Update Your Travel Checklist! Here’s the Top 10 Places to Visit in Phuket

When people think of Phuket, they’d probably think of the turquoise-hued waves cloaking rainbows of fish washing over the golden glittering beaches. One of Thailand's most dazzling islands is so diverse you might never want to leave!

Phuket just has everything for every type of traveler. Here in the eclectic Phuket—which is Thailand’s biggest island, by the way—you’ll find natural tropical beauty, countless adventure trails, and a plethora of tourist attractions that will make you fall in love with this real-world paradise. It’s simply a dream beach destination for just about anyone, from families looking for a relaxing tropical getaway to young lovebirds on honeymoon they’ll never forget. 

Whether you're looking for popular party beaches, a high-end luxury experience, or a serene seaside escape, there’s just about everything for everyone in Phuket. With a huge number of things to do on the Island and 35,000 tourists already visiting each day, let’s take a close look at our extensive list of the best places to visit in Phuket!

Visit The Awe-inspiring Phuket Big Buddha

One of the most popular things to do in Phuket is to visit the Big Buddha. This huge Buddha is one of the most famous landmarks in all of Phuket. It’s not that easy to miss, since it sits at the top of the Nakkerd Hills, standing tall at forty five meters. From the top of the hill you are able to get a spectacular 360-degree panoramic view of Phuket. 

When you are at the Buddha you will notice that it is a very quiet part of town, making it a peaceful spot to take some peaceful time out from your day. Here, you’ll see prayer flags flutter in the breeze, and you'll hear the tinkling of small bells. You can get here by taking a taxi or a tuk-tuk up the winding six-kilometer road to the hilltop. Then, you have to climb a steep flight of stairs to the monument. Trust us, you’ll be rewarded with the magnificent views once you’ve reached the top. If possible, pick a clear day for the best views; mornings are generally less crowded.

Wonder at the Views of Karon View Point

Situated just to the south of Kata Noi Beach is Karon View Point, one of the most popular viewpoints in Phuket to visit. Once you’re at the top of the Karon View Point, you’ll be provided with one of Thailand’s most iconic views: the Andaman Sea in one direction, and the three west coast beaches (Kata Noi, Kata Yai, and Karon Beach) on the other side of the island. If white sandy beaches, beautiful blue seas, and emerald hillsides are your thing, you’ll understand why it’s one of the top places to visit in Phuket. 

You can get to one of the island's most photographed vantage points by traveling southwest along the branch road in front of Kata Noi Beach towards the southern tip of the island.

 

Marvel at the Picturesque Views at Khao Rang Viewpoint

Yet another viewpoint (yep, Phuket has loads of them!), Khao Rang Viewpoint is located in the northwest of Phuket’s city center. Khao Rang Viewpoint offers a nice place to look out over Phuket town, and the neighboring islands and hills that line up to make the “spine” of the island where the Phuket Big Buddha sits. 

If you’re up for some dining options, there are three restaurants and bars at the viewpoint along with a panoramic terrace where you can take in all the stunning views. If you’re feeling peppy, there is also a fitness park to be explored as well.

Go on a Tour at The Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

For those who are keen on tasting some local rum, Chalong Bay Rum Distillery surely will not disappoint! Chalong Bay Rum Distillery produces top-quality white rum that’s starting to be noticed around the world. There’s lots to do when you arrive at the distillery. Here, you’ll start by taking a tour where you’ll learn about the way the rum is produced before taking a closer look at the love and care that goes on behind the scenes. The final part of the trip is in the cocktail workshop and bar, and that’s where you’ll experiment your bartending skills for a day! At this point, you’ll learn how to make various cocktails that all include Chalong Bay Rum, and of course, relax while you sample your very own concoction. A unique Phuket experience indeed! 

Get a Taste of the Local Culture at the Jui Tui Shrine

Phuket has a large Chinese presence, so you’ll see numerous Chinese shrines peppering the nook and crannies of the city. Jui Tui Shrine, of course, is one of them. The Jui Tui Shrine houses three large statues, each of a different Chinese god, with the most prominent of them is “Tean Hu Huan Soy,” the god of performing arts and dancing, Next to his statue are a dog and a chicken, as the legends say that they are his favorite childhood pets. 

Following numerous renovations over the years, the shrine itself was not always in its current location but after a fire many years ago that nearly destroyed it, the locals decided it should be moved. To the left of the shrine is a firecracker house, you will often see people throwing burning firecrackers during various celebrations. In fact, the Chinese Vegan festival is hosted in Phuket every year, with the Jui Tui shrine being one of the hot spots. Hence, Jui Tui shrine is one of the places to visit in Phuket if you want to have a little taste of the Chinese Vegan Festival.

Take a Trip to Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is the largest, most popular, and arguably one of the most beautiful out of all Phuket's 29 temples. It has been open for over a century for travellers and locals to visit in Phuket, as It is dedicated to two highly respected monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. At this magnificent temple, you can see their life-size wax models of and other figures in the exhibition home.

Be sure to visit the Grand Pagoda inside the temple, which contains a fragment of Lord Buddha's bone, and features grand murals depicting images from the Buddha's life story. Once you wander in and around the temple, you’ll find the many golden buddhas in various poses. Also, be extra careful and make sure you dress respectfully, as visitors are not allowed to wear shoes inside the temple, and women must cover their shoulders and knees before entering the premises.

Spend a Day with Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Another place to visit in Phuket is the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Seasoned travellers of Thailand may be more familiar with elephant sanctuaries in Northern Thailand, specifically Chiang Mai. But, yes, yes! Phuket has one, too!

Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is pioneering ethical elephant tourism on the island by rescuing sick, injured and old elephants who spent their lives working in the logging and tourism industries. Supported by National Geographic and World Animal Protection, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the final home for the rescued elephants to have the freedom to roam, bathe, forage freely. So if you’re considering riding an elephant, then this place is not for you! In fact, you’ll learn exactly why you should never ride an elephant by meeting the elephants, learn all about them and support ethical elephant tourism.

Take a Relaxed Stroll Around Phuket Old Town

One of the best things to do in Phuket is to visit Phuket Old Town, which is a historically rich part of town where you will see an abundance of temples (Chinese and Buddhist), beautiful shophouses, small printing shops and a disused red light district. The architecture here is Sino-Portuguese, which reflects the influence of Chinese immigrants and a Portuguese aesthetic that provides a picturesque contrast to the more traditional Thai styles seen elsewhere. 

Historically, Phuket Old Town was created during a boom many years ago when metal was a valuable raw material. The Old Town itself is not that big so you can easily walk around it rather than taking any transport, and it also has an extensive selection of restaurants to stop for something to eat.

Shop the Local Way at Phuket Town Weekend Night Market

If you want some Thai souvenirs and T-shirts to take home with you, the Phuket Weekend Night Market is the place to be in Phuket. Known by the locals as Naka Market and sitting just a little way from Phuket Town is one of the places in Phuket you must visit while you’re here. There are all sorts of things to buy such as fruits, old curiosities, animals and second-hand goods. 

A popular place for both the locals and tourists, it is best to hea there late afternoon to ensure you get a good look around before it becomes packed. Here, you can nibble on the cheap and unique local foods on sale like the golden buttered corn on the cob, or some delicious fish cakes as you walk around from shop to shop.

Party In Patong and Bangla Road

Patong Beach is the best place to visit in Phuket for those who love nightlife. The nightlife centers around Bangla Road located at Patong Beach. When the sun goes down, the Bangla Road gets closed to traffic and it becomes lively with numerous bars full of shows and street performers peppering both sides of the street. A positive, energetic vibe fills the air as you work your way down the street. 

As For Patong, Phuket's longest beach is now a bustling hub of activity rather than a retreat from the world. However, Patong is still great for people watching, which is part of the fun, so don’t expect to find a quiet spot on Patong to read and unplug from life, but on the upside, Patong Beach is the perfect place for you if you’re traveling alone. Picture yourself meeting new friends in a lively beachside rave at night! It’s all about positive vibes around here.

Phuket is one of the world’s premier holiday destinations for a reason, and it has a place for everyone. Families can enjoy sightseeing, immerse themselves with the stunning panoramic vistas, and tasting all the street food at night markets. Meanwhile, solo or couple travelers can enjoy the bustling nightlife that Phuket has to offer. 

But for those who’ve never been to Phuket, now’s the time! Make your way here to visit the stunning viewpoints and temples, natural beauty, eclectic nightlife, the food, and the charming Old Town. 

All of this is possible with the TAGTHAi Pass, which is the pass for you if you plan to travel to Phuket! With one single pass, you’ll get to discover all the highly-rated, as well as the hidden gems of Phuket with our comprehensive guide to travel in Phuket! A day here in Phuket will never be boring, that’s for sure!