Phuket is Thailand’s “Pearl of the Andaman,” a storied island where Chinese-Portuguese mansions watch over shop-house lanes, long-tail boats skim turquoise bays, and jungle hills cradle golden temples. Tin-mining fortunes and Hokkien trade shaped its past; today, it’s renowned for beaches, vibrant markets, and a food scene that blends southern Thai spice with Peranakan comfort.

In one week, you’ll weave through Phuket Old Town’s pastel streets, visit Wat Chalong and the towering Big Buddha, and day-trip by speedboat to limestone cliffs and neon-blue bays. You’ll taste famed dishes like moo hong (braised pork belly) and Hokkien noodles, sip coffee in creative cafés, and watch flaming sunsets from sea-view capes.

Practical notes: Dry season (Nov–Apr) brings calmer seas for snorkeling and island hopping; monsoon (May–Oct) has dramatic skies and better hotel values, with occasional red-flag beach days. Carry cash for street food and markets, dress modestly at temples, and choose ethical wildlife experiences only.

Phuket

Phuket is more than Patong. The island stretches from the heritage-rich Old Town to quiet northern sands like Nai Thon and Bang Tao, plus beloved southern beaches Kata and Nai Harn. Inland, rubber plantations and pineapple fields give way to jungle viewpoints and glittering wats.

• Top sights: Big Buddha (45 meters of serenely seated marble), Wat Chalong’s ornate chedi, Old Town’s Sino-Portuguese façades, and the sunset capes at Promthep and Karon Viewpoint.
• Best experiences: Phi Phi Islands snorkeling, Phang Nga Bay sea caves, ethical elephant sanctuary visits, Thai cooking classes, and café-hopping Old Town lanes.
• Food to try: Hokkien mee stir-fried noodles, moo hong, crab curry with rice noodles (kanom jeen), roti with curry, fresh seafood at pier-side restaurants.
• Fun fact: Phuket Old Town’s mansions reflect a Straits-born Peranakan culture—cousins to Penang and Malacca—with colorful tiles, shutters, and courtyards.

Where to stay (bookable picks):

• Ultra-luxe: Amanpuri (legendary hillside pavilions above a private cove); Trisara Phuket (all-pool-villa seclusion and a private bay).
• Romantic: The Shore at Katathani (adults-only pool villas with Kata Noi sunsets).
• Family favorites: Sunwing Kamala Beach (kids’ club, steps from gentle surf); Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket (on the sand at Karon, with a lazy river).
• Resort value: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao’s quiet sands, superb dining and spa).
• Design/budget: Lub d Phuket Patong (social, stylish base near nightlife; private rooms available).
• Browse more stays: VRBO Phuket rentals | Hotels.com Phuket hotels

How to get to Phuket: Fly into HKT (Phuket International). From Bangkok, nonstop flights are ~1h20 (often $35–$90 one-way). From Singapore or Kuala Lumpur, ~1h45–2h15 (often $70–$180). Search fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Airport taxis to Patong/Kata take 50–70 minutes (~700–900 THB); shared minibuses cost less with extra stops.

Day 1: Arrival, First Dip, and Sunset

Afternoon: Arrive and check in. Shake off the flight with a swim at the nearest beach—Patong for energy, Kata for gentler waves, or Kamala for families. Coffee stop ideas: Campus Coffee Roaster (Phuket Town, beans roasted on-site) or We Café Chalong (greens grown in-house).

Evening: Catch your first Phuket sunset at Karon Viewpoint (three-bay panorama) or Promthep Cape (iconic lighthouse and photo spot). Dinner picks: One Chun (Old Town; southern Thai specials like crab curry and moo hong), Mor Mu Dong (riverside huts, charcoal-grilled seafood), or The Pad Thai Shop (Karon; tiny, beloved, wok hei-rich noodles). Nightcap: Dibuk House (craft cocktails in a heritage shophouse) or Pine Beach Bar (Kamala; toes-in-sand vibe).

Day 2: Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, and Old Town Heritage

Morning: Join a guided city overview to cover the essentials efficiently.

Phuket City Tour with Wat Chalong, Big Buddha & Famous Viewpoints typically runs a half-day, visiting Karon Viewpoint, the 45-meter Big Buddha, and the richly decorated Wat Chalong. Expect scenic photo stops and local insights; budget around half a day and a mid-range ticket price.

Afternoon: Explore Phuket Old Town on foot: Thalang, Dibuk, and Soi Romanee for pastel shophouses and tiled five-foot ways. Pop into Thai Hua Museum for a Hokkien heritage primer. Lunch options: Go Benz (pork rice soup and crispy pork—local icon), Lock Tien food court (Hokkien noodles, satay, oh tao oyster stir-fry), or Tu Kab Khao (refined southern classics in a manorial setting).

Evening: Browse indie boutiques on Thalang Road and hunt street art. Dinner at Raya (old-family recipes; crab curry is the star) or Suay Cherngtalay (modern Thai dishes with bright plating). If it’s Sunday, wander the Lard Yai Sunday Walking Street for snacks and music.

Day 3: Ethical Elephants and Southern Beaches

Morning: Meet rescued elephants in a humane setting.

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary offers a quiet walk to observe elephants foraging and bathing across a vast, forested sanctuary—no riding or tricks. It’s educational, ethical, and memorable; book early as group sizes are limited.

Afternoon: Beach-hop the south: Nai Harn’s crescent bay for swimming; Ao Sane for snorkeling off the rocks; Ya Nui for kayak rentals between capes. Lunch at Rawai’s Laem Ka-style seafood shacks (choose your fish and cooking style) or Green Tamarind Kitchen (Kata; excellent burgers if you crave a break from Thai).

Evening: Sunset drinks at The Boathouse Kata’s wine bar or Surf House Kata (flowrider wave and DJ beats). Dinner at Chomchan (Old Town; vibrant Thai plates in a garden) or Kan-Eang@Pier (Chalong; grilled lobster, spicy salads, breezy marina views). If it’s Thu–Sat, browse Chillva Night Market for street snacks and handmade goods.

Day 4: Full-Day Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine is an award-winning island-hopping day that typically includes Maya Bay (protected shoreline—no swimming, but glorious), Pileh Lagoon’s emerald water, Viking Cave views, and snorkeling over coral gardens. Expect an early start, a seaside Thai lunch, and multiple swim/snorkel stops; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a rash guard.

Back on Phuket by late afternoon, choose an easy dinner near your hotel: No. 9 2nd Restaurant (Patong; broad Thai menu, fast service) or Red Duck (Karon; flavorful southern curries). Rest well after a big day on the water.

Day 5: Northern Shores, Café Culture, and a Special Dinner

Morning: Head north to quieter beaches: Nai Thon and Layan have gentle slopes and room to breathe. Coffee at The Lazy Coconut (beachy smoothie bowls) or BAKE at Cherngtalay (fresh pastries, quality espresso).

Afternoon: Lounge at a beach club: Catch Beach Club (Bang Tao; daytime beats, daybeds, sashimi and salads) or Café del Mar (Kamala; Ibiza-inspired soundtrack, good for a late lunch). For a family-friendly pause, Kamala’s shallow bay is ideal.

Evening: Treat yourself: PRU at Trisara (farm-to-table tasting menu; Michelin-starred, book ahead) or Black Ginger at The Slate (arrive by torchlit raft; refined southern Thai—blue crab curry is a highlight). If you prefer casual, head to Pan Yaah (Kalym; seaside Thai with nighttime Patong skyline views).

Day 6: Phang Nga Bay Caves and Bioluminescent Plankton

Morning: Slow start with a spa or a market wander. Try Naka Weekend Market (Sat–Sun; antiques, clothes, sizzling street bites) or a wellness session at your resort. Brunch at The Feelsion Café (Old Town; nostalgic Thai desserts, creative breakfast plates) or Gallery Cafe by Pinky (all-day breakfasts, salads, Thai staples).

Phang Nga Bay Bioluminescent Plankton & Sea Canoes runs afternoon into evening: glide by canoe into sea caves and hidden lagoons, watch golden light wash over karst towers, then witness plankton sparkle around your paddle after dark. It’s a magical, lower-crowd way to see Phang Nga Bay—pack a light layer and waterproof bag.

Late Evening: If you’re hungry after the cruise, stop by Aroi Seafood (local-style, fresh tanks) or a simple roti shop for sweet condensed milk roti with banana before bed.

Day 7: Last Laze, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Swim one last time or take a gentle coastal walk. Pick up souvenirs in Old Town: Peranakan-style tiles, locally made batik, or Phuket pineapples jam. Coffee at Bookhemian Café (artsly nook on Thalang) or The Roast (quality beans, relaxed pace).

Afternoon (departure): Grab an early lunch—Day & Night of Phuket (Thai staples, good mocktails) or Ko Ang Seafood (market-fresh dishes). Airport is ~1 hour from Patong/Kata; build in buffer for traffic. Check flights on Trip.com or Kiwi.com if your plans change.

Optional add-ons for free time this week (non-linked local gems): Take a Thai cooking class (Blue Elephant Cooking School or Phuket Thai Cooking Academy), rent a long-tail to Coral Island for snorkeling, or hop into an ATV tour to Big Buddha viewpoints for a dusty, scenic thrill. For daytime social vibes, floating and beachfront clubs around Patong and Kamala offer pool access, DJs, and sea views.

Included bookable activities at a glance (4 picks):

• City highlights: Phuket City Tour with Wat Chalong & Big Buddha
• Ethical wildlife: A Morning with the Elephants
• Island-hopping: Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip
• Scenic caves + night magic: Phang Nga Bay Bioluminescent Canoes

Across seven days, this Phuket itinerary balances culture, cuisine, relaxation, and adventure—temples and Old Town one day, limestone islands the next. With thoughtful dining, ethical wildlife experiences, and golden-hour viewpoints, you’ll leave with sandy sandals, a happy palate, and a camera roll full of Andaman blues.