Phuket has worn many faces: a tin-mining boomtown, a Sino‑Portuguese trading port, and now Thailand’s most storied island escape. Wander Old Phuket Town’s candy‑colored shophouses and temples, a living mosaic of Thai, Peranakan, and Chinese heritage. Then trade lanes for lagoons—limestone towers, sea caves, and blue‑green bays await just offshore.

Beyond the beaches, Phuket is a paradise for slow mornings and long lunches. Sip single-origin espresso at award-winning roasters, browse weekend markets, and savor southern Thai classics like crab curry and moo hong (braised pork). For a relaxing vibe, base in Kata, Karon, Kamala, or Bangtao—each with a gentler rhythm than Patong’s neon buzz.

Practical notes: High season runs roughly November–April; May–October brings monsoon swells and great shoulder-season value. Grab taxis and airport transfers are straightforward; day trips run year-round, with itineraries adjusted for sea conditions. Pack reef-safe sunscreen, hydrate, and bring modest clothing for temples.

Phuket

Phuket is both island and province, wrapped by the Andaman Sea and studded with serene beaches, rainforest hills, and dramatic karst bays. Its heart beats in Old Phuket Town, where restored mansions and shophouses host cafés, galleries, and some of Thailand’s most beloved Southern kitchens.

Top sights include Big Buddha, Wat Chalong, Karon Viewpoint, Nai Harn and Kata Noi beaches, and the Sunday Walking Street Market. Offshore, Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi archipelago deliver world-class day trips—think sea caves, snorkeling reefs, and aquamarine shallows.

Where to stay (moderate-friendly picks with splurge options):

• Sunwing Kamala Beach — Family-friendly and easygoing, steps from a calm beach with plenty of space to unwind.
• Centara Grand Beach Resort Phuket — Direct beach access in Karon, lazy river, and sunset views; great value for resort amenities.
• JW Marriott Phuket Resort & Spa — Polished comfort on Mai Khao with a standout spa and quieter sands.
• The Shore at Katathani — Romantic villas above Kata Noi’s crescent bay (adults-focused tranquility).
• Trisara Phuket — Private-pool villas and refined dining; a serene splurge.
• Lub d Phuket Patong — Stylish, budget-conscious base near Patong’s action if you want nightlife on your doorstep.
• Amanpuri — Phuket’s icon for design lovers; a special-occasion dream.

Prefer browsing by neighborhood and budget? Try: VRBO Phuket or Hotels.com Phuket.

Getting in: Fly into HKT (Phuket International). Compare fares on Trip.com flights or Kiwi.com. Typical flight times: Bangkok–Phuket ~1h20m; Singapore–Phuket ~2h; Kuala Lumpur–Phuket ~1h30m. Airport to Kata/Karon/Kamala is 60–80 minutes by taxi; expect roughly 700–1,000 THB depending on distance and time.

Day 1: Arrival, Sunset, and Southern Thai Comforts

Afternoon: Land at HKT and transfer to your hotel. Settle in and stretch your legs with a beach walk—Kata and Kamala are ideal for a relaxing first dip. For a welcome coffee, pop into Campus Coffee Roasters (Old Town) for carefully roasted Thai beans, or The Shelter Coffee on Phangnga Road for pour-overs and a mellow vibe.

Evening: Head to Karon Viewpoint for a golden-hour panorama of Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon. Dinner in Old Town at One Chun (Michelin Bib Gourmand) for Phuket-style crab curry, moo hong, and spicy sour fish soup; or Tu Kab Khao for signature Southern dishes in a stately shophouse. Nightcap at RIEDEL Wine Bar & Cellar (Central Phuket Floresta) with tasting flights—tell the sommelier you like bold reds or aromatic whites and let them guide you.

Day 2: Old Phuket Town, Temples, and Coffee Crawl

Morning: Join a guided half-day circuit that hits the island’s highlights.

Phuket City Tour with Wat Chalong, Big Buddha & Famous Viewpoints

Visit Wat Chalong’s glittering chedi, the hilltop Big Buddha for island-wide views, and scenic pull-offs along the west coast. It’s an efficient way to get oriented while learning local history and temple etiquette.

Afternoon: Linger in Old Town. Coffee at Campus Coffee Roasters or The Feelsion Café (for nostalgic décor and cakes). Explore Thai Hua Museum for Peranakan heritage, then browse Thalang Road’s murals and boutiques. Lunch at Go Benz for the cult-favorite pork-and-crispy pork rice with peppery soup, or Lock Tien Food Court for Hokkien noodles and satay.

Evening: If it’s Sunday, stroll the Lard Yai Walking Street for crafts and street snacks. Otherwise, Chillva Night Market (Thu–Sat) is lively but not overwhelming. Treat yourself to dinner at Blue Elephant Phuket (Royal Thai cuisine in a restored governor’s mansion) or Suay Phuket Town for modern plates by a celebrated local chef. For live jazz, slide into Bebop Live Music Bar; for cocktails, try Dibuk House’s bartender’s choice.

Day 3: Beach Day, Spa Time, and Seafood by the Pier

Morning: Easy sunrise on Kata or Nai Harn Beach, then a smoothie bowl at The Boathouse (great coffee and ocean views). Hike or tuk-tuk to Karon Viewpoint if you missed it yesterday. If seas are calm, snorkel at Kata Noi’s southern rocks where reef fish congregate.

Afternoon: Spa afternoon to truly unwind. Oasis Spa (Kata) offers serene garden villas and herbal compresses; Let’s Relax (Karon/Patong) is a dependable midrange option with Thai massage, aromatherapy, and body scrubs. Expect 60–90 minute treatments from ~600–2,500 THB depending on the menu.

Evening: Seafood feast at Kan Eang@Pier (Chalong): order grilled prawns, blue crab, and tom yum with a sea breeze. For dessert, Torry’s Ice Cream in Old Town does Peranakan-inspired flavors like Phuket pineapple or black sesame. If you’d like a glass of wine by the water, The Boathouse Wine & Grill curates an excellent list with Phuket’s gentlest sunset.

Day 4: Phang Nga Bay Luxury Cruise, Sea Caves, and Sunset Dinner

Full-day experience (no need to break into morning/afternoon/evening):

Luxury Boat to James Bond Islands with Lunch and Sunset Dinner

Drift through otherworldly karst towers, kayak into hidden lagoons at Hong Island, and stop at Khao Phing Kan (“James Bond Island”) before a laid-back sunset dinner onboard. There’s a bar, daybeds, and a DJ—more lounge than party—perfect for a relaxing yet social day out. Tip: bring a dry bag, reef-safe sunscreen, and light cover-up for the afternoon breeze.

Day 5: Ethical Elephant Morning, Waterfall Walk, and a Beach Club Siesta

Morning:

A Morning with the Elephants at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Visit Phuket’s pioneering ethical sanctuary bordering Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. Observe rescued elephants roaming and bathing freely across 30 acres—no riding, just meaningful time with gentle giants and their stories.

Afternoon: Continue into the park for a short walk to Bang Pae Waterfall; the jungle shade is a balm after the sun. Lunch at Peang Prai near the park for spicy jungle curry and fried fish with turmeric. If you’d rather recline, book a daybed at Catch Beach Club (Bangtao) for chilled beats and a dip-friendly shoreline.

Evening: Dinner at Suay Cherngtalay: order the miang tuna betel leaves and massaman short ribs—modern Thai with finesse. Slide next door to Café del Mar (Kamala) for a relaxed lounge set and a final beachside glass of wine.

Day 6: Phi Phi Islands Snorkeling and Bays

Early start and island time till mid/late afternoon:

Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip w/ Seaview Lunch by V. Marine

Award-winning small-group operator with seasoned guides. Snorkel over coral gardens, pause at Maya Bay (landing policies vary to protect reefs), and enjoy a seaview Thai lunch. Motion sickness bands help on choppy days.

Evening: Back on Phuket, unwind with a foot massage at Let’s Relax. For a mellow dinner, try Red Duck in Kata for homestyle Thai (crispy lemongrass salad, panang curry) or La Gritta (Amari Patong) for a romantic terrace overlooking the bay and a thoughtful wine list.

Day 7: Last Sips, Souvenirs, and Departure

Morning: Leisurely breakfast. Coffee stop at Hock Hoe Lee’s H-Factory (Rawai) for in‑house roasts and pastries, or We Café (Chalong) for fresh-pressed juices from their garden. Pick up artisanal souvenirs in Old Town—try a batik scarf or hand-made tin jewelry, nods to Phuket’s heritage.

Afternoon: If you need mall convenience, Central Phuket Floresta has Thai brands and gourmet food halls. Aim to reach HKT about 2.5–3 hours before an international flight. Book your return flight on Trip.com or Kiwi.com, and arrange a taxi or hotel transfer (~700–1,000 THB to the airport, 60–80 minutes depending on location and traffic).

Eating and drinking cheat sheet (save for later):

• Southern Thai essentials: One Chun, Tu Kab Khao, Raya Restaurant, Mor Mu Dong (rustic stilt-house seafood).
• Seafood with a view: Kan Eang@Pier, The Boathouse Wine & Grill.
• Coffee hits: Campus Coffee Roasters, The Shelter Coffee, H-Factory by Hock Hoe Lee.
• Wine and cocktails: RIEDEL Wine Bar & Cellar, Dibuk House; mellow sunset at Café del Mar or Catch Beach Club.

Optional swaps to match your budget and vibe: Prefer fewer paid excursions? Choose either the Phang Nga Bay cruise or the Phi Phi day trip and replace the other with a beach day plus a longer spa session. For nightlife, keep it low-key with live jazz and wine bars rather than Patong’s clubs.

Wherever you stay, you can browse more options here: VRBO Phuket | Hotels.com Phuket.

Good to know: Island landing rules at Maya Bay change to protect the reef; operators will brief you. Carry cash for markets; cards are widely accepted at hotels and bigger restaurants. Respect temple dress codes (shoulders and knees covered), and never touch monks if you identify as female.

Summary: Over seven unhurried days, you’ll taste Phuket’s coffee and cuisine, sink into spa bliss, wander Old Town’s historic lanes, and set sail for two of Southeast Asia’s most photogenic seascapes. It’s a balanced itinerary—relaxing by design—so you return home rested, sun-kissed, and full of stories.