Things to do in Phuket

Sites & Bites: Phuket Old Town, night markets and street food

Shake up your Sunday with an evening out in Phuket. Surrounded by the elegance of a centuries-old Sino-Portuguese mansion, you'll first stop for tea and coffee inside the famous Blue Elephant Restaurant. Then, there's a walking tour of Phuket Old Town to hit the bustling night market, try typical street food, or pick-up a souvenir.

Phuket full-day guided tour with fishery visit and seafood lunch

See the sights of Phuket on this activity-packed full-day guided tour. You'll set off bright and early towards Wat Chalong, the largest and oldest Buddhist temple in Phuket. Malee, our expert local guide, says “the complex of temples at Wat Chalong is a feast for the eyes with its intricate murals that tell the story of the life of Buddah, its pagodas with flashes of red, white and gold and the 60-meter-tall chedi as its centrepiece.”There's time to see one of Thailand's tastiest exports at a local cashew nut factory before your guide will take you into the heart of Phuket's Old Town, where you'll see the Sino-Portuguese architecture this place is known for, with rounded arches over the doorways and detailed woodcarvings with Chinese motifs.Afterwards, you'll hop onto a traditional longtail boat to sail to Intara Farm, an eco-tourism site, where you'll savour a seafood lunch before you get stuck into some activities. Here, it's all about marine life – you'll see how pearls are formed and hop onto the floating fishing raft to learn about the rare animals that can be caught here, like the painted spiny lobster, the archer fish and the black salmon. Next, you'll navigate the nearby mangrove forests in a kayak, and learn about how important these wetlands are for the ecosystem, before finishing the day with a baking session – you can try your hand at making kanom kho, a local dessert that's made with boiled rice dumplings stuffed with a sugar cube and rolled in shredded coconut.

Phuket fisheries tour with kayaking and a seafood lunch

You'll find the focus of this tour floating out in the Andaman Sea, between Phuket and Coconut Island. You'll spend half a day at Intara Farm, a fishery and seafood restaurant with a focus on marine conservation. After arriving at the large pontoon-like structure by long-tail boat, you'll begin your tour with a masterclass on the local marine life, getting an up-close look in the fishery rafts. Local guide, Arinya, says “you can expect to see all kinds of rare marine life in these rafts, including painted spiny lobsters, archer fish and oysters. Learning about the different types of pearls and how the gems are formed is such a unique experience at Intara.”The team at Intara Farm are keen conservationists and regularly breed native fish, like clownfish, to support local populations. While you're here, you'll help release them into the wild, where they thrive among the coral reefs below.Leaving the floating fishery, you'll hop into a kayak and paddle your way to the nearby mangroves. Meander through these tangled forests and learn about the important role they play in the region, not only supporting the ecosystem, but helping to protect the coastline and the local fishery community. Glide back to Intara and prepare to get sticky as you try your hand at making a Phuket favourite, kanom kho, a sweet rice dumpling dessert. Save room though, as you'll be feasting on a seafood set menu for lunch. It doesn't get fresher than this, and the restaurant here gets rave reviews for their full-on flavours, and straight-off-the-line seafood.

Half Day Mini Elephant Nature From Phuket

Experience a memorable visit to Bukit Elephant Park, where you can see and get close to these gentle giants. Start with a welcome drink and a briefing from your guides. Then its time to meet and feed the adorable elephants, learning about their natural behaviours in a habitat free from abuse. There's also a chance to watch a demonstration of rubber tapping and sheet making.

Full Day Phi Phi & Khai Island by Speedboat

Whizz over the waves in a speedboat to experience some of Thailand's must-see scenery on this full day tour. Discover Phi Phi Lay and Maya Beach - where the movie 'The Beach' was filmed - to marvel at the white sand and crystalline water. You'll stop by Viking Cave, Pileh Lagoon and Monkey Beach for more amazing scenery before heading to Phi Phi Don for a buffet lunch. The afternoon is all about snorkelling, swimming and relaxing at Khai Island.

Half-Day Elephant Jungle Sanctuary from Phuket

Caring for elephants is more than just an activity; it's a heart-warming encounter that's guaranteed to leave a lasting impression. Head to a local Elephant Jungle Sanctuary and you'll spend half learning all about these gentle giants, and after making some magical memories, finish off with a delicious Thai lunch.Leaving Phuket, you'll head straight for the Elephant Sanctuary – tucked away in a serene spot, this sanctuary prides itself on being a safe space for these intelligent animals. Upon arrival, you'll dive straight into an introduction to the programme's conservation efforts. Then, it's time to come face-to-face with the elephants. You'll get a glimpse of feeding time with these gentle giants, and watch them take a mud bath. You'll wrap things up with a tasty Thai lunch to reflect on your day, with an extra surprise. A visit here is not only an item to check off your bucket list, but an experience to cherish for a lifetime.

Phang Nga Bay by Catamaran

Dust off your dancing shoes on this full-day catamaran cruise around Phang Nga Bay. You'll kickstart your day of sightseeing with a welcome drink, before heading to Naka Island – enjoy some ‘splashtastic' fun with the waterslide, paddleboards, and other activities. Next up, you'll explore the caves around Hong Island, visit James Bond Island before the real fun starts. As night draws in, the party begins with dinner, live DJ and dancing as you sail back to shore.

Half Day Phuket Highlights DSTH

Tick off the best of Phuket on this heritage-rich tour of the island. Start on a high at Nakkerd Hill, where you'll enjoy panoramic views across the south from the Big Buddha. Next, it's on to the revered Wat Chalong temple and a cashew factory. Then, in Phuket town, you'll head to the old town, where you can pick up souvenirs and gifts on Thalang Road.

Phuket guided tour including Wat Chalong temple and town

Peek past Phuket's dreamy beaches and you'll discover another side to the island. You'll visit Wat Chalong temple, visit a cashew nut factory, soak up views of Thalong Road and Rang Hill. Anchali, a local expert guide, says, “this tour shares the best of Phuket's culture in just one action-packed day. My personal highlight is Wat Chalong, the biggest Buddhist temple on the island. Its impressive red, white and gold facade never fails to inspire me.” Kick off the tour at Wat Chalong, the island's most revered temple. The jewel in the crown of the complex is the richly decorated Grand Pagoda, which contains a bone splinter said to be from the Buddha. Next, you'll head to a nut factory to see how locally grown cashew nuts are plucked from yellow cashew apples, roasted, and peeled to become the moreish snack we know and love. Stroll along the famous Thalong Road – look out for vibrant Chinese-Portuguese architecture and the early 20th-century mansion featured in the film, Good Morning Vietnam. After taking in the views over Phuket Town at Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint, you'll head to a pearl farm for the inside scoop into one of Phuket's most important industries. You'll wrap things up with a tasty Thai lunch, and visit a typical home where you'll see a rubber tapping demo, plus a quick lesson on how to whip up the perfect Thai curry.

Full-day Phi Phi and Bamboo Island speedboat tour from Phuket

Craving sun, sea, and epic views? This island adventure has it all. First, hop on the speedboat and whizz to Bamboo Island with its soft sands and turquoise waters. Next, dive into snorkelling at top spots, including Shark Point, where vibrant marine life, corals, and maybe even a shark await. After a delicious Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don Island, visit Monkey Beach, explore the Viking Cave, and swim in Pileh Lagoon – these waters will blow your mind. The day wraps up at Maya Bay, with its crescent-shaped beach and limestone hills.

Speedboat Tour of the Phi Phi Islands

A trip to the famous Phi Phi Islands is almost compulsory in Thailand, and an early start gives you the chance to discover their beauty without crowds of tourists. A speedboat ride takes you to the best beaches where you can swim, snorkel and relax. And with Monkey beach, Viking Cave and Pileh Lagoon on the itinerary it's sure to be a great day.

Full Day Phang Nga and James Bond Island with Sea Kayak by Speedboat from Phuket

Get ready for an epic journey to Phang Nga Bay, where adventure and excitement meet amid some of Thailand's most incredible scenery. Start your day with a thrilling speed boat ride to Hong Island, then set off to explore its hidden beauty by canoe, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.Next, you'll step into the world of James Bond at Koh Ta-Pu, known as the filming location for 'The Man with the Golden Gun.' Admire Khao Phing Kan's unique geological formations then head to a scenic bay to tuck into a buffet lunch near the sea gypsy village of Koh Panyi, encircled by nature and history.Discover the secrets of Panak Island's mangrove and diamond caves, meet swimming monkeys, and wind down at Rangyai or Naka Island with some beach time. This trip offers a great blend of excitement and serenity, showcasing Thailand's unparalleled landscapes and natural appeal.