Best Things to Do in Phuket

Distillery $$$$$

Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

A fully functioning rum distillery with a cocktail bar and restaurant. Most popular for its rum tasting and distillery tour which runs every hour from 2pm – 6pm. The tour includes a free cocktail, rum tasting and a detailed explanation of the fascinating distillery process covering everything from sourcing sugar cane to adding flavouring and labelling bottles. Cocktail workshops also available.

ReligiousFree

Big Buddha

A 45m-high Buddha statue with 360-degree views from its hilltop vantage point. The statue’s construction of concrete, jade and marble glistens in the sunlight and can be seen from most of the island, even as far away as Phuket Town and Karon Beach.

BeachFree

Ko Racha Yai

Immaculate white beach sand and crystal clear, turquoise waters and one of South East Asia’s best snorkeling locations. Canoe hire and scuba-diving courses available. The Racha Resort provides a rest from snorkeling with a restaurant, cocktail bar and swimming pool. Best visited as a day tour from Chalong Pier, Phuket.

NightlifeFree

Soi Bangla (Bangla Road)

The centre of Phuket’s nightlife scene lined with restaurants, bars, and nightclubs. Closed to vehicular traffic after sunset when pumping music kicks off and neon lights blaze. Street vendors selling clothes, jewellery and imitation designer items can be pushy so don’t be afraid to say a firm ‘no’.

Shopping MallFree

Jungceylon Shopping Centre

Phuket’s largest shopping mall open from 11am each day. Many international fashion brands and local artisan stores selling jewellery, clothing, souvenirs and electronics. The mall features a cinema and plenty of cafes, fast food and restaurants in an open courtyard setting.

Market$$$$$

Naka Weekend Night Market

An undercover market with a huge selection of clothing, gadgets, electronics, and homewares as well as some second-hand stalls. One section is dedicated to street food where you’ll find buttered corn, seafood, curries, fruit, insects, and desserts.

DistrictFree

Phuket Old Town

The historical center of Phuket lined with brightly coloured buildings, budget accommodation, bars, restaurants and night market stalls. Narrow alleyways are best explored on foot, to admire vibrant wall murals, local shops and quirky cafes.

BeachFree

Surin Beach

Escape the throngs of party-goers at Patong beach and enjoy the serenity of Surin, one of Phuket’s most beautiful beaches. You won’t find any motorboats, jet skis, or extreme watersports here. Instead, there’s the simplicity of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and enjoying the sun.