A Guide on Places to Visit and Things to Do in Phuket

This iconic landmark sits atop Nakkerd Hills, offering panoramic views of the island. The main attraction is, of course, the 45-meter-high statue of a sitting Buddha.

Phuket Big Buddha Map

Wat Chalong is Phuket’s largest and most revered Buddhist temple. Its buildings are rich in history and artwork, and a 60-meter-tall Chedi is said to house a fragment of a Buddha bone.

Wat Chalong Map

Less crowded than Wat Chalong, this temple is famous for its half-buried golden Buddha, said to be immovable. The story adds a layer of mystery, making it a cultural gem for curious travelers.

Wat Phra Thong Map

One of the best things to do in Phuket, Thailand, is to visit its famous viewpoints, which offer breathtaking panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. These include Promthep Cape in Rawai, with its photogenic lighthouse, and Karon Viewpoint, which overlooks the three famous beaches of Karon and Kata. Tucked between Surin and Kamala beaches, Laem Singh is a lesser-known viewpoint offering some of the most spectacular sunsets on the island. Drop by Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint for a beautiful view of the southern part of Phuket.

Promthep Cape map
Karon Viewpoint map
Laem Singh Viewpoint
Khao Rang Hill map

Just a short drive from Phuket, Samet Nangshe Viewpoint is one of the most scenic places to visit. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of Phang Nga Bay and its surrounding mangrove forest. It’s a perfect spot for photography, especially at sunrise.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint map

Every Phuket guide will include a visit to Phuket Old Town. The oldest part of Phuket Town is the place to visit to understand the history of Phuket and its early inhabitants. Visit the Phuket Thai Hua Museum’s exhibits on Peranakan Chinese culture and Museum Phuket (Phuket Nagara), with its view of the iconic clock tower. Travel back in time with a tour of Chinpracha House, a well-preserved Sino-Portuguese mansion filled with interesting antiques.

Phuket Thai Hua Museum map
Museum Phuket map
Chinpracha House map

If you’re looking for family-friendly Phuket attractions, visit Phuket FantaSea, a Thai cultural theme park. This theme park comes alive at night with Carnival Magic, which features a fun carnival-themed street fair and a spectacular light and theatrical show.

Phuket FantaSea map

One of the most memorable things to do in Phuket is to watch the Siam Niramit Phuket, an award-winning cultural show. It offers world-class entertainment and performances portraying Thai history and legends, held in a state-of-the-art theater.

Siam Niramit map

One of the unique Phuket activities is watching an entertaining cabaret show. Catch lively cabaret groups such as Simon Cabaret Show and Athena Cabaret Show as they showcase song and dance performances featuring dazzling costumes and enchanting artists.

Simon Cabaret map
Athena Cabaret map

Watch exciting matches between skilled Muay Thai fighters from Thailand and across the globe. If you’re wondering where to go to watch a live Muay Thai fight in Phuket, there are various popular Phuket boxing stadiums, such as Patong Boxing Stadium, Bangla Boxing Stadium, Rawai Boxing Stadium, and Sinbi Boxing Stadium.

Patong Boxing Stadium map
Bangla Boxing Stadium map
Rawai Boxing Stadium map
Sinbi Boxing Stadium map

Phuket guides usually recommend getting a traditional Thai massage, a healing practice that combines acupressure, assisted yoga stretches, and rhythmic compression to restore balance and energy. There are plenty of options near Karon Beach, from local massage shops to full-service wellness spas. Or, visit the award-winning Chann Spa at Thavorn Beach Village Resort & Spa in Kamala. Whether you’re recovering from a day of island-hopping or simply seeking deep relaxation, this is one of the most rejuvenating things to do in Phuket.

Chann Spa map

Phuket has several world-class waterparks and water play areas that offer plenty of family-friendly activities and attractions. Visit waterparks, such as Andamanda Phuket and Rawai Park, for hours of fun for all ages. If you’re looking for accommodation with waterpark features, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort on Karon Beach has waterpark-grade water slides and four large swimming pools!

Andamanda Phuket map
Rawai Park map

Adventure seekers wondering what to do in Phuket can join off-road tours, ride an ATV through lush forests and untamed terrain, and see local villages, plantations, waterfalls, mangrove swamps, and other attractions on the way.

Nature lovers traveling to Phuket will enjoy the hiking trails through Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, the island’s last evergreen rainforest. On your trek, you’ll see various wildlife, plants, waterfalls, and even visit a gibbon rehabilitation center at the wildlife sanctuary.

The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project map

Several organizations in Phuket are dedicated to protecting and caring for rescued elephants that were formerly used for tourism purposes. Here, visitors can observe and participate in the daily activities of these elephants, such as feeding and bathing. For many visitors, this is one of the most memorable things to do in Phuket.

If you’re looking to immerse yourself in nature, Hanuman World offers a ziplining activity that takes you zipping above forest treetops across an expansive park with 32 platforms and a skywalk. It’s located beside the stunning Kathu Waterfalls, making it one of the best things to do in Phuket, Thailand, for nature- and adventure-lovers.

Hanuman World map

For surf enthusiasts wondering where to go in Phuket to catch some waves, Kata Beach is one of the hotspots, offering rentals and surf schools for all levels. Phuket hosts several surfing competitions, particularly during the monsoon season when the waves are ideal for surfing. Even if you’re not participating, watching the surfers or even the competitions is an exciting experience.

Phuket serves as a gateway to various stunning islands. Island-hopping to nearby islands is one of the top things to do, and what Phuket is famous for. Popular trips include the Phi Phi Islands, known for their crystal-clear waters and dramatic cliffs, and the Similan Islands, famed for incredible diving spots.

Yachting and boating are also prime activities, with options ranging from luxurious yacht charters to traditional long-tail boat rides, providing a unique way to explore other islands’ hidden coves and snorkeling spots and watch spectacular sunsets.

Is trying authentic Thai food on your list of things to do in Phuket? The local markets, such as Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market (Lard Yai), Naka Weekend Night Market, Chillva Market, OTOP Night Market, Karon Temple Market, and Kata Night Market, are some of the best places to try authentic street food such as moo hong or pork stew, popiah or Fujian-style fresh spring rolls, chicken satay, and Hokkien mee.

Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market map
Naka Weekend Night Market map
Chillva Market map
OTOP Night Market map
Karon Temple Market map
Kata Night Market map

Phuket Old Town has several stalls and restaurants that have been serving traditional food for generations. Many Michelin-approved restaurants can also be found here, such as One Chun Cafe & Restaurant, Tu Kab Khao, Raya Restaurant, and The Charm Dining Gallery.

One Chun Cafe & Restaurant map
Tu Kap Khao map
Raya Restaurant map
The Charm Dining Gallery map

Learning to cook your favorite Thai dishes is the best souvenir you can take home with you! If taking cooking lessons is one of the things you want to do in Phuket, various places offer Thai cooking classes, such as Thavorn Palm Beach Resort, which offers four different menus from each region in Thailand.

The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is an annual event usually held in September or October. It’s marked by colorful processions, ritualistic ceremonies, and, of course, lots of vegetarian dishes. It’s a spectacular sight and offers insight into the local culture and cuisine.

Wondering where to go in Phuket for some retail therapy? Modern shopping centers such as the Jungceylon, Central Phuket, and Central Phuket Floresta offer visitors convenience with local and international brands and entertainment options in one place.

Jungceylon map
Central Phuket map
Central Phuket Floresta map

For those who want to get a glimpse of the local daily life, the markets are some of the most interesting places to visit in Phuket. Drop by Chillva Night Market, Karon Temple Market, Phuket Indy Market, Malin Plaza Patong, OTOP Night Market, and Fun Friday Avenue Market to find local handicrafts, souvenir items, street food, Thai delicacies, and more.

Phuket Indy Market map
Malin Plaza Patong map
Fun Friday Avenue Market map

What else is Phuket famous for? The nightlife, of course! Patong Beach is one of the top Phuket tourist attractions for partygoers. Explore Bangla Road, famous for its electrifying atmosphere with bars, nightclubs, and live music for an unforgettable night out.

Your nightlife experience isn’t complete without visiting the beach clubs known for their vibrant party vibe and idyllic beachfront setting. Noteworthy beach clubs include Cafe del Mar and Pine on Kamala Beach, NORA, Carpe Diem and Catch on Bang Tao Beach, Tann Terrace on Karon Beach, and Paradise Beach Club.

Cafe del Mar map
Pine on Kamala Beach map
NORA map
Carpe Diem map
Catch map
Tann Terrace map
Paradise Beach Club map

Patong Beach is the island's busiest beach and is considered one of the top places to visit in Phuket. Patong Beach is lined with an array of water sports activities, including jet-skiing, parasailing, and surfing—especially popular during the monsoon season when the waves are higher.

One of the island’s longest beaches, Karon Beach is known for its white sand spanning 3.5 kilometers, with lots of peaceful spots for relaxing. Some of the best things to do in Phuket are the watersport activities available, including jet-skiing, parasailing, snorkeling, and scuba diving. The area is home to popular Phuket attractions, such as Karon Temple, Dino Park Mini Golf, and Karon Park. If you’re looking for accommodation right across from the beautiful Karon Beach, Thavorn Palm Beach Resort is an excellent place to stay, with direct beach access and unrestricted sea views.

Kamala Beach offers a relaxed atmosphere, less crowded sands, and a picturesque setting framed by forested hills. Water activities here are more laid-back, focusing on snorkeling and swimming. You can also rent a long-tail boat to explore neighboring beaches such as Laem Singh or Surin.

Kata Beach, divided into Kata Yai and Kata Noi, is known for its palm-lined beaches and great surf. During the low season, from May to October, Kata becomes a hub for surfing enthusiasts due to its excellent wave conditions. Visitors who want to know what to do in Kata, Phuket, outside of surfing can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, snorkeling, and other water sports.