This publish might comprise affiliate hyperlinks. We might obtain a small fee, for gratis to you, if you happen to make a purchase order. Learn Disclosure.
Phuket is a Thai island identified for its balmy seashores, vibrant nightlife, and crystal-clear waters. As the most important island in Thailand, there’s no scarcity of issues to do right here, which is why it’s best to permit your self at the very least 5 days to discover the island absolutely.
In 5 days, you may have sufficient time to discover the island’s many white sand seashores, immerse your self in Thai tradition, try the beautiful native temples and sacred websites, discover the bustling markets, take day journeys to the islands in Andaman Sea and Phang Nga Bay, and devour a pad thai or two!
On this information, we share our good 5-day Phuket itinerary, which can maximise your time on the island and let you tick off the highlights.
Is 5 days sufficient for Phuket?
Personally, I feel 5 days is the minimal variety of days you want in Phuket, as there may be a lot to see and do.
You need to have a very good period of time to actually benefit from the seashores and prime sights, and never rush by way of all of them.
You could possibly simply keep longer and never get bored, however if you happen to keep for a fewer variety of days, that you must be happy with lacking among the highlights.
The place to base your self in Phuket?
Though a big island, Phuket is just not so massive that you must change lodging and hop round. You possibly can base your self within the centre of the island, and discover from there.
After we first visited Phuket 10 years earlier on our honeymoon, we stayed in Patong Seaside, which is an space infamous for wild celebration nights, plenty of road markets, pubs, and go go bars.
Some individuals get pleasure from energetic, and so if you happen to do need to be close to the nightlife, that is the place to go.
Nevertheless, in case you are extra like us and need peaceable, relaxed vibes, head to both Kata Seaside or Karon Village, only a quick drive south of Patong Seaside.
We moved from Patong Seaside to Karon Seaside on the second day of our honeymoon and located it was good for us – there have been extra {couples} and households, and it was a a lot quieter vacation spot.
We found that Phuket attracts many sort of vacationers, however the place you base your self actually impacts your expertise.
Should you keep in Karon Seaside, Kata Seaside or Kamala Seaside, you may keep away from the nightlife of Bangla Highway in Patong Seaside and revel in a calming seaside trip.
If you wish to celebration, then Patong Seaside is the place to go.
Wherever you keep, you may lease a automobile or scooter to get round and nonetheless have the ability to see the perfect of Phuket.
Actually, all of Phuket’s sights are inside a scooter experience and it actually doesn’t matter the place you base your self. You simply bought to select an space with the vibe that’s best for you.
You’ll find lodges within the following map:
The Final 5 Day Phuket Itinerary
Now the place to base your self, it’s time to get into our Phuket itinerary.
The next itinerary is all of the highlights of Phuket it’s best to see as a primary time customer. We’ve additionally added a number of extra lesser identified seashores and sights for returning guests to Phuket.
Originally or finish of every day, we’ve allowed some downtime by the pool or on the seaside, it’s the explanation why you come to Phuket, proper?
The concept of this itinerary is to provide you an all spherical sense of the Thai tradition, uncover essentially the most stunning surroundings and indulge within the laid-back Phuket lifestyle.
Nevertheless, be happy to regulate it as you see match. Swap days round, reduce locations out, spend extra time in locations that excite you. Do what speaks out to you!
The above map reveals the next itinerary and the route we tackle every day (apart from Day 2 and 4 that are day excursions). It can save you this map in your system by clicking the star button on the prime.
Day 1: Phuket City and Karon Seaside
Assuming you arrive in Phuket the night time earlier than, our first day in Phuket will begin vivid and early the following morning.
Should you travelled a great distance, or if you happen to landed within the morning, today goes simple so you may ease off the jet lag earlier than the true exploring begins.
Cease 1: Hit the seaside or sit by the pool in Kata Seaside
In your first full day, rise early for breakfast in your resort.
Relying on the place you’re staying, you would possibly need to spend a while within the morning hitting the Phuket seashores and cooling off with a morning swim.
You would possibly need to go to the seaside close to the place you’ve primarily based your self, however we suggest beginning with Kata Seaside – it’s quiet, clear, and delightful. The right starting to your adventures.
Another good seashores you would possibly want are Karon Seaside, or Kata Noi Seaside (a smaller seaside close to Kata Seaside).
You may also want to make use of your morning to get oriented, reminiscent of selecting up a sim card and hiring a automobile or scooter, so use this morning as a relaxing morning to get your self prepared for a Phuket journey.
Cease 2: Participate in a conventional Thai cooking class with Pat
After a swim, decide to take a Thai cooking class with Chef VJ, simply outdoors of Kata Seaside.
That is your first introduction to Thai tradition and a method to mingle with the locals and study from them.
We did a cooking class with an area named Pat in her residence, however she’s now not doing cooking colleges. Nevertheless, Chef VJ has taken up the mantle to supply cooking lessons to travellers and will get stand out evaluations.
We cherished studying to cook dinner Thai meals, it was one in all our highlights. From wanting on-line, the expertise with Chef VJ is similar to the one we had with Pat.
Our expertise started within the native market gathering the provides for the meals we had been quickly to arrange.
We had a lesson within the numerous makes use of of greens and herbs in Thai cooking as we walked by way of, selecting up every new one to odor and really feel the textures.
This introduction was the proper method to get a really feel for the fundamentals of a scrumptious Thai meal and what units it other than the delicacies of its Asian neighbours.
I actually had a greater understanding of the place I used to be going unsuitable with my very own makes an attempt of cooking Thai meals at residence.
We then went to the kitchen to discover ways to put together the meals. Cooking lessons are usually small teams, ours had not more than 8 individuals per class, sustaining that small, homely really feel.
After a welcome glass of iced lemongrass tea, we donned the aprons and set to work chopping, peeling, mortar and pestle bashing to create a few of my favorite Thai meals: tom yum goong, spring rolls, inexperienced curry, som tum and banana in coconut milk.
What I cherished essentially the most was sharing the expertise with my daughter, Kalyra.
She eagerly adopted us by way of the markets studying concerning the completely different substances and enthusiastically helped me put together the meals.
My Junior – Masterchef even rolled a close to good spring roll.
I used to be even impressed with my skill to lastly produce a scrumptious Thai meal due to Pat’s knowledgeable steerage.
Cease 3: Go to Wat Chalong Temple
After devouring your home-cooked Thai meals for lunch, head as much as see the beautiful Wat Chalong Temple.
I used to be affected by Bangkok Stomach on our go to and will barely give attention to the aesthetic designs of the temple advanced.
We’ve visited a whole lot of wats in Southeast Asia, and this one actually had its personal distinctive flare.
Craig was greater than impressed and located it to be an ideal temple for these new to Thailand.
The Grand Pagoda dominates the temple grounds; it’s cool and breezy location makes it simply as fashionable because the splinter of Buddha’s bone that rests inside.
The pagoda partitions depict Buddha’s life story and immense golden statues of the assorted Buddha poses sit in the primary corridor. Select the one you want to worship to most.
Take note of the hearth crackers going off contained in the brick oven out the entrance of the ordination corridor. Thai individuals set them off to rejoice in the event that they obtain any good luck.
Cease 4: Phuket Previous City
You could be feeling extra energized within the afternoon if the jet lag hasn’t sunk in, so make a journey over to Previous Phuket City, an enthralling and historic district situated within the coronary heart of Phuket.
One of many primary causes to go to Previous City Phuket is its fascinating mixture of structure. The district is residence to fantastically preserved colourful Sino-Portuguese buildings, a few of which date again to the nineteenth century.
These buildings give guests a glimpse into Phuket’s colonial previous and supply a singular backdrop for exploring the world.
Along with its beautiful structure, Previous City Phuket can also be residence to a vibrant road artwork scene.
Preserve a watch out for colourful murals and graffiti that adorn the partitions of many buildings all through the district.
Cease 5: Sundown at The Massive Buddha
On the way in which again to Kata Seaside, cease by The Massive Buddha, which sits on prime of the Nakkerd Hills between Chalong and Kata. This 45 meter excessive statue will be seen far and vast throughout Phuket, and is among the greatest sundown spots.
Not solely is it a spot of tranquillity to obtain your blessings, however it’s among the finest viewpoints in Phuket, which has 360 diploma views of the island.
The Buddha’s physique is layered with Burmese marble which shines within the solar, making it a logo of hope and a guarding pressure of safety.
It’s an ideal place to go to for sundown because it has sweeping views. Simply be conscious of the monkeys on the drive up there, they are often cheeky and steal bottles of water out of your backpacks!
Cease 5: Get pleasure from an indulgent dinner on the Doubletree by Hilton
I’ve one rule in Thailand. No Western meals allowed.
I’d even put it in my black e book of crimes it’s best to by no means commit. My second rule is it’s best to by no means cease consuming, irrespective of how full you’re.
Who cares you cooked up a smorgasbord for lunch? you’ve had an entire afternoon to digest it. It’s time to prime up!
You possibly can have an indulgent Thai dinner at The Port on the Hilton. It’s an effective way to ease into Thai delicacies if you’re not prepared for road meals but.
Get pleasure from it, as a result of tomorrow I’m sending you to an evening market!
What I really like essentially the most about eating out in Thailand – and this restaurant excelled at this – is the excellent service.
Our head waiter, Pop, was at all times available to make sure we had been joyful and content material. He shared many tales with us of Thailand and his personal life, at all times with an affectionate giggle.
We loved crab muffins and Thai prawn salad for entrees, adopted by gradual cooked tilapia in coconut milk and Phuket yellow noodles.
I needed to end dinner with my favorite Thai desert — mango and sticky rice; Craig opted for the coconut ice cream and tried unsuccessfully to persuade me his was higher.
Fortunate Kalyra was asleep within the chair or she would have backed him.
Now you may return to your room and collapse. The pillows will mould round your head so you’re feeling like you’re sleeping on clouds.
Day 2: Phang Ngha Bay Boat Tour
Your day will begin early, so first cease would be the poolside breakfast buffet. Eat up as at the moment is a BIG day!
Cease 1: Go on the James Bond Island Tour of Phang Nga Bay (Full Day)
I by no means wished to go on his tour earlier than as a result of it was so James Bond centered, and I’ve by no means watched a film.
Our pal Roger advisable it as one in all his favourite issues to do in Phuket, so we determined to provide it an opportunity.
James Bond Island was made well-known by his film “The Man with the Golden Gun” It doesn’t imply a lot to me, however the island itself may be very picturesque and picture worthy.
After visiting James Bond Island, the tour takes you to see another islands within the Phang Nga Bay space.
The ocean was a little bit tough and the water murky, however if you happen to arrived on a day when the Andaman Sea was blazing with its crystal clear emerald waters and the dramatic limestone mountains, I’d think about it could be beautiful.
We stopped by the floating Muslim village, Koh Paynee (spelled Koh Panyi on the map), which was an interesting cease.
The silted houses joined collectively within the mud swamps in entrance of a giant limestone rock island was began 200 years in the past by 3 Indonesian households now hosts practically 1700 individuals and over 300 households. We had our lunch right here supplied by the tour.
We actually cherished our small kayak tour by way of the mangroves and tunnels of 1 island and swimming at Naka Island.
It’s a full day tour and fashionable, however an satisfying day trip.
Cease 2: Catch the sundown on the After Seaside Bar in Kata
Don’t delay in heading straight to the After Seaside Bar on the hill behind Kata Noi. This place is famous for sundown drinks and a relaxed vibe.
We arrived right here after a day of cruising the seashores of the West Coast of Phuket. As quickly as we arrived and noticed the superb views and felt the cool breeze we had been joyful.
It didn’t even faze us that we had chosen the someday in our two weeks in Thailand that was cloudy!!
Fortunately there was a small break within the clouds so we had been capable of see a gorgeous pink orb poking by way of.
Sit again with a cocktail and revel in. Simply don’t order a mojito – they had been terrible and so they tried to cost me for 3 of them!
Cease 3: Eat road meals On the native Karon Temple Night time Markets
If you’re not too exhausted, head to the Karon temple night time markets held each Tuesday and Saturday night time for some unbelievable road meals and to buy souvenirs.
The buying right here is reasonable! It’s principally garments with the odd vacationer artifacts like lanterns and Buddha statues thrown in.
You possibly can even decide up an inexpensive bowl of curry noodles for 30 baht and Thai banana pancake for 40 baht.
Day 3: Tradition Day: Thai Therapeutic massage and Cabaret Present
After an extended day on the boat yesterday, you would possibly need to give your self a little bit deal with. I extremely suggest you get your self a Thai therapeutic massage at the very least as soon as in your journey.
Alternatively, you may go to a resort spa and go for a calming sizzling stone therapeutic massage or aromatherapy remedy.
Cease 1: Bask in a Thai Therapeutic massage
You can’t come to Thailand with out worshipping your physique with a Thai therapeutic massage. Crime quantity 10 to by no means commit in Thailand!
We’d already had our low cost therapeutic massage in Bangkok earlier than arriving to Phuket and would undoubtedly say it’s a good suggestion to get one earlier than a flight residence.
Should you’re not aware of the idea of a Thai therapeutic massage, permit me to elucidate.
A Thai therapeutic massage is a conventional type of bodywork that originated in Thailand over 2,500 years in the past.
It’s a sort of therapeutic massage that mixes acupressure, stretching, and deep tissue strategies to assist launch rigidity and promote leisure.
Throughout a Thai therapeutic massage, you sometimes lie on a mat on the ground whereas the practitioner makes use of their arms, elbows, knees, and toes to use strain to varied factors on the physique.
The therapeutic massage therapist may additionally use mild stretching actions to assist enhance flexibility and vary of movement.
Basically it’s a cross between therapeutic massage and a few type of sports activities yoga.
Thai therapeutic massage has many advantages, together with decreasing stress and nervousness, enhancing circulation, boosting vitality ranges, and decreasing muscle rigidity and ache.
Thai therapeutic massage is usually carried out absolutely clothed, with out the usage of oils or lotions. It’s changing into more and more fashionable in western international locations as a method to loosen up and rejuvenate the physique and thoughts.
If this doesn’t sound stress-free to you, go to a 4 or 5 star resort the place you may ramp up the texture good issue with a particular spa remedy.
They might be costly in comparisons to those you may get on the seaside or in a room with 10 different individuals, however compared to Australian costs they’re actually fairly low cost.
A physique scrub and a Thai-herbal-heat therapeutic massage later we felt like new and improved model of ourselves. We probably couldn’t get any extra relaxed.
You will get Thai massages anyplace in Phuket, there are normally therapeutic massage therapists sitting outdoors retailers on most primary streets and seashores ready to your customized.
In my expertise, the standard doesn’t differ a lot between these sorts of therapeutic massage parlours.
In order for you a very good, genuine one, go to a resort.
Cease 2: Strive water sports activities reminiscent of jet ski or parasailing
After a therapeutic massage, you could be prepared for one thing extra lively! In that case, head over to Patong Seaside to strive your hand at some watersports.
Patong Seaside is a superb place to strive parasailing, jet snowboarding, and even simply lease a kayak or rise up paddle board and hit the ocean.
Should you’ve by no means tried any adventurous water sports activities earlier than, it is a excellent spot to strive it as a result of the costs are low cost and the bay is sheltered so that you don’t get an enormous sturdy wind blowing you in all instructions.
Cease 3: Simon Cabaret Present
Should you’re on the lookout for one thing to do at night time that isn’t nightlife, night time markets, or watching a Thai boxing match, then why not attend a cabaret present?
A cabaret present in Phuket is a singular and entertaining expertise that permits you to dive into Phuket’s long-standing traditions and historical past.
The reveals are identified for his or her elaborate costumes, beautiful stage design, and gifted performers. They provide a wide range of performances, from conventional Thai dances to modern pop numbers, the reveals cater to all tastes and pursuits.
The performances are additionally family-friendly, making them an ideal exercise for vacationers of all ages.
Day 4: Phi Phi Islands Day Journey
One other fashionable day journey from Phuket is to the Phi Phi Islands, that are arguably essentially the most stunning islands within the Thailand archipelago.
You possibly can keep on the bigger of the 2 islands, Don Phi Phi, if in case you have extra time, however it’s additionally simple to see the highlights on a day journey.
Cease 1: Maya Bay
The tour departs from Phuket at round 8am within the morning and you’ll hop right into a speedboat or lengthy tail boat and head to Phi Phi Islands. I’d recommend getting a speedboat tour as they’re sooner, so you may go to extra stops.
The primary cease is Maya Bay, normally. The boat excursions might swap these stops round so you may go to Maya Bay at a time when there are much less individuals.
It’s the spotlight of a Phi Phi Islands day tour as a result of it’s Thailand’s most stunning seaside. It was made well-known after it appeared within the film The Seaside starring Leonardo Dicaprio and is a protected seaside.
It was closed for round 5 years or so on account of overtourism, however now it’s open once more for day excursions solely. You can’t swim within the seaside, however it’s magnificence is definitely worth the journey.
You possibly can sit again and admire the beautiful limestone cliffs that surrounding it, and possibly even spot a black-tip reef shark within the water if you happen to’re fortunate.
Cease 2: Lagoon Swim
The subsequent cease is Pileh Lagoon, a hidden gem situated between tall cliffs. It’s an ideal place to swim within the emerald-green waters of the lagoon and take within the breathtaking views round you.
Cease 3: Snorkeling Spot
Should you didn’t see a lot marine life swimming within the lagoon, then don’t fear. The subsequent cease is a snorkel spot at among the finest spots in Phi Phi Islands.
It’s normally a spot round Viking Cave, a sea cave that appears out into the open waters of the Andaman Sea.
Right here is a superb spot to find the colourful coral and marine life that inhabit the waters, and marvel at the fantastic thing about the underwater world.
Cease 4: Lunch at Don Phi Phi
I discussed earlier that Don Phi Phi Island is the most important island within the Phi Phi Islands and is far more developed than the others.
It’s an ideal place for lunch at an area restaurant and to browse the market retailers that line the 2 streets on the island.
Cease 5: Swimming Spot
Often, if the climate is nice, the tour will finish with a swimming spot at a distant uninhabited island.
Often, you’ll go to Bamboo Island, a small and secluded island with clear waters good for swimming.
Take in the solar on the white sandy seaside or swim within the crystal clear waters earlier than you loosen up on the boat and benefit from the experience again to Phuket.
Day 5: Elephant Sanctuary, Bang Pae Waterfall, Promthep Cape
On the final day, we are going to go to among the lesser identified sights and wildlife sanctuaries.
Cease 1: Elephant Sanctuary
Visiting an elephant sanctuary is among the hottest and rewarding experiences in Thailand, and permits vacationers to see these majestic animals up shut whereas supporting their welfare and conservation efforts.
One of many primary causes to go to an elephant sanctuary in Phuket is the chance to witness these stunning creatures of their pure habitat.
Nevertheless, not all sanctuaries present a protected and moral atmosphere for elephants, so that you do have to do your analysis fastidiously.
An moral sanctuary permits you to observe them roaming freely, socializing with different elephants, and interesting in pure behaviors reminiscent of bathing and grazing however with out getting concerned.
Many of the elephants have been rescued from the tourism or logging industries.
Cease 2: Bang Pae Waterfall
Bangae Waterfall is a surprising pure attraction in Phuket’s Khao Phra Thaeo Nationwide Park.
One of many primary causes to go to Bang Pae Waterfall is its breathtaking magnificence.
It’s the largest and most spectacular waterfall on the island, with water cascading down a collection of rocky tiers.
You possibly can cool off within the refreshing pool on the base of the falls or take a dip within the pure swimming pools alongside the path.
Along with its pure magnificence, Bang Pae Waterfall is surrounded by lush rainforest, making it an ideal place to discover and hike.
Cease 3: Dinner by Rawai Seaside
Not many individuals cease by Rawai Seaside as a result of it’s not the idyllic powdery white sand seaside you get on the West Coast, however it’s value visiting for the seafood eating places right here.
You possibly can decide your crab, fish, oyster and so on from the market, after which the restaurant close by will cook dinner it for you.
What higher method to put together to your departure from Phuket than with a freshly cooked seafood dinner, cooked Thai model!?
Cease 4: Sundown from Promthep Cape
One other nice sundown spot in Phuket is Promthep Cape, situated on the southernmost level of Phuket island.
One of many primary causes to go to Promthep Cape is its breathtaking views.
The cape overlooks the Andaman Sea and provides panoramic views of the shoreline, islands, and surrounding mountains.
The sundown views from Promthep Cape are significantly beautiful and draw massive crowds of tourists each night.
Find out how to get round Phuket
One of the simplest ways to get round Phuket is to rent a scooter and drive your self. It’s going to save lots of you cash, and likewise permits you the liberty to journey at your individual tempo.
With a household, a scooter isn’t a very good possibility, however you can even rent a automobile as nicely.
Alternatively, you may take taxis. It is a handy and dependable method to get round Phuket. They are often discovered at Phuket Worldwide Airport, main lodges, and vacationer areas.
Nevertheless, taxi fares in Phuket will be costly, particularly for lengthy distances, so that you would possibly need to use a ride-share app reminiscent of Seize or Bolt.
Tuk-tuks are an expertise in Thailand. They’re three-wheeled autos which might be a preferred mode of transportation in Phuket.
They’re cheaper than taxis, however costs will be negotiated, so it’s necessary to agree on a value earlier than getting in.
Songthaews are like bus variations of tuk tuks. They’re transformed pickup vehicles that function as shared taxis.
They’re a budget-friendly possibility, however routes and schedules will be restricted, and so they additionally take a very long time to get from A to B, making them much less handy for vacationers with particular plans.
What’s the greatest time to go to Phuket?
The perfect time to go to Phuket is dependent upon your preferences and journey plans, however winter is our prefered time of 12 months to go to.
Phuket has a tropical local weather, with excessive temperatures and humidity ranges all year long, although it does have an extended wet season from June to October, which might get in the way in which of your seaside time.
The height vacationer season in Phuket is from November to February, when the climate is mostly sunny and dry. December is the busiest month and will be crowded, so e book lodging and excursions prematurely.
The temperatures throughout this time are milder, making it a good time for outside actions reminiscent of mountaineering and seaside hopping.
The ocean can also be calm throughout these months, making it best for water sports activities reminiscent of snorkeling and scuba diving.
March to Might is the new season in Phuket, with temperatures reaching as much as 35°C.
April can also be a time if you see air pollution from the north come right down to the south, which doesn’t normally attain Phuket, however it does imply you get lots of people fleeing the north to flee the air pollution and residing in Phuket.
So, anticipate lodging to be booked up in these months as nicely.
This could make outside actions uncomfortable throughout the day, however the evenings are cooler and excellent for exploring the island’s nightlife scene.
Ultimate Ideas
Phuket is an island that provides a lot to see and do, and 5 days is the proper period of time for these seeking to discover the island’s various sights and experiences.
I hope this Phuket itinerary gave you some inspiration about what to do and the best way to spend your days in Phuket.
In case you have any questions, be happy to succeed in out to us within the feedback.
Pin To Save It On Pinterest
