Exploring Phuket – Culture, Beaches & Day Trips
Phuket blends turquoise waters, limestone cliffs, and lively night markets into one unforgettable island escape.
We decided to visit Phuket as an alternative to our
usual beach destinations like Mexico and Cuba, hoping to uncover a fresh
tropical escape for our future travels. With its stunning coastline, vibrant culture, and
unique charm, we were eager to see if this island could offer the perfect blend
of relaxation and adventure for our next beach vacation.
How to get from Phuket International Airport to Phuket Old Town
The easiest and cheapest way to get to Phuket Old Town using public transportation is by taking the Airport Bus 8411. From the International Terminal, you have to exit at G floor, walk left to Exit 6, and follow signs towards the Domestic Terminal. The bus can be found in the public transport parking area. The orange Airport Bus tickets are 100 Bhat and can be purchased in cash from the driver. The bus departs to and from the city every hour and operates between 8 am and 9 pm. The ride takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Tourists with accommodation on the western side of Phuket can use Phuket Smart Bus, which stops at all major beaches in Phuket.
Our Accommodations in Phuket
We stayed at I Pavilion Phuket Hotel in Old Town. The room was large, with a
nice view, and had all the necessary amenities. We mostly liked the location,
which was within walking distance to downtown.
Must Do Things in Phuket Old Town and around
Khao Rang Viewpoint
Khao Rang Viewpoint is a popular hilltop lookout in Phuket Town, offering a peaceful escape with wide panoramic views over the city, the Andaman Sea, and nearby islands. Perched atop Rang Hill, it is marked by an open-air pavilion and terrace where locals and visitors come for sunset views, photos, and relaxation. The surrounding area has landscaped gardens, cafes, and restaurants where you can linger, perfect for a break while taking in the scenery. There is another famous viewpoint in Phuket Town, known as the Monkey Hill Viewpoint, but after watching some videos about it, we chose Khao Rang spot for the views of the city. Both places have monkeys, but Monkey Hill has about 400–500 wild macaques, and they can be quite aggressive. There were monkeys at Khao Rang too, but not so many.
San Chao Saengtham Shrine
This is one of the oldest and most respected Chinese shrines in Phuket, also known as Lim Hu Tai Su Shrine. The shrine features traditional Chinese architecture with colorful decorations, dragon motifs, and intricate carvings. Its small, richly decorated entrance gate with curved rooflines is tucked in between two other buildings on Phang Nga Road downtown and might be missed if not for the vibrant colours and the beautiful wood carvings and stone relief details that stand out.
Yellow Clock Tower and Museum Phuket
The Yellow Clock Tower sits at a busy corner in Phuket Old Town, at the intersection of Phang Nga and Phuket Roads. It is a historic landmark building in Sino-Portuguese colonial style, famous for its bright pastel yellow façade and decorative details that reflect Phuket’s multicultural heritage. Originally part of a police station with a clock tower, the elegant, eye-catching architecture makes it a favourite photo stop for visitors exploring the charming old town streets. Museum Phuket is housed in both this building and the heritage building across the street that features the same architectural style and colour. The latter was the former Standard Chartered Bank.
72nd Anniversary Queen Sirikit Park and Golden Dragon Monument
Located in the heart of Phuket Old Town, this small park, also called Dragon Park, feels like a quiet green space between colorful streets and historic buildings. Built to honor Queen Sirikit on her 72nd birthday, the park blends Thai and Chinese design elements, reflecting Phuket’s cultural heritage. Just steps away rises the striking Golden Dragon Monument, a symbol of strength, prosperity, and Phuket’s deep Chinese roots. The park occasionally hosts public events tied to environmental awareness. At the time of our visit, there were some recycled-material art installations, also real art exhibits and lantern displays that were brightening the place at night.
Wat Mongkol Nimit (Wat Klang) Temple
Located downtown Phuket, this is one of the most important Buddhist temples in the city. The temple features a striking white and gold ordination hall, red-and-gold decorative details, intricate murals, and a serene courtyard atmosphere. Wat Mongkol Nimit is a working temple, so while visitors are usually welcome in the outer grounds, entry inside the main structures may be restricted out of respect for religious practices.
Walking the streets of Phuket Old Town
While Phuket is famous for beaches, the soul of the island lives in its Old Town. Walking the streets of downtown lets you experience its history, culture, food, architecture, and local life all in one place, at a slow, enjoyable pace. Among the most famous streets in the Old Town are Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, Phang Nga Road, and Dibuk Road.On Sundays, the street transforms into the lively Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market. The most iconic street is Thalang Road, a street lined with pastel shop houses, boutique cafés, souvenir shops, and murals. But the most photographed street is Soi Romanee, a short but beautiful lane known for its brightly painted buildings which was a red-light district during the tin-mining era. Being in Phuket for the first time, we were happy that our accommodation was in the Old Town, allowing us to walk and enjoy this vibrant area every day.
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Wat Kanan Temple
Also called the White Temple, this is a newer and less-known Buddhist temple located 20 km from Phuket Old Town, in the Thalang district of northern Phuket. The temple stands on the water and is surrounded by a lot of green vegetation. Its outstanding white architecture, carved pillars, and bridges are meant to represent purity in the Buddhist tradition. Because of its white colour, it is very often compared to Wat Rong Khun in Chiang Rai. To get there using public transportation, we took the Blue Phothong bus on the Downtown – Sarasin Bridge route from the Downtown Market bus stop and got off at Ban Khian Intersectionstop. From here, we had to walk 2 kilometers. The bus fee per person is 50 Bhat and is paid in cash only. Unlike other popular temples, Wat Kanan is more off the beaten path, so we were able to enjoy the visit without the typical crowds. To get back to Phuket Old Town, we had to take the orange Airport Bus that passed by, after waiting a long time for the Blue Songthaew bus, which seemed to just disappear.
Wat Phra Thong (The Temple of the Golden Buddha)
From Wat Kanan we walked to Wat Phra Thong as it was in the same area. The temple is mostly famous for its unique half-buried Buddha statue, which is said to have miraculous qualities. The statue is believed to be partially hidden in the ground, and only its upper body is visible, symbolizing a legend where attempts to dig it up were met with misfortune, so it was left in its current position as a sacred relic. The temple holds deep cultural and religious importance, providing insight into Phuket's history and Buddhist traditions.
Wat Chalong Temple
Chalong Temple is the most important and revered Buddhist temple in Phuket, located in the Chalong Bay area. To get there, we took the Blue Photong Bus on the route Downtown-Kata, Karon from Downtown Market, and we paid 40 Bhat per person in cash. The temple complex is not only a cultural and spiritual landmark but also a peaceful place of reflection, attracting both locals and tourists alike. The centerpiece of the temple complex is the Chedi, a towering, gold-adorned pagoda that houses a relic of the Buddha. The Chedi is an impressive architectural structure, standing at 60 meters tall. Visitors can climb up to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding area, including Chalong Bay, nearby islands, and the lush hills of Phuket. Within the temple grounds, you can visit Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang Shrines and also the Grand Hall, which showcases intricate murals depicting important Buddhist teachings and stories, as well as a large statue of the Sitting Buddha. The temple complex is surrounded by lush greenery, with several well-maintained gardens that create a peaceful and serene atmosphere and provide the perfect conditions for a tranquil visit.
Central Phuket Shopping Mall
On our return from Wat Chalong Temple, we stopped at Central Phuket Shopping Mall. The mall is one of the largest and most luxurious shopping malls on the island, offering a high-end shopping experience with a wide range of retail, dining, and entertainment options. Located 2 kilometers away from Phuket Old Town, the mall is divided into two main sections: Central Festival Phuket and Central Floresta, which together form a massive, multi-level complex. Being only days away from the Chinese New Year, the mall was beautifully decorated with traditional Chinese displays. The mall also features a wide range of dining options, from international restaurants to local Thai eateries. Whether you're in the mood for fine dining, casual meals, or street food, there’s something to suit every taste. Central Phuket is more than just a shopping mall. There is a cinema complex, a gaming zone for families and kids, a large supermarket, and Phuket Aquarium is located here as well.
Best Night Markets
in Phuket
Phuket Indy Night Market
This night market is open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 4 pm to 10:30 pm. The market is smaller than others, and the prices seemed better. Here you can shop for souvenirs, clothes, crafts, or sample local snacks, or drink freshly made juices while enjoying the live street music happening on the small stage in the eating area.
Phuket Old Town Sunday Night Market
The market is a must-visit for anyone wanting to experience Phuket beyond the beaches and nightlife. Also known locally as Lard Yai Market, it is held every Sunday evening along the colorful and historic Thalang Road. The market transforms the charming Sino-Portuguese streets into a paradise for food lovers and a lively festival of music and shopping.
Chillva Night Market
Located about 3 kilometers from Phuket Old Town, this market is well-loved for its diverse range of stalls and the trendy vibe. Overall, it is a great place for shopping, food, and soaking in the lively atmosphere. The prices seemed better than at other markets. It is open Monday to Saturday, from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Naka Weekend Market
Also known as Phuket Weekend Market, it is one of the most popular and vibrant markets on Phuket Island. The market offers an incredible variety of goods at affordable prices, and it is a great place to shop for local crafts, handmade jewelry, clothing, and unique souvenirs. You will also find home décor items, vintage goods, and a range of second-hand products, including books, records, and furniture. One of the biggest attractions of Naka Market is its street food scene. The market is a haven for food lovers, offering an extensive range of delicious local dishes, snacks, and sweets, and it also features live music performances and street entertainment that add to the lively atmosphere. The market is primarily a weekend affair, open from Saturday to Sunday in the late afternoon and evening, typically from around 4:00 PM until late at night.
Best Day Trips from Phuket Old Town
Day Trip to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island
We booked our tour, Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island with Canoeing By BigBoat, through Viator. The final price per person, after paying for the excursion online plus the National Park fees of 300 Bhat per person in cash, was about 96 CAD. The price included pick-up and drop-off, insurance, unlimited water, and a delicious lunch cooked and served on the big boat. After being picked up from our hotel, we were taken to Ao Por Pier Phuket, where we were offered a light breakfast, coffee, and tea before departure.
The trip by the boat was very nice; we just cruised by small islands to our first stop, James Bond Island.
James Bond Island, locally known as Koh Tapu, is one of Thailand’s most iconic tourist attractions. Located in Phang Nga Bay, northeast of Phuket, the island became world-famous after appearing in the 1974 James Bond film The Man with the Golden Gun, starring Roger Moore. While the island itself is small, there is a short walking path, souvenir stalls, and viewing points for photos. The island is best known for its dramatic limestone tower that rises vertically out of emerald-green waters. This narrow rock formation is the signature image visitors recognize from the film. Surrounded by towering cliffs, hidden lagoons, and mangrove forests, the entire bay offers breathtaking natural beauty. From the boat to the island, we were taken by long-tail boats. Getting off and getting into them from the shore was quite a challenge and somewhat dangerous, even if we consider ourselves fit people. It is best to wear loose clothes that permit a lot of stretching in awkward positions. On the island, we had one hour to wander around, visit the cave, and take pictures. The whole place was teeming with tourists, but we expected that since our visit was during the peak tourist season.
After we returned on the boat, a very nice buffet lunch was served. The delicious food was prepared on the boat, and it was truly all you can eat. They did not take the trays away until everybody finished. Water, Coke, and fruits were served as well.
After lunch, the boat took us to a small beach at Ko Na Khae Island, where some people enjoyed swimming, while others, like us, admired the scenery and the good weather from the boat.
The next stop was canoeing at Ko Hong Island. We were all loaded into small sit-inside inflatable canoes, each canoe with its own guide who did the paddling. We were taken through a cave to a beautiful interior lagoon, where we lingered around with plenty of time to take pictures, and then we were taken back to the boat.
We ended the tour with canoeing at Ko Phanak Island, a dramatic limestone island located in Phang Nga Bay, northeast of Phuket. Known for its towering cliffs and hidden interior lagoons, the island is a popular stop for many sea canoe and kayaking tours. Exploring the caves at low tide was a unique experience. The same canoes from the prior adventure took us in, and we had one of the most unique experiences of the trip. We passed beneath low rock ceilings into secret lagoons filled with mangroves and unique wildlife such as bats and mudskippers.
Overall, it was a perfect tour. It was a great experience, and we considered ourselves fortunate to have been able to see all these amazing places.
Day Trip to Phi Phi Islands
After 15 minutes on the boat, we arrived at the first island on the itinerary, Koh Khai Nok Island. This stunning small island is located in the Andaman Sea, part of Thailand’s Krabi province. Known for its crystal-clear turquoise waters, powdery white sand beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, it is a tropical paradise that draws visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Being only a short boat ride from Phuket Island makes it an easy and popular day-trip destination. When we arrived, the small island was already bustling with boats and tourists.
The next stop, Monkey Beach, was one hour away by speedboat. If on the first leg of our speedboat ride everybody seemed to enjoy it, now everybody was in distress, and half of the boat passengers started to throw up and feel sick. We were warned in the safety meeting that the ride would be bumpy, but I guess nobody imagined it would be so distressing and painful. It should probably have the word “extreme” in the description. We promised ourselves never again to book a tour by speedboat. Monkey Beach is a beautiful and secluded spot tucked away on the western side of Phi Phi Don and is known for its stunning scenery and playful inhabitants. The beach gets its name from the wild monkeys that roam the area, but we only observed them from the boat.
After another 5 minutes’ speedboat ride around, we were dropped off on a different location on Ko Phi Phi Don Island for lunch and sightseeing. We only had one hour for everything. Luckily, the lunch was at a restaurant, buffet style, so we ate quickly to have time to wander around a little. Ko Phi Phi Don, the largest island in the Phi Phi archipelago, is a vibrant and stunning tourist destination that attracts travelers from around the world. Phi Phi Don is the only island in the archipelago with permanent inhabitants, and its main village offers a mix of accommodations, restaurants, and shops, making it a convenient base for exploring the area. The island is also easily accessible by ferry from several nearby locations, including from Rassada Pier in Phuket. This was our first choice for visiting Ko Phi Phi Don Island but we decided to take the tour instead for the opportunity to see more islands.
The next attraction was Maya Bay on Ko Phi Phi Leh Island, one of Thailand’s most iconic and breathtaking natural attractions and my favourite destination on the tour’s itinerary. The crescent-shaped bay is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation and became internationally famous after it was featured in the 2000 film The Beach, starring Leonardo DiCaprio. However, over-tourism in previous years caused significant environmental damage, particularly to the coral reefs and marine life. To address this, Thai authorities took measures to preserve the bay’s beauty and biodiversity. Currently, there are limitations to visit Maya Bay. Access to Maya Bay is exclusively by boat tours, swimming is prohibited, the bay is closed for parts of the year to allow for restoration efforts, and there is a daily limit on the number of tourists allowed to visit, typically around 375 people per day. The presence of the small blacktip reef sharks in the bay lately is seen as an indicator of the health of the local marine ecosystem.
From Maya Bay, the speedboat took us to Pi Leh Lagoon, on the same island. Here, the boat stopped, and people could perform a variety of activities. You could rent a long-tail boat for a fee, swim in the designated area, or just stay on the boat and enjoy the scenery. The lagoon is one of the most breathtaking and serene spots in the Phi Phi Islands. Known for its stunning natural beauty, it is truly a hidden gem surrounded by towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the emerald-green waters. The lagoon offers a peaceful escape from the more crowded parts of the Phi Phi archipelago and is accessible only by boat.
Our speedboat ride back took a little more than one hour, and it was not as difficult as in the morning. Overall, we were not too happy with the organizers, as there were a few hiccups along the way. We were picked up very late, and only after contacting them, and when we were already on our way to be dropped off at the hotel, in the city, the driver turned around after receiving a call and drove back to the pier, where we got on a different minibus and were only then taken to the city. The tour itself and the places we saw were amazing, and we would do it again if we had the chance, but we will certainly not choose to do it by speedboat.
Discovering Phuket’s Best Beaches
Patong Beach
To get to Patong Beach from Phuket Old Town, we took the Blue Photong Bus on the Downtown to Patong Beach route from the Downtown Market bus stop. The songthaews, blue open-air buses, are the cheapest way to travel between Phuket Town and the major beaches: Patong, Kata, Karon, and Kamala. A ticket to Patong Beach is 40 Bhat, paid in cash directly to the driver, and the buses run every half hour.
Patong Beach is the most famous and liveliest beach destination on the
island of Phuket, known for its long stretch of golden sand and vibrant
nightlife. Beyond the beach, Patong is famous for its nightlife centered around
Bangla Road and for being one of Phuket’s best shopping hubs. The most popular
spot is Jungceylon Shopping Center, a large modern mall featuring international
brands, local boutiques, restaurants, and a cinema. All the streets in the
beach neighbourhood are lined with small shops, restaurants, cafés, or street
vendors, where you can either bargain for souvenirs, clothes, shoes, or grab a
drink or something to eat. The beach itself spans about 3 kilometers along the
Andaman Sea. It is a very nice beach, with soft sand and clear waters that are
great for swimming. There are plenty of beach loungers and umbrellas for rent,
along with vendors offering drinks, snacks, and beach massages. Water
activities like jet skiing, parasailing, banana boat rides, and paddleboarding
are also offered, making it a fun and energetic seaside experience.
Kata and Karon Beaches
The two beaches are within walking distance of each other, so we visited them both on the same day. We got there by the Blue Photong Bus on the Downtown–Kata, Karon route. The cost of a ticket was 40 Bhat, paid in cash to the driver.Karon Beach is one of Phuket's most popular and beautiful beaches, known for its long stretch of golden sand and crystal-clear waters. The beach is located on the island's west coast and offers a more relaxed and laid-back atmosphere compared to the bustling Patong Beach, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and those seeking a quieter beach experience. The beach is surrounded by lush green hills, and the water is perfect for swimming. The area around Karon Beach is lined with a variety of restaurants, shops, and resorts, providing plenty of options for dining and entertainment.
Kata Beach is as beautiful as Karon Beach. The same fine sand, with water generally shallow and gentle, is perfect for swimming and a day of relaxation.
We learned during our Phuket trip that certain routes of the blue
songthaews are not as reliable as others, and this was one of them. At the
Downtown Market in Phuket Old Town, there are two different bus stops, not too
far apart. All the buses at the stop where you take the Patong route bus were
reliable, while all the buses at the other stop, going to Sarasin or Kamala
Beach, are to be avoided.
Kamala Beach is a quieter, more laid-back alternative to some of Phuket's busier beaches like Patong or Karon. Located on the island's west coast, just north of Patong, Kamala is a small and charming beach that has become popular with families, couples, and those seeking a peaceful retreat without the crowds. Here you can also find shaded areas to hide from the sun, without having to rent beach loungers and umbrellas.
After exploring all that Phuket had to offer, we could not have been more pleased with our experience. From the stunning beaches to the vibrant local culture, it truly delivered everything we were hoping for. We left feeling fulfilled and were already thinking about our next visit. Phuket is definitely on our radar for future beach vacations, and we are already planning our next adventures.
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