Best Things To Do in Phuket

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and therefore offers a variety of entertainment options. It is a city known for its architecture, cuisine, theme parties, paradise beaches and sacred experiences.

If you plan to visit Phuket for 5 days, you will probably have time to plan many activities. From sightseeing, to water parks, animal sanctuaries and museums. Unlike Bangkok, here you can escape the crowds and experience a relaxing holiday.

There are many centres in Thailand that allow you to interact with elephants, however some practices are unethical as they are stressful for the animals. For this reason, the experience at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is completely ethical, compassionate and sustainable.

Their premise is that people adapt to elephants, never the other way around. Most are rescued from circuses, hard labour and tourist rides. On arrival at the sanctuary they receive veterinary attention and special care.

There are informative talks that allow you to learn about their preservation and feeding style. In addition, you can walk through their habitat, at a safe distance. The tour will take you to the ponds and open fields, where you can see the elephants playing and leading a free lifestyle.

In the heart of the city lies Aquaria Phuket, known as Thailand's largest aquarium, an ideal place if you're looking for things to do with kids in Phuket.

Keep in mind that Aquaria Phuket is a learning space where otters, penguins, rays, and even sharks are fed. Remember that only professionals are allowed to do this for safety reasons.

If you are interested in this visit, you can get tickets from €17. Additionally, the aquarium is open from 10:30 am to 6:00 pm. To get there, head to Vichitsongkram Street.

AR Trick Eye Museum is an augmented reality museum, where the whole family can explore through the senses. It offers 4D artworks, exhibitions and activities. For around €13, you'll have access to simulations of volcanoes, jungles and lagoons.

If you plan to visit Phuket for 7 days, I suggest adding this interactive activity to your itinerary. It is located in the Mueang district and operates from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

You can buy a joint ticket to the aquarium and the AR Trick Eye Museum, which will save you a few euros.

If you're looking for things to do in Phuket at night, you have to consider a cabaret show. It's a fun, colourful and very original attraction.

The Simon Cabaret show takes place in an intimate theatre and includes acrobatics, dance routines and music. In addition, the costumes and set design are an expression of Phuket culture.

Simon Cabaret is a family-friendly activity, running Monday to Sunday from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Please note that after a certain time, some shows are not recommended for children.

Scuba diving is an experience, especially on the island of Phuket. However, it is important to have some basic knowledge before diving. During your stay in Phuket, you can sign up for a PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification course.

Classes usually last about three days so you can prepare properly. The PADI certification is valid internationally and is ideal for recreational scuba diving in waters with little current. This way, you can become an expert and explore the wonders of the seabed.

Thailand is a multicultural country and its cities live up to the hype, so you can find plenty of things to do in Phuket at night. There are a variety of entertainment options, especially on the party street.

This street is known as Bangla Road and is lined with free nightclubs, where you'll be greeted with complimentary shots. One of Phuket's most famous bars is Café del Mar, a beach bar on Kamala Beach that offers DJs, live music and speciality cocktails at night.

You can do these experiences on your own, but you can also join guided tours, which start at €20. Fun until dawn is guaranteed!

Phuket is an island surrounded by aquatic plans, such as boat rides, canoe tours and underwater experiences.

Snorkelling on Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is a small archipelago, ideal for snorkelling. There are excursions that take you there from €86 per person. Here the emerald water allows you to explore the seabed in some of the best bays in the country. You can also venture into a Viking cave, as well as the limestone cliffs.

If you want to get straight to the experience, you can book airport transfers from Phuket airport, which will save you time.

Board a luxury boat to the James Bond Islands

Phuket has options to suit all budgets, if you want an exotic experience, you can take a luxury boat tour of James Bond Island, so called because this is where the James Bond spy saga was filmed. There are different family activities such as paddle boarding, exploring the sea caves by kayak, or jumping on slides to explore the seabed.

The cost of the experience is around €122 per person, the advantage is that it usually includes an escort, travel insurance, WiFi on board and other essential services to set sail in comfort.

Take a canoe trip through the mangrove forest

Phuket is a beautiful city, however in high season it is crowded. To escape the crowds, you can venture into the mangrove forest by canoe. Here you can see crocodiles and other marine life living in the mud.

Stop for a walk in Khao Phra Tae National Park, home to gibbons, an endangered species of Thai monkeys. From this area, the sunsets are breathtaking. There are also uncrowded beaches nearby. The cost of this experience is approximately €87 per person.

Thailand' s cuisine is very interesting, offering a mixture of tastes and smells. It is characterised by spicy dishes, seafood options and sweet and sour tastings.

Explore the gastronomy of Phuket Old Town

To make the most of your trip, you can walk around Phuket's Old Town at your own pace in search of the best street food stalls. It's quite an experience, as Phuket is considered the foodie town of Thailand. The old town hides special places with exceptional culinary offerings.

Take the opportunity to eat at street vendors' stalls, as well as visit Phuket's central market. If you prefer, you can find guided experiences starting at €55, which usually offer professional guidance.

Participate in a Thai cooking class

If you want to learn how to cook Thai food, you should experience a Thai cooking class in Phuket.

These classes usually focus on the preparation of Pad Thai, chicken curry and other Thai delicacies. The class is usually personalised, as it is aimed at a small group.

The cost per person is around 57 €. Additionally, I suggest you take advantage of the activities to do in Phuket in December, as there is good weather, seasonal food and Christmas specials.

Extreme adventures are a great entertainment option in Phuket. For example, you can go white water rafting, a recreational sport that involves going down the river in a raft.

It's a safe activity, as these are experiences where you are accompanied by a professional guide. In the area you can also go ziplining, have lunch at a local camp and go on an ATV ride.

In addition, you can visit the Sa Nang Manora Forest Park for ponds, waterfalls and outdoor spaces. There are tours that take you to visit the Monkey Cave at the Suwan Kuha Temple.

For an unforgettable experience, I suggest you take advantage of the activities to do in Phuket in November. This is one of the months with the best weather conditions, offering little rain, longer days and moderate humidity.

The best Phuket tours take you around the island, from different perspectives. It's ideal if you want to explore the historical monuments, the old town and the Big Buddha.

Tour the main sights of the city

To see the sights of Phuket and explore its attractions, you can head to the main beaches. I also recommend you take advantage of the charm of the old town. Also, don't miss Wat Chalong Temple, one of Phuket's most important Buddhist shrines.

These types of tours can be done on your own, or you can join a guided tour that usually takes place in an air-conditioned car. You can find these tours from €32 per person.

Discover Phuket in the afternoon

An afternoon stroll in Phuket is a great way to see the main sights and discover local life on the island without the crowds. You can take the opportunity to see the Big Buddha, a statue that protects the city. It is located in the Nakkerd Hills.

To see precious stones extracted from the mines of Thailand, you can visit Wangtalang Gems International. Also, don't forget to head to the old town, where Phuket's Sino-Portuguese heritage is hidden.

These types of experiences are also available on organised tours, which cost approximately €21 per person.

Tour the old town

In Phuket there are routes ideal for small groups, you can hire a driver, or drive on your own. Some of the places to add to your map are the Old Town, the Big Buddha and Kata Beach.

The old town of Phuket is an area with Malay architecture, whose style comes from Malaysia. Through this tour you can get to know:

• Sunday Walking Street Market: it is a street food market, ideal to introduce you to the gastronomy of Phuket. It is a great option if you are looking for things to do in Phuket at night.
• The Memory at On On Hotel: this is a very famous hotel, as it is featured in the Leonardo DiCaprio movie The Beach. It has antique Thai mining artefacts and is a great budget accommodation option.

To cool off you can plan an adventure at Phuket's water parks. If you plan activities to do in Phuket in January, you can take advantage of sunny days with little tourist traffic.

Blue Tree Water Park

Blue Tree is a water park that offers activities for all ages, ideal for a family trip. It has many slides and play areas and the park offers a childcare system for children between the ages of two and seven. You can find tickets from €32.

Andamanda Water Park

Andamanda Water Park brings together the best of Thai culture, offering free-fall slides and challenging activities. You can also float down the lazy river or enjoy the live shows.

There are pools for children and adults, with admission prices starting at €34.

Splash Jungle Water Park

Splash Jungle is a colourful oasis, which offers wave pools and family entertainment. The design is inspired by different cultures around the world, so you'll find a variety of photo-worthy spaces.

There's a hydrotherapy pool, carousel rides and Thai food stalls. Admission is around €25, but activities in the park may cost extra. Children under four and adults over sixty are free.

The island's theme parks are a great option if you're looking for things to do with kids in Phuket.

The Phuket Botanical Garden is a sanctuary of tranquillity, which is surrounded by air-conditioned plants.

Here you will find exotic collections of Thai species. There are bizarre flowers, tropical palms, aromatic herbs and fruit orchards. Admission is around €11.

Carnival Magic is a theme park where you can admire parades of floats as well as light shows. Special parties, carnival games, traditional costume displays and musical offerings are held here.

If you're looking for things to do in Phuket in October, you'll probably love the Carnival Magic experience. On Halloween the park puts on spooky shows, extravagant decorations and special activities.

There are experiences that cost around €48, including the cost of the rides and a buffet dinner.

During your stay of 3 days or more on the Thai island you can take advantage of the best excursions from Phuket, which take you to hidden corners as well as popular attractions.

Canoeing tour around Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

Phuket is an island surrounded by Thailand's finest bays, so you can canoe and enjoy the local wildlife. The rock formations are a natural spectacle as they connect with the mangrove forest andcliffs.

Phang Nga Bay is located in the Andaman Sea and is a protected national park, which shares territory with Malaysia. It is home to James Bond, a neighbouring island where you can take a speedboat ride. The name of this island is inspired by the James Bond spy saga.

Jungle Trek excursion with lunch in Phuket

A trekking tour is the best way to experience Phuket at your own pace. Keep in mind that this is a high-intensity trek, although there are 2km and 4km trails. You are likely to encounter monkeys and other animals characteristic of the region.

In this area you can refresh yourself with Thai coconut water. Also, if you plan things to do in Phuket in August, you will have the opportunity to taste the best seasonal fruits.