A to Z Guide: Best Things to Do in Phuket, Thailand

As sailors, wanderers, and lovers of good food, Phuket has always held a special place in our hearts. This Thai island is more than just palm-fringed beaches — it’s a melting pot of flavours, culture, adventure, and moments that stay with you long after the sand has been washed from your feet.

Whether you’re here to set sail, soak up the sun, or simply feast your way through the streets, Phuket has something for everyone. To help you chart your course, we’ve put together an A-to-Z guide of things you absolutely can’t miss on the island.

Here’s our A to Z of fun things to see and do in Phuket!

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Cool off in style at Phuket’s largest water park. With thrilling slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools, Andamanda is the perfect destination for families, friends, or anyone who loves an adventurous splash.

When the sun sets, Patong’s Bangla Road comes alive. Expect neon lights, buzzing nightclubs, go-go bars, street performances, lady-boys and a plethora of touts. It is crowded, noisy and a little seedy. Love it or hate it, this road is worth experiencing once, even if just for the people-watching.

Discover the art of mixing tropical cocktails at Chalong Bay Distillery. Join an engaging, hands-on workshop where you’ll have fun while tasting delicious drinks. Learn to craft rum-based cocktails with expert mixologists at the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery in Phuket.

Experience a unique round of mini golf set against a backdrop of dinosaurs and prehistoric landscapes. This quirky activity is enjoyable for kids and the entire family. We played a round of mini golf back in 2019, and since then, it has been renovated. I’ve heard really great things about the improvements made!

Skip the elephant rides and visit one of Phuket’s ethical elephant sanctuaries instead. Watch these gentle giants roam freely and learn about their incredible rescue stories. While riding elephants in Phuket is still legal, fewer people are turning a blind eye to the abuse that occurs when these gentle giants are subjected to brutal taming. Consider how you want to interact with these majestic animals. To Ride or Not to Ride? What will you do – read more about animal tourism and why you shouldn’t Buy Into Barbaric Animal Tourism!

Book tickets with GetYourGuide, or Tripadvisor  

From grilled satay skewers to mango sticky rice and icy fruit smoothies, Phuket’s street food scene is a flavour explosion not to be missed. If you are a little hesitant about consuming food from street vendors, click here to learn more and for some handy tips.

Support a good cause by visiting this wildlife sanctuary, which rescues and rehabilitates gibbons. It’s a chance to see the animals up close and learn about conservation efforts. Click here to read about our visit. ** It has changed since we visited, and now they offer 1-hour of 2.5-hour learning sessions. Bookings are recommended.

Phuket has hidden gems beyond the beaches. Go hiking to Bang Pae, Ton Sai or Kathu waterfalls, where the lush jungle and refreshing pools offer a peaceful escape.

Thai cuisine offers more than just sustenance- it’s a sensory experience! Featuring fresh herbs and a balance of spicy, sweet, sour, and salty flavours, you must try Thailand’s spicy curries, aromatic soups, and more. Be sure to try authentic local dishes at a small, family-run eatery before you leave. Make it a point to taste classics like Pad Thai, Tom Yum soup, Tom Kha Gai and green curry, which are often prepared with a personal touch that larger restaurants can’t replicate.

One of our favourites is the stewed pork and rice dishes, such as Khao Kha Moo (Braised Pork Leg on Rice) and Moo Hong (Pork Belly Stew). You might see a sign that says “Khao Ka Moo” (ข้าวขาหมู). Alternatively, look for a local eatery with braised pork legs or crispy pork hanging in a glass case at the front. Keep your nose on duty to sniff out the delightful aroma of star anise and cinnamon!

Whether you’re interested in island hopping, snorkelling, or ATV adventures, joining a tour is an excellent way to explore Phuket and its surroundings with knowledgeable local guides. There are fantastic snorkelling and diving opportunities at Similan Islands, or you can hop over to Koh Yao, Phi Phi, and beyond. You can also go ziplining, race through the jungle on an ATV, visit an elephant sanctuary, take a cooking class, see the Big Buddha, and much more. Join a tour to make your experience in Phuket hassle-free and enjoyable.

Kata Beach is a family-friendly favourite known for its soft sand and calm waves*, making it ideal for beginner surfers. This beach is one of our top picks because it is much nicer than the popular Patong Beach, yet still conveniently close by. At Kata, the water is clear, and numerous shops, restaurants, and bars are nearby.

*From May to October, during the southwest monsoon, Kata Beach provides ideal waves for beginner and intermediate surfers. Conversely, from November to May, during the northeast monsoon, the beach boasts flat, calm waters that are perfect for swimming.

Experience Thailand’s national sport by attending a local Muay Thai camp. It is an enjoyable workout and a great way to immerse yourself in Thai culture.

Watch Muay Thai at Phuket Boxing Stadium – get tickets here.

Meet Phuket’s cheeky residents at Monkey Hill, while enjoying one of the island’s best viewpoints. Just keep an eye on your snacks and sunglasses—they’re notorious thieves! But please don’t feed the monkeys. Feeding them encourages aggressive behaviour, as they become reliant on human food, which is not suitable for their diet. This dependency can lead to laziness, preventing them from foraging for their own natural food.

Nai Harn is my favourite beach in Phuket. It has crystal-clear water and no noisy jet skis, parasailing or banana boats. With its laid-back atmosphere and numerous restaurants and bars nearby, it is the perfect place for a relaxing day by the sea.

*During the southwest monsoon, there are waves.

That is our sailboat “Thorfinn” in the centre of the photo (this is one of our favourite anchorages during the northeast monsoon).

Wander through colourful Sino-Portuguese streets, filled with quirky cafes, boutique shops, and vibrant street art. Old Town is also home to Phuket’s best Sunday Walking Street Market.

You can’t visit Thailand without indulging in a massage. From a quick Thai massage on the beach or at a local massage parlour to a whole luxury spa experience, Phuket has it all.

Book a spa day here!

There’s nothing better than sipping fresh coconut water straight from the shell while soaking up the tropical vibes.

One of our favourite places for a seafood feast is Rawai Sea Gypsy Village. So head to Rawai for some of Phuket’s freshest seafood. You can choose your catch from the fishmonger stalls and have it cooked right there at a nearby restaurant.

Visit this incredible non-profit organisation dedicated to rescuing, caring for, and rehoming stray dogs and cats. It’s a heartwarming destination for animal lovers. From the time of its establishment in 2003, when approximately 70,000 stray dogs roamed Phuket, Soi Dog has sterilised and vaccinated over 89,000 dogs in the area. The stray dog population in Phuket is now estimated to be under 7,000, with 80% of these dogs having been neutered and vaccinated. As a result, Phuket has become the first rabies-free province in Thailand. You can also volunteer at Soi Dog, where you can walk the dogs or play with the cats.

Take home more than memories by learning to cook Thai food yourself. Local cooking schools will guide you through traditional recipes step by step. Thai dishes often emphasise fresh, locally sourced ingredients that highlight the unique flavours of the region. With many recipes passed down through generations, you’ll be sure to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills when you return home.

Book a cooking class here.

Phuket’s markets are vibrant and full of life. Be sure to visit the Sunday Walking Street Market, Chillva Market, Indy Night Market in Phuket Town, and the expansive Weekend Market for souvenirs, clothing, and a wide variety of mouth-watering street food. No matter where you stay in Phuket, you are guaranteed to find a market nearby.

Phuket is blessed with incredible views. Khao Rang, Monkey Hill, Black Rock, and the famous Promthep Cape all offer breathtaking panoramas.

Ao Chalong is home to two of Phuket’s most iconic cultural landmarks: Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha. Wat Chalong is a beautifully ornate temple, while the Big Buddha is a massive statue situated 400 meters above sea level, offering 360-degree views of Phuket. Since these two important religious sites are in close proximity to each other, consider visiting them on the same day to make the most of your time.

Hongs are hidden lagoons found within islands, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs known as karst formations. They are typically accessed through tunnels or caves. In Phang Nga, you can explore these hidden lagoons, limestone caves, and secret bays by kayak. The dramatic scenery will leave you breathless.

Sip cocktails on a floating beach club just off Patong Bay. Yona offers DJs, infinity pools, and the ultimate party-on-the-water experience.

Book a day at Yona here!

As long as you are a confident rider, a scooter is an easy way to get around Phuket. Just ride safely, wear a helmet, and enjoy the freedom of exploring at your own pace.

Note: The Phuket police are cracking down on tourists on scooters and motorbikes. Therefore, be sure to have an international licence (which you should be able to get in your country before travelling), wear a helmet and follow the road rules.

We believe travel is best measured in flavours, friendships, and the stories you take home. Phuket gives you all of that, wrapped in sunshine and spice. So pack light, bring an appetite for adventure (and food!), and let Phuket surprise you at every turn.

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