Filled with some of the world’s best white-sand beaches, seaside resorts, and cultural attractions, Phuket is an ideal getaway for those who love the sun and the ocean. Witness the wonders of nature and the rich heritage of Thailand as you visit this tropical island in the Andaman Sea and make the most out of your trip with these top 10 Phuket tourist attractions!
Explore the center of nightlife and one of the main beach destinations located on the west coast of Phuket! Pa Tong is most famous for Patong Beach, a 2.85-kilometer coast lined with a wide selection of restaurants and shops that offer a fun and wild nightlife experience. When the sun has set, get to enjoy the sparkling lights and lively music from an assortment of bars, clubs, and cabaret shows, which are best experienced in the popular Bangla Road. For those looking for a different experience, there are other beaches where you can go parasailing, hop on a jet ski, or have a relaxing massage without the crowd of tourists.
Around 8 kilometers south of Pa Tong lies Karon Beach, a popular destination for families with children. With its crystal clear, turquoise waters and 3-kilometer stretch of white sand, you can rent beach chairs as you enjoy the stunning view or you can dive into some water sports such as parasailing that cost just a few Thai baht. Aside from staying at the beach, you can also grab a bite of fresh seafood and other Thai dishes at any of the nearby restaurants or go shop and try out exotic bugs at the Karon Temple Market.
Delve into another world at Phuket FantaSea, one of the most magical attractions among the different Phuket famous places. This theme park in Kamala showcases both Thailand’s rich heritage and colorful imagination through Fantasy of a Kingdom, a spectacular show featuring unique performances of acrobatics, impressive choreography, and a wonderful display of elephants, among many other exciting animals. Don’t worry about where to eat as the park has one of the largest buffet restaurants in the world where you can have your fill of international and local dishes, including vegetarian and vegan options.
Witness the gleaming red, white, and gold architecture of Wat Chalong, a beautiful Buddhist temple in Mueang Phuket. Covering the walls and ceilings are paintings and murals depicting significant parts of Buddha’s life. In the 60-meter chedi, you can see the Phra Borom Sareerikatat, a bone fragment of Buddha, enclosed in a glass display. Sometimes, firecrackers are set off as gratitude for answered prayers and wishes. Just like when you’re visiting other temples, tourists must pay their respects by following the dress code, including covering their shoulders and not wearing shorts.
Go on a peaceful getaway at Kata Noi Beach, a secluded destination on the southwest of Phuket. Have the island to yourself as you lay on the sand with a beach umbrella without the bustling crowd. With its calm waves, this is one of the best places to go snorkeling which is safe for families with children. There are also numerous choices of local restaurants and spas where you can relax and unwind! If you have the time, stay until sunset to see an incredible view of where the sea meets the sky.
One of the most popular and unusual things to do in Phuket is reveling in the glitz and glamour of the Phuket Simon Cabaret. Thousands of visitors come to the theater in Sirirat Road to see the dazzling costumes and headdresses, and the distinct choreography and lip-syncing. Fill your evening with laughter, color, and musicality through the energetic performances that display the unique Thai culture. After the show, grab the opportunity to meet the actors and take memorable photos with them.
Also known as Bangla Road, the lively Thanon Bangla is the heart of nightlife in Phuket. Conveniently located near Patong beach, this 400-meter street is the place to go to after sunset with its wide range of bars and clubs. Bask in the neon lights, roaring music, refreshing drinks, and energetic crowd of partygoers at the street that never sleeps. Between the maze of street food and live music performances, this is one of the must-visit locations in the city!
Hidden between the Andaman Sea and limestone cliffs on the west coast of Phuket is Kamala Beach, a holiday destination that’s slowly becoming more popular with tourists. With excellent waves during the high season, this is a favorite spot for surfers of different skill levels, along with other water activities to soak up the sun. For those looking for more romantic things to do in Phuket, you can enjoy an intimate dinner at the beachside restaurants, see the spectacular sunset view on the rooftop bars, or have a traditional Thai couple’s massage on your private island getaway!
Offering stunning views of three of Phuket’s beaches, the glittering turquoise waters, and the lush forests of nearby islands, Karon View Point is a destination that you cannot miss! Located south of Kata Noi Beach, it’s best to rent a motorbike up to the vista to see the panoramic views. From early morning until evening, this is a popular viewpoint for those who want to witness the iconic coast and the skyline. Near the area, you can also spot sea eagles and take photos with them, or try one of the many restaurants offering authentic Thai food.
Compared to the other beaches in Phuket, Kata Beach is that sweet spot between overcrowded and secluded. Featuring a beautiful golden coast and the bluest ocean, you can easily spend your day laying on the soft sand with rented sunbeds and relishing the fantastic views, especially at sunset. This is the ultimate destination to have some fun under the sun and to enjoy water activities like surfing or snorkeling! Kata Beach offers just the right mix of exciting and relaxing activities that cater to different kinds of tourists.
Deemed one of the world's best beach destinations, Phuket is the perfect place to get a tan and ride some waves! Indulge in water activities such as fishing, parasailing and jetskiing, or simply chill at one of the best beaches in the area, Kata Beach!
Visit Patong Beach to witness the Bangla Road Nightlife and pick up some souvenirs at the Phuket Walking Street night market. For a more cultural experience, drive up to the top of the Nakkerd Hills to witness the Big Buddha up close at the peak, along with spectacular coastal views!
Phuket is popular for its pristine beaches, but it offers so much more than its natural wonders. Discover their rich culture by exploring temples, enjoying the nightlife, watching one-of-a-kind performances, and more!
Visit anytime between November and March for the ideal season to enjoy beach activities like surfing and swimming. Phuket can be visited all year round, but you should plan accordingly when the weather gets too hot or when the monsoon season starts!
Patong offers everything from beaches, local restaurants, souvenir shops, and a busy nightlife that caters to couples, families, and friends. Phuket Old Town is also a great historical location for those who want to have a more cultural immersion.