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Amari Phuket, Phuket

Things to do guide

The best things to do in Phuket

Updated 1 October 2026 · 13 things to do

Pictured: Amari Phuket

Phuket gets labelled as a beach-and-bars island, and it does that brilliantly: a string of Andaman Sea bays, from the party strip of Patong to the quiet sands of Nai Harn. But step off the beach and there's a lot more. A giant white Buddha on a hilltop, a Sino-Portuguese old town of pastel shophouses and noodle shops, and limestone islands rising out of the water like something from a film set.

Think of it as a base. Spend a few days on the sand, one in Old Phuket Town, and one on a boat to Phang Nga Bay or the Phi Phi islands. Hire a driver for the day or use a taxi app, and take a scarf or light layer for the temples.

Don't miss

  1. 1The Big Buddha
  2. 2Old Phuket Town
  3. 3Phang Nga Bay
  4. 4Wat Chalong
  5. 5Phi Phi Islands

Temples and viewpoints

  1. The Big Buddha

    Landmark

    The Big Buddha on its hilltop in Phuket
    Photo: Subhrajyoti07, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A seated white-marble Buddha around 45 metres tall looks over the whole island from a hilltop in the south. From the terrace you can see Chalong Bay, Kata and Karon, and the hills and sea around them. It's a place of worship, so dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered.

    Tip: Go in the morning or late afternoon for cooler air and softer light.

  2. Wat Chalong

    Landmark

    Wat Chalong temple in Phuket
    Photo: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Phuket's most important Buddhist temple is a cluster of ornate, colourful halls and a tall pagoda that houses a relic. It's busy with local worshippers, which makes it feel like a living place rather than a sightseeing stop.

  3. Karon Viewpoint

    Nature

    The view over three bays from Karon Viewpoint
    Photo: ADwarf, Public domain

    On the road between Kata and Nai Harn, this roadside lookout gives you the classic view of three bays: Kata Noi, Kata and Karon, curving away beneath you into the haze. It takes five minutes and the photos are great.

  4. Promthep Cape

    Nature

    The southernmost tip of the island, with a lighthouse and a sweeping view out over the Andaman Sea. It's a favourite sunset spot, so arrive early to get a good place to watch.

Town and nightlife

  1. Old Phuket Town

    Neighbourhood

    Thalang Road in Old Phuket Town
    Photo: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0

    Streets of Sino-Portuguese shophouses and mansions, built on the profits of the tin and rubber trades, painted in sorbet colours and lined with coffee shops, galleries and noodle stalls. Thalang Road is the centre of it all, and on Sundays it turns into a walking street market with food stalls and live music.

    Tip: Try the Hokkien-style noodles and a Thai iced coffee at a local café.

  2. Bangla Road

    Nightlife

    Patong's neon-lit nightlife strip is loud, flashy and unmissable if you're curious. It's closed to traffic in the evening and packed with bars, clubs and street food. It isn't for everyone, but you can dip in for a drink and a look.

Beaches

  1. Kata Beach

    Beach

    Kata Beach in Phuket
    Photo: ADwarf, Public domain

    A broad, curving beach of soft sand on the west coast, with surf in the wetter months and calm water in the dry season. It's lively without being rowdy, with a long strip of cafés, restaurants and beachfront massage huts behind it.

  2. Nai Harn

    Beach

    Nai Harn Beach in southern Phuket
    Photo: ADwarf, Public domain

    Tucked at the southern end of the island, Nai Harn is a pretty, palm-fringed bay with a lagoon behind it and a calmer feel than the main resorts. A favourite with locals and visitors who want to swim without the crowds.

  3. Surin Beach

    Beach

    The north end of Surin Beach
    Photo: Jpatokal, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A smaller, more stylish stretch of sand on the west coast, with beach clubs and waterfront restaurants and a laid-back, upmarket feel. It's good for a long lunch with a view, and a sunset drink to follow.

Islands and bays

  1. Phang Nga Bay

    Nature

    The karst landscape of Phang Nga Bay
    Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0

    Limestone cliffs and tiny islands rise sheer from the green water north-east of Phuket. Boat trips thread through the karst, with stops to paddle a kayak into hidden sea caves and lagoons, and a visit to the island known as James Bond Island, after its appearance in a 1974 film.

    Tip: Trips run as speedboat or longtail tours. Go early to beat the crowds at the famous stops.

  2. Phi Phi Islands

    Day trip

    Maya Bay's limestone cliffs and turquoise water on Ko Phi Phi Le
    Photo: Nnthurber, CC BY-SA 4.0

    A short boat ride south-east of Phuket, the Phi Phi islands are steep limestone cliffs, white sand and clear water, with snorkelling in the bays. Maya Bay, made famous by a film, is the best-known beach, and visitor numbers are managed to protect it.

Eat and drink

  1. Southern Thai cooking

    Food

    Phuket's food is fiery, fragrant and different from Bangkok's. Look for moo hong, slow-braised pork belly in a peppery sauce, fresh seafood grilled on the beach, and Hokkien noodles with a Chinese-Thai accent. Old Town is the best place to start.

  2. Mango sticky rice

    Food

    Mango sticky rice
    Photo: Arthur Taksin, CC BY 4.0

    Sweet sticky rice with slices of ripe mango and a spoonful of salted coconut cream: Thailand's classic dessert, sold everywhere from street carts to restaurants. Best when mangoes are in season in the hot months.

Where to stay in Phuket

Not sure which area suits you? Read our guide: Where to stay in Phuket →

Getting around

Phuket has no rail network and the hills make walking between beaches difficult. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy, and agree the fare first if you flag one down. Hire a driver for a day to link several sights. Scooters are popular but accidents are common, so be careful.

When to go

The dry season runs roughly from November to April, with calm seas and the best conditions for boat trips. May to October is the wetter, greener season with rougher water on the west coast, and some boat trips can be cancelled.

Questions about visiting Phuket

What is Phuket best known for?
Its Andaman Sea beaches, nightlife in Patong, island-hopping trips to Phang Nga Bay and Phi Phi, and its Big Buddha and old town.
Is Phuket worth visiting?
Yes. It combines beaches with culture, food and easy day trips, and it works for couples, families and groups of friends.
What is there to do in Phuket with kids?
Gentle beaches, boat trips to the islands, snorkelling, water parks and the Big Buddha are all popular with families.
How many days do you need in Phuket?
A week gives you beach time plus Old Town, the Big Buddha and a day trip to Phang Nga Bay or Phi Phi. Four or five days covers the highlights.
Do you need a car in Phuket?
Not necessarily. Taxis, ride-hailing apps and hired drivers are widely available, and many visitors rely on them rather than driving themselves.

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