Phuket began as a tin-trading hub visited by Portuguese, Chinese, and Malay merchants; their legacies live on in the pastel Sino‑Portuguese shophouses and spice-laden cuisine of Old Phuket Town. Today, the island is Thailand’s Andaman playground—turquoise water, jungle headlands, and offshore karst towers straight out of a postcard.

Beyond the beaches, Phuket rewards the curious: family-run noodle shops slinging Hokkien mee, hilltop shrines and the gleaming Wat Chalong, and craft cocktail dens tucked behind timber shutters. Day trips unlock world-class snorkeling at Phi Phi and sea-cave canoeing in Phang Nga Bay, while sunset from Promthep Cape strings gold across three bays.

Practical notes: November–April brings calmer seas; May–October is green season with occasional swells. Dress modestly at temples (shoulders/knees covered). Use reef-safe sunscreen, carry mosquito repellent, and book popular island tours and restaurants in advance. Cash is still king at markets, though most hotels and upscale venues take cards.

Phuket

Phuket is a “choose-your-own-beach” island: Patong for nightlife, Kata/Karon for easy waves and sunset cocktails, Kamala for laid‑back days and beach clubs, and Bang Tao for chic dining. Inland, Old Phuket Town shows off Sino‑Portuguese facades, mural art, and award-winning Southern Thai kitchens.

Highlights you shouldn’t miss: Big Buddha’s panoramic ridge, Wat Chalong’s relic stupa, the Three-Bay Viewpoint (Karon Viewpoint), Rawai’s seafood market, and the Sunday Walking Street (if your trip hits a Sunday). Food lovers, circle One Chun, Tu Kab Khao, and Go Benz—each a local institution for Southern classics.

• Where to stay (handpicked):
  • Ultra-private pool villas: Amanpuri (mid-island headland hideaway), Trisara Phuket (cinematic sunsets).
  • Romantic villas for two: The Shore at Katathani (adults-only on Kata Noi).
  • Family-friendly beachfront: Sunwing Kamala Beach, Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket (a cove with a lazy river).
  • Resort conveniences up north: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao’s quieter sands).
  • Social/budget near the action: Lub d Phuket Patong.
  • Browse more: VRBO Phuket | Hotels.com Phuket
• Getting in: Fly into HKT (Phuket International). From Bangkok, flight time ~1h20; typical fares USD 35–90 one way. From Singapore ~1h50 (USD 80–180). Search and compare on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Airport to Patong/Kata by taxi is 45–70 minutes; private transfers usually THB 800–1,200.
• Getting around: Grab/Bolt ride-hailing, hotel cars, or licensed taxis work well. Scooter rentals are common; only ride if experienced and always wear a helmet.

Day 1: Arrive, Sand Between Your Toes, Andaman Sunset

Morning: Fly into Phuket International (HKT). If you land early, fuel up with a casual Thai brunch near your hotel—try “Khao Man Gai” (chicken rice) or a bowl of boat noodles.

Afternoon: Check in and decompress on the nearest beach: Kata Noi for a quieter cove, Kamala for mellow waves, or Patong for people-watching. For coffee, swing by The Shelter Coffee (Old Town) for meticulous hand-brews or Campus Coffee Roaster for single-origin Thai beans.

Evening: Southern Thai dinner ideas: One Chun Café & Restaurant (signature moo hong, crab curry) or Tu Kab Khao (blue crab curry with rice vermicelli). Craving seafood by the sea? On The Rock (Kata) sets tables over boulders above the surf. Nightcap at Karon’s The Sundeck or Patong’s KUDO Beach Club for barefoot drinks on the sand.

Day 2: Old Phuket Town Heritage, Street Eats, and Craft Cocktails

Morning: Explore Old Phuket Town’s colorful shophouses along Thalang and Dibuk Roads. Breakfast at Kopitiam by Wilai (Hokkien noodles, iced Thai tea) or Ko Yoon Hokkien Noodle (wok-charred egg noodles with seafood). Pop into the Thai Hua Museum to trace Phuket’s Peranakan story.

Afternoon: Seek out murals on Soi Romanee, then cool off with Peranakan-inspired scoops at Torry’s Ice Cream. Lunch at Go Benz (rice porridge with crispy pork and braised pork—beloved by locals). Browse boutiques and spice shops for edible souvenirs.

Evening: Dinner at Blue Elephant Phuket (royal Thai recipes in a noble mansion) or stay central at One Chun if you missed it yesterday. For drinks, try Dibuk House (speakeasy-style cocktails) or Tantitium’s garden bar. If it’s Sunday, wander the Lard Yai Walking Street market for snacks, live music, and crafts.

Day 3: Phi Phi Islands—Turquoise Water and Limestone Drama

Morning: Early pickup for a small-group speedboat to crystal bays and Maya Bay viewpoints. Book the award-winning Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine (snorkel gear provided; English/Japanese-speaking guides). Note: Maya Bay is a protected marine area—no swimming inside the bay when restrictions apply.

Afternoon: Snorkel over coral gardens, pause for a seaview Thai lunch, and cruise past towering karsts. Expect to return mid‑to‑late afternoon depending on sea conditions.

Evening: Ease tired muscles with a spa session—The Oasis Spa (Kata) is a reliable bet. Dine at Mom Tri’s Kitchen (Kata Noi, refined Thai with a deep wine list) or casual Rustic Eatery & Bar (comforting Thai-western plates). For a laid-back nightcap, Ska Bar on Kata Beach strings lanterns right in the sand.

Day 4: Gentle Giants, Temples, and Cape Sunset

Morning: Meet rescued elephants in an ethical setting on A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. You’ll learn their stories while they roam, bathe, and forage across 30 acres of jungle—no riding or performing.

Afternoon: Visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most revered temple, then drive up to Big Buddha for island-wide views. Stop at the Three‑Bay (Karon) Viewpoint to see Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon curve away like a painting.

Evening: Time your arrival at Promthep Cape for a fiery sunset. Hungry? Head to Rawai Seafood Market where you pick your catch and a kitchen cooks it to order—try Rim Lay or Khun Pha for chili-lime steamed fish and butterflied prawns. Nightcap at Reflections rooftop bar at The Nai Harn with the bay twinkling below.

Day 5: Phang Nga Bay—Sea Caves, Limestone Towers, and “James Bond Island”

Morning: Board a comfortable escort boat for a full-day exploration of emerald channels and hidden lagoons on Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island by Big Boat. Guides paddle your canoe under low limestone arches into secret “hongs.”

Afternoon: Stop at Khao Phing Kan (the “James Bond” backdrop) and Koh Hong’s sheltered lagoons; lunch is typically served onboard. Expect to return late afternoon.

Evening: Dinner in Patong at Kaab Gluay (solid, spicy Southern Thai) or Savoey Seafood for grilled squid and chili crab. Taste Patong nightlife with a stroll down Bangla Road—neon and DJ sets—or keep it classy with cocktails at Illuzion’s VIP lounge. For a calmer beach vibe, sunset at Café del Mar (Kamala) is a chic alternative.

Day 6: Choose Your Beach Day—Bang Tao, Kamala, or Kata

Morning: Slow start with brunch in Cherngtalay: Project Artisan (garden setting, Thai breakfast and smoothie bowls) or BAKE at Boat Avenue (fresh pastries). Hit Bang Tao Beach for long walks and gentle swims, or Kata Beach for a surf lesson (May–Oct has the most consistent swell).

Afternoon: Lounge at Catch Beach Club (Bang Tao) or HQ Beach Lounge (Kamala); rent a daybed and graze on grilled seafood. Prefer snorkeling? Head to Ya Nui or Ao Sane near Nai Harn—small, rocky coves with clear water on calmer days.

Evening: Dinner at Suay Cherngtalay (modern Thai, think smoky larb tacos and charcoal-grilled river prawns) or Bampot Kitchen & Bar (Euro-Thai influences, excellent cocktails). Golden-hour idea: Book Baba Nest at Sri Panwa well in advance for a “floating” deck sunset over 270° of sea.

Day 7: Market-to-Wok Thai Cooking and Last-Minute Shopping

Morning: Learn to balance sweet-sour-salty-spicy on Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option. Expect hands-on curries, pad thai technique, and papaya salad pounding you’ll actually replicate at home.

Afternoon: Pick up last souvenirs at Old Town boutiques or Central Phuket Floresta (for snacks and Thai beauty products). Pack, swim one last time, or sneak in a 60‑minute foot massage.

Evening: Airport transfer for your afternoon flight. If time allows, a light early dinner near your hotel—try a final bowl of Hokkien noodles or a plate of stir-fried morning glory—and a coconut ice cream farewell.

Practical Add‑Ons and Tips

• Book flights early in peak season (Dec–Mar) via Trip.com or Kiwi.com.
• Sea conditions can affect island tours; operators may adjust routes for safety. Pack a light rain jacket in green season.
• Temple etiquette: Remove shoes, cover shoulders/knees, and avoid loud conversation. Drones are restricted in many areas.
• Responsible travel: Choose reef-safe sunscreen, don’t touch coral, and avoid single-use plastics on boats.

In one week, you’ll sample Phuket’s greatest hits—Old Town’s heritage lanes, the Big Buddha ridge, southern flavors that linger, and two of the Andaman’s crown jewels: Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay. Come for the beaches, leave with a deep appreciation for Phuket’s culture, cuisine, and warm hospitality—and a camera roll full of aquamarine.