Phuket Unveiled: Your Ultimate Island Adventure Guide

Must-visit attractions

• Phang Nga Bay: Famous for limestone cliffs and James Bond Island. Take a boat or kayak tour.

• Big Buddha: A massive white marble statue with panoramic views of Phuket.

• Wat Chalong: The island’s most important Buddhist temple.

• Old Phuket Town: Colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings, street art and local markets.

• Phi Phi Islands: Stunning beaches, snorkeling and Maya Bay (famous from The Beach movie).

• Similan Islands: Among the best diving spots in Thailand, open from November to May.

Adventure activities

• Scuba diving & snorkeling: The Similan Islands offer some of Thailand’s best diving spots. Liveaboard trips are ideal for experienced divers.

• Shark Point & King Cruiser Wreck: Exciting dive sites near Phuket.

• ATV Jungle Tours & Ziplining: Hanuman World is Phuket’s top ziplining park with treetop adventure courses.

• ATV Seaview Tour: Off-road adventure through the jungle to hidden viewpoints.

• Helicopter Tours: Take a private helicopter tour over Phang Nga Bay and the Phi Phi Islands for an unforgettable aerial perspective.

• White Water Rafting & Caving (Phang Nga): Head to Ton Pariwat Wildlife Sanctuary for rafting on the Song Phraek River.

• Explore Wat Suwan Kuha Cave Temple (Monkey Cave) and underground rivers.

• Muay Thai Training: For an intense workout, train at Tiger Muay Thai or Phuket Top Team — even if just for a session.

• Luxury Glamping & Jungle Retreats: Stay at Keemala Resort – Unique “bird’s nest” pool villas in the jungle with spa treatments.

Island-hopping to Koh Phi Phi: Take a speedboat to these stunning islands — snorkel in crystal waters by day, then soak in the laid-back vibe as the sun sets.

Exploring Old Phuket Town: Wander the Sino-Portuguese streets, grab a coffee at a quirky café like The Feelsion and soak in the history — it’s like stepping into a living postcard.

Beach Club vibes at Catch Beach Club: On Bang Tao Beach, sip cocktails by the pool, groove to chill beats and watch the sunset — it’s upscale yet relaxed.

Dancing at Illuzion Nightclub: Patong’s top nightlife spot — big-name DJs, dazzling lights and a pulsing crowd make it a must for a late-night energy fix.

Similan Islands snorkeling day trip: A boat ride northwest reveals pristine reefs and turquoise waters — nature at its rawest, with fish darting everywhere.

Cocktails at Baba Nest Rooftop Bar: At Sri Panwa, this infinity-edge bar offers panoramic views and fancy drinks — perfect for a classy night above the treetops.

Jungle Trek to Big Buddha: Hike up Nakkerd Hill through lush forest to this iconic statue — sweaty but rewarding, with 360-degree island views.

Dinner at Blue Elephant Phuket: In a restored mansion in Old Town, savor royal Thai cuisine like crab curry — fine dining with history on the side.

Party at Café del Mar Phuket: Kamala’s sleek beach club brings Ibiza vibes — daytime lounging by the sea turns into a pulsing dance scene after dark.

Kayaking Around Koh Maphrao: Paddle to this quiet island off Phuket’s east coast — coconut groves, mangroves and calm waters make it a nature lover’s escape.

These mix Phuket’s wild side with its sophisticated edge — perfect for tasting the island’s full spectrum.

PRU Restaurant: Located in Thalang, PRU embraces a farm-to-table philosophy. This spot sources ingredients from its own organic farm and local suppliers to craft innovative dishes that highlight Thailand’s rich biodiversity.

Jampa Restaurant: Situated in Thalang, Jampa operates with a zero-waste cuisine concept, offering farm-to-table dishes prepared with ingredients from its own organic farm. The serene setting includes freshwater lakes, providing a peaceful dining atmosphere.

Talung Thai at Paresa Resort Kamala: Perched atop Kamala’s cliffs, Talung Thai offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Andaman Sea. The restaurant specializes in authentic Thai cuisine, focusing on fresh, locally sourced seafood and traditional flavors.

Zuma Phuket at Anantara Layan: Located within the Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, Zuma brings contemporary Japanese izakaya-style dining to the island. Guests can enjoy a variety of dishes, including sushi, robata-grilled items and signature cocktails, all in a chic, beachfront setting.

TENGOKU at InterContinental Kamala: TENGOKU offers an authentic Japanese dining experience within the InterContinental Phuket Resort in Kamala. The menu features a range of traditional Japanese dishes, including sushi, sashimi and teppanyaki, prepared with meticulous attention to detail.

Blue Elephant Phuket Town: Housed in a historic mansion in Phuket Town, Blue Elephant serves Royal Thai cuisine. It offers a menu that blends traditional recipes with contemporary twists. The elegant setting and culinary excellence make it a standout dining destination.

Acqua Restaurant: Situated in Kalim, near Patong, Acqua Restaurant offers Italian fine dining with a focus on fresh seafood and premium ingredients. The modern, stylish ambiance complements the extensive wine list and meticulously crafted dishes.

Suay Cherngtalay: Located in Cherngtalay, Suay Restaurant presents modern Thai cuisine with international influences. The menu features creative dishes that blend traditional flavors with innovative techniques, all served in a contemporary setting.

Black Ginger Restaurant: Set within The Slate Phuket Resort at Nai Yang Beach. Black Ginger is designed like a traditional Thai village, accessible via a short raft ride across a lagoon. The restaurant offers premium Thai dining, featuring classic dishes prepared with a sophisticated touch.

Ta Khai Restaurant at Rosewood Phuket: Nestled within the Rosewood Phuket Resort, Ta Khai provides a rustic yet refined dining experience, focusing on traditional southern Thai cuisine. The menu emphasizes fresh seafood and local ingredients, served in a serene, beachfront setting.

L’Arôme by the Sea: Located in Kalim Bay, L’Arôme by the Sea offers contemporary French fine dining with stunning sea views. The restaurant features modern French cuisine with influences from the Swiss Alps, providing a tranquil atmosphere that complements the culinary experience.

The Smokaccia Laboratory: Situated in Cherng Talay, The Smokaccia Laboratory specializes in molecular gastronomy. It offers innovative dishes that blend science and culinary art. The restaurant provides a unique dining experience, focusing on creativity and experimentation.

Wagyu Steakhouse: Wagyu Steakhouse is renowned for its premium selection of Wagyu beef. It offers a variety of cuts and preparations to satisfy steak enthusiasts. The restaurant focuses on delivering high-quality meats in a sophisticated and inviting atmosphere.

Each of these establishments contributes to Phuket’s diverse and vibrant culinary scene, ensuring memorable dining experiences for both locals and visitors.