Best Things To Do In Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and an incredibly popular tourist destination. There is so much to see and do there that often visitors get overwhelmed and miss some of the best opportunities. From sports to excursions to local cuisine, there is plenty to do beyond the beaches. Truly Phuket is one destination that does not disappoint. Here are some of the best things to do in Phuket that you do not want to miss out on while visiting this beautiful island:

The best things to do in Phuket, Thailand
Walking around taking photos of the longtail boats on the beach is one of the great free things to do in Phuket Island, Thailand
Longtail boats on the beach at Phuket Island

Presenting the Best Things To Do in Phuket

Take A Thai Cooking Class

Thai food is one of the most well known — and loved — of all Asian cuisines. It can be found in countries around the world, however nothing quite beats the authentic taste that can only be found in Thailand. While in Phuket make sure to take a Thai cooking class. After a morning stop at the local market for fresh ingredients its off to the kitchen to begin learning the tricks of the trade. And the best part? At the end of the day you get to indulge in all the decadent dishes you have made.

Delicious Thai soup in Phuket Island, Thailand
Delicious Thai soup in Phuket

Eat The Best Food On The Island

If cooking isn’t your thing or you just want food without the wait, trust the locals. One of their favorite places — and mine now too — is Bentley’s Soup (or as it is known in Thai, โก้เบนซ์ เกาเหลาเลือดหมู). Not only is the food to die for but the restaurant is open until 2:30am, making it a perfect destination for those midnight munchies. Deciding what you want may be a bit difficult, as the menu is only in Thai, however, if all else fails, just point to what you want then get ready to leave full and happy.

Attend A Muay Thai Kickboxing Match

Muay Thai kickboxing match at Suwit Boxing Stadium is one of the top things to do in Phuket, Thailand
Muay Thai kickboxing match at Suwit Boxing Stadium

Watching a Muay Thai match on television is nowhere near as exciting as seeing one in real life. Kickboxing is Thailand’s preeminent sport and those guys really know how to fight. Unlike the often choreographed wrestling in the western world, Mauy Thai is known as “the art of eight limbs” and after witnessing a match firsthand you will understand why. There are matches every Friday night at Suwit Boxing Stadium, with the amateurs going first as they gradually work up to the main event.


Take A Trip To See The Big Buddha

Visiting the Big Buddha is one of the obligatory things to do in Phuket, Thailand
Visiting the Big Buddha is one of the obligatory things to do in Phuket

At 45 metres tall (nearly 150 feet) the marble mountaintop Big Buddha statue in Phuket is impossible to miss. It is one of the island’s most popular tourist attractions and a great spot for taking photos.

Visit The Khao Rang Hill View Point

Phuket Town as seen from the Khao Rang Hill View Point
Phuket Town as seen from the Khao Rang Hill View Point — via chindit76

For the best view of Phuket Town take a drive (or taxi) up to the Khao Rang Hill View Point. This is the perfect vantage point to practice your photography. Not only is the view spectacular but there are also several restaurants serving delicious food at great prices. It is also a popular destination for watching the sunset or indulging in a romantic dinner.

Wander Around And Practice Your Photography Skills

Practicing your photography skill is one of the required things to do in Phuket Island
Phuket Town as seen from the Khao Rang Hill View Point — via chindit76

Phuket Island is full of beautiful destinations and photogenic scenery. Even something as simple as the daily chores of locals can make for great photos. Don’t forget that famous Phuket sunset either! Be sure to spend a few hours wandering around with your camera and seeing what you can snap.


Get Away For A Day

Aerial view of the Phi Phi islands in Thailand
Aerial view of the Phi Phi islands

Ko Phi Phi first gained international attention after the release of The Beach, most of which was filmed on the island. Nowadays this small archipelago is on every tourists’ travel list and as such there are no shortage of travel agencies willing to take you there. The islands are perfect for a day trip and offer amazing swimming or diving experiences. For more photos check out The HoliDaze     Ko Phi Phi Photo Gallery

What are some of your favorite things to do in and around Phuket?

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About Derek Freal

"Some people eat, others try therapy. I travel."   Cultural enthusiast. Adrenaline junkie. Eater of strange foods. Chasing unique and offbeat adventures around the world since 2008. Derek loves going to new destinations where he does not speak a word of the local language and must communicate with hand gestures, or places where he is forced to squat awkwardly to poo -- supposedly its healthier and more efficient. For more information (about Derek, not squat pooing) including popular posts and videos, check out his bio.

2 thoughts on “Best Things To Do In Phuket, Thailand”

  1. I love to visit the temple of gian buddha on the hill. After that I will go to have Kanom Jeen Nam Ya Poo (Crab). It’s my hot dish when I be there in Phuket. I will finish my day which sitting in nice scenery and watch the twilight of sunset.

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