Phuket

The island of Phuket, off the coast of Thailand, is a treasure trove for those looking for a tourist destination off the beaten path. With world-class beaches, phenomenal local cuisine, and numerous areas to explore, Phuket was a dynamic addition to our trip to Thailand.

We were lucky to be in Phuket on the last day of the Chinese New Year celebrations, and this city knows how to party. Some of the main roads were closed to vehicles, so everyone was enjoying being in the streets. Shop windows were decorated, and everyone was in a festive mood – as you would expect on New Year’s! With dragon processions, tons of food, and firecrackers throughout the island, we were thrilled to be in the middle of the festival.

Beaches

As the largest island in Thailand, Phuket is surrounded by gorgeous beaches. If you’re a beach bum, it’s worth finding a place to stay on the beach – there are plenty of them! Of course, we had to visit the beach and had some favorites.

Beaches in Phuket change with the season. For part of the year, the weather lends to calm waters that are crystal-clear. However, in certain seasons the risk of rough waters and riptides grows. Always follow posted rules and pay attention to flags and lifeguards.

You might also be lucky and see sea turtles or tracks. If you do spot a nest or tracks, inform a lifeguard or your hotel concierge so the turtle conservation groups can ensure their protection.

Karon Beach

One of the longest beaches on Phuket, Karon Beach offers gorgeous clear water and soft white sand. This beach offers a lot of opportunities for watersports, and you’ll see people parasailing waterskiing, and wakeboarding. This area is also great for families, and there are loads of great seafood restaurants in the area. Don’t miss the photo op with the golden snake!

Surin Beach

This is also a beautiful beach and is closer to some of the high-end resorts and shops. This is a popular area to kayak and snorkel, and you’ll find some great restaurants nearby.

Café del Mar Beach Club

One of the highlights of our trip was relaxing at the Café del Mar Beach Club. This club is related to the original Café del Mar in Ibiza, and the lavish scene transports you to the party capital of Spain. With lounge seating, an extensive menu, and exclusive water sports, Café del Mar is a must-visit.

Whether you are traveling alone and looking for some upscale leisure, or you want to make friends in a welcoming environment, Café del Mar is worth a visit.

Attractions

If you want to see some of the local attractions without spending hours researching transport, ticket prices, and opening hours, there are multiple tour companies to choose from. We decided to utilize a tour company and had a great experience exploring the area. Scenery Cruises, which offers luxury catamaran tours, offered an incredible experience. With several stops, as well as lunch, dinner, and drinks, you’ll have the opportunity to swim in the crystal clear waters, canoe in a sea cave, and explore the famous James Bond Island.

Here are a few of the stops we made – these are worth a visit with or without an official tour!

James Bond Island

Previously known as Khao Phing Kan, James Bond Island became known as such because of its feature in the 1974 blockbuster film, “The Man with the Golden Gun.” The tucked-away, towering limestone is worth a visit whether or not you are a James Bond fan. The tall, thin islet is called “Koh Tapu” in Thai, which means “Nail Island,” a prominent name for the thin, inverted-looking isle. While tourists aren’t allowed to get too close to the limestone structures, it’s certainly a worthwhile visit.

Hong Island

Hong Island’s flawless white sands and towering limestone make it worth a visit, and it’s secluded location makes it perfect for the avid snorkeler. Hong Lagoon is an indispensable part of a trip to Hong Island, accessible only through a narrow rock opening. This is a once-in-a-lifetime snorkeling and swimming experience.

Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary

Thailand is home to an impressive array of wildlife, including king cobras, tigers, pangolins, and elephants. Many of these animals are endangered, and sanctuaries like the Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary in Phuket offer opportunities to interact with these animals in sustainable and ethical ways. Our visit to the Elephant Wildlife Sanctuary was certainly a highlight of our trip. There are multiple opportunities to care for the elephants, including feeding and bathing, or you can opt for a longer, privatized experience. If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime wildlife experience, this stop is definitely worth your time.

Old Town Phuket

Even if your goal in Phuket is to spend as much of your trip on the beach as possible, spending a day in Old Town Phuket is well worth it. While you can walk the town in about an hour, it’s worth taking your time.

On Sunday evenings, Thalang Road becomes a bustling market where you can find local artisans, incredible street food, clothing, and souvenirs. With street performers livening things up, this Sunday market is a can’t-miss.

Oasis Walking Street is another great place to get your shopping in, and it’s a great place to find relief from the sun or rain.

Soi Romanee is worth a visit as well. With classic Sino-Portuguese architecture, this formerly crumbling neighborhood is now one of the most attractive areas in Phuket. Its colorful buildings and quaint shops make for some quality photos.

Keep an eye out for street art throughout the city – Phuket is famous for it.

Dining

Many local beaches will be lined with cheap eats where you can grab a quick breakfast, lunch, or dinner. While these may not be world-class dining, they do have a great view and are budget-friendly. If you’re looking for an authentic culinary experience, here are a few top picks.

PRU

If you’re looking for an extravagant dining experience, Pru boasts the only Michelin star on the island. Located in Trisara, Pru – which stands for Plant, Raise, Understand – is committed to using only local ingredients, drawing inspiration from the different ecosystems of Thailand. The stunning decor and innovative menu create an exceptional dining experience. If you want to eat here, make reservations well in advance.

Laem Hin Seafood

Located on the east coast of Phuket, Laem Hin Seafood is a very well-known seafood restaurant. This vast, water-side restaurant offers incredible views of the sunset and the freshest seafood imaginable.

Jadjan

Closer to the markets, you’ll find the quaint Jadjan. An authentic local experience, this is a cheap food that is made to order. This hole-in-the-wall is budget-friendly and a real foodie experience.

Nightlife

If clubbing is your thing, you’ll want to head to Soi Bangla. You won’t miss this street once you’re close – the neon lights and music alert you well in advance that you’ve almost arrived. To dance the night away, head to Illuzion, one of the best clubs on the island. If you’re up for a kitschy local experience, check out one of the Go-Go Bars, like the famous Suzy Wong’s.

For those who get a headache just thinking of a nightclub, I have good news – you too can enjoy the Phuket nightlife! Like the mainland, Phuket offers tons of night markets where you can shop and snack until you crash. The market on Soi Bangla runs until around 2 AM and offers copious street food stalls as well as live music and performances. For a more unique experience, check out Chillva Market, with its colorful tents and pop-up bars.

If you decide to travel to Phuket, you won’t regret it. We are based out of Kata, but there are so many great places to stay on this beautiful island. With endless beaches, food, and shopping to explore, Phuket is a destination to add to the top of your list.

Thank you for reading this Phuket travel guide blog. Did you enjoy this Phuket itinerary? Then check out my Bangkok travel blog, which has more useful information for your upcoming Thailand holiday.