10 Things to Do in Phuket, Thailand, Worth Your Time

Phuket is Thailand's largest island and a top holiday spot. Besides its beaches, you'll find cultural sites, wildlife encounters, family-friendly places, lively markets, and easy getaways to nearby islands. This list shares 10 top picks, including the best things to do in Phuket, Thailand.

This guide covers Phuket's top landmarks, an ethical wildlife experience, a water park for families, evening activities like Muay Thai and markets, Old Town, and simple day outings.

What Are Phuket's Top Attractions?

Here’s a quick overview of the best things to do in Phuket before we dive into the details.

Why Visit Big Buddha Phuket and Wat Chalong?

These are Phuket’s most famous landmarks, and they are close to each other. You can see both in half a day and still have time to relax.

Big Buddha Phuket

Big Buddha Phuket stands on Nakkerd Hill. This 45-metre white marble statue is visible from much of southern Phuket.

• Wide views over Chalong Bay and the coastline from the hilltop viewpoint
• Cover your shoulders and knees. Sarongs are available at the entrance if you forget.
• Visit in the late afternoon, between 4:30 and 5:30pm, when the marble glows in the sunlight and most tour groups have left. Try not to go at midday because the terrace gets very hot.
• Open daily from 9am to 6pm (last entry 5:30pm). Entry is free.

Big Buddha Phuket reopened on 3 March 2026 after being closed for 18 months due to a landslide. Because access can change, check the latest updates before you go.

Wat Chalong Phuket

Wat Chalong Phuket is the island's biggest and most important Buddhist temple. It is known for its connection to monks Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who helped locals during the 1876 Chinese Coolie Rebellion.

• Wat Chalong Phuket has a 60-metre, multi-level chedi that visitors can climb for views over the temple grounds.
• Follow the same dress code as at Big Buddha: cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before entering.
• Open daily from 7am to 5pm. Entry is free.

Wat Chalong Phuket is just a short drive from Big Buddha, making it easy to visit both in one day.

What Makes Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket Special?

Source credits: Elephant Jungle Sanctuary

Not all animal experiences in Phuket are ethical. Elephant Jungle Sanctuary is a well-known place where you can see elephants without riding them.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, you can spend time with elephants without riding them. Unlike riding camps that may harm the animals, this sanctuary lets you feed, watch, and gently interact with the elephants.

At Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, you can feed the elephants, walk beside them and join a bathing session in the mud or water. It's hands-on, but always on the elephant's terms.

Spots fill up fast, so book your visit to Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket a few days in advance. It’s a great choice for families and animal lovers. If you care about animal welfare, this is a top thing to do in Phuket.

Is Andamanda Water Park Phuket Worth Visiting?

Source credits: Andamanda Phuket

A water park is a perfect way to cool off on hot afternoons. Andamanda Water Park Phuket is a great place for this.

All You Need to Know About Andamanda Water Park Phuket

• Plan to spend a few hours enjoying the rides and pools here.
• There is a separate kids zone for younger children, while adults can relax in quieter pools and cabanas.
• If you arrive in the morning, you’ll have more time to enjoy the rides before the lines get longer later in the day.
• You can buy tickets online or at the entrance. The park is open daily from 10am to 6pm, so plan a few hours for your visit to Andamanda Water Park Phuket.

What Can You Do in Phuket After Sunset?

Among the more overlooked things to do in Phuket, Thailand, is catching the island's evening side.

Muay Thai Phuket Fight Night

Watching a Muay Thai Phuket fight night is a great way to experience local culture. Patong stadiums host matches all week.

• You’ll hear loud music, see an energetic crowd, and watch fighters from different weight classes.
• Fights go for several rounds, with smaller matches before the main event.
• You can buy tickets at the door or ahead of time during busy months.

If you want to try Muay Thai in Phuket yourself, several gyms near Patong offer beginner classes. You don’t need any experience. A short session is a fun way to get a feel for the sport before or after watching a match.

Night Markets and Street Food

Phuket’s night markets are great spots to try local food and soak up the atmosphere.

• Sunday Walking Street: Old Town stalls with food, crafts and live music
• Chillva Market: A casual spot with food trucks and a young crowd
• Naka Market: One of the bigger markets, good for street snacks and souvenirs

Walk through the stalls and try different dishes to experience the real Phuket beyond the resorts.

Cultural and Cabaret Shows

If you want a quieter evening, Phuket's cultural shows are a good option for families.

• Traditional Thai dance performances with music and costumes.
• Cabaret-style shows with singing, comedy and stage acts.
• Most venues have fixed showtimes, so check the schedule before you go.

These shows are perfect if you’re travelling with kids or want a relaxed night after a busy day.

What Else Can You Do in Phuket, Thailand?

Among the quieter things to do in Phuket, Thailand, Phuket Old Town offers a different side of the island.

Phuket Old Town

• Sino-Portuguese shophouses: Colourful old buildings line the main streets, and many now house cafes and small shops.
• Street art and local shops: Walk through lanes with murals, boutiques, and family-run stores.
• Small museums: Stop by to learn about the island’s tin mining history.
• Best time to visit: Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat.

Which Places Near Phuket Are Worth Visiting?

Phuket is also a great starting point for short getaways to nearby islands and bays.

Phi Phi Islands

• Getting there: Take a boat from Phuket to the Phi Phi Islands, usually as a full-day option.
• Maya Bay: Made famous by the film The Beach, it is known for its white sand and limestone cliffs.

Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

• Limestone formations: Tall rock pillars rise directly from the water throughout the bay.
• Sea caves: On some boat tours, you can paddle a canoe into hidden caves and peaceful lagoons.

Both add a good change of pace to your list of things to do in Phuket, Thailand, away from the island itself.

Final Takeaway

These 10 picks show that the things to do in Phuket, Thailand, go well beyond a day at the beach.

You’ll find history and great views at Big Buddha Phuket and Wat Chalong Phuket, a responsible wildlife experience at Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket, family fun at Andamanda Water Park Phuket, and lively evenings with Muay Thai Phuket, markets, and cultural shows. Phuket Old Town gives you a look at the island's heritage, and nearby islands and bays add even more to explore.

Once you know which of the best things to do in Phuket match your interests, start planning by area to make the most of your time. If Phuket is part of your Thailand holiday, check out Holiday Tribe's Thailand tour packages. Their travel experts can create custom itineraries based on your interests and travel style.