Phuket is a top tourist destination which has a lot to offer to the people. From the beautiful palm filled white beaches, turquoise water, hidden caves ,its vibrant nightlife to the warm climate, it has it all. Here we have listed out the top 10 places that you can visit Phuket, if you are going to Phuket for the first time
1. Big Buddha
It is one of the must-visit places in Phuket. The real name of the Big Buddha is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri. It can be seen from any part of Southern Phuket. It stands at a height of 45 metres and the base is 25 metres wide. Beside the Phuket Big Buddha there are several other small Buddha Statues next to it. Made of concrete and layered with beautiful Burmese white marble, it has a serene presence. Whether you are a history buff, or looking to spend your time peacefully, you cannot miss this wonderful spot among the tourist attractions in Phuket.
Activities to do in the Big Buddha
- The Big Buddha has a terrace that offers breathtaking views of the Kata Bay, Kata Noi Bay, Promthep Cape, and Nai Harn Windmill, especially with clear weather.
- Explore the smaller statues, intricate carvings and the local monks who might be ope to give more insights
- You can participate in ringing the enormous bell near the good luck entrance
- It was built through donation so visitors are encouraged to make small donations
Opening hour
It is open from 10:30 am – 5:00 pm. The best time to visit this place would be in the morning hour when it is not very hot and is less crowded
Entry fee
There is no entry fee to visit the Big Buddha. However, if you wish to explore the museum and exhibition halls beneath the statue, there is a fee of 78 baht for adults and 39 baht for children.
Direction
To reach the Big Buddha you can take the Blue Songthaew bus to the Karon Circl. From Karon circle you hire a taxi or tuk tuk to reach the destination.
2. Patong Beach
This beach is located on the west coast of Thailand’s Phuket Island.It is very well known for its happening nightlife and a series of activities. Patong Beach is one of the famous places in Phuket, especially among Europeans. As it has a diverse range of adventurous thrills like the water sports, cultural events and shopping spree market. So whether you are a family person or a solo traveller, Patong beach has something for everyone. With unlimited restaurants, bars, and beachside cafes, it’s one of the Phuket sightseeing spots that guarantees a memorable experience day and night.
Activities to do in the Patong Beach
- You can participate in the water sports like Parasailing, jet skiing, snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, and windsurfing
- There are variety of shops and restaurants from where you can shop and indulge in a gastronomical delight
- You can relax in the beach, just lay by the beach or take a spa
- Engage in activities like beach soccer and volleyball
Opening Hour
The Patong beach is usually open from 7:00 am to 5:00pm. The best time to visit the beach would be in the morning time when there is less heat and less crowd
Entry fee
No, there is no entry fee to Patong Beach itself. Patong Beach is a public beach and accessible to everyone.
Direction
To reach Patong Beach the easiest way would be to take a taxi or bus to reach the location.
3. Phi Phi Island
Located in the Andaman Sea, Phi Phi Island is one of the most beautiful places to visit in Phuket. Phi Phi island in Andaman sea is well known for its crystal clear water and white sandy beaches. In 1940 the place was occupied by the fishermen. The place had more of muslims. But today there are more than 2000 – 3000 people residing in Phi Phi island. It has more of Bhuddist than muslims.
The island came to fame when the spot was used for filming the British film The Beach.It has the unique blend of the nightlife, party atmosphere, bars and restaurants and is the ultimate destination for adventure and relaxation seekers. If you cannot sit idle for too long on the sand then you can try jet skiing, windsurfing, kayaking, or even the thrilling banana boat ride. It’s now a top place to explore in Phuket for both party lovers and adventure seekers.
Activities to do in the Phi Phi Island
- Observe the local monkeys in their natural habitat and relax on the beach
- Swim in the calm, clear waters of this island and admire the surrounding limestone cliffs.
- Relax on the isolated beach and enjoy the serene atmosphere
- Explore the pristine white sand beaches and snorkel among colorful coral reefs
Opening hour
The island is open throughout the day. There is as such no opening or closing time
Entry fee
Yes, there is an entry fee to enter Phi Phi Island, for adults is 400 THB and for children is 200 THB
Direction
To reach the Phi Phi island you can take a ferry or speedboat from the Rassada pier or the Chalong Pier. it will take 1 – 2 hours and you will reach the Destination
4. Rang Hill (Khao Rang)
This spot is one of the hidden places to explore in Phuket. Rang Hill is a well known viewing point especially if you want to have the scenic view of the Southern Island including Chalong, Panwa, and the iconic Big Buddha nestled on a distant hilltop. It is famous for the restaurants, temples, monkeys and a unique viewpoint. It used to be a fitness park but has definitely lost its popularity maybe due to the increasing number of monkeys in the location. The best time to visit Khao Rang is during lunch or dinner, when you can enjoy a meal with breathtaking views at one of the three hillside restaurants.
Activities to do in Rang Hill
- Climb to the top of the Khao Rang for a 270 panoramic view of the Phuket town
- It is also popular to view the sunset in the evening time
- Visit the temple on the hill, which houses a golden sitting Buddha statue and is a significant religious site
- Capture stunning photos of the city, the sea, and the surrounding landscape
Opening Hour
Rang Hill is open 24 hours in day but the best time to visit the place would be at the sunrise or sunset
Entry fee
No, there is no entry fee to enter Rang Hill (Khao Rang Hill) – Bird’s Eye View of Phuket. The viewpoint is free to access.
Direction
To reach the Rang Hill there are many options. You can walk which will take approximately 30 minutes or you can hire a taxi or scooty to reach the destination which will take 15 minutes.
5. James Bond Island
James Bond Island is now one of the best tourist attractions in Phuket. It’s a stunning tourist destination with crystal clear water and a limestone cliff that makes it the perfect spot to take a lot of pictures. It is located in the Phang Nga Bay, Thailand. The island rose to fame when it got featured in the 1974 Bond movie. It was shown in the movie for just a few minutes but now millions of people visit this popular site. It was originally called the Khao Phing Kan. The best time to visit this place would be from November – April when the weather is pleasant and it is not very hot. Also you will find fewer crowds during these months as compared to other months.
Activities to do in James Bond Island
- Take a dip in the clear crystal water surrounding the island
- Participate in Scuba diving and snorkeling
- Explore a traditional village built in the water, with the opportunity to try local food and learn about the local culture
- You can walk around the small beach area on James Bond Island and take photos from viewing platforms.
Opening Hour
James Bond Island is open all throughout the year
Entry fee
Yes, there is an entrance fee to visit James Bond Island.The fee is 300 Thai Baht (THB) per adult and 150 THB per child.
Direction
To reach the James Bond island you will need to take a boat tour as the island is situated approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Phuket in Phang Nga Bay
6. Old Phuket town
You will find Sino-Portuguese style shophouses on both sides of the road – an architectural legacy from Phuket’s colonial past. There are a lot of attractions in the old phuket town like the colourful shops, thai temples, chinese shrines, museums and old mansions. The old walls are full of mural paintings and art, which is another sight to marvel at. You’ll find cute cafes, local shops, and vintage stores. The weekend markets are usually lively and fun. You can try local Thai snacks as you explore. It’s one of the places to visit in Phuket with family, especially if you’re looking to explore art, culture, and food in a walkable area.
Activities to do in old Phuket town
- Observe the Sino-Portuguese Architecture ob both the sides of the road
- Admire the mural paintings and the graffiti on the walls that adds a modern twist to the historical setting
- Explore the Jui Tui Shrine and other religious sites, which offer a glimpse into the island’s cultural and religious traditions.
- Indulge in local Thai cuisines and cafes. Try traditional dishes and sweets
Opening Hour
There is no specific opening time for the market. Different market has different opening time.
Entry fee
There is no entry fee to enter the Old Phuket market. It is open to public for free.
Direction
To reach the Old Phuket town you can hire a taxi or take a bus. Alternatively you can drive on your own to reach the destination.
7. Wat Chalong
Out of the 29 Buddhist temples, this temple is one of the most important temples. Also known as Wat Chaiyathararam, it’s visited year-round and is one of the romantic places to visit in Phuket for honeymoon couples who want a mix of spiritual peace and beautiful architecture. You will find tourists in this temple throughout the year. On the grounds of the temple you will discover a huge stupa sheltering a bone from Buddha. On the walls you will see murals which depict the stories of Buddha. This temple is dedicated to two monks Luang Pho Chaema and Luang Pho Chuang. They were in the forefront and led the battle with the Chinese in1876.
Activities to do in Wat Chalong
- Learn about the rituals, traditions and significance of Buddhism in Thai culture
- Capture the beauty of the temple architecture, decoration and surrounding ground
- View the sacred fragment of Buddha housed within the Chedi.
- Offer a small donation, light incense sticks, and pay respects to the Buddha images and revered monks
Opening Hour
It is open everyday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. The best time to visit the place would be in the morning time when there is less crowd and it is less sunny.
Entry fee
There is no entry fee to enter the temple. You can explore the temple ground and various statues without paying any fee.
Direction
To reach Wat Chalong you can take a taxi which will take 20 minutes or take the bus. Alternatively you can also drive on your own to reach the destination.
8. Karon Viewpoint
Phuket is home to many beautiful sights that the tourist can store in their camera. But their trip to Phuket is incomplete without visiting the Karon viewpoint. It is one of the most Phuket sightseeing spots to stop by and take instagram worthy pictures. It is also known as Khao Sam Haad which means the Three-Beach Viewpoint. You can observe 3 beaches from this point, the Kata Not, Kata and Karon. From this spot, you get a breathtaking panoramic view of the turquoise sea and lush coastline. It’s just a 10-minute drive from Kata Beach or Nai Harn Beach. Plus, there’s free parking available, making it a top place to explore in Phuket with your camera.
Activities to do in Karon viewpoint
- Capture the panoramic view of the Karon and Kata beaches,
- Take a leisurely break and enjoy food adn snacks from the nearby stands
- Visit nearby beaches like Karon Beach (known for swimming and water sports) and Kata Beach (known for surfing)
Opening Hour
Karan Viewpoint is open 24 hours a day. There is no opening or closing time.
Entry fee
There is no entry fee to enter the Karon Viewpoint. It is free of Charge
Direction
You can reach the Karon Viewpoint by taking a taxi directly which will take approximately 18 minutes or take the Blue Songtaews (Local Buses). Alternatively you can drive yourself to reach the destination.
9. Kathu Waterfall
Apart from the nightlife and the vibrant market and beaches, there are also beautiful waterfalls that you can visit after you have explored the beaches. Kathu Waterfall is a hidden place to explore in Phuket for those who love greenery, calm, and a bit of adventure. This is one of the small waterfalls that is famous and is popular among the tourists. Whether you are a nature lover or want to spend some time by yourself this spot is perfect for you.The best time to visit Kathu Waterfall is from June to November when there’s plenty of monsoon water. It is best to not visit during the rainy season as the stairs gets slippery and there are chances of accidents
Activities to do in Kathu Waterfall
- You can swim in the natural pool in the waterfall
- Hike up the natural trails that lead to the waterfall. While hiking, enjoy the beautiful scenery and lush greenery.
- Take photographs of the waterful and the scenic views
- After visiting, check out nearby famous places in Phuket like Patong Beach and Big Buddha.
Opening Hour
The opening time for Kathu waterfall is from 8:00 am – 6:00 pm. However it is best to check if there are any potential changes in the opening time for the Waterfall before visiting the place.
Entry fee
No, there is no entry fee to visit the Kathu Waterfalls. You can visit anytime you want.
Direction
To reach the Kathu waterfall you can take a taxi which will take 10 minutes or take the bus. Alternatively you can also drive on your own to reach the destination.
10. Tiger Kingdom
Are you excited to meet the tigers in person? Yes you heard it right. For thrill seekers and animal lovers, Tiger Kingdom is one of the best places to see in Phuket. Here you get to meet the cubs and tigers of various sizes in person in a safe environment. Unlike traditional zoos where touching animals is prohibited, this experience lets you pet the tigers and take photos which all under the careful supervision of trained staff. The highlight moment is the memorable pictures that you can take with the tigers, All pictures taken here are memorable whether you are petting the cubs or playing with the fully grown royal Bengal tiger.
Activities to do in Tiger Kingdom
- You can spend time with the tigers, petting them and showing love in a safe environment
- The zoo also allows the visitors to feed the animals
- Make you trip to the Tiger kingdom memorable by taking a good picture with the tiger
- Learn about Tiger conservation and their behaviour.
Opening Hour
The tiger kingdom is open everyday from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm. The best time to visit the tiger kingdom would be in the morning time when there is less crowd and it is not very sunny,
Entry fee
The entry fee depends on the tiger size and experience you choose. It varies from 800 to 2500 Baht.
Direction
Tiger Kingdom Phuket is located in Kathu, approximately 9.5 km from Phuket Town and 6.6 km from Patong Beach. You can take the Blue Songtaews (Local Buses) or hire a taxi to reach the destination.
Conclusion
So these are the Top 10 places in Phuket that you can add in your Phuket itinerary for 2025. You will definitely have a good time with your family and friends in Phuket as the place gives a very warm and friendly vibe with a lot of tourist attractions to visit nearby. Thousands of visitors visit this site every year and bring back with them a bag full of unforgettable memories for lifetime.