Quick answer: The must-dos in Phuket are a speedboat trip to the Phi Phi Islands (the national park fee is 400 THB for foreign adults), Phang Nga Bay, Phuket Old Town and its Sunday Walking Street, the Big Buddha, sunset at Promthep Cape, beach-hopping around Kata, Karon and Kata Noi, a Thai cooking class, and the Similan Islands in season.
Phuket is much more than Patong’s party strip. Here are the 20 best things to do, from island trips to culture and food. Prices are 2026 rates where they’re fixed.
Island and sea trips
- The Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay: turquoise lagoons and Maya Bay’s famous beach (no swimming). See our Phi Phi guide.
- Phang Nga Bay: limestone towers, sea-canoe trips through hidden lagoons and James Bond Island.
- The Similan Islands: some of Thailand’s best snorkelling, open roughly from mid-October to mid-May.
- Coral Island and Racha Island: closer, calmer day trips from Chalong.
- A sunset cruise: catamaran trips around the southern islands.
Culture and sightseeing
- Phuket Old Town: pastel Sino-Portuguese shophouses, street art and cafés on Thalang and Soi Romanee.
- The Sunday Walking Street (Lard Yai): food and crafts every Sunday evening in the Old Town.
- The Big Buddha: the hilltop marble statue, free to visit (donations welcome). Cover your shoulders and knees.
- Wat Chalong: Phuket’s most important temple.
- Promthep Cape: the island’s classic sunset viewpoint.
- Karon Viewpoint: a view over three bays, Kata Noi, Kata and Karon.
- An ethical elephant sanctuary: choose observation-only, no-riding sanctuaries.
Beaches
- Kata Noi: one of the prettiest beaches on the island.
- Freedom Beach: a secluded cove reached by longtail boat or a steep trail.
- Nai Harn: a local favourite beside a lake.
- Kamala and Surin: beach clubs and sunset dinners. See the best beaches in Phuket.
Food and nightlife
- A Thai cooking class with a local market tour.
- Southern Thai food: try moo hong, gaeng tai pla and Phuket noodles in the Old Town.
- Bangla Road in Patong: neon, bars and clubs, at least once.
- A Thai massage on the beach, or a spa day.
Compare Phuket island tours, cooking classes and sanctuary visits.
Tips
- Book boat trips for the morning, when seas are calmer and crowds smaller.
- Choose reputable operators with life jackets, and check the weather in the monsoon months.
- Agree tuk-tuk and taxi prices before you get in, or use Grab.
More Phuket guides
- Phuket travel guide
- The best beaches in Phuket
- Where to stay in Phuket
- Phuket itinerary: 4, 5 or 7 days
- Phi Phi Islands day trip from Phuket
- Phuket Airport to Patong and the beaches
- Best time to visit Phuket
FAQ: Things to do in Phuket
What is Phuket famous for?
Its beaches, the Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay island trips, Patong’s nightlife and the Sino-Portuguese Old Town.
Can you swim at Maya Bay?
No. Swimming has been banned since 2022 to protect the reef. You can walk on the beach and wade in knee-deep water.
What can you do in Phuket when it rains?
Take a cooking class, explore the Old Town’s cafés and museums, get a spa treatment, or visit the aquarium and malls.
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