As the largest island in Thailand, Phuket offers a wide range of attractions and activities for all preferences. In this article, I will cover the best things to do in Phuket. The list will include the top beaches, temples, night markets, viewpoints, hiking trails, shopping centers, and the boat tours.
I visited more than 20 beaches on Phuket. Most beautiful beaches are located on the west coast, and you can find some smaller ones on the southeast coast. Popular beaches are Patong, Karon, Kata, Kamala, Bang Tao, and Nai Harn.
The beaches generally have white fine sand with clean water, and lots of facilities such as bed chairs, umbrellas, beach bars, and beach vendors. They are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoy water activities such as jet skiing, kayaking, paddle boarding, and windsurfing.
Beside the beaches, the island has lively nightlife, particularly in Patong. Bangla Walking Street is the heart of the nightlife in Patong, packed with bars and clubs. The variety of night markets in many towns also enhances the nightlife scene. My favorite place is the Chillva Night Market near the Old Town.
If you want to take a break from the beaches and nightlife, you can explore many temples and cultural attractions. Top temples on the island are the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong. Phuket Old Town is a great place for exploring Sino-Portuguese architecture, vibrant street art, and authentic food scene.
The island is also home to many viewpoints, some easily reachable by scooter, while others require additional hiking to reach them. I recommend taking a look at Karon Viewpoint, Promthep Cape, Windmill, Black Rock Viewpoint, and several other viewpoints near the old town.
There are many other things you can do in other cities in Thailand that you can also experience in Phuket. They are watching Muay Thai, having a Thai massage, joining a cooking class, or visiting an elephant sanctuary.
You can check out the detail of my itinerary and How I get around Phuket in these articles:
I explored Phuket on a rental scooter. If you drive, you need to be aware of the road conditions. The roads in many areas are hilly, curvy, with long slopes. There are also many police checkpoints all around the island, particularly on the popular beach towns on the west coast.
If you don’t plan to rent a scooter, no worries. There are plenty of taxis, tuk tuk, songthaews, riding share service options, organised tours and boat trips. You can easily book a one day sightseeing around the island tour to see highlights of Phuket. To go to the beaches, you can walk, or use a taxi.
Here are the top attractions and activities in Phuket:
50 Best Things to Do in Phuket
Beaches
As the largest island in Thailand, Phuket has many beaches to explore. I visited more than 20 beaches, and here is my list of beautiful beaches on Phuket.
#1. Patong Beach
Patong Beach is one of the most famous and lively beaches in Phuket, located on the west coast of the island. It is a 3 km long beach with fine white sand, clean water, and is lined with palm trees.
The beach is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, taking a walk along the sand, and enjoying water sport activities. It has home beach facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, massage shops, and watersport kiosks.
You can easily find amenities on the sand or on the road running parallel with the beach. To view the whole, I recommend walking to either one of the two ends of the beach.
From the beach, you can easily walk to the famous Bangla Road walking street, as well as several night markets and shopping malls such as the Banzaan Market and Jungceylon Shopping Centers.
Getting to Patong Beach easily by scooter, taxi, and songthaews. If you stay in Patong, you can walk to the beach. It is 34 km from the airport and 13 km from the old town.
#2. Karon Beach
Karon is a beautiful beach located on the west of Phuket, south of Patong. It is 3 km long beach with white fine sand and clean water, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and watersport activities.
The beach is packed with sunbeds, umbrellas, and beach bars. Lots of people gather on the beach around sunset time. If you want some quiet time on the beach, it is better to visit in the early morning, around 7,8am.
In the town center of Karon, you can visit Wat Karon. The ground of the temple is the location of the night market on every Tuesday and Friday. It is a good place for street food and to buy some souvenirs.
The beach road is lined with all kinds of tourist amenities such as restaurants, bars, minimarts, travel agencies. There are several airport bus stops along the road. You can find a small market with several street food stalls in the area around Karon Park.
You can get to Karon Beach by scooter, taxi, and songthaews. If you stay in Karon, you can walk to the beach. It is 9 km south of Patong and 3 km north of Kata.
#3. Kata Beach
Kata Beach is a popular beach town on the west coast of Phuket, just south of Karon Beach. It is a 1.5km long beach with white sand and clean water, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and trying the watersports such as jet skiing, parasail, banana boat, wakeboard, and storm boat.
Similar to Karon and Patong, the beach is lined with sunbeds, umbrellas, beach bars, and massage parlors. The difference of Kata is that there is a very nice section of street food stalls on the beach road where you can order cheap delicious food to eat at the beach.
Like most beaches in Phuket, Kata is widely open to the public. You can access the beach by motorbike, taxi, tuk tuk, or even walk to the beach if you stay in town. It is only 130m from the island’s main road 4030. The lively Kata Night market is located on the road.
#4. Kata Noi Beach
Kata Noi is a 600m long beach located south of Kata Beach. The beach has white sand, crystal clear water, and some big rocks at the northern end. It is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, taking photos, and snorkeling.
There are plenty of bedchairs and sun loungers on the sand. You can also easily order food and drinks at several beach bars and restaurants. It has fewer options than the more popular Kata Beach.
The beach is accessible by walking down to short steep stars for a couple of minutes. It is a public beach and is free to explore. You can get to the beach by soccer and taxi. I accessed the beach at the northern end of the beach. I parked my car by the side of the Kata Noi road. The parking area is small.
#5. Kamala Beach
Kamala is a 2 km long beach located north of Patong beach. The beach has white sand, clean water, and is lined with palm trees. Like other popular beaches, it is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, chilling, having the relaxing beach massage, and trying some water sports.
There are many activities such as parasailing, jet skiing, horseback riding, surfing. Within Kamala, you can explore the cultural themed park Phuket FantaSea and Carnival Magic.
There are lots of tourist amenities on Na Hat Road just 70m from the beach. The area around Tsunami Memorial Park is home to a taxi station, bus stop, and many shops selling food, souvenirs, and offering massages. From the park, you walk to the beach via a green bridge.
#6. Surin Beach
Surin is an 800m long beach located north of Kamala Beach. It is located just 200m form the island’s main road 4030, and you drive the scooter all the way to the beach road.
Surin has white fine sand and clean shallow water, which is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The southern end of the beach has lots of big rocks. You can climb over the rocks to get to Laem Sing Beach.
There are beach bars and restaurants along the beach roads and on the sand. These places offer sun loungers, tables, and chairs for their customers. You can find many food and souvenir stalls at the northern area of the beach.
#7. Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao is a 5 km long beach north of Surin Beach. It has a more tranquil atmosphere than other beaches in the south. The beach is home to some large luxury resort complexes with golf courses.
The southern part of the beach is home to many resorts, and tourist amenities like restaurants, convenience stores, travel agencies,… The northern part of the beach is home to Laguna resort and its facilities.
Similar to other beaches, you can rent sunbeds and umbrellas on the sand. You can have a massage on the beach. There are beach walking vendors selling snacks and drinks.
#8. Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon is a 1km long beach located north of Bang Tao beach. The beach has a quieter atmosphere compared to other beaches on the south. There are bed chairs and umbrellas on the beach but not many like in places like Patong, Karon, or Kata.
The southern end of the beach is home to an instagramable wooden bridge. You can park your scooter on the side of the road and walk down to the beach. This corner of the beach is a quiet place with only a small temporary stall selling some fruits and drinks.
Continue driving on the beach road to the northern area of Nai Thon, you will see many restaurants, bars, and shops. There is a row of stalls along the beach road selling street food and souvenirs.
#9. Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao is the 11km long beach located at the far north of Phuket. It is very close to the airport, making it a great place to watch planes land and take off at a very close distance.
The beach is home to several big resorts, and you still have access to many tourist facilities. It is just not as vibrant as the beaches in the south. If you like tranquility and few crowds, you must take a look at Mai Khao Beach.
#10. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn is a beautiful 600m long beach on the south coast of Phuket. The beach has fine white sand, crystal turquoise water, and is surrounded by mountains by two sides. There are sun loungers and lots of water activities on the beach.
Nai Harn Beach Road is packed with restaurants, bars, and souvenir shops. There are lots of shaded areas near the beach. You can find many street food stalls in the areas where you can order traditional Thai food and grilled seafood.
Within walking distance to the Beach, you can explore the local temple, the peaceful park with its large lake. If you are an adventure traveler, you can take the coastal hike to Cape Krathing and Black Rock Viewpoint. You can have nice views of Nai Harn Beach at Black Rock Viewpoint.
The beach is easily reachable by scooter and taxi. It is just less than 1 km from the island’s main road 4030. Parts of mian road to the beach are quite hilly and curvy, so pay attention and drive slowly.
#11. Banana Beach
Banana Beach is a small crescent beach located south of Naithon Beach. The beach is a great spot for swimming and snorkeling. There is no accommodation directly on the beach, but there are a couple of restaurants and beach bars with tables, chairs, and sun loungers set up on the sand.
The beach is quite popular and packed with people. If you want some quiet moments for swimming, maybe head to nearby Naithon Beach.
You can get to Banana Beach by scooter or taxi. It is 50m from the main road. You can park your scooter on the side of the road and walk down to the beach. The road 4018 has many hilly and curvy sections, so make sure to drive slowly.
#12. Laem Sing Beach
Laem Sing is a small eluded beach located between Kamala and Surin. It is accessible by long tail boat or short walk from Surin Beach. There is a mixture of sand and stone in the water, good for both swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
You can have a very nice view of Laem Sing Beach from the viewpoint on the 4030 road when traveling between Kamala and Surin. It is free, and you can stop for a quick look.
#13. Tri Trang Beach
Tri Trang is a tranquil beach located just a short drive south of the popular Patong Beach. It is around 1 km long beach with a peaceful atmosphere and a great place for swimming at high tide.
You can access the beach by scooter and taxi by driving on the curvy and hilly Muen-Ngern road. I drove to the west end of the beach, but you might consider accessing it through one of the beachside restaurants in the central area, where the scenery is more beautiful. This road will involve some steep side streets.
#14. Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach is a beautiful sandy beach located south of Patong Beach. The beach is a perfect place for swimming, snorkeling, and kayaking. There are lots of shades on the shore. The beach bar on the sand serves drinks, snacks, and bedchairs.
Most popular beaches on Phuket are easily accessible by riding a scooter directly to the beach. Freedom Beach is quite a bit of hiking down through the jungle, which adds to the beauty of the beach.
You can reach Freedom beach by scooter, taxi, Grab, or long tail boat. It is around 1 km of uneven dirt road from the main road 4030. You can park your scooter for free at The Lek Sand Beach Bar, then walk down to the beach through the jungle. It is 450m from the parking area with some steep sections.
#15. Rawai Beach
Rawai Beach is a 2 km long beach on the southeastern part of Phuket. The northern section of the beach is home to the lively seafood market, where you can buy fresh seafood and the restaurant will cook it for you. The market is right next to Rawai Pier.
The middle of Rawai Beach is located right next to the island’s main road 4030. There are lots of tourist amenities in these parts like supermarkets, restaurants, bars, and massage places.
The beach has a rocky shoreline and is the docking place of many longtail and speedboats. People come here to sunbathe, kayak, and take photos. You can have a quick stop at Rawai beach when traveling down south to Promthep Cape from Phuket Old Town.
#16. Yanui Beach
Yanui is a small beach located on the southern part of Phuket, between Promthep Cape and Windmill viewpoint. It is a great stop if you are visiting one of these two viewpoints.
The beach has golden fine sand, crystal clear water with some big rocks under the water. It is a good place for swimming, kayaking, snorkeling, and sunbathing.
There are umbrellas, sunbeds on the beach, as well as bars, and several street food vendors. The beach is right next to the main road, and easily accessible by car and scooter.
#17. Ao Yon Beach
This is a small beach located on the southeastern coast of Phuket. It is close to Phuket Aquarium and Cape Panwa. It is not one of the best beaches in Phuket, but good enough for those who stay on the east coast and want to swim.
There are activities such as kayaking, and Stand Up paddle boarding on the beach. I recommend walking to Cape Ao Yon at the southern end of the beach and head to the next beach for more swimming.
Ao Yon Beach is located right on the mainroad of the island, 4030. You can get to the beach by scooter or taxi. Parking is free and at the side of the main road. While visiting the beach, I recommend visiting the nearby Ao Yon waterfall for some more swimming and hiking.
#19. Khao Khad Beach
Khao Khad is a long secluded beach located on the southeastern part of Phuket. It is a good place to enjoy some beach activities in a quiet atmosphere. There were many apartments and resorts being constructed on the beach road when I visited early 2025.
To access the beach, I recommend checking out the public entrance at the southern area, near the 7-11 convenience store. Most other parts were blocked by private properties.
You can combine a visit to Khao Khad Beach to Khao Khad Viewpoints and Khao Khad Khao Khad Views Tower. They are all easily accessible by scooter and taxi.
#20. Nui Beach
Nui Beach is a tranquil beach located at the southwest coast of Phuket. Access to the beach by scooter is doable but very difficult on the uneven dirt and steep roads. It is best to stop at the main road, use songthaews or quad bike services to get down to the beach.
If you are fit and want to save money, you can walk down. You can also have several hiking trails in the surrounding areas. I recommend checking out the Black Rock Viewpoint, or Cape Krathing. You can even hike down to Nai Harn beach.
In addition to paying for the Songthaew ride (200 baht two ways), you need to pay entrance to the beach, 100 baht. It is a good place to check if you want an off road adventure and away from the crowds.
Night markets & Nightlife
Phuket is home to many bustling night markets and vibrant walking streets, where you can spend the night out. Most of the night markets and party areas are located in popular places such as the old town, Patong, Karon, and Kata.
#21. Chillva Night Market
Chillva is one of the most popular night markets in Phuket, located close to the old town. The market has a bohemian vibe with delicious street food, trendy fashion, handmade goods, and live music. The market is open from 5pm to 11pm everyday.
The market has all sorts of food with very reasonable prices. You can try traditional Thai food like pad Thai, mango sticky rice, and many other dishes such as crabs, pancakes, and grilled chicken.
You can get to the night market by scooter, taxi, or Grab. It is located on Yaowarat Road, 3 km north of Phuket Old Town. You can check out the beautiful but quieter market nearby called Lumduan Night Market.
#22. Kata Night Market
This is a lively night market located next to the main road of Phuket. The market is open every day from 12pm to 11pm. It is convenient for those who stay in Kata, Kata Noi, and Karon.
The market has cheap mixed fruits and smoothies. There are many street food stalls selling a wide range of dishes. You can take a walk along the Kata Road to see many other options to eat including restaurants and street food stalls.
#23. Karon Night Market
Karon Night Market is a good night market option for those who stay in Karon. It is located on the grounds of Karon Temple and is only open on Tuesday and Friday. Like many other night markets in Thailand, it is a great place to try street food and buy some souvenirs.
#24. Banzaan Night Market
Banzaan Night Market is a popular night spot in the heart of Patong. It is located in the busy section of town, opposite Bangla Boxing Stadium. The night market is just outside of the daily fresh market where you can buy cheap fruits and seafood.
You can try grilled seafood at the night market, and many other dishes such as pancakes, pad Thai, fried rice, noodle soup, and meat skewers. From the market, you can do more shopping at the nearby fancy Jungceylon Mall.
#25. Phuket Indy Night Market
The Indy Night Market is located in Phuket Old Town and is a great option to enjoy street food, buy some handicraft items, and listen to live music. The market is open from 4pm to 11pm from Wednesday to Friday. If you stay in Phuket Old Town, it is worth checking out.
From the Indy Night Market, you can walk to Limelight Shopping Center located on the opposite side of the road from the Indy. The mall has a foot court and lots of shops selling different products.
#26. Phuket Old Town Sunday Night Market
If you are in Phuket on Sunday, you must check out the Sunday Night Market on Thalang Road. This is a bustling pedestrian street filled with food, crafts, music, and culture. It is open from 4pm till midnight.
In addition to a wide variety of Thai delicacies and souvenirs, the market has lots of Street musicians and performers to add to the lively atmosphere. The market is set against the backdrop of historic Sino-Portuguese architecture, enhancing the cultural ambiance.
#27. Bangla Walking Street
Bangla Walking Street is a famous nightlife area in the heart of Patong, a short distance from Patong Beach. The street is closed to traffic in the evening, and is packed with bars and clubs.
Lots of tourists come to the walking street to enjoy the nightlife and take photos. The street is also home to Bangla Night Market where you can shop for clothes and eat street food. I am not into parties, so I just had a look around, took some photos, and walked to the beach.
If you are lucky, you can have a chance to take photos with policemen. There was a Police Booth set up at the middle section of the street when I visited on Friday night at around 9pm. There are 5,6 tourists standing there and tourists can take photos with them.
Temples
Phuket is home to several temples, with the most notable one being the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong. There are also many other small beautiful temples scattered around the island.
#28. Phuket Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is the most famous temple in Phuket. It is located high on the hill in south Phuket. You can spot the Big Buddha at many places in the island, even at the Khao Rang Viewpoint in Phuket Town.
When I visited early in the month of 2025, it was still temporarily closed due to the landslides nearby. Me and other visitors still walked around its grounds and admired the temple from the side.
The ground is big with stunning views of the beaches and mountains. There are toilets and an onsite restaurant with tables and chairs. I saw lots of monkeys at the temple and they are quite aggressive. Be sure to keep your belongings safe.
You can visit the Big Buddha by scooter, taxi, and as part of the island tour. The road to the Buddha has some long steep sections and lots of turns, so make sure to drive slowly.
#29. Wat Chalong (Chaithararam Temple)
Wat Chalong, aka Chaithararam Temple, is the largest temple in Phuket, located inland in south Phuket. It is close to the Big Buddha, so you can combine a visit to these two temples within a single trip.
The temple is home to many beautiful halls, Buddha statues, elephant statues, and gardens. There are also many food stalls on the ground of the temple.
Wat Chalong is open daily from 8am to 5pm. Admission fee is free. To avoid crowds and the heat, you can go early in the morning at the open time.
#30. Samnaksong Laem Phromthep
This is a small but beautiful temple located at the southern tip of Phuket. It has a peaceful atmosphere and stunning views of Promthep Cape, especially at sunset. If you are visiting Promthep Cape, I recommend you also pay a visit to this temple.
The temple is free to visit. It is a quiet place with just a few visitors. You can wander around the temple, exploring different Buddha statues, and head to the viewing platform for enjoying the views of the beaches and the cape.
You can get to Promthep Temple by scooter, taxi, or songthaews. It is just 300m from the main road of the island, 4030.
#31. Wat Khao Rang Samakhitham
This is a small temple located on the road to Khao Rang Viewpoint. You can combine a visit to the Khao Viewpoint and temple within a single trip. The temple is free to visit and you can have a quick look around.
There aren’t many tourists at the temple, just local Thais come to pray. You can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere without crowds.
You can reach the temple by scooter or taxi. It is just a few km north of Phuket Old Town. The road to the temple is quite hilly and curvy, so be careful when turning into and out of the parking slot.
Cultural Attractions
#32. Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is a historic town located on the east coast of the island. It is known for its colorful Sino-Portuguese houses, Chinese temples, museums, vibrant art, bustling markets, and trendy cafés.
You can walk around the old town, exploring ancient streets such as Thalang, Phang Nga, Krabi, Dibuk, and Yaowarat Roads. These streets are lined with beautifully restored shophouses and colonial mansions, showcasing a fusion of Eastern and Western design elements.
I recommend taking a look at popular spots such as the clock tower, Golden Dragon, Soi Romanee, Indy Market, Thai Hua Museum, Jui Tui Shrine, and the Sunday Lard Yai Night Market.
It is best to visit the old town at sunset. All shops and restaurants are open around this time. If you stay in the old town, you can easily explore the area on foot. If you come from other beaches on the west coast, it is best to use a scooter, taxi, Grab, or hire a private driver.
Viewpoints & Hiking trails
There are so many beautiful viewpoints around Phuket. These viewpoints offer stunning views of the surrounding beaches and mountains. Some viewpoints are easily accessible by scooter, while some require a long hike.
#33. Khao Rang viewpoint
Khao Rang Viewpoint, located on the north of Phuket Old Town, is a great place to enjoy the views of the city, the ocean, and distant attractions like the Big Buddha. It is best to visit at sunrise and sunset.
The viewpoint is easily reachable by scooter and taxi. You can drive all the way to the top of the viewpoint. There is plenty of free parking and shaded areas on the ground. You can also find a cafe, restaurant with views from the viewpoint.
The viewpoint is open everyday and admission fee is free. You can combine the trip to Khao Rang Viewpoint with several temples nearby, including Wat Khao Rang with its big golden Buddha.
#34. Monkey Hill Viewpoint
Monkey Hill is a good hiking destination near Phuket Town. The viewpoint has stunning views of the Amandan Sea and surrounding mountains. If you love hiking, you must check out Monkey Hill.
The hike is through the jungle with some very steep sections. It took me around 1-1.5 hours to reach the top with some stops along the way. The trail is well-marked with ropes at some steep areas. It can be tiring under the hot weather, so you can go early to avoid the heat.
You will see lots of monkeys at the upper parts of the mountains. I recommend avoiding feeding them and taking good care of your belongings.
There are several viewpoints along the trail, and be sure to check the top one, located within a few minute walk up from the park’s ranger area at the top of the mountain.
Monkey Hill Viewpoint is free to explore and it is open everyday. You can download Map.me beforehand and use it as the navigation.
#35. Promthep Cape
Promthep Cape is one of the most popular places in Phuket to watch the sunset. It is located at the southernmost tip of the island and attracts lots of people to visit during sunset time.
You can climb up to the top of the light house, take a look at the big tree, the elephant shrine, or hike down to the tip of the cape. They are all free to explore. I’m sure you will have lots of beautiful photos and memorable moments.
There are many attractions close to Promthep Cape that you can explore within one trip. They are Windmill Viewpoint, Yanui Beach, and Promthep temple.
#36. Windmill Viewpoint
Windmill Viewpoint is a great viewpoint in southern Phuket, offering stunning views of the sea and the nearby islands, especially at sunset. The viewpoint is easily accessible by scooter and taxi.
The viewpoint has views of Yanui Beach and Nai harn Beach. It is open everyday and is free to visit. You can combine with a visit to the nearby Promthep Cape and Yanui Beach.
#37. Karon Viewpoint
Karon Viewpoint is one of the most popular viewpoints on Phuket, offering stunning views of Kata, Kata Noi, and Karon Beach. It is located right on the main road between Kata Noi and Nai Harn Beach. The viewpoint is one of the attractions included in the island sightseeing tour.
You can get to Karon Viewpoint by scooter, taxi, or as part of the sightseeing tour. The road to the viewpoint is hilly with many sharp turns, so drive with caution.
Karon Viewpoint is in open space and is open everyday. It is best to visit at sunset. Admission is free. You can have one of the most photographed scenes in Phuket by taking photos from Karon Viewpoint.
#38. Black Rock Viewpoint
Black Rock Viewpoint is a lesser-known viewpoint on the island that has stunning views of Nai Harn Beach below. It is located in south Phuket, close to several other beautiful places such as Nui beach and Cape Krathing. You can combine these attractions into one trip.
It is a quiet viewpoint with just a few people at the time. You can have a chance to explore the whole place by yourself. If you like hiking and quiet places, this is a great place to check out. It is free to enter.
You can reach the Black Rock Viewpoint by scooter/ taxi or the combination of scooter/taxi + songthaews/ ATV. From the main road 4030, you need to drive around 2 km on the dirt road, then park your scooter and hike for a few hundred meters inside the jungle to reach the viewpoint.
#39. Khao Khad Views Tower
Khao Khad Views Tower is an observation deck located south Phuket that has tuning views of the Khao Khad Bay and distant attractions like the Big buddha.
From the parking area, you can climb to the top of the tower and enjoy the beautiful views of the island and the Andaman Sea. Some trees block the views but you can still have very nice views of the coastline.
Khao Khad Views Tower is open everyday. Admission fee is free. There is a restaurant on the ground. You can reach the tower by scooter, and taxi. The road, like many other parts of Phuket, is in great condition but hilly with sharp turns.
#40. Khao Khad Viewpoint
This viewpoint is located on the beach road north of Khao Khad Beach. It has several pavilions along the roads where you can have stunning views of Khao Khad beach. On a clear day, you can spot the Big Buddha in the far distance.
The viewpoint is easily accessible by scooter and taxi. You can park the scooter on the side of the road and walk to the viewpoint. I recommend combining it with the visit to Khao Khad Beach and Khao Khad Views Tower.
#41. Cape Krathing
Cape Krathing is a lesser-known destination located south of Phuket. It has stunning views of the sea, especially at sunset. The viewpoint is close to Black Rock Viewpoint, Nai Harn Beach, and Nui Beach.
You can combine a visit to these places in one trip. They are all connected by trails, so if you are an active traveler, you can explore all of these places by hiking.
You can reach Cape Krathing by a combination of driving and hiking. If you use 4 wheel drivers or you’re a very experienced driver, you can drive all the way to the cape area.
You can start the journey either at the Black Rock Viewpoint area or Nai Harn beach. The trail from Nai Harn Beach can be found near Baan Krating Resort. You will hike along the coast on the big rocks, so be sure to wear proper shoes. The hike from Black Rock side easier, follow the big dirt road.
Waterfalls
Phuket has numerous waterfalls, which are great places to escape from busy beaches. Some popular waterfalls on the islands include Bang Pae, Kathu, and Ton Sai Waterfall. If you are in Phuket during the rainy season, it is worth checking out the waterfall. In the dry season, you might consider skipping them.
#42. Ton Ao Yon Waterfall
Ton Ao Yon is a small waterfall located in south Phuket. It is a great place to take a look if you’re in Ao Yon or Khao Khad area. There are many other attractions in this area including Ao Yon Beach, Khao Khad Beach, Khao Khad Viewpoints, and Phuket Aquarium.
I visited the waterfall in January which is part of the dry season. There is nothing to explore because there is no waterfall. You can consider visiting in the rainy season, from May to November.
Shopping Malls
Phuket is home to several big malls where you can shop for luxury brands and eat at a fancy restaurant. There are two big malls in Phuket including Central Phuket in Phuket Town and Jungceylon in central Patong.
#43. Central Phuket
Central Phuket is a huge mall located just 3 km south of the old town. It has two big buildings, Festival and Floresta, connected by a covered sky bridge.
You can find almost everything at this mall, from international brands like H&M, Zara, and UNIQLO to local Thai boutiques, covering fashion, electronics, home goods, and more.
Even if you don’t plan to do any shopping like me, you can still take a visit to eat the food and enjoy the air-conditioning atmosphere after exploring several outdoor activities like hiking at the Monkey Hill.
#44. Jungceylon
Jungceylon is a big mall in Patong and is a great shopping destination for those who are staying on the west coast of the island. Jungceylon is conveniently located close to famous places such as Bangla Walking Street, Banzaan night market, and Bangla Boxing Stadium.
Similar to Central Phuket, Jungceylon provides a diverse range of retail outlets, dining options, and entertainment facilities. You can find both international brands and local Thai handicrafts and souvenirs.
Island Hopping tours
There are many boat trips from Phuket. The most popular day trips are to Phi Phi islands and James Bond Island. You can also consider visiting lesser-known places such as Koh Yao Noi, Koh Yao Yai, and Similan & Surin Islands for snorkeling and scuba diving.
#45. Phi Phi Islands
Phi Phi Islands is a beautiful group of islands located 40 km east of Phuket. You can consider taking one full day speed boat tours to Phi Phi island, visiting famous Maya Bay (featured in The Beach), snorkeling at Bamboo island, and watching the monkey at Monkey Bay.
The boat trip is quite expensive, around 2500 baht per person in a group tour. It will include hotel transfers, buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and national park fees. Ticket to Maya Beach is 400 baht if you want to put your foot on the sand of Maya Bay.
#46. James Bond island
James Bond island is a popular island located 30 km north of Phuket. The island is known for its dramatic limestone karsts, sea caves, and the iconic James Bond Island.
The speed boat journey is around 7–9 hours. Tickets are around 2200 baht for a group tour. It will include hotel transfers, buffet lunch, snorkeling gear, and national park fees.
Other attractions and activities
#47. Muay Thai
You can watch Muay Thai or take a Muay Thai class in Phuket. The island is home to several stadiums where both local and international fighters showcase their skills. Some popular places to look at are Bangla Boxing Stadium and Patong Boxing Stadium Sainamyen.
#48. Cooking class
If you haven’t taken any cooking classes in Thailand, you can consider taking one in Phuket. There are many cooking schools all around the island where you can learn some basic Thai dishes and ingredients. You can eat your own food after cooking.
Blue Elephant Cooking School is a popular cooking place in Phuket Town. It is located in a historic Sino-Portuguese mansion, offering hands-on classes focusing on Royal Thai cuisine.
#49. Thai Massage
Having a Thai Massage is a must everywhere in Thailand. The massage shops can be found on every corner in Phuket, from busy town center to the beachfront. As a popular tourist destination, the price for one hour Thai massage on the beach is around 300 baht which is quite reasonably priced.
#50. Elephant Sanctuary
If you love Elephants, you can consider visiting an Elephant Sanctuary in Phuket. You can take the half day or full day tour to an ethical Sanctuary where you can feed elephants, and observe elephants as they roam and bathe.
So, you have it, my list of the 50 best things to do and see in Phuket. The island offers a diverse range of attractions for all visitors, whether you’re looking for vibrant nightlife or quiet beaches, Phuket has it all. I hope the list of best beaches, night markets, shopping malls, and viewpoints in Phuket help you organize your trip easily. Have a wonderful trip to this beautiful island of Thailand.