Phuket Attractions: 25 Best Places to Visit (2023)
Thailand’s largest island, Phuket, is almost the size of Singapore. In the Andaman Sea off the west coast of Thailand, it’s a beautiful place to visit, so long as you avoid the monsoon season from May through October. Phuket has an astounding list of things to see and do that are sure to delight any traveller. Which of these 25 Phuket attractions will you want to do first?
1. Sirinat National Park
If you are looking for sea turtles, you can head to the Sirinat National Park. This Phuket attraction with beautiful white sand beaches and crystal clear sea is located quite close to the airport and was established to protect the nesting grounds of the sea turtles. For a tranquil setting, you can head to the north of this park whereby you can take in nature’s beauty without the crowd.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
2. Kata Noi Beach
This small beach features purely stunning scenery and a special place to relax. Walk along the soft sands and jump in for a swim or snorkel. You can look across the bays and appreciate the natural beauty of a serene place like this. There are many luxury resorts and restaurants here, plus you’ll also find some of the best sunset bars on the island over here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
3. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
If you love rum, a visit to the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery is a must. The high-end white rum is beloved by all here. You’ll get a chance to take a tour in this Phuket attraction followed by the best part, a cocktail workshop which allows you to sample this fine spirit.
Operating Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:30am – 8:30pm
Ticket Price(s): THB 300
4. Phuket Big Buddha
Probably one of the most famous Phuket attractions, you can’t miss the Big Buddha. It’s so large that it’s definitely hard to avoid. It towers from above on top of the Nakkerd Hills. From up there, you can also get a 360-view of the island. It’s very quiet and peaceful up there but for the gentle dharma music. It’s a spectacular sparkling sight to behold.
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00am – 7:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
5. Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is hugely popular with visitors, but what’s special about it is that it retains its unspoiled originality. It has soft sand to stick your toes in and crystal clear waters to swim in. The numerous shady trees offer a comfortable and scenic place to relax. You’ll also find great restaurants here with some of the best Thai cuisine and plenty of souvenir shops to gather mementoes of your trip here.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
6. Karon Viewpoint
In the south, you’ll find Karon Viewpoint to live up to its name. While it is very crowded with tourists, you get a gorgeous view of the Andaman Sea in one direction. On the other side, you can see three of the west coast beaches. It’s a special place with indulgently beautiful views that will take your breath away.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
7. Wat Chalong Temple
Plan on being at Wat Chalong for a while because there is so much to see. If you only have a limited time, you won’t want to miss this Phuket attraction. Start with Poh Jao Wat where the statues of two elderly men await, said to be lucky. The Grand Pagoda is home to a tiny piece of bone from Buddha. Inside this pagoda, gorgeous images and art depict the life of Buddha. It’s perhaps one of the most stunning landmarks in all of Phuket.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
8. Phuket Town Weekend Night Market
The locals call it Naka Market. Whatever you want to call it, this night market is one of the best you’ll find. You can get all kinds of things from fresh, local fruit to souvenirs. It’s best to get there in the late afternoon to have a proper look before it becomes ultra-crowded by locals and tourists alike. The cheap eats are one of the best reasons to come to get an authentic taste of Phuket food style.
Operating Hours: Weekend, 4:00pm – 11:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
9. Tiger Kingdom
Have a roaring good time at the Tiger Kingdom in Phuket. You can see the tigers being fed though it gets quite packed in here. Coming early is best for avoiding all the crowds. If you’re hungry, the restaurants here allow you fantastic views of the tigers while you eat.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): From THB 900 onwards.
10. Bangla Road Nightlife
The nightlife on Bangla Road is where you need to be for a lively evening. The outdoor bars make a bar crawl a fun idea. Street entertainers hope you’ll drop some money for their performances while you may be coaxed into shows and shops along the way. But it’s all in good fun with an overall positive vibe and low prices for beer and good times, making it one of the best nightlife places to visit in Phuket.
Operating Hours: Daily, 7:00pm – 4:00am
Ticket Price(s): Free
11. Surin Beach
It’s called “Millionaires Row” for a good reason. This beach is where all the houses of the rich and famous are. You’ll also find luxury resorts here if you’re hoping to make it a 5-star vacation. This, of course, will be the most expensive place to dine on the island. Trendy wine bars and haute cuisine all make for a wonderful time. Plus, you can see if you spot anyone famous!
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
12. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary
At the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, the goal is to educate you about elephants. You’ll get to meet these sweet giants and make a stand for ethical elephant treatment, something that is coming into fruition in all of Thailand in more recent years. You can easily spend the day falling in love with these fantastic animals.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:30am – 5:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – THB 3,000 | Child – THB 1,500
13. Monkey Hill
Called Toh Sae Hill, this Phuket attraction is the highest of them all in Phuket Town. And yes, there are monkeys. Around 400 macaques live here in little groups all over this hill. They’re not known for attacking people, but you should definitely watch your things while visiting. At the bottom of the hill, there’s a famous shrine that honours Toh Sae Dang, Toh Sae Kaow, and Toh Sae Dam, three holy spirits.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
14. Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is where you’ll see 40 little islands dotting the waters. Lagoons, mangroves, and caves are all ideal for exploring here. Get a tour guide and try to see as many of the small islands here as you can for an unforgettable exploration experience.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
15. Simon Cabaret Show (Kathu)
It’s been a popular show for over 20 years, and that means they’re doing something right. Tourists always rave about the ladyboys that perform every night. It’s an hour-long show of cabaret-style that showcases great talents as well as makes everyone laugh. It’s all in good fun!
Operating Hours: Daily, 6:00pm – 10:30pm
Ticket Price(s): THB 1,000
16. Phuket FantaSea Show (Kathu)
If you genuinely want to have a grand experience, the Phuket FantaSea Show is the way to go. This massive entertainment complex has something for everyone. There’s a Las Vegas-style theatre show revolving around the best myths and mysteries of Thailand. A carnival village, shopping area, and plenty of delicious dining from the gigantic buffet that includes Thai food and international delights round out the rest of the offerings.
Operating Hours: Friday – Wednesday, 5:30pm – 11:30pm
Ticket Price(s): From THB 1,800 onwards.
17. Phuket Trickeye Museum
This Phuket attraction is the first museum of its kind in this area. The Phuket Trickeye Museum is an interactive experience designed to stimulate your creativity. You’ll find yourself a part of the art as you stare at it plus all the 3D art is exceptional. There are many permanent exhibits as well as temporary ones to discover in this truly fascinating museum.
Operating Hours: Daily, 10:00am – 6:00pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – THB 500 | Child – THB 250
18. Khao Rang Viewpoint
Take in another point of view at Khao Rang Viewpoint. This one is in the northwest point from the city centre where you can see the town and neighbouring islands. A fitness park makes keeping fit easy while three restaurants and bars await to tempt your taste buds and satisfy your soul with spectacular panoramic terraces to give you a view with your food.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
19. Jui Tui Shrine
Jui Tui Shrine is home to three large statues. The statues are of different Chinese gods. Among them is Tean Hu Huan Soy, who was the god of performing arts and dance. There are statues of a dog and chicken next to his statue as it is claimed these were his favourite pets in his childhood. This shrine was actually in a different location originally, but a fire destroyed it. The firecracker house right next to it is where people throw burning firecrackers when celebrations are going on.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:00am – 8:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
20. Phuket Old Town
One of the best places to visit in Phuket, this incredibly historic part of town is home to many temples, both Chinese and Buddhist. It’s also where you’ll find shophouses and a former red light district. This town was the result of a massive boom years ago when metal became a hot commodity. It’s a small town that’s great for walking and exploring. With lots of restaurants, you’ll find plenty to eat after wandering around to see this fascinating place.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
21. The Shrine of the Serene Light
This place was built nearly 150 years ago by a local family. It’s hidden at the end of an alley and features Taoist etchings on the walls and vaulted ceiling. The outside was renovated recently, but the inside has been left untouched and original as it was created. It’s a peaceful place that is overseen by a live-in caretaker and has an incredibly calming charm about it.
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 5:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Free
22. Patong Beach
So it’s very touristy, but Patong Beach is the heart of the island, and you’ll have to expect that every tourist comes here. And you’ll want to come here too. The beach itself is, of course, something to see. It has jet skiing, parasailing, and tons of other activities. At night though, this Phuket attraction is a whole different experience with lots of fun. Ladyboys offer entertainment, and it’s quite an entertaining place to enjoy drinks and food.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Free
23. Gibbon Rehabilitation Project
The gibbons are sweet creatures that are killed by hunters. Over 3,000 are killed per year, so this project was set up to help take care of them and restore their numbers. You can volunteer your time here in ways like working at the souvenir shop, mending broken fences, feeding the gibbons themselves, or helping with research. This is not a regular zoo though so if you go into it knowing you’ll be making a difference rather than gawking at the gibbons, you’ll come out of it enriched and enthralled by helping these animals recover so they can get back to living and thriving in the wild.
Operating Hours: Daily, 9:00am – 4:30pm
Ticket Price(s): THB 400
24. Phuket Aquarium
With a giant tunnel, you can virtually walk underwater at the Phuket Aquarium. If you love discovering sea life but don’t want to get your hair wet, it’s a wonderful place to visit in Phuket to have a cool experience. Great for kids or for anyone that loves sea life, you’ll see species native to the area for a bright and colourful time!
Operating Hours: Daily, 8:30am – 4:30pm
Ticket Price(s): Adult – THB 180 | Child – THB 100
25. Racha Island
Just a quick boat ride away, you can steal away to Racha Island (also known as Raya Island) where natural beauty reigns supreme. The clear blue water is ideal for swimming plus the coral reefs around the island are wonderful to explore by snorkelling. Even on the sands, you’ll find much to love about this incredible Phuket attraction.
Operating Hours: Daily, 24 hours
Ticket Price(s): Adult – THB 1,500 | Child – THB 1,000
Phuket is a popular Thailand destination for a reason. There are beautiful beaches, stunning temples, opportunities to get up close and personal with animals, water sports, nightlife, incredible markets, and divine food. In fact, some say this island has the best food in Thailand. There’s nothing like tasting it yourself to find your favourites.
Pad Thai is hugely popular as is Som Tum, a green papaya salad. With grilled chicken and satay items, you’ll be eating your way around this island with ease. Book a trip to Phuket now, and you’ll be on your way to an incredible adventure that has everything you want to do on vacation all in one place!