Thailand travel guide

What to see in Phuket

The largest island: beaches, the Sino-Portuguese old town and trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga.

Updated 19 October 2026 · How we make our guides

8 must-see places
Best time: from November to April
Stay in Old Town Phuket

Photo: ADwarf · Public domain

Phuket highlights

The places you can’t miss. In the app we sort them by day and close to each other.

Phuket Old Town
Sino-Portuguese streets, cafés and murals in the historic centre.
Promthep Cape
The island’s southern viewpoint; sunsets over the Andaman Sea.
Big Buddha
A 45-metre marble Buddha on Nakkerd Hill.
Surin Beach
A west-coast beach quieter than Patong, with clear water.
Bangla Road (Patong)
Patong’s nightlife strip; go with realistic expectations.
Phi Phi Island (departure)
The classic trip by speedboat or ferry from Phuket or Krabi.
Wat Chalong
Phuket’s largest temple, with a multi-level chedi.
Laguna Phuket
A complex of bays and canals in Cherng Talay.

Where to stay in Phuket

The handiest areas for getting around and going out.

Recommended areas
Old Town Phuket · Patong North · Kamala / Surin

Day trips from Phuket

We take you straight to the best-rated tour on GetYourGuide, with its reviews and dates.

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When to travel to Phuket

The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Phuket are from November to April. If you can, avoid September, October (monsoon on the andaman coast).

Jan no warnings
Feb no warnings
Mar no warnings
Apr no warnings
May with warnings
Jun with warnings
Jul with warnings
Aug with warnings
Sep with strong warnings
Oct with strong warnings
Nov no warnings
Dec no warnings

from May to October
Monsoon on the Andaman coast

From May to October the sea is rough and there are heavy downpours; in September and October many boat trips are cancelled (Phi Phi; the Similan Islands close).

What to do: At this time of year, the islands in the Gulf (Koh Samui, Koh Phangan, Koh Tao) have better weather until September.

Where and what to eat

To eat like a local: the street stall. The dishes you can’t miss are in the Thailand guide.

Raya Restaurant
Old Phuket Town

Traditional Phuket cooking.
Kopitiam by Wilai
Old Town

Coffee and local dishes.

Frequently asked questions about Phuket

What to see in Phuket?

Phuket Old Town, Promthep Cape, Big Buddha, Surin Beach, Bangla Road (Patong) and Phi Phi Island (departure).

What to see in Phuket in 3 days?

Don’t miss Phuket Old Town, Promthep Cape, Big Buddha, Surin Beach, Bangla Road (Patong) and Phi Phi Island (departure). To split it into days and areas without crossing the city back and forth, the Bagintravel app plans your trip in a minute.

Where to stay in Phuket?

The handiest areas to stay are Old Town Phuket, Patong North and Kamala / Surin.

What’s the best time to travel to Phuket?

The months with the fewest warnings to travel to Phuket are from November to April. If you can, avoid September, October (monsoon on the andaman coast).

What day trips can you take from Phuket?

Phi Phi and Maya Bay, Phang Nga Bay and Similan Islands.

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Guide reviewed 19 October 2026. Places, areas and seasons: the same data the Bagintravel app uses. Sources and method.