PHUKET
Phuket, the Pearl of the Andaman, is Thailand’s largest island, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs, stunning white-sand beaches, and crystal-clear waters. It is a cosmopolitan hub blending Thai heritage with Sino-Portuguese history and a famously vibrant nightlife.
This island paradise offers a perfect mix of experiences: from world-class diving and peaceful retreats to high-energy cultural shows and historic town exploration. Its natural beauty and diverse offerings make it Southeast Asia’s premier travel destination.
Most Popular Attractions
Beaches & Coastal Highlights:
Patong Beach: The island’s most famous and bustling resort area, known for its long sandy beach and raucous nightlife hub.
Kata Beach: A beautiful beach popular for surfing during the low season and ideal for families with its calm, clear water in high season.
Karon Beach: The second-longest beach, offering a mix of relaxation and entertainment with its wide, squeaky white sand.
Bang Tao Beach: A long, luxurious strip of sand home to high-end resorts and beach clubs.
Freedom Beach: A tranquil, pristine cove accessible primarily by long-tail boat, considered one of the island’s most beautiful hidden gems.
Promthep Cape: A stunning viewpoint at the southernmost tip of the island, legendary for its sunset views.
Laem Singh Beach: A small, picturesque bay with a bohemian feel, tucked between Kamala and Surin beaches.
Islands & Natural Excursions:
Phi Phi Islands (Koh Phi Phi): A world-famous archipelago with towering limestone cliffs and pristine bays, accessible via day trips from Phuket.
Phang Nga Bay (Ao Phang Nga National Park): Known for its dramatic, jungle-clad limestone karsts rising out of the emerald water.
James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan): A distinctive, solitary sheer rock tower in Phang Nga Bay, famed for its feature in The Man with the Golden Gun.
Similan Islands: Consistently ranked among the world’s best dive sites and snorkeling destinations, a bit further but worth the trip.
Racha Island (Koh Racha Yai): An island south of Phuket known for its exceptionally clear waters and excellent snorkeling.
Khao Phra Thaeo National Park: The only remaining virgin rainforest on the island, home to Bang Pae and Ton Sai waterfalls.
Bang Pae Waterfall: The largest waterfall on the island, a popular spot for a cooling dip, located near the Gibbon Rehabilitation Centre.
Culture & Spiritual Sites:
Big Buddha Phuket (Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri): A gigantic, 45-meter-tall white marble Buddha statue offering 360-degree panoramic views of the island.
Wat Chalong (Chaithararam Temple): Phuket’s most important and revered Buddhist temple, known for its beautiful pagoda and gold statues.
Phuket Old Town: The historic heart of the island, characterized by vibrant Sino-Portuguese architecture, colourful shophouses, and grand mansions.
Chinpracha House: A well-preserved Sino-Portuguese mansion in Old Town, open to the public as a museum of the island’s tin-mining history.
Wat Phra Thong (The Half-Buried Buddha): A unique temple famous for its mysterious, half-buried Golden Buddha image.
Entertainment & Modern Attractions:
Phuket FantaSea: A popular cultural theme park on Kamala Beach featuring a spectacular show with elephants and a grand buffet.
Phuket Simon Cabaret: A long-running and highly acclaimed transgender cabaret show known for its elaborate costumes and performances.
Bangla Road: The epicenter of Patong’s vibrant nightlife, a 400-meter street filled with beer bars, clubs, and live music.
Andamanda Phuket Waterpark: A massive, modern water park near Phuket Town, offering numerous slides and family-friendly attractions.
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary: An ethical sanctuary that rescues and rehabilitates elephants, allowing visitors to observe them in a natural, retirement setting.
Phuket Weekend Night Market (Talad Tairod): The largest night market, a bustling spot for cheap clothes, local goods, and famous Thai street food.
Activities & Experiences
Go Island Hopping to the Phi Phi Islands: Take a speedboat tour to the famous Phi Phi archipelago, visiting iconic spots like Maya Bay (of The Beach fame), Pileh Lagoon, and Bamboo Island for swimming and snorkeling.
Explore Phang Nga Bay by Canoe: Embark on a boat trip to the dramatic limestone karsts of Phang Nga Bay, including the famous James Bond Island (Ko Khao Phing Kan), often with sea cave kayaking.
Visit the Big Buddha of Phuket: Drive up to the 45-meter-tall white marble statue of Phra Phuttha Ming Mongkol Eknakiri on Nakkerd Hill for stunning 360-degree panoramic views of the island.
Stroll and Shop in Phuket Old Town: Wander through the charming streets of the historic center, admiring the vibrant Sino-Portuguese architecture, and visit the Sunday Lard Yai (Walking Street) Night Market.
Spend a Day at an Ethical Elephant Sanctuary: Visit a reputable sanctuary (like Elephant Jungle Sanctuary or Phuket Elephant Sanctuary) to observe, feed, and bathe rescued elephants in a respectful, natural setting.
Take a Thai Cooking Class: Learn to prepare authentic Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum Goong from a local chef, often including a market visit to source ingredients.
Experience the Nightlife on Bangla Road, Patong: Dive into the electric atmosphere of Patong’s main entertainment street, full of bars, clubs, and street performers.
Learn to Surf or Take a Lesson: Hit the waves at beaches like Kata Beach (especially May to October) or Patong Beach, which offer ideal conditions and schools for beginners.
Attend a Muay Thai Fight: Witness the national sport of Thailand, a spectacular display of martial arts, at one of the island’s major stadiums.
Indulge in a Traditional Thai Massage: Relax with a professional massage on the beach or in a spa, a must-do for post-sightseeing recovery.
Watch the Sunset at Promthep Cape: Head to the southernmost point of the island for one of the most spectacular sunset viewing spots in Thailand.
Local Tips & Transport
Motorbike Rental for Freedom: Renting a scooter or motorbike (if you are an experienced and confident rider with an International Driving Permit) offers the most flexibility and affordability to explore the island’s many beaches and viewpoints. Be aware of the risks and always wear a helmet.
The ‘Smart Bus’ for Budget Travel: The Phuket Smart Bus runs along the west coast, connecting the airport to major beaches like Patong, Kata, and Rawai. It’s the most budget-friendly, air-conditioned option but is slower due to fixed stops.
Taxis and Tuk-Tuks: These are plentiful, but they can be expensive compared to other parts of Thailand. Always negotiate the fare before you get in as they do not use meters. For a more reliable price, use ride-hailing apps like Grab (the regional equivalent of Uber).
Airport Transfers: The official airport bus, metered taxis, or pre-booked private transfers are available. Taxis often charge a fixed rate to popular areas (e.g., Patong).
Songthaews (Blue Buses): These are local, open-air pickup trucks that run fixed routes primarily from Phuket Town to the major beach areas. They are the cheapest option for those specific routes but do not travel directly between beaches.
Respect the Monarchy and Religion: Thai people hold the Royal Family and Buddhism in the highest regard. Always be respectful of images of the King and Queen and never touch or climb on a Buddha statue. When visiting a temple (Wat), ensure you are dressed modestly (shoulders and knees covered) and remove your shoes before entering the main prayer hall.
The “Wai”: The traditional Thai greeting is the Wai (a slight bow with hands pressed together like a prayer). While a handshake is acceptable, returning a Wai is a sign of respect, especially to elders or service staff.
Tipping and Bargaining: Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service (e.g., in restaurants, or for massage therapists). Bargaining is common and expected in markets, with tuk-tuk drivers, and at smaller shops—do it with a smile and a polite demeanor.
Stay Hydrated & Heat Safety: Phuket’s tropical climate is very hot and humid year-round. Drink plenty of bottled water, use high-SPF sunscreen, and plan your most strenuous activities for the cooler mornings or evenings.
Hidden Gems:
- Wat Chalong: The largest and most revered temple on the island, a magnificent example of Thai Buddhist architecture.
- Karon Viewpoint (Three Beaches Viewpoint): Offers a stunning triple-bay view of Kata Noi, Kata Yai, and Karon beaches.
- Naka Weekend Market (Phuket Town Weekend Market): A bustling local market for street food, clothes, and souvenirs, offering an authentic Thai shopping experience.
- Local Food Stalls: Don’t be afraid to try street food—it’s delicious, affordable, and often safer than you’d think, especially if the stall is popular with locals.
Top Restaurants
One Chun Cafe & Restaurant [$15-$30] – A Michelin Bib Gourmand winner in a charming Sino-Portuguese building, famous for authentic Southern Thai and Phuketian cuisine like Moo Hong (braised pork belly).
Raya Restaurant [$20-$40] – Housed in a beautifully preserved old Sino-Portuguese mansion, this classic is known for its exquisite Southern Thai cuisine, especially the famous crab meat curry with rice vermicelli.
Tu Kab Khao Restaurant [$20-$40] – Another Michelin Bib Gourmand spot in Phuket Town, easily recognized by the giant lobster on its exterior. It specializes in refined, authentic Southern Thai flavors.
Mor Mu Dong [$15-$30] – A truly local and rustic favorite, with elevated dining platforms winding through a mangrove swamp, known for its fiery-hot local dishes and unique ambiance.
Kan Eang @ Pier [$25-$45] – A legendary and long-standing local institution on Chalong Bay, renowned for fresh, well-prepared seafood and classic Thai dishes in a beautiful seaside setting.
The Pad Thai Shop [$5-$15] – A simple, no-frills, highly-rated spot popular with locals and in-the-know visitors for serving what many consider some of the best, most affordable Pad Thai on the island.
Go Benz Rice Porridge [$5-$15] – A famous street food spot in Phuket Old Town, often with a line of locals, known for its intensely savory dry rice porridge served with aromatic soup and crispy pork.
Laem Hin Seafood [$20-$40] – A classic, open-air local seafood restaurant built on a wooden terrace over the water on the east coast, where the seafood is incredibly fresh and prices are reasonable.
Lock Tien Food Court [$5-$15] – Not a single restaurant, but a classic, pint-sized, semi-open-air local food center in Phuket Town, offering a crash course in local Hokkien noodle and other Phuket-style dishes.
Boon Rad Dim Sum 1 [$5-$15] – An excellent spot for a classic Phuket breakfast of dim sum and other Chinese-influenced appetizers, popular with locals and offering affordable prices.
La Gritta [$40-$70] – A fantastic Italian restaurant at the Amari Phuket, known for its authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine and a gorgeous setting overlooking Patong Bay.
L’Arôme by the Sea [$70-$120] – A fine dining spot overlooking Kalim Bay, offering excellent modern French cuisine by a Swiss chef, and recognized in the Michelin Guide for its quality.
Tambu Phuket [$40-$60] – A delicious and unique Indian restaurant located on a rooftop at Avista Hideaway Patong, set in a luxurious tent, offering authentic Indian flavors and a grand atmosphere.
Acqua Restaurant [$60-$100] – A multi-award-winning Italian restaurant in Kalim Beach led by an Italian chef, known for its creative, modern Italian cuisine and an extensive wine selection.
The Smokaccia Laboratory [$60-$100] – A unique concept by an Italian chef in Surin Beach, known for its innovative 18-course tasting menu centered around light, crispy sourdough creations (smokaccia), with a zero-waste policy.
Three Monkeys Restaurant [$25-$50] – A popular and unique dining escape nestled in the tropical jungle near Hanuman World, featuring a designer eco-style interior and serving Southern Thai and international cuisines.
Naughty Nuri’s [$20-$40] – Famous for its Balinese-style pork ribs, this lively spot in Patong offers a fun, energetic dining experience and is a must-visit for pork lovers.
Casa Boho Phuket [$35-$60] – Located atop a cliff in Kamala, this stylish spot offers a spectacular sunset view and a menu of contemporary Latin American cuisine (Mexican, Peruvian, etc.).
Bucha Gallery and Restaurant [$30-$50] – A unique venue in Phuket Old Town where the interior is a feast for the eyes, resembling a museum with vintage décor, serving a variety of Thai and international dishes.
The Boathouse Restaurant [$40-$70] – Located right on Kata Beach, this long-standing restaurant offers a romantic setting and a menu that specializes in traditional Southern Thai flavors and fresh seafood.
Wagyu Steakhouse [$70-$120] – An intimate, non-pretentious fine-dining steakhouse near Surin Beach, known for serving top-quality Wagyu beef and other meats, perfect for meat lovers.
Ko Ang Seafood [$20-$40] – A simple, no-nonsense seafood restaurant in Phuket Town, popular with locals for its fresh seafood cooked in classic Thai and Chinese styles.
PRU [$100-$180] – Phuket’s only Michelin-starred restaurant, offering an exceptional “farm-to-table” experience with a focus on sustainable, locally sourced ingredients and modern Thai gastronomy.
Black Ginger [$60-$100] – An upscale Thai restaurant set in a traditional wooden house on a small island in a lagoon, accessed by a short raft ride, offering a dramatic and romantic dining experience at The Slate resort.
Jaras Restaurant [$50-$80] – Recommended by the Michelin Guide, this elegant restaurant near Kamala Beach specializes in superbly presented modern Thai cuisine with a strong emphasis on sourcing local ingredients.
Ta Khai [$60-$90] – Located at the Rosewood Phuket, this rustic, Thai village-style restaurant overlooks a secluded beach and serves elevated, authentic Thai food with recipes by resident Thai chefs.
Suay Cherngtalay [$40-$70] – Led by a celebrity chef, this restaurant provides a modern, creative twist on classic Thai dishes, blending Thai flavors with international cooking techniques.
Blue Elephant Phuket [$70-$120] – Housed in the stunning Phra Pitak Chinpracha, a grand Sino-Portuguese mansion, it offers Royal Thai cuisine with a fine-dining flair and an immersive atmosphere.
Samut [$60-$100] – A trendy, modern Thai restaurant focusing on local seafood and prepared with bold local spices and ingredients, with a strong concept centered around the ‘Ocean.’
Nitan [$80-$130] – Offers a unique, minimalist, Scandi-style setting for a high-concept, themed seasonal tasting menu that applies new approaches, including fermentation, to Thai food.
Jampa [$80-$120] – Awarded a Michelin Green Star, this farm-to-table restaurant in the north of Phuket focuses on fire-cooked tasting menus that expertly blend European and Thai flavors.
Yoy Pochana [$10-$25] – A classic Thai-Chinese restaurant in Phuket Old Town, famous for authentic Teochew-style and Southern Thai-Chinese dishes like tamarind shrimp.
Mee Ton Poh [$5-$15] – Serves some of Phuket’s best Hokkien-style fried yellow noodles, stir-fried with vegetables in soy sauce, a quintessential local dish.
Khun Jeed’s Rad-Na Yod Pak [$5-$15] – A simple local spot in Phuket Town famous for its Rad-na (noodles in a thick gravy sauce) with a choice of meat or seafood, and great satay.
Kopitiam by Wilai [$10-$20] – A charming and atmospheric local coffee shop (Kopitiam) in Phuket Old Town, known for its delicious, classic Thai and Peranakan comfort foods.
Aroon Po Chana [$5-$15] – An old-town favorite known for its street-side operation and the rhythmic sound of its famous roti (flatbread), serving both sweet and savory versions with Thai milk tea.
Somjit [$5-$15] – A long-running, daytime-only family restaurant in Chalong specializing in Hokkien-style noodles served in a rich shrimp and pork broth.
Chaiyo Seafood [$15-$30] – A popular local seafood restaurant offering a vast selection of fresh seafood and typical local Thai food at moderate prices.
Rimpan Seafood [$10-$25] – Known mostly by Thai locals, this restaurant by the sea near the Sarasin bridge serves real Thai and local food in a pleasant setting.
The Charm Dining Gallery [$15-$30] – Located in a historic two-story Old Phuket home, it focuses on Peranakan family recipes; the sour fish soup with pineapple is highly recommended.
Natural Restaurant [$15-$30] – Known for its unique, refreshing atmosphere with lush greenery, it offers local Thai cuisine and is popular with locals and visitors for its authentic dishes.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Baba Nest (Cape Panwa): Located in the luxurious Sri Panwa resort on Cape Panwa, this world-famous rooftop bar offers near 360-degree panoramic ocean and sunset views. Reservations are essential for this exclusive, high-end spot.
Cafe del Mar Phuket (Kamala Beach): Part of the renowned international brand, this sophisticated beach club on Kamala Beach features an iconic pool, large sunbeds, and a world-class sound system for chill daytime vibes and lively sunset parties.
Catch Beach Club (Bang Tao Beach): Situated on the beautiful Bang Tao Beach, this chic and stylish venue is one of Phuket’s most famous, known for its fashionable crowd, lavish parties, and a pool deck that extends to the sand.
YONA Floating Beach Club (Patong Bay): A truly unique experience, this multi-level floating oasis is anchored just offshore in Patong Bay and features a central infinity pool, a restaurant, and four bars, accessible by shuttle boat.
KUDO Beach Club (Patong Beach): A vibrant beach club located directly on Patong Beach, offering an impressive pool area, sunbeds, signature cocktails, and a lively atmosphere that builds from day to evening with resident DJs.
The Fool Speakeasy (Phuket Old Town): Hidden away in a renovated three-story building in the historic Old Town, this refined, tarot-themed bar offers inventive, high-quality cocktails in an intimate and mysterious setting.
The Library Phuket (Phuket Town): A stylish mixology bar in Phuket Old Town with a vintage, industrial aesthetic. The focus is on expertly crafted cocktails and a sophisticated, low-key ambiance, making it perfect for after-dinner drinks.
Z1mplex Mixology Laboratory (Patong): A unique, non-mainstream cocktail spot known for its experimental and ‘scientific’ approach to drinks, serving signature soothers in unique presentations in a dark, deep-sound venue.
KEE Sky Lounge (Patong Beach): This cruise ship-shaped rooftop bar in Patong offers spectacular views that combine the cityscape with Patong Beach, perfect for watching the sunset while enjoying creative cocktails.
Vanilla Sky Bar & Gastro Pub (Kamala Beach): Situated on a rooftop overlooking Kamala Beach, this elegant venue is known for its romantic ambiance, creative cocktails, and beautiful views of the bay.
Pine Beach Bar (Kamala Beach): A sophisticated yet relaxed beachfront bar within the InterContinental Phuket Resort, ideal for enjoying stylish cocktails and elevated bar bites right by the sand.
Carpe Diem Beach Club (Bang Tao Beach): Focusing on a refined atmosphere and a curated experience, this Bang Tao spot offers Mediterranean vibes, an infinity pool, and excellent food and cocktail menus.
Little Tribe (Cherngtalay/Boat Avenue): A chic, gin-forward cocktail bar located on the second floor of Boat Avenue, offering a relaxed yet sophisticated beach-inspired design and cocktails utilizing local Phuket botanicals.
Dibuk House (Phuket Old Town): Set in a traditional Sino-Portuguese shop house in the Old Town, this character-filled mixology bar is celebrated for its freshly mixed drinks made with passion and a distinct sense of place.
Illuzion Nightclub (Patong, Bangla Road): Rated as one of the top nightclubs in the world, this mega-club on Bangla Road boasts a massive capacity, world-class sound and lighting, and regularly hosts top international DJs and hip-hop stars.
Sugar Club Phuket (Patong, Bangla Road): A premium Hip-Hop and Urban music nightclub on Bangla Road known for featuring international and local guest artists, state-of-the-art production, and a high-energy dance floor.
Tiger Nightclub (Patong, Bangla Road): One of the largest and most famous entertainment complexes on Bangla Road, recognizable by the huge concrete tigers at its entrance. It features multiple floors with different music styles and a lively, buzzing atmosphere.
White Room Nightclub (Patong, Bangla Road): A sleek, modern, and high-end nightclub on Bangla Road known for its all-white interiors, excellent sound system, VIP zones, and a mix of R&B, Hip Hop, and House music.
Paradise Beach Club (Paradise Beach): Located on an isolated bay near Patong, this venue is famous for hosting Phuket’s official Full Moon, Half Moon, and Black Moon parties, transforming the beautiful beach into a gigantic, all-night festival.
Seduction Nightclub (Patong, Bangla Road): A multi-level complex on Bangla Road that features a main room with electronic music, a city-view terrace, and a rooftop bar, making it a complete one-stop nightlife destination.
Tai Pan Club (Patong, Rat-U-Thit Road): Located near the eastern end of Bangla Road, this long-standing club is known for its live shows, international DJs, and a vibrant, classic disco atmosphere that attracts a packed crowd nightly.
Hollywood Phuket (Patong, Bangla Road): Situated right on Bangla Road, this club is popular with both locals and international tourists, offering an elegant design and a mix of commercial and dance music for a lively party experience.
Red Hot Club (Patong, Bangla Road): Positioned at the entrance of Bangla Road, this spot is popular for its energetic live bands playing rock and pop hits, making it a great place to start the night before hitting the bigger clubs.
Skylight Phuket Rooftop & Lounge (Patong, Bangla Road): A Miami-style rooftop venue located on Bangla Road (above Sugar Club), offering a stylish setting, trendy music, and a long list of quality cocktails before the action moves downstairs to the dance floor.
Hype Luxury Boat Club (Chalong Pier): While not a fixed club, this is a popular floating party experience on a stylish catamaran that sails the Andaman Sea, complete with DJs, cocktails, and a perfect mix of relaxation and party energy.