can only be explored by canoe. A visit to the stilted fishing village of Ko Panyi—where homes balance above the water on wooden beams—adds a human touch to this natural marvel. It’s a journey as scenic as it is soul-stirring.
5. Taste Your Way Through Local Markets and Factories
Phuket’s flavors go far beyond pad Thai. Sample roasted cashew nuts at a lively factory, explore market stalls filled with tropical fruit or browse local snack shops that specialize in flossy pork, dried seafood and traditional Thai sweets. For the food-curious, this is a delicious way to immerse yourself in island life, one bite at a time.
6. Relax at Nai Harn Beach and Promthep Cape
For a moment of pure tranquility, head to Nai Harn Beach—one of Phuket’s quieter stretches of sand. The calm waters and shady pines make it ideal for swimming or sunbathing. Just up the road, Promthep Cape offers a different kind of beach day—one that ends with sweeping cliffside views and technicolor sunsets. It’s one of the best places on the island to watch the sun slip into the sea.
7. Kayak the Mangroves at Intara Farm
For a nature-forward experience, explore the mangrove-lined waterways of Phuket by kayak at Intara Farm. This working marine farm introduces visitors to sustainable pearl cultivation and marine conservation while offering hands-on adventures like kayaking through tangled roots and spotting sea life up close. It’s a quiet but meaningful look into the island’s relationship with the sea.
8. Watch a Dazzling Cabaret Show
When night falls, Phuket lights up—literally—at the world-famous Simon Cabaret. This over-the-top revue features dazzling costumes, energetic dance numbers and performances by Phuket’s renowned “ladyboys,” whose charisma and stage presence bring Thai pop culture to life. It’s equal parts glamor and celebration, making it a must for fans of performance and pageantry.
9. Take a Scenic Drive Along the Coast
Sometimes, the best way to take in Phuket’s beauty is from the comfort of a window seat. A panoramic drive winds past palm-fringed beaches, Buddhist temples, Chinese shrines and hilltop viewpoints—all in air-conditioned ease. Stop for photos at Karon Viewpoint, browse the souvenir stalls at local shops and enjoy a taste of Phuket’s highlights without breaking a sweat.
10. Discover Local Art at Woo Gallery Museum
Nestled within a restored shophouse in Old Town, the Woo Gallery Museum offers an intimate look at the island’s multicultural heritage. Through curated collections of antiques, ceramics and family heirlooms, you’ll get a deeper understanding of Phuket’s Chinese-Thai roots and the stories that shaped its identity. It’s a quiet yet enriching detour that’s worth slowing down for.
What Are the Top Things to Do in Phuket?
The top things to do in Phuket include visiting the mountaintop Big Buddha, island-hopping to Phi Phi and James Bond Island, exploring the colorful streets of Old Town, cruising through Phang Nga Bay’s limestone wonders and soaking up local culture at markets and museums. Whether you’re drawn to temples, beaches or boats, this Thai island delivers something unforgettable for every kind of traveler.
Discover the Best of Phuket with a Shore Excursion
Whether you're snorkeling coral reefs or strolling colonial streets, Phuket shore excursions unlock the island’s full spectrum of experiences. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural depth and warm island spirit, Phuket proves that paradise is more than a beach—it’s an invitation to explore.
