Things To Do In Phuket And Places To Visit

Get ready to find the most beautiful sunsets in the world on the pristine white beaches of Phuket. Phuket, one of the main attractions of Thailand, is every holiday goer's dream. It is the largest island in Thailand and is located in southern Thailand. Some of the most exquisite beaches such as Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island, and Patong are in Phuket.


With more than 30 magnificent beaches, mouthwatering local cuisine, and a handful of exciting and adventurous sports for you to try, Phuket is undoubtedly one of the most ideal places on earth to spend your holiday by yourself, with a partner/spouse or family.


Here's a complete guide to things to do in Phuket and places to visit.


So let's dig in.


Things To Do In Phuket


Before we get into the activities, let's discuss why is Phuket famous. 


Thailand is called the land of smiles. Phuket is the most sought-after place in Thailand, thereby it is no different. It has a variety of experiences to offer to travelers who are looking for a unique holiday experience. There are lots of activities and adventures available for tourists in Phuket. These include snorkeling, scuba diving, quad biking, rock climbing, rafting, kayaking, cliff jumping, zip-lining, surfing, fishing, cable skiing, wakeboarding, etc.


Phuket's nightlife is colorful and energetic with lots of parties happening here and there. There are the loud, wild bars and then there are the quiet, peaceful ones. Patong has the most vibrant nightlife in Phuket. 


Also, you can shop till you drop here in Phuket. Phuket is a shopaholic's paradise with its exotic collection of Thai silk, exquisite pearls, and Thai sarongs. People also buy beach sandals called flip flops, t-shirts and singlets, carved soap, coconut bowls, and elephant souvenirs.


Thai massage is world-renowned for its medicinal benefits. It relaxes your body and soul with a deep feeling of calm. The massage therapist will pull, stretch, and rock you while giving the massage. They use their thumbs, elbows, and knees to do this. Some may even step on you. But it is all for the benefit of your body. 


There are a handful of massage parlors and treatment centers in Phuket. All the rich and famous people gather here to receive the best massage treatments in high-end spas and hotels. 


Places To Visit In Phuket


Here are the most prominent places to visit in Phuket, Thailand:

  1. Koh Phi Phi islands



Koh Phi Phi is the most beautiful and famous island in the Andaman Sea. Leonardo De Caprio's movie "The Beach" (2000) featured this amazing white sand beach surrounded by small cliffs and mountains for the first time. Since then, it has been the most visited place in Phuket. Thousands of visitors flock around this beach to enjoy and bathe in its beauty every year. 


You can take a day tour to Phi Phi Island by speedboat and explore its most amazing sites Koh Phi Phi Leh, Maya Bay, Phi Phi Viewpoint, Bamboo Island, and Viking cave. Maya Bay is the picturesque beach from the movie that you see on every postcard of Thailand. The sand is the softest you will ever walk on and the locals are friendly and hospitable. 


You can take up snorkeling or scuba diving in the crystal clear waters as it is one of the most popular activities that people participate in here. Moo Dee Bay is ideal for snorkeling and offers a quiet, isolated experience if you want to be alone. Try the shark-watching tour if you are a thrill-seeker. You can also try rock climbing or cliff jumping in Phi Phi.


Next, comes the big question-- Where to stay on Koh Phi Phi island? There is a range of high-end hotels and resorts in Koh Phi Phi that you can pick from. It is very easy to search for the best hotels in Koh Phi Phi.


  1. Phang Nga Bay



Phang Nga Bay's most visited site is James Bond Island which got famous after it was featured in the movie "The Man with the Golden Gun" (1974). It takes a 10-minute ride by boat to reach the island. During the ride, the boat will pass through beautiful limestone cliff walls which are really breathtaking to watch.


After visiting James Bond Island, tourists often visit Koh Panyee to have lunch or grab a bite as it is famous for its seafood cuisine. Koh Panyee is built entirely on stilts. The whole village is floating on stilts which makes it one of a kind. Upon entering, you can see a soccer field floating on the water. 


Koh Panyee is an exciting place to visit with its vibrant wooden boats, huts, houses, and beautiful handicraft shops. The majority of the locals are Muslims and there is a beautiful golden-roofed mosque in the village.


The Samet Nangshe Viewpoint has quickly become famous because of its breathtaking 180-degree panorama view. It is a 30-minute drive from Phuket and totally worth the journey. Phang Nga Bay offers a great boating experience. The magnificent limestone cliffs are the specialty of this place.


  1. Patong



Patong is famous for its lively nightlife. There are mainly two spots people go to-- Bangla Road and Paradise Complex. Patong is mainly known for its adult entertainment areas. You can find a variety of beer bars, discotheques, strip clubs, cabarets, and nightclubs here. Its notorious nightlife is what makes it alluring to most people.


Patong is a heaven for beach-lovers. It has one of the best beaches in Phuket. Its white-sand beaches are perfect for a day of relaxation. You can try a myriad of activities that this place offers such as spa massages, beach soccer, volleyball, and snorkeling. Or you can take up hiking, camping, golf, and mountain bike tours if it is sport and adventure you seek.


  1. The Big Buddha



Don't miss the 45-meter tall and 25-meter broad white jade marble Buddha statue sitting in the Wat Kata Temple, at the top of Naga Hill. It's a must-visit for people who are passing through the area. The temple also showcases other golden statues of Buddha. Don't forget to clothe appropriately while visiting the temple.


When Is The Best Time To Visit Phuket?


Before you start planning to visit Phuket, know that the most appropriate time to visit Phuket is between December to March when the weather is at its finest. Usually, its tropical temperature guarantees plenty of perfectly sunny days. During rain, there are heavy showers that clear somewhat quickly.


What Is The Sandbox Program? How To Get Tourist Visa For Phuket?


After Covid, Phuket is open for tourists again. But you'll need to follow some rules and regulations set by the Thai Embassy to get a visa. The Thai Government has introduced Phuket Sandbox Program for all countries, including Bangladesh. 


According to Dhaka Thai Embassy, only fully vaccinated tourists from Bangladesh can enter Thailand through the Sandbox program. According to this, visitors can travel within a selected Province/district for seven days after receiving a negative RT-PCR test result upon arrival before traveling anywhere else in Thailand. They will spend those seven nights in a SHA+ certified hotel in the Sandbox area (Phuket is in the Sandbox area) and can only leave the hotel after testing negative for the second time. 


So, the Sandbox program includes a COVID-19 vaccination certificate and a paid SHA+ certified hotel reservation proof to obtain a Visa on Arrival.


Where to Stay in Phuket?


There are lots of hotels, resorts, and private villas in Phuket where you can stay and spend your Phuket days comfortably. To get the best out of your time in Phuket, we recommend reserving a hotel facing the sea so that whenever you step out of your room, the sea horizon is in full view. The Hotel InterContinental Phuket, JW Marriott Phuket Resort and Spa, Amari Phuket, and DoubleTree by Hilton Phuket Banthai Resort are the top-notch hotels in Phuket. And if you are looking for a comparably affordable hotel, then The Marina Phuket Hotel provides good value for money. 


Where To Eat In Phuket?


Phuket is known for its amazing street food. After getting back from the beach, you must be hungry and looking for a nice place to dine in. You can try the Laem Sai Seafood near Mai Khao Beach. They are a spectacular local seafood restaurant in a quiet and peaceful area. It is on a platform over the ocean which enhances the overall ambiance of the restaurant.


Kroa Pailin in Patong is another special restaurant you must try. Their spicy seafood tastes amazing. Roti Chaofa near the Karong Hill Viewpoint serves the best rotis in Thailand. Have breakfast there and enjoy the best of Thai cuisine. Take a stroll into old Phuket town and take in the fantastic culture of Phuket through its old buildings, art galleries, restored cafes, and boutique hotels


Raya and The charm Dining gallery are restored house restaurants where you can enjoy the food sitting in an old architectural wonder. The interiors will take you hundred years back and let you enjoy a good old Thai meal. Also, the freshly cooked fish are guaranteed to make your tiredness go away.


And finally, don't miss Nam Yoi. They serve spicy, authentic southern Thai food which is unbelievably tasty. 


What Clothes To Wear In Phuket?


Phuket is full of beautiful sand beaches, tropical islands, cultural heritage, breathtaking natural views, abundant wildlife, sacred temples, luxurious resorts, cruise ships, etc. So you might be thinking about what kind of clothes to wear in Phuket. The warm tropical weather requires light packing. Wear t-shirts, light pants, shorts, and light shirts. Ladies usually wear bikinis on the beach and later put on something more while stepping outside. But if you are going to visit a temple, you need to cover your shoulders and knees-- it is applicable for both males and females.


Do's And Don't In Phuket


Before you get on the plane, let us familiarise you with some do's and don'ts in Phuket. First of all, and it is applicable for every country you visit-- respect the customs and culture of the country. Smile a lot and try to mingle with the locals. Moreover, have friendly body language. Follow the basic manners like don't point something using your feet and don't touch a Thai person's top of the head. Do not undress in public and respect the temples by dressing up appropriately.


To Conclude,


Now you know all the things to do in Phuket and places to visit. Phuket is everything you dream of and more. So Check out the best deal on Dhaka to Phuket flight to spend some quality time in Phuket with your friends and family. We hope this article has benefited you.


If you liked this article, you might enjoy our other blogs, too.

By Rahat Muna

Thinker & Designer

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