10 Best Things to Do in Phuket for First-Time Visitors.
Phuket is the largest and most visited island in Thailand, and for good reason. From sun-kissed beaches to rich cultural experiences and buzzing street markets.
Being a big island, Phuket is surrounded by many magnificent beaches such as Rawai, Patong, Karon, Kamala, Kata Yai, Kata Noi, and Mai Khao. Laem Phromthep Viewpoint is said to feature the most beautiful sunsets in Thailand.
As Thailand’s largest and most popular island, Phuket offers a perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and culture. Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on honeymoon, or a family looking for a fun escape, Phuket has something for everyone. And Phuket’s nightlife is definitely one of the most appealing aspects of Thailand.
Phuket offers something for every kind of traveler. This guide covers the top 10 things to do in Phuket, enriched with insights and feedback from real tourists who’ve experienced the magic themselves.
1. Relax on Patong Beach.
Patong is Phuket’s most famous beach, known for its world-famous nightlife and a great beach. Mostly made up of hotels, world-class restaurants, nightclubs, and various tourist attractions, this is a hedonists’ haven of nightlife, with numerous entertainment complexes and countless bars clustered together in and around Bangla Road and the beach road. The town has a very obvious female, transgender, and male sex industry to cater to every taste; however, to only view it as this is a mistake—it offers so much more for families and couples too.
The best time for visiting Patong Beach may be during the winter, from November until March. The weather is cool and comfortable. The average temperature is around 24°C to 32°C. On the other hand, the hottest time is from April to May, and the average temperature is around 27°C to 36°C. The weather is hot with heavy rain.
Traveler story: “I loved the vibe of Patong! It’s lively but you can still find quiet spots. At night, the beach bars come alive with fire shows and music.” – Maria, Spain
2. Marvel at the Big Buddha.
The Big Buddha sits high atop Nakkerd Hill, offering sweeping views and a peaceful atmosphere.
Phuket Big Buddha is one of the main highlights of the island, providing you with an incredible experience through the tinkling of small bells and the fluttering yellow Buddhist flags. Soft background Dharma music plays all day to draw you into the sacred and lively moment within the temple.
And the most amazing thing is that the funds for the maintenance of the massive structure are raised entirely from donations. A hall is open at the base of the Phuket Big Buddha, displaying the project’s history and holding some of the Buddhist teachings and donation boxes. Road signs are present at every junction and turning since the statue is one of the busiest attractions on the island, bringing more visitors to this destination—resulting in more donations in the boxes at the hall. Big crowds are common at this location, especially around sunset.
Traveler story: “The view is unreal. We hired a scooter to get there. The statue is majestic, but the peaceful energy is what I’ll remember forever.” – Adam, Australia
3. Visit Wat Chalong.
Wat Chalong is the largest and most respected temple in Phuket. It’s known for its ornate design and spiritual ambiance.
The Chalong Temple, built at the beginning of the 19th century, has the original name Wat Chaiyathararam, but you probably won’t see it on any road signs. Wat Chalong (Chalong Temple) is the largest of Phuket’s temples and the most visited. Locals and many Thai tourists come to pray and pay respects to some honorable monks who were the founders of Wat Chalong, among them Luang Pho Cham and Luang Pho Chuang.
More interestingly, these two monks led the citizens of Chalong Subdistrict in fighting against the Chinese rebellion in 1876 and, with their knowledge of herbal medicine, helped the injured.
Local insight: “Wat Chalong is where we go when we need blessings or strength. Even non-Buddhists are welcome here to reflect and find peace.” – Nok, local guide
4. Take a Phi Phi Island Tour.
Phi Phi Island, the most attractive group of islands in Southeast Asia, is famous for crystal-clear water and limestone cliffs. Phi Phi Islands are a top destination for day trips, snorkeling, and sightseeing.
Koh Phi Phi Islands are situated in the middle of the Andaman Sea, 42 km away from Amphoe Mueang. They are part of Nopharat Thara Beach – Phi Phi Islands National Park, which contains two big islands – Koh Phi Phi Don and Koh Phi Phi Le – and four smaller nearby islands – Koh Yung, Koh Mai Phai, Koh Pida Nok, and Koh Pida Nai.
It is recognized as one of the most beautiful and easily accessible groups of islands in the world.
Traveler review: “Phi Phi Islands were the highlight of our honeymoon. Our guide took us to secret snorkeling spots. I even saw a baby shark!” – Nina, Germany
5. Explore Old Phuket Town.
This historic area is full of colonial architecture, vibrant cafes, art shops, and weekend street markets.
Phuket Old Town is often overlooked by people traveling to Phuket. Although it is not a major town to explore, it is certainly one that is rich in both culture and history, with picturesque cafes and Sino-Portuguese style architecture to dedicate at least a half-day of exploring.
Traveler story: “I loved Old Town’s artistic vibe. On Sunday night, the market was buzzing with music, food, and friendly locals.” – Joshua, Canada
6. Enjoy Thai Street Food.
Markets like Chillva and Malin Plaza offer everything from grilled seafood to exotic desserts.
People say the best way to explore a country’s culture and heritage is through food. The dishes that people eat regularly say a lot about their traditions and values. So, if you’re interested in Thailand, what better way to get to know more about it than by eating some top-notch dishes?
Although you may be familiar with famous options like Pad Thai and Tom Yum, the dining experience goes well beyond the restaurant. Thai street food is an entirely unique facet of the country’s culture, full of delicious options that are just begging to be eaten.
Traveler feedback: “Chillva Market had the best Pad Thai I’ve ever had. Super cheap, too!”
– Layla, UK
7. Watch a Muay Thai Fight.
Witness the intensity of Thailand’s national sport at local stadiums like Bangla Boxing Stadium.
Muay Thai has been a vital part of Thai culture and history for centuries. Historically, Thai kings, military leaders, and commoners alike practiced Muay Thai to defend themselves and protect their homeland.
Traveler opinion: “Watching Muay Thai in Thailand was a bucket list item. The pre-fight rituals were beautiful. It’s not just sport—it’s culture.” – Marco, Italy
8. See the Phuket Fantasea Show.
This cultural theme park offers a grand evening show with dance, music, and storytelling based on Thai mythology.
Phuket FantaSea Show is the nighttime entertainment on the holiday resort island of Phuket. Phuket FantaSea not only showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand, but also enriches ancient Thai traditions with the wonder of cutting-edge technology and special effects.
Family review: “My kids loved it! Great cultural introduction for them, and the buffet dinner was amazing.” – Aliya, UAE
9. Go Snorkeling or Diving.
Phuket is a gateway to excellent diving spots like Racha Yai and Coral Island.
Snorkeling around Phuket is recognized worldwide. It’s a captivating experience with thousands of colorful fish and beautiful corals—it’s like entering another world beneath the waves.
From November to April offers the best conditions for diving, with calmer seas, great underwater visibility, and warm water temperatures. This is when most divers prefer to visit Phuket.
Diver review: “I did my first dive in Phuket and was blown away. The instructor was patient, and the sea life was surreal.” – Daniel, New Zealand
10. Watch the Sunset at Promthep Cape.
This viewpoint is popular for its cliffside sunsets and photo opportunities.
This landmark has always been a daily meeting point for hundreds of tourists to line up with a camera facing west. Colourful buses unload hordes of tourists hungry for a sunset picture, and the place starts buzzing with flashes. It’s also funny to see how many people still take sunset photos with a flash!
Traveler story: “Everyone claps when the sun disappears—like nature gave us a show. It’s magical.” – Hiroshi, Japan