Things To Do In Phuket

The best things to do in Phuket involve sipping on a drink, lounging on the coral sand shores and basking in the sunlight. Its claim to fame is its heavenly beaches, unrivalled for their natural beauty, facilities and ambience. Not only are these places ideal to have a lazy day, but you can also find a multitude of interesting things to do in Phuket here. Some of the best beaches sprawled across the islands are Kata Beach, Patong Beach, Kata Noi Beach, Surin Beach, Freedom Beach, Ya Nui Beach, Paradise Beach and Nai Harn Beach. All these beaches are reputed to be clean and beautiful, providing ample options for the most popular things to do in Phuket – watersports! There are several sea-facing resorts and wellness centres where you can go for a spa day to enjoy refreshing massages. Other than that, you can add a bit of fun to your day by stopping by at one of the exquisite beach clubs. Quirky cocktails, well-known DJs, an elegant setting and of course, the view of the sea add up to ensure you have a pleasurable evening. Hence, make sure to take a day off from the touristy things to do in Phuket and rejuvenate your body and mind by taking it easy.

Cost: It costs nothing to sit at the beach! If you want to go for a spa for an even more relaxing day, you should have Rs.6000 to Rs.12000 on you. 

The turquoise waves of the deep Andaman Sea invite tourists from all around the globe to dip their toes into the adventure of trying water sport activities. These are the most well-known things to do in Phuket among visitors. Remarkably, not only do these aquatic adventures provide a  splendid experience but also, these things to do in Phuket are extremely affordable. These are some of the sports can you can include in your things to do in Phuket itinerary: 

Scuba diving and snorkelling

As the island is one of the top destinations in the world for diving, the sport should not be missed from your things to do in Phuket list. The mesmerising world beneath the sea that is home to colourful schools of fish and unspoiled corals will imprint a long lasting memory in your mind. You can head to any of the certified centres in Phuket to ensure you have the best dive. It is possible to acquire a PADI certificate here as well! A little less daunting option to explore the Andaman Sea is through snorkelling. Both advanced divers and people new to the sport have attested to the exceptional experience here. The best spots to partake in these things to do in Phuket and nearby are Banana Bay in Racha Yai, Koh Bida Nok, Anemone Reef, Bida Nok, Elephant Head Rock, Richelieu Rock, Koh Bon, King Cruiser Wreck, Hin Daeng, Kata Beach and Paradise Beach. 

Jet boats

A safe yet thrilling way to embark on a journey to the sea is on a jet boat ride. The 360-degree spins, sudden jerks and high speed of your vehicle will remind you of amusement park rides, except you will find yourself in a picturesque natural setting. Dragonjet is Thailand’s first jet boat operator and has introduced the activity to locals and tourists alike. One of the newest things to do in Phuket, you can go on a ride for 20 minutes along Patong Bay with a big group. The enthusiastic cries and laughter of fellow travellers certainly add to the enjoyment of the jet boat. It is among the most fun things to do in Phuket and deserves a spot on your itinerary.

Kitesurfing

One of the most challenging things to do in Phuket, kitesurfing is a noteworthy activity many travellers try to push their boundaries of adventure. Although not easy at first, you can seek the assistance of trained guides who will ensure you get a hold of the activity in the right way. The sport involves balancing a soft board through high waves while navigating a large kite attached to it to steer your way with the help of the wind. It is recommended for you to not choose kitesurfing as one of the first things to do in Phuket if you have little experience with water sports. You can head to Kata Beach, Muang Phuket and Kalim Beach to enjoy kitesurfing. 

Sea kayaking

If you are wondering what to do in Phuket in case you are not interested in extreme water sports, go for sea kayaking. It is relatively easy to wade your way through the sea on a kayak and discover limestone caves, rocky outcrops and lesser-visited places. As this activity takes place on gentler waves, it is not as hair-raising as other water sports and things to do in Phuket. Even if you are a beginner, you do not need to shy away from trying this out. 

Wakeboarding

Another one of the difficult things to do in Phuket is wakeboarding. This sport entails riding the waves on a board that is attached to a speedboat. Hence, this sport is mainly recommended for those who are experienced in water sports. Wakeboarding requires you to be skilled at swimming and balancing. Although challenging at first, once you get the hang of it, this is one of the most exciting things to do in Phuket.

Parasailing

To get an impressive view of the natural beauty compounding the sky, the sea and the sand on this island, do not skip parasailing. It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Phuket for you to indulge in an exciting water sport as well as enjoy the sight of the horizon. This will definitely be one of the things to do in Phuket that will become an indelible highlight. Some of the places where you can parasail are Patong Beach, Kamala Beach and Surina Beach.

Flyboarding

Flyboarding is one of the things to do in Phuket that is still new, hence a unique experience to have on your Thailand trip. This sport will enable you to jump off a speed boat as high as 15 feet and then dunking yourself into the sea. You can try dramatic stunts while flyboarding, which makes the experience even more sensational. Be careful to follow the safety guidelines though as this can be a difficult activity. Patong Beach is a great location to try flyboarding. 

Cost: The range of things to do in Phuket when it comes to water sports is broad since prices depend on which activities you choose and where you are. The adventurous things to do in Phuket can start from Rs.2000 and go up to Rs.30,000.

How many times have you read alluring tales about a destination but upon arrival it is nothing short of a disappointment? You must have heard many flattering stories about Phi Phi Islands as well, but it is totally worth the hype. People often take out some time from their things to do in Phuket itinerary to go on a day trip to Phi Phi Islands. You can take a speedboat or longtail boat and go on a sunrise tour and explore Bamboo and Mosquito Islands as well. These are some top-notch locations for water sports. Other than that, you can hike to the famous viewing points. Monkey Beach is another quirky destination that is often visited by tourists. If you are looking for souvenirs such as traditional clothes, handicrafts and jewellery, Tonsai village is the place to be. In the village, you can also be a witness to an offbeat event – Muay Thai, a Thai martial art. It takes place every night at Reggae Bar. It is possible for you to participate as well, and you can count on the crowd to cheer you on to urge you into it, but it can be dangerous so do it at your own risk! A defining aspect of the island is its electrifying nightlife. There are lines of bars, clubs, pubs, discos and restaurants full of partying travellers. Some of the best places to go to have the night of your life are Slinky Bar, an open-air disco beside the sea, Apache Bear Bar, a bar that hosts shows with fire dancers and the likes and Stockholm Syndrome, which has a dance floor and beer pong tables. Ibiza Pool Party is well-known for its parties too. Phi Phi Islands constitute the best destination for travellers looking to unwind, make friends and enjoy the beauty and culture that makes Thailand a tourism hotspot. Hence, it is recommended to take some time off the things to do in Phuket and head to Phi Phi Islands for some time. 

Cost: You can travel via ferry or speedboat. A one-way ferry trip would cost between Rs.1200 and Rs.1800. A speedboat would be more expensive, costing about Rs.2800. If you are travelling in a large group, it is not as pricey. You will often be accompanied by a guide on your journey and the price includes stopovers and food. 

Engaging with a place while you are on a trip is considerably enhanced when you start to learn about its significance in a cultural and historical context. Therefore, one of the most eye-opening things to do in Phuket is going on a heritage walk. While the aesthetically pleasing beaches deserve much of your time, make some time for other things to do in Phuket, specifically the old part of the city. The island used to be a hub for tin mining, which attracted traders from different parts of the world, namely European and Chinese. These foreign influences can be observed in the architecture in this part of town. Different streets in the area show you a distinct side to the town. For example, Krabi Road is where the Thai Hua Museum, Blue Elephant Mansion and Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion are situated. Pastel buildings hinting towards Chinese architecture entice travellers’ attention to Romanee Street too. Other streets with notable places to visit and things to do in Phuket are Ranong Road, Ratsada Road, Thalang Road, Dibuk Road and Phang Nga Road. Some of the unmissable things to do in Phuket include a visit to The Memory at On On Hotel (a heritage hotel brought to the limelight by the film The Beach), Phra Pitak Chinpracha (accommodates Blue Elephant Mansion, a renowned establishment for Thai food), Thavorn Hotel Museum (a vintage edifice) and China Inn (an antique furniture shop). History buffs will be lured inside the Thai Hua Museum, a centre describing Sino-Portugeuse presence in Thailand. You can learn plenty about the order of things to do in Phuket that led to the huge influx of the Chinese population in Thailand. There is detailed information about the extensive industry of tin mining on the island too. Apart from the starkly different architecture and rich heritage, what makes this corner of the island stand out to tourists is the awe-inspiring eateries. Take a break from things to do in Phuket on your heritage trail to dine at some of the following places – Boonrat Dim Sum, Andaman Fishball Noodle, Mee Ao Ke, Tunk-Ka Cafe, Torry’s Ice cream and Coffs and Burgh. During your walk, you can observe the underlying spiritual aspect of the island in the religious things to see in Phuket. Next to the On On Hotel lies the Shrine of Serene Light, an intricately designed temple constructed in 1889. Then, you can visit Jui Tui Shrine which is dedicated to the Chinese God of the Arts, Tean Hu Huan Soy. A commonly held belief is that you can know about your future through fortune sticks. If you want to delve into the busy life of the locals, your things to do in Phuket itinerary should have the Phuket Town Central Market and the Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market. These spots are impeccable to observe the stripped-down lifestyle of Phuketians as well as savour some street food. 

Cost: This tour generally lasts for four to five hours and costs between Rs.4000 to Rs.5000. Lunch, pick-up and drop-off are mostly included. Instead of going on an organised tour, it is possible for you to execute a do-it-yourself tour and decrease the amount you spend on things to do in Phuket here. 

It is unsurprising that one of the best things to do in Phuket is to go on a food tour since it is a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. This island may be every water baby’s dream, but it is also a heavenly destination for gourmands. Food here has received global acclaim for several reasons: this multi-cultural city deems high significance to food in daily life and rituals, traditional recipes are kept alive through generations, there is an evident inclination towards innovation and the amiable attitude of the locals in sharing the cuisine with the rest of the world adds to its popularity. Budget food joints, luxury restaurants and street stalls – you can get a taste of Thailand through a variety of settings. What sets Phuket apart from the rest of the country is the eclectic cuisine it offers which cannot be found anywhere else. It has a long history of foreign influences that have infiltrated their way into the cuisine. Hence, you will be able to detect European, Chinese, Indian and Malaysian dishes easily while on your trip, in addition to the authentic Thai flavours. It is essential to check off a food tour from your things to do in Phuket list if you want to get a deep understanding of Phuket’s culinary offerings. Some of the quintessential Phuketian dishes that will enhance your culinary experience on the island are mee hokkien, loba, oh eaw, kuay tiew, geng kheaw wan gai, moo hong, oh tao, khanom jeen, naam prik kung siap, mee hun, apong and tom kha gai. While food appeases your taste buds on the tour, joining a food tour also includes learning about the Phuketian heritage, cultures and traditions. 

Cost: A food tour for half a day that could include pick-up and drop-off, besides the cost of diverse dishes you will be tasting and guiding you through the culinary heritage of the country will cost you about Rs.5000. This may also include having an opportunity to partake in other local things to do in Phuket.

A lot of people who land up in Thailand can not be bothered with the umpteen things to do in Phuket – they only come for the side of the island that comes alive as the sun goes down. Even if you are not very keen on going to parties, one of the major things to do in Phuket is experiencing the wild side of it, and Bangla Road is the best site for that. Characterised by neon boards, loud music, cheap alcohol and ecstatic strangers – the energy of this street is infectious. Of all the things to do in Phuket, the ones on Bangla Road will definitely prove to be noteworthy. Both sides of the street are packed with bars, pubs and clubs, each of which will be competing for your attention. Most of them are open from the front, so you can peek inside to gauge their vibe before deciding which one to commit to for a perfect epicurean evening. As you step inside these establishments, you will be lured by the moody lights and the spirited ambience which successfully create an idiosyncratic setting severed from the outside world. Even if you conclude to spend your time outside and delve into other available things to do in Phuket, you will not be disappointed. The music from the clubs and the chatter of other groups conglomerate into diffused noise to which street performers happily jive to. Other things to do in Phuket that you can do here are shop for souvenirs in the vivid markets or gorge on the food laid out by street vendors. To conclude, things to do in Phuket on this part of the island are sure to help you destress and have a night of pure amusement. 

Cost: Drinks at the bars here are pretty cheap. A pint of beer can cost you between Rs.100 and Rs.200 and cocktails would be in the range of Rs.450 to Rs. 950. 

Phuket Fantasea describes itself as ‘the ultimate cultural theme park’, and it is hard to contest this claim. One of the most culturally immersive things to do in Phuket, this show is an elaborate and extravagant display of Thai tradition fused with fantasy. You are bound to lose yourself to the intriguing storyline of the performance, but your eyes will certainly be aesthetically delighted owing to the absolute vibrancy and celebration that is put up on stage. With a cast of over a hundred actors, trapeze performers and animals, there is not one dull moment in the show. The main event begins at 9 PM. Keep in mind that no cameras are allowed and by extension, smartphones. It is unlikely you will miss your devices because whether you are travelling with kids, friends or the elderly, everyone’s eyes are going to be glued to the stage the entire time. The theatre extravaganza is situated inside a theme park where you can find other things to do in Phuket. Besides feasting your eyes on the ornate setting of the place, you can keep yourself busy by participating in things to do in Phuket offered here, such as playing carnival games, going on shopping sprees and hogging food. If you want a fun-filled evening that emphasises Thai culture in an exaggerated yet engrossing manner, put this place on your things to do in Phuket itinerary.

Cost: The ticket for only the show costs about Rs.4200. For a package that includes the show and buffet, adults’ tickets are for about Rs.5200 and children’s passes are priced at Rs.4700. These tickets guarantee free entry to the park and the things to do in Phuket in offering within its complex.  

The Big Buddha is probably the most revered and iconic structure in Phuket. As you hike up Nakkerd Hill, you can gaze at the 45-metre-tall statue of Gautam Buddha towering from a distance. Constructed with concrete and coated with white marble, the large statue enjoys a marvelous panoramic view of the island. Since it has acquired the status of a significant landmark on the island, paying it a visit has become one of the top voted things to do in Phuket. Be prepared to find throngs of tourists revelling in the beauty and spirituality of the setting along with you – thousands of people come here every day! The sunset is a brilliant time to catch a breath-taking view of the orange sky. 

Cost: This is one of the things to do in Phuket that is free of cost. However, there will be plenty of donation boxes where you can choose to donate some money. The funds for the spot’s maintenance comes entirely from the charity of tourists and devoted visitors.

Phuket’s Simon Cabaret will add a splash of colour and life into an ordinary evening, turning it into a time you will remember long after you have left the island. A  large number of tourists fill the seats of the auditorium every night to be part of one of the most interesting things to do in Phuket, which is why three shows are organised every night. Although multiple shows are held, each production differs from the other. A memorable performance is put forth by people in drag in an ostentatious setting, presenting different facets of musical theatre across countries and cultures. This passionate and flamboyant display of dancing and singing is not to be missed. Moreover, catching a night show of these renditions after tiring yourself with the many things to do in Phuket, you will find yourself thoroughly relaxed and entertained. 

Cost: You can reward yourself with this glamorous show for approximately Rs. 1800. VIP seats in the theatre are priced at about Rs.2300. If you are travelling with a child, a regular ticket will cost Rs.1400 and the VIP pass is for about Rs.1800.

Written by Shruti Mishra, an in-house Tripoto writer.

Frequent search terms leading to this page:-

top things to do in phuketcraziest things to do in phuket, non touristy things to do in phuket, things to do in phuket at night, what to do in phuket, things to see in phuket, things to do in phuket for couple, things to do in phuket for family