Patong – High-Energy & Nightlife
Neon lights, busy streets, music everywhere. Patong is the centre of nightlife – noisy, intense and convenient if you want bars, clubs and constant activity.
Phuket
Phuket – The Complete First-Timer’s Guide
Phuket is often seen as “just a beach destination”, but that’s only the surface. The island is actually a mix of culture, jungle, temples, food, history, markets, viewpoints, marine life and local communities. This guide helps you understand the island beyond the clichés, so you can enjoy your trip much more.
What Phuket Really Feels Like
Phuket is big – over 50 kilometres from north to south – and each part of the island has its own character. Where you choose to stay completely changes your experience. Think of Phuket as several worlds sharing one island:
Kata & Karon – Balanced & Easy
Long sandy beaches, family-friendly resorts and a relaxed feel. Great for first-timers who want comfort without non-stop party.
Old Town – Culture & Colour
Sino-Portuguese houses, street art, shrines and cafés. This is the cultural heart of Phuket and feels completely different from the beach towns.
Best Time to Visit Phuket
Phuket has two main seasons. You can visit all year – the island simply feels different depending on when you come.
Dry Season (November – April)
Clear skies, calm turquoise water and ideal conditions for boat trips and snorkelling. This is high season, so expect more people and higher prices – but also the classic “postcard” Phuket.
Green Season (May – October)
Short, warm tropical showers, often followed by sunshine. Waves can be bigger on the west coast, which surfers love. There are fewer tourists and hotels are significantly cheaper.
Even in rainy season you rarely get rain all day. Most of the time, showers last 30–60 minutes and the rest of the day is bright – especially in the morning.
The Best Beaches in Phuket
Phuket has dozens of beaches, but you don’t have to see them all. These give you a great overview:
- Kata Beach: golden sand, gentle waves in high season, surf-friendly in green season, plenty of cafés and restaurants.
- Karon Beach: one of the longest beaches on the island – wide, airy and perfect for long walks at sunset.
- Nai Harn Beach: a beautiful bay surrounded by green hills, beloved by locals and long-term visitors.
- Surin Beach: clear water, soft sand and a more upscale, quiet atmosphere.
- Freedom Beach: a hidden gem reached by boat or a short hike – worth the effort if you like smaller, scenic coves.
Top Things to Do in Phuket
Beyond the beach towel, Phuket offers plenty of culture, viewpoints and experiences:
Big Buddha
A 45-metre marble statue overlooking the island. On clear days you can see the coastline in several directions. The atmosphere is calm and respectful – shoulders and knees should be covered.
Wat Chalong
The most important Buddhist temple in Phuket, richly decorated and very lively on weekends and Buddhist holidays. A good place to observe local religious life.
Phuket Old Town
Colourful Sino-Portuguese houses, cafés, shrines, murals and small museums. Come during the day for photos and in the evening for markets and food.
Promthep Cape & Windmill Viewpoint
Two of the most famous sunset spots on the island. Arrive a bit earlier than sunset to find a good place to sit and simply watch the sky change colours.
Sunset on the water (Viator)
Promthep Cape sunset dinner cruise
Sail at golden hour with dinner onboard—great for couples.
View on ViatorEthical Elephant Sanctuaries
If you want to see elephants, choose a true sanctuary: no riding, no chains, no shows. You observe, feed and sometimes bathe the animals in a respectful way.
Ethical elephant experience (Viator)
Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (morning)
Meet rescued elephants at a respectful distance and learn about ethical care.
View on ViatorPhuket Food You Should Try
Phuket’s cuisine is influenced by southern Thai, Chinese, Malay and Peranakan flavours. It’s rich, aromatic and comforting.
- Moo Hong: slow-braised pork in a dark, aromatic sauce – a local favourite.
- Massaman Curry: mild, slightly sweet curry with potatoes and peanuts – often listed among the world’s best dishes.
- Hokkien Noodles: stir-fried noodles with Chinese influence, often served in local shophouses around Phuket Town.
- Tom Kha Gai: coconut milk soup with chicken, lemongrass and galangal – creamy and fragrant.
- Fresh seafood & roti: grilled fish, prawns and squid, plus roti pancakes for dessert.
The Best Day Trips from Phuket
Island-hopping is one of the highlights of staying in Phuket. Each group of islands has its own feel:
Recommended day trips (Viator)
Phi Phi Islands day trip by speedboat
Swim, snorkel, and explore Maya Bay & lagoons with transfers included.
View on ViatorJames Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay
A classic Phang Nga day: limestone cliffs, caves, and canoeing.
View on Viator- Phi Phi Islands: dramatic cliffs, turquoise lagoons, Viking Cave, Monkey Beach and plenty of snorkelling.
- Phang Nga Bay: limestone karsts, James Bond Island, caves and a floating Muslim village – unforgettable scenery.
- Racha (Raya) Island: white sand and clear water – great for relaxing and snorkelling.
- Coral Island (Koh Hey): close to Phuket, ideal for families and quick snorkel trips.
- Similan Islands (seasonal): some of the most beautiful marine parks in Thailand, famous for underwater visibility.
Why a Guided Tour in Phuket Is Worth It
Distances in Phuket are longer than they look on the map, and traffic can be slow at busy times. A guided tour helps you:
- avoid tourist traps and time-wasting detours,
- reach the best beaches and viewpoints at the right moment,
- learn about local culture, religion and daily life,
- relax while someone else handles the logistics and driving.
Suggested 3-Day Itinerary for Phuket
You can easily spend a week on the island, but if you only have three days, this structure works very well:
Day 1 – Beaches & Viewpoints
- Morning: Kata or Karon Beach
- Afternoon: Big Buddha
- Sunset: Promthep Cape
Day 2 – Old Town & Food
- Morning: Phuket Old Town walking
- Afternoon: Wat Chalong & cafés
- Evening: night market if it’s a weekend
Day 3 – Island Hopping
- Full day: Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay
- Alternative: Racha Island for a quieter day
Final Thoughts
Phuket is more than a holiday snapshot – it’s an island with depth, history and a unique rhythm of life. If you take the time to explore different areas and mix relaxation with discovery, you’ll quickly understand why so many travellers keep coming back.
Use this guide as your starting point, then let the island surprise you – one beach, one viewpoint and one bowl of curry at a time.
Continue planning your trip
If you’re also visiting the north, take a look at our complete first-timer’s guide to Chiang Mai for temples, mountains and nature.
Many of the beaches and viewpoints described above are also included in our tours, such as the Phuket Highlights Tour or the nature-focused Jurassic Park Tour from Phuket.
Map & areas of Phuket
To orient yourself before you arrive, you can open the city in Google Maps and check distances between the areas mentioned in this guide.
Open map in Google MapsRecommended tours around Phuket
A few guided experiences that many travellers book together with this destination: