What to do in Phuket

The best experiences to enjoy on Thailand's iconic island

Phuket, the largest island in Thailand, is a tropical paradise located in the Andaman Sea. Known for its white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant nightlife, Phuket is a world-renowned tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. The island offers a perfect combination of natural beauty, fascinating culture, and a wide range of activities for all tastes. Phuket is ideal for sea lovers, history enthusiasts, and adventurers seeking thrills.

Phuket Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Phuket is well-connected with the rest of Thailand and major international cities through its international airport. The main city, Phuket Town, is an enchanting mix of colonial and modern architecture, with lively markets, historic temples, and a thriving food scene. The most famous beaches in Phuket, such as Patong, Kata, and Karon, offer a wide range of water sports, restaurants, bars, and nightlife.

Montagne sopra Phuket Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Phuket is a destination that captivates with its natural beauty, rich culture, and endless possibilities for adventure and relaxation. The best time to visit is from December to April, and once you arrive, there are many unforgettable experiences to enjoy in this corner of tropical paradise.

The 10 absolute must-do activities in Phuket:

1. Discover Phuket Old Town

Tempio cinese di Jui Tui, Phuket Old Town Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Phuket Old Town is a charming historic town with picturesque streets, colorful colonial buildings, and ancient temples. Walking through its streets, you can find trendy cafes, local markets, and craft shops. Points of interest include Wat Chalong Temple, the Thai Hua Museum on Krabi Road, and the Jui Tui Chinese Temple. On Sundays, Thalang Road hosts a night market where you can buy local products, taste delicious street food, and watch street performers. Meanwhile, at the Ranong Road market, you can purchase Thai and Malay sarongs and fabrics.

2. Visit the Big Buddha

Grande Buddha di Phuket Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

The Big Buddha of Phuket, standing at 45 meters high, is located on top of Nakkerd Hill between Chalong and Kata. The statue is covered in Burmese white marble and can be seen from much of the island. The site is not only an important pilgrimage destination but also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Phuket Town, the beaches, and Chalong Bay. You can walk around the base of the Buddha, admire the views, and learn about the statue's history and spiritual significance from the monks present.

3. Explore Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches

Spiagge di Kata e Karon, Phuket Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Patong, Kata, and Karon beaches are among the most famous in Phuket, each offering a unique experience. Patong is the heart of the island's nightlife, with Bangla Road coming alive at night with bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and shops. During the day, Patong Beach is ideal for activities such as jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boating. Kata and Karon are perfect for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere. Kata Beach is a great spot for surfing during the monsoon season, while Karon Beach, with its golden sand and clear waters, is perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Both beaches offer excellent seafood restaurants and top-notch tourist facilities.

4. Relax at Nai Harn beach

Nai Harn Beach, Phuket Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Nai Harn Beach is one of Phuket's most tranquil and picturesque beaches. Located in the southern part of the island, it offers fine white sand, turquoise waters, and lush greenery. Here, Laem Singh presents a fascinating landscape with a rocky quarry situated near the white sandy beach. The beach is the perfect place to relax, sunbathe, and swim in a serene and natural environment. It is also surrounded by restaurants and bars offering fresh food and drinks, and there is a small local market where you can buy souvenirs and handicrafts.

5. Visit Khao Sok National Park

Located a short distance from Phuket, Khao Sok National Park is one of Thailand's most beautiful natural reserves. With its rainforest, turquoise lakes, and spectacular rock formations, the park offers numerous outdoor activities such as trekking, kayaking, and jungle safaris. Here you can explore Cheow Lan Lake by boat, hike through the jungle, and observe local wildlife, including gibbons, deer, and various bird species. It is the perfect place for nature and adventure lovers.

6. Explore Sirinat National Park

Sirinat National Park is one of Phuket's most beautiful natural reserves, located along the island's northwestern coast. This park is famous for its pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. Mai Khao Beach, within the park, is one of Phuket's longest beaches and is a nesting site for sea turtles. The park also includes Nai Yang Beach, surrounded by pine trees, ideal for picnics. The park offers opportunities for birdwatching, nature walks, and snorkeling. It is a perfect place for those who want to explore local flora and fauna in a protected environment.

7. Enjoy Thai Cuisine on Rawai beach

Rawai Beach is located in the southeastern part of Phuket Island and is an important departure point for exploring nearby islands from its bustling port. Numerous speedboats and fishing boats take visitors to Coral Island or Racha Island. Fishing trips with local fishermen are a fascinating experience to have. Rawai's exotic beach offers stunning views and Thai cuisine restaurants in the fishing village, maintaining an authentic atmosphere, making it an ideal place for those seeking a genuine experience.

8. Venture to the Phi Phi Islands

Isole Phi Phi Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

The Phi Phi Islands, reachable with a short boat trip from Phuket, are a true tropical paradise. The islands are famous for their pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and spectacular limestone cliffs. Popular activities include snorkeling, scuba diving, and boat trips exploring hidden caves. Maya Bay, made famous by the film "The Beach," is a must-see, but there are also other beautiful bays and lesser-known beaches worth visiting. Excursions to the Phi Phi Islands often include beach lunches and free time for exploration.

9. Snorkeling and diving in the Similan Islands

Isole Similan Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

The Similan Islands, located off the western coast of Phuket, are considered one of the best diving sites in the world. The waters around the islands are incredibly clear and home to a rich marine biodiversity, including turtles, manta rays, and a wide variety of colorful fish and corals. Daily excursions depart regularly from Phuket and include boat transportation, snorkeling and diving equipment, and often lunch on board. Divers can explore various dive sites, including Elephant Head Rock and Richelieu Rock, famous for their marine life.

10. Discover Phang Nga Bay

James Bond Island Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

Phang Nga Bay is famous for its breathtaking marine landscapes, with towering limestone formations emerging from the water. One of the main attractions is James Bond Island, made famous by the film "The Man with the Golden Gun." Kayak excursions offer the opportunity to explore sea caves and hidden lagoons, while boat cruises allow you to admire the scenery from different angles. Many tours also include a visit to local fishing villages, where you can learn about the daily life of the inhabitants and enjoy delicious seafood dishes.

Text by Alisè Vitri

Avion Tourism Magazine

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Discover Phuket from Milan Bergamo

From Milan Bergamo Airport, you can reach Phuket with a convenient connecting flight operated by flydubai and Air Arabia UAE, with a brief stopover in the United Arab Emirates.

AIRLINE	STOPOVER	OUTBOUND FLIGHT	RETURN FLIGHT
flydubai	DUBAI	2h 45min airport transit	4h 10min airport transit
Air Arabia UAE	SHARJAH	1h airport transit	9h airport transit

Check the flight schedules to Dubai and Sharjah and embark on a journey to discover Thailand’s most popular island, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant nightlife, and numerous adventurous activities such as snorkeling at the Phi Phi Islands and exploring Ao Phang Nga National Park.

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Where to sleep in Phuket

Phuket offers different possibilities for accommodation.

To find the ideal hotel and the best offers you can do a search for the stars but also for districts or landmarks.

STARS

Star hotels in Phuket town:

LANDMARKS

Hotels in the tourist areas of Phuket:

LANDMARKS

Hotels in the tourist areas of Phuket:

ISLANDS

Hotels in the Islands of Thailand:

AIRPORT

HotelS near the airport

Phuket International Airport HKT

TOURS AND EXCURSIONS IN PHUKET

After visiting Phuket Old Town, which allows you to immerse yourself in local history and culture with its picturesque streets, historic temples, and lively markets, Phuket is undoubtedly a destination rich in opportunities for exciting and unforgettable excursions. Among the most noteworthy, the excursion to the Phi Phi Islands is a must. These islands, famous for their white beaches and crystal-clear waters, offer activities such as snorkeling and diving among colorful corals and tropical fish. Another fascinating experience is visiting Phang Nga Bay, renowned for its imposing rock formations and the famous James Bond Island. Kayak excursions allow you to explore sea caves and hidden lagoons, offering a unique experience.

For nature lovers, Khao Sok National Park is a destination not to be missed. With its lush rainforest and turquoise lakes, the park offers trekking, jungle safaris, and kayak trips that allow close observation of the wildlife. Another worthwhile experience is visiting various elephant sanctuaries, making the trip rich in spectacular adventure.

Partnership with GetYourGuide

Elephant experience

Elefanti, Thailandia Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

A one-day excursion from Phuket to the Elephant Care Camp on a private beach at Siray Bay. During the tour, you will feed the elephants, take a guided jungle walk with an elephant, enjoy a refreshing bath with an elephant in Siray Bay, and relax on the beach at Siray Bay. Duration: 2.5 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours before and full refund. Info and tour booking. Info and booking of the tour.

James Bond Island

Isola di James Bond, Thailandia Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

An excursion to Phang Nga Bay up to James Bond Island with a luxury cruise featuring a bar, sunbeds, and a DJ. During the cruise, admire the sunset while dining onboard. Included: round-trip transport to Phuket, lunch, and dinner. Duration: 8 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours before and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.

Maya, Phi Phi and Bamboo Island

Phi Phi Island, Thailandia Copyright © Sisterscom.com / Depositphotos

An excursion to the Phi Phi Islands with a speedboat cruise from Phuket. Discover Maya Bay, the Viking Cave with a buffet lunch, and snorkeling at Bamboo Island. Duration: 8 hours. Cancellation up to 24 hours before and full refund. Info and booking of the tour.

Discover all the tours and excursions