Phuket Town is a vibrant and lively place offering a bunch of awesome things to do and places to explore. The first time we visited Phuket was 13 years ago and the island has completely changed ever since. It felt so surreal to walk on the same streets we once did, over a decade ago, and to see how much it has developed. Phuket attracts all types of tourists, but also many digital nomads with Phuket Town being their mecca. You will understand why, once you go over the guide below of the best things to do in Phuket Town.
We have drafted an easy guide of the 7 Best Things to Do in Phuket Town to help you plan your days so that you don’t miss anything out. We’ve also included important information such as the best time to visit, where to eat in Phuket Town, how to get around and so much more.
Here is our guide on the 7 Best Things to Do in Phuket Town.
7 Best things to do in Phuket Town
It’s not easy to narrow down all the wonderful things one can do in Phuket, but we tried to sum it up into what, in our opinion, you shouldn’t miss out on. You can decide on how much time you want to spend experiencing the below based on the number of days you have at your disposal. Phuket is the kind of place where you can spend a couple of days, weeks, or even months we dare say, and still find exciting things to do.
1. Explore the Old Town
Phuket’s Old Town holds a special place in our hearts hence why it’s on top of this list. Old Town is the kind of place that is equally beautiful day and night. The street is bustling with people, cute stores with colorful façades selling anything from local souvenirs to vintage clothes, bookstores, and hip coffee shops. The architecture of the buildings is a unique blend of Eastern and Western influences, with ornate shutters, vivid colors, and quaint balconies. If you have a scooter, park it somewhere and explore the town on foot so you can venture off the main street and get a chance to discover hidden gems tucked away in the side streets.
NOTE: If you are interested in seeing it sans the crowds, then the best time to visit the Old Town is during the early morning hours.
2. Visit the Night Market
Night markets and Thailand go hand in hand, and Phuket Town is no exception. It makes for a great evening activity where you can buy souvenirs, indulge in mouth-watering street food, and mingle with the locals. A visit to the night market is hands down one of the best things to do in Phuket Town, especially if you’re a foodie! Be forewarned that it does get very crowded, especially between 8-9 pm. The market is open on Sundays from 4 pm to 10 pm but it tends to stay open for a little longer than that.
3. Enjoy the coffee scene
Just like Chiang Mai, Phuket Town surprised us with its buzzing coffee culture. Whether you’re into minimalistic, industrial, hipster type, or even cat cafes, Phuket Town has you covered. All coffee shops offer wifi which is perfect for tourists and digital nomads alike. What’s more, not only their coffee is top-notch, but most cafes offer fantastic choices for desserts and light bites.
Some of our favorite coffee shops in Phuket Town are Dou Brew Coffee & Craft, Coffee Talk, and Bookhemian.
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4. Visit Patong Beach
You can’t visit Phuket and not spend some time by the beach, and the best place to do that is no other than the famous Patong Beach! This is the vibrant heart of Phuket’s party scene and although it’s not exactly located in Phuket Town, it definitely deserves a place in this guide. This lively stretch of beach is famous for its energetic atmosphere, lined with beach clubs, bars, and a bunch of water activities to choose from. During the day, soak up the sun while trying out jet-skiing or parasailing, and as the sun sets, get ready for the nightlife to come alive. Don’t miss out on the breathtaking sunset before hitting the bars. The beachfront is dotted with restaurants where you can indulge in delicious Thai cuisine. If you’re a night owl, Bangla Road, just a stone’s throw away, is where the party truly kicks off.
5. Street Art Hunt
We’re always intrigued by beautiful street art, and the ones found in Phuket Town are second to none. As if the colorful buildings weren’t enough, the street art blends in so naturally with Phuket Town’s upbeat vibe. They’re truly works of art and also perfect for your Instagram feed! Beautiful murals are spread all across the town; all you have to do is keep an eye out for them.
6. Visit the Big Buddha
Located a 30-minute drive away from Phuket Town, a visit to the Big Buddha is an absolute must! I, personally, loved everything about this experience; the drive there being one of them, as it gave us a glimpse into a different, more local side of Phuket. The closer you get to the attraction, the more rural the scenery gets, while also passing through patches of nature.
As you arrive, the first thing you’ll notice is the mammoth-size Buddha statue; it’s really notable! The location is wonderful too, offering 360 degrees panoramic views.
Walk around at your own pace to explore it and take a minute to enjoy the views before making your way back to Phuket Town.
Note: Same as all temples in Thailand, here too make sure to dress appropriately and cover your shoulders and knees.
7. Go on a Shopping Spree
Consider this as a tip: allow a little space in your suitcase when packing for your trip to Thailand for all the cool stuff that you’ll want to bring back home with you. Whether you’re looking for cool memorabilia, clothes, or other souvenirs, in Phuket Town, you’ll find it! Each and every store I went into, had something cool to offer, especially when it came to clothes.
Best Time to Visit Phuket
The first time we visited Phuket, some 13 years ago, was in November, and the second time around (in 2022), we visited at the beginning of December and stayed until the end of the month. Although, it is said that typically the dry season starts in November, that wasn’t the case when we visited. Back then, we experienced frequent rainfalls, and this time around the weather was similar and lasted up until mid-December. Speaking from personal experience, we would say that the best time to visit Phuket is mid-December to April if you want to avoid frequent rainfalls and enjoy sunny days to the fullest.
Monsoon season in Phuket starts in July and lasts up until October, so it’s best you avoid those months. If you don’t get fazed by random rainfalls, and you want to take advantage of lower prices, then the shoulder seasons of April to June and late October to November might be worth the risk.
How to Get to Phuket
Phuket is one of the most popular islands in Thailand, and as such, it’s easily accessible from various parts of the country. In our case, we traveled from Koh Lanta to Phuket, by boat. Depending on where you’re traveling from, here are the most popular means of transportation to get to Phuket.
By Air
The most common way to reach Phuket is by flying into Phuket International Airport (HKT). This airport is well-connected to major cities in Asia and other parts of the world. Once you land, you can easily grab a taxi or other transportation options from the airport. We’d highly recommend that you download Grab and order a taxi instead as it’s cheaper and safer.
By Bus
Phuket can be reached by long-distance buses from different parts of Thailand. The main bus terminal in Phuket is the Phuket Bus Terminal 2, which is located in the southern part of the island. Buses are a budget option, and what’s more, you can enjoy some pretty scenic views along the way. While in Thailand, we were using 12Go Asia for all our long-distance road transportation. They’re very reliable, easy to book, and they offer multiple options of different timings to choose from.
By Car
If you enjoy road trips, renting a car for a scenic drive to Phuket is a fantastic option. The Sarasin Bridge connects the island to the mainland, offering a picturesque route. Just a heads up, driving in Thailand might have quirks compared to what you’re used to, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with local traffic rules.
By Boat
Another option is to take a ferry from nearby islands or coastal areas. Ferries connect Phuket with destinations like Krabi, Phi Phi Islands, and other nearby islands. Island hopping in Thailand is an experience in itself, as it offers some of the most spectacular views we’ve ever seen!
Bangkok to Phuket
Getting to Phuket from Bangkok is very easy, and you can choose to get there either by air or land. Although you have the choice to drive or take a bus, we’d strongly recommend that you save yourself time and money and fly instead. There are several daily flights between Suvarnabhumi Airport (BKK) in Bangkok and Phuket International Airport (HKT). Multiple airlines, including Thai Airways, AirAsia, and VietJet Air, fly to Phuket so you’re spoiled for choice. The flight typically takes around 1.5 hours, making this the fastest way to get from Bangkok to Phuket.
How to Get Around Phuket Town
Scooters are by far the most popular means of transportation in Thailand, including bustling Phuket. That said, Phuket Town is best explored on foot as this will allow you to enjoy all it has to offer at your own pace, but also get to see hidden spots that are accessible only on foot.
Another option for getting from point A to B would be a taxi. They’re very cheap but not as convenient as you’ll end up wasting your time stuck in traffic.
Is Phuket town walkable?
Absolutely! Phuket Town is walkable, particularly in its central and Old Town areas. Walking will allow you to explore many cool spots in Phuket Town, including its charming streets and vibrant markets.
Is Phuket Town Good to Stay?
Phuket Town is a great place to stay as it offers an array of great things to do, right at your doorstep.
Whether it is restaurants, coffee shops, or markets, you can have access to all that and more, just within walking or a short drive by scooter or taxi.
Finding the right place to stay won’t be a problem, as Phuket offers an array of accommodation options. From luxury resorts to hostels, you’re sure to find some pretty cool places to stay.
To help you find the right place to stay in Phuket, we’ve included one 3 most favorite places.
1. Westin Siray Bay Resort & Spa
We’ve had the pleasure of staying twice at the Westin Siray Bay, and it’s safe to say that this is one of our favorite hotels in Phuket. Although it is not exactly located in Phuket Town, we think that that’s one of the reasons why you should give it a go. It is a haven tucked away from the hustle and bustle of the city and perfect for spending a few days of total relaxation. What’s more, the hotel offers a bunch of activities such as a games room, water activities, and more, to keep you occupied – if that’s what you want of course.
2. Baan Suwantawe
We stayed a few days at Baan Suwantawe Hotel in Phuket and we can’t recommend it enough! We chose it based on the positive reviews we read on Expedia.com, but also because of its close proximity to Phuket Town – a short 5-minute walk. The rooms are clean, the service excellent and the pool is a huge plus too. There’s a cute cafe by the hotel’s reception which is super handy if you’re a remote worker or want to quickly check your emails.
3. Burasari Phuket & Resort
Phuket Town is good to stay if you want to be within walking distance of the Old Town. We’d also recommend considering other areas too, such as Patong if you’re looking for beach vibes. Burasari Phuket & Resort is an oasis, located less than 10 minutes walking distance from Patong Beach. The hotel is gorgeous, with the crown jewel being its swimming pool. This is a great choice if you want to spend the majority of your time basking in the sun, rather than exploring the town.
How Much Money Do I Need Per Day in Phuket?
Phuket, much like the rest of Thailand, is very affordable, so no matter what your budget is, having a good time is guaranteed. Accommodation prices vary from €15 per night to several thousand euros. The average rate for a mid-range hotel is around €35. Transportation costs are also budget-friendly, depending on your choice and how early you book, especially for flights. Transfers generally range from under €10 to €100 – €150 or more, which applies to flights, scooters, and taxis. Food options are diverse, from inexpensive sandwiches at 7/11 starting at just €1, to street food like pad thai for under €2.5, and pricier choices at local or international restaurants starting at approximately €6.
In summary, an average mid-range budget could be between €50 and €100 per day, covering accommodation, meals, transportation, and even some activities.
Is it Worth Visiting Phuket Town?
A thousand times, yes! I think that’s pretty obvious after reading our Things to Do in Phuket Town guide. Phuket Town is a vibrant and lively place and the fact that you can explore it on foot, adds even more points. Another thing we adore about this place is how secure it feels. Plus, there’s an abundance of things to see and do that won’t allow you to have a single dull moment. One more reason that’s worth mentioning is that the people are super friendly and welcoming.
Don’t forget to bookmark this guide on the Best Things to Do in Phuket Town. It’ll save you time on planning and ensure you don’t miss out on anything during your visit to this amazing place!
