Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is a tropical haven where natural beauty meets exciting adventures and vibrant culture. Whether you’re chasing sunsets, ziplining through rainforests, or sipping coffee under the roar of landing planes, Phuket promises unforgettable moments at every turn.
Here’s a roundup of the Top 12 things to do in Phuket — curated for explorers, content creators, and chill-seekers alike. Let’s dive in!
Top 12 Things to Do in Phuket: Comprehensive List of Attractions and Activities
1. Plane Spotting at 8/5 Runway Cafe
Jet fuel + caffeine = the perfect combo. ✈️☕
If you’re into planes, good coffee, and next-level IG content, 8/5 Runway Cafe is your dream come true. Located just minutes from Phuket International Airport, this chill spot offers a front-row view of planes taking off and landing — perfect for aviation geeks and content chasers.
🎟️ There’s an 80 THB entrance fee, but it goes toward your drinks or desserts — basically a coffee with a view! Don’t miss the Dalgona coffee.
📍Location: 8/5 Cafe & 8/5 Car Park
2. Sunset Views from Rang Hill Viewpoint (Khao Rang Viewpoint)
Golden hour hits different from the top of Rang Hill. 🌅✨
Located in Phuket Town, this viewpoint offers panoramic views of the city below, bathed in pink and orange hues as the sun sets. It’s the perfect way to wind down your day and take in the beauty of the island from above. Peaceful, romantic, and totally photogenic.
3. Magical Lily Pads at Ma Doo Bua
If there’s one place that blends serenity, Thai charm, and aesthetic bliss — it’s Ma Doo Bua. 🌿✨
Tucked away in the Thalang district, this place is straight out of a storybook — with its iconic pond filled with giant Victoria Amazonica lily pads, the largest lily pads in the world! They’re so huge, they can actually hold up to 50kg! 👀
The café serves up delish Thai food and cool drinks, and the whole vibe is super peaceful — rustic wooden walkways, lush greenery, and a calm that makes you forget you’re just minutes from the busy roads.
With a fee, guests can lie back on a traditional wooden boat while a drone captures your photo and video from above — giving you the ultimate fairytale aerial shot with the lily pads all around. If you’re into next-level content, this is your moment. Make sure you arrive early to secure your spot!
Planning to admire the lily pods longer? They’ve also got stay packages available, so you can wake up to this dreamy view.
📍Location: Ma Doo Bua, Thalang
4. Treetop Thrills at Flying Hanuman
🌿 Jungle vibes + adrenaline rush = the ultimate eco-adventure!
Fly through the treetops at Flying Hanuman, Phuket’s premier ziplining and canopy walk experience.
Suspended high above the rainforest floor, you can walk Thailand’s longest cable skywalk — 200 meters of pure treetop magic. The 20-minute wilderness walk immerses you in the lush beauty of Phuket’s jungle, offering a serene contrast to the heart-pounding thrill. With expert guides leading the way, you’ll feel secure and exhilarated throughout the journey.
If you’re feeling extra brave? You can level up with their epic ziplining experience! Whether you’re a thrill-seeker or a nature enthusiast, this eco-adventure is a must-do in Phuket!
5. Island-Hopping Adventure to Phi Phi Islands
No trip to Phuket is complete without a day trip to the legendary Phi Phi Islands — and trust me, the hype is real.
First stop: Monkey Beach. Paid a visit to those super cute yet active monkeys. Then it was straight into the bluest water I’ve ever seen for snorkeling at Loh Samah Bay — it legit felt like swimming inside a giant aquarium. Fishes and corals everywhere, in clear, turquoise ocean water.
We stopped at Phi Phi Don for a lunch buffet, where I inhaled my food and grabbed an ice-cold Thai coffee to cool down some heat. Then, we cruised past Viking Cave and drifted into Pileh Lagoon — green water so clear you could see the bottom, cliffs towering like a movie set.
We also made it to the iconic Maya Bay — picture-perfect and somehow even more magical than in the photos. Maya Bay has strict restrictions to protect its shark population and ecosystem, including bans on swimming and limitations on how deep visitors can go into the water. The bay was closed for several years due to overtourism and has since reopened with measures to manage tourism and protect the environment, particularly the blacktip reef sharks that have returned to the area.
Finally, we ended the day at Khai Nok Island, floating around, soaking up the sun rays, and trying to take in every second. Absolutely unforgettable. Phi Phi is pure magic with a wild edge — no wonder everyone can’t stop raving about it.
📍Tip: Book a sunrise or early morning tour to beat the crowds and catch the islands in their most magical light.
6. Discover Temples: Wat Chalong & Phra Thong (Golden Buddha)
No visit to Phuket is complete without diving into the island’s rich spiritual heritage, and two temples stand out in particular.
Wat Chalong, the largest and most visited temple in Phuket, is an architectural gem surrounded by peaceful gardens. It’s deeply revered by locals and is dedicated to two monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang. The Grand Pagoda (Chedi) is said to house a bone fragment of the Buddha and offers panoramic views. Inside, the walls are adorned with murals illustrating scenes from the Buddha’s life.
Wat Phra Thong, a more humble yet equally fascinating temple, is known for its half-buried golden Buddha statue. Legend says that attempts to fully excavate the statue were met with misfortune. Locals believe the statue is sacred and visit to seek blessings.
Visiting both temples gives you a meaningful glimpse into local beliefs and spiritual traditions.
7. Watch the Dazzling Cultural Show by Siam Niramit Phuket
Siam Niramit Phuket is a spectacular cultural show that brings Thailand’s history and folklore to life through dazzling performances, elaborate costumes, and cutting-edge stage effects.
Beyond the show, guests can explore recreated Thai villages, enjoy cultural demonstrations, and even take part in traditional games and crafts. Guests also get to try out some traditional Thai snacks in the Thai Village at Siam Niramit Phuket. Among them was Kao Mao, a dish made from grains that are roasted and then pounded in a mortar, with grated coconut sprinkled on top before serving.
Pro-tip: Arrive early for the Thai buffet dinner—packed with local flavors and international options—before settling in for one of the most mesmerizing stage shows in Thailand. Educational, entertaining, and immersive, it’s a fantastic evening for all ages.
8. Laugh and Wonder at the Upside Down House Phuket
The Upside Down House is a quirky attraction where every room is flipped on its head—literally. Walk across ceilings, pose in gravity-defying ways, and take hilarious photos that’ll confuse your followers (in the best way). Great for families and couples alike, this spot also features a Drunken Room and Rage Room for added fun. Staff are friendly and often help you strike and edit the perfect shot. It’s an unexpected gem that adds a dose of silliness and laughter to your Phuket itinerary.
9. Stroll Through the Colorful Charm of Phuket Old Town
Take a break from the beach and step into Phuket’s cultural heart at Phuket Old Town — a photogenic blend of Sino-Portuguese architecture, pastel buildings, funky cafes, and art-filled alleyways.
Wander along Thalang Road, pop into local boutiques, sample traditional snacks at a century-old Chinese bakery, and admire vibrant street art tucked in the most unexpected corners.
For those interested in delving deeper into the area’s rich history, the Museum Phuket offers insightful exhibits. One standout feature is the quirky exhibition titled “Phuket Toilet: Civilization in the Gooseneck”, which explores the evolution of sanitation in a surprisingly engaging way.
Phuket Old Town also hosts a Sunday Night Market full of live music, local eats, handmade crafts, and the buzzing energy of the island community. It’s a great way to connect with Phuket’s history, culture, and soul — in the most stylish way possible.
10. Feel the Buzz at Phuket Night Market
Come nightfall, Phuket comes alive — and the night market is where the magic unfolds.
Wandering through the Phuket Night Market is like stepping into a buzzing street festival — lights strung up overhead, music drifting through the air, and the scent of sizzling street food calling you from every corner. Locals and tourists blend into one big, happy crowd, just soaking up the energy.
Every stall feels like a little treasure chest, with handmade jewelry, woven bags, quirky souvenirs, and vibrant art pieces. And oh, the food? A full-on flavor adventure: grilled satay skewers, mango sticky rice, coconut ice cream, and Thai pancakes.
To top it off, live performances give the whole night a cultural block party vibe. Phuket Night Market isn’t just a place to shop — it’s where you feel the pulse of the island.
11. Rejuvenate with a Massage at Turquoise Cove by The Oasis Spa Phuket
During so many activities during travelling can be tiring. So we treated ourselves to the “King of Oasis” signature massage at Turquoise Cove by The Oasis Spa in Kamala. This spa is renowned for its tranquil ambiance and exceptional service, making it a standout destination for relaxation seekers.
The spa’s architecture is a harmonious blend of Chino-Portuguese and Moroccan influences, featuring serene courtyards, a central pool, and ten private treatment villas equipped with terrazzo baths and outdoor rain showers. The “King of Oasis” massage is a two-hour treatment that combines traditional Thai massage techniques with aromatherapy, designed to alleviate deep-seated tension and promote overall well-being. The therapists are highly skilled, ensuring a personalized and rejuvenating experience.
I personally appreciate their meticulous attention to detail, from the calming herbal infusions served upon arrival to the soothing music and aromatic scents that permeate the treatment rooms. The spa also offers complimentary round-trip transportation within the Patong, Surin, and Kamala areas, adding to the convenience.
Overall, The Oasis Spa Turquoise Cove provides a luxurious and serene environment, perfect for those looking to unwind and indulge in top-tier spa treatments from a reputable spa while in Phuket.
12. Join the Annual Phuket Sea Turtle Release
One of the absolute highlights of my Phuket trip was taking part in the Sea Turtle Release 2025 at Naiyang Beach — and wow, it was unforgettable.
Organized by the Turtle Conservation Group Phuket with support from the Tourism Authority of Thailand, this annual event gives Olive Ridley sea turtles a better shot at life by releasing them into the ocean after their first year — a conservation approach known as “head-starting.” This year, 75 of these little ocean voyagers were set free… and one of them was mine! 🥰🥰
My turtle was a little confused and took a while to get moving and calibrate its”GPS”, but eventually, off it went — straight into the waves. I was standing there with this weird mix of excitement and worry, like a proud parent watching their kid head off into the big wide world. “Go, be great,” I whispered.
If you’ve got even the tiniest soft spot for nature or conservation, this experience will stay with you. It’s heartwarming, meaningful, and honestly, just plain surreal. Be sure to check out the date for Sea Turtle Release 2026 and plan your trip around it.
Ready to Explore?
These 10 activities show off the many sides of Phuket—its beauty, its culture, its quirks, and its unforgettable moments. Whether you’re into nature, history, or Insta-worthy adventures, Phuket delivers every time.
Which one’s going on your itinerary list first? Comment below and let me know!
Makes me wanna visit there now!