Best Things To Do in Phuket, Thailand
Phuket is the largest of Thailand’s southern islands, located off the southern tip of mainland Asia. It’s a popular destination for beach lovers thanks to its long stretch of white sand beaches and turquoise waters. But it’s much more than just a place to relax – there’s plenty to see and do here too.
Here we pick out our favorite must-visit attractions in Phuket:
1. Explore Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga bay is one of the world’s best scuba diving destinations for a day trip. This beautiful landscape offers something for everyone – from snorkelling to kayaking, swimming, fishing, sailing, surfing, and much more.
There are many ways to explore Phang Nga bay. Some people like to relax on a Chinese junk while others prefer to explore the area by canoe through caves and enclosures. Those who want to enjoy the beauty of nature without having to do anything themselves can simply sit back and let someone else do the work.
If you can afford it, taking a private cruiser tour around Phang Nga bay is the most relaxing and entertaining way to spend a day. A private cruiser allows you to enjoy the beauty of the islands and waters of Phang Nga bay, while being taken care of by professionals.
2. Take a Trip to Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi beach is located about 15 minutes away from Kata beach. This little gem is a great spot to spend a day relaxing and enjoying the views. If you’re looking for something different, why not try snorkeling here. There are plenty of fish to see around the rocks and coral reefs. You could even rent a kayak and paddle out into the sea to explore further.
The beach itself is quite small but there is still enough space to lay down a towel and enjoy the sun. A few restaurants serve up local seafood dishes and there are several bars where you can grab yourself a cold beer.
In terms of facilities, toilets, showers and changing rooms are available. For those seeking shade, umbrellas and parasols can be rented too.
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3. Nai Harn Beach
Situated in the south of Koh Phangan is Nai Harn beach. This is one of the most beautiful beaches on the island and attracts many tourists each year. With its beautiful soft white sand and crystal clear waters, there are plenty of reasons why people come here.
The beach itself is located on the southern side of the island and is surrounded by lush green tropical vegetation. There are numerous restaurants along the shore selling delicious food from Thailand, including some very famous dishes such as Pad See Ew, Tom Yum Goong and Chang Beer. In addition to eating out, you can enjoy the sea breeze while sitting under a tree and watching the sunset over the ocean.
4. Climb to Big Buddha of Phuket
The Big Buddha is an icon of Phuket and represents the spirit of the island. This unique monument sits atop a hill in the southern part of the island overlooking Khao Lak Beach and the Andaman Sea.
In 2002, the Thai government approved plans to build a 45 meter high statue of Lord Buddha out of white marble. The project is entirely funded by public donation.
You can sponsor one small piece of marble and sign your name on it. Your name will be there forever and you will help support the ongoing maintenance of the statue.
5. Explore Old Phuket Town
Phuket’s old town offers a glimpse into the past, with charming colonial architecture and numerous historic buildings dating back to the Portuguese occupation of the island during the 17th century. There are several interesting sights worth seeing in Phuket’s old quarter, including the old Chinese temple, the old British Consulate building, and the Japanese house museum.
The best part about exploring Phuket’s old quarters is that it’s easy to do. The old town is compact enough to cover within a couple hours’ walking distance. And since it’s located just west of Patong Beach, you’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants nearby.
6. Visit Chalong Temple
Chalong Temple is one of the biggest temples in Phuket, located about 20 kilometers south of Patong Beach. This is where you’ll find the famous stupa, housing a piece of bone from the founder of Buddhism, Siddhartha Gautama.
The temple is home to over 2,500 monks, including some who are very old. They live here together with their families; children play outside while parents work inside.
You can enter the temple compound without paying anything, but it’s advisable to make a donation. There’s a small shop selling souvenirs just beside the main entrance. Don’t forget to bring a little something back with you – there’s nothing better than a nice gift for friends and family when you come back from holiday!
7. Explore the many Night Markets!
Phuket has a lot more night markets than you might think. There are plenty of places where you can find everything from Thai food to jewelry. In fact, there are even night markets within the night markets. Whether it’s the Sunday Walking Street Market on Thalang Road or the Friday Night Bazaar on Patong Beach Road, there are always something interesting happening.
The best thing about the night markets is that they are always free. You don’t need to spend money buying anything; just walk around and enjoy yourself.
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8. Visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is one of Thailand’s most popular tourist attractions. In fact, it’s one of the largest sanctuaries in Asia. But did you know that there are many myths surrounding elephants? And that riding them is dangerous? If you want to experience the real Thailand, then you must go to the Phuket Elephant sanctuary. Here, you can see how elephants live in the wild, learn about their behavior and even take part in activities like bathing and feeding them.
9. Andamanda Phuket Water Park
Andamanda Phuket, a huge new water park located in the heart of the island, is set to open later this month.
The park covers a staggering 100 000 square metres and includes 25 rides, slides and attractions.
There are three main areas within the park; there is a wave pool, a lazy river and a children’s playground.
The wave pool is home to four different types of wave machines, each one offering a unique experience. There is also a large body slide and a small tube ride.
The second part of the park is the lazy river, which stretches over 10,000 square meters and features a variety of different sections.
One section is a long looping course, while another offers a gentle stream with lots of twists and turns.
Finally, there is a children’s play zone, complete with a pirate ship and a giant climbing wall.
10. Take a Wander to Karon View Point
Kata Noi beach is located in southern Thailand’s Krabi province and sits just to the south of the town of Karon. This is where you will find the famous Karon view point. This is a great place to take photographs and soak up some rays. There are plenty of people here taking photos of each other too.
The viewpoint looks out over the sea in both directions and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. You can see the three west coast beaches in the distance and there is even a small pier right next to the viewpoint.
If you want to go somewhere else while you are here, you could head down to the nearby Karon Beach and Khao Lak beach. Here you can enjoy the pristine white sand and clear water. Or maybe you want to go snorkelling off the shoreline.
11. Spend a Night Out on Bangla Road
Bangla Road is a popular nightlife destination in Dhaka, Bangladesh. This area is known for its lively atmosphere and vibrant culture. In fact, it is often referred to as “the party capital of Dhaka.” During the day, the streets are filled with people shopping, eating lunch, and just enjoying life. But once the sun sets, everything changes. The roads close off to cars and taxis, and the crowds start to pour out onto the sidewalks, where live music plays and food vendors sell drinks and snacks.
The best thing about spending time on Bangla Road is that there really isn’t anything else like it in the world. You’ll find lots of different types of restaurants, pubs, clubs, and even some clothing stores. And because the place is still relatively small, you’re sure to run into friends and family members along the way.
12. Take a walk on the famous beaches of Phi Phi Islands
The Phi Phi islands are located just off the southern tip of Thailand, about 70 kilometers west of Krabi. They are home to some of the best beaches in Southeast Asia. These beautiful white sandy shores are known for their clear waters, crystal blue sea and breathtaking views.
Phi Phi Don National Park is a protected area covering over 200 square miles of land and ocean. This park features several small islands, including the main one, Phi Phi Don. There are many things to do here, including snorkeling, diving, hiking, kayaking, and even whale watching.
Explore the islands by taking a boat tour, and enjoy the amazing scenery along the way. You can take a short cruise around the island, or you can go on a longer excursion to discover the hidden gems of the region.
There are plenty of activities to keep you busy on Phi Phi Don, whether you’re looking for adventure or relaxation. From dolphin watching tours, to zip lining, parasailing, scuba diving, fishing, cycling, jeep safari, elephant trekking, swimming with dolphins, cave exploring, rock climbing, snorkelling, birdwatching, kayaking, and much more.
Afforable 4-star hotels: Holiday Inn Resort Phuket, Rak Elegant Hotel Patong, Woovo Phuket Patong.
13. Explore the ancient ruins of Chaiya
Chaiya was an important city during the Ayutthaya Kingdom era. It was built at the end of the 18th century, and later abandoned after only 50 years. Today, this site has been preserved as part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ancient Monuments of Khmer Empire in Cambodia.
This archaeological site consists of a large number of temples and other buildings, most of which were constructed using cut-stone from the Preah Vihear Mountain range. Its construction began between 1767 and 1779.
14. Visit the Elephant Nature Park
Visit the Elephant Nature Park and see for yourself how elephants are being rescued from a life of misery.
The Elephant Nature Park is located in Chiang Mai, Thailand. It was founded by Dr. Ian Bartle who has dedicated his life to rescuing abused elephants. The park is home to over 100 rescued elephants that have been rehabilitated and released back into the wild.
Elephant Nature Park (ENP) is a wildlife sanctuary situated near Chiang Mai, Thailand. Covering 434 acres, ENP provides a safe environment for elephants who have been rescued from various circuses and abusive situations.
Thailand’s government does not allow these animals to be used in shows anymore, so this is a good opportunity for visitors to get up close with them. Visitors can also volunteer at the sanctuary.
15. See the sunrise at Khao Sok National Park
Khao Sok National Park is a nature reserve in Surat Thani Province, Thailand. Covering 1,320 square kilometres, the park contains dense tropical rainforest, mangroves, rivers, limestone caves and waterfalls.
Khao Sok is well known for its annual full moon boat festival, where participants dress up in traditional costumes and celebrate with local culture.
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16. Go surfing at Railay Beach
Railay Beach is a beach on Ko Yao Noi Island, Thailand. It is famous for being one of the top surf spots in the world.
The sand is soft and fine, making it perfect for beginners. But if you want to challenge yourself, there are numerous breaks that will give you waves suitable for advanced surfers.
17. Hire a bike and cycle through the jungle
Railay Beach is a popular destination among tourists because it offers beautiful beaches and crystal clear waters.
Cycling is the best way to explore the surroundings while getting fresh air and keeping fit.
18. Watch the sunset at Koh Lanta Yai
Koh Lanta Yai is a bay located on the Andaman Sea coast of Krabi province in southern Thailand. The name means “Big Sand” in Thai.
It is home to some of the most spectacular sunsets in Asia.
19. Trek through the mountains
Trekking is another great activity here. There are many trails to choose from, but the most popular route goes through the lush mountain forest.
20. Try your hand at clay pot cooking
Claypot cooking is very common in Southern Thailand.
You’ll find restaurants serving food cooked in earthenware pots everywhere in the region.
21. Snorkel over coral reefs
Ko Yao Noi island is a small island off the coast of Krabi province.
There are several dive sites around the island, including Coral Garden, Big Rock and Shark Point.
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22. Swim with whale sharks
Whale shark encounters happen regularly around Koh Tao and Koh Samui islands. The most common sightings are of the white-tip reef sharks, which can be seen in shallow waters near the shoreline.
The best time to spot whale sharks is between November and April when they migrate from their winter feeding grounds off Thailand’s Andaman coast to warmer tropical waters. They feed on plankton and small fish along the way.
23. Explore the ancient ruins of Nakhon Si Thammarat
Nakhon Si Thamarat is an old city in the south of Thailand.
Excavation has revealed that it was first settled more than 2,000 years ago.
24. Learn how to cook Thai cuisine with this easy-to-follow guide.
Thai food is a fusion of Chinese, Indian and Southeast Asian cuisines. It’s also very popular in the United States because it’s so delicious and nutritious.
In Thailand, there are two main types of cooking: wet (or raw) and dry (or cooked). The former includes dishes like salads, soups, noodles, etc., while the latter includes curries, stir fries, steamed foods, etc.
25. Visit a silk farm
A visit to a silk farm is a fun day out in Chiang Rai. You can take part in the weaving process, learn about the history of silk production and even buy some souvenirs.
26. Take a cooking class
Cookery courses are offered all over Thailand. The most popular ones include Thai cooking, street food and seafood.
The following is a list of some of the best culinary schools in Bangkok:
1) Cooking School Bangkok (Thailand)
This school offers a wide range of classes from Thai cooking to street food. They also offer an introduction to Thai culture through their “Culture Club” program.
2) Cook & Travel Institute (Bangkok, Thailand)
3) Foodies Academy (Bangkok, Thailand )
4) Siam Kitchen (Bangkok, Thailand
5) Thai Street Food Academy (Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand)
27. Eat elephant dung
Elephant dung is widely regarded as a health tonic in Thailand.
The elephant’s digestive system works much like ours, and the feces of an adult elephant can weigh up to 200 pounds. The average weight of an elephant’s feces is about 30 pounds.
In addition to being used for fertilizer, it is also used as a medicine. In fact, the Thai government has designated the use of elephant dung as a national heritage product.
28. Drink beer made from rice
Beer is brewed using rice as the main ingredient.
The beer was first produced in Japan by a company called Kirin, which has been brewing beer for over 200 years. It’s now sold all around the world and it’s one of the most popular beers in China.
But there are some people who don’t like this type of beer because they think that it tastes too sweet. So they’ve started to make their own version of rice beer.
29. Get a massage
Thailand is the only country in Southeast Asia where massages are considered a form of medicine.
The massage industry has been growing rapidly, with an estimated 2 million people working as masseuses and masseurs in Thailand alone.
But despite its popularity, many Thais still have reservations about having their bodies touched by strangers.
30. Hang glide
Hang gliding is becoming increasingly popular in Thailand.
31. Have a go at Muay Boran (Thai boxing)
Muay boran is a martial art developed by the Khmer people living along the Mekong River in what is now northern Thailand.
32. See Buddhist temples
Buddhist temples are scattered across Thailand. They are found in every province and city, but the most famous ones are those of Bangkok.
Bangkok is a very large metropolis with many districts, each one has its own unique character. The best known district is Thonburi which is located on the west bank of Chao Phraya River. It is also called “the Venice of the East” because it has a maze of waterways that are perfect for floating down.
33. Shop till you drop
Shopping malls are found in every town throughout Thailand. The best known of these is the CentralWorld Mall, located on Rama I Road in Bangkok.
The shopping mall has a large number of shops and restaurants, as well as an indoor theme park called “Central World Adventure Park”. It also contains the largest cinema complex in Southeast Asia.
In addition to this, there are many other smaller shopping centres around Bangkok. These include:
Siam Paragon – Located in the center of Siam Square, Siam Paragon is connected to several BTS Skytrain stations including Saphan Taksin station.
Rajadamri – A commercial area near Erawan Shrine, Rajadamri is home to numerous high-end department stores such as EmQuartier, Gaysorn Plaza, Central Chidlom Department Store, and CentralChidlom.
Silom – Home to various shopping centers and street markets.
Lumphini – An upscale shopping area in the heart of the Lumpini Area.
Khao San Road – One of the oldest backpacker destinations in Bangkok, Khao San Road is full of guesthouses and cheap restaurants serving local dishes like Pad Thai.
34. Stay in a tree house
Tree houses have been built in various parts of Thailand. The most famous one is the house that was built by a Thai man who wanted to build his own home and he used only natural materials, such as bamboo and wood.
The house has an unusual design with a roof made from bamboo leaves. It also has a large window on each side of the house which allows plenty of light into the room.
This type of house is very popular in rural areas where access to building materials is not easy.
35. Surf the break at Surin Beach
Surfing is also possible at Surin Beach in the north of Thailand.
The island has a small airport with flights to Bangkok and Chumphon, but it’s not very busy. There are no direct buses from Phuket or Krabi; you have to take one to Surat Thani first. The bus station is on Thanon Khao Suan Kaew (Thanon Khao Suan Kaem). Buses run between Surat Thani and Surin roughly hourly until about 6 pm. From Surin beach, you can catch speedboats to Phang Nga Bay.
36. Try parasailing
Parasailing is a thrilling experience. It’s also one of the most dangerous sports in the world, and it’s only getting more popular.
The thrill comes from soaring above the ocean on a parasail that looks like an airplane with a parachute attached to it. The danger comes from the fact that you can easily lose your balance and fall into the water if something goes wrong.
In this article, we will tell you how to parasail without risking life or limb!
37. Walk on stilts
Stilt walkers perform daily shows in front of tourist hotels in Chiang Mai.
The stilt walker is a unique performer who performs on stilts and can be seen at night performing in the streets of Chiang Mai, Thailand. The stilt walker has been around for centuries and is believed to have originated from India. In the past, the stilt walker was used as a form of entertainment during festivals and celebrations. Today, there are many different types of performances using stilts.
38. Visit a floating market
The floating markets of Thailand are unique. They have been around for centuries, and they are a great way to experience the country’s culture. The floating market is an open-air market that floats on water in the Chao Phraya River. It is located just north of Bangkok, and it has over 100 vendors selling everything from fresh produce to clothing.
Floating Markets in Thailand: History
Thailand was once part of sultanate Brunei. At that time, Thailand had no borders, and its people were known as Muang Thai (มัทเทิร์น). Sultan Abu Bakar declared war against the Portuguese Empire, but he died before anything could happen. His son, Mohammed Shah, took over the throne and continued the war. He sent his army to attack the Portuguese, but the Portuguese defeated them in 1511. After this defeat, the Portuguese established their empire in Southeast Asia.
39. Go tubing down a river
River tubing is a lot of fun. It’s also dangerous, and it can be expensive if you don’t know what you are doing.
If you want to learn how to tube safely, then read on!
What Is Tube Rafting?
Tube rafting is the practice of floating down a river in a rubber inner tube. This is done by using a boat or kayak as a support for your tube.
How Do I Become A Tubing Guide?
You will need to pass a test before you become certified as a tubing guide. There are different levels of certification available, depending on the length of time you want to spend guiding.
40. Visit a tiger sanctuary
Tiger sanctuaries can be visited near Chiang Mai or Kanchanaburi provinces.
The best time to visit the Tiger Reserves is from November to February, when the weather is cooler and there are fewer tourists. The rainy season (May-October) is also a good time to visit as it’s less crowded.
When to Go
» Avoid the dry season (November to April), which has little rain but is very hot.
» Visit Patong Beach, Kata and Nai Harn beaches for their nightlife and shopping.
» Take a boat trip on the Andaman Sea or go diving at Koh Tao.
Phuket is an island off the southern tip of Thailand. It’s one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia. The island is famous for its white sandy beaches, clear waters, lush tropical forests, impressive limestone mountains and friendly people.
Phuket was once just a small fishing village. Today it’s among the top five destination islands in Thailand and home to more than 600,000 residents. But this paradise island doesn’t get all the attention that other Thai islands like Ko Samui, Ko Phi Phi Don, etc., receive because there isn’t as much hype surrounding Phuket tourism. That said, even though Phuket lacks the big-name draws like those islands, you can visit many interesting places such as the Big Buddha, Thalang National Museum, Rawai, Kamala beach, Patong Beach, Karon Beach, Kata Beach, etc. There are plenty of things to see and do throughout the island!
41. Watch elephants being trained to perform tricks for tourists in Thailand.
In the summer of 2015, a group of elephant trainers from Myanmar were traveling through Thailand on their way home after working at an elephant camp in Chiang Mai. They had been hired by a company called Elephant Nature Park, which is based near Bangkok and has been operating since 1999. The park’s website describes it as “a place where elephants live freely and safely, without chains or ropes.”
42. Visit a water park
Water parks are found in nearly every major city in Thailand. The most popular of these is the one at Hua Hin, which has a large water park with slides and other attractions for children as well as adults.
The best time to visit is during the rainy season (May-October), when it’s cooler and there are fewer tourists. During this period, you can also expect more comfortable weather than during the hot dry season (November-April).
43. Watch a traditional dance performance
Traditional dances are performed regularly in many cities around Thailand. The most famous of these is the elephant dance, which is performed at festivals and other special occasions throughout the year.
The Thai people have a great sense of humor, and this can be seen in their traditional folk songs and dances. Many of them are humorous or satirical in nature, such as the song “Khao Kao” (ข้าวเ�? – Rice porridge), about a man who loves his mother-in-law so much that he eats nothing but her cooking for breakfast.
44. Visit a temple fair
Temple fairs take place in towns and cities throughout Thailand. The most famous of these is the Songkran festival, held at various times between April 13 and 15.
The Thai New Year (Songkran) is celebrated on a different day each year. It falls on either 13 or 14 April depending on the lunar calendar. During this time, people visit temples to pray for good fortune and prosperity. People also clean their homes, wash their cars and offer flowers to Buddha images.
45. Visit a war museum
War museums are found in many towns and cities throughout Thailand, including Bangkok. The best known is the National Museum of War History (พิพิธภัณฑ์สถานีการบังคับประวัติศึก�) in Bangkok.
46. Visit a wildlife park
Wildlife parks are found in nearly all regions of Thailand. The most popular is the Chiang Mai Zoo, which has a large collection of animals from around the world and also houses an aquarium with many species of fish. Other popular wildlife parks include those at Phu Kradung National Park (for elephants), Nong Khai Elephant Camp (for elephants) and Samut Songkhram Safari Park (for tigers).
The best time to visit any of these parks is between November and April, when they’re less crowded.
47. Visit Visit a waterfall
There are hundreds of beautiful waterfalls in Thailand. The most famous is the one at Khao Yai National Park, but there are many others to visit. Here’s a list of some of my favorite ones:
Khao Yai Waterfall
The best known waterfall in Thailand and probably the world is located in Khao Yai National park. It is about 40 km from Bangkok on Highway 401 (the road that goes through Ayuthaya and Damnoen Saduak). There are several ways to get there, but I recommend taking the bus from Banglamphu to Samut Prakarn and then getting off at Wang Tha Daeng. From here, it will cost 100 baht per person. A taxi should not exceed 150 baht. If you want to save money, you can ask your hotel to book the ticket for you.
Chao Mae Nam Klang Waterfall
This waterfall is just outside of Bangkok. To get there, take the MRT to Bang Wa station and then catch a cab to Wat Ratchaworaram. This is a very small monastery and costs only 10 baht per person to enter. You can see the falls from the main entrance.
Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Waterfall
This is another waterfall in the area of Ayutthaya. Take the train to Ayutthaya Station and then take a taxi to the Wat Mahathat Temple. This is where you need to go to see the waterfall.
Wat Arun Waterfall
Located in the province of Lopburi, this is one of the biggest waterfalls in Thailand. It is about 2 hours by car from Bangkok.
Kanhae Ya Waterfall
Located in the province of Chanthaburi, this waterfall is about 3 hours by car from Bangkok and is easily accessible.
Khao Sok National Park
This is a national park in Surin Province. It is about 4 hours by car from Bangkok or 1 hour by boat from Koh Chang.
Lam Ka Waterfall
This is a beautiful waterfall located near Chiang Mai. It is about 5 hours by car from Bangkok, or 2 hours by bus from Chiang Mai.
Koh Ker Waterfall
This is an amazing waterfall located near Koh Ker in Sisaket Province. It is about 6 hours by car from Bangkok;
48. Visit a wats (temples) in Bangkok, Thailand
Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and one of its most popular tourist destinations. It’s also home to some of the best temples in Asia. The city has over 500 Buddhist temples and many are open for tourists to visit. Most of them have been built during the Ayutthaya period, which lasted from 1350-1767. During this time, Siam was the largest kingdom in South East Asia. Many of the temples were built by Rama I, who ruled between 1782-1809. They include Wat Arun, Wat Saket, Wat Suthat, Wat Benjamabophit, Wat Po, Wat Mahathat, Wat Bowonniwet, Wat Prayurawongsawasdi, Wat Traimit, Wat Mangkalaram, Wat Ratburana, Wat Khao Tham, Wat Ploenchit, Wat Pho, Wat Benchamarangsi, Wat Suwan Dusit and Wat Suthat.
49. Visit a zoo
Zoos are found in most large cities in Thailand. The best known is the Bangkok Zoo, which has a wide variety of animals and birds from all over the world.
The zoo also has an aquarium with many species of fish and other aquatic life forms. There are also some reptiles such as snakes, lizards, turtles and crocodiles.
There are also several small zoos around Bangkok that have smaller collections of animals and birds. These
50. Visit a wet market
Wet markets are found in nearly every town in Thailand. They’re a great place to get cheap, fresh food and you can find everything from live chickens to frogs’ legs on offer.
The best wet market is the one that’s closest to your hotel or guesthouse. It will be open all day long and most of the vendors will speak English. The selection may not be as good as those at night but it’s still worth checking out.
