21 Best things to do in Phuket

What is it? Phuket’s first and most ethical elephant sanctuary, located in Paklok, is the best way to see elephants up close in Phuket. There are no trick shows and no tourist rides – just elephants being elephants in a lovingly cared-for environment. 

Why go? Elephants can be seen working and performing all over Phuket, but unless you head deep into the jungle you won’t find any as happy as those who are lucky enough to call this place home. Beyond the gentle giants themselves, the real attraction here is the chance to get hands-on with feeding and following these majestic creatures around as they roam their protected home. 

What is it? The picturesque historical quarter of Phuket Town where you’ll find beautiful old buildings, museums, boutique shops, and a thriving night market.

Why go? A million miles away from the tourist packed beaches and nighttime hedonism on offer elsewhere on the island, this antiquated area of town is steeped in heritage and small enough to explore on foot. There’s a strong old colonial Chinese and Portuguese influence here, especially along the particularly charming Soi Rommannee, where brightly coloured old buildings house boutique shops, guesthouses and cafes. 

What is it? One of the most romantic places to dine in Phuket, this award-winning restaurant – attached to the iconic beachfront hotel The Boathouse Phuket – has some of the best food, wine and views on the island.

Why go? If you’re looking for an elegant, classy restaurant with incredible views that lets you experience the rich culinary heritage of Southern Thai cuisine, The Boathouse Restaurant is for you. Located at absolute beachfront on Kata Beach, book a table on the terrace, dine on Thai favorites as well as contemporary and classic cuisine, pick a bottle from the immaculate wine list and soak up the atmosphere of one of Phuket’s best restaurants. 

What is it? An eight-kilometre-long stretch of soft white sand lapped by turquoise water that’s home to some of Phuket’s best-regarded restaurants and resorts. 

Why go? Phuket has dozens of beautiful beaches to choose from, but Bangtao Beach is the pick for many in the know. Home to a variety of upscale bars, beach clubs and resorts making up the Laguna Phuket complex, where there’s a relaxed yet refined vibe that’s perfect for sunbathing and slow strolls in the sand.

What is it? Phuket’s most iconic theatre and one of the best ‘ladyboy’ cabaret shows on the island with spectacular performances three times a night. 

Why go? Simon Cabaret has been established for over 33 years. The cabaret is renowned as one of the very best of its kind in the country, with extravagant sets and high-tech production backing faultlessly choreographed and opulently dressed performers.

What is it? A small eco-minded distillery producing award-winning Chalong Bay Rum, Lanna Vodka and Saneha Gin offering tours, workshops and tastings.

Why go? Thailand might be best known for its ferocious whiskies, but the young French couple behind this place are proving it can produce top-tier rum and other spirits. Sustainably produced using purely hand-harvested local sugarcane, Chalong Bay Rum tastes great while the spacious, airy bar and restaurant is the perfect place to tuck into locally-inspired cocktails. 

What is it? The largest and most important Buddhist temple on Phuket with a grand pagoda housing a splinter of bone from Lord Buddha himself. 

Why go? The beautiful buildings and temple grounds are the perfect place to take a break from the beach. Always busy with local worshippers and curious tourists, Wat Chalong can get really crowded so try to come as early in the day as you can if you want the time and space to take it all in. Remember, this is a sacred site so make sure to dress appropriately.

What is it? A unique water park  that blends the spirit of Thai culture and the thrill of aquatic adventure into one unforgettable experience.

Why go? This Thai heritage-themed water park offers the perfect spot to cool down and experience exciting water slides and some of the best water park attractions in Phuket. The water park delivers 100,000 square metres of thrilling fun and is family friendly.

What is it? The chance to jump aboard a speed boat and take a day trip (or two) out to explore some of the hundreds of tiny paradise islands off the coast of Phuket. 

Why go? There are dozens of tour operators offering a variety of different day trips from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay. If you’ve only got one day, head out on a Phang Nga Bay/James Bond Island trip, which takes you to the jaw-dropping limestone cliffs made famous by 007 plus a few other small islands for quality snorkelling and relaxing beach time. 

What is it? The submerged reefs of Southeast Asia are among the most beautiful in the world and teeming with marine life. There’s no better way to see them than a close-up dive. 

Why go? Even if you’ve never been scuba diving, you’ll have a blast exploring the Andaman Sea. Phuket has numerous diving instructors on-site at hotels and beach resorts ready to take groups and private tours out. We’d recommend a trip to Racha Island for scuba diving and if snorkelling is more your thing, head to Yanui or Ao Sane beaches.

What is it? A small, but beautiful and tranquil waterfall surrounded by dense tropical jungle in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park on Phuket’s less populated eastern side. 

Why go? 

Bang Pae might not be Niagra Falls, but it is Phuket’s largest waterfall and attracts plenty of locals and tourists alike throughout the year. The waterfall is best visited in wet season, when the rock pools are full enough to take a dip in and the lush jungle is at its verdant best. There’s a few decent local restaurants nearby for when you get hungry, but make sure you bring appropriate shoes and plenty of mosquito spray. Entry to the national park costs B200.

What is it? A gigantic weekend market on the outskirts of Phuket Town selling all sorts of wares, with a large outside area packed with street food hawkers serving specialty dishes, local Phuket cuisine and Thai favourites. 

Why go? Naka Weekend Market is the biggest and best place to try a variety of authentic, delicious Thai food without breaking the bank. You can get everything from spicy stir-fries and freshly fried chicken to pancakes and spring rolls here. Most stalls do just one dish, but do it very well. Typical Thai souvenirs as well as a hodgepodge of quirky delights are also for sale here. 

What is it? A cultural heritage site and live museum in Phuket Town built towards the end of King Rama IV’s reign that remains in its original condition.

Why go? Chinpracha House & Museum is the first example of Sino-Portuguese architecture in Phuket. The glorious colonial mansion is decorated with many household fixtures and decorations imported from Italy and China and contains the family’s original furnishings, relics and heirlooms. Entry fee is B150.

What is it? A cluster of floating restaurants that can only be reached by a short boat journey from the mainland, serving up some of the finest and freshest seafood on the island. 

Why go? It’s one of Phuket’s most unforgettable and unique dining experiences. Jump aboard one of the free longtail boat taxis (five minutes) that run from Laem Hin Pier and head out to the floating restaurants near Coconut Island. Tuck into the freshest oysters, crab, prawns and fish all cooked by traditional Thai methods and then catch a boat back beneath the stars. 

What is it? The most southerly point of Phuket, where you can breathe in the most awe-inspiring, sublime views of the island especially at sunset. 

Why go? You can’t really visit Phuket and not make your way to the viewpoint on Promthep Cape for at least one sunset. It gets incredibly busy here, but the views more than make up for the constant stream of camera licking tourists that arrive in the adjacent car park every evening. If crowds aren’t your thing, wait for the night to fall and grab a table at the nearby Promthep Cape restaurant for a delightful sundowner meal. 

What is it? A notorious 400-metre strip of all kinds of night time entertainment that is the absolute beating heart of Phuket’s vivacious nightlife. 

Why go? If you want a big night out in Phuket, this is the place to come. Running from the beach to the centre of the Patong neighbourhood, take a walk up Bangla Road after dark and you’ll pass everything from beer bars and live music spots (New York - Live music Bar, Red Hot) to enormous nightclubs (Illuzion, Tiger Disco) and of course, plenty of go-go bars on Soi Freedom and Soi Sea Dragon. You probably won’t have a civilised night out here, but come with the right attitude and you’ll definitely have an unforgettable time! 

What is it? An authentic, beyond rustic restaurant nestled in the mangroves where locals and tourists in the know dine on incredible seafood dishes in bamboo huts. 

Why go? Mor Mu Dong Restaurant, located in the Palai neighbourhood, isn’t the easiest place to find, but is well worth the effort. Despites its location well off the between path (head past the now defunct Phuket Zoo and keep going down the track), the quality of the food and peaceful setting means this place is always busy. Don’t miss the stuffed curried mackerel, one of the restaurant’s signature dishes. 

What is it? A buzzing Thai boxing stadium where the fights are very real and the seats are constantly packed with locals cheering their favourite fighters to victory. 

Why go? You’ll see plenty of billboards advertising Muay Thai fights all over Phuket, but most are nothing more than tourist-pleasing staged spectacles. This is the place to go for the real deal. The fights are violent and the atmosphere here gets wild, but that’s exactly what makes it all so exciting. 

What is it? Constructed from colourful painted upcycled shipping containers and aimed at young, fashionable locals, this little bohemian market is among Phuket’s best. 

Why go? While you shouldn’t miss Naka Weekend Market or the Walking Street in Phuket Town, Chillva Night Market offers a unique local experience. Make sure you spend a couple of hours browsing, eating and people watching here. 

What is it? An extravagantly chic bar and dining destination, popular for its refined yet relaxed old-school atmosphere, sublime cocktails and creative cuisine. 

Why go? Stepping out of the tropical heat and inside Siam Supper Club is like being transported to another world. Dim lighting, a long bar and wooden walls covered in black and white photographs of Hollywood’s golden era all combine to give this place an atmosphere that’s unique on Phuket. The menu consists of mostly international dishes and the wine list is one of the best on the island. 

What is it? One of Phuket’s best Thai restaurants with local food and signature dishes, service and prices that have made the restaurant a tried and true favourite. 

Why go? You come to Thailand for Thai food so pass on the international options at least for one night and make your way here for an explosive taste of authentic Southern Thai food. The seafood here is exceptional, but don’t miss the crab curry or favorite local dish, Moo Hong.