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Is Phuket on your bucket list? Have you been dreaming of visiting Thailand? This is the year to move Phuket off the travel bucket list and start creating an exclusive Phuket bucket list of things to do, things you want to eat and places you’d like to see while on your vacation here.
Don’t worry, I’ve saved you the trouble of building this list and created a Phuket bucket list based on my multiple visits below.
If you are still second guessing Thailand, I’d say, don’t think twice. Amazing Thailand, the tourism board of Thailand has made the island of Phuket a priority in their marketing efforts. They used the time during the pandemic to make improvements to better serve tourists and now are ready to showcase these with travellers from around the globe.
So now that you have picked your next vacation destination, all you have to do is book that flight and pack your bags. I couldn’t be more excited for you. Happy travels!
Plan Your Phuket Visit
Have a layover in Bangkok and have to travel between airports?
There is a free shuttle bus service between Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) and Don Mueang Airport (DMK) which makes airport transfers between each airport easy and, did you hear, FREE.
Here’s what you should know:
- Who Can Ride? The shuttle is free if you have proof of travel, like a boarding pass or a connecting flight ticket.
- Where to Catch It?
- From BKK to DMK: Head to Gate 3 on the first floor.
- From DMK to BKK: Look for the shuttle near Gate 5 in Terminal 1.
- When? Buses run every 20–30 minutes from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM, taking about 50–60 minutes, depending on traffic.
- How To Book? No need to book ahead—just check in at the counter to enjoy an air-conditioned free ride!
I used my transportation savings for VIP lounge access at The Coral (available in both airports) which had the nicest staff I have ever met in any premium lounge I have visited yet.
Phuket Bucket List Map
Before you even start your trip, this is the Phuket Tourist Google Map you will need. I made sure that every tasty eat, quiet beach we found and stay we loved got added to this map to ensure you have this for your visit to Phuket.
Download my Phuket Bucket List Google Map
Getting Around Phuket
The Bolt app was my favorite for getting around the island. Unlike InDriver, it doesn’t require cash and offers both taxis and scooters at reasonable prices. With many drivers using Bolt, finding a ride is quick and easy.
If you haven’t used Bolt yet, be sure to add my code “CHRISD7WW” for 50% off your next ride.
Another car share option as a plan B is the “Indriver” app. They also offer taxis on the island at reasonable prices. Drivers only take cash as an FYI.
See the various options of transport from the airport with this useful Phuket Airport Transport guide.
Where To Stay In Phuket
Bang Tao Beach
If you’re looking for a quieter slice of Phuket, Bang Tao Beach is an excellent choice. This is where we base ourselves whenever we’re in the area as my partner in crime loves training at Bang Tao Gym, and I enjoy the laid-back vibe, fewer crowds, and pretty beaches just a short walk or scooter ride away.
Where to Stay
- Niece Hostel Phuket: A secret find behind a coffee shop offering private and bunk bed options. It’s surprisingly affordable, with self-laundry services and a charming aesthetic. It books up fast which is why we had to move to other stays during our time but really loved it here.
- Chillhub Hostel: A budget-friendly backpacker stay with bunk beds, a pool, and in the central Bang Tao area. Many gym-goers from Bang Tao Gym stay here.
- Surin House: Ideal for long-term stays with spacious accommodations, a pool, and on-site parking. While the AC could use improvement as it is not as strong and only in the bedroom, this can be fixed and would make it a very solid option for those settling in for a longer visit.
Where to Eat
- Breakfast: Start your day at Grind House Cafe, one of the few coffee shops open before 10 a.m. Their coffee and breakfast are divine, and their lunch burger is a must-try. The friendly Aussie owner and his Thai wife make it feel like a local hangout. For an alternative, check out The Good Mood Cafe and Brunch.
- Lunch: Head to Uncle Marwin for delicious, reasonably priced Thai food cooked by Uncle Marwin himself. Basil House is another great spot for authentic Thai lunch.
- Dinner: Try ไข่ดอง ไก่ซุปเปอร์, a favorite among locals for its flavorful dishes. For something different, Caravan offers tasty Uzbeki cuisine—not something you come across every day. We also stumbled upon Hugo Hub Phuket and are so glad we did! It has an array of food stalls with table service right on the edge of the beach. For a true taste of local culture, check out the Local Night Market. It’s the perfect place to sample an assortment of Thai street food and experience the lively atmosphere.
Beaches to Explore
- Bang Tao Beach: Perfect for a leisurely stroll or a quick swim.
- Surin Beach: A scenic spot just a short ride away.
- Kamala Beach: While a bit more crowded, nothing compared to Patong Beach. It’s a relaxing beach worth visiting as they offer an array of food stalls if you want to grab lunch here too.
Whether you’re training at the gym, indulging in local and international flavors, or relaxing by the sea, Bang Tao Beach offers the perfect mix of activity and tranquillity for a memorable weekend escape.
Old Town
There is more to Phuket than beaches. No visit to Phuket would be complete without taking in the sights of Old Town Phuket and walking up to Chalong Temple to see the Big Buddha.
I highly recommend planning your visit for a Sunday to experience their vibrant weekly Sunday market filled with food and shopping stalls.
For accommodations, stay at Marco Polo Phuket Poshtel, which offers both private rooms and bunk beds in a clean, modern setting.
If you are looking to leave the driving and planning to the local experts who will share their favorite sights in the island consider booking a group van tour.
Patong
Patong Beach, a popular tourist hotspot, is undeniably beautiful but often crowded in certain areas. However, if you venture a bit beyond the city on either end, you’ll find quieter spots and some of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever seen.
During our afternoon here and in our quest to find the best and least crowded beaches we also included a visit to Grama’s kitchen. As you may expect, Grama was Grama! She insisted we sit in the shade… ‘to protect us,’ she said. If she had her way, she’d have picked our menu too!
Her food? 100% homemade and so delicious. And the view? Beach skies as far as you can see.
It’s worth the ride up that unpaved road. Oh, and Grama insists to pair this visit with Freedom Beach. It’s quieter and so worth it. Trust Grama, she knows best!
Phi Phi Island
If you have a few extra days to spare, like I did, consider skipping the day trips and fully immersing yourself in the Phi Phi Island experience. Spending a weekend here allows you to go beyond the crowded and busy pier area, giving you the chance to truly savor the island’s stunning beaches, warm hospitality, and laid-back pace—without the rush of a quick visit.
Where to Stay
- PP Red Tuna Hut: A simple yet comfortable accommodation at an affordable price. The cabins are spotless, with large beds, excellent AC, and a modest breakfast included (highly recommend the pancakes with tea!).
- The real highlight? Mr. Tuna himself, his warm hospitality and welcoming energy made the stay unforgettable.
- For added convenience, take advantage of their transport service from the Phi Phi ferry for just 700 baht per group (up to 5 guests), making your arrival seamless.
What to Know
- Entrance Fee: A 200-baht cash fee is required upon arrival at the island’s pier.
Must-Visit Beaches
- Nui Beach: Perfect for a serene sunset.
- Maya Beach: The iconic location from The Beach movie—yes, it’s as breathtaking as it looks on screen.
- Lo Lana Bay: A quiet and pristine beach ideal for those seeking solitude.
Spending a weekend here allows you to truly soak in the charm of Phi Phi Island, offering more than just a fleeting glimpse of its beauty.
Laguna Beach
Angsana Laguna Phuket – This 5 star resort in Bang Tao Bay offers everything a traveler could imagine from restaurants on the beach, adult only areas, kid zones, swim up bars and ferries that will take you to the other resorts in the lagoon. Regardless of who you are traveling with, this resort can accommodate.
5 Phuket Bucket List Must Do
1. Racha Island & Kahung Beach Day Trip By Speedboat
Another must do while in Phuket is checking out Racha Island and Kahung Beach. We chose Nikorn Marine as our tour operator for this day trip and can’t thank them enough for the hospitality they provided. Despite the morning rain we experienced, which thankfully passed, we all had a great time and left with smiles on our faces and memories we will never forget. Highlights of the day tip included;
- Snorkeling in Racha Island
- Relaxing and basking in the array of beach activities at Coral Island. The choice is really up to you. Sport activities include snorkelling, paddle boarding or kayaking.
- Indulge in a local authentic Thai lunch at “Kahung Restaurant”.
Book Your Unforgettable Speedboat Experience With Nikorn Marine.
2. Trip To Phi Phi Island – If Short On Time
Experience for yourself the beauty that is Phi Phi Islands on a speedboat cruise from Phuket. Highlights in this trip include visiting Maya Bay, checking out a Viking Cave and snorkeling Bamboo Island. Additionally, this tour includes a tasty buffet lunch. Book this Phi Phi Island Day Trip.
Sometimes all you want to do is spend a day at the beach. If you are looking to spend the full day taking in all that Phi Phi Island has to offer without a tour, then, check out this One-Way Ferry Transfer to/from Koh Phi Phi.
3. Experience A Muay Thai Class
Think you need MMA experience to train at one of Phuket’s top MMA gyms? Think again.
UFC champs travel from around the globe to train in the motherland of Muay Thai, so you might find yourself sparring with some serious talent if you join a class. But don’t let that intimidate you!
While staying in Bang Tao Beach, I spent my days at Bangtao Muay Thai & MMA. Even though I’m not a Muay Thai fan, I found plenty to keep me moving. They offer Strength & Conditioning, mobility classes, yoga, and even a fully equipped gym for those who like to create their own workout routine.
So next time you’re in Bang Tao, Phuket, come sweat it out and unleash your inner champ. Trust me, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
4. Pineapple & Farm Tour
Community-based tourism is thriving, and Phuket offers a unique opportunity to learn more about and support local communities, such as Bang Rong. On two separate visits, I’ve had the chance to delve deeper, moving beyond the typical tourist hotspots and beach lounging. The two experiences below share some overlapping activities but also provide enough variety to make visiting both a worthwhile and enriching experience.
Bangrong Community – Half & Full Day Trips Available
This day trip is one not to miss if you want to immerse yourself into the community by cooking, painting and farming. See the full tour highlights below.
- Paint your own Batik handbag. Batik is the Thai Muslim women’s traditional clothing.
- Visit a pineapple farm to learn how pineapple is harvested. You will also sample fresh pineapple and pineapple juice directly from the farm.
- Take a stab at opening coconuts the Thai way and using the fruits of your labor to cook Thai sweet dumplings. For me, observing how locals achieve no waste with coconuts had me see coconuts in a whole new light.
- See how para rubber is made by this southern community.
Book your Bangrongcbt Trip.
Countryside Farm Visit – Few Hours Trip
Spending an afternoon at The Old Phuket Farm was the perfect way to trade beach days for a deeper dive into Thailand’s culture.
From planting rice and picking pineapples to panning for tin and tapping rubber alongside an 86-year-old farmer, every activity felt like a step back in time. Walking the beautiful farm grounds and seeing the calves was an added treat. This hands-on experience truly connects you to Thailand’s roots.
It’s a must for families, couples, or anyone craving an authentic slice of local life.
Book your Old Phuket Farm Visit.
5. Treat Yourself To A Thai Massage
Thai massages are known around the world for their healing properties and in Thailand they are an affordable luxury. Experience a Thai massage from the place where it started. Book the spa package that fits your relaxation and beauty needs.
fIND other Top Tours & Activities
What To Eat In Phuket
- Thai Sweet dumplings
- Fresh coconut
- Pineapple
- Pad Thai
- Vegtable spring rolls
- Thai iced tea – Black tea, sweetened with sugar and sweet spices and condensed milk
- Tom Kha – Thai coconut soup with either mushrooms or seafood
- Fish with sweet & sour sauce
- Stir fried chicken with cashew
- Chicken satay with peanut sauce
Looking to learn how to cook some of these delicious Thai dishes for yourself? Try this Half Day Easy Thai Cooking Class & Local Market Tour.
Want to discover where else you can visit in Asia?
See my Travel Guide Section for tips and recommendations for other Asian countries like Japan, South Korea & Malaysia. Learn how to get there, where to stay, eat and what to do!
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What a fantastic and comprehensive guide to experiencing the best of Phuket! I love how you’ve included such a diverse mix of activities, from cultural experiences to the more adventurous. I have been in Thailand 3 times so far, but haven’t visit Phuket yet! It’s time to back. I would love to visit pineapple farm and Bangrong Community.