Phuket, Thailand: Things You MUST See & Do

Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is typically everyone’s first stop after Bangkok, and for good reason! It’s a great spot for beautiful beaches, snorkeling and diving. There is so much to see and do in this part of Thailand, you could spend months here and not see it all!

How To Get There:

Direct flights into Phuket come from many different countries in SE Asia (and Bangkok if you’re laying over). We’re big fans of Jetstar Airlines, as they’re super budget friendly, clean, safe and reliable. From the airport, Patong is a 1 hour drive. It’s best to arrange transport with your accommodation, as the taxi drivers in Thailand are a bit sketchy.

Where To Stay In Phuket:

Point Yamu By Como

Phuket, Thailand: Things You MUST See & Do — If You’re Looking For a Lux And Relaxation, Stay AT Point Yamu By Como

At only a 40-minute drive from Phuket airport, Point Yamu By Como is THE place to stay if you’re looking for luxury and relaxation. If you’re looking to party it up in Patong, don’t stay here (it’s too far away). This hotel has everything you could ever want, a spa, 3 different restaurants (the Thai Restaurant is amazing!) and pure serenity in every detail. The infinity pool is AMAING as well. Do note that the hotel is far away from all the other attractions, so I wouldn’t advise staying here unless you just want to relax. $222USD/night

BYD Lofts Boutique Hotel & Serviced Apartments

BYD Lofts place to stay in Patong Beach, as it’s close to nightlife, but still an outstandingly clean and modern accommodation. $105USD/night.

Nap Patong

Nap Patong is more budget friendly and still centrally located, close to nightlife and the beach. This hotel is the best bang for your buck, outside of a hostel. $54USD/night

Where To Eat In Phuket:

No 9 2nd Restaurant:

No 9 2nd Restaurant has great prices and delicious traditional Thai food. Get the Pad Thai, you’ll love it!

Halfway Inn:

Arugably one of the best Thai restaurants in Phuket, you must eat at the Halfway Inn Restaurant at least once while you’re visiting Patong.

Baan Rim Pa Patong:

For a more luxurious meal with an epic view, check out Baan Rim Pa Patong. Head there before sunset to watch the sky light up with pink and orange!

Breeze At Cape Yamu:

If you’re staying at Point Yamu By Como and are looking for somewhere to eat at other than their restaurants, Breeze Restaurant Cape Yamu is great for dinner (and it’s just down the street)! We had such an incredible meal there…the scallops were on point. The chef came out and personally spoke with us and even made a special birthday cake for Josh 🙂

Thai Food Favorites:

Thai food is AMAZING, but beware, they like spice! You can always ask for little or no spice. The best Thai dishes are Gaeng Keow Wan Kai (Green Chicken Curry), Pad Thai (Thai Style Fried Noodles), Gaeng Daeng (Red Curry), Som Tum (Spicy Green Papaya Salad), Tom Cha Kai (Chicken in Coconut Soup-my favorite!), Pad Krapow moo Saap (Fired Basil and Pork), and Yam Nua (Spicy Beef Salad).

What To Do In Phuket:

John Grey Sea Canoe:

If you only do ONE THING in Phuket that I tell you, take the John Gray Sea Canoe Excursion! This was the highlight of our trip to Phuket! Revel in the beauty of sea caves, and exploring hidden lagoons through Phnag Na Bay with your own personal guide paddling you in your own private canoe along the way. The food provided on the boat is amazingly delicious too (much to our surprise)!

We took the Hong By Starlight tour, which I couldn’t recommend more. The cost is $3950Baht ($113USD) for adults and for children under 12, it’s $1975Baht ($56USD). Note that this price includes transport to and from your accommodation in Phuket and lunch/dinner on the boat. The tour is long, 10 hours in total, but worth EVERY SINGLE MINUTE AND DOLLAR!

Be sure to bring a towel, bathing suit, dry & warm clothes for the way back, sunglasses, sunscreen, a dry bag, and a hat.

Day Trip To Phi Phi Island:

Although I recommend staying on Phi Phi Island for a minimum of two nights, because it’s arguably one of my top 3 favorite places on this planet, I can totally understand if your’e pressed for time and have to take a day trip. You CANNOT come to Phuket and miss Maya Bay, it’s just wrong.

Phuket Sail Tours is one of the best, family owned companies, that will get you there by speedboat and show you all the best sites. The cost for adults is $3,900Baht ($111USD) and for children aged 4-12 is $2,000Baht ($57USD).

Bangla Road:

THE party street in Patong, lined with bars and clubs. It reminds me of Koh San Road in Bangkok. Do NOT take children after dark.

Bangla Street Phuket Website

Naka Market:

No trip to Thailand is complete without a night market visit. Here you can find souvenirs, local street food, and other various items.

Naka Market Website

Tips:

The Thai currency is the Baht.

BE SURE to bargain at all markets and with all tuk tuk drivers.

Beware of pickpockets, always watch your belongings.