How to Spend a One or Two-week Vacation in Phuket

Matt Olivares

Last updated 15 Mar 2024

Photo credit: https://unsplash.com/photos/B-_hGNlXnF4

A guide for a one to two-week stay in this Thai island paradise

Phuket has finally opened up to international travelers once again! If you’ve been itching to go abroad and spend a long vacation in a place away from your hometown or the concrete jungle, then visiting this globally popular tropical paradise will serve as a wonderful change of scenery.

From the shimmering waters of the Andaman Sea to the wide expanses of soft white sands with mountains stretching across the horizon in the background, wherever you go, there’s a visual treat perfect to grace the pages of your travel scrapbook or social media. Not only that, but there is also a wide variety of activities to try and adventures to be had around the island, all while immersed in the island’s laid-back atmosphere, so we’ve prepared a jam-packed itinerary that you may use to further enrich your Phuket vacation!

Day 1: Acquaint yourself with the Old Town

Begin your first day in Phuket by munching on pancakes and drinking iced coffee at Pancake Corner by using cash vouchers offered by Klook.
After a hearty breakfast, join the Phuket Discovery Half Day Tour by Travstore to see the best of what Phuket has to offer in just a short amount of time!
You’ll be picked up at your accommodation at 12:30, so make sure to be at its lobby or entrance five to ten minutes before the transfer arrives.
Your first stop is the iconic Big Buddha on top of Nakkerd Hills. It’s 45 meters tall and its platform provides breathtaking views of the island’s landscapes and beaches.
Next up is Wat Chalong, a Buddhist temple where you will be given time to marvel at its unique architectural design and learn about the culture and traditions of the locals from your guide.
After exploring the Wat Chalong, your group will visit Wang Talang where you will enter the oldest gems and handicrafts gallery and shop on the island.
The second-to-the-last stop is Phuket Old Town where you will discover the rich Sino-Portuguese heritage of the island.
Last but not least is Khao Rang Hill, which is a popular viewpoint where you can marvel at the town from high above the ground and the numerous offshore islands nearby.
After the tour, you’ll get dropped off at your accommodation.
To cap off the day, head for Patong Beach. There, you will find a wide variety of shops and restaurants, bars, and shops. There are also a bunch of massage parlors, too, so you can have a post-tour meal and massage.

Day 2: Coral Island and Racha Island Adventure

Visiting Phuket isn’t complete without exploring the offshore islands near it. Book the full day tour package by We Love Andaman and spend an entire day wandering around both islands.
You’ll get picked up at your accommodation and will get dropped off at Chalong Pier, where you will board a catamaran.
Your first stop is Coral Island, where you will be given free time to discover its tropical gems as well as try out the various water-based activities offered, like snorkeling and kayaking. Make sure to set aside time to hang by the shore and sunbathe, swim, and simply relax. (Note: water activity fees are not included in the tour package, so bring extra cash with you.)
After spending time at Coral Island, your group will board the catamaran where you will be served lunch by the crew.
The last stop is Racha Island where you will also be given free time to wander on your own, spend time at the beach, and go swimming. Don’t miss out on snorkeling to discover the underwater wonders of the island, like the schools of colorful fish calling it home.
On your way back to the pier, you can have fun fishing. Once you’re back at the pier, you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation.

Day 3: Get your adrenaline pumping with these thrilling endeavors

Wake up early for some vitamin sunshine by hiking up to the tippy top of the Karon Viewpoint and watch the sunrise breathe life into the island.
After your hike, return to your hotel and get ready to put the pedal to metal because you’re going to be riding an ATV for an hour! You can book this activity through Klook, and it comes with round-trip hotel transfers! Oh, and pick the 09:00 slot.
You’ll get picked up at your hotel and get taken to the activity zone where you will learn how to properly drive an ATV, enjoy driving along dirty and muddy roads, traverse bumpy trails, and even pass through a mangrove forest to find a hidden beach.
After this activity, you’ll be dropped off at your accommodation. Rest up for a bit because the thrill of excitement doesn’t stop with your ATV experience.
Once you’re rested, make your way to Hanuman World and take on its adrenaline-pumping zip line courses.
After zooming from one platform to another at Hanuman World, cap off your day by making your way to Srisoonthorn Road and have your body kneaded by an expert masseuse at Oasis Spa, which offers numerous massage treatments that will leave you feeling renewed and rejuvenated.

Day 4: Maithon Island Half-Day Tour and Phuket Aquaria

Wake up early and make sure to arrive at Panwa Pier by 09:00 before embarking on a half-day adventure to Maithon Island.
At the pier, you’ll meet the tour crew and you’ll be taken to the idyllic island by catamaran.
There, you will be given opportunities to take on a variety of water-based activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and even ocean water sliding from the catamaran!
Make sure you try kayaking to discover some hidden gems on the island
After a fun time splashing around crystal clear waters, you will be served a BBQ lunch aboard the boat, then you will return to the pier by 13:30.
After the adventure, rest up a bit and then make a booking for Phuket Aquaria and Trickeye Museum tickets! They come with instant confirmation!
Enter Aquaria Phuket, which is the largest oceanarium in Thailand. It houses over 25,000 majestic marine creatures across various species!
Explore the different interactive zones in Aquaria and learn about the magic of the big blue sea.
After seeing everything there is to see in Aquaria, make your way to the Trickeye Museum, which is full of rooms filled with unique paintings that appear three-dimensional and serve as optical illusions. You will feel like you’re within the worlds depicted by these paintings. Don’t forget to take pictures!

Day 5: Beach-hopping Day

Wear your swimsuits because the fifth day is beach-hopping day! Begin by making your way to Kata Noi Beach. Here, there are thrilling activities to try like surfing (first and foremost!), jet skiing, and parasailing. Just a little bit off the shore, you’ll find schools of colorful tropical fish swimming around. This makes Kata Noi Beach one of the best snorkeling spots on the island.
Surin Beach is your next beach stop and is one of the best choices to look for some relaxation because of the laid-back atmosphere. There are food vendors around the area so you can munch on snacks and sip on cool drinks while you enjoy sunbathing or hang below the shade of a tree.
Nai Harn Beach makes for a good last stop because not only can you hang out at the beach, but you can also go sightseeing! The area has a village vibe to it, making it a lovely and chill area to look for peace and relaxation. The Wat Nai Harn Monastery is near the beach as well, so if you’re looking for a place to spend a few moments of meditation or silent reflection. You can also take strolls or jog along Nai Harn Lake. If you want, you can even go paddle boating in the middle of the lake.

Day 6: Yanui Cape Sunset Catamaran Tour and Dinner

Book the Yanui Cape Sunset Catamaran Tour by We Love Andaman and embark on a short voyage into the Andaman Sea at 15:00.
This comes with a hotel pick up and drop off service, so make sure to be at your accommodation’s lobby or entrance by 14:50.
The service will drop you off at a pier where you’ll board a catamaran that’ll take you to Yanui Cape, one of the best sunset viewing spots in Phuket. You’ll be given 45 minutes to do what you want (we recommend snorkeling!) before the sunset dinner aboard the catamaran.
You’ll be served a wide variety of meals ranging from salad to sliced fish and fruits.
Enjoy a breathtaking view of the sun setting over the horizon while having dinner with your companions. If you’re taking this tour with your significant other, it makes for an unforgettable romantic moment.
Before the sun fully sets, make sure to take snapshots and pose with it in the backdrop.
You will return to the pier by 19:00 and you’ll be transferred back to your accommodation as soon as you arrive.

Day 7: Private Food Tour

A trip to Phuket isn’t complete without discovering its food spots. Book Oriental Holiday’s private food discovery trip and embark on a short but intimate gastronomic adventure with a knowledgeable tour guide.
Throughout this tour, not only will you learn about the best food spots and what the local culinary culture is like from your guide, but you will also be immersed in the island’s market culture by visiting the Chillva and Fruit Markets.
There will also be a fun side trip that will take you to Promthep Cape and Chalong Temple. At Promthep Cape, you will be able to enjoy sweeping views of the sea. Chalong Temple will serve as a brief respite from the hustle and bustle of the town.

Day 8: A day of elephants

Begin by visiting Phuket’s Elephant Jungle Sanctuary. Select the morning visit or the morning elephant feeding and showering so you have time for another elephant-themed activity later. Either way, you will be able to interact with and join the island’s elephants in their natural habitat, learn about the sanctuary and the conservation efforts of the keepers, plus wear a traditional cloth of the Karen tribe.
You’ll have the opportunity to participate in keeping the elephants well fed, bathe them, and bond with them. You can even take a mud spa with these adorable giants!
After your experience helping out in the sanctuary, you’ll be offered a soothing shower and a delicious Thai meal for your hard work.
Phuket offers rare opportunities to get close to these animals, so don’t miss out on doing so!

Day 9: Blue Tree Water Park and Mandara Spa

For the tenth day, take a break from sightseeing and spend quality time with your family or friends at the famous Blue Tree Water Park! It is Phuket’s largest water park and inside, you’ll find many water slides as well as numerous activities ranging from water sports, land activities, zip lines, paddle boards, and more! It’s one of the best places on the island where you can beat the heat!
After a refreshing time at Blue Tree Water Park, make your way to the JW Marriott Phuket Resort and enter Mandara Spa to get pampered. You can pre-book an appointment and select the treatment you want.

Day 10: Jet Ski Tour and Sunset Catamaran Dinner

If you’re in need of some adrenaline again, Klook has the perfect combination of a thrilling activity and a tour. Book a four- or five-hour jet ski tour in the morning and visit nearby offshore islands!
Whichever package you pick, you will have to meet up at Ao Po Pier, hop on your jet ski, and follow your guide to Blue Dragon Island, where you can relax at the beach or go snorkeling

4-hour tour

For the 4-hour tour, your next stop is Coconut Island, which is famous for its coconut trees, hence the name. If you feel like it, you can try your hand at fishing.
The next stop is Naka Yai Island, where you’ll be given free time to swim and relax. There are vendors that sell fresh coconut juice and French fries.
The last stop is Baryo Island, where you will discover and observe the ways of life of the majestic monkeys that inhabit it.

5-hour tour

After Blue Dragon Island, your group will visit Rang Yai Island, which is known for having a pearl farm and a pearl shop, the latter of which you’ll have the opportunity to visit!
Next up is Coconut Island.
After visiting Coconut Island, you’ll make your way to Naka Noi Island to relax at its white sandy beach.
Post-relaxation time on Naka Noi, you will have the choice to visit either Som Island or James Bond Island. The former is a private island that’s known for having a vibrant marine life even in its shallow waters. The latter is known for being featured in a classic James Bond film, “The Man with the Golden Gun” and is iconic for its towering karst outcrops.
Once you’re done exploring either island, you’ll move to Naka Yai Island for some relaxation.
The second to the last stop is Baryo Island, and after that, your group will stop by Phuket’s Yacht Haven.

Right after the jet ski tour, return to your hotel to rest up because at 16:30, you’ll embark on a short catamaran tour that comes with dinner during sunset. You’ll be picked up at your accommodation around that time.
Once you arrive at Chalong Pier, your group will board a catamaran that will take you to Promthep Cape, and then Nui Beach right after, where you will watch the sunset while having a delicious dinner.

Day 11: Snorkeling at Banana Beach

One of the most popular activities to do in Phuket is snorkeling. A vacation here isn’t complete without doing so. If you weren’t able to get the chance to do so during some of the previous activities, here’s your chance to do so! Pick the second package for a speedboat ride to Banana Beach!
Select any one of the time slots: 10:00, 12:00, and 14:00. Make sure to arrive at KanEang@Pier 10 minutes before your selected departure time.
You’ll be transferred to Banana Beach where you will be given free time to relax under the shade of a tree or umbrella, plus, go snorkeling in the pristine and crystal clear waters where you can discover and marvel at colorful tropical fish!
The speedboat tour package comes with a free THB500 cash voucher that you can use for food, drinks, and facilities at the Banana Beach Club. We recommend having lunch at the Hornbill Restaurant!
Don’t forget to take your time to spot and observe the island’s Hornbill birds, which are often hard to find anywhere else nowadays. They’re also the namesake of the Hornbill Restaurant!
At 17:00 or 18:00, you’ll be brought back to the Pier.

Day 12: Surfing or stand-up paddle boarding

This second-to-the-last day will be chill just like the previous one. Today, you will choose between two water-based activities: surfing or stand-up paddle boarding. Whichever you book, you will be taught by veterans of these activities, so you’re guaranteed to have a fun and safe experience gliding along waves or paddling around near the shore.

Day 13: Exploring Phuket one last time

On the last day, you’re free to do what you want. We recommend that you explore the town once again and pass by attractions like the Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, and Khao Rang Hill one more time before you leave.

And this concludes the itinerary. You can choose to follow it day by day or you can simply take what you want from each day and combine them with whatever plans you may already have made. There are enough activities here to make your vacation on the island more worthwhile. Just make sure to book what interests you in advance after reading this itinerary recommendation.

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