Phuket is Thailand’s largest island, a historic trading hub turned beach paradise where Chinese-Portuguese mansions meet the Andaman Sea. The island’s tin-mining past funded its ornate shophouses, now home to cafés, speakeasies, and family-run restaurants serving southern Thai cuisine known for bright herbs and bold heat.

Beyond headline beaches like Kata, Karon, and Patong, Phuket’s crown jewels lie offshore—limestone karsts piercing Phang Nga Bay and the aquamarine coves of Phi Phi. Island-hopping, snorkeling with reef fish, and sunset cruises are essential here, as are a few slow hours at a viewpoint with coconut in hand.

Practical notes: Peak season runs November–April with calm seas; May–October brings green-season showers and bigger swells ideal for surfers. Grab taxis or private drivers for convenience. Dress modestly when visiting temples, carry reef-safe sunscreen, and book reputable ethical animal experiences only.

Phuket

This is the island you imagine when you dream of Thailand: jungle-draped hills, soft-sand beaches, and longtail boats gliding over clear water. Base yourself by the beach and carve out time for Phuket Town—its heritage streets pack serious flavor and history.

• Don’t-miss sights: Big Buddha viewpoint, Wat Chalong, Sino-Portuguese Old Town lanes (Soi Romanee, Thalang Rd.), Promthep Cape sunset.
• Best beaches by vibe: Kata (swim-friendly and family-ready), Kamala (laid-back, good for kids), Nai Harn (scenic and less crowded), Freedom Beach (hidden cove, boat or hike access).
• What to eat: Hokkien mee at Mee Ton Poe; crab curry and fermented rice noodles (kanom jeen); classic local spots like One Chun, Tu Kab Khao, and Raya Restaurant; late-night porridge and noodles at Go Benz.

Where to stay (curated picks):

• Trisara Phuket (Layan) — secluded pool villas and jaw-dropping sunsets. Check Trisara on Hotels.com
• Amanpuri (Pansea) — an icon of tropical design with a private cove. See Amanpuri
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao) — family-friendly, wide beach, great kids’ club. JW Marriott Phuket on Hotels.com
• The Shore at Katathani (Kata Noi) — romantic pool villas with ocean views. The Shore at Katathani on Hotels.com
• Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket (Karon) — beachfront with a small water park; ideal for families. Centara Grand on Hotels.com
• Sunwing Kamala Beach — suites with kitchens, swim-up rooms, kids-first amenities. Sunwing Kamala on Hotels.com
• Lub d Phuket Patong — social, budget-friendly, close to nightlife. Lub d Phuket Patong on Hotels.com
• Browse more stays: Hotels.com: Phuket | VRBO: Phuket

Getting to Phuket (HKT): Direct flights from Bangkok (~1 hr 25 min), Singapore (~1 hr 45 min), Kuala Lumpur (~1 hr 25 min), Hong Kong (~3 hrs). Expect ~$35–$120 one-way on regional carriers. Search and book with Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com. On-island, taxis and ride-hailing are common; airport to Patong/Kata is ~60–90 minutes depending on traffic.

Day 1: Arrival, Beach Time, and First Taste of Phuket

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the flight with a swim at your nearest beach—Kata for gentle waves, Kamala for a mellow scene, or Patong for people-watching. Grab a coconut or fresh mango smoothie from a beach shack and settle into island time.

Evening: Phuket Town for your first dinner. Choose between One Chun (southern Thai staples like crab curry and stir-fried stink beans with shrimp), Tu Kab Khao (gaeng som sour curry, Phuket-style satay), or Raya Restaurant (old-world mansion serving rich massaman and crabmeat curry over rice). For dessert, try Torry’s Ice Cream for local flavors like a-pong crumble and black sesame. Nightcap at Tantitium (courtyard bar-spa) or a quiet stroll along pastel Soi Romanee.

Day 2: Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat (Full-Day Tour)

Set aside a full day for postcard scenes—emerald lagoons, Maya Bay’s cliffs, and neon fish over powdery sand. This trip includes snorkeling stops and a seaview lunch; bring a rash guard and reef-safe sunscreen.

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine — 2023–2025 award-winner with 2000+ five-star reviews; small touches like brand-new snorkel mouthpieces and experienced guides help avoid crowds.

Post-tour, unwind with a gentle Thai massage near your hotel and an easy dinner: in Patong try No. 9 2nd Restaurant (breezy Thai-Western menu) or in Kata try Mom Tri’s Kitchen (romantic terrace above the sea, refined Thai with a deep wine list).

Day 3: Elephants in the Morning, Old Town Stories at Sunset

Morning: Spend a meaningful half-day at an ethical sanctuary where retired working elephants roam forested land. Learn their stories, watch them forage, and walk alongside them—no riding, no performances.

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary — Phuket’s first ethical sanctuary with 30 acres of tropical habitat; hotel pickup included.

Afternoon: Head to Phuket Old Town. Snack your way through Lock Tien food court (oh-aew shaved ice and Hokkien noodles) or grab a bowl at Mee Ton Poe, a century-old noodle institution. Coffee at Campus Coffee Roaster (house-roasted beans) or The Feelsion (retro-industrial café with Thai desserts). Wander Thalang Road, photograph pastel shophouses on Soi Romanee, and pop into small galleries and boutiques.

Evening: Dinner at One Chun or Tu Kab Khao if you missed them, or try Go Benz Pork Porridge for late-night rice porridge with crispy pork and peppery broth—locals line up for it. Cocktails at Dibuk House (classic-first approach) before catching a tuk-tuk back. If it’s Sunday, the Lard Yai market turns Thalang Road into a lively street fair with music and street snacks.

Day 4: Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island (Luxury Cruise, Lunch + Sunset Dinner)

Trade sandy toes for a chic day at sea. This experience weaves through Phang Nga’s limestone towers, includes sea cave kayaking at Hong Island, a stop at James Bond Island, and a sunset dinner on deck with a DJ and day beds.

Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner — A relaxed, social way to see the bay’s highlights without rushing, perfect for couples and groups.

Tip: Bring a lightweight cover-up for breezy decks and shoes that can get wet for the kayak segments.

Day 5: Thai Cooking Class & Departure

Morning: Cap your trip by learning to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy in a hands-on cooking school. You’ll pound curry paste, make classics like pad Thai or green curry, and eat your creations—recipes come home with you.

Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option — Choose a market add-on for local herbs and produce tips; classes are friendly for beginners.

Afternoon: Depart for the airport. From Patong/Kata/Karon, plan 60–90 minutes to HKT depending on traffic; taxis typically run THB 600–900. For onward flights, compare fares and times on Trip.com Flights or Kiwi.com.

Optional coffee, breakfast, and lunch gems to sprinkle in: Gallery Café by Pinky (all-day brunch), The Tent (Old Town cocktails in a restored house), Kan Eang@Pier (seafood by Chalong Bay), Bang Pae Seafood (overwater vibe near the mangroves), and Cafe del Mar Phuket for a laid-back Kamala sunset before dinner.

With island-hopping to Phi Phi, a luxurious sunset in Phang Nga Bay, an ethical morning with elephants, and Old Town’s flavors, this 5-day Phuket travel guide blends nature, culture, and cuisine. You’ll leave with sandy sandals, new recipes, and a list of places you’ll want to revisit.