A Guide to Things to Do in Phuket

Guide to Phuket: Beaches, Private Boat Hire, and Night Markets

One of our most memorable trips was to Phuket, Thailand. We traveled there and back on the comfortable planes of Singapore Airlines, whose friendly crew made our vacation delightful. "Distant lands are now closer to you," so let’s embark on a journey to Phuket.

Note: Singapore Airlines offers a special promotional fare starting at $449 for round-trip flights to Phuket, Singapore, Bali, and Sydney, making your journey even more enjoyable. You can check out these promotions at www.singaporeair.com.

Phuket is a land of untouched white beaches and clear blue waters. Known for its tranquil appearance, Phuket is also famed for its vibrant nightlife and club scenes. With so much to do in one city, it's no wonder it's among the world's most popular island getaways.

For first-time visitors, the endless list of things to do might seem daunting, but worry not, as we have compiled everything for you.

Here’s your complete guide to conquering Phuket:

  • Island Hopping 

    No beach holiday is complete without exploring the numerous islands and snorkeling while you're there. Here are some of the best options we've tried and tested: 

    Private Boat

     Hire The best way to experience an authentic longtail boat ride at the lowest price is by hiring a boat from the owners at Rawai Beach for a full day trip to Koh Racha (Racha Islands) and nearby islands for about 5000 baht ($209).

Alternatively, you can also hire a longtail boat for a day from Chalong Bay starting at 15,000 baht ($636) for trips to Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands.

Those looking to shorten the journey might prefer a speedboat instead. Hiring a speedboat is slightly more expensive, with prices starting at 20,000 baht ($835) at Rawai Beach and 30,000 baht ($1253) from Chalong Bay. These speedboats can accommodate around 10 people and are perfect for visiting more distant islands like the Phi Phi Islands.

Before embarking, ask boat operators if snorkeling gear is included and confirm the itinerary with the captain. If you plan to hire a longtail boat for a full day, opt for one with a partially covered top as it can get quite hot.

To avoid the hassle of finding your own boat captain on the day of the trip, consider booking your island-hopping adventure online. Prices typically include hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.

Below are a few options we found:

  • James Bond Island Speedboat Tour
  • Raya and Coral Island Day Trip
  • Maya Bay and Phi Phi Speedboat Tour
  • Similan Islands Day Trip

Phang Nga Bay - Emerald green waters and limestone formations While most of the coastlines near Phuket boast white sands and clear blue waters, Phang Nga Bay features emerald green waters. It's stunning for photography, but don't expect snorkeling here as the emerald green color is a result of algae bloom, which affects underwater visibility.

Instead, you can opt for kayaking among the limestone cliffs of Phang Nga Bay. Explore hidden sea caves and the untouched flora and fauna between the limestone cliffs and four small islands along the bay.

For a complete experience, we recommend booking an online tour with Hong by Starlight. John Gray's sea canoe tour receives rave reviews, with many on TripAdvisor claiming it's the best canoe tour of their lives.

During the evening tour, you'll paddle through the Hongs, small areas between limestone islands, sometimes even needing to lay back to pass through. After hours of exploration, you'll conclude the tour with a delightful Thai feast and releasing kratongs, traditional Thai boats made of flowers and leaves, into the bay. 

Whether you're a fan of James Bond and his movies or not, you should definitely visit the famous James Bond Island while you're there. This unique island, which resembles a bullet emerging from the water, got its name from the Bond film "The Man with the Golden Gun."

"Beach" The Phi Phi Islands, known as the set of the film 

Hidden among high limestone cliffs leading to a beach and clear waters, the Phi Phi Islands gained their paradise image thanks to the 2001 film "The Beach," starring Leonardo DiCaprio. Yes, this film brought attention to the islands and has since become a popular filming location, attracting many visitors.

Unfortunately, the popularity of these islands also means that they have become overcrowded with tourists in recent years. With many boats anchored offshore, the beaches are not as pristine as they once were.

But if you still want to walk on the same sands where young Leo once walked, the islands are a 2-hour speedboat ride from Phuket. Maya Bay is the place where most of the movie was shot and attracts more tourists than any other beach. Many people prefer to snorkel and dive here or simply relax on the beaches and take photos.

You can also choose to spend the night at one of the resorts located on Koh Phi Phi Don, the only inhabited island in the group.

Racha Islands (Koh Racha)-Daily trips for fast snorkeling

 For a nearby yet rewarding island getaway, visit the Racha Islands, also known as the Raya Islands, just a 45-minute longtail boat ride away. With its white sands and clear waters, it's one of the best snorkeling spots in the area.

Despite its popularity, you can find a place away from the crowds thanks to various bays. The main bay can be crowded due to visitor boats, but the other major bay, Ao Siam, is quieter with fewer visitors on its shores.

After a tiring day of snorkeling, you'll find lunch options on the islands, and if you want to stay overnight, there are beach bungalows available for guests.

Similan Adaları - Deserted Beaches with Unique Rock Formations While many of Phuket's islands can be crowded with tourists, the Similan Islands are relatively uncrowded due to being a bit farther away. Accessible by speedboat in 45 minutes or by an authentic longtail boat journey that can take up to 3 hours, the price you pay is worth it for the empty beaches, crystal-clear blue waters, and unique rock formations. It's also listed as one of the top 10 snorkeling spots in the world.

Keep in mind that the island is only open to the public from October 15th to May 15th each year to preserve the island and its coral reefs.

  • -Beaches- 
  • - Patong Beach- Perfect for Shopping and Nightlife 
  • Patong Beach is like Phuket's Sentosa. Surrounded by fantastic clubs, shops, and restaurants, it's by far the most popular and commercial beach in Phuket. Be prepared for crowds of tourists, loud bar music, and high prices .But that doesn't mean Patong is entirely bad - it's quite comfortable compared to most beaches since everything you need is easily accessible. During a short walk along the boardwalk, you'll discover great dining options, souvenir shops selling beachwear, and cute bars where you can enjoy a nice drink at night.
  • Nai Harn Beach - A Less Commercial Beach 
  • Suitable for Surfing Compared to many other beaches in Phuket, Nai Harn Beach is located at the other end of Phuket and is quite far from the various entertainment and nightlife of Patong. But that's what makes this beach perfect for relaxation - it's less commercial and definitely much quieter than the others.
  • Surf enthusiasts can enjoy great waves here between May and October when the currents are stronger. But if you want a peaceful holiday, we recommend visiting between November and April when the currents are much calmer.
  • Karon Beach - Snorkeling Spots
  •  If you're looking for a snorkeling adventure without the need for an expensive boat rental, Karon Beach offers the same experience you can find elsewhere on the Phuket coast. At the southern end of the beach, there are excellent snorkeling spots where you can observe marine life in shallow waters, making it perfect for small children and non-swimmers.
  • Simply rent the necessary equipment for 350 baht ($14) at the end of the beach, and you're ready to go!
  • -Night Markets- 
  • Chillva Market - Trendy Artbox Vibes
  •  If you've been to Bangkok's famous Artbox market, you'll know what to expect at the Chillva Market. Set up in shipping containers with many shops and hanging fairy lights throughout the market, the similarity is striking.
  • However, unlike most night markets in Phuket, Chillva Market targets local youth rather than tourists. So, here you'll find trendy items at lower prices, and you can definitely find a bargain for yourself here.
  • While the container shops are open every day, the market is only fully set up on Thursdays to Saturdays when the flea market comes to town. There's even great music to create ambiance.
  • Opening Hours: 
  • Container Shops Only: Daily 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM
  •  Full Market: Thurs - Sat, 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM 
  • Address: 141/2 Yaowarat Road, Phuket Town
  • Phuket Weekend Market (Naka Market)- Phuket's Version of Chatuchak  
  •  As the largest night market in the area, the Phuket Weekend Market is a must-visit during your vacation. It's a highly popular place where you can find authentic Thai delicacies and souvenirs at reasonable prices.
  • Similar to Bangkok's famous Chatuchak, you can find everything here, from food to clothing and electronics - just name it. If you want, you can even try fried insects!
  • Transportation from Patong to here by tuk-tuk takes about 25 minutes and costs around 400-500 baht ($16-20). But if you want a cheaper option, you can rent a motorbike for about 200-250 baht/day ($8-10) and come on your own. Since the market is usually crowded with tourists on market nights, it's best to go early in the evening to grab the best deals.

  • Opening Hours: Saturday and Sunday, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Along Chao Fa West Road

    Bangla Road 

    After a day of island hopping and relaxing on the beach, what’s next? The night is still young and Phuket is famous for its fantastic nightlife; Bangla Road is a hotspot offering plenty for its visitors. At night, the street is lined with open-front bars and street performers, and vendors offer great beer deals trying to lure you into their establishments. It can be overwhelming, so it’s best to know what you want ahead of time to stay on track. 

    Heroes Bar - One of the popular bars located on Bangla Road. There are several small streets branching off from Bangla Road, each offering its unique nightlife scene. Those looking to visit go-go bars can head directly to Soi Seadragon, where you'll find live music and performances. Be cautious, as the insistent vendors can be aggressive and might block your way to draw you into their bars and ping-pong shows. If you’re looking to enjoy some beers, head to Soi Freedom, the street closest to the beach. The vendors here are not as overwhelming as those on Soi Seadragon, so take your time to choose between the various bars. For those wanting to party all night, Phuket's top nightclubs are located on Soi Tiger, the furthest street from the beach on Bangla Road. One of the top clubs on the list, Illuzion Show & Discotheque, stands out not only for its impressive DJs but also for dance performances comparable to Las Vegas shows. The dancers, mainly from Italy and Russia, perform a wide variety of dances from hip hop to tribal dances and even aerial acrobatic theatrical shows. The club has the capacity to accommodate 4,500 guests nightly, but it can still get very crowded, especially on weekends. The best part? It’s free unless you're attending a ticketed event!

  • Waterfalls 
  • Bang Pae Waterfall 
  • - A 10 m high waterfall. Phuket isn't just about islands and beaches; it's also home to dense forests with hidden waterfalls, perfect for hiking. Among the 5 waterfalls in Phuket, Bang Pae Waterfall stands out with its massive year-round cascades. Visiting during the rainy season can be a bit risky due to the strong currents. A visit between May and December will find slower water flow, making it possible to even swim in the pool beneath the falls. Price: 200 baht ($8) (National Park fee) Address: Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, Thalang
  • Phuket Massage 
  • Wherever you stay in Phuket, whether it's while sunbathing on the beach or at a street-side massage parlor, you can comfortably get a massage. A great massage awaits you for just $15 USD.
  • Elephant Sanctuaries 
  • Phuket Elephant Sanctuary 
  • Contrary to popular belief, these elephant sanctuaries are not as commercialized as one might think. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary serves as a retirement home for older elephants who used to work and are now unable to carry any loads, even visitors. Here, the only expectation from the elephants is relaxation. They roam freely without handlers; during your tour, you can feed and walk with them. A half-day tour will cost you 3,000 baht ($125), but a large portion of this fee goes towards the sanctuary’s upkeep. For those who want to go a step further, a week-long stay with accommodation and three vegetarian meals per day is available for 16,000 baht ($668). Bring a copy of your passport and travel insurance, and remember to wear socks before entering. Price: 3,000 baht/half-day tour Opening Hours: 10:00 - 13:00 Address: Monkey Pod Café, Paklok payment Tel: +66 (0)94 990 3649 Other elephant sanctuaries include: Phuket Elephant Forest Sanctuary, Phuket Elephant Retirement Park, Phang Nga Elephant Park
  • Phuket Big Buddha
  •  At 45m tall, the Big Buddha is undoubtedly one of the city's most striking landmarks. Whether you're sunbathing at Karon Beach or shopping in Phuket City, you'll spot the statue overlooking the city. Climbing up to it is worthwhile for the panoramic view of the city from Nakkerd Hills. Since Phuket Big Buddha is a religious site, it's advisable to wear modest clothing during your visit. Price: FREE, but donations are welcome. Opening Hours: 08:00 - 19:30 Address: Nakkerd Hills, between Kata and Chalong
  • Dining Recommendations in Phuket Laimai Courtyard offers great food, ambiance, and music.
  • Located on the cliffs of Patong, Baan Rim Pa is one of Phuket's famous Thai restaurants, where we recommend you dine against the legendary sea view at sunset.
  • Natural Restaurant, also known as Tamachart, is a Thai restaurant nestled in the greenery of Phuket Town. You will find interesting details in its interior decoration. It's a must-visit when you are in Phuket Town. Another Thai restaurant to try in Phuket Town is the Blue Elephant, which is quite stylish and authentic, though the prices are slightly above average.
  • Where to Stay in Phuket
  • Since we were on our honeymoon, we did a lot of research and stayed at the Aleenta Resort in the Phang Nga region, which I highly recommend. Check out booking.com to learn more about the hotel!
  • Planning Your Trip to Phuket
  • With its countless islands, fantastic beaches, and vibrant nightlife, Phuket offers a perfect mix of entertainment and relaxation. Whether it's a trip with friends or a family vacation with children, everyone will definitely find what they're looking for here.
  • Happy holidays!