{"id":93469,"date":"2019-03-22T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-22T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/things-to-do-in-phuket\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:55:34","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:55:34","slug":"things-to-do-in-phuket","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/things-to-do-in-phuket\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Incredible Things to do in Phuket"},"content":{"rendered":"

Phuket is the largest and most popular island in Thailand. Located at the country\u2019s southern tip, along the Andaman Sea, Phuket is home to some of the most exquisite beaches with buttermilk sand and picturesque, turquoise waters. One thing is for sure, you\u2019ll never run out of things to do in Phuket. We\u2019ve curated a list of the top activities to do on this popular island. From island hopping to Thai cooking classes, find out what are the best things to do in Phuket!<\/p>\n

1. Go Island Hopping<\/h2>\n
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Image courtesy of @artempostrelov<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Many tourists use Phuket as a base for island hopping in Thailand. This way you can see as many amazing islands as you desire and you can spend a night on each or live aboard a dive boat. Enjoy a full day (or more) as you ferry from one island to another that usually includes the picture-perfect Phi Phi, Koh Khai, Similan and James Bond Island (Phang Nga Bay), and many more.<\/p>\n

2. Shop at Phuket\u2019s Street Markets<\/h2>\n
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Image courtesy of @katy_beere<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Get lost in the Thai markets which can be both exciting and therapeutic. Here you\u2019ll get to use your bargaining skills and purchase some things you didn\u2019t even know you needed. Thailand has many well-renowned markets such as Naka Market<\/strong>, Chillva Market<\/strong> and Malin Plaza<\/strong>. Go hungry to the market so that you have room to enjoy all the delicious food, from fresh fruit kebabs and Phad Thai to skewered scorpions. The night markets have a special charm as the heat of the day cools down and the busy trading is accompanied by street performances and music.<\/p>\n

3. Visit the Temples<\/h2>\n
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Image courtesy of @keiwheaakoka<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Explore the Thai-Buddhist culture by visiting the architecturally and spiritually beautiful temples. There are around 40 Buddhist temples in Phuket. Known as “wat” in Thai, these beautiful temples will bring you closer to the humble teachings of Buddhism and understanding the island life. A visit to the various temples should definitely be on your list of things to do in Phuket. Temples worth a visit include Wat Chalong<\/strong>, Wat Suwan Khiri Khet<\/strong>, Wat Phranang Sang<\/strong>, and Wat Khao Rang<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

4. Take a Thai Cooking Class<\/h2>\n
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Image courtesy of @kirstenamberh<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

There are many different places to go in Phuket to learn the incredible art of Thai-style cooking. Prepare for a blissful time of aromatic fragrances. The fresh smells of ginger, garlic and coriander are sure to enhance your cooking class experience along with the dishes’ enticingly spicy edge. You’ll get to create the authentic Thai goodness. There are morning, afternoon and whole day classes available around the island. You can book through your hotel or find a restaurant that offers classes. After the fiery cooking, you will get to sit down and enjoy your own creations.<\/p>\n

5. Go Diving<\/h2>\n
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Image courtesy of @nielsenregitze<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Curious to see the colourful coral and marine life in the tropical waters of Phuket? Then consider a diving tour. Explore the Andaman Sea and a small part of the Indian Ocean to the west of the island. Whether you\u2019re a beginner or professional, you are sure to find the perfect dive spot along Phuket\u2019s turquoise waters. Take in the stunning seascapes this part of Thailand has to offer. You\u2019ll most likely get the best visibility during Phuket\u2019s high season (November to February). Dive sites you should look out for include Anemome Reef<\/strong>, Koh Dok Mai<\/strong>, Shark Point<\/strong>,\u00a0and East of Eden<\/strong>. The waters are home to surreal marine life such as whale sharks<\/strong>, manta rays<\/strong>, and black tip reef sharks<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

6. Explore the Eclectic Nightlife<\/h2>\n
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Image courtesy of @hereartemgo<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Phuket is well-known for its nightlife and rightfully so with its incredible features coming to light at night. Head to Patong<\/strong>, where the excitement of the night time buzzes and continues until the early hours of the morning. The world-renowned Bangla Road<\/strong> is everything you imagine it to be. Explore the bright neon-lit street bars, loud music and cheap bars. Most of the bars are outdoor, so you can grab a cold beer off the street, surrounded by the heaving crowds and music. Although the heart of Phuket\u2019s nightlife centres around Bangla Road, it spreads out through the districts.<\/p>\n

7. Photograph the Exquisite Thai Landmarks<\/h2>\n
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Image courtesy of @walpaard<\/a> via Instagram<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Next on your list of things to do in Phuket is getting your camera or cellphone ready and venturing on a day of sightseeing. Phuket has unparalleled views and landmarks that will adorn your Instagram feed with the prettiest and coolest images! Be sure to visit the following landmarks:<\/p>\n