Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and a storied trading port once powered by tin mining and peppered with Sino‑Portuguese mansions. Today its colorful Old Town hums with cafés and Peranakan cuisine, while the west coast unfurls a ribbon of beaches—Kata, Karon, Kamala, and Nai Harn—each with its own rhythm.

Beyond the shoreline await the limestone towers of Phang Nga Bay and the turquoise coves of the Phi Phi Islands, two of Southeast Asia’s most photogenic playgrounds. By day, snorkel reefs and paddle sea caves; by evening, chase sunsets from Promthep Cape or a rooftop with a cold Singha in hand.

Practical notes: the dry season (November–April) brings calm seas; May–October is greener and great value, but some boat trips can be choppy. Dress modestly for temples, carry cash for markets, and know that marine parks sometimes adjust access (for example, Maya Bay may close seasonally to protect coral). Phuket runs on 220V; most places take cards, but small vendors may not.

Phuket

From breezy beach days to heritage-rich lanes, Phuket rewards slow exploration. Base yourself near your favorite vibe: Kata for surf and sunsets, Kamala for family-friendly calm, Patong for nightlife, and Old Phuket Town for cafés, culture, and quick access everywhere.

• Top sights: Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Karon Viewpoint, Promthep Cape, Old Phuket Town’s Sino‑Portuguese shophouses, and the weekend markets.
• Best beaches: Kata (swimmable, mellow waves in season), Nai Harn (crystal shallows), Ao Sane (snorkeling), Kamala (family-friendly), and Surin (powder sand).
• Where to eat: One Chun (Southern Thai, Michelin Bib Gourmand), Tu Kab Khao (crab curry star), Blue Elephant (royal Thai in a colonial mansion), Go‑Benz (legendary pork rice), Kan Eang@Pier (seafood on the bay).

Where to stay (budget ~73/100 sweet spot, with options):

• Beachfront luxe: Amanpuri (private headland, iconic serenity); Trisara Phuket (pool villas, superb dining); The Shore at Katathani (adults-only pool villas with Kata Noi views).
• Resort comfort: JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa (Mai Khao tranquility); Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket (Karon, family-friendly water fun); Sunwing Kamala Beach (great for kids).
• Value & social: Lub d Phuket Patong (stylish, steps from Patong Beach).
• Browse more stays: VRBO Phuket villas or Hotels.com Phuket.

How to get there: Fly into HKT (Phuket International). Check fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical nonstop from Bangkok: ~1h15m, $30–$90 one-way; from Singapore: ~1h50m, $80–$220; from Sydney or the US is usually 1–2 stops. Airport to Patong/Kata is ~45–70 minutes by taxi (≈800–1000 THB) depending on traffic.

Featured experiences (book ahead):

• Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine — Award-winning small-group speedboat to Phi Phi highlights with snorkeling and a seaview lunch.

  

• Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island by Big Boat — Glide into hidden lagoons by canoe beneath karst cliffs; relaxed big-boat base and guided paddles.

  

• A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary — Ethical, no-riding sanctuary where retired elephants roam, bathe, and forage across 30 acres.

  

• Phuket City Tour with Wat Chalong, Big Buddha & Famous Viewpoints — Efficient highlights route for first-timers with temple etiquette guidance and sweeping lookouts.

  

Day 1: Arrival, Old Phuket Town Stroll, and Southern Thai Flavors

Morning: Travel day. If you land early, drop bags and refresh. Great coffee near Old Town: Campus Coffee Roaster (house roasts, cold brew) or The Feelsion Café (vintage décor, Thai desserts).

Afternoon: Check in. Ease into Phuket with a gentle walk along Thalang and Dibuk Roads to admire pastel shophouses and tiled five-foot ways. Pop into the Thai Hua Museum courtyard for a quick primer on Hokkien migrant history and tin-mining heritage.

Evening: Dinner at One Chun (southern staples: moo hong pork belly, gaeng som sour curry) or Tu Kab Khao (blue crab curry with betel leaves). Cap with cocktails at Dibuk House (technique-driven classics) or Tantitium (garden bar in a restored mansion). If it’s Sunday, wander the Lard Yai Walking Street for crafts and snacks like moo ping and kanom krok.

Day 2: Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Viewpoints, and Rawai Seafood

Morning: Join the Phuket City Tour with Wat Chalong, Big Buddha & Viewpoints to cover distances efficiently. Learn temple etiquette at Wat Chalong (shoulders/knees covered), then continue to the 45‑meter Big Buddha for island-wide views.

Afternoon: Continue to Karon Viewpoint for those postcard Kata–Karon bays. If you skipped the tour, self-drive/ride-share the same loop and add a coffee at Waffle Phuket or a coconut at a beach shack.

Evening: Head to Rawai Pier for a DIY seafood feast: choose fresh prawns, squid, and fish from market stalls and have nearby kitchens cook them to order (grilled with chili-lime dip is classic). Sunset finale at Promthep Cape—arrive 30–40 minutes before golden hour.

Day 3: Phang Nga Bay Sea Caves and James Bond Island

Morning: Get picked up for the Phang Nga Bay Sea Cave Canoeing & James Bond Island by Big Boat. After boarding, guides paddle you through hong (room) lagoons via low limestone tunnels—keep hats handy for stalactites.

Afternoon: Visit Khao Phing Kan (the “James Bond” filming site) and swim in calm bays. A buffet lunch is typically included; bring reef-safe sunscreen and a dry bag.

Evening: Back on Phuket, dine at Suay Cherngtalay (chef-driven Thai with a modern touch—miang kham bites, crispy pork belly). Nightcap at Café del Mar Kamala if you want a loungey beach-bar vibe.

Day 4: Thai Cooking Class, Beach Time, and Night Market Grazing

Morning: Join a hands-on class like Phuket Thai Cooking (market browse, curry pastes from scratch, tom yum, pad Thai). You’ll leave with recipes and spice-level tips. If you prefer a café morning: try The Tent (brunch) or The Library (light bites, air-con respite).

Afternoon: Beach hop: Kata for an easy swim; Ao Sane for simple shore snorkeling (calmest in dry season). Prefer wellness? Book a two-hour herbal compress massage at a reputable day spa.

Evening: Street-food dinner at Chillva Night Market (Wed–Sun): grilled squid, roti, Thai tea, and little fashion stalls. Alternatively, Go‑Benz for the island’s cult favorite pork rice and peppery soup—expect a line, it moves fast.

Day 5: Phi Phi Islands by Speedboat and Seaview Lunch

Morning: Early hotel pickup for the Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip. Cruise to Phi Phi Leh’s emerald coves; snorkel over coral gardens and watch for reef fish. Operators adapt routes to crowds and conservation rules (Maya Bay may close seasonally; visiting is beach-only—no swimming—when open).

Afternoon: Seaview Thai lunch on Phi Phi Don, then one more swim stop—pack a rash guard and motion-sickness tablets if you’re wave-sensitive.

Evening: Return to Phuket. Treat yourself at Blue Elephant Phuket—order the massaman of beef and a tangy pomelo salad—or opt for Kan Eang@Pier for grilled river prawns and steamed crab with seafood chili dip by the water.

Day 6: Ethical Elephant Morning, Nai Harn Sunset, and Nightlife Options

Morning: Spend A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. Walk forest trails to observe elephants foraging and bathing—no riding, no tricks, just respectful distance and great storytelling from caretakers.

Afternoon: Head to Nai Harn Beach for silky sand and gentle waves. For a quieter snorkel, continue to Ao Sane (tiny, rocky cove with clear water). Grab late lunch at Rum Jungle or a simple beachside pad kra pao.

Evening: Sunset drink at The Nai Harn’s rooftop or book ahead for Baba Nest at Sri Panwa (panoramic Andaman views). Nightlife pick: Patong’s Bangla Road for big-club spectacle (Illuzion’s light shows), or keep it laid-back with craft cocktails in Old Town.

Day 7: Coffee, Last Bites, and Departure

Morning: Café hop Old Town: try RYN Coffee for single-origin pours, then snack on roti with condensed milk or Phuket-style dim sum (siu mai, pa tong go) at a local stall. Souvenir stop: grab dried mango, sea-salt soaps, or hand-painted batik.

Afternoon: Check out and transfer to HKT for your flight (Trip.com or Kiwi.com to re-check times). If you have a few spare hours before departure, consider a quick beach club lunch near Patong or a final Thai massage—just mind airport traffic.

Evening: If your flight is later, watch one more sunset at Karon Beach with grilled corn from a cart. Otherwise, it’s wheels up with sand still between your toes.

Insider tips:

• Boat days: pack a reef-safe sunscreen, hat, quick-dry towel, and small cash for national park fees (when applicable).
• Temple visits: carry a light scarf/sarong; sandals make on/off easy.
• Getting around: ride-hailing is widely used; negotiate tuk-tuks before riding. West-coast traffic builds near sunset—plan transfers with buffer time.
• Weather: during monsoon months, expect passing showers—boats may reschedule for safety; always monitor operator updates.

Book your stay: Compare beach resorts on Hotels.com Phuket or browse villas on VRBO. For splurge stays, check Amanpuri, Trisara, and The Shore at Katathani.

In a week you’ll taste Phuket’s essence—emerald seas, gilded temples, and recipes passed down through Peranakan kitchens. With day trips to Phi Phi and Phang Nga, time in Old Town, and unhurried beach hours, this itinerary balances adventure with ease. You’ll depart sun-kissed, well-fed, and already plotting a return.