Looking for a short getaway from Singapore? You need to make plans with Phuket.
Tropical sunsets, white palm-lined beaches, and warm blue waters calling out to you? Get yourself a ticket and jet off to this world-class paradise. We share all the deets on the best things to do in Phuket – including eye-catching sights, delicious food and top-tier accommodation.
Things to do in Phuket: Eat and explore
1. Phuket Old Town
There’s more to Phuket than its sandy beaches, sunny islands and burgeoning nightlife scene. It’s also full of rich history – particularly that of the Baba Thai-Chinese Peranakans. To immerse yourself in this storied destination, you’ve gotta make a trip down to Phuket Old Town. Its streets evoke almost the same vibes as Malacca’s iconic Jonker Street, and they feature the most beautiful Sino-Portuguese townhouses.
You’ll want to make pit stops at Instagrammable cafes, authentic Thai restaurants, and well-stocked snack shops along Thalang Road and Soi Romanee. Grab a table at Tu Kab Khao and have a taste of its signature Phuket-style crab curry. Next, head over to Ryn for barista slow-drip coffee and Japanese tea, or Torry’s for the creamiest ice cream in locally-inspired flavours. If you’re around on a Sunday after 4pm, drop by Phuket Walking Street Market for amazing street food and local handicrafts.
Phuket Old Town, 42 Krabi Road, Phuket Town, Phuket 83000, Thailand
2. Chinpracha House
Ever wanted to visit an authentic Peranakan house? Swing by Chinpracha House. This stunning cultural attraction is still home to the descendants of its original owners. They’re currently the sixth generation (and counting) to reside in this stately mansion. You’ll be given a guided tour of the ground floor, featuring vast living spaces, two bedrooms and a traditional kitchen area. We loved the inner courtyard – it reminded us of TV series The Little Nyonya, which took Singapore by storm back in 2008. You definitely don’t want to miss this.
Chinpracha House, 98 Krabi, Talat Nuea, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83000, Thailand
3. Unique experiences with Bang Rong CBT
Wanna support local communities while taking part in an unforgettable activity? Kill two birds with one stone with the folks at Bang Rong CBT. You can take part in a unique Phuket travel experience that includes pineapple harvesting, rubber tree tapping and delicious meals on the Bang Rong pier. We couldn’t get enough of the coconut dessert-making workshop that gave us the opportunity to pick our own coconuts and sip on the freshest coconut water we’ve ever tasted.
Unique experiences with Bang Rong CBT, book online
4. Baan Ar-Jor Museum
History buffs will want to put this museum at the top of your list. The Baan-Ar-Jor museum is an 85-year-old Sino-Portuguese mansion that lets you experience what it might’ve been like to live in 1930s Phuket. Head to the second floor for a peek at the bridal room. It’s simply stunning.
Baan Ar-Jor Museum, 102 Thepkrasattri Road, Mai Khao, Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
5. Mom Tri’s Kitchen
Surrounded by lush gardens with to-die-for views of Kata Noi’s white sandy beaches, Mom Tri’s Kitchen features a menu inspired by renowned Michelin-starred chefs like Henri Charvet and Gerard Royant. While its signature dishes average six, try the light-as-air hot crab souffle starter filled with spiced fresh blue crab meat.
Mom Tri’s Kitchen, 12 Kata Noi Road, Kata Noi Beach, Phuket 83100, Thailand
6. Dee Plee
Feeling hungry? Reserve a seat at Dee Plee. This restaurant sits within Anantara Layan Resort and serves knock-out views of the Andaman paired with mouth-watering authentic Thai food. We love that chef Hongz uses secret recipes passed down to her through generations of Thai cooking in her family. You can expect crispy appetisers, fresh seafood, creamy curries and more.
Dee Plee, 168 Moo 6, Layan Beach Soi 4, Cherngtalay Thalang District, Phuket 83110, Thailand
7. Island hopping
You simply can’t go to Phuket without island hopping. Spend afternoons exploring the sea caves of Phang Nga Bay, visit James Bond Island (it was featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun”), or sun tan at Phi Phi Islands, which is often dubbed as paradise on earth. Note that these tours are insanely popular, so if you’re looking to dodge the crowds, do your due diligence on less popular islands like Tachai.
8. Adrenaline-fuelled activities
Extreme adventures await in Phuket for those addicted to the adrenaline rush. Rock climb caves, scream your lungs out on your plunging bungee, go off the beaten path on an ATV or conquer forest trails on a mountain bike. If you’re staying at a hotel or resort, ask the concierge for recommendations on the best operators who can rent you equipment or a tour guide. You can also find plenty of value-for-money tour packages on Klook and book way in advance.
9. Scuba diving
Regarded as one of the top dining destinations in the world, Phuket offers a plethora of exciting underwater experiences. Think shipwrecks at Anemone Reef, shark diving and crystal clear waters at Phi Phi Islands. Grab your friends and diving gear and you’re all set.
10. See a different side of Phuket
Phuket’s Soi Bangla may be infamous for its seedy visitors, but it’s an ace way to discover the city’s thriving nightlife scene. Drop it down low at the mega dance clubs like Illuzion. Or, catch a “ladyboy” cabaret show for a spectacular showcase of lights, colour and dance.
Things to do in Phuket: Stay
11. Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach
We fell in love with this resort barely a few minutes after stepping foot in it. It’s a tranquil oasis just 10 minutes away from Phuket International Airport. And it’s great if you’re looking for accommodation away from the hustle and bustle of crowded tourist hot spots. Of its 180 available rooms, suites and villas, we recommend booking the one with premium pool access. This includes a terrace with direct access to the resort pool, and your own private cabana to lounge and sun tan in. Looking for Instagrammable corners? Head to the beach to take pictures of the resort’s iconic swing and hammock. The Andaman sea in the background also makes this location perfect for romantic dinners or sundowners.
Don’t forget to make an appointment at Quan Spa for its signature aromatherapy massage. Our masseuse may have been small in stature, but she deftly pressed out all our knots with the strength and control of ten men. We left feeling completely relaxed and light as a feather. But what we loved the most? Definitely the daily breakfast buffet at The Andaman Kitchen – the crab curry omelette was perfection. You can bet we’ll be back for more.
Phuket Marriott Resort and Spa, Nai Yang Beach, 92, 92/1 Moo 3, Tambol Sakoo, Amphur, Talang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
12. Marriott Courtyard Phuket Town
If you’re looking for easy access to attractions, great food and sights in Phuket, book a room at Courtyard by Marriott Phuket Town. This accommodation sits close to the best shopping, dining and entertainment venues. Plus, it’s got amazing views to boot – book the mountain view room if you don’t believe us. After a day out and about, cool off at the rooftop bar and pool and take in gorgeous views of the sunset.
Marriott Courtyard Phuket Town, 1 Soi Surin, Talat Yai, Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand
13. Amanpuri Phuket
This peaceful resort on the west coast of Phuket is chock-a-block with dreamy spots for a romantic vacay. Surrounded by a secluded coconut plantation and perfect private beach, it’s home to Ayutthayan-style pavilions ranging from two-bedroom villas to ones with ocean and garden views.
Amanpuri Phuket, 118 Moo 3 Srissunthorn, Phuket 83110, Thailand
14. The Slate Phuket
Expect to be whisked away as soon as you get off the plane. The Slate Phuket keeps its aesthetic modern yet traditional, with decor elements which pay homage to the island’s tin-mining history. Myriad gorgeous suites are available here, from the Pearl Bed Suite with marble and wooden interiors plus a private balcony, to the decadent and massive Bensley Suite with private plunge pools and terraces.
The Slate Phuket, 116, Moo 1, Sakhu, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
15. The Habita Sri Panwa
The new arm of renowned resort Sri Panwa is yet another enclave of calm on the island. Twenty pool suites and 10 penthouses are available for booking, each equipped with its own infinity pool overlooking the beautiful Andaman sea. If this is your time out for city life, you’ll be hard-pressed not to feel relaxed. The hotel offers 24/7 room service from its in-house restaurants and a beautifully designed spa with a whole gamut of pampering treatments.
The Habita Sri Panwa, 88 Sakdidej Road, Vichit, Muang, Chang Wat, Phuket 83000, Thailand
16. The Pavilions Phuket
This is the place to be for a luxury Thai holiday. Located on one of Phuket’s dramatically high peaks, it has the largest hotel pool on the island, a wellness sanctuary and award-winning restaurants. Whatever your choice of accommodation (the selection includes villas and suites), you’re guaranteed a hideaway as these offer complete privacy and intimacy.
The Pavilions Phuket, 31/1 Moo 6 Cherngtalay, Thalang, Phuket 83110, Thailand
17. Naka Island Phuket
Relax in utter seclusion at Naka Island. It’s a boutique resort located on the private island of Naka Yai Island, situated 25 minutes off Phuket International Airport. Be sure to leave your phone behind when you check into Spa Naka. On the menu, there’s a host of ache-relieving botanical therapies. You’ll want to be free of all distractions as you immerse yourself in the mind-melting treatments at the four treatment rooms.
Naka Island Phuket, 32 Moo 5, Tambol Paklok, Naka Yai Island, Paklok, Phuket, 83110, Thailand
Add these things to do in Phuket to your to-do list for the weekend getaway of your dreams!
