11 x Best Things to do in Phuket Thailand

Phuket is the largest and most well-known of Thailand's islands. Famous for its blue Andaman Sea waters and expansive white sand beaches. Limestone Karsts rise high above the sea, where sea caves can be explored, while back on land, the unique tropical jungle backdrop adds to the island's allure.

Photo by Vitaly Sacred on Unsplash

Phuket is one of Thailand's most popular tourist attractions. There are so many attractions in Phuket to satisfy every visitor, in stark contrast to the rush and bustle of Bangkok or the alpine atmosphere of Chiang Mai.

Phuket is a terrific place to visit all year. The monsoon season lasts from mid-May through October. While it will be more humid during this time, it will only rain once or twice daily, with intense but brief downpours. The weather is pleasant and bright all year, and the only difference in what to do in Phuket is the availability of numerous activities.

1. Patong Beach

Patong Beach is Phuket's most famous beach resort town, with a 3 km long beach, an enormous selection of hotels, restaurants, shops, and legendary nightlife. Patong has a well-deserved reputation for being a party town with wild nightlife. What many find appealing is frequently what others find offensive. Patong can be big, bold, crowded, bright, and loud in average years, but millions flock here yearly like flies on honey. 

2. Diving

Phuket is a diving lover's paradise. Phuket has various excellent dive sites, ranging from the stunning corals off nearby Coral Island to visiting a real-life wreck. You can take a Day trip from Phuket to the Similan Islands, which are believed to have some of the best dive locations in Thailand, if not the world.

3. Shopping at Night Markets

Phuket has a diverse range of night markets that you can visit. Each has distinct charms, but they offer exciting souvenirs at reasonable prices. They're a great place to try local street food and snacks; some even have live music and street performances. Because they are open in the evenings, you won't get too hot while shopping.

4. Ziplining in Phuket

Phuket's small island landscape and geography make it perfect for the most exciting zipline activity. You can hover approximately 40 meters above ground level over the green territory. The aerial view of the beautiful green rainforest is spectacular. Similarly, ziplining provides you with much-needed thrills and adrenaline.

5. Go Snorkelling

Phuket's tropical waters are perfect for snorkeling since they are transparent, peaceful, warm, and teem with colorful marine life. The most delicate areas to watch sea life are usually beaches with rocky shorelines, such as Ya Nui Beach or the point between Kata Beach and Kata Noi Beach. Snorkeling is possible all year in Phuket. However, the peak season is from November to April.

6. Explore Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town, located in the island's southeast corner, is a picturesque neighborhood that reveals remnants of the island's colonial past. Phuket once had a thriving tin mining industry, so many Sino-Portuguese, Chinese, and Malay immigrants came here to make a fortune from the favored metal.

The colorful architecture and elaborate mansions of wealthy foreigners still stand today, allowing visitors to see the various cultures established here.

7. Watch the Entertaining Show of Siam Niramit

There is no lack of sightseeing chances in Phuket, but if you want to learn about Thailand's rich cultural history, you must watch the Siam Niramit Show. The glorious event is hosted just outside town, near the by-pass road. It contains some of the most stunning costumes you'll ever see, not to mention the performers' excellent performances.

8. Visit the Khao Khad Viewpoint

Head to the top of a high, lonely hill on the island's southeast peninsula for a clear view of the city. The Khao Khad Viewpoint, generally known as the Panwa Viewpoint due to its location in Phuket's Cape Panwa district, is located here.

This watchtower offers breathtaking views of Phuket's turquoise ocean and the craggy features of the island's southern shore. When looking north, you can see Phuket Town, and in the other direction, you can see different beaches and islands merging with the water.

9. Explore Phang Nga Bay

Phang Nga's breathtaking scenery has always been at the top of the list of places to visit. There are numerous ways to investigate it. You can grab a lazy sunset cruise on a Chinese Junk or canoe through caves and enclosed lagoons in Phang Nga. A full day on a private cruise around Phang Nga is the most relaxing and satisfying experience if you can afford it. These landscapes, like the famous Halong Bay in Vietnam, will leave you with unforgettable memories.

10. Visit Phuket Big Buddha

The Big Buddha, visible from most of the south of Phuket, sits atop the Nakkerd Hills and looks down on Chalong, Kata, and Rawai. It is 45 meters tall and costs 30 million baht to build. A smaller golden image, made of solid brass, stands next to it, and there's also a shrine near the site's parking lot. The drive up to the Big Buddha passes through some lovely jungle, and the view from the top is enhanced if you bring a map to help you identify the many sights.

11. Watch a Thai Boxing battle

A Muay Thai Boxing battle is one of the most exciting things to experience in Phuket. This fast-paced fighting sport is famous among locals. Muay Thai boxing athletes are outstanding, with lightning-fast skill and deft technique. Patong Boxing Stadium is the local boxing arena where you can watch a match or even participate in a Muay Thai class.