20 Amazing Places to Visit in Phuket

Suggested Read: Things to do in Koh Phangan and Best time to visit Bangkok

The tropical paradise of Phuket is the largest island in Thailand. It is renowned for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, exhilarating nightlife, shopping hubs, natural beauty, adventure sports, and beyond. This paradisiacal island is an ideal destination for all kinds of travellers. In 2022, Phuket warmly welcomed 9 million tourists, which speaks volumes about its undeniable charm. Whether you are a couple wanting to plan a honeymoon trip to Phuket, a family with kids, or a solo tourist, Phuket caters to every kind of sojourn.

Phuket is a place of captivating wonders waiting to be explored. So, if you’ve been dreaming about a Phuket vacation, it’s time to pack your bags, as we have listed the top 20 tourist attractions in Phuket that you cannot miss!

Here is a list of top 20 places to visit in Phuket:

Places to Visit in Phuket – Beaches

1. Patong Beach

Sprawled across the west coast of Phuket, Patong Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket. Numerous bars, eateries, hotels, and massage parlours are located on and around the beach. Due to such amenities, Patong Beach always receives a heavy influx of visitors. If you like to party hard and do not mind the crowds, Patong Beach is the right place for you. Here, you can enjoy the nightlife through the beach parties. Shopaholics can explore the Patong Beach Night Market to buy souvenirs. Restaurants and other small kiosks are always there to satisfy your hunger pangs.

Location: Patong Beach, Kathu, Phuket 83150, Thailand

2. Kata Beach:

Kata Beach is a 1.5-kilometre-long beach on the west coast of Phuket. This beach is quieter and less crowded than Patong Beach. The sun-kissed shores of Kata Beach are ideal for those who want to avoid the chaos and bustle of large crowds. Couples and families particularly enjoy their time at the beach. The beach is also lined with multiple hotels, restaurants, bars, and food kiosks, and it also has a satisfactory nightlife. In addition, you can also have a fun time engaging in watersports such as snorkelling and diving.
Location: Pakbang Road, Kata Beach, Karon, Phuket, 83100 Thailand

3. Bang Tao Beach

Bang Tao beach is located between the Phuket Airport and Patong, and it has an expanse of 8 km, making it one of the longest beaches in Phuket. The southern end of the beach has many clubs and hotels, while the northern part is quieter and more relaxed, with only a handful of beach shacks and bars. Most of the sun loungers are provided by the hotels to their guests, so carry your mat or beach chair. Since it’s less crowded than Patong, it is an ideal beach for couples to relax. Visitors can also enjoy water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and surfing. The best time to enjoy water sports at Bang Tao Beach is from November to April, when the sea waters are calm and have excellent visibility.

Location: Bangtao Beach, Phuket, 83110, Thailand

Places to Visit in Phuket for Shopping

4. Central Phuket

Central Phuket is a multi-level shopping mall that houses multiple luxe brands and more than 500 outlets to satisfy all your shopping needs. The mall features some of the best restaurants, cafes, and buffets. One can also enjoy a Thai spa and massage session at the mall. Apart from shopping, food, and wellness, Central Phuket also houses Phuket’s best attractions, like Aquaria Phuket (Aquarium), Tribhum (Magic Forest and Show), and Su Va Na, known as the world’s largest underwater restaurant. It will truly be a delightful experience to explore this mall on your Phuket visit.

Address: Central Pattana Public Company Limited, 199 Moo4, Vichit, Muang, Phuket,
Timings: 10.00 AM–10.00 PM

5. Jungceylon Mall

Located in the bustling district of Patong, Jungceylon Mall is one of the biggest malls in Phuket. It has over 200 outlets from which you can explore local and global apparel, footwear, sunglasses, cosmetics, toys, handicrafts, gadgets etc. It also houses a movie theatre called SF Cinema City and an incredible 16-lane bowling alley called SF Strike. If you are looking to escape a hot or rainy day in Phuket, head straight to Jungceylon mall.

Address: Pa Tong, Kathu District, Phuket, 83150, Thailand
Timings: Opens every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

6. Phuket Weekend Market

Phuket Weekend Market is ideal for buying second-hand goods, souvenirs, and other daily items at dirt cheap prices. Locals refer to it as the Naka Market or the Chaofa Variety Weekend Market. You can easily score heavy discounts on t-shirts, skirts, stoles, trinkets, and handbags with some good bargaining skills. The western part of the market is where you can sample tasty and delightful Thai street food along with some chilled beer. To avoid rush hour, try to reach the market around 4 p.m.

Location: 7 Wirat Hong Yok Rd., Phuket Town, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
Timings: Saturday to Sunday, from 4pm to 11pm

7. Chillva Market

This market is a hot spot for both tourists and locals alike, thanks to its extensive array of products and services. From trinkets to handbags, and from home decor items to clothing, you’re sure to find something you’ll love here. The colourful food stalls at Chillva Market sell a wide variety of mouth-watering dishes like fried chicken, pad Thai, banana pancakes, and meatballs. Overall, Chillva Market covers an impressive 6,400 square metres and boasts a trendy, colourful atmosphere with a chill, modernistic vibe. Try to reach the market as soon as it gets open to explore freely without any hectic crowds.

Location: Ratsada, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket
Timings: Monday to Saturday from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. (closed on Sundays)

Places to Visit in Phuket to Enjoy Nightlife

8. Bangla Walking Street

As the sun goes down, Bangla Walking Street comes to life as the bars and restaurants with neon-lit boards open up and welcome the passersby inside. All vehicular traffic is forbidden to enter the Bangla road after 5 p.m. This makes it convenient for pedestrians who want to explore the walking street without any disturbances. The Bangla Road is a 400-metre-long road with different alleys, or soi, for example, Soi Freedom, Soi Gonzo, Soi Hollywood, etc. Each soi has multiple go-go bars, nightclubs, and restaurants. It is one of the hippest places in Phuket to enjoy nightlife, so make sure to visit at least once.

Address: Bangla Road, Patong, Kathu District, Phuket.
Timings: Opens from 5 PM to 5 AM

9. Simon Cabaret Show

While exploring the nightlife in Phuket, the Simon Cabaret Show should be on your checklist. It is an audiovisual spectacle of glitzy and glamorous performances by transgender artists. Cabaret shows encapsulate a harmonious blend of singing, dancing, magic tricks, comedy, and crowd interaction. The artists come together in small groups to present various acts to keep the audiences entertained. You can see them in their blingy attire and extravagant headpieces. At the end of the show, the artists click photos with audience members for a nominal fee.

Timings: There are three cabaret shows that begin at 6:00 PM, 7:45 PM, and 11:30 PM.
The ticket price starts at 800 THB.
Address: 8 Sirirat Road, Patong, Kathu District, Phuket.

10. Illuzion Club

Illuzion Club is one of the trendiest clubs in Phuket for hardcore party enthusiasts. It is a world-class club that boasts three levels or rooms that can hold a capacity of 5000 people. The club has 300 VIP tables, for which you can secure VIP tickets. International DJs like Steve Aoki, Martin Garrix, and Marshmello often play their music at this club. Music shows, aerial acts, and theatrical performances take place regularly. All kinds of liquor are available in the club, from classic old-fashioned to exquisite cocktails.

Address: 31 Bangla Road, Patong, Amphoe Kathu, Phuket

Timings: 9 PM–2 PM

Places to Visit in Phuket – Temples and Religious Sites

11. Big Buddha

Big Buddha is a landmark tourist site in Phuket. It is a Maravijaya Buddha statue between Chalong and Kata at the top of Nakkerd Hills. The sculpture, crafted with white jade Burmese marble, is a meticulous display of artistry and hard work. You can see this majestic statue from almost every corner of the southern region of Phuket. The contemplative pose of the Buddha statue evokes calmness. As you climb up the stairs towards the Buddha figure, the stunning view will take your breath away. Once you reach the summit, take many photos for keepsakes.

Additional Tip: Since it’s a religious site, cover your legs, shoulders, and waist. Carry a scarf just in case you need one.

Timings: 6 AM to 6:30 PM
Address: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phukei

12. Wat Chalong

Wat Chalong is one of the most sacred and revered temples in Phuket. Wat Chalong is the shortened name of Wat Chaithararam. What stands out the most is the grand pagoda at the temple’s summit, which houses a splinter of Buddha’s very own bone. On the temple walls, you can witness the depiction of Budhha and his life through paintings. Many local Buddhists come to pray in this temple. And like any other Thai temple, it is essential to dress modestly.

Location: 6 Chao Fah Tawan Tok Road, Chalong, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket Timings: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: No entry fee.

13. Wat Khao Rang

Wat Khao Rang is a Buddhist temple at Rang Hill in Phuket. It houses an enormous statue of the golden Budhha sitting in a Vitarka Mudra position. The surrounding in and around the temple is peaceful and calming. You will see many beautiful paintings and imagery narrating stories of Buddha and other Thai myths. The temple gets slightly crowded on the weekends by the devotees, so plan your visit on any weekday. There is also a souvenir shop around the temple. Make sure to follow the temple rules and dress accordingly.

Location: 87 7 Tambon Ratsada, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket
Timings: 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free

Places to Visit in Phuket for Adventure and Amusement

14. Tiger Kingdom

At Tiger Kingdom, Phuket gets a chance of a close and safe interaction with the majestic animals. Here, one can experience the best of wildlife encounters and tourism. Most people visit Tiger Kingdom to click photos with tigers or to feed them. Here, you can click pictures with a cub, a small tiger, or a giant tiger. Having been under the care of human trainers by birth, these tigers are accustomed to human presence. Depending on which tiger you choose, a fee is to be paid. Here, you can click photos with a cub, a small tiger, or a giant tiger. If you feel afraid of going close to them, you can watch from a distance. Overall, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get close to a tiger.

Address: 118/88 Moo 7, Kathu, Phuket, Thailand
Opens every day from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM
Entry Fees: Starts from THB 1,500/-

15. Phuket FantaSea

Phuket FantaSea is a sprawling cultural theme park in Phuket. The word FantaSea is an amalgamation of the words Fantasy and Sea. It is a great place to visit for families with kids who are looking for night-time entertainment. The theme park showcases Thai culture, traditions, myths and legends using cutting-edge technology, making it an unparalleled spectacle. Inside the theme park, one can enjoy a shopping street, a state-of-the-art theatre, and a massive dining hall with 4,000 seats inviting visitors to feast upon delectable Thai and International cuisine. If you plan to visit, make sure to book your tickets in advance.

Address: 99, Kamala, Kathu District, Phuket 83150, Thailand
Opening Hours – 5:30 PM – 11:30 PM, Showtime: 9 00 PM (Every Tuesday, Friday and Sunday)
Prices:
For a show with Buffet Dinner: THB 2200/- (per adult) and THB 2000/- (per child)
For show only: THB 1800/- (per adult) and THB 1800/- (per child)

16. Hanuman World

Experience the thrill and adventure at Hanuman World with platform zipline, roller zipline and sky walking. It is Thailand’s biggest ziplining park set amidst lush greenery. Hanuman World gives you the option to select from ziplines of varying lengths: 300m, 400m, 500m, and 800m. On average, you would spend an hour doing all the activities. The zipline is suitable for both kids and adults. A free locker is provided to store your personal belongings. You can also rent a GoPro camera for 800 THB. And they also offer a buffet lunch for THB 350. This park is an absolute delight for adventure enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Additional Tips:
Avoid wearing high heels or flats; instead, wear sports shoes.
Wear comfortable pants, leggings and a T-shirt. Avoid wearing skirts.
Carry a mosquito repellent and an extra pair of T-shirts.

Price: Strats from THB 1500 per person and goes up to THB 3,490 per person
Address: Tambon Wichit, Amphoe Mueang Phuket, Chang Wat Phuket

17. Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town is a key tourist destination in Phuket. It’s a remnant of Sino-Portuguese influences. These influences are visible in the colourful townhouses, street paintings and murals. Many old houses have been turned into cafes and museums. This area also has Thai temples and Chinese shrines (Jui Tui Shrine). The old town has many roads, each having its own charm. But the most famous one is the Thalang Road. It is a picturesque area with a wide-ranging mix of restaurants, shops, cafes and the charming Sino-Portuguese architecture.

Location: Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand

Places to Visit in Phuket to Explore Nature

18. Bang Pae Waterfall

Hailed as one of the biggest waterfalls in Thailand, Bang Pae is a perennial waterfall which you can visit any time of the year. Located within the Khao Phra Thaeo National Park, an entry fee of THB 200 per person is absolutely worth it. Relax and enjoy the waterfall, pick a comfortable place and unwind in the serenity of nature.

Address: Pa Klok, Thalang District, Phuket
Timings: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM
Best time to visit: Peak rainy season (May to December)

19. Karon Viewpoint

Locally renowned as ‘The Hill of the Three Beaches’, Karon Viewpoint offers you a breathtaking view of three beautiful beaches – Big Kata, Little Kata, and Karon Bay. It is a great way to soak in the scenic views of unspoilt nature. And yes, it is absolutely worth the visit. The viewpoint is only 10 minutes from the Kata beach, so you can take a walk or rent a taxi. Once you reach the viewpoint deck, you will be greeted by the mesmerising scenery of the Andaman Sea, whose waters shimmer with bluish-green colours, and soul-soothing greenery of the dense foliage delights your senses.

Location: 4233 Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100, Thailand
Timings: Opens everyday
Ticket – Free!

20. Green Elephant Sanctuary Park

This is the first ethical elephant sanctuary to care for and conserve abused and overworked elephants. The elephants here are retired from their harsh work and roam freely in the wild. It is fascinating to observe them living and enjoying their natural habitat. You are not allowed to ride them. However, you may approach them while bathing or feeding. You can also learn more about the efforts and conservation programmes for elephants in Thailand. The sanctuary also offers visitors food and beverages, umbrellas, boots, mosquito spray and raincoats.

Address: 100, Moo 2, Paklok, Thalang, 83110, Thailand
Timings: Morning Program 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and Evening Program 1:30 PM to 5:00 PM
Price: THB 3,000 per adult and THB 1,500 per child (4-12 Years); children below 4 can get free entry.

To wrap it up, one can conclude that the charm of Phuket is unparalleled. From its pristine white beaches to its bluish green waters, and from the lush rainforests to its dynamic modern vibe, Phuket is a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you want to go on a family vacation or enjoy a romantic honeymoon, Phuket is ready to welcome you with open arms. All you need to do is find a suitable Phuket tour package and get ready for an unforgettable Phuket holiday!

Check out our Phuket tour packages and Phuket honeymoon packages for a memorable experience.

FAQs about places to visit in Phuket

Q1. What is Phuket famous for?

Phuket is famous for its pristine beaches, colourful walking streets, night markets, luxury beachfront resorts, water sports, nature reserves, breathtaking viewpoints and its iconic landmark, Big Buddha.

Q2. What is the best time to visit Phuket?

The best time to visit Phuket is from November to March. During this time, the weather in Phuket is pleasant, and the skies are clear to carry out most activities like outdoor sightseeing, shopping, island hopping, etc. The waters of the Andaman Sea are also calm and provide excellent visibility for scuba diving, snorkelling, surfing, etc.

Q3. Is 3 days enough in Phuket?

Three days in Phuket are enough to explore the island’s main tourist attractions. However, a total of 5-7 days would be required to thoroughly enjoy Phuket.

Q4. What is the main tourist part of Phuket?

Patong is the central tourist part of Phuket. It is a neighbourhood filled with hotels, restaurants, resorts, nightclubs and the famous Bangla Road. Patong is an eclectic mix of amenities, fun, food and entertainment, so it became a hotspot for tourists.

Q5. Where is the nicest part of Phuket to stay?

Kata Beach is the most excellent part of Phuket; it offers ideal accommodations in a peaceful setting. And if you’re in the mood for a party, Patong Beach is just a 23-minute drive away.

Q6. Is it better to stay on the east or west coast of Phuket?

The West coast of Phuket has some of the best resorts and beaches for you to stay and enjoy. The famous Patong district and Bangla road are on the west side of Phuket, making it a more sought-after region.

Q7. Is Phuket worth visiting with family?

Yes. Phuket has many family-friendly resorts, animal parks, aquariums, cultural theme parks and amusement parks for families to enjoy. It is absolutely worth visiting with family.

Q8. Which beach is best for kids in Phuket?

There are many beaches in Phuket which are suitable for kids. Phuket’s Bang Tao Beach, Kata Beach, and Patong Beach are some of the best for kids.

Q9. What are some cheap places to shop in Phuket?

Phuket Weekend Market and Chillva Market in Phuket are cheap places to shop for apparel, showpieces, home decor, handbags etc.

Q10. Is Phuket good for couples?

Yes. Phuket is one of the most romantic destinations for couples. With its scenic tropical beauty as the backdrop, couples can enjoy long walks on the beach, romantic beachfront dinners, and spend quality time together. If you are planning a honeymoon or looking for a romantic vacation, Phuket is undoubtedly a spectacular destination.