Things to do in Phuket

Things to do in Phuket

Phuket’s the kind of place that makes you want to do everything and nothing. One minute you're zipping through jungle treetops or learning to cook green curry from scratch; the next, you're knee-deep in market snacks or floating in water so clear it feels made up. It’s the go-to Thai island for good reason. Phuket is easy to get to, stacked with tours, temples and tropical side quests. Whether you’re here for the chaos of Patong or a kayak through limestone cliffs, first-time visitors are spoiled for choice (and it doesn’t have to cost the earth, either).

Unique Phuket things you can’t do anywhere else

• Visit the Big Buddha at Nakkerd Hill: Towering at 45 metres, this serene marble giant offers panoramic views over southern Phuket and is visible for kilometres.
• Walk among Old Phuket Town’s Sino-Portuguese lanes: The blend of Chinese temples, colonial shophouses, street murals and food stalls is Phuket’s own heritage recipe.
• Take a Thai cooking class with local market tour: While cooking classes are common in Thailand, Phuket’s coastal ingredients and Southern Thai flavours make it a one-of-a-kind culinary crash course.
• Walk across Sarasin Bridge: This historic pedestrian bridge links Phuket to the mainland and has its own love legend and photogenic sunsets.
• Cruise around Phang Nha Bay: To the east of Phuket, otherworldly limestone carats jut out of the water and create homes for colourful tropical fish on the coral that clings to the underwater rocks.
• Join a fishing and sea-gypsy tour in Rawai: Learn sustainable sea-living skills from the indigenous Chow Lair community, only found here.

Best Phuket attractions to see

• Tour Wat Chalong temple: Phuket’s flashiest temple, full of golden relics, incense smoke and locals dropping in for a quiet moment.
• See the Siam Niramit cultural show: Three-storey set changes, flying dancers and Thai legends brought to life with serious sparkle.
• Relax at Mai Khao or Nai Yang Beach: Part of Sirinat National Park, these ones are wild, quiet and known for turtle sightings if you're lucky.
• Experience nightlife on Bangla Road, Patong: Neon lights, fire twirlers, dodgy cocktails and live music on every corner. It’s pure chaos and it’s brilliant.

Best Phuket day trips and tours

• Island-hop to Phi Phi and Maya Bay: This is the one on all your screensavers. Clear water, white sand and cliff walls made for selfies.
• Cruise Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island: Float past limestone stacks and duck into sea caves like you’re in a Bond film. Because you are.
• Snorkel the Similan or Surin Islands: Hop on a speedboat and head for reefs so clear you’ll forget which way is up.
• Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary: No rides, no chains. Just slow walks, mud baths and a chance to feed the real locals.
• Hike or picnic in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park: Rainforest, waterfalls and wild gibbons who keep their own schedule. Bring mozzie spray and snacks.

Free things to do in Phuket

• Catch sunset at Promthep Cape or Kata Viewpoint: Glorious golden hour spots with zero entry fee.
• Relax at Patong, Kata or Karon Beach: All these west coast beaches are public and postcard-worthy.
• Visit the Sunday night walking market: Thalang Road turns into a night bazaar of food, crafts and live music.
• Explore local temples like Wat Chalong: Free to enter, these spiritual spots are peaceful and photogenic.

Budgeting for things to do in Phuket

You don’t need a platinum card to have a good time in Phuket. Some of the best bits — beach swims, street food, golden sunsets — are gloriously free. Got a bit to spend? Cooking classes, ziplining and drag cabarets clock in around AU$30–$60. 

For around AU$100–$150, you’re looking at big-ticket day trips: island-hopping, snorkelling or elephant sanctuary visits. Feeling flash? Blow it on a private yacht or a luxe spa day. But honestly? A ferry to Phi Phi and a roti from the night market might be all the magic you need.