10 Exciting Things to do in Phuket

Phuket, Thailand's premier holiday destination, offers stunning natural beauty and cultural richness. Discover the idyllic Phi Phi Islands, renowned for their crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life. Be taken aback by the grandeur of The Big Buddha, an iconic landmark that provides breathtaking panoramic views. If all want is sheer relaxation, Surin Beach is a pristine piece of ocean, sunshine and shade. VVP Travel ensures a seamless and memorable journey, providing expert guidance and personalised services. Experience the enchanting allure of Phuket and create unforgettable memories in this tropical paradise.

1. Patong Resort Hotel 

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Nestled in one of Phuket’s prime locations, Patong Resort Hotel offers a premier island escape. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms, exceptional facilities, and incredible staff on hand to cater to your every request. A brief walk leads to Patong Beach, shopping areas and vibrant nightlife. With 325 non-smoking rooms to choose from spanning categories like Superior, Deluxe, and Grand Suite, all rooms feature modern amenities. Diverse dining options include Italian cuisine, The Marble Lounge for drinks and wine, and The Roof Top Steak House for steak lovers. If you need to do some work or attend an unplanned Zoom call, the resort boasts an expansive conference hall and meeting rooms.

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2. Relax in Surin Beach

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Surin Beach, located on Phuket’s west coast, is a stunning natural haven with its powdery sand and clear blue waters. Lush coconut and casuarina trees provide ample shade, enhancing the beach's serene ambience. Visitors can savour local Thai cuisine from numerous food stalls and restaurants or unwind with a drink and beach massage. The beach’s pristine water and fine sand make it one of the island’s finest. During the high season (December to April), swimming conditions are excellent with waters in near-perfect condition.

3. Dine at the Chao Leh Kitchen

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Chao Leh Kitchen at Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach offers an exquisite dining experience with its international cuisine, along with an impressive buffet breakfast. The spacious dining room, alongside a charming terrace by the pool, ensures a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. If you are a seafood connoisseur, dinner highlights include perfectly cooked Phuket lobster, rock lobsters, prawns, crabs, scallops, and squid. 

4. Visit the Phi Phi Islands

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The Phi Phi Islands, encompassing Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Leh, is a must-visit gem in the Andaman Sea, 48.3 km southeast of Phuket. Accessible by boat from Phuket, Krabi, Koh Lanta, and Ao Nang, these islands are part of Ko Phi Phi National Park. The best time to visit is during the dry season between December to March when the weather is sunny, and the waters are turquoise. The rainy season from April to November can be unpredictable, but it offers quieter beaches and lower prices.

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5. The Big Buddha in Phuket 

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Perched atop the Nakkerd Hills, the Big Buddha is a prominent landmark visible from much of southern Phuket. Constructed for 30 million baht (R15.8 million), the 45-metre statue is accompanied by a smaller golden brass image and a nearby shrine. The drive to the site winds through scenic jungle terrain, which gives you brilliant panoramic views from the summit, allowing visitors to identify numerous sights.

6. Kata Night Market 

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Kata Night Market is a bustling market with a large food court and numerous tourist-friendly stalls, located on Kata New Road. Notable for its giant gorilla and Hulk statues at its various entrances, the market offers great deals on meals and souvenirs. It features 3 large domed pavilions encasing food stalls and various vendors. The spacious layout and high ceilings make it ideal for exploration, even on humid nights, providing a perfect spot for bargain hunting and enjoying local cuisine.

7. James Bond Island

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James Bond Island, a renowned landmark in Phang Nga Bay, gained its nickname from appearing in the 1974 James Bond movie, ‘The Man with the Golden Gun.’ The island is distinguished by its sheer limestone cliffs extending from emerald-green waters. The iconic Koh Tapu island stands next to Koh Ping Ghan, known for its leaning rock formations and small caves. Part of Ao Phang Nga Marine National Park, the island can be viewed from boats or nearby beaches, offering a unique and picturesque adventure.

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8. Check out the Upside Down House 

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Baan Teelanka, located 10 km north of Phuket, offers a unique family-friendly adventure. The three-story upside-down house, along with the A-Maze-in-Phuket garden maze and the Chamber of Secrets escape rooms, provides engaging activities for everyone. Visitors can enjoy a modern coffee shop and a souvenir store. The garden maze and escape rooms offer fun and challenging experiences, making Baan Teelanka a must-visit for those seeking quirky and memorable attractions, and exploring activities other than the traditional tourist sites.

9. Experience the Peranakannitat Museum

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The Peranakannitat Museum finished renovations on 17th February 2023. Located at the intersection of Phang Nga Road and Phuket Road, the Peranakannitat Museum is set inside what used to be the old Standard Chartered Bank. It’s a rather modest museum however the location and the Sino-Portuguese building are worth walking in.

10. Phuket Bird Park 

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Phuket Bird Park, the largest in Thailand, is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Home to thousands of birds from Asia, Africa, and South America, the park offers a lush setting with stunning gardens and streaming waterfalls. Visitors can interact with the birds, feed parrots, and enjoy daily bird shows featuring macaws, hornbills, and parrots performing various tricks. The park also has eateries serving local and international cuisine, along with a souvenir store for memorable trinkets.