Itineraries for Your Trip to Phuket
3 Days in Phuket for First Timers
Before I went to Phuket, I’d prided myself on finding more secluded Thailand spots to explore. I’d mistakenly written off the country’s largest island before I’d even been there, thinking it would be too developed for my liking. But, as with many of the world’s most popular spots, there’s a good reason people go there. Not long after I landed, I rented a scooter and realized that there was a lot to love about this island.
Three days in Phuket lets you go beyond the main drag of Patong Beach and into the crystal-clear waters of the Andaman Sea, while also giving you plenty of time to tick off must-see Phuket attractions. Here’s how to spend your 72 hours.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a boat trip on the Andaman Sea.
If higher humidity is a fair swap for lower hotel prices, visit Phuket during the March–May shoulder season.
Dedicate day one to Phuket’s culture and cuisine. Take a sightseeing tour that covers top sights, such as the Big Buddha Phuket, a 147-foot (45-meter) statue that boasts panoramic views of the island from its hilltop perch, and Wat Chalong, the largest, most-visited temple in Phuket.
Then, head to Phuket Old Town—home to pretty painted houses, street art, and a wealth of market stalls—to sample the best of Southern Thailand’s street food scene. You’ll see there’s much more to local cuisine than pad thai as you feast on hokkein noodles, wood-fired snacks, tamarind sweets, and much more.
Phuket is the gateway to the Phi Phi Islands, so spend your second day setting sail for the limestone cliffs of Koh Phi Phi. An island-hopping tour by speedboat means you’ll spend less time at sea and more time admiring the world-famous Maya Bay, which catapulted to famous after it featured in the blockbuster film The Beach.
Back on dry land this evening, head to the Patong Boxing Stadium to watch a Muay Thai boxing match. Enjoy roaring cheers and a vibrant atmosphere as you see specially trained fighters demonstrate speed and skill honed over years of rigorous training.
Get straight back on the water today for a day trip to James Bond Island, which earned international acclaim when it featured in the movie The Man With the Golden Gun. Swim and canoe in the turquoise waters of Phang Nga Bay and admire the soaring limestone towers from the water.
On your final night, find out why so many people flock to southern Thailand to party on a nightlife crawl of Bangla Road, a walking street where neon-fronted bars thrum with loud music and cheap cocktails. While it’ll stimulate all of your senses, it’s the ideal place to toast your time on the island.
