20 Things To Do In Phuket Thailand
20 Things To Do In Phuket Thailand
Planning to visit Phuket Island in Thailand? Is this your first trip or returning trip? We have the compilation of things to do in Phuket after visiting the island many times. Some of the things we recommended might be familiar while some you might not be heard of. This is things to do in Phuket Thailand.
Phuket Island is a huge island and it is around 576 square km in size and it is slightly smaller than Singapore Island and about half the size of Penang Island. In short, Phuket is huge and it is not just about Patong area only. Traveling from airport to Patong might takes 40 mins or more by car so it is important to know where you stay in Phuket.
1.Wat Chalong Buddhist Temple
There are 29 Buddhist Temples in Phuket and Wat Chalong or Chaithararam is the most popular and well known temple in Phuket. There are Phra BoromSareerikatat (fragment of a bone of the Buddha) kept on top of the Phra Mahathat chedi.
Please take note that no sandals are allowed and press dress properly if you plan to enter the temple. The Wat Chalong temple is open daily from 7 am until 5 pm. There is no entrance fees and you get to see dozens of coaches and busses of tourists from around the world.
2. The Phuket Big Buddha
If you are at Wat Chalong, you can spot the white Big Buddha on top of the hill. The Big Buddha is one of the most important landmarks on the island and it sats on top of the Nakkerd Hills in between Chalong and Kata.
The buddha statue is 45 metres tall and this area offers one of the best 360 degree views of the island.
If you are planning to drive to the big buddha, you can use Google Maps or there are road signs from the main road to the top of the hill which is around 6km road.
The view at the hill top is spectacular as you get 360 degree views of the Phuket Island. Spend some time here and get mesmerised by the view.
3. Visiting Phuket City or Phuket Town
This is one of the must visit places or must stay places in Phuket city. Many Asians love Patong or the surrounding beaches like Karon or Kata beaches, the Phuket city offers a different energy and perspective of Phuket.
You
get to experience and see the architecture of the Sino-Thai building shoplots
that are similar to the ones in Singapore, Penang or Melaka.
4. Checking out Phuket City Street Art
The popularity of street art for tourism started in Penang and it spreads to many other cities in Thailand including Phuket City.
There is various street art (or graffiti) in Phuket City you can visit and take photo with. There are various street arts for you to visit in Phuket City. While you try to find the other street arts, you will explore the hidden gem of the city.
5. Café hopping in Phuket City
The first time we visited Phuket City was 15 years ago and it has changed tremendously. There are more boutiques, souvenir shops, restaurants and cafes cater for the locals and the tourists.
There are many cafes in Phuket city and you can go café hopping and taking many photos in these cafés. Most of these cafes are uniquely designed and Instagrammable.
6. Food Hunting in Phuket City
If you are looking for local food, this is the place for you to do so. There are number of restaurants and food stalls in Phukey City and a good number of them are listed in The Michelin Guide Thailand Phuket and Phang Nga 2019.
The following are the food stalls and restaurants listed in The Michelin Guide Thailand Phuket and Phang Nga 2019 that we reviewed.
- Roti Taew Nam Phuket Town (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
- Loba Bang Niao (Michelin Plate)
- Phuket Town O Cha Rot Michelin Beef Noodles (Michelin Plate)
- Crust Italian Restaurant And Café Phuket Michelin (Michelin Plate)
- O Tao Bang Niao Phuket Town Yam Oyster Omelette (Michelin Plate)
- Raya Restaurant Phuket Town (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
- Hong Khao Tom Pla (ฮ้องข้าวต้มปลา) Fish Porridge Phuket Town (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
- Go Benz Pork Porridge Phuket City (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
- One Chun Phuket City (Michelin Bib Gourmand)
7. Chillva Night Market
We discovered this night market last year and it is located near the Phuket City. This is a rather small night market with live band and many food stalls and some fashion and souvenir stalls.
This night market reminds me a bit of the night markets you can find in Bangkok. The food here in general is good and the food prices here are cheaper than Patong area.
This is a good place to chill and hang out near Phuket City, parking slots are available.
8. Staying in Patong
Patong is the most popular place to stay for most Asians especially Malaysians and Singaporeans. For most stereotyped Asians, there is only Patong in Phuket and nothing else. We first stayed in Patong was in 1992, twenty seven years ago and the landscape have changed dramatically.
We revisited the Patong in 2004, one month after tsunami and many other trips in between 2004 and 2019.
The local authorities have removed the umbrellas in Patong Beach so it looks cleaner now and there are more shops and hotels compare to 1992 or 2004.
The best reason to stay in Patong is it offers almost everything from accommodation to food and the beach of course.
We stayed in many hotels in the past and the recent hotel we stayed is Beyond Patong Hotel.
9. Jungceylon Shopping Mall
The biggest shopping mall in Patong, the Jungceylon Shopping Mall. This is the mall you get the popular restaurants especially the fast food restaurants like KFC, McD and also local restaurants.
The shopping mall is fully airconditioned and there is also the Big C Hypermarket inside this mall. This is the place to chill during day time to hide from the sun.
There is also a movie theatre inside Jungceylon Shopping Mall.
10.Da Hood Food Market
Right behind Jungceylon Shopping Mall, there is a food night market. This is the place you can find many local food at affordable prices. The prices of the food is cheaper than the restaurants at the Patong beach front restaurants.
In short, this is a huge outdoor food court and they offer many food, tables and chairs. You can visit Da Hood Food Market during night time.
11.Simon Cabaret Show
There are a few cabaret shows in Phuket and Simon Cabaret Show is one of them. This is one of most popular ‘ladyboy’ shows on the island and is a must watch for first timer.
You will be seated in the theatre and will enjoy the extravagant and glamourous show. There will be themes and the music and backdrops will change from time to time. Expect the unexpected and you get the chance to meet the stars after the show. You can book online at https://www.klook.com/en-MY/activity/292-simon-cabaret-show-phuket/?aid=602
12. Fantasea Show
Fantasea Show is the most popular show in Phuket. They have been around for over 30 years and the show offers fabulous grand night time ‘theme park’ displays.
The show offers Thailand’s rich and diverse culture from its various regions and it charms guests from all over the world with its many flamboyant shows and attractions using illusions, acrobatics and more.
They also offer pre-show dinner buffet that you won’t regret joining.
You can book the tickets online with KKday at https://www.kkday.com/en/product/295?cid=8500 or Klook at https://www.klook.com/en-MY/activity/294-phuket-fantasea-phuket/?aid=602
13.Siam Niramit Show
We watched Siam Niramit show in Bangkok before they opened another show in Phuket. It is a world class performance of Thailand’s art and cultural heritage.
The spectacular show features over 100 performers with costumes and stunning set designs. There are also enhanced special effects to create a very realistic, stimulating and entertaining show.
There is also pre-show dinner with performances available at Siam Niramit Show Phuket.
Book it at:
https://www.kkday.com/en/product/6808?cid=8500
https://www.klook.com/en-MY/activity/295-siam-niramit-phuket/?aid=602
14.Dolphins Bay Phuket
This is one of the newest and latest attraction in Phuket. Dolphins Bay Phuket offers three shows a day and you get up close and personal with the dolphins.
The show is perfect for family and children as they will enjoy the show of the dolphins with their trainers. Get the VIP seats and get really close with the dolphins. We saw similar shows in Japan.
Book it at:
https://www.kkday.com/en-ph/product/27664?cid=8500
https://www.klook.com/en-MY/activity/6083-dolphin-show-phuket/?aid=602
15.Karon View Point
This is the only viewpoint that you get the panoramic view of three beaches, the Karon beach, the Kata beach and Patong Beach. There are many locals here during sunset as this is one of the best sunset spots in Phuket.
Read more: https://www.placesandfoods.com/2014/03/karon-viewpoint-breathtaking-pictures.html
16. Seafood Night Market at Rawai
Are you a big fan of seafood? Then you should head on to the seafood night market at Rawai. This place could be slightly touristy but you can choose the seafood you want and you can ask for a discount.
After getting your seafood, head on to one of the restaurants opposite the market and cook for a small fee. There is prices for the seafood here and also in the restaurants so you know what you are paying.
Read more: https://www.placesandfoods.com/2015/05/rawai-seafood-fish-market.html
17. Sunset at Promthep Cape
We visited the Prompthep Cape in 1992 and we visited it a few times after that. The view of the cape is spectacular and yet calming.
Do visit Promthep Cape for the sunset view and you won’t regret visiting this place. Promthep Cape might not be as popular as other sunset spots in Phuket but it is still worth coming!
18. Visiting Central Phuket Mall
Central Phuket Mall is bigger after the expansion and it is the largest shopping mall in Phuket. We visited the mall when they opened the Central Festival Mall and recently they built the Central Florest Mall which is located next to each other.
We recently visited the new Central Florest Mall and it is huge. The Central Departmental store moved to Central Florest Mall and you can find many retail shopping stores as well as restaurants in both malls.
There is also cinema and other entertainment outlets here at Central Phuket Mall.
19. Dining Phuket’s first Michelin One Star Restaurant PRU
Complete your travel in Phuket by dining at Phuket’s first Michelin One Star restaurant at PRU. Remember to bring your credit card as dining at PRU is not cheap but it is worth it.
PRU means Plant Raise Understand. They are in a mission to elevate farm to table cuisine, in Phuket and as part of a larger global movement to grow, make and enjoy food naturally, slowly, and always in the company of family and friends.
You have to book your table at PRU restaurant and it is located at north east of the island and close to the Phuket International Airport. If you are staying in Patong Beach or Phuket Town, expect your journey to the restaurant to be an hour.
It offers a good view of the private beach and sea and amazing sunset view on a good weather. The restaurant is fully air conditioned and there are limited tables in the restaurant.
Read our review at: https://www.placesandfoods.com/2019/07/pruphuketmichelinrestaurant.html
20. Checking out Family Part Patong
Have you visited any Family Mart outlets in Thailand recently? Well, they have been expanding and mushrooming in all parts of Thailand in recent years. If you think 7 Eleven Thailand is cool, wait till you check out the Family Mart Thailand. On my recent trip to Phuket, we discovered one of their coolest and largest Family Mart outlets in Thailand. It is the Family Mart Patong Beach and watch the video below to find out more.
The Family Mart Patong Beach outlet is located along Thawewong Road near Savoey Restaurant. It is on the Patong Beach facing the sea. Yes, it is by the sea side and it is open daily 24 hours!
Read more: https://www.placesandfoods.com/2018/05/family-mart-patong-beach-phuket-thailand.html
How do we travel around in Phuket? The best way to travel around Phuket and Phang Nga is by renting a car. There are many car rentals in Phuket International Airport and we usually book Thai Rent A Car as it is one of the largest car rental companies in Thailand. They have over 32 branches with over 8000 cars in their fleet.
