Thailand, Things to do
Top 42 Things to Do in Phuket. 2020 Updated!
Dec
Phuket tours and the best 42 Phuket activities
The Top 42 Things to Do in Phuket. 2020 Updated!
A definitive guide to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, with a land area of about 540 square kilometers. A quarter of a million people refer Phuket their home, most of whom are either Thai or Chinese.
It is found on the west side coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea, and temperatures vary from 21 degrees to 34 degrees centigrade. Still, due to its geographical location, the months from November to April are usually sunny and hot, while the rainy monsoon season can be seen from May to October.
I came across her great details as I planned my next trip to Thailand. They prompted me to write this article to tell you about 30 of Phuket’s best activities.
Do not miss the opportunity to have a great day outdoor to the islands, but also it would be impossible to cover everything there is to know about all the Phuket tours and the attractions, as Phuket is an island that would take months to fully explore in all its details.
What we never stress to suggests is you should get a tour or an experience that is better, or way different and unique!
When it is time to choose which experience you would love to have when visiting Phuket, most of the time you would really want to get on a tour that is considerably better than all the rest, or stands out because it has many high-quality features.
The reality though
…is that sometimes makes much more sense to get on a tour that is completely unique, or to find the best tips to just run your own experience outdoor, visiting by yourself some majestic island or some of the best Phuket attractions!
We could have created and an infinite giant list of tours in Phuket, but that would not make any sense, we spent instead lot of time going through our personal experiences, memories, tips, to create this guide for you and collect in it all the suggestions we really consider to be relevant for you!
1. Phuket island hopping tours
Phuket is the perfect base for hopping on the island in southern Thailand. In reality, infrastructure is so strong that so many beautiful islands can be seen without ever having to switch hotels.
So if you don’t have time and want to visit the most beautiful islands as a day trip from Phuket, you’re going to be happy to know there are lots of amazing choices.
2. Visit Koh Phi Phi from Phuket
Premium Phi Phi island tours by speedboat
I’m going to start with one of Andaman’s most beautiful islands and a favorite day trip from Phuket–Phi Phi Islands. Besides, the name Koh Phi Phi refers to a cluster of six islands, not one island. Only the two largest islands–Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Lee –will focus on most day trips and tours.
Phi Phi Don is Phi Phi’s only populated island and is a real tourist destination with busy boat piers and a wide selection of cafes, stores, and accommodation for all budgets. Despite its reputation as a party island, due to its beautiful location, it is well worth a visit.
White sand beaches, as well as the azure blue waters surrounded by some amazing scenery, can still be found on a quieter side of the island. Also, be sure to go up to the two viewpoints overlooking the wide area. The views are amazing!
Koh Phi Phi Leh is one an uninhabited island, perhaps best known for its remote and extremely picturesque Maya Bay, featured in The Beach.
You’ll have to take a boat to get here.
All of Phuket’s guided tours to Phi Phi islands visit both islands and make several stops along the way, including several snorkeling spots. Pileh Lagoon, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach, and Bamboo Island lunch are the most common stops.
3. Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
Get only the best out of your full-day trip to Jame bond Island
Phang Nga Bay Marine National Park is the second group of islands that are a must in Phuket’s island-hopping.
There are more than 100 islands found in this area. Its key attraction is the so-called James Bond Island, also known for its appearance in the 1974 James Bond movie’ The Man With The Golden Gun, its a spectacular Khao Ping Kan with a 20-meter-high Koh Tapu islet has been dubbed’ James Bond Island.
Stunning scenery created on emerald green water by the soaring vertical karsts, it’s best to get here early in the morning to avoid the crowds.
Most tour companies offer full-day and half-day tours around Phang Nga Bay, just 40 kilometers away from Phuket.
Organized day trips usually include hotel pickups, minivan transfers to and from Phang Bay, a long-tail or speedboat to James Bond Island, additionally, the 200 TBH National Park entrance fee is always included in the price you pay for the ticket.
The trips include lunch and a stop at Koh Panyee’s floating fishing village.
Phang Nga Bay’s other main attractions are the holy Buddha Cave Temple, Wat Tham Suwana Kuha, and Hong Island (see also below as a separate day trip). Normally, if you go on a tour, you can also explore the caves and the beautiful coastline by canoe or kayak.
4. Ko Hong (Hong Island)
Hong island is a fabulous island for snorkeling
Stay away from Phuket’s bustle to Thailand’s beautiful islands, also known as Hong Island, Ko Hong. It is situated in Phang Nga Bay, near to hundreds of other uninhabited islands.
Hong Island is one of the Bay’s larger islands. The beach is made up of softest white sand with amazing views of calcareous cliffs and calm emerald waters. It’s the ideal place to relax or snorkel for a while.
You will then continue to the back of the island if you come here with a tour, where a small entrance leads into a lagoon in the middle of the island.
For kayaking, it’s great! You can just rent is on the island and enjoy the stunning views from the kayak. Some dedicated Ko Hong tours also can include the kayak rental in the price.
We also take the time, however, to discover the nooks and corners in the region of several other beautiful islands.
5. Koh Racha Yai & Koh Racha Noi
Racha islands, best known as excellent diving and snorkeling day trip destinations
Just 20 km south of Phuket can be found in the Racha Islands, Racha Yai & Racha Noi. The islands are quite off the beaten track, despite being so close to the busy Phuket. The laid back atmosphere and lack of significant development will give you an insight into how Koh Phi Phi was twenty years ago.
“Yai” means big in the Thai language, and “noi” means small.
The smaller island of Racha Noi has more cliffs than beaches and is uninhabited. Fishing and diving are Koh Racha Noi’s major attractions.
That’s an incredible selection of the most enjoyable day trip experiences to Raya islands:
- Full-Day Racha Noi and Racha Yai Islands Tour Snorkeling from Phuket
- Raya Island and Coral Island Tour by Speedboat from Phuket
Koh Racha Yai, the larger island, is the main attraction with beautiful beaches, secluded bays, a few restaurants, and hotels.
Crystal clear water, as well as an abundance of marine life, makes the Koh Racha Yai one of the best attractions for excellent diving and snorkeling.
Patok Bay has brilliantly white sand’s longest beach, and all the boats are mooring here.
Go up the beach from the jetty and follow the road in the middle of the island to the village. There are hut-like restaurants and shops in the little village that stock most of the things you would need for a short stay.
You can hit the equally beautiful Siam Beach if you continue with the dirt track up and over the hill. This is the island’s quieter side where you can hide from Patok Beach’s day-trippers.
If you’re lucky, you might see the big monitor lizards in the coconut groves and the occasional water buffalo. It takes only about 15 minutes to walk from one side of the island to the other.
Transportation is mostly on foot at Koh Racha Yai, but you can rent bicycles and motorcycles. Get some spectacular sunsets to the west of the island.
6. Go snorkeling at Coral Island – Koh He
Coral island Phuket, the beautiful and easy getaway destination for snorkeling
Ko He or Coral Island in English, from all the islands in this collection, is situated closest to Phuket. Nonetheless, finding places that are not yet completely overrun by visitors is not difficult. For those who want to visit a white-sand blue-sea island near Phuket, it’s a great getaway.
Coral Island is known for its wide range of water sports and activities such as snorkeling and diving. Coral Islands place-to-be is the Long Beach white-sand, but it can get crowded with Phuket day-trippers.
Banana Beach, just a 10-15 minute walk away, is a better option for those who want to escape the crowds a little bit more.
7. Similan Islands Tour
The Similan Islands is made up of eleven islands off Southern Thailand’s coast that can be visited from Phuket or Khao Lak on a day trip.
This island archipelago is one of Thailand’s best snorkeling spots, and if you’re looking for an amazing island hopping experience in the Phuket region, I can highly recommend a trip.
The whole journey to Similan Islands by car and speedboat takes up to 2-3 hours, depending on where you stay in Phuket and from which pier your tour departs. Due to traffic and bad weather, travel times can get longer, but the trouble is worth it.
You can visit two to three different islands on a 1-day trip from Phuket.
The Similan Islands, combined with soft white sandy beaches, are among the clearest and most turquoise waters I’ve ever seen.
The islands are a national park that is protected, and there is a wide range of marine flora and fauna. You might snorkel with tortoises if you’re lucky enough!
8. Surin Islands
Surin Islands is an archipelago of 5 islands north of the Similan Islands. These are a little more remote than most other islands from Phuket and are therefore not as widely known or visited.
It’s a true paradise with pristine natural beauty, the way many famous Thai islands used to be around 20 years ago with emerald green seas, vibrant coral, and lots of marine life.
Surin Islands are regarded as one of Thailand’s absolute best places for snorkeling and diving.
Surin Islands are far from Phuket, so booking an organized day tour is the best way to get there.
If you want to go alone, ships are operating from Khao Lak, but you may have to stay there for at least one night, depending on the schedule.
9. Naka Yai Island
A pearl island near Phuket, just 5 minutes with a speedboat! And it is definitely our favorite nearby Phuket!
It’s popular with day-trippers as well as honeymooners just a stone’s throw away from mainland Phuket.
It’s called Pearl Island, and without a short stop on the pearl farm, no trip would be complete.
It’s a great day trip from Phuket, with lots of large sandy beaches, few crowds, and spectacular views of nearby Phang Nga Bay.
Also, on the island, there is an exclusive hotel. Check it out–A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, the Naka Island.
A long-tail boat from Ao Por Pier is the best way to get to Naka Island; it takes only 15 minutes, a speedboat just 5 minutes.
10. Koh Yao Noi island
Ko Yao Yai is 25 minutes by speedboat from Phuket’s Bang Rong pier, which is another beautiful island.
On this island, there are several very good hotels and a lot of budget options. It is a great off-beat getaway on the island for anyone searching for a more exotic island experience near Phuket.
It can be reached conveniently from the Bang Rong Pier. Getting there takes about an hour.
You can visit for a day (see this local Koh Yao Noi bike tour) or stay a little longer on the island (there are quite a few options for accommodation).
Koh Yao Noi Island Luxury Tour from Phuket
It is a very local island with few tourists and activities and accommodations that are environmentally friendly.
Phuket tours and attractions
11. Club Champagne Phi Phi island tour – Phuket tour
Early bird tour of Club Champagne Phi Phi island is an incredibly beautiful path to explore Phi Phi Islands and Bamboo islands. There are no crowds. From the stunning Royal Phuket Marina pier and bar, you can depart early in the morning to arrive on a less crowded Phi Phi Island.
The early morning experience will be rewarded with many stunning views of all the beautiful Phi Phi Islands National Park.
The Full Day Phi Phi Island Sunrise Tour by Speedboat from Phuket
Sunrise Tour will be visiting Loh Samah Bay, Monkey Beach, Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon in Phi Phi Island to explore Maya Bay (now Maya Bay sightseeing), Pileh Lagoon swimming with colorful tropical fish.
Tour includes national park charges, free transfers from all Phuket hotels, continental breakfast, snorkeling and life jackets, accident insurance, soft drinks, tea, fresh fruit and snacks, lunch, beach towels.
12. Sunbath at Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is found in the south of the island, it is a popular beach with thousands of visitors each year, but it is still relatively untouched and retains much of its originality.
You can quickly see why the beach is so popular with perfectly soft sand and crystal clear water.
If you are going by yourself then check out the map, it is very easy to go there:
Get to settle under the shade of the large trees, numerous restaurants selling popular Thai cuisine, and a variety of souvenir shops selling local novelty items as well as beachwear and floats are available.
13. Go to explore Panwa beach and Cape Panwa for a day!
Take a full day free and dedicate it to go explore this Phuket magnificence!
You need to check out all Cape Panwa attractions!
14. Exclusive Hong island Catamaran tour – Phuket
The best exclusive tour of Phuket, the way to experience Phang Nga Bay & Krabi Hong Island, surrounded by Andaman Sea’s finest gifts and majesty in nature!
For your perfect catamarans, you can find in the country, visit perfect beaches and tropical rain forests with this special best tour package.
This is the famous tour with motor-catamaran: Koh Hong Island Krabi Luxury Tour from Phuket by Catamaran
This tour will introduce you in a special non-invasive way to Thailand’s natural wonders. Yao Noi Island is the place to have a delicious lunch, to make your lunch more fun, to sample the specialties of the chef, with Blu Aqua’s (Yao Noi Island) seafood basket style buffet.
The menu is carefully selected to allow you to enjoy a very special time in nature surrounded by tropical rain forest.
Exclusive Hong Island Catamaran tour is a great way to discover the splendor of the rainforest, a private beach. Its beautiful natural sea setting, there is a waterfall, and you can take a short walk to see a rare giant tree, a spectacular destination that looks like a perfect swimming pool.
You will snorkel and relax on the beach, surrounded by calcareous cliffs.
Exclusive Hong Island Tour is run on a platform in the area (12 meters or 17 meters) with two types of luxury catamaran vessels.
Quick and comfortable, technologically advanced Catamaran for State of The Art Cruising, which guarantees the smoothest journey in all weather conditions, is perfect for those who are prone to motion.
15. Go to visit Koh Rang Yai
Grab a taxi from your Hotel, reach Laem Hin Pier, grab a longtail boat and arrive in just 15 minutes the Rang Yai island.
All alone on a heaven coastline with white sand, lined with coconut trees as well as most significantly, a really clear blue water, cozy and relaxing!
Let’s go!
We give you here some examples of taxi prices to reach Laem Hin Pier:
| From | TO | with Taxi 4 Seat | with SUV 7 Seat | With miniVan |
| Kata beach | Laem Hin Pier | 500 | 600 | 700 |
| Karon beach | Laem Hin Pier | 500 | 600 | 700 |
| Patong beach | Laem Hin Pier | 500 | 600 | 700 |
| Phuket town | Laem Hin Pier | 400 | 500 | 600 |
| Kamala | Laem Hin Pier | 600 | 700 | 800 |
| Surin beach | Laem Hin Pier | 600 | 700 | 800 |
| Katu | Laem Hin Pier | 400 | 500 | 600 |
The island is tiny with a wide U form as well as a coastline on each side. The beach that is facing Phuket is the most stunning as well as has coastline chairs, gifting you always with an impressive view of Phuket island in the background.
It is not a secret beach considering that it is part of some trips plans, but the majority of specific visitors commonly forget it even exists.
You can invest your day swimming, relax among the main beach, get your sun chair in the shadow, embedded in the color of the trees, and even resting at the tables of the unique thatched-roof Thai restaurant.
Make the decision to leave a little early, so you can have the island for yourself, as well as, getting to the Laem Hin pier around 8 am. Here you can reserve a longtail boat for the day from the boat drivers that are standing by near the parking and the Pier entrance.
You better chose to pay for the all-day the longtail boat, usually the sailers charge about 2,500 baht for the entire boat, and they will wait for you at Rang Yai to drive you back to Phuket when you wish!
The longtail boat just arrives on the beach at Rang Yai and you can easily just jump off!
From Rang Yai, you will also have a great view of the high cliffs of Phang Nga Bay, of Coconut Island (Koh Kaphrao), of Phuket.
We really think you can also relax here! What do you think?
The restaurant will be ready for you opening around 11 am, in the meanwhile enjoy the sun, the clear waters, a great walk for a side of the beach to the other.
You can walk also a little bit inland to reach the other side of the island, we always find it a really cool place to take some beautiful pictures. You will love it!
16. Tour to Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi beach is a small bay by a short drive from Kata beach. It’s a small beach, yet the scenery is stunning, taking some time to relax, walking along the beautiful sand, or perhaps going for a swim. From the Kata perspective, you can look across the Karon, Kata and Kata Noi bays. Between November and April, the best time to visit the beach is because swimming can sometimes become risky during the monsoon season.
17. Watch the Monkeys at Monkey Hill
Go to see the monkeys in the afternoon at Toh Sae Hill or at Khao Rang hill, both in Phuket town and easy to reach!
It’s also regarded as Toh Sae Hill, Monkey Hill in Phuket Town’s highest hill, roughly 400 macaques live on the hill, living in small groups all over the peak.
The monkeys aren’t comfortable with attacking people, but you keep an eye on your belongings.
At the bottom of the hill houses, there is a shrine that is popular with Thai people. Many of whom come here to request for lucky lottery numbers, three separate holy spirits, Toh Sae Dang, Toh Sae Dam, and Toh Sae Kaow, are honored.
18. Exclusive Koh Yao Noi island tour by Catamaran
Explore beautiful islands and tropical rainforest with this incredibly dedicated to your perfect experience and paired with these best catamarans.
The exclusive Koh Yao Noi Island Tour stands out for providing you with security and satisfaction, enabling you to enjoy a truly unique experience in a lifetime!
The tour chooses only the right locations at the perfect time, away from the crowds for great relaxation; we surround you with the best quality facilities and high food standards.
Yao Noi Island is the place to be for a really tasty Thai lunch, to try the specialties of our chef in the “Big Tree” (Yao Noi Island), surrounded by tropical rainforest, buffet-style food baskets.
Exclusive Koh Yao Noi Island Tour is run on one platform in the area (12 meters or 17 meters) with two types of luxury catamaran vessels.
Quick and comfortable, technologically advanced Catamaran for State of The Art Cruising, which ensures the smoothest journey in all weather conditions.
19. Go to Kho Yao Yai and Kho Yao Noi islands to visit fantastic locations
Getting to the islands is very easy, you just neer to arrive at the Laem Hin Pier and grab the little ferry to the islands (you saw previously how much a taxi cost from main locations to the pier!
You can also get boats to reach these islands if you arrive at Ao Por Pier from Ao Por Grand Marina.
Or to Bang Rong Pier, even better!
Bang Rong Pier map
See here some transfers price examples:
list
Once you are on the island do not miss Laem Had Beach on Yao Yai island, here you can spend hours to make unbelievably beautiful pictures and relax sunbathing with few other people around, the panorama is breathtaking!
Another DO NOT MISS place nearby Koh Yao Yai and Koh Yao Noi.
Well, here we go!
YOu can reach it with longtail boat in a few minutes, both from Klong Hia Pier or even from the two other piers nearby! This place is non-other than Koh Nok island! A small heaven tiny beach with also a surprise, a rocky hill to climb to reach a very unique viewpoint and enjoy a 360 degrees panorama of the entire Phang Nga Bay!
Fully enjoy the island, relax, climb up to the viewpoint and stand in awe in from of the view!
20. Go Shopping at Phuket Town Weekend Night Market
Introduced to locals as the Naka Market and located just a short distance from Phuket Town is like no other night market.
There are a variety of things to purchase, including vegetables, old curiosities, animals, and clothing.
It’s wise to come late in the afternoon and make sure you get a good look around before it gets ready. Make the most of the on-sale cheap local foods like the cob’s golden buttered corn.
21. Hang Out at the Tiger Kingdom
If you’ve ever wanted to get next to a tiger, this is where to do it, the hand of the Phuket Tiger Kingdom raises Indochinese tigers in captivity from birth to their last days.
The tigers are usually fed at about 19:00 hours, but when they open the first thing to avoid traffic, it is also worth a visit. In case you are hungry, the kingdom has two restaurants onboard, one of which helps you to look out at the tigers.
There are many myths about the Tiger Kingdom, one of them being that they are drugging the animals (which don’t seem to be true).
22. Get Learning at a Thai Cooking Class
Phuket has so many different locations that it is worth taking a lesson while you’re there to give cooking classes.
You’ll find that a lot of the local food you’re eating in Thailand is different from the Thai food you’ve had in your home country, it somehow loses the edge when cooked in Thailand.
You can learn about the ingredients by taking a class as well as picking up the valuable cooking skills when you return home.
Most places offer packages for the morning, midday, or day, and you can always eat what you’ve prepared.
23. Phuket Fanta Sea Show
Phuket Fanta Sea is the most lavish and biggest show on the island and must-visit in Phuket. The 11-act extravaganza is the inclusion of a 24.3-hectare cultural theme park that highlights the beautiful and fascinating heritage of Thailand.
It also houses a lavish 4,000-seat buffet restaurant and a range of shops that sell diamonds, gold chains, silks, leather, and other souvenirs.
The 70-minute series itself involves acrobatics, illusions, pyrotechnics, stunts, aerial acts, and more, depicting Thai mythology and history scenes, including ancient battles and gods and myths antiques.
Remember this!
Phuket Fantasea Show is a stunning park that takes you on a fantastical adventure into Thailand’s myth, mystery and magic.
There is a 3000 seat theatre that stages Las Vegas-style productions featuring magical illusions, acrobatics, stunts, pyrotechnics, elephant performances, and a song and dance spectacular that brings to life tales of Phuket’s history and mythology.
Phi Phi islands and Phuket island tour
24. Exclusive Phi Phi island Catamaran tour – Phuket
Exclusive Catamaran tour on Phi Phi Island–Phuket is one of Phuket’s best exclusive tours. Experience all the amenities onboard the catamarans to comfortably help your journey, relax and enjoy the scenery on the front deck, and experience the vessel’s comfort and stability within the passenger compartment.
Phi Phi Island Luxury Tour from Phuket by Catamaran
Love the all-time panoramic view of 180 degrees; feel free to use the luxury of the freshwater shower on deck.
It is the best way to experience a luxurious tour of the Phi Phi Island surrounded by the richest gifts of nature and the great Andaman Sea panoramas. Visit the beautiful beaches of’ Tonsai Bay’ where you can swim and sunbathe.
Catch your best snorkeling moment with the most colorful fish; discover the world of marine life and the exiting emerald waters around you.
Take your time to build wonderful memories of fun and heat. This exclusive tour package takes you to LOH SAMA, offering beautiful cliffs and white sand beaches, to MAYA NOI BAY to experience the loving embrace of GOD in this truly amazing place.
Exclusive Phi Phi island Catamaran tour is built for your perfect experience in combination with the best catamarans in the country.
25. Maiton and Phi Phi Sunset Cruise by Catamaran from Phuket
Maiton and Catamaran’s Phi Phi Sunset Ride. Experience the crystal clear waters of the island of Maiton and Phi Phi.
You can relax aboard on this water sports then, Power catamaran cruise from Phuket. Pick up various water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking, water sliding.
Catamaran’s Maiton and Phi Phi Sunset Cruise from Phuket include snorkeling gear, kayaking, boat slider; round trip change, buffet lunch, and dinner, accident insurance, onboard tour guide. Fees already included in the cost of the National Park!
Enjoy a gorgeous day exploring Monkey Beach, Pileh Lagoon, Phi Phi Don, Khai Island onboard new Catamaran.
26. Enjoy Maiton island for a day trip!
Whether for a long vacation or just a weekend vacation, Phuket has a lot of island resorts to supply. However, one island stands apart, to name a few. Hidden in the shining blue-green, blue waters of the Andaman Sea is the peaceful private Island of Maiton.
Maiton is an unaffected all-natural heaven that supplies one of the most incredible exclusive island experiences each time.
Maiton Island, also described as Honeymoon Island is a small Island with unblemished natural charm.
With Maiton Island scenic tour you will certainly uncover the Island has a native environment that has not yet been interrupted by human disturbance! Except of course some tourists. Maiton has pristine white sandy beaches where you can have wonderful enjoyment, swimming, snorkeling. But is you wish so, just merely kick back as well as take pleasure on the beautiful beach. Maiton Island tour takes you to this Island full spotless elegance, untouched beach, and spectacular natural sights that possesses great white sandy coastlines as well as crystal clear waters. The Island is indeed a little heaven.
just 15 mins away from mainland Phuket and from Phuket deep seaport in cape Panwa!
Maiton Private Island by speedboat full day
Located simply 9 kilometers off the Southeast Coastline of Phuket, Maiton Private Island is the best interpretation of ‘retreat not far away.’ Reaching Maiton Island takes just 15 mins by speedboat or 45 minutes by catamaran. Catamarans, as well as speedboats, operate every day (begin at 9.00 AM) from Phuket Deep Sea Port.
27. Phuket Phi Phi sunset tour by speedboat from Phuket
Phuket Phi speedboat sunset tour is a full day ride from Phuket to Phi Phi by speedboat. T
ours on Phi Phi Island, the best way to reach Phi Phi for a day trip from Phuket, leave late in the morning and return after sunset.
Including transportation from you to and from the pier, Phuket Phi Phi sunset tour also provides beach restaurant buffet lunch, soft drinks, tea and coffee, drinking water, national park fees! Life jacket, snorkeling gear, tour guide, protection!
Bring bathing suits, a light t-shirt, sunblock, beach towel and sunglasses, camera!
At Maiton island will explore and enjoy snorkeling, watching dolphins. Next at Phi Phi islands, you will have a great buffet lunch on beach restaurant on Phi Phi Don.
Later on, we start sightseeing to explore Monkey beach, snorkeling in the Pileh Lagoon and swimming with colorful tropical fishes, sightsee the very beautiful and impressive cliffs of the Bay, swim, snorkel, and relax.
For beautiful pictures, we visit Maya Bay and sightseeing from the ships. First, we leave for snorkeling and relaxing on the beach to Khai Nai Island, enjoy your free time on the beach to swim and watch the beautiful sunset.
28. Phi Phi by Express Ferry Boat
Getting to Koh Phi Phi is the perfect combination of speed and cost to access the beautiful island paradise between Phuket and Krabi by express ferry boat.
The short ride can be enjoyed easily and comfortably, taking in the scenic views of the Andaman Sea with free snacks and refreshments before you arrive at the ferry terminal for your Phi Phi adventure.
Escape by ferry from the coast of Phuket to the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands. When away from your leisure time, marvel at the vivid marine life and tropical coral reefs as you snorkel or swim in the crystal clear water.
You’ll be picked up from your hotel and head down to the jetty for a stunning trip to the Phi Phi Islands on the Royal Jet Cruiser ferry.
Although enjoying snacks and soft drinks, take in the scenic views of the Andaman Sea’s impossible teal waters and rock formations along the way.
Visit the smaller Phi Phi Ley Island and see sites such as Maya Bay (the shooting location for Leonardo Di Caprio’s’ The Beach ‘ movie), Viking Cave, Pi-Le Cove, and Loh Samah Bay.
Maya Bay is closed from 1 June 2018 for the restoration of coral reefs.
Now all boats need to stop just outside the bay and they let you sightsee Maya Bay and take pictures. Nobody is allowed now to go to the shore.
Phuket city tours
29. Phuket City Tour to Karon View Point, Big Buddha as well as Wat Chalong
Discover the natural beauty and heritage of Phuket on this guided tour. Visit top attractions like the massive statue of the Big Buddha and the sacred temple of Wat Chalong after a convenient hotel pickup.
Visit a cashew nut factory, stop at Windmill Viewpoint for photos, check out picturesque beaches— and learn everything about Phuket as you go from an insightful local guide.
Discover the top attractions of Phuket on this half-day guided adventure Take unforgettable images of the beauty of Phuket and visit five great beaches Learn about Phuket and Thai culture from a professional guide Make the most of your time with easy hotel pickup and drop-off.
Tour Karon View Point from the top of the hill and enjoy the panoramic view. This place provides views of Kata Noi, Karon beaches, and Kata Yai.
Locally referred to as Khao Saam Haad, meaning Three Beaches Hill, Karon Viewpoint is Phuket’s most photographed location.
It is an iconic view of sparkling blue sea, snow-white surfing, white-sand beaches, nearby tropical island Koh Pu, and the deep green hues of Phuket’s hillsides. Karon’s point of view is a place to visit in Phuket.
One of the island’s most famous and respected attractions is the Big Buddha Phuket. The massive picture sits between Chalong and Kata on top of the Nakkerd Hills, where there are seen from as far as Phuket Town as well as Karon Beach at the height of 45 meters.
Then visit the most beautiful and well-known monastery of Phuket, Wat Chalong. It consecrates the golden statues of monk-hero Luang Pho Chaem and his assistant Luang Pho Chuang, both of whom were greatly revered by local people because of their roles in the 1876 miner’s rebellion.
Tour cashew nut factory is a must for cashew nut lovers in Phuket. The Cashew nut is an indigenous commodity grown in Phuket and other Southern Thailand provinces and is relatively cheap compared to Western prices.
You can see the heritage of the Baba community in Phuket’s Old Town at Old Phuket Town, particularly in its architecture, trade, clothing, and way of life.
Essentially, the center of the Old Town consists of five roads and several sois (small streets): Rasada Rd, Phang Nga Rd, Thalang Rd, Dibuk Rd, and Krabi Rd.
30. Phuket Buddhist Temples (Wats)
A visit to the Buddhist Temples is also one of the things to do on Phuket tours. There are more than 25 beautiful Buddhist temples in Phuket. Wat Chalong is the place for tourists to learn something about Buddhism.
The temple houses many Buddhist statues, the most important being the Poh Than Jao Wat.
A splinter of Lord Buddha’s bone is contained in the Grand Pagoda of the temple.
Don’t be surprised if you hear the sound of loud firecrackers in the temple. This is a way the locals show their gratitude when their prayers are answered.
31. Phuket Big Buddha
This is one of the most visible and sacred landmarks of Phuket.
The huge statue sits atop Nakkerd hills and it offers an all-round view of the island. It is easily reachable by road and a must-visit site for all visitors.
When you go to the site, you will be amazed at the peace and serenity of the place with only the tinkling of bells and flapping of Buddhist flags being the only audible noises.
The statue at 45 meters height is itself an epitome of peace.
32. Phuket Viewpoints
The viewpoints in Phuket are a landscape painter’s dream where you can enjoy some breathtaking scenery in all its moods at various times of the day.
The best of these are Phromthep Cape, Radar Hill Viewpoint, Kata-Karon Viewpoint, Khao Rang and the Windmill Viewpoint.
33. Small-Group Phuket Sightseeing and City Tour
Get to learn Phuket on a half-day sightseeing tour of a small group. The guide takes you along coastal roads that pass through Patong, Karon, Kata, and Rawai, and at Three Beaches lookout makes a photo stop. Visit cultural attractions like Wat Chalong, The Big Buddha, and Old Phuket Town; and visit a factory of gems and cashew nut.
Discover about Phuket’s history and modern attractions from the guide.
Discover Thai Buddhism when visiting Wat Chalong and Big Buddha Get tips on great beaches, restaurants, and other attractions Can Visit Chaitharam Temple (Wat Chalong), which is one of Phuket’s most beautiful temples.
Next, visit Karon View Point, and eventually visit the Big Buddha Phuket Temple.
34. Walk around Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is Phuket’s provincial capital; it’s a historically rich part of the city where you’ll see an array of temples (Chinese and Buddhist), beautiful’ shophouses, small print shops, and a disused red light area.
The Old Town was founded many years ago during a boom when metal was a precious commodity. The city itself isn’t that large, so you can easily walk around it instead of taking some transportation, and there’s a wide selection of restaurants to stop for food.
The personality of Phuket comes through in the old town where you will find many historical buildings and colonial mansions.
There are plenty of refreshment outlets in the town in case you need to top up your energy levels. Interesting places in the old town are the amulet market where you can pick up amulets and images related to Buddhism which is the most popular religion here.
If you want to have a look at how affluent Phuket families lived long ago, the colonial mansion of Baan Chinpracha is the place to go. Here, you will be treated to beautiful architecture which will show an undeniable European influence in this part of the world.
35. Discover the Shrine of the serene light
The Shrine of the Serene Light was designed nearly 150 years ago by a local family.
There’s a lot to see with Taoist etchings that cover the walls and a vaulted ceiling.
Recently renovated on the outside, the Shrine was completely repainted, but on the inside, it was kept completely original.
There’s always burning incense and freshly laid roses, a caretaker living makes sure things are always kept the way they ought to be.
36. Phuket Aquarium
Located at Cape Panwa is an amazing underwater world with over 150 different species from freshwater and marine habitats, most of the local species from the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand.
If you don’t add this to a list of must-do or visit this place during your Phuket tour then your tour is missing something.
37. Visit the Phuket Butterfly Farm
This is about 3kms from Phuket Town. It is a great collection of tropical animals such as butterflies, insects and marine life. It shows the love of the Thais for keeping nature and supporting a healthy environment for al.
38. Shopping for Authentic Thai Products
Aside from enjoying the beach, you can also do shopping in Phuket.
The island houses a lot of local shops where you can find and buy Thai products.
You can also roam around the old Phuket town to see old buildings which were turned into restaurants and hotels.
39. The Cuisine
This is a must-taste for every tourist. The remarkable cuisine will enchant anyone who is interested in culinary tourism.
The coastal restaurants are very cozy, offering informal surroundings and delicious, freshly caught seafood.
Southern Thai foods that are typical for the island include various types of curries, dishes that are influenced by Chinese cuisine and different rice dishes.
Which island is the best in Phuket?
Phi Phi Islands are, for obvious reasons, the best island destinations in southern Thailand. The tiny archipelago of six islands is breathtaking, and for almost any taste, it can offer a perfect holiday.
Koh Phi Phi Don, the group’s largest and only populated island, has three main areas: the bustling main village between the bays of Tonsai and Dalum, full of hotels, stores, bars, and restaurants.
Laem Thong is a very quiet tropical cliché of a beach that only hosts a few resorts, and the southern coast, which has a few options of lodging trapped between the jungle and the sea.
If you’re looking for different scenery for your holiday, Phi Phi Islands will meet your expectations.
Now the other main question!
Where would you go next, from Phuket to Koh Samui or From Phuket to Koh Lanta? We mention these 2 destinations, not by chance! Koh Samui and Koh Lanta are the constant picks in the tourist’s itineraries, together with Phuket.
A complete list of the best Phuket tours.
But here we want to give you also a new idea, and start with it!
40. Visit Koh Jum – KO Pu
Koh Jum is one of the quieter and less developed Andaman Islands in Thailand, also known as Ko Pu. It is reachable from both Krabi and Phuket to the island with two names.
A noticeable highlight is the beaches that make up the western coastline of Koh Jump. The Lubo Beach Island’s northernmost beach, Ao Ting Rai, and Ao Si are common stretches of sand. Low-key bungalow resorts are smattering along with the beachfront selling drinks and food.
Further south, there are a few luxurious villas in Golden Pearl Beach. Water sports include surfing, snorkeling, and scuba diving with a local company, Koh Jum Divers.
On Koh Jum, there’s not much else to do — and that’s what makes the island so appealing. You can find no rowdy pubs, full moon parties, or shopping malls (there wasn’t even an ATM at the time of our visit).
To discover more of the island, rent a bike or bicycle. Don’t skip the biggest cities, Baan Ko Pu and Baan Ko Jum, which both have markets and mosques to see (residents of the island are predominantly Muslim).
You can also go hiking in the middle of the jungle and up Mount Pu, but be sure to hire a local guide.
41. Koh Lanta
Located approximately 70 km from Phuket, Koh Lanta is not the first destination that comes to mind when exploring Phuket’s island-hopping options.
I wouldn’t recommend going to Koh Lanta for just one day, but if you can stay overnight on the island, the trip is worth it. From our visit to Thailand, it was one of the best islands!
Even if you take the earliest boat in the morning from Phuket to Lanta, Koh Lanta is likely to have only 4-5 hours. The last ships sail about 1-1.30pm from Koh Lanta to Phuket.
Koh Lanta is a huge island with lots of things going on, so I suggest you stay at least one night on Koh Lanta, preferably two nights.
Compared to the other famous nearby islands, Koh Lanta has miles of calm, sandy beaches, and very few people. This makes Phuket, which is normally packed with tourists, a welcome respite.
There is also a safe reef surrounding the island, and snorkeling here is always a pleasure. The excellent way to do this is by boat through a snorkeling tour, which allows you to reach more remote snorkeling sites near Koh Lanta.
The four Islands and Emerald Cave snorkeling trip is Koh Lanta’s most famous day trip. But if you’re mainly interested in snorkeling, then this highly-rated snorkeling speedboat tour may be a better option.
The Mu KO National Park is perfect for hiking in Koh Lanta’s southwest. Don’t skip the lighthouse with some beautiful views to enjoy.
There are beautiful white sandy beaches here!.
Kayaking tours to the nearby sea caves are other common things to do. You can also visit the Old Town of Lanta where you can see or do some shopping in the Chinese Temple.
42. Ko Samui
Koh Samui is one of Thailand’s most beautiful islands. This is one of the islands where you would like to stay longer, not only because it is far away from Phuket. Ko Samui is, after all, one of the largest islands in Thailand.
I wasn’t sure if, in this list of islands, I would include Ko Samui to visit from Phuket, and I would certainly not just go there for a day. But it turns out you can do that, and if you have limited time and want to visit Phuket’s Koh Samui, I want you to know that it’s possible.
Begin the day at the Rich Resort in Lamai–they have a healthy and delicious breakfast and cost just 180 TBH. You can as well take a dip in their swimming pool overlooking the beach of Lamai.
First, you might want to rent a bike or a car for the day because it’s much easier to get around. Prices start at 3,000 TBH per day and 7,000 TBH per day.
If you’re visiting Ko Samui for a day, make sure you’re planning to drop the vehicle off at the airport, making things so much easier. And don’t forget on the left to run!
Which the best month to visit Phuket?
Between November and April, the best time to visit Phuket is when the weather is suitable for beach activities like swimming and boating.
The six months between May and October are the monsoon season, and although this year’s accommodation rates are much lower, the conditions of water can be severe.
Here’s a monthly rundown of Phuket’s climate so you can prepare to go
November to February
this is Phuket’s hottest season after the rains are over. It’s also the busiest time with the best weather.
The temperature ranges from around 23 ° C to 30 ° C. Although December is Phuket’s coolest month, February is the driest month.
It is the best time to relax on one of Phuket’s beautiful beaches and enjoy water sports in the peaceful sea. You can then party it out in one of the several nightclubs until the wee hours of the morning.
March to mid-May
these are known to be Phuket’s hottest months just before the island reaches the monsoon. In the mid-thirties, the temperatures vary, with humidity levels rising steadily.
One of the good reasons to visit Phuket in April is to witness the Thai New Year’s Songkran Festival as people sprinkle water on each other.
Mid-May to October
The Phuket Monsoon season stretches from May to October. The average monsoon temperature is 28 °C-29 ° C. While the weather is at its best, prices are always low, making this one of the cheapest seasons for planning a trip.
Besides being cost-effective, visiting is also a peaceful time as it is not as busy as the high season. The wettest months are May, September, and October, but it’s unusual for the island to get heavy rainfall continuous days.
There are many more things to do on Phuket tour and there are many more things to experience, but the above list should be on every tourist’s priority list.
Guys stay tuned with this post because we can’t really stop posting here all our new ideas! We will always keep this post updated with all the destination news!
