Updated on August 14, 2025
Phuket is a glorious vacation destination that promises exciting adventures, incredible experiences, and fantastic activities. The enduring allure of Phuket, the Jewel in the Andaman Sea, shines way beyond its fabulous beaches and luxury villa accommodations, with many wonderful things to see and do.
With all the sights to see in and around Phuket, it’s hard to choose at least one activity to take on while vacationing on the island. This list serves as a guide for villa guests trying to build their own itineraries on what to see and do in Phuket, which they can customize to their own preferences.
A Guide to Phuket’s Must-Try Activities
The wide variety of activities to do in Phuket often changes with the seasons, but there is always something to do for guests of all ages. We’ve compiled the best “must-do” things to do on the island for those who are willing to explore outside their villas and discover what Phuket has to offer for all visitors.
1. Take a Boat Trip to Phang Nga Bay
Explore a beautiful and magical marine landscape of spectacular limestone karsts jutting dramatically out of the Andaman Sea. Ao Phang Nga National Park in Phang Nga Bay is one of Thailand’s most scenic beauties and is dotted with islands such as the iconic James Bond Island. Home to sea caves and mangroves, the clean waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling, with castaway beaches to drop anchor during the day.
2. Go on An Underwater Adventure
The clear waters of the Andaman Sea are perfect for snorkeling and diving, with November to April having the calmest water conditions. Boat trips and yacht charters often head out to nearby islands such as Coral Island, Racha Noi, and Racha Yai from nearby marinas and piers. Further away the islands of Phi Phi are renowned for its coral reefs, while the Similan Islands are one of the world’s top dive sites.
3. Take a Thai Cooking Class
Sugar and spice, salty and sour: classic Thai cooking brings out the incredible intensity of flavors with perfect balance and food is at the heart of Thai culture. Learn the art of creating one of the world’s most well-loved cuisines with an interactive cooking class. Think lemongrass, ginger and soy as well as coriander, chili, and garlic. It’s also a great way to get to know Phuket better by exploring its distinct culinary identity.
Related article: What Makes Thai Food Thai
4. Visit A Temple (Or Two)
Phuket is home to around 30 temples, each with their own identities. Buddhist temples like Wat Phrathong combine spirituality with art and architecture, while Chinese temples like Jui Tui pay homage to the gods and ancestors. An important temple to visit is Wat Chalong, where one of the temple’s three revered monks was said to have performed miracles using herbs to help those wounded in a rebellion with Chinese tin miners in the 19th century, helping settle the dispute as well.
5. Tour Phuket’s Major Attractions By Helicopter
Speaking of temples, not all guests can make the hike up to the Big Buddha (note: the temple is closed to the public as of this writing), but they can charter a helicopter tour that will let them circle the temple several thousand miles overhead, and even take them on a tour around Phuket’s stunning bay areas. Helicopter tours of the neighboring islands can be booked as well, along with charters for special occasions.
6. Explore Phuket Old Town
A glimpse into another side of the island, Phuket Old Town is an atmospheric quarter. Quaint and wonderfully preserved Sino-Portuguese shophouses and Sino-Colonial mansions still stand, reflecting the rich tin-mining history of Phuket which stretches as far back as the 16th century. The town is home to a diversity of ethnic communities, including the Baba Chinese migrants. Temples, cafés, restaurants, and interesting boutiques add to the town’s charm.
7. Take Pictures at The Viewpoints
Phuket is home to many viewpoints with stunning views of the neighboring islands as well as breathtaking sunsets. Sunset scenes are always stunning on the western side of the island, with the viewpoints of Kata and Karon offering breathtaking views of the horizon. Laem Singh is a hike away from Surin and Kamala beaches, but showcases an amazing view of the beach.
8. Enjoy The View from Promthep Cape
Among the many viewpoints in Phuket, Promthep Cape promises amazing views out over the peninsula of this southernmost point of Phuket during the day. It is also one of the most popular among tourists and photographers. One pro tip for capturing the best sunset at this part of the island is to walk a little down the path that leads out to the end with views out over Nai Harn Beach. Remember to turn your flash off and arrive in time to not only see the sunset but to experience its full natural beauty.
9. Take a Sunset Cruise on A Yacht
Cruising around the waters off Phuket means that you will also get a view of the lovely sunset. Chartering your yacht exclusively means that you will get to have the yacht all to yourself, complete with premium food and beverage service. If you have a special occasion to celebrate, booking a yacht for a sunset cruise is sure to make your celebration extra special.
10. Spend a Night Out at Bangla Road
Bangla Road is the epicenter of Phuket’s nightlife in the buzzing Patong area. This part of Phuket is a fun and wild enclave for partygoers, but it’s also worth visiting to explore the nightlife on the island, including bars that offer mature yet refined fare. Love it or hate it, the upbeat and non-stop energy of this tourist hub is about vacation fun once the sun goes down over the island’s western shore.
11. Be Entertained at An Evening Show
When it comes to family-friendly evening shows, Phuket has a handful that guests can check out. Siam Niramit showcases the best of Thai culture through a spectacle of dance and special effects, while Phuket FantaSea captivates with acrobatics and a storyline that combines tradition with fantasy. For entertainment with star power, the glamorous divas of Simon Cabaret give a fabulous show complete with celebrity impressions and light-hearted humor.
12. Spend Time at An Elephant Sanctuary
Experience the wonder of Thailand’s majestic creatures. Elephants are sacred in Thai Buddhist belief and are wonderfully protected at Phuket’s most ethical elephant sanctuaries. At Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, the elephants roam and bathe in freshwater lagoons at what are considered retirement homes for old, sick, and injured elephants and those that have been exploited through tourism. Booking a scheduled tour is essential as sanctuaries do not always accept walk-in visitors.
14. Immerse Yourself In Nature
Phuket’s national parks offer an opportunity to commune with nature at its finest. The hiking trails at Khao Phra Thaeo National Park lead to sights including the Gibbon Rehabilitation Center and Bang Pae Waterfall, while Sirinat National Park has a tranquil forest that leads to an equally scenic beach. Similar forest walks and hikes can also be found on the outer islands, including Similan National Park.
15. Experience Optical Illusions
What you think you see is not always what you get, especially when it comes to Phuket’s optical-illusion attractions. One favorite among teens is Baan Teelanka, or the Upside Down House. The house is designed in a way that lets guests enter from the ground-floor “rooftop” to give the illusion of defying gravity. Another similar attraction is the Phuket Trickeye Museum, which lets guests interact with masterpieces and take pictures that make them look like they’re part of the artwork.
16. Go on an ATV Tour
Did you know that there are places in Phuket that’s dedicated to ATV touring? ATV tours in Phuket give guests a chance to explore the inlands of Phuket through challenging trails. Some tours wind through mangrove forests, rubber plantations, and even hidden beaches, all while introducing guests the island’s native plants and animals. For added adventure, head inland to Phang Nga province and enjoy ATV tour packages with whitewater rafting and ziplining.
17. Enjoy an Exciting Muay Thai Match
The national sport of Thailand, there is more to Muay Thai than boxing. It is a pastime that many Thais are passionate about and the sport showcases culture, history, and ritual. Patong Boxing Stadium sees fighters in the ring on Mondays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. Bangla Boxing Stadium is another well-known venue that attracts international fighters with matches on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays.
18. Have Fun at A Beach Club
Hip, happening, and uber-relaxing, Phuket’s beach clubs are the epitome of seaside vacation cool. Think smart, comfy loungers and private cabanas by a sparkling pool right by the sand, with gourmet food and Hollywood-style glamour. Kamala Beach, on Phuket’s western shore, is home to the iconic Café del Mar, which brings Ibiza-style fun with an atmosphere that creates a relaxed yet upbeat experience.
Related article: Phuket Travel Tips: How to Escape the Crowds and Enjoy a Relaxed Vacation
19. Shop ’til You Drop at A Phuket Mall
Phuket is positioning itself as one of the world’s premier shopping destinations, and not just because of its famous night markets. Not too far from Phuket Old Town is the Central Festival Phuket shopping mall, which houses a wide variety of designer and high street brands as well as fine dining options. Other international-class shopping centers such as Jungceylon in Patong and Porto de Phuket in Thalang offer established brands for shopping as well as entertainment and even relaxation.
20. Visit Phuket Old Town’s Weekend Market
When the sun goes down the market stalls come out in Phuket, and none are as well-known as those found at the Phuket Old Town Walking Street Market on Sundays from 4 pm. Divided into sections for food, souvenirs, and other products, you can find items that can make for great gifts at the market, from clothes to soap flowers and more. With street-food snacks and live entertainment, the atmosphere is festive and makes for a fun weekend walk.
21. Discover Other Street Markets
Missed Sunday nights at Phuket Old Town? There are also other street and night markets in Phuket where you can check out unique souvenir items that you can take home to your loved ones. The OTOP market in Patong offers unique handicrafts and fashion items, while the Boat Avenue Market in Cherngtalay is a great place for small gifts such as jewelry, candles, ceramic figurines, and coconut bowls. Naka Market also offers souvenirs and keepsakes, as well as sit-down casual dining options.
Related article: Top 10 Best Places to Go Shopping in Phuket
22. Get an Adrenaline Rush on A Zipline
Get your adrenaline pumping as you dramatically fly through the air in incredible jungle terrain, ziplining from tree to tree at Flying Hanuman, Phuket’s top eco-adventure destination. Platforms are linked by ziplines while each course includes walking over sky bridges, leaping off abseil points, and the excitement of spiral staircases and sky rails. You can also explore the landscape with a wilderness walk, making it a suitable activity for the whole family.
23. Play A Whole Round of Golf
Phuket also has a number of world-class golf clubs, each with their own challenging courses paired with unparalleled views. Among the best 18-hole golf courses in Phuket are Laguna Golf, designed to cater to all skill levels, and the Jack Nicklaus-designed Mission Hills with its breathtaking sea views. There’s also the Red Mountain Golf Club, built on the location of the old tin mines with challenging differences in elevation.
24. Try A New Water Sport
There is a never-ending array of aquatic activities to try in Phuket, not just diving and snorkeling. Some of Phuket’s finest beachfront villas provide kayaks and stand-up paddle boards for off-shore exploration of the island’s waters. Jet skiing, wakeboarding, and parasailing are also popular on the island, and even surfers flock to Phuket to ride the wild waves during monsoon season.
25. Discover A New Beach
What list of fun things to do in Phuket is complete without a mention of the beaches? There’s always a new beach to explore on the island for those craving a different seaside experience that can be found at their villas. Some of the top beaches to explore in Phuket include the laid-back neighboring beaches of Kata and Karon, the quiet shores of Naithon, and the swimmable waters of Bang Tao.
Related article: 5 Reasons to Choose Phuket for Your Next Island Holiday
Explore The Best Activities in Phuket
While there are more exciting things to do in Phuket than the ones presented here, these activities present the wide spectrum of the best that Phuket has to offer. From ziplining and kayaking for kids and teens to evening shows and beach clubs for the mature crowd, there’s always a fun activity to include in any itinerary.
For an unforgettable experience, it’s best to book activities ahead of time, especially when it comes to tours, charters, and other activities. Consult with your Guest Experience Service staff to help craft the bespoke Phuket itinerary that fits your interests and preferences, and you can rest assured that you will have the enjoyable trip of your dreams.
Explore more fun things to do with the Phuket Travel Guide.
The Luxury Signature represents and manages reservations of the finest villa rentals in Southeast Asia, specializing in some of the most stunning destinations including the islands of Phuket and Samui in Thailand, and Bali, Indonesia.
