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Phuket travel guide
Guide me around Phuket
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is one of the most renowned tropical destinations in the world. Aside from its pristine white sand beaches that surround the coastline, there is a lot more to explore on this diverse island. Located in the west of Thailand and situated in the Andaman Sea, this fascinating destination offers a perfect blend of beach relaxation and adventure activities. No matter what your preferred style of travel is – be it relaxing on the beach, indulging in nature, pursuing sports activities, immersing in the rich culture or partying all night long – Phuket caters to all tastes.
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Best beaches to visit on Phuket
Beaches & Bays
Phuket is well-known for its stunning beaches with crystal-clear emerald water. Whether you’re looking for spending quality time with your family, relaxing in luxury beach bars, getting away from the crowds, or partying all day and night, Phuket offers them all with its big variety.
Phuket has a variety of beaches to suit different styles and preferences. Below are some of the most popular beaches, but keep in mind that there are also hidden gems worth exploring, so be sure to ask the locals for recommendations.
- Hat Patong Beach (popular for water sports, parties, and tourist activities)
- Kata Beach (popular for white sand, bars, and snorkeling)
- Kata Noi Beach (popular for families, white sand, and snorkeling)
- Karon Beach (popular for families, water sports, and bars)
- Kamala Beach (popular for families, water sports, and bars)
- Hat Surin Beach (popular for street food, family-friendly atmosphere, and white sand)
- Hat Mai Kao Beach (popular for its natural scenery and white sand)
- Hat Nai Harn Beach (popular for families, water sports, and a small beach environment)
- Hat Leam Sing Beach (popular for bars, white sand, and sunbeds)
- Hat Nai Thon Beach (popular for families and a peaceful environment)
- Paradise Beach (requires an entry fee, popular for water sports and beach clubs)
- Freedom Beach (accessible by jungle trekking or jeep taxi, popular for natural scenery, white sand, and a quiet atmosphere)
If you rent a scooter, you can also do a beach-hopping tour and explore multiple beaches in one day.
Best nature to explore on Phuket
Stunning Nature
This tropical island offers a variety of activities for you to enjoy. Relax on the beach or explore the jungle and its vibrant nature, stunning waterfalls, and amazing wildlife.
If you’re interested in supporting sustainable projects and spending time with wildlife, make sure to check out the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project located in the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The park is the last remaining evergreen rainforest in Phuket. The project rescues, rehabilitates, and releases gibbons back into the forest. You can also learn about the monkeys and how to protect the environment and wildlife.
For those who are not interested in a full-day jungle hike, several viewpoints across Phuket offer stunning views of the island’s nature. Some of these viewpoints are easy to access while others require a little hike. Kap Leam Promthep is the most popular viewpoint for sunsets, and it can get quite crowded around 6 pm. Karon View Point is another popular viewpoint that provides a splendid view of three different bays. It’s easy to reach, as it’s close to the biggest cities of Phuket.
If you prefer to explore the nature of different islands, take a boat trip to the protected Similan Islands, which are located northwest of Phuket. The islands are only accessible by boat and offer stunning views of limestone karst mountains surrounded by crystal clear waters and coral reefs. Get in touch with fascinating marine life by snorkeling while you are touring the islands!
Cultural side of Phuket
The Cultural Side
Thailand’s culture is mainly focused on Buddhism and magnificent temples, and Phuket Island is no exception. The most renowned cultural landmarks on the island are the Big Buddha Statue and the Wat Chalong Temple, both situated on top of a mountain that offers breathtaking views of the island. Even if you have visited many temples before and it’s crowded throughout the year, these temples are a must-see attraction in Phuket that you wouldn’t want to miss.
Haven’t had enough of temples yet? Visit the local and less busy temples dotted around the island. Examples include the Bang Niaw Temple (a large Chinese Taoist temple), the Hok Nguan Kong Temple (a small shrine with beautiful details), and the Wat Phra Thong Temple (a local and interesting temple with half a Buddha Statue).
Phuket Old Town is the island’s small capital with a historical center and great shopping facilities. As you walk through the city’s streets, the historical buildings tell an interesting story, so look closely and explore the alleys of the city. The Golden Dragon Statue, Phuket City Hall, the Provincial Court, and Phuket’s street art are among the highlights of the Old Town, which you can learn more about in the street art section of this guide. If you’re interested in learning more about the island’s history, you can visit the Thai Hua Museum. While you’re there, be sure to try the Hokkien Noodle Soup, which is a Phuket classic and can be found all around the city.
street art tour on Phuket
street art tour
The old town of Phuket is home to some beautiful street art. We’ve listed the most famous and stunning artworks for you to enjoy. All the paintings are located within walking distance of each other, making for a pleasant stroll through the old town. You can decide for yourself which order to see them in, and we’ve provided a route to help you locate them.
Our recommended route starts at King Bhumibol. From there, head east and turn right at the first opportunity into the street Soi Rommani. At the end of the street, you’ll find two art pieces called Red Tortoise and Pigeon. Unfortunately, in 2021, a house was built on the corner of the street, so a clear view is no longer guaranteed. Nevertheless, the artwork remains visible.
Next, follow the street west across the intersection until you reach a narrow alley on the left. There, you’ll find the painting Mardi on a facade.
Walk back down the street until you reach the intersection you already crossed and turn right to walk south on Yaowarat Road. At the next opportunity, turn left onto Phangnga Road and walk to the first artwork on the right side called Uncle and Auntie.
Keep following the avenue until you see an entrance to a temple on the left side. There, you’ll find the artwork Puppet and a Chinese temple that you can visit.
A few steps further on the same side, you’ll find a lion’s head above an entrance called Street Art – Lion.
If you continue down the street, you’ll find a small alley on the left side where you can find two artworks called Bird on the Beach and Tiger.
Of course, there are more art pieces to discover, but these are amongst everyone’s favorites and should make for a pleasant walk.
Best nightlife on Phuket
Best Nightlife
If you are looking for a wild nightlife experience in Phuket, you can’t miss Patpong and the famous Bangla Road. As the sun sets, the lively Walking Street comes to life and people gather for an unforgettable night. You can find large nightclubs, unique pubs, and luxurious beach bars to suit your preferences in Patong. Once you step into Bangla Road, you will be greeted by loud music coming from various bars, street performers showcasing their fire shows, and the aroma of delicious street food being freshly cooked everywhere.
Don’t forget to explore the small alleys on both sides of the walking street. These alleys host some of the best bars, which are not as touristy as the ones on the main road. Take your time to discover these hidden gems.
Beach parties are always exciting and special, taking your party to the next level. You can find them across Beach Road in different bars and clubs located on the beach.
If you prefer a quieter night out with a couple of drinks and a rather relaxing atmosphere, check out the nightlife in Karon or Kata. Kata is a bit wilder than Karon but still calmer than Patpong, featuring a big Walking Street with a variety of bars.
Besides these main party spots in Phuket, you can find bars all over the island with endless opportunities to party until sunrise.
more fun activities on Phuket
more to explore
Do you love going to the beach but find it boring to just lay in the sun all day? Why not combine the beauty of Thailand’s beaches with its stunning marine life? Phuket is an ideal destination for snorkeling and scuba diving, with plenty of spots around the island to explore. Most beaches offer gear rental for a small fee, so it’s easy to get started. However, it’s important to respect the environment and avoid standing on coral reefs to keep them healthy.
If water sports are more your thing, Phuket offers a range of activities such as paragliding, jet skiing, paddle boarding, and surfing. Or why not hike through the shady nature of Khao Phra Thaeo National Park?
For those who enjoy shopping, there are plenty of options available, including shopping centers like Jungceylon and Limelight, walking streets, and night markets.
If you’re interested in guided tours or adventure activities, there’s a wide range of options offered by various agencies around Phuket. However, the quality of these tours can vary greatly, so it’s important to double-check the offers to find the best price and service for you. Our recommendation: Explore famous Phang Nga Bay by kayak!