It's evident that Phuket is a hotspot for tourists, largely due to its nightlife, resorts, beaches, and food.
Some of the most popular sights include:
- Karon Beach (Free)
- Patong Beach (Free)
- Green Elephant Sanctuary Park for ฿2500 ($65)
- Phuket Elephant Care for ฿3000 ($80)
- James Bond Island for $75
- Phuket Fantasea for ฿2500 ($65)
- The Big Buddha (Free)
- Scuba Diving for $100
- Andamanda Phuket for ฿1500 ($40)
- Aquaria for ฿1100 ($30)
- Siam Niramit for ฿1800 ($50)
- Phuket Old Town (Free)
- Naka Market (Free)
Phuket is known for its beach resorts, and near the coast is where most people tend to congregate. Hotels and resorts along the main beach areas are surrounded by restaurants, shops, and street vendors, which sell tours and trips to pretty much anywhere.
Various temples and wats can be found around the island. At the top of Naka Kerd mountain is a large white Buddha with views of the surrounding island and sea.
The Crocodile Farm on Chana Charoen Road gets good reviews from visitors, as does the Phuket Butterfly Garden and Insect World.
Within the town of Phuket, various historic sights and buildings can be found (with tour guides available), although history and culture enthusiasts generally skip Phuket Island in favor of more cultural locations, some interesting sights can still be found. The Ranong Market brings in many locals and visitors alike, as it's a great place to get some cheaper food for your stay at the beach. Old mansions in the town are still intact, dating back to the 19th century, and many are now shops. Various wats (temples) are around town with interesting detail, and the town also has a cultural museum.
The Thai Village and Orchid Farm serves a typical Thai lunch and offers a cultural show with dancing, boxing, a display of traditional customs, and elephants. Just outside of town, there's even a zoo!
Also, the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is a great place to visit, as it treats the elephants in a friendly, ethical manner.
Water activities are quite popular, for obvious reasons. Diving and snorkeling are some of the main activities. To find a dive shop or a tour company offering dive services, just look down the street. Boats are available for day trips out to sea for diving, snorkeling, fishing, or partying.
Boat tours to the surrounding islands in Phang-nga Bay are also popular. These trips herd tourists to fascinating, yet crowded, destinations such as "James Bond Island" and other geological wonders. To visit these islands at a lower price, and often during less crowded times, search for a tour operator in Phuket town or away from the main touristy areas. Research and ask questions about the number of people on the boat, the type of boat, and other safety factors. While smaller longtail boats are safe, they are only meant for a small group of people.
Phuket is great for families, as many attractions and activities cater to kids as well as adults. From the beaches to the animal centers, day trips, snokeling, elephants, temples, and more, Phuket offers something for everyone. And if you're traveling with kids, check out these 10 best family resorts in Phuket.
It's possible to rent a motor scooter to explore the island on your own, but pay attention to the rules of the road.
Just as in the rest of Thailand, spas and massage parlors are popular. Day spas catering to western tourists offer all types of luxurious amenities, while smaller shops tend to just do massages.
Scuba Diving & Snorkeling:
Scuba diving ranks high among the most enjoyed activities in Phuket. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.
Beaches:
Plenty of travelers choose Phuket as their beach retreat. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.
Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Phuket. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:
- Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve Guided Tour with Lunch for $85 details
- John Gray's Cave Canoeing Tour in Phang Nga Bay for $133 details
- Phi Phi & Bamboo Islands Snorkeling Tour w/ Fins by Speedboat for $139 details
Below are a few common prices for sightseeing and activity entry fees in Phuket, all of which are based on the reports of previous travelers. These figures should give you a rough estimate of what you can expect to pay. Keep in mind, though, your costs will vary depending on the activities you choose and whether you take advantage of free or budget-friendly options.
I found a cheaper place to stay near the beach that wasn't right on the beach not far from Kata. A lot of bigger hotels right by the beach were expensive, but a few minutes away was much cheaper. There were a lot of cheaper places to eat if you avoid the main restaurants on the beach area. And the bus is cheap to get around the island, too.