Phuket Local Culture Experience

Tour of Phuket Old Town with Thalang Road Night Market

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 Nakkerd Hill to visit one of the island's most iconic landmarks, Big Buddha. Malee, our expert local guide, says “there's something really special about the views from the Big Buddha viewpoint in the morning light – you can see southern Phuket, and look over the Andaman Sea from around 400 metres high.”From here, you'll head towards Wat Chalong, the largest Buddhist temple in Phuket, before a quick visit to a cashew nut factory. 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.

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 take in the views at Rang Hill, visit Wat Chalong temple, taste locally grown treats and see the famous Thalong Road. 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 Khao Rang Hill Viewpoint. You'll enjoy views over Chalong and southern Phuket before continuing to 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. You'll then head to a nut factory to see how the locally grown cashew nuts are plucked from yellow cashew apples, before being roasted and peeled to become the moreish snack we know and love.Next, stroll along the famous Thalong Road and see its vibrant Chinese-Portuguese architecture. Keep an eye out for the early 20th century mansion featured in the film, Good Morning Vietnam. Find out about Phuket's most important industry at a pearl farm, followed by a tasty Thai lunch. Finally, it's on to a typical home, where there'll be a rubber tapping demo, plus a quick lesson on how to whip up the perfect Thai curry.

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.

Phi Phi Don, Bamboo & Maiton Island by Speed Catamaran

Dust off your dancing shoes for a full-day catamaran cruise packed with adventure. Start with a sun-soaked stop at Bamboo Island's white sands, then enjoy lunch in Phi Phi Don. Snap stunning photos at Pileh Lagoon – think emerald waters, limestone cliffs – and Viking Cave. Plus, there'll be a snorkel stop, beach stop at Maya Bay, before docking up near Maiton Island for a front-row seat to watch the sunset. Cap off your day with a lively BBQ dinner, music, and dancing as you sail back to shore.

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.