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Ready to soak up sun, sea, and a little adventure in Phuket? Well, get ready because we’re here to plan your perfect island escape!
From white-sand beaches to colorful Old Town streets, Phuket has a little bit of everything. But with so much to see and do, figuring out how to spend your time here can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have long.
That’s where we come in! After exploring the best of Phuket ourselves, we’ve put together the ultimate 4-day itinerary that balances sightseeing with relaxation. From island hopping to street food feasts, and sunset drinks by the sea, your Phuket adventure starts now. Let’s go!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our personal FAVORITE thing we did in Phuket was this day trip to the Phi Phi Islands! Gliding across the water by speedboat, snorkeling among tropical fish, and lounging on Maya Bay made for an unforgettable day.
Itinerary Overview
Phuket is Thailand’s largest and most popular island, and this 4-day itinerary is designed to give you the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. You’ll explore the island’s cultural side in lively Old Town, feast on incredible street food, and head out on unforgettable day trips to nearby islands with turquoise water and stunning beaches. We’ve also built in time to simply enjoy Phuket’s laid-back vibe, whether that’s strolling through colorful markets, sipping drinks at sunset, or unwinding by the sea.
Getting around Phuket is straightforward. Tuk-tuks and taxis are easy to find, so you can usually just hail one on the fly, or you can use the Grab app to call one. You can also rent your own scooter if you’re confident handling the island’s traffic! However, most of the tours we’ve mentioned in this blog include hotel pickup and drop-off to make your experience as easy as possible.
Day 1: Kick off your trip with a guided city tour of Phuket’s highlights, enjoy a Southern Thai lunch in Old Town, spend the afternoon wandering pastel-colored streets and cafés, then dive into the evening on a food tour packed with local flavors.
Day 2: Head out for a full-day island-hopping adventure to the Phi Phi Islands, with snorkeling, lagoons, and beaches included, before returning to Phuket Town for a stylish dinner and a relaxed evening market visit or drink stop.
Day 3: Spend the morning at an ethical elephant sanctuary, enjoy lunch near Kata Beach, then learn how to cook your own Thai dinner during a hands-on cooking class, finishing the night with drinks by the sea.
Day 4: Choose between cruising Phang Nga Bay to James Bond Island or capturing Phuket’s best views on a private Instagram tour, then toast your final night with rooftop dining and a sunset drink before a last stroll through the Old Town.
Day 1
Morning/Early afternoon – Discover Phuket’s highlights on a city tour
A city tour is the best way to get to know a new destination, so that’s how we’re kicking off day 1 of this itinerary! This half-day city tour is a fantastic way to get to know the area, because it does a great job of showcasing Phuket’s highlights, local history, and culture.
We recommend booking the 8 am tour option, which includes hotel pickup. Plan to have breakfast at or near your hotel since it runs about five hours, and you’ll definitely want to eat beforehand.
We got to see so many fantastic sights on this tour, from the beautiful Karon viewpoint and the Big Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill to 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. 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.
Grab your spot on this half-day Phuket tour here!
Lunch – One Chun Cafe & Restaurant
One Chun Café & Restaurant is one of Phuket Old Town’s most beloved spots—it even holds a Michelin Bib Gourmand award! The restaurant is set in a charming Sino-Portuguese building filled with vintage décor, giving it a cozy, nostalgic vibe that pairs perfectly with its authentic Southern Thai cuisine.
The standout dish here is the crab curry with rice noodles. This is a rich, spicy Phuket specialty, so we definitely recommend trying it if you’re into seafood. If not, no worries because their Southern stir-fried pork with local herbs is also delicious, or I like the stir-fried chicken with cashews and chilli.
Prices are very reasonable for the quality of food here. You can either ask to be dropped off here after your morning tour at around 1 pm. Service is fairly quick, so you should finish up around 2 pm, ready to explore the Old Town!
Afternoon – Stroll around Phuket Old Town
After lunch, spend the afternoon exploring Phuket Old Town at your own pace. This colorful district is lined with pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art, and plenty of quirky little shops, making it the perfect place for a slow wander. You’ll have a couple of hours before your evening food tour, so here are a few ways to enjoy your time:
- Step into history at the Thai Hua Museum – A small but insightful museum in a beautifully preserved colonial building. Entry is around $6 USD, and it’s a peaceful way to learn more about the island’s past.
- Snack and shop at Chillva Market – If you’re visiting on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday, head to Chillva Market to enjoy a fun mix of street food, local fashion stalls, and a lively vibe.
- Take a coffee (or ice cream!) break – Phuket Old Town is full of independent cafés, but we especially love Campus Coffee Roasters for its specialty coffee and industrial-chic vibe, and Torry’s Ice Cream for awesome homemade ice cream inspired by local desserts like coconut crepes and black sesame.
Dinner/Evening – Eat your way through Phuket’s Old Town
One of the best ways to dive into Phuket’s culture is by tasting your way through its night markets and local neighborhoods, and this private evening food tour does exactly that. Starting at 5 pm and running for about 5 hours, you’ll be treated to round-trip hotel pickup, a dedicated local guide, and more than enough food to skip dinner.
We loved that this tour took us to places we might have otherwise overlooked, like the lively Saphan Hin Park and the colorful streets of Phuket Old Town. Each stop revealed something new—whether it was smoky grilled chicken skewers, Hor Mok (a rich Thai curry fish custard), or O-Tao, a sizzling oyster pancake that’s a Phuket specialty. For something sweet, we couldn’t get enough of the black jelly drink known as Chao Kuay and warm, flaky roti pancakes.
Beyond the food, what really stood out was how much we learned about Phuket’s multicultural heritage. From the influence of Chinese tin miners to the traditions of the local Baba community, our guide connected every dish to the island’s history in a way that made each bite more meaningful.
Since this was a private tour, it felt completely tailored to us. We could ask as many questions as we wanted, take our time at each stop, and enjoy a relaxed evening without rushing. By the end, we were full, happy, and convinced this is one of the best ways to spend a night in Phuket.
Book your spot on this top-rated food tour here, before it sells out!
Related Read: If you have time during your travels, head south and follow our 3 to 5 day Singapore itinerary for the best city sights, day trips, and more!
Day 2
Full day – Snorkeling, lagoons, and beautiful beaches
Taking this day trip to the Phi Phi Islands is an absolute must while you’re in Phuket. These pristine islands are world-famous for their beauty—I’m talking about white sand, bright blue water, and dramatic limestone cliffs.
There are a few versions available, including a small group tour and a photography package (see tour options here!), so the start time will vary depending on which version you choose. However, you should be picked up from your hotel somewhere between 7:30 and 8 am, and then you’ll be back around 5 pm. Remember to bring your swimwear and plenty of sunscreen, and get ready for an incredible day out!
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, where we were lucky enough to see lots of baby macaques.
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 new, and we got to eat 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!
Read 3,000+ reviews and book this Phi Phi Islands tour here!
Dinner – Day & Night Of Phuket
After a long (but fun!) day of exploring the Phi Phi Islands, it’s time to unwind with dinner at Day & Night of Phuket. This stylish restaurant has a boutique modern design, but it serves up traditional Thai flavors, as well as international dishes if you feel like some home comforts tonight. Everything here is beautifully plated, and the drinks are super refreshing, which is just what you need in the Thai heat!
Evening – A gentle end to the day
Today was a pretty full-on adventure, so we suggest keeping this evening pretty low-key. That doesn’t mean it has to be boring, though!
If your second day in Phuket falls on a Saturday or Sunday, we suggest taking a stroll through the Naka Market for souvenir snacks. If not, you could head to BRIQ Bar for a quirky and creative nightcap in one of Phuket’s most sophisticated bars. But if you’re tired, there’s no shame in heading to bed early to recharge before another big day tomorrow!
Day 3
Morning/Early afternoon – Spend time with Phuket’s gentle giants
One of the best things about traveling to Phuket is the chance to see beautiful elephants in their natural habitat! Unfortunately, there is some 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 suggest opting for the version of the tour that includes transport. That’s what we did, and we’re glad we didn’t try to get here on our scooters, as some of the roads were pretty wild and bumpy.
The tour officially starts at 9:30 am, but pickup can be up to 1.5 hours beforehand, so be prepared to be ready at 8 am. Grab breakfast at your hotel and get ready for an epic day!
We had such a fun morning with the elephants. Seeing them up close was incredible, and we loved feeding them. They roamed around freely, and we got to see them playing together and bathing, which was really special. Our guides taught us a lot about both elephant behaviors and the work of the sanctuary to rescue and protect these beautiful creatures, which made us appreciate this experience all the more.
By the time the tour finished around 1 pm, we felt full of joy and grateful for the work this sanctuary is doing. Spending the morning with these gentle giants was easily one of the most memorable things we did in Phuket. It’s an ethical, educational, and truly bucket-list experience that we can’t recommend enough. And don’t just take our word for it—over 1,400 glowing reviews speak for themselves!
Book this epic elephant tour here and enjoy free cancellation!
Lunch – Lost in Phuket
After you get back from the elephant sanctuary, begin making your way towards Kata Beach. This is where your evening cooking class will be later on today, so it makes sense to spend the afternoon here.
First things first: head to Lost in Phuket for lunch! This is a cute, local café-restaurant with an eclectic vibe. They serve a mixture of Thai and western dishes, as well as fantastic milkshakes and smoothies made with fresh fruit – yum! We like the seafood stir fries and classic Thai curries here, but there are also lighter options such as omelettes, toasties, and salads.
Then, it’s an 11-minute walk or a 2-minute drive down to Kata Beach. Head here to stroll along the sand, rehydrate with a fresh coconut, and just chill out before your cooking class. The class starts at 4 pm, and it’s a 6-minute drive or taxi ride from the beach, so just keep an eye on the time.
Late afternoon/Dinner – Cook your own Thai dinner
I don’t know about you, but I think that Thai cuisine is absolutely incredible! So what better way to spend an evening in Phuket than learning how to make classic dishes from scratch? Book this cooking class for 4 pm. It lasts until 7 pm, so it will cover dinner for tonight. It’s a super fun activity, too, so you’re hitting two birds with one stone here!
This class was really hands-on, and we made four different dishes from scratch. One thing we really appreciated was that our teacher, Gigi, taught us how to substitute certain ingredients that can be difficult to find outside of Thailand, which has been so helpful for recreating these dishes back home!
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!
This is such a fun and wholesome experience. I’d do it again tomorrow if I could! But you don’t just have to take my word for it because you can read THOUSANDS of glowing reviews here that echo our experience.
Grab your spot in this cooking class here while spaces are still available!
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.
Evening – A relaxed night by the beach
After your cooking class, you can either head back to Kata Beach for a slow evening stroll or, if you’ve had enough sun for one day, grab a cocktail at SKA Bar. This is a reggae-themed beachfront bar that’s lit by lanterns, with lots of beanbags, so it’s an ideal place to unwind with a beer or two before you head back to your hotel.
Related Read: Not sure which part of the island to base yourself in? Our guide on where to stay in Phuket breaks down the best areas and hotels for every budget.
Day 4
For your final day in Phuket, you can choose how you’d like to wrap up your trip. You can either get out on the water on a cruise through the dramatic Phang Nga Bay, which is a pretty perfect send-off. But if you’re more into the cultural side of Phuket, you can head off on an Instagram tour to see some of its most scenic viewpoints and temples while securing some perfect vacation snaps. Whichever option you choose, you’re sure to have a fun and memorable final day in paradise!
Option 1: Cruise through Phang Nga Bay to James Bond Island
Sure, mainland Phuket is beautiful, but have you seen Phang Nga 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!
The tour starts at 10 or 11 am and finishes around 6:30 pm, so it’s a full-day adventure. And honestly, it’s got everything you could ask for on 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.
Secure your dates now to get FREE cancellation before you go!
Option 2: Capture Phuket’s Best Views on an Instagram Tour
If you’re more about cultural highlights and fun photo ops than island exploration, then this Instagram tour is the ideal way to spend your final day in Phuket! The base itinerary does include some places that the city tour on day 1 already covers, but since this is a private experience, you can skip those and ask your guide to take you to lesser-known spots instead.
Another great thing about doing a private tour is that you can choose a start time that suits you, between 7:30 am and 10 am. The tour lasts for 6–8 hours, so the latest you’ll be back is 6 pm. However, if you really want to catch the sunset at tonight’s beautiful rooftop dinner spot, then we suggest choosing the earliest start time.
When we did this tour, we absolutely loved our guide, Bessica. We instantly felt at ease with her. She was so warm and friendly, and helped us snap some photos in the most respectful way at sacred sites like Wat Chalong and 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! 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. No wonder this tour has hundreds of 5-star reviews!
Book this super fun Instagram tour here and enjoy your last day in style!
Dinner – Estrela Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
To celebrate your final night in Phuket, we suggest heading to Estrela Rooftop Bar & Restaurant. It’s a trendy, modern spot perched high above Phuket Old Town, so you get sweeping views of the area and the ocean beyond. If you can make it here for sunset, then you’re in for an extra special treat, but if you’re too late, then it’s magical enough just seeing the Old Town’s lights twinkle.
But this place isn’t just about aesthetics. The food is seriously good! Personally, I always go for one of their fragrant Thai curries or fresh seafood dishes, but they’ve also got international options like duck confit, Wagyu steak, and ratatouille on the menu.
Whatever you order, be sure to pair it with one of Estrela’s excellent signature beverages. And if you did the Phang Nha Bay adventure, you may still be full from the buffet dinner on board, in which case you can just grab a snack and a drink instead of eating a full meal.
Evening – A final stroll through Phuket Old Town
After dinner, it’s time to walk off the food and drinks with a final stroll through Phuket’s charming Old Town. If it’s a Sunday, the Walking Street Market will be on, so be sure to go and check out all of the food stalls, local crafts, and live music. If not, then it’s still a lot of fun to stroll around. The Sino-Portuguese shophouses look especially lovely under the streetlights, and there are plenty of cozy local bars and cafés to duck into if you feel like one final Thai nightcap.
Related Read: If you’re looking for even more ideas beyond this itinerary, check out our guide to the best things to do in Phuket here—it’s packed with extra activities, tours, and local tips to help you make the most of your trip.
Where to Stay in Phuket
Now that you’ve got your Phuket itinerary sorted, you need somewhere comfortable to stay! This island is a super popular destination, so there’s a wide variety of options, whether you want a relaxing beachside stay or to be close to the party scene. We’ve included accommodation for a range of budgets, so no matter what your vacation fund is, you can find your ideal stay in Phuket.
Luxury – $$$
How does gazing out at the sea from a luxurious infinity pool sound? Well, you can find that at The Shore At Katathani! This luxury stay is what everyone dreams of when they think of an island vacation. Each room is a private villa with a terrace and a private pool. If you can tear yourself away from the room, enjoy the onsite spa and beach access.
It’s important to note that this is an adult-only property. Rooms start at around $630 USD per night, and you’ll definitely be paying for luxury! Book this room on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
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 are a good option for families! There are even 3 restaurants on-site, a fitness center, and a 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-friendly 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!
Four days in Phuket is just the right amount of time to soak up the beaches, dive into the culture, and squeeze in a little adventure without feeling rushed. We had such an amazing time exploring the island, from its colorful Old Town streets to the breathtaking Phi Phi Islands and the unforgettable morning we spent with elephants. If you follow this itinerary, you’ll experience the very best of Phuket and head home with memories to last a lifetime.
If you’re planning more time here, don’t miss our other Thailand blogs here! We’ve put together detailed itineraries, food and activity guides, and tips on where to stay across the country. Or here are some of our most popular blogs for even more great ideas!
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