Phuket welcomed nine million visitors in 2022, which speaks to its evident charm. Phuket can accommodate all types of visitors, be it a family with young children, a couple planning a honeymoon, or an individual traveler.
Explore the amazing wonders of Phuket before you leave. It’s time to pack your bags if you’ve been dreaming of visiting Phuket, as this is a list of the top 20 attractions that you simply must see.
Here Are The Best Places to Visit in Phuket
Beaches to visit in Phuket
Patong Beach
One of the most popular beaches in Phuket is Patong Beach, which can be found around the island’s west coast. There are a lot of restaurants, bars, lodging options, and massage parlors near and on the beach. Owing to these facilities, Patong Beach consistently sees a large number of visitors. Patong Beach is the place to go if you enjoy a wild party and you are OK with the crowds.
You can take advantage of the beach parties to enjoy the nightlife here. Shopaholics looking to purchase items may visit the Patong Beach Night Market. You can always find restaurants and other small kiosks that will satisfy your hunger.
Location: Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Kata Beach
The 1.5-kilometer-long Kata Beach is located on Phuket’s western coast. Compared to Patong Beach, this beach is less crowded and quieter. For those who prefer to stay away from the hustle and bustle of big crowds, Kata Beach’s sun-kissed shores are perfect. Families and couples especially enjoy spending time at the beach.
The beach has a good nightlife and is surrounded by a number of lodgings, restaurants, bars, and food shopping carts. You can also enjoy yourself greatly by participating in water sports like diving and snorkeling.
Location: Pakbang Road, Kata Beach, Karon, Phuket, 83100 Thailand
Bang Tao Beach
Situated between Patong and the Phuket Airport, Bang Tao Beach covers 8 km, making it the longest beach on the island. While the northern part of the beach is more peaceful and relaxing with a few beach shacks and bars, the southern end of the beach is more populated with clubs and hotels. Bring your beach chair or mat because most hotels provide them to their guests as sun loungers.
For couples looking to unwind, this beach is perfect because it’s not as crowded as Patong. Water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, and surfing are also available to visitors. From November to April, when the sea waters are at their warmest, is the ideal time to enjoy water sports at Bang Tao Beach.
Location: Bangtao Beach, Phuket, 83110, Thailand
Places to Visit in Phuket for Shopping
Central Phuket
Central Phuket is a multi-level retail center with over 500 stores to meet all of your shopping requirements. It is home to several luxury brands. Some of the best cafes, restaurants, and buffets can be found in the mall. At the mall, one can also indulge in a Thai spa and massage. Central Phuket is home to some of Phuket’s top attractions, including the world’s largest underwater restaurant, Su Va Na,
Tribhum (Magic Forest and Show), and Aquaria Phuket (Aquarium), in addition to shops, dining, and wellness centers. When you visit Phuket, you should definitely check out this mall; it will be a delightful experience.
Address: Central Pattana Public Company Limited, 199 Moo4, Vichit, Muang, Phuket,
Timings: 10.00 AM–10.00 PM
Also Read: Places to Visit in Chiang Mai
Jungceylon Mall
One of Phuket’s largest malls, Jungceylon Mall is situated in the busy Patong district. You can explore local and international clothing, footwear, sunglasses, cosmetics, toys, handicrafts, gadgets, and more from its more than 200 outlets. It also has SF Cinema City, a movie theater, and SF Strike, a fantastic 16-lane bowling alley. Go straight to Jungceylon Mall if you’re looking for somewhere to escape a hot or rainy day in Phuket.
Address: Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket, 83150, Thailand
Timings: Opens every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Phuket Weekend Market
The Phuket Weekend Market is a great place to find everyday necessities, souvenirs, and used goods at extremely low costs. It’s known locally as the Chaofa Variety Weekend Market or the Naka Market. If you know how to haggle, you can easily get great deals on handbags, trinkets, stoles, skirts, and t-shirts.
You can enjoy some refreshing beer and some delicious and enjoyable Thai street food in the market’s western section. Try to arrive at the market no later than 4 p.m. to avoid rush hour.
Location: 7 Wirat Hong Yok Rd., Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Timings: Saturday to Sunday, from 4 pm to 11 pm
Chillva Market
Because of its wide range of goods and services, this market is popular with both locals and visitors. You’re sure to find something you’ll love here, from clothing to handbags, from trinkets to home decor. At Chillva Market, a diverse range of delicious foods such as meatballs, pad Thai, banana pancakes, and fried chicken can be purchased from vibrant food stalls.
Chillva Market is an impressive 6,400 square meters in total, with a modern, chill vibe mixed with a trendy, colorful atmosphere. In order to explore the market without having to deal with crowded areas, try to get to it as soon as it opens.
Location: Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Timings: Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (closed on Sundays)
Places to Visit in Phuket to Enjoy Nightlife
Bangla Walking Street
Bangla Walking Street comes alive at dusk when the restaurants and bars with neon-lit signs welcome people inside as the sun sets. After 5:00 p.m., no vehicle is allowed to enter the Bangla Road. For pedestrians who wish to explore the walking street peacefully, this makes it convenient.
The 400-meter-long Bangla Road is lined with a variety of alleys, or soi, such as Soi Hollywood, Soi Gonzo, and Soi Freedom. There are numerous restaurants, nightclubs, and go-go bars on each soi. Make sure to visit at least once as it’s one of the trendiest spots in Phuket to enjoy the nightlife.
Address: Bangla Road, Patong, Kathu District, Phuket.
Timings: Opens from 5 PM to 5 AM
Simon Cabaret Show
You should make time to see the Simon Cabaret Show when taking in Phuket’s nightlife. Transgender artists showcase their glitzy and glamorous performances in an audiovisual spectacle. A harmonious fusion of singing, dancing, magic, amusement, and audience participation is captured in cabaret performances.
In small groups, the performers put on a variety of performances to keep the audience engaged. They are visible with their fancy crowns and bright clothing. For a small fee, the artists take pictures with audience members after the performance.
Timings: There are three cabaret shows that begin at 6:00 PM, 7:45 PM, and 11:30 PM.
The ticket price starts at 800 THB.
Address: 8 Sirirat Road, Patong, Kathu District, Phuket.
Illuzion Club
For those who love to party hard, Illuzion Club is one of the trendiest clubs in Phuket. This elite club has three floors or rooms that can hold up to 5,000 people. You can get VIP tickets for any of the 300 VIP tables at the club.
This club frequently hosts international DJs like Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, and Marshmello. There are often theatrical productions, music concerts, and aerial acts. The club serves a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, from complex cocktails to traditional old-fashioned.
Address: 31 Bangla Road, Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Phuket
Timings: 9 PM–2 PM
Also Read: Places To Visit in Bangkok
Places to Visit in Phuket – Temples and Religious Sites
Big Buddha
Phuket’s Big Buddha is a well-known tourist destination. At the summit of Nakkerd Hills, halfway between Chalong and Kata, stands a Maravijaya Buddha statue. White jade Burmese marble was used to create the sculpture, which is a careful demonstration of skill and labor.
This magnificent statue is visible from nearly every location in Phuket’s southern region. Calm can be felt by the Buddha statue’s contemplative pose. You will be astounded by the breathtaking view as you get the stairs toward the Buddha figure. Once at the top, make sure to take lots of pictures for mementos.
Timings: 6 AM to 6:30 PM
Address: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phukei
Wat Chalong
One of Phuket’s most revered and holy temples is Wat Chalong. Wat Chaithararam is known by its shortened form, Wat Chalong. The temple’s high pagoda, which holds a piece of Buddha’s own bone, is what draws attention the most.
You can see paintings on the temple walls that depict the life of the Buddha. It is a popular temple for local Buddhists to come and pray. Additionally, modest clothing is required, just like at any other Thai temple.
Location: 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee.
Wat Khao Rang
Located on top of Rang Hill in Phuket is the Buddhist temple Wat Khao Rang. It contains a massive statue of the golden Buddha sitting in the position of the Vitarka Mudra. The area inside and outside the temple is serene and soothing. Many beautiful paintings and other artwork advising tales of the Buddha and other Thai myths will be on display.
Plan your visit to the temple on any weekday as the devotees tend to pack it in on the weekends. Around the temple, there is a souvenir shop as well. Be sure that you play by the temple’s regulations regarding attire.
Location: 87 7 Tambon Ratsada, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket
Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free
Also Read: Places to visit in Koh Samui
Places to Visit in Phuket for Adventure and Amusement
Tiger Kingdom
Phuket has the opportunity to get up close and safe with the magnificent animals at Tiger Kingdom. The best of both tourism and wildlife encounters can be had here. The majority of visitors to Tiger Kingdom go there to feed or take pictures of the tigers. You can take photos of a giant tiger, a small tiger, or a cub here.
These tigers are used to human presence because they were raised by human trainers from birth. There is a fee to pay, which varies depending on the tiger you select. You can take pictures of a giant tiger, a small tiger, or a cub here. You can keep a safe distance from them if you don’t want to approach them. In general, getting up close to is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Address: 118/88 Moo 7, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand
Opens every day from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: Starts from THB 1,500/-
Phuket FantaSea
In Phuket, there is a large cultural theme park called Phuket FantaSea. Fantasy and Sea are combined to form the word FantaSea. Families with children looking for entertainment during the evening should definitely check it out. Using state-of-the-art technology, the theme park presents Thai culture, customs, myths, and legends, creating an unmatched spectacle.
A shopping district, a modern theater, and a sizable dining hall with 4,000 seats all await guests inside the theme park, where they can savor mouthwatering Thai and international fare. If you intend to visit, be sure to reserve your tickets ahead of time.
Address: 99, Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Opening Hours – 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM, Showtime: 9 00 PM (Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday)
Prices: For a show with Buffet Dinner: THB 2200/- (per adult) and THB 2000/- (per child)
For show only: THB 1800/- (per adult) and THB 1800/- (per child)
Hanuman World
In the heart of Hanuman World, you’ll find ziplines, skywalks, and roller zipline platforms for a thrilling experience. This green oasis houses the biggest zipline park in all of Thailand. You have your pick from Hanuman World’s array of ziplines, stretching 300, 400, 500, or 800 meters.
Plan for about an hour per activity. Both kids and grown-ups can enjoy the ziplines. You’ll be provided with a free locker for your valuables. Optional GoPro rentals are available for 800 THB. A lunch buffet can be enjoyed for an additional 350 THB. If you’re into outdoor fun and adventures, you’ll love this park.
Price: Strats from THB 1500 per person and goes up to THB 3,490 per person
Address: Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket
Old Phuket Town
Old Phuket Town is a top spot for visitors. It has a mix of Portuguese and Sino cultural elements. You can see these in the murals, street art, and bright townhouses. Many historical homes have become museums and cafes. Chinese shrines like Jui Tui Shrine and Thai temples can be found here too. Every street in the old town is unique, but Thalang Road steals the show. It’s a colorful area filled with restaurants, boutiques, cafes, and Sino-Portuguese buildings.
Location: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Places to Visit in Phuket to Explore Nature
Bang Pae Waterfall
Bang Pae, a considerable waterfall in Thailand, always welcomes visitors. It’s nestled within the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The THB 200 admission is a fair trade. Settle into a calm space, breathe in the tranquility of the wilderness, and let the waterfall help you relax.
Address: Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket
Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Best time to visit: Peak rainy season (May to December).
Karon Viewpoint
Known locally as “The Hill of the Three Beaches,” Karon Viewpoint offers a glimpse of Big Kata, Little Kata, and Karon Bay, three beautiful beaches. It’s a great spot to see the untouched beauty of nature up close. It’s definitely a visit worth making.
A quick ten-minute walk or cab ride from Kata beach will get you to the viewpoint. Upon reaching, the mesmerizing views of the Andaman Sea await you. The reflection of its turquoise waters, coupled with the cool greenery of the thick plants, will delight your senses.
Location: 4233 Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Timings: Opens everyday
Ticket – Free!
Green Elephant Sanctuary Park
This unique elephant sanctuary prioritizes ethical considerations and looks after elephants who had tough lives. The elephants here finally get to relax after years of labor and explore naturally. Watching as they enjoy their freedom is a sight to behold.
While riding them isn’t allowed, one can still approach them during meals or bath times. Also, you can educate yourself about Thailand’s elephant conservation efforts. Furthermore, they’ve got everything visitors might need – food, drinks, rain gear, boots, umbrellas, and insect spray!
Address: 100, Moo 2, Paklok, Thalang, 83110, Thailand
Timings: Morning Program 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and Evening Program 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Price: THB 3,000 per adult and THB 1,500 per child (4-12 Years); children below 4 can get free entry.
Phuket boasts a charm like no other place. Known for pristine sandy shores, sparkling turquoise oceans, and dense jungles, Phuket exudes a mix of nature and contemporary energy. Whether it’s your dream honeymoon or a fun-filled family rendezvous, Phuket is ready to welcome you. Simply picking a fitting Phuket travel deal can turn it into an indelible holiday!
Also Read: Places to Visit in Thailand
Frequently Asked Question
What is Phuket, Thailand best known for?
While the capital of the island is the most well-known attraction, Phuket is gaining popularity due to its peaceful countryside and a stunning set of elegant, modern lodges
Is 2 days in Phuket enough?
Phuket is the presenting beach destination in Thailand, offering year-round sunshine, fine sand beaches, and verdant jungles. You have two days to spend exploring, so you can see the best parts of the mainland as well as cruise the coast and the islands.
Is 3 days enough in Phuket?
There should be no question that Phuket is worth visiting. Your Phuket itinerary will take you to many amazing locations, to sample the best cuisine, and to take advantage of the amazing nightlife.
Is Phuket better or Pattaya?
Phuket is the greatest option if you’re searching for picture-perfect tropical scenery with white-sand beaches, clear sea, and palm trees, even though both locations have sea views and beaches. Bangkok is not far from the seaside city of Pattaya. There are 3 km (2 miles) of sandy beaches there where you can engage in a variety of water sports.
What is the best time to visit Phuket?
The best time to visit Phuket is between November and February as this is the coolest season. With the monsoon over, the temperature varies between a more comfortable 23°C and 30°C during this time of year. It is also drier. It’s a perfect time to take advantage of water sports and relaxation on the beach.
What are the top shopping destinations in Phuket?
A multi-level mall called Central Phuket is home to upscale retailers, eateries, and attractions including Aquaria Phuket and Su Va Na. The Patong-based Jungceylon Mall has a movie theater, a bowling alley, and a variety of stores. Tasteful street cuisine and reasonably priced merchandise may be found at the Phuket Weekend Market. Chillva Market is a hip spot to shop for clothes, accessories, and street cuisine.
Where can I experience Phuket’s nightlife?
Bangla Walking Street is well-known for its pubs and go-go clubs, as well as its lively nightlife. Transgender performers provide a spectacular show at the Simon Cabaret Show. The huge club Illuzion Club hosts theatrical events and worldwide DJs.
What are the best natural spots to visit in Phuket?
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park is home to Bang Pae Waterfall, which is renowned for its peace and beauty. Stunning views of Big Kata, Little Kata, and Karon Bay can be seen from Karon Viewpoint. Elephants may be seen and interacted with in the ethical refuge Green Elephant Refuge Park.
Are there any ethical considerations for visiting animal attractions in Phuket?
Make sure you choose respectable establishments in Tiger Kingdom that put animal welfare first. Elephant conservation and humane care are prioritized in the Green Elephant Sanctuary Park.
What types of activities can I do in Phuket during the rainy season?
Visiting shopping centers, taking in cultural performances, and exploring indoor attractions such as Aquaria Phuket are examples of indoor activities. Observing waterfalls, taking in beautiful scenery, and engaging in weather-adaptable hobbies are examples of outdoor activities.