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There are tons of fun things to do in Phuket, but you do have to know where to find them!
There are tons of outdoor adventures like kayaking through beautiful bays and ziplining in the jungle. While parts of Phuket are party-oriented, there are also plenty of experiences to help you dive deeper into Thai culture, such as visiting the Old City and learning how to make yummy local food.
After several visits to Phuket, I’ve narrowed it down to the 10 absolute best things to do!
Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
Don’t have time to read the full article?
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did was this tour to the elephant sanctuary. We love that this is an ethical sanctuary, and getting to see the elephants up close is a bucket list experience!
Check out the 950+ 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
Tip: Reserve this popular tour here and access FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
- Quick Pick: Our Favorite Activity
- 10 Best Things to do in Phuket
- 1. Enjoy a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands
- 2. Take a tour to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
- 3. Learn to cook Thai food
- 4. Enjoy a luxury cruise to James Bond Island
- 5. Take a tour of the city
- 6. Go ATVing and ziplining in the jungle
- 7. Get fantastic photos on an Instagram tour
- 8. Eat your way around the city
- 9. Go kayaking through the sea caves in Phang Nga Bay
- 10. See the giant water lilies at Ma Doo Bua
- Where to Stay in Phuket, Thailand
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- Don't Forget Travel Insurance!
10 Best Things to do in Phuket
1. Enjoy a day trip to the Phi Phi Islands
- Price: $85 USD
- Duration: 9 hours
- Time: 4:30 – 8 am
- Highlights: exploring the islands via speedboat, swimming in Pileh Lagoon, lunch at a 4-star resort, snorkeling, visiting Monkey Beach, visiting Maya Bay from “The Beach”
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, speedboat transport, snorkel equipment, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, seasickness tablets if necessary
- Rating: 5 stars (check 2,400+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
One of the best things to do in Phuket is take this day trip to the Phi Phi Islands! These islands are world-famous for their pristine beauty. With white sand, bright blue water, and limestone cliffs, they’re the epitome of paradise.
Accommodation in Phi Phi tends to be more expensive than Phuket and there’s a big party scene, so for us, visiting on a day tour was perfect. We had the most epic day zooming around the islands by speedboat, swimming in the gorgeous Pileh Lagoon, and admiring the tropical fish and coral at the various snorkeling spots.
One of our favorite stops was Maya Bay, which famously featured in the Leonard Di Caprio movie “The Beach”, and we loved Monkey Beach. As the name suggests, this pristine beach is populated by long-tailed macaques, so it really is an incredible place to visit. We were lucky enough to see lots of baby monkeys, too!
Of course, there are lots of tours that will take you to Phi Phi from Phuket, but this one really stands out. Many tours will put you on a shabby boat and cram you in like sardines, but we were really comfortable, the snorkeling equipment was in good condition, and we got to eat a delicious buffet lunch at a 4-star resort. We really felt like we got our money’s worth with this one – no wonder it has thousands of glowing reviews!
We would 100% do this tour again. The Phi Phi islands have that epic, postcard-worthy beauty that Thailand is famous for, so you can’t miss the chance to see them while in Phuket, and this tour guarantees you’ll have a fun, safe, and comfortable day.
Book this tour with over 2,000 5-star reviews here!
2. Take a tour to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
- Price: $92 USD – $107 USD
- Duration: 3.5 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: ethical experience, watching the elephants roam freely, feeding the elephants, delicious lunch
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off (if selected), admission, guide, welcome snacks and coffee, gumboots, socks, umbrellas, rain jackets, mosquito spray, vegetarian lunch buffet
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
One of the best things about traveling to Phuket is the chance to see beautiful elephants in their natural habitat! Unfortunately, there is some very unethical elephant tourism in Phuket, but this elephant sanctuary rescues and cares for elephants, and the tours cause minimal interference. We got to feed the elephants, but mostly we were just there to watch them roaming freely around Khao Phra Thaeo National Park.
We opted for the version of the tour that included transport so that we didn’t have to worry about getting to and from the sanctuary ourselves. We’re glad we didn’t try to get here on our scooters, as some of the roads were pretty wild and bumpy. We also really appreciated that equipment like gumboots and umbrellas were provided for us, as these aren’t typically items you pack for Thailand!
Our guides taught us a lot about both elephant behaviors and the work of the sanctuary to rescue and protect these beautiful creatures. Seeing the elephants up close was incredible, and we loved feeding them. Other than that, they roamed around freely and we got to see them playing together and bathing, which was really special.
After a fun morning with the elephants, we enjoyed a vegetarian buffet lunch before heading back to our accommodation. We were pleasantly surprised by how good the food was, and we also got coffee and fruit juice to wash it all down with.
Seeing elephants in Phuket is an amazing, bucket list worthy experience for sure. This tour is hands down the best way to enjoy an ethical elephant experience and get up close and personal with these beautiful creatures without causing them any harm.
Book our favorite Phuket experience here, before it sells out!
3. Learn to cook Thai food
- Price: $60 – $70 USD
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 11 am, 12 pm, or 4 pm
- Highlights:
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, all ingredients and equipment, English-speaking instructor, market visit and fruit tasting (if selected), 4-course meal
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
I don’t know about you, but I think that Thai cuisine is absolutely incredible! So of course, we couldn’t resist the chance to learn how to make dishes like pad Thai, Thai curry, and tom yum soup while we were in Phuket. We learned so much with this cooking class, and it was easily one of the best things that we did here.
We chose the morning tour, as we were keen to do the market visit. We figured that for an extra $10 USD, we might as well include it! Visiting Thai markets can be quite overwhelming by yourself, but we enjoyed exploring with the help of our guide, Gigi. In fact, we even got to do an exotic fruit tasting, which was so much fun!
Once we arrived back at the kitchen, it was time to cook! This class was really hands-on and we made four different dishes from scratch. On top of this, Gigi also taught us how to substitute certain ingredients that can be difficult to find outside of Thailand, which was so helpful.
We made tom yum soup for our starter, pad thai and green curry for the main dishes, and then mango sticky rice for dessert. And of course, we got to eat all of it at the end! We also appreciated the fact that we were able to tailor the spice level of each dish to our own preferences. Thai food is famously spicy, and of course, not everybody can handle it!
I would honestly recommend this class to anyone, but in particular, I think it’s a great choice for families looking for a wholesome experience in Phuket. Kids aged 9 and over are welcome, so it’s a fantastic way to keep them entertained and get them excited about a new cuisine. But really, this is one of those experiences that you truly can enjoy at any age.
Reserve this tour here and get FREE cancellation 24 hours before you go!
4. Enjoy a luxury cruise to James Bond Island
- Price: $149 USD
- Duration: 7.5 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: cruising around Phang Nga Bay, seeing James Bond Island, DJ and dancefloor, beautiful sunset
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, boat cruise, buffet lunch and dinner, soft drinks, kayaks, paddleboards, water slide, National Park fee
- Rating: 5 stars (check 650+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Sure, mainland Phuket is beautiful, but have you seen Phang Nha Bay?
With limestone islands and turquoise water, the bay is hands down one of the most beautiful destinations in Thailand. And, better still, it’s super easy to visit on this full day boat tour!
This tour truly had everything we could have asked for from a boat cruise. The catamaran was super comfortable and, crucially, not overcrowded, like many other boats that we saw! We had plenty of room and the facilities were modern and clean.
We got to go swimming and paddleboarding around Lawa Island, and we even got to go kayaking through some caves! But honestly, our time on board was just as much fun, as there was a dancefloor and a DJ, so there was a fun, upbeat atmosphere. We had fun on the boat’s water slide, too, and there were plenty of comfy daybeds on deck.
At lunchtime, we enjoyed a generous buffet and in the afternoon, we got to explore James Bond Island on one of Thailand’s iconic longboats. This towering, needle-like karst is so-named because it appeared in “The Man with the Golden Gun.” It looks even more beautiful in real life!
The day ended on a real high note, as we enjoyed a buffet dinner on board as we watched a glorious sunset over the bay. It would have been worth doing this cruise for the sunset alone, but when you factor in the food, watersports, luxurious catamaran, and longtail boat ride, I think that booking this tour is a real no-brainer.
This tour is popular – secure your dates now to get FREE cancellation before you go!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
5. Take a tour of the city
- Price: $32 – $162 USD
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 8 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Karon viewpoint, Big Buddha, Old City, Wat Chalong
- Inclusions: hotel pick-up and drop-off, English-speaking guide, transport
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
If you’re short on time in Phuket, then this half-day city tour is a fantastic way to get to know the area better! We think it does a great job of showcasing Phuket’s highlights, and it’s a great way to learn about the local history and culture.
We loved visiting the Karon viewpoint on this tour. The views from here of Phuket’s pristine coastline are just stunning, and then the day only got better as we visited the Big Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill. We could see for miles from up here, and the Buddha statue itself was incredibly impressive. Our guide also taught us a lot about Thai Buddhism and how it is practiced in Phuket.
Next up, we visited Wat Chalong temple, which is the largest and most important one in Phuket. Our guide taught us a little about the monks to whom the temple is dedicated, and then we made a quick stop at a cashew factory to learn about this local trade. Finally, we enjoyed a guided tour of the Old City, which is quaint, colorful, and home to some of the island’s best food. I really fell in love with this part of Phuket!
All in all, this tour is a super easy and convenient way to get a taste of what Phuket has to offer. It covers the best viewpoints and the must-see Big Buddha statue, so we highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t have long on the island. Plus, there’s even the option to upgrade and go private if you’d like a more personalized experience, or the shared tour is ideal for those on a budget.
Check out the hundreds of 5-star reviews and book this tour here.
6. Go ATVing and ziplining in the jungle
- Price: $86 – $125 USD
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Time: 9 am, 12:30 pm, 3 pm
- Highlights: ATV ride through the jungle, visiting the Big Buddha statue, exciting zipline course
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, ATVs, safety equipment, zipline admission, drinking water, insurance, tour guide, raincoat if necessary
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 250+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
For the adventurous among us, this epic tour is the best way to explore Phuket! I mean, why take a regular tour when you could zoom around the island on an ATV and then fly through the jungle on a zipline?
The ATV tour quite literally took us off the beaten tourist track, as we zoomed along jungle trails and rubber plantations, stopping at some truly epic viewpoints along the way. Phuket can be very busy so we loved seeing a quieter, more rugged side to the island. We also got to drive up to the Big Buddha statue, which is a must-see while you’re here and affords epic views of the island below.
The second part of the tour was just as much fun, as we had a blast soaring through the jungle. We absolutely love ziplining and do it every chance we get, and we thought the course here was spectacular, with incredible views. It definitely exceeded our expectations!
Another thing that we love about this tour is that it offers flexibility in terms of the itinerary. You can choose to do 1 or 2 hours on the ATV, and then an 18 or 32-platform zipline. Kids as young as 4 are also welcome to join, although of course, they can’t drive the ATVs themselves so this could be a really exciting activity for families to enjoy together! It’s definitely one of the most memorable things that we did in Phuket, and we would certainly do it again.
Check availability and book this adventure tour here!
7. Get fantastic photos on an Instagram tour
- Price: $139 USD
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Time: 7 – 10 am
- Highlights: Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, the Old City, Karon viewpoint, Rock Beach swing
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, private transport, admission fees, private photographer guide, bottled water, lunch
- Rating: 5 stars (check 500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
Instagram tours are usually a lot of fun, and since Phuket is full of picture-perfect hotspots, we just had to book this one! We loved it because we got to see so much of Phuket in a single day and, of course, we came away with some beautiful photos.
Our guide, Bessica, picked us up in the morning and we instantly felt at ease with her. She was so warm and friendly, and she really went above and beyond to ensure that we had a memorable experience. We got to enjoy epic views at Big Buddha and Karon Viewpoint, and Bessica helped us snap some photos in the most respectful way at Wat Chalong. We also loved snapping photos in front of the colorful Sino-Portuguese houses in the old city.
One of the highlights of the day was lunch. We had expected to just grab some street food, but instead Bessica took us for lunch in a beautiful cafe that was covered in flowers. It was practically made for Instagram! Often this can be a sign that the food or service isn’t great, but that certainly wasn’t the case here, and our lunch was absolutely delicious.
We also loved visiting Rock Beach, a super scenic spot with lots of props to pose with, including a giant swing over the ocean and a bird’s nest. All of our admission fees were covered by the tour, so we didn’t have to worry about anything on the day, and Bessica was a very knowledgeable guide as well as a fantastic photographer. We had such a great time, saw lots of the island’s highlights, and got amazing photos to remember the day – we really couldn’t have asked for anything more!
See all the glowing reviews and book this highly-rated tour here!
8. Eat your way around the city
- Price: $59 USD
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 10 am
- Highlights: tons of food, Burmese curries, Hokkien noodles, tropical fruits and desserts, exploring Phuket’s colorful Old Town
- Inclusions: 15+ food tastings, soft drinks, small group tour, local guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
We find that the best way to get to know a place is to eat your way through it, and that’s why we love this small group food tour! We loved it because it took us away from the tourist spots and allowed us to experience authentic Thai food in the beautiful Old City. So if you’re looking to swap beach resorts for mouth-watering street food, this is the tour for you.
If we could give you one piece of advice for this tour, it would be to come hungry! We couldn’t believe how much food we got. I lost count, to be honest, but I know we enjoyed at least 15 tastings, if not more. And this tour went way beyond your typical pad Thai – we enjoyed smoky noodle soups, naan, green rice cakes, and Phuket’s famous coconut crepes!
As well as food, our guide also ordered us plenty of soft drinks to wash them down with, including some sweet Thai tea. It truly was a feast and I think we discovered more about Thai cuisine on this tour than we would have in weeks of dining out by ourselves. We loved visiting family-owned hotspots, and our guide, Nam, also taught us a lot about what it’s like to be a Phuket local.
We also loved the fact that this was a small group tour, as it felt super personal. We really felt like we got our money’s worth, and we promise, it’s 100% worth dragging yourself away from the beaches for!
If you’re already hungry, book this tour here and get flexible payment and cancellation options.
9. Go kayaking through the sea caves in Phang Nga Bay
- Price: $120 – $150 USD
- Duration: 10 hours
- Time: 12 pm
- Highlights: spotting wildlife, kayaking around Phang Nga Bay, exploring lagoons and caves, starlight boat ride, making a krathong
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, power boat transport, sea kayaks, dry bags, national park entrance fee, English-speaking guide, lunch, dinner, tea, fruit, bottled water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1,000+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
For active travelers, this sea kayak tour around Phang Nga Bay promises an unforgettable adventure. We couldn’t resist the chance to explore sea caves during the day, then catch the sunset and explore the bay by starlight. I mean, if you’re looking to escape Phuket’s party scene and enjoy some incredible natural beauty, you really couldn’t ask for a better thing to do!
We were whisked off on a power boat to Phang Nga Bay and had lunch on board before getting into our kayaks. I loved kayaking through sea caves and exploring the pristine lagoon, then got back on the boat for dinner. As we watched the sunset, we learned how to make krathongs, which are decorated flower baskets, and then sent them into the water. This tradition comes from the Loy Krathong festival, and floating the krathongs is said to bring health and good luck.
We absolutely loved that this tour combined great food, an active adventure, and an important Thai tradition. It allowed us to not only experience the incredible beauty of Phuket but also to take part in local traditions, which is something we always really appreciate. Basically, it’s an incredible all-rounder, and is truly an experience that you won’t forget in a hurry!
Book this tour with over 1,000 5-star reviews here, before it fills up!
10. See the giant water lilies at Ma Doo Bua
- Price: $119 USD
- Duration: 5 hours
- Time: 8 am
- Highlights: seeing the giant water lilies at Ma Doo Bua, visiting three unique temples
- Inclusions: hotel pickup and drop-off, boat ride, drone photos, bottled water, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 80+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: yes
One of the most unique things to do in Phuket is see the giant water lilies in Ma Doo Bua. This private tour not only allowed us to see the lilies but to capture amazing drone photos!
Ma Doo Bua is a café that has become known for its pond that’s filled with Victoria Amazonia, aka one of the largest types of lily pad in the world. These pads are super cool to see and they look incredible in photos. Luckily, this tour includes a longboat ride across the pond and a free mini photoshoot with a drone. The lily pads look even more amazing from above!
We really enjoyed doing this on a private tour, because it made such a cute date day! However, we think that it would also be a really fun thing for families to do, as kids will love the boat ride and lily pads. The fun doesn’t end there either, as we got to visit three super unique temples with our awesome guide, Nu.
I loved visiting Wat Phra Thong, which is famous for its half-buried Buddha statue. We also really enjoyed visiting Wat Lipon, which makes for amazing photos because this temple is home to a giant statue of the Buddha laying on his side. Finally, we stopped at Wat Phra Nang Sang, a very colorful temple that’s steeped in history, since it’s one of the oldest in Phuket.
Seeing the lilies was such a sweet and photogenic experience, and we loved getting to explore some of Phuket’s coolest temples. Even though this tour is the last one on our list, it’s by no means our least favorite, as we absolutely loved it, and we wholeheartedly agree with all of the glowing reviews (see them all here)!
Check availability and book this tour in advance here.
Where to Stay in Phuket, Thailand
To properly enjoy all Phuket has to offer, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! There is quite a variety of options, whether you want a relaxing beachside weekend or to hang out in the party zones.
I’ve also included a range of budgets, so no matter what your vacation fund is, you can find somewhere perfect to stay in Phuket!
Luxury – $$$
How does gazing out the sea from a luxurious infinity pool sound? Well, you can find that at The Shore At Katathani! This luxury stay is what everyone dreams of when you think of an island vacation. Each room is a private villa with a terrace and a private pool. If you can tear yourself away from the room, enjoy the onsite spa and beach access.
It’s important to note that this is an adult-only property. Rooms start at around $630 USD per night, and you’ll definitely be paying for luxury! Book this room on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
Karon Phunaka Resort truly has it all. Enjoy views of the ocean and the gorgeous infinity pool, hop on a shuttle to the beach, or drive just 15 minutes to be in Phuket’s lively party scene. Rooms here range from deluxe double rooms to family suites and is a good option for families! There are even 3 restaurants on-site, a fitness center, and bar.
Karon Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Phuket, so the location is fantastic. Prices range from about $250 to $550 USD per night, depending on which room you select. Check out all options on Booking.com.
Budget – $
If you’re looking for a cheap stay in a great location, the Happy Fish Guest House is an excellent pick. Located in Patong Beach, it’s close to Phuket’s famous party scene and only a 15-minute walk to the beach. I like this specific guest house because they have really budget options, like a dorm room bed for $8 USD. Or if you have a moderate budget, you can book a private room for $40 USD a night.
Check availability and book this room on Booking.com or Hostelworld.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance!
If you’re looking to save money on travel insurance, we currently use and recommend SafetyWing. We’ve been using their coverage since 2018 and they’ve had our backs when we needed emergency flights and got sick overseas.
SafetyWing is one of the cheapest providers out there and covers everything from medical costs to lost luggage, travel delays, and emergency flights. A huge difference we’ve found between them and other companies is that they let you take out a policy AFTER leaving your home country. We’ve also found it handy that it’s a monthly payment rather than a lump sum, and you can get a refund for unused time.
SafetyWing has helped us out in some scary situations before and their affordable coverage has given us peace of mind. You can read our honest review of SafetyWing for all the pros and cons.
Thanks for reading!
There truly is more to Phuket than its party scene! If you follow our recommendations on this list, I know you’ll have a memorable visit to Thailand’s stunning island. Get ready to soak in the sun, eat amazing food, and enjoy Phuket!
If you found this blog helpful, be sure to check out our other travel guides, including our other Southeast Asia blogs! We’ve traveled all over the world and love helping fellow adventurers plan their perfect vacation. Check out a few related reads before you go:
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