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Thailand Phuket travel guide
20 things to do in Phuket, where to stay, airport transfers. Pick places on the map and get a day-by-day walking route from your hotel with steps, kilometres and minutes.
Top things to do in Phuket
- HMS Stoic — 1943 S-class submarine (visit ≈ 60 min)
- Phuket Giant Buddha — Buddha statue in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 15 min)
- Wat Chalong — Buddhist temple in Phuket Province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Phuket Zoo — former zoo in Phuket, Thailand (visit ≈ 150 min)
- Sang Tham Shrine — Chinese temple in Phuket (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Jui Tui Shrine — place of worship in Thailand (visit ≈ 30 min)
- Wat Suwan Khiri Khet — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Khao Rang Samakkhitham — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Ko Sire — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Mongkhon Nimit — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Thalang National Museum — museum in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Phuket Thai Hua Museum — museum in Phuket, Thailand (visit ≈ 120 min)
- Wat Siri Sila Supharam — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Anuphat Kitsadaram — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Kathu — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Suwan Khiriwong — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Charoen Samankit — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Latthi Wanaram — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Tha Ruea — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
- Wat Khosit Wihan — Buddhist temple in Phuket province, Thailand (visit ≈ 40 min)
4-day Phuket walking itinerary
Starting point: Patong. The top 4 places at a normal pace (up to ~10 km of walking a day), in this order. Change places or your hotel on the map and the route is recalculated; distances are estimates with a street allowance.
- Day 1 (≈ 4.5 km · 6,020 steps · 1 h 0 min on the way): Wat Suwan Khiriwong
- Day 2 (≈ 14.0 km · 18,870 steps · 3 h 6 min on the way): Wat Kathu
- Day 3 (≈ 12.9 km · 17,400 steps · 2 h 52 min on the way): Wat Siri Sila Supharam
- Day 4 (≈ 12.3 km · 16,560 steps · 2 h 44 min on the way): Wat Suwan Khiri Khet
Hidden gems and overlooked spots in Phuket
- Freedom Beach — Small white-sand cove with clear water south of Patong, reached by boat or a steep trail. (visit ≈ 180 min)
- Windmill Viewpoint — Hilltop by a wind turbine at the island's southern tip, overlooking Nai Harn bay and the sunset. (visit ≈ 20 min)
- Phang Nga Bay — Boat trips among sheer limestone islets and sea caves, including the famous 'James Bond Island'. (visit ≈ 480 min)
- Phi Phi Islands — Islands reached by boat, famed for turquoise coves between steep cliffs and Maya Bay. (visit ≈ 480 min)
Where to stay in Phuket
- Patong: The island’s busiest beach; nightlife and plenty of hotels.
- Kata: A calmer beach, good for families and surfing.
- Karon: A long, wide beach close to Patong but quieter.
- Phuket Old Town: Colourful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, cafés and local food.
- Kamala: A quiet bay for couples who want to unwind.
Getting from the airport to Phuket
- Phuket (HKT): Airport bus to Phuket Town ≈ 1 h; taxi to the beaches ≈ 45 min–1 h.
Getting around
Public transport is limited; the Smart Bus links the west-coast beaches with the airport. Grab or Bolt is easier for short trips.
Classic places to eat
- Raya Restaurant: Phuket home cooking in an old mansion; famous for crab curry with rice noodles.
- One Chun: Traditional Phuket dishes in an antique-filled Old Town room.
- Mee Ton Poe: Hokkien-style yellow noodles since 1946, by the clock tower.
- Kopitiam by Wilai: An old-style coffee shop on Thalang Road with Peranakan flavours.
- Tu Kab Khao: Phuket-style dishes in a historic building, with live music.
- Lock Tien: Old Town food hall where local breakfast stalls gather in the morning.
Romantic views
- Promthep Cape (Sunset): Sunset from a headland at the southern tip of the island.
- Karon Viewpoint (Afternoon): See the bays of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon at once.
- Khao Rang Hill (Sunset): A green hilltop above Phuket Town and the harbour.
- Kata Noi Beach (Sunset): A small, quiet cove; the sand turns orange at sunset.
Good to know before visiting Phuket
- Fine: Insulting the monarchy (lèse-majesté) carries long prison terms, including social media posts.
- Fine: Bringing, owning or using e-cigarettes or vapes is illegal; expect confiscation, fines or jail.
- Fine: Since 2025 cannabis sales need a prescription and public smoking is banned; other drugs bring severe penalties.
- Fine: Smoking and dropping butts on popular beaches is banned.
- Fine: Scooters need a motorcycle licence and helmet; don't leave your passport as a rental deposit.
- Warning: In temples cover shoulders and knees and remove shoes; never climb Buddha images.
- Emergency: police 191, ambulance 1669, fire 199
- Plugs: A/B/C/O, 230V
- Tap water: Don't drink tap water; use bottled.
- Tipping: Tipping isn't required; leave small change; upscale places add 10% service.
Sources: UK FCDO — Foreign travel advice: Thailand, Tourist Police (Thailand) — 1155, Wikivoyage — Thailand, T.C. Dışişleri Bakanlığı — Türk vatandaşlarının tabi olduğu vize uygulamaları · For information only; rules change, check official sources before you go. Last checked: 2026-10
Phuket travel FAQ
- How many days do you need in Phuket?
- The top 4 places in the centre take about 4 days at a normal pace on a walking route from your hotel.
- What are the top things to do in Phuket?
- Highlights: HMS Stoic, Phuket Giant Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket Zoo and Sang Tham Shrine. The map has 20 things to do in total.
- Where to stay in Phuket?
- Patong: The island’s busiest beach; nightlife and plenty of hotels. Other options: Kata, Karon, Phuket Old Town and Kamala.
- How do you get from the airport to Phuket city centre?
- Phuket (HKT): Airport bus to Phuket Town ≈ 1 h; taxi to the beaches ≈ 45 min–1 h.
- How do you get around Phuket?
- Public transport is limited; the Smart Bus links the west-coast beaches with the airport. Grab or Bolt is easier for short trips.
- What is the emergency number in Phuket?
- Emergency: police 191, ambulance 1669, fire 199.
- Do you tip in Phuket?
- Tipping isn't required; leave small change; upscale places add 10% service.
Nearby cities
Penang (George Town) · Kuala Lumpur · Putrajaya · Bangkok · Phnom Penh · Siem Reap · Singapore · Ho Chi Minh City
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