Chapter 11 of 12 · What to see
What to see in Phuket: top sights and boat trips
The island’s top sights and day trips to nearby islands — from the Big Buddha and Old Town to Phi Phi and Phang Nga Bay.
Top sights on the island
Big Buddha
A 45-metre statue on the hill with the best island panorama. Free entry; cover shoulders and knees.
Old Town
Sino-Portuguese architecture, coffee shops and street art. The best area for a stroll and photos.
Wat Chalong temple
Phuket’s main and most beautiful temple. Active, richly decorated.
Promthep Cape
The classic sunset spot on the southern tip — come for the evening.
Karon Viewpoint
A view over three beaches at once — Kata Noi, Kata and Karon.
Bangla Road (Patong)
The epicentre of nightlife: bars, shows, neon. Loud and bright.
Boat trips and islands
Phi Phi & Maya Bay
The most famous islands: turquoise lagoons, snorkelling. Best by private boat early — beat the crowds.
Phang Nga Bay (James Bond)
Limestone karsts rising from the sea, sea-canoeing through mangroves and caves.
Similan Islands (Nov–Apr)
The region’s best diving and snorkelling. Open only in high season.
Coral & Racha
Close islands with clear water — great for families and snorkelling.
Good to know
- Temples: cover shoulders and knees, remove shoes at the entrance. Entry is almost always free.
- Book islands and tours ahead; a private boat costs more but means no crowds and your own schedule.
- Elephants: choose ethical sanctuaries with no riding or circus — observing and feeding only.
- Sunsets are on the west (Promthep, Karon, Laem Sing). Sunrise and quiet — in the north.
PhuketStayPro
Tours and yachts without the crowds
We arrange tours and a private yacht to the islands with a route for you, vetted guides and no tourist mark-up. Pick-up from your villa, back by sunset.
FAQ
What to see in Phuket in a week?
Big Buddha, Old Town, Wat Chalong, sunset at Promthep Cape, Karon Viewpoint and at least one boat trip — Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay.
Which islands should I visit near Phuket?
Phi Phi and Maya Bay, Phang Nga Bay (James Bond), Coral and Racha year-round, the Similans only in high season (Nov–Apr).
Is there an entry fee for the Big Buddha?
No, entry is free (donations welcome). Follow the dress code: covered shoulders and knees.
Should I ride elephants in Phuket?
Better to choose an ethical sanctuary with no riding: you observe and feed the elephants. Riding harms the animals and many travellers avoid it.
Plan your route on the map
300+ vetted spots across 5 districts with a map — in the PhuketStayPro members guide.
Open the guide