PHUKET ISLAND ATTRACTIONS
Phuket Island Travel Guide: 10 Top Attractions and Local Experiences
Phuket Island is connected to the mainland via the Sarasin Bridge on the northern tip of the island which is used by traffic but also has a wide walkway.
Phuket city is located on the south east side of the island. Besides the city, the other main tourist area is Patong with its long beach directly facing the Andaman Sea. Many hotels and resorts are scattered throughout the island.
Things you can do on Phuket Island include boat trips to nearby islands like Phi Phi and James Bond Island, enjoy dining at a variety of restaurants, and shop in lively markets. Hiking and zip-lining through tropical forests is also popular with tourists.
Phuket Island also offers a wide range of water sports and outdoor activities for visitors of all ages and experience levels.
Clear warm waters surrounding the island make it an ideal destination for swimming, snorkeling, jet skiing, parasailing, Kayaking, and paddleboarding.
There are other more adventurous options such as wakeboarding, windsurfing, and kitesurfing at several of Phuket’s beaches.
Scuba diving is one of Phuket’s top attractions where you can explore coral reefs, underwater caves, and shipwrecks.
There is an International airport on the north end of the island with direct International flights and local flights from Bangkok. Regular bus services to and from the airport make it easy to get around to most of the beaches and towns. Ferries and speed boats service the many tourist islands around Phuket Island.
The best time to visit Phuket Island is in the dry season from November to April when sunny skies and calm seas prevail.
How To Get Around Phuket Island
Getting around Phuket Island requires some planning because the island is large and its beaches and attractions are spread out. Taxis and ride-hailing services using the Grab app are convenient for travelling between Phuket International Airport, Phuket Old Town and popular beach areas such as Patong, Kata and Karon. Check the estimated price on the Grab app before travelling, as fares can be relatively expensive compared with other parts of Thailand. To play safe, set a fixed price with the driver before getting in the taxi.
Local buses and songthaews offer a cheaper way to travel, although routes and schedules can be limited. You will need to wait for the songthaew is full of people before the driver will depart. The Phuket Smart Bus connects the airport with several west-coast destinations, while traditional songthaews generally operate between Phuket Town and individual beach areas. They are economical for travellers with flexible schedules, but travelling between two beaches may require a change in Phuket Town.
Renting a car gives you more freedom to explore the island, while scooters are popular for short trips, but ensure you have a valid international drivers license that includes a motorbike license. Don't forget travel insurance and you must wear a helmet or any claim will be denied. Phuket’s steep roads, heavy traffic and sudden rain can make scooter riding dangerous, so only consider this if you are an experienced rider. If you prefer not to drive then arrange a private driver or an organised tour for attractions such as the Big Buddha area, Wat Chalong, viewpoints and boat piers.
See the Phuket island Transport Hubs page for more detailed information.
Best Places to Visit on Phuket Island
Wat Chalong
Phra Mahathat Chedi at Wat Chalong in the Chalong subdistrict in Phuket. Located at 70/6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road, about 8km south of Phuket city and open between 7am and 5pm daily. Entry is free.
This temple is the largest and most important in Phuket and wearing modest clothes is required. Remove your shoes before entering inside temples. It is a large complex with beautiful gardens.
Big Buddha Phuket
Officially named Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri, the seated Great Buddha is 45 metres tall and is one of the most important attractions in Phuket city. Close by is the smaller Golden Buddha.
Phuket Old Town
You will find the Thalang historic road in Old Phuket Town. This is the main street and there are many other roads with markets, hotels, cafes, shops, museums and shrines within the old town area.
Phuket Entertainment
Phuket Island has a wide selection of amazing live entertainment available.
You can choose from various caberet shows, carnivals, Thai boxing events, and family fun theme parks.
Tiger Kingdom
Phuket Tiger Kingdom is a wildlife park attraction where you can observe and interact with majestic Bengal tigers.
The park emphasizes animal welfare by designing the enclosures designed to give the tigers space to rest, play, and exercise.
You can take photos and learn about tiger behavior.
Top Things to Do on Phuket Island
Sarasin Bridge
You can walk the Sarasin bridge. It connects Phuket Island to the mainland of Thailand. Besides the traffic, there is a wide pedestrian walkway and view points for people.
Water Sports
For the more adventurous tourist, Phuket Island and other nearby islands offer a wide range of water sports.
You will find activities such as paddleboarding, kayaking, jet skiing, parasailing, windsurfing, and with the Similan Islands, Racha Yai, and Phi Phi Islands being the best location for Scuba diving and snorkeling.
Elephant Santuary
There are several ethical Phuket Island elephant sanctuaries that do not offer rides or performances like traditional elephant camps. Many have been rescued from the tourism riding industry.
Visitors are encouraged to engage in low impact, respectful activities such as feeding the elephants and watching them in their natural habitat.
Island tours
Island tours from the Phuket main island are among the most popular activities for visitors.
Tour operators will pick you up from designated areas on Phuket.
You have a wide choice of tours either by speedboat, larger luxury boats, catamarans, yachts and ferry type boats. Optional overnight accommodation on some tours are available.
Types of tours include stops for swimming, snorkeling, or simply leisurely sightseeing.
Best Phuket Beaches
Phuket Island has a wide variety of beaches with each of them offering a unique atmosphere and experience.
You will find lively beaches such as Patong, Karon, and Kata, known for their bustling nightlife and entertainment with plenty of beachfront restaurants, bars, and resort accommodation.
Other beaches around Phuket island are more family orientated or ideal for romantic couples.
