Places to Visit in Phuket

The Best Places to Visit in Phuket on a Map

Check out our map of the top attractions in Phuket.

Phuket Old Town

What you need to know: Phuket’s Old Town is lined with colorful houses from the 19th and 20th centuries, and it’s packed with great restaurants, local shops, and souvenir stands. The area is small enough to wander around comfortably on foot.

Is it worth it? Absolutely! Phuket Old Town is one of the most charming places to visit in Phuket and offers a nice change of pace from the island’s beach life.

Our tip: If you’re around on a Sunday, don’t miss the Lard Yai Sunday Night Market. It’s a local favorite and a great way to experience Phuket’s food scene, pick up fun souvenirs, and enjoy some live music.

Our hotel tip in Phuket Old Town: Xinlor House 

Big Buddha Phuket

Note: The Big Buddha is currently closed for renovations. However, you can still drive up and see it from outside the grounds.

What you need to know: Perched on a hilltop, the Great Buddha of Phuket offers not only a massive marble statue but also one of the best panoramic views in Phuket – definitely one of the top things to do in Phuket if you’re into scenic spots.

Is it worth it? When open, totally. But even now, it’s still worth heading up for the view alone.

Our tip: If you’re up for a short hike, you can walk from Karon Village to Big Buddha. The steep 1.6 km trail starts here and takes you right up to the site.

Bangla Road

What you need to know: Located in the heart of Patong, Bangla Road is Phuket’s nightlife hotspot — and one of the most well-known attractions on the island. At night, it transforms into a mix of neon lights, bars, loud music, and go-go clubs. During the day, the street is pretty quiet and nothing special.

Is it worth it? For the experience, yes. Even if it’s not your scene, it’s worth walking through at least once in the evening. That said, it’s definitely not a place to visit in Phuket with kids.

Our hotel tip nearby: Nicky’s Handlebar

Kata Noi

What you need to know: Kata Noi is a beautiful beach in the southwest of Phuket, offering a great mix of nature and convenience. There are a few restaurants, restrooms, and everything else you might need for a relaxed day at the beach.

Is it worth it? Definitely. If you go early in the morning, you’ll enjoy a quieter experience – one of the best things to do in Phuket if you’re after sun and serenity.

Our hotel tip nearby: The Shore at Katathani

Freedom Beach

What you need to know: Freedom Beach is the most beautiful beach near the tourist hub of Patong and looks straight out of a postcard. The water is calm and crystal-clear turquoise – perfect for swimming. It’s easily one of the most stunning natural attractions in Phuket.

Is it worth it? For sure. The water is some of the clearest we’ve seen in Phuket. Arrive early to beat the crowds and get a quiet spot on the beach.

Our tip: You can reach Freedom Beach by scooter or long-tail boat from Patong. If you go by scooter, be prepared for a 500-meter walk down to the beach (and a steep climb back up!). There’s also a 100 baht entrance fee.

Our hotel tip nearby: Avista Hideaway Phuket Patong – MGallery

Haad Laem Sing

What you need to know: Tucked between Surin and Kamala, Haad Laem Sing is a peaceful beach framed by rocks and lush greenery. The water is usually calm, but watch out for rocks while swimming.

Is it worth it? Definitely. It’s one of the top places to visit in Phuket and usually less crowded than the more popular spots.

Our tip: Don’t miss the viewpoint overlooking the bay – it’s marked on Google Maps as Haad Laem Sing Viewpoint.

Our hotel tip nearby: Outrigger Surin Beach Resort, just around the corner on Surin Beach.

Wat Chalong

What you need to know: Wat Chalong is one of the most important and impressive temple complexes in Phuket – and a must-see attraction for anyone interested in local culture. It’s about 10 kilometers from the Old Town and features several ornate buildings you can explore. Entry is free.

Is it worth it? Absolutely. If you’re curious about temples or Buddhism, Wat Chalong is well worth a visit. Just keep in mind it can be quite busy – it’s a popular place to visit.

Our tip: Make sure to cover your shoulders and knees before entering the temple grounds.

Tour tip: For a better experience, book a guided tour to Wat Chalong. You can combine your visit with Phuket Old Town and the Big Buddha.

Wat Karon

What you need to know: If you’re still eager to explore temples after visiting Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha, check out Wat Karon (also called Wat Suwannakiri Khet). It’s located in the heart of Karon Beach town and impresses with its detailed decorations.

Is it worth it? We’d recommend visiting Wat Karon mainly if you’re staying nearby. Otherwise, Wat Chalong offers a more comprehensive experience.

Our tip: Karon is also a great base for your stay in Phuket, with plenty of beautiful beaches close by.

Our hotel tip: Hi Karon Beach

Karon View

What you need to know: Karon Viewpoint is situated on the main road above Kata Noi Beach and, on a clear day, gives you amazing views of three beaches – Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon – all at once.

Is it worth it? Yes. If you’re exploring Phuket by scooter or taxi, make sure to stop here.

Our tip: Pair your visit with some time at nearby Kata Noi Beach for the perfect day out.

Kathu Waterfall

What you need to know: This waterfall is located in the island’s peaceful interior, offering a different side of Phuket. From the main road and parking lot, it’s just a short walk to the falls.

Is it worth it? While it’s not the most dramatic waterfall, it’s still a nice break from the touristy areas. Still, it’s a decent spot for a quick break and a quiet moment away from the busy tourist spots.

Our tip: If you want to see other waterfalls in Phuket, Ton Sai Waterfall and Bang Pae Waterfall are worth checking out.

Black Rock Viewpoint

What you need to know: Black Rock Viewpoint is a lesser-known place and best reached by scooter. The last stretch is a gravel road. You finish the last stretch on foot via a hiking trail and some stairs. The drive and hike is a great thing to do for those looking for a quieter place to visit in Phuket.

Is it worth it? Yes! Especially on clear days. When we visited, it was a bit hazy, but the view was still impressive.

Our tip: When turning off the main road onto the gravel path, it might seem like you need to rent a quad bike, but you can easily continue on a scooter.

Promthep Cape

What you need to know: Located at the southern tip of the island, Promthep Cape is a stunning viewpoint. It’s famous for sunsets, but that’s also when it gets really crowded. If you come during the day, you’ll find far fewer people and can enjoy the view in peace.

Is it worth it? Definitely. During the day, it’s a great place to visit without the usual tourist bustle. Unlike many attractions in Phuket, there are no stalls or commercial setups here.

Our tip: For a quieter sunset, try Cape Krathing a bit further west. It requires a short hike, so fewer visitors make it there – but bring a flashlight for the walk back.

Anthony Freedom Cape

What you need to know: If you’re staying in Patong or Kamala, make sure to visit Anthony Freedom Cape in the evening. A short walk down some steps from the main road leads you to rocky outcrops overlooking the sea and swaying palm trees – off the beaten path.

Is it worth it? Yes. It’s a peaceful spot to unwind and take in the views, away from the busy beach resorts.

Our tip: For a more upscale experience, head to Café Phuket on the cape. It’s a popular place to catch the sunset with a swing seat and a great cocktail in hand.

Best Day Trips from Phuket

There are many beautiful islands and national parks around Phuket. So make sure to take at least a couple of day trips.

Our top tips are a day trip to James Bond Island and a day trip to Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay.

Accommodation in Phuket

There are countless accommodations in all price ranges in Phuket. Therefore, we have written a separate article with the best places to stay in Phuket.

If you are looking for a hotel on the beach, we recommend the Soul Villas by The Beach.

Getting to Phuket

Phuket has an international airport with direct flights from countries like Australia, Singapore or Germany.

Within Thailand, Phuket is also served by all major airports. There are cheap flights to Phuket from Bangkok and Chiang Mai, for example.

At the airport, you can take a cab to your hotel (there are countless cab ranks) or book a Grab via the app. The cheapest option is the public buses – we’ll cover those in the next sectionn.

If you are already in the area around Phuket, such as in Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi or in Khao Lak, you can travel to Phuket by ferry or minivan. You can book both easily via 12goasia.

Getting Around Phuket

The largest towns and Phuket Airport are connected by mini-buses (Smart Buses). A ride costs 100 baht, no matter where you get on or off. You pay in cash. The connections and stations are shown on Google Maps.

We only recommend the buses if you are traveling from the airport to the hotel or vice versa.

As the buses are quite slow, and you won’t be able to get everywhere, it’s best to hire a scooter. This is the quickest and most flexible way to get to the must-see attractions in Phuket.

The best way to rent a scooter is through your accommodation, where they will usually recommend a trustworthy scooter rental company. We paid 300 baht per day for our scooter.

Cabs or Grab (an app that works like Uber) are the most convenient, but also the most expensive.

Our tip: Avoid rush hour in the high season (December to March) when traveling by scooter, bus or cab. That’s when traffic in Phuket really picks up.

Best Time to Travel to Phuket

In terms of weather, the best time to visit Phuket is from December to March. This is the dry season and the weather is perfect for a vacation. However, Phuket is overcrowded with tourists at this time.

The transition months of November and April are also good months for a trip to Phuket. Apart from a few rain showers in the afternoon, you should have good weather and encounter fewer tourists.

The rainy season from May to October is not so suitable for Phuket, as it really rains a lot. It’s better to travel to another corner of Thailand, such as Koh Samui.

These were our tips for the best places to visit in Phuket

Do you know any hidden gems in Phuket? Or do you still have questions about the must things to do in Phuket? Feel free to write to us in the comments.