Things to Do in Phuket
As you may imagine, being a tourist destination, there is plenty to do and see in Phuket. Some of the attractions are VERY touristy such as Phuket Fantasea or Simon Cabaret (neither of which really interest me), other places (the kinds we like) are a little of the beaten track. Sure, we go to some touristy places too, but I just want to say that Phuket is a big island and it's great to get out and explore. I guess this whole blog is about "things to do", so please take some time to explore Jamie's Phuket!
Things to Do / Places to see on/near Phuket Island
"Attractions"
There are many more so called attractions than can be mentioned here. I prefer the natural beauty of Phuket - small beaches, views, quiet back streets, laid back seafood restaurants and so on rather than organised tourist fun, but the more I think about it, the more I realise how much Phuket has to offer...
• Phang Nga Bay
• Phuket Aquarium
• Phuket Butterfly Garden
• Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
• Kayaking in the Mangroves
• Khao Sok National Park
• Thalang National Museum
• Phuket Thai Hua Museum
• Phuket Zoo - Phuket Zoo Update
• Phuket Crocodile Farm
• Dino Park Mini Golf
• Weekend Market
• Phuket Cable Ski
• Scuba Diving in Phuket
• Liveaboard Diving in Phuket
• Old Phuket Town
• Phuket Gateway
• Day Trip to Phi Phi
• Boat Lagoon
• Surfing in Phuket
• Golf in Phuket
Waterfalls in Phuket
Don't be expecting too much from the waterfalls in Phuket. I've read some guide books and online guides suggesting fantastic jungle cascades.. well, not as such. Nevertheless, there are several small waterfalls and they do serve to get you some fresh air, a bit of jungle time and some exercise.
• Kathu Waterfall
• Ton Sai Waterfall
• Bang Pae Waterfall
There is so much to see and do in Phuket. It's not just beaches and organised tours. This is a big island. Get out and explore! I suggest at least one of the following:
• Get up some Hills and Viewpoints such as:
• The Big Buddha
• Kata Viewpoint
• Rang Hill
• Visit one of the many Temples in Phuket - among the most popular are:
• Chalong Temple
• Wat Phra Tong
• Karon Temple
• Get a boat trip to an offshore Island - try these:
• Koh Kaew Yai
• Koh Yao Noi
• Go and explore Phuket Town - I always find something of interest there...
• Phuket Town Photo Walk
Take a walk...
Phuket is not a hikers paradise. There's very little in the way of trails. You can hike at the waterfalls a bit, or you can go to several places where many locals gather to exercise in the late afternoon. We often go to:
• Chalong Jetty
• Bang Wad Dam and Reservoir
• Suan Luang Park in Phuket Town
Phuket Beaches
Naturally there are many beaches in Phuket. The main tourist beaches are Patong, Kata and Karon, but if you make a little effort, you can find smaller, quieter beaches all over the island. After all, most people come to Phuket for the beaches....
• Phuket Beaches - Introduction
• Karon Beach
• Quiet Beaches Part I - Ao Sane & Ya Nui
• Quiet Beaches Part II - Laem Ka
• Nai Yang Beach
• Naithon Beach
• Layan Beach
• Rawai Beach
• Tri Trang and Paradise Beaches
• Kamala Beach
Festivals in Phuket
If you happen to be here at the right time of year... Songkran is April 13th, Loy Kratong sometime in November (it's a lunar festival, so dates change), and the amazing Phuket vegetarian festival is sometime around early October. Unmissable.
• Phuket Festivals - Introduction
• Phuket Vegetarian Festival (2008 Photos)
• Songkran - new photos April 13th 2009!
• Loy Krathong
Much more to come as time goes by... I need way more blogging time! I try to add to this blog at least weekly. Bookmark Jamie's Phuket now if you're planning a trip to Phuket sometime in the future!
Local radio - when in Phuket tune your wireless to 91.5 FM Phuket Radio!
A few more things.... Here's a few weblinks to attractions that are not on the Phuket blog. Some are rather touristy and I am not sure if I will ever visit, some I just have not got round to yet, some will certainly be blogged sometime!
Phuket Fantasea
Simon Cabaret Show
Phuket Bungy Jump - used to live near here and we know the owners well.
John Gray Sea Canoe
Go Kart Speedway - I know the owner and really ought to blog it!
Phuket Sailing Tours
Jamie's Phuket - The Real Phuket!
phuket information : Phuket Weather | Phuket Hotels | Phuket Scuba Diving
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Comments on "Things to Do in Phuket"
Hi Jamie,
I will be visiting Phuket in May but thinking to rent a car since we're planning to visit and eat at the places you've recommended. Will you recommend the best/cheapest car renting in Patong? If we are to get a bike, is it safe, as some forums actually don't recommend that.
Thanks.
Well... I've not really mentioned renting cars and bikes on the blog yet. Bikes are safe if you know how to ride, keep left, wear a helmet, drive safely and keep your eyes open. Cars are safer.
I'm not sure if they are the best or cheapest but I have used VIA car rent in the past:
www.via-phuket.com
Phuket is a big island. A bike is OK for small areas like Kata/Rawai/Naiharn, but to explore the north and east, a car is much better. Plus you can drive up to Phang Nga, Khao Sok or even Krabi.
Have a great trip!
Jamie
Hi jamie,
I will be in phuket for 4 days. tell me how should I utilise these 4 days at its best. Thanks
Well, dr suhas... it's not for me to tell you what to do. I have no idea of what interests you. Beaches? Nightlife? Temples? Shopping? Scenery? Have a look through this blog and have a look at phuket.com.. and enjoy those 4 days.
Hi Jamie,
I have to choose between phang nga white water rafting+ elephant trekking or Khaolak rafting + safari for a day. Which one is better?
They sound almost exactly the same... but I would not miss Phang Nga Bay.
I am definitely going to visit phang nga bay by cruise but just wanted ur opinion abt the rafting. hich is the best place, khao lak or phang nga river
I do not know. I have not been rafting here... have been on the Zambezi, in Chile and in Wales... My best answer is that the two options you have are the same.
Further questions by email!
Hi Jamie! Chanced upon your website whilst looking for information on Phuket.
I will be living in Patong Beach Hotel during my trip to Phuket, and I will like to take some pictures reflecting Phuket's characteristic urban/city architecture, people and culture.
Will Old Phuket Town be a good choice? Is it "urban/city" enough? Also, how far is it from where I am staying?
Also, any other suggestions?
THANKS!
Old Phuket Town is certainly the place to go.
Old Phuket Town
Thanks Jamie! A few more quick questions.
How far is Old Phuket Town from Patong Beach Hotel? Will it take half a day's journey?
Also, any other places around Old P.T.(doesn't have to be around as well) that you recommend?
ANDm anything that I shouldn't miss while staying in Phuket?
Lastly,I want to see some temples at Wat Chakong. Is this area very far as well?
Sorry, need help here, as I am going to plan an itineary :)
Phuket Town about 20 minutes drive from Patong beach. Chalong Temple about 25 minutes. Get a map when you arrive! Plenty more temples too, see:
Phuket Temples
Hi Jamie,
Will be visiting Phuket in September and will be staying in Kata Beach. Is it difficult to get to Phang Nga Bay from our hotel in Kata beach? Do u know what will be the best mode of transportation to take and average cost?
Thanks.
Hi Jamie,
Fristly let me congratulate you on an excellent blog. I will be visiting Phuket in Mid Nov on nmy honeymoon. I have booked a hotel in Phang Nga bay and after that in Patong beach. Just wanted a piece of advice from you, that soon after arriving at the airport how can i reach the phang nga bay from the airport and the average cost i have to pay. Please guide me about the land and sea tranfers. Thanks!!
Hi Jamie,
I'll be visiting Phuket in November, and was wondering if you can recommend any beachfront places that are reasonable? Also, should I book in advance or would it be ok to just show up?
Thanks!
Phuket Hotel Recommendations
Book ahead if you are sure of your dates. See:
Phuket Hotels at Agoda.com
Hi Jamie,
Im staying in phuket for 10 days in december. Where do i go for a good time? I want some funnnn nightlife, dancing, drinking etc etc etc :)
also, where do i get the best designer rip offs in phuket, its always been more expensive than bangkok i found.. but i know theres a few golden spots. any suggestions?
Louise
Well, Louise, this blog is not really about nightlife, dancing, drinking and rip offs, but if you want to come all the way to Thailand for that, then Patong Beach is the place for you. I suggest Club Lime for dancing. Have never been myself, since I dance like a hippo.
hey jamie...
me and sum of my gurl friends are planing to visit phuket end of this month & we are in our early 20s. wer r mostly intersted in swimming and sun bathing, beach activities and the night life and shopping!
was wondering is the weather good at this time?
am in interested in patong beach and i cant really find a suitable hotel for abt 40 to 50 US DOLLARS!
i need a very clean hotel! do you know any?
Hi Jamie,
Me and a couple of friends will be heading over to phuket in dec and we will be staying over at Kata beach. We plan to head over to Phang Nga and phi phi for some of their tours, any recommendations? Also, should we book online beforehand or is it best to go over there and check them out instead? Are there any interesting things to do around kata beach too? Thanks.
Hello Jamie, been trying to find a search button on the website but with no luck, so don't know if you have this on your site. If you want a nice quiet day out do go take a look at Ao Po (Po Bay). Turn off at Heroines monument and nice peaceful (yes peaceful!!) drive through little muslim villages, nice forest land. There's a whopping great mosque being built near Ao Po - it looks like it'll be a fabulous looking building when finished. Turn off by the mosque for the pier, some eateries and nice views. You won't find any girlie bars at this end of the island (but you can still get a beer!). Further round from the mosque turnoff, take directions to the Chandara resort. Next to it is a new marina being built. Some terrific views of Phanga Nga bay from the marina itself. Just pretend you're looking for a berth for your superyacht!
Sure the whole Northeast of Phuket has some great scenery. Ao Po was nicer some years ago, but it's starting to get new houses/villas/appartments now.. still quiet.. have not really considered an "Ao Po" blog page. We like to drive around the Bang Rong/Bang Pae area. A couple of restaurants we like around there - Bang Pae Seafood and the floating restaurant at Bang Rong. That whole area is "another Phuket" I agree.
Hi Jamie,
I have read your site with great interest. However, I still have some queries which could not be answered. Can you help? Appreciated.
(1)We plan to book a day trip around Phuket(Phang Nga,Khao Sok National Park, etc) and another day trip around Krabi(Krabi National Park,Hong Island,etc). Which will be a cheaper alternative? To book on-line from tour agent in advanced or book it when I am in Phuket? We will be arriving in Phuket on 12th Jan morning and our trip is on 13th and 14th Jan.
(2) How about renting a car to drive up to these interesting places (Phang Nga,Khao Sok,Ao Nang,etc)? Will it be more cost effective than to book a tour trip?
(3) We will travel to Phi Phi Don on 15th Jan and back to Phuket on 18th Jan. Should we book the ferry ticket in advanced (on-line) or to book it when we arrived in Phuket on 12th Jan? We would prefer a cheaper alternative.
Thanks!
Hi Darren,
Wish I had time to answer!
Quickly - book everything here at a travel agent or your hotel. Day trips to Phang Nga and Krabi not expensive, Driving a car is nice, but you cannot drive a car on the water. Book ferry ticket when you get here also. And I would worry more about quality than cheaper, cost effective, cheaper. :)
Hi Jamie,
That case, I shall leave the rest of outstanding "items to do" when we arrived in Phuket. I've just compared the on-line pricing and buying it directly through the hotel/tour agent in Phuket. It costs more for on-line booking. Thanks for the invaluable advice.
Cheers.......Darren
Hi Jamie,
We are a family of 6 who are coming in APril. WE are in our twenties together with our parents and spouse.
What are the things to do since we have only 4 days in Phuket. Have not make any reservation on where to stay and we are on a budget.
Any advise? My parents love shopping and eating while my husband and I love the beach..
Well, really... if the main aims are shopping, eating and beach then you can't go wrong! Hope you might look at this blog a bit for some ideas of things to do OFF the beach. Eating - my only hint is, don't eat at overpriced seafront restaurants with bands playing hits of the 70's. Unless you like that kind of thing. Shopping - Patong or Phuket Town, try Central festival Mall or Jungcelyon mall or the weekend market..
hey Jamie,
juz a quick check with u, weekend market is it something similiar to the chatuchak market over at bangkok ?? meaning only available from friday to sunday? do u know the opening hours & location?? as for the metered taxi in Phuket, max is 3 persons in a taxi??
Thanks
Hi Jamie..
Came across your blog and find it very interesting.. I'm going to phuket in March & will be staying in patong beach.. need recommendations on Muslim restaurants..
Hi Jamie,
I've been viewing your Informaic blog for all the info before i travel to Phuket, just to check with you, basically what is the current price for the tour such as (phi phi and Phang Nga) bcoz most of the site tat i've seems not updated.
Tks
Not sure on tour prices, I don't take tours :) - I think phuket-travel.com will have updated prices, but these tours are so very easy to book when you are here from any tour desk or from your hotel.
Hi Jamie,
I'm travelling to Phuket in late March with my Husband, in-laws and my 11 year old and 1 year old daughters.
We've been to Phuket numerous times without the kids but realise our old antics are now not suitable for a family. I've read a few of your blogs but having a 1 y.o. doesn't allow too much time so I was hoping you could suggest some must do's with the kids ie Phuket Zoo
Also, my youngest is lactose intolerant - this is probably a very naive question but are you aware if lactose free milk is available in the supermarkets?
Appreciate your help,
Cheers Holly
Not sure about lactose free milk - what about soya milk - lots of that available.
As for the 1 year old - we took our kids all over when they were 1, on trips to Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, no problem, do it!
:)
Hi Jamie,
My husband and I are planning to visit Phuket this summer we know it is low season but this is the only time we can. I want to ask you when the weather is less rainy in June or by last week of July?
Re: Weather in June and July.
If I had to make a decision I would go for July. You can check weather reports from the last few years on my weather blog:
Phuket Weather Blog
Hi Jamie,
We are visiting phuket in march/april of 2009. we are on somewhat of a budget, what does transport cost, dinner etc.
Very nice and informative site!!!!
Kind regards
Hi Jamie, firstly love your site, I have spent a good few hours pouring over the information here. I have a question regarding the beaches in August. Do you recommend one that perhaps is safer to swim over an other?
Weather in August can be very nice - you may get swimmable beaches. The red flags will fly pretty much all summer as a warning, but some days are obviously better than others. If it looks rough, don't swim except in your hotel pool.
Kata would be better than Karon and I think Nai Yang looks pretty calm most of the time.
A very useful link -
Some Tips on How Not to Drown on your Thai Holiday
hi
I will be visiting Phuket this september, and need massage and nightlife at a budgeted price, any advise
So tempted to leave a reply like "have a w*nk and buy some beers at 7-11"... but when all's said and done, I will delete the comment. Sorry, this is not a nightlife blog :(
Hi,
Your blog has been very informative.
I along with three others are coming to Phuket via superatar virgo cruise on 22 sept.
Want to hire a cab,local shopping, have Thai massage,local vegetarian food.
As the time is short. Please suggest,if possible,the places for these purposes
Raj
Hi Jamie,
A nice website ...and i got many ideas through it thanks for the same will recommend it to my friends .......i will be in phuket along with my wife in late oct 09 and will spend 4 nights ..here ...and then we will move on to Phi-phi...in phuket we will either be at royal paradise hotel or thara patong beach resort ....any idea on which is better in terms of service /cleanliness and overall experience .....as i did not find any mention of these 2 in your site ....hence was wondering...( as both are in the middle of the town--our preference )....also is there a similar blog /site which will throw some light on Phi-phi Island ....thanks in advance for your help !
Regards,
Rah
Hello Rah/Raj,
No there is little mention of Patong Beach on my blog, as it is the most developed and unpretty piece of Phuket. So, which hotel is best? I cannot say. I do have a large section on this blog devoted to hotel recommendations - see here:
Recommended Hotels in Phuket
If you want in-your-face tourism, either of those hotels will do fine, but don't expect to see much of Thailand in Patong.
Phi Phi - I know of no blogger for Phi Phi. Small place. Go and stay a couple of days. Much better than a day trip.
Dear Jamie,
Thank you in advance for the information you are puting on your blog.
It really helps me to plan my holiday in Phuket in the second half of November 2009.
I love the way you write your infomation, and made a few notes about things I want to do.
Besides the things that I am going to visit during the day, I also go visit the nightlife. I do not ask for information, because there are a lot of sites with information. That is why I appriciate your effort to tell other things about Phuket.
Again thank you for your work, and hope that you visit my site about photografie.
When I am back I will let you know what I did.
With much regards,
Roelof Heikens
The Netherlands
www.foto-artiest.nl
My husband and I are travelling to Phuket for 2 weeks in January from Africa - first time leaving the kids behind so are looking for a nice relaxing beach holiday. Have been through the various websites and to be honest there is just so much and lots of contradictions.
Where would you advise to stay?
Hi Shelly,
It's hard to suggest which beach or which hotel would suit you exactly... I'd avoid Patong if you want peace and quiet. Try looking at some of the hotel recommendations on this blog:
• Phuket Hotels
please do add your comments ...