Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, especially for those looking for a peaceful getaway full of splashes and sand because of all the beaches! Of course, the vaycay island isn’t all about beaches as there are numerous other things to do in Phuket, from touring its town and seeing cultural sites to visiting family-friendly waterparks.
You’ll pretty much be spoiled for choice when you visit the island, but if you’re worried about what to do as well as saving good money, then don’t fret! We’ve prepared a short list of the best things to do in Phuket on a budget to help you make your visit there worthwhile, joyful, and frugal!
1) Have a splashing good time at two of the island’s most popular water parks!
If you want to get away from the beach crowds and looking to spend quality time with family and friends in a similar but slightly different environment, then you can’t go wrong with visiting the water parks of Phuket!
Blue Tree Waterpark is one of the best that we can recommend. It’s one of the largest waterparks on the island, and it offers a wide variety of activities for you to try, such as plunging down water slides, partaking in water sports like jousting and paddle-boarding, adrenaline-pumping kinds on land such as rock climbing and zip lining, and more! There’s even an area meant for families looking for lighter things to do like playing around fountains and going down shorter water slides.
Another one that you shouldn’t pass up on is ANDAMANDA Phuket Waterpark! It is the largest leisure and entertainment complex in Phuket, and it has five different zones that celebrate Thailand’s natural treasures as well as tales of adventure from the Andaman Coastline! You’ll see Thai architecture everywhere you go, from its restaurant to even the retail area. Inside, there are seventeen rides, thirty-two sliders, and eight attractions, as well as fantasy play areas fit for kids and kids-at-heart!
2) Discover the magic of the big blue sea!
Perhaps, after all the splashing and swimming at the beach (or waterpark,) you’re probably curious about life beneath Phuket’s crystal clear waters. If you want to learn more about the ocean and the magnificent creatures that call it their home, there’s a wonderful attraction that you should definitely visit: Aquaria Phuket!
Aquaria Phuket is the third largest aquarium in Thailand, and it houses and protects over 25,000 marine and water-dwelling species, such as sharks, jellyfish, rays, penguins, and even otters! All of them are scattered around four different zones for you to explore: Mystic Forest, Coastal Haven, South China Sea, and Station Aquarius, each one based on certain habitats. Inside each zone, you’ll find these informative exhibits that tell you all there is to know about the animals and their respective habitats.
3) Step into two of the most surreal places in Phuket!
We’re sure that at some point in your life, you’ve imagined yourselves exploring or even trying to escape a maze, as well as walking on ceilings. If you’re still curious to see and feel what it’s like to do so, then Phuket has got you covered! The island has two attractions that will give you what you’re looking for!
A-Maze-in-Phuket is a garden labyrinth made by a brilliant labyrinth designer named Adrian Fisher. It spans 1,000sqm and is made of tall shrubbery, which gives the maze a fairytale-esque quality to it. Pay this gorgeous attraction a visit and find your way out of its enchanting twists and turns!
The other attraction is Baan Teelanka, which is Thailand’s first and only upside-down house! This attraction is a great place to snap great photos because of its design. It’s a three-story house with numerous rooms, all fully furnished and ready for photo ops of you walking along the ceilings! It’s also more than just an attractions that’s good for surreal photoshoots because it has two escape rooms that fully take advantage of the fact that it’s upside down! If you’ve got some of your buddies or your fam with you, and all of you have a knack for solving puzzles, then this house won’t let you down, literally. Because you’re on the ceiling. Heh.
4) Get pampered at a local spa!
After doing a lot of beach hopping and sightseeing, you’re bound to get tired and a bit weary, so mix up your adventures in Phuket by visiting a local spa or two! We recommend either Kim’s Massage and Spa or NARA Massage and Spa, which are located in the Mueang Phuket District.
Whichever spa and treatment you select, you’ll have the time of your life being tenderized by the gentle yet firm hands of your massage therapist, who will employ techniques and the best products to ensure that you will enjoy the sound of your bones crackling and the feeling of your muscles loosening. We recommend the Coconut Body Treatment of Kim’s Massage and Spa, as well as the Aromatic Oil Massage of NARA Massage!
5) Feast at Phuket’s buffets!
A trip to Phuket isn’t complete without dining at one (or two!) of the island’s buffets!
Did you know that what are arguably The Best Ribs in the World can be found on the island? Pay Naughty Nuri’s a visit and take the opportunity to taste their signature BBQ spare ribs. You might just end up calling them the best as well just like everyone else who dines there!
The restaurant also serves more than just its spare ribs. They also serve Balinese and Asian fusion dishes. You can opt for their All YOU Can Eat buffet and delight in other dishes such as BBQ Pork Chop, BBQ Pork Loin, Grilled Hog’s Platter, and even Indonesia Style Mee Goreng!
Another restaurant you should definitely visit is You & I Premium Suki Buffet, which specializes in hotpot meals! Pick the meats and seafood you want and boil them in your individual pot! Don’t forget to try out the vegetable and spicy pork broths that’ll warm your soul. Then, after a hearty meal, chase all of it down with some ice cream!
6) Explore the town on a half-day tour to discover its popular landmarks!
Phuket is more than just its beaches and clubs. It has numerous cultural attractions to visit as well. You can actually hop on a small group tour that will take you around the town in a vehicle alongside other tourists. You will visit the Big Buddha, which is one of Phuket’s most iconic landmarks. Wat Chalong, a famous Buddhist temple, is also part of the itinerary.
You’ll even visit the Old Town, where you will see well-preserved Sino-Portuguese architecture, all of which are buildings with designs that showcase a mixture of Asian and European styles. To cap off this adventure, your group will drop by Khao Rang Hill, where you will be treated to jaw-dropping views of different areas of Phuket. Throughout this short adventure, a guide will accompany you and share fascinating trivia and stories about Phuket that’ll give you insights into its culture and heritage!
Save more with a special pass from Klook!
If you’re traveling to Phuket on a budget, then we’ve just got the thing you need to save more money while experiencing the best of what the island has to offer: the Klook Phuket Pass!
Here’s how it works:
This nifty pass comes in three types, each one allowing you to access 2, 3, or 4 out of all the attractions and activities mentioned above! We recommend purchasing one or even two 4-attraction Phuket Passes so you can cover most of them for a good deal! This pass will make your stay in Phuket budget-friendly, and in turn, more joyful and exciting!
Safe travels!
