Places to Visit in Phuket, Thailand | 25 Must-See Attractions & Landmarks

Part of what makes Phuket such a fantastic travel destination is that you will rarely run out of things to see and do. While known mainly for its beaches – like vibrant Patong Beach and more relaxing Kata Noi Beach – the island also has a wide variety of landmarks and attractions. Take your pick between exploring the colorful streets of Phuket Old Town or enjoying a day trip to the beautiful Similan Islands, between a night of partying on Bangla Road or a day of sightseeing at Big Buddha Phuket. Here is a look at 25 of the top places to visit in Phuket to help you decide what stops to add to your itinerary.

1. Patong Beach

Patong Beach is Phuket‘s most famous resort, known for its raucous nightlife and for the 1.77-mile-long beach that runs the length of the town. Though usually crowded, the beach has soft, white sand and crystal clear blue water that definitely make it worthwhile to visit. Plus, you can find quieter areas further north or south along the beach. Some of the most popular activities on Patong Beach are jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling, and you can easily rent equipment. There is also a range of accommodation options for every budget, whether you want something affordable in the heart of the action or a more upscale resort in a quieter but still accessible area. Patong Beach generally draws a younger crowd, but there is plenty for couples and families to do as well, making it one of the most popular places to visit in Phuket.

Check In to X2 Vibe Phuket Patong, Step Out to Patong Beach

2. Bangla Road

Located in Patong Beach, Bangla Road is the central nightlife hub on the island. This infamous party road and its adjoining streets are packed with more bars and clubs than anywhere else in Phuket. Once the sun goes down, Bangla Road closes to traffic and comes to life with neon lights as music blasts from every establishment. Just over 400 yards long, it offers everything you need for a night on the town, whether you want to dance until early morning or sit back with a beer and listen to live music. The section of Bangla Road closest to the beach has the most laid-back feel. As you head further into town, you’ll come across the street’s many go-go bars. On the end of the street furthest from the beach is where you will find most of the major dance clubs.

Check In to Hotel Clover Patong Phuket, Step Out to Bangla Road

3. Freedom Beach

If Patong Beach is a little too busy and overdeveloped for your liking, then you can easily make the trip over to one of Phuket‘s most beautiful and secluded beaches instead. Freedom Beach can be reached via long-tail boat from the southern end of Patong Beach, a journey that costs around 1,500 baht for a round-trip. Only 330-yards long, Freedom Beach has stunning blue water and the softest white sand. The bay is flanked by hills covered in thick, green jungle, making for wonderful photographs. There are no noisy water sports here, so you can relax in the sand or enjoy the fantastic snorkeling opportunities offered by the clear, shallow water. Its secluded location keeps Freedom Beach from getting overly crowded. If you get peckish or thirsty, there is a restaurant that serves Thai food and chilled drinks.

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4. Bangla Boxing Stadium

Muay Thai is the national sport of Thailand, and it is also the country’s most popular spectator sport. The fighters utilize their fists, knees, shins, and elbows in a variety of striking techniques, making it one of the most exhilarating combat sports to watch, particularly in person. Whether you are already a fan or you want to see what it’s all about, you can catch an exciting match at the Bangla Boxing Stadium on Patong Beach. Located just a few minutes away from Bangla Road, the stadium hosts fights every Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday night. A Muay Thai match is worth seeing both for the amazing display of physicality and for the traditional ceremony around it, which includes a special pre-fight dance. The energy of the crowd is also infectious.

Check In to The Marina Phuket Hotel, Step Out to Bangla Boxing Stadium

5. Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town is an important historical area in the center of Phuket Town, the capital of Phuket. It is one of the best places to visit in Phuket for an authentic experience of the island’s culture. Phuket Old Town was built with the proceeds from the tin mining boom of the 18th century, and it shows. There are several beautiful mansions that once belonged to the tin barons, as well as other buildings constructed in the unique style known as Sino-Portuguese. Many of these buildings now house museums, shops, restaurants, and hotels. The buildings are also brightly painted, which makes for some lovely photographs. Phuket Old Town is highly walkable and an easy place to spend a day exploring and stopping for refreshments at quaint cafes. It’s a great place to shop for souvenirs as well.

Check In to Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel Phuket, Step Out to Phuket Old Town

6. Jui Tui Shrine

A traditional Chinese temple in Phuket Town, Jui Tui Shrine is one of the top cultural sights in the capital. A pivotal part of the daily lives of many local worshippers, it also plays a central role in the annual Phuket Vegetarian Festival. Jui Tui Shrine was initially constructed in 1911 inside of Phuket Old Town but, after a fire, it was moved just to the west of the main Old Town area. More buildings were then added to create the bright and colorful temple complex you see today. The focal point of the temple is the main pagoda, which contains three altars. The central altar is devoted to the god Tean Hu Huan Soy, who is associated with dancing and the performing arts. Before you leave, make sure you pick up a fortune from the prayer hall.

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7. Phuket Weekend Night Market

Located to the west of Phuket Old Town, the Phuket Weekend Night Market is another fantastic spot to shop for souvenirs. The market is held every Saturday and Sunday from around 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. along Chao Fa West Road. One reason you don’t want to miss it is that it is the biggest night market in all of Phuket. You’ll discover all manner of food and goods being sold among the stalls, making it easy to find the perfect gift to bring back home to a loved one or some goodies and knick-knacks for yourself. Some of the most common items sold here include second-hand clothing and accessories, jewelry, bags, electronics, and electronic accessories. When you’ve had enough of shopping, make sure you head to the food section to try some delicious Thai street food.

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8. Wat Chalong

Though Phuket has a total of 29 Buddhist temples, Wat Chalong is considered to be the most important of them all. It is located in the subdistrict of Chalong and dedicated to two venerated monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who aided the Chalong citizens during a rebellion in 1876. Wat Chalong is a visually striking building with a bright red roof, a golden spire, and golden embellishments along the walls. It is filled with numerous statues, and the pagoda is said to hold a fragment of one of the Buddha’s bones. The pagoda also has many paintings depicting the Buddha that are worth taking the time to stop and admire. Don’t miss the exhibition hall either, as it contains life-like wax models of several monks as well as beautiful porcelain and antique Thai furniture.

Check In to The Lake Chalong Resort, Step Out to Wat Chalong

9. Kata Noi Beach

One of the smallest beaches in Phuket, Kata Noi Beach is also among the most tranquil and relaxed spots on the island. The lush jungle, soft sand, and blue water combine to form an idyllic backdrop for a day under the sun. Located at the end of a dead-end road, it doesn’t tend to get overly crowded. The sea is calm and suitable for swimming from December to April, while the rougher waters from May to October provide favorable surfing conditions. Even when the swell is too strong for swimming, you can have a lot of fun watching the surfers. Kata Noi Beach is also a great locale for families, with one of the most popular activities being the banana boat rides. Jet skiing, parasailing, and snorkeling are available as well.

Check In to Chanalai Garden Resort, Kata Beach, Step Out to Kata Noi Beach

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10. Karon Viewpoint

Phuket is full of stunning vistas, but perhaps none are more breathtaking than Karon Viewpoint. Located just past Kata Noi Beach, it is one of the most visited viewpoints on the island. From the top, you can look out west directly over the sea, but most tourists will have their eyes and their cameras looking north, towards the bays of Kata Noi Beach, Kata Beach, and Karon Beach. Each beach can be distinctly made out with the white sand and blue water glistening in the sun. Karon Viewpoint is almost always busy, but parking isn’t usually too hard to come by. There is a large gazebo where you can sit in the shade, and snacks and drinks are available as well. Note that locals might know this famous attraction better as Kata Viewpoint, as that is what it used to be called.

Check In to Katanoi Resort, Step Out to Karon Viewpoint

11. Nai Harn Beach

Nai Harn Beach is another of the arguably most beautiful beaches in Phuket (there are a lot of contenders!), and it is located just a few minutes past Karon Viewpoint. This quiet seaside resort is known for its fine, soft sand and deep blue water. The water quality is excellent and great for swimming during the high season, but, like at other west coast beaches, the low season brings strong currents better for surfing and kitesurfing. Just behind the beach, there is a large, freshwater lagoon that is also used for paddleboarding. The local restaurants provide wonderful views of the sea, particularly at sunset. Nai Harn Beach is popular among locals and expats, but it usually isn’t overcrowded with tourists, making it a perfect place for a peaceful stop along your travels.

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12. Promthep Cape

Continuing on past Nai Harn Beach, you will hit the southernmost tip of the island: Promthep Cape. This elevated viewpoint that looks out over the sea is also one of the most commonly photographed spots in Phuket. It is particularly popular at sunset when scores of tour buses bring throngs of visitors to photograph the sun as it dips below the watery horizon. You can take the relatively easy hike down to the end of the rocky promontory that extends into the ocean for some incredible views; just be mindful that you will have to make your way back up! There is also a lighthouse that doubles as a museum and which has a nice outdoor viewing terrace as well.

Check In to The Windmill Phuket Hotel, Step Out to Promthep Cape

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13. Big Buddha Phuket

Big Buddha Phuket is one of the newest and one of the most prominent major landmarks in Phuket. Seated at the top of a large hill near Chalong, the massive concrete statue measures 83.5 feet wide and 148 feet tall. It is covered in white marble, which causes it to gleam in the sun, and it can be seen from all over southern Phuket, including Karon Beach and Phuket Town. This means that, from all the way up here, you can enjoy incredible, 360-degree views of all the surroundings. The sunset views are truly spectacular, though it does tend to get crowded around that time. Construction on Big Buddha Phuket began in 2004 and was funded mostly through donations, and some parts of the attraction are still receiving their finishing touches.

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14. Surin Beach

At just over half a mile long, Surin Beach is known for its upscale village feel. Accommodations here aren’t cheap, but staying close to this idyllic tropical beach is worth it. The number one activity at Surin Beach is to sit back and relax with a refreshing drink in hand as you enjoy the sun and the sound of the waves. Because the water is exceptionally clear, this is also a top spot to do some snorkeling during the high season. The best snorkeling spots are found along the beach’s northern and southern ends. During the low season, the beach becomes a prime location for activities like surfing and boogie boarding. There is a good selection of restaurants along the beach road offering both Thai and international fare.

Check In to Villa Baan Phu Prana, Step Out to Surin Beach

15. Tiger Kingdom Phuket

Tiger Kingdom Phuket is a world-famous attraction where visitors get to spend some one-on-one time with gorgeous Indochinese tigers who have all been hand-raised by humans. The price of a visit will vary depending on the size of tiger you want to see. The largest tigers cost 1,300 baht while small and medium tigers are the most affordable at 900 baht. You can also purchase a ticket that allows for multiple visits with tigers of different sizes. Each encounter lasts 10 minutes, and guests are welcome to take as many photos as they want. For an extra 500 baht, you can opt to have a professional photographer accompany your group. Tiger Kingdom Phuket is open every day from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. There is a restaurant and a souvenir shop on-site as well.

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16. Phang Nga Bay

While there is more than enough on Phuket to fill your vacation, a day trip to beautiful Phang Nga Bay will make it all that much more memorable. Located between the island and the mainland of Thailand, this stunning bay is known for its emerald green waters and mystifying rock formations. Jutting straight out of the water, the limestone rocks feature craggy cliffs and are covered in lush greenery. The most popular islands are James Bond Island – named for its appearance in a Bond flick – and Koh Panyi, which is home to a floating village where many tours stop for lunch. Booking a tour of Phang Nga Bay is easy and can often be done from your hotel. Alternatively, you can drive to the bay and rent a boat once there to explore at your leisure.

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17. Similan Islands

Another incredible locale worthy of a day trip, the Similan Islands is an archipelago consisting of 11 islands off the coast of southern Thailand in the Andaman Sea. The archipelago has been protected as a national park since 1982, which helped to limit development and has kept the islands in a more pristine state. The Similan Islands are a dream destination for those who love snorkeling or diving. Beneath the crystal clear waters, you will find some stunning rock formations as well as some of the most beautiful coral growths in the world. On land, the islands consist of low-lying rock overgrown with thick forests. Note that the Similan Islands are closed from mid-May to mid-October every year to help them recover from tourist activity during peak season.

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18. Wat Phra Thong

Wat Phra Thong is a relatively small temple, but it makes a great addition to a cultural tour of the island. It is also a highly convenient stop on the way to or from Phuket International Airport, as it is located just eight miles away. The main feature of the temple is a half-buried golden Buddha statue. Legend says that the top of the statue was discovered by a farmer boy and that the villagers tried but failed to completely dig it up, so a temple was built up around it. Wat Phra Thong is likely one of the oldest temples in Phuket, with a history dating back to at least 1909. The temple’s museum is also worth a visit, as it houses some interesting historical items from the tin-mining era.

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19. Thalang National Museum

Recently reopened after being closed for refurbishment for the past few years, the Thalang National Museum is shaping up to be one of the top places to visit in Phuket. Originally built in 1985, the museum started waning in popularity due to poor upkeep and an old-fashioned design. The new layout is very well designed and features excellent lighting that really showcases the exhibitions. The exhibitions themselves are all about the history of the region, from ancient times to the tin-mining boom, to exhibits on life in Phuket today. You’ll get to see a wide variety of artifacts, antiques, and statues, as well as old photos, maps, and illustrations. The Thalang National Museum is free to visit and closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

Check In to Green House Phuket, Step Out to Thalang National Museum

20. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Paklok should be at the top of every animal lover’s itinerary. It provides a comfortable home for retired working elephants to enjoy forest life. The rescued elephants are usually old or injured and sick from working in industries like logging or tourism. The sanctuary ensures that they are well looked after. Visitors can come and see how these beautiful creatures socialize with one another and go about their daily activities, which includes bathing in the freshwater lagoons. A visit to the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary costs 3,000 baht and lasts three and a half hours. During this time, you will get to observe and even feed the elephants. The sanctuary is open every day except for April 13th.

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21. Bang Pae Waterfall

Bang Pae Waterfall is located just down the road from Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. It is the tallest waterfall on the island at about 33 feet high. While this isn’t too tall by international standards, it is still a highly popular landmark among tourists and a common spot for locals to enjoy a picnic and to cool down in the water. Waterfalls in Phuket tend not to get very tall as the granite rock that the island is made of is hard for water to wear away. What Bang Pae Waterfall lacks in height, it makes up for in beauty. The waterfall can be reached via a short walk through the jungle. Though not far from the road, it feels very secluded.

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22. Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

Once you’ve had your fill of beaches, viewpoints, and other natural landmarks, Chalong Bay Rum Distillery offers a more unique activity on your tour of the island. It is located on the southeast coast of Phuket, just a short drive from Phuket Town. The distillery is famous for its high-quality rum, which it produces using only the best organic sugarcane and traditional distillation methods. Tours are offered every day at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., 5 p.m., and 6 p.m. and last for about half an hour. Guests are provided with a refreshing mojito while they get to see how the rum-crafting process works. The cost is 450 baht per person.

Check In to Studio 77 Phuket, Step Out to Chalong Bay Rum Distillery

23. Phuket FantaSea

Phuket FantaSea is a 60-acre nighttime theme park located in Kamala Beach. It first opened its doors in 1998 as a showcase of Thai culture, and it continues to be one of the island’s top attractions to this day. The main attraction at the theme park is an epic stage performance that takes place at a 3,000-seater venue called the Palace of the Elephants. About 70 minutes in length, the show takes you through the history of the Kamala region while acrobats perform astounding feats, and lights and illusions mystify the audience. After the show, you can grab a meal at the park’s buffet restaurants or from one of the eateries located along the shopping street.

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24. Soi Dog Foundation

Just a short drive away from Phuket International Airport, the Soi Dog Foundation is another top attraction for people who love animals. Rather than exotic wild creatures, however, the sanctuary cares for cats and dogs who live on the street. The dedicated staff provides medical treatments and vaccinations, and they also run a sterilization program to help manage the street animal population. Visitors are welcome to come and take a 40-minute tour of the sanctuary, which is open from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturdays. Tours are free, but there is a small store where you can purchase souvenirs to help support the important work that the Soi Dog Foundation does.

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25. Mai Khao Beach

Mai Khao Beach is the longest beach in Phuket, offering miles and miles of uninterrupted coastline. The wide beach is clean and well-maintained, and it is located entirely in a national park. Nevertheless, a variety of fantastic resort hotels have sprung up in the area over the last several years. The most popular activities are, of course, swimming, suntanning, and sunset walks along the beach. One very unique feature of Mai Khao Beach, however, is that its southern end is located very close to the runway of Phuket International Airport. Many people come here to watch the planes as they land and pass incredibly close overhead. Because the beach is inside a national park, an entry fee of 200 baht per adult and 100 baht per child is required.

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