Activities in Phuket revolve around the sea, the beaches and excursions — with a few cultural escapes for those wanting to discover the island's soul beyond the beach bungalow.
The beaches are the first draw. Kata and Kata Noi deserve a full day: long and clean, framed by wooded hills, with a few surf points accessible to beginners from November to March and water ideal for snorkelling around the rocks. Surin, on the central west coast, charms with its calm and local clientele — sunsets are among the finest on the island. Nai Harn, at the southern tip, remains relatively spared from the heaviest development and attracts travellers in search of a little authenticity. Patong offers a 3 km beach well equipped — parasols, jet-ski rental, banana boat — and a town of bars and restaurants right by the water.
The excursions are Phuket's other great strength. The trip to Phang Nga Bay is the absolute must: limestone karst formations rising from emerald water in a bay designated a national park — the visit usually includes James Bond Island (made famous in The Man with the Golden Gun, 1974) and a kayaking session in flooded caves and hongs (closed inner lagoons). The trip runs by speedboat from Phuket (half-day or full-day). The Phi Phi Islands (1h30 by speedboat from Phuket) include Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh — the lagoon of The Beach — and the beaches and restaurants of Phi Phi Don. Book one night on the island to enjoy it after the day-trippers leave. Diving is practised around Phuket (Racha Yai and Racha Noi reefs) but the best sites are by liveaboard towards the Similan Islands (National Park, open November to May) — a world-class diving experience 3 hours by boat from the island.
On land, Phuket Town (Old Town) rewards the curious with a Sino-Portuguese quarter of colourful 19th-century houses, art galleries and local street-food restaurants very different from the beach areas. The weekend Walking Street is lively. The Chinese temples (Jui Tui Shrine) and the Big Buddha (a 45 m Buddha image atop a hill with panoramic views) round out a cultural day away from the beach.
Read also
- Southern Thailand — the complete region — Krabi, the Phi Phi Islands, Koh Lanta and every beach destination on the Andaman coast.
- Krabi, cliffs and turquoise sea — Railay Beach, diving and kayaking among the karst formations, 2 hours from Phuket.
- Thailand — complete country guide — Formalities, budget, regions and best time to visit Thailand.