Itineraries for Your Trip to Phuket
1 Day in Phuket for First Timers
Although Phuket became one of my favorite places in Thailand, I hadn’t initially planned to go. The only reason I ended up on the shores of the Andaman Sea was to meet a friend I’d made while traveling. I’d busied myself with more off-the-beaten-path locales during my trip around Southeast Asia, but I would soon see that some of the most appreciated destinations draw crowds for a good reason.
Even though Thailand’s largest island is also one of its most popular vacation spots, you can still find pockets of peace far from the main drag of Patong. If you’ve got one day in Phuket, here’s how to enjoy a mix of highlights and hidden gems.
If you only have time for one thing, make it a food tour.
The hottest months in Phuket (March and April) coincide with the islandwide water fight of Songkran (Thai New Year), which is the ideal way to cool down.
If you’re short on time, you’ll want to cover as many top Phuket attractions as you can, so kickstart your first day with a sightseeing tour that takes you to highlights such as the Big Buddha, from which you can enjoy panoramic views of the coast of Phuket. After learning about the Thai architecture of Buddhist temples, head to Patong Beach to drink a fresh coconut and people-watch on this bustling stretch of sand.
Dedicate your afternoon to Phuket Old Town, a postcard-perfect array of colorful buildings and boutiques selling some of the island’s best artisan souvenirs. Get the inside scoop on local culture and sample stir-fried street food on a walking tour that ensures you leave with plenty of tips for the rest of your time. If you’re looking to learn recipes for Thai food to take home, tag on a cooking class to your foodie afternoon.
Watch the day turn to night with a sunset cocktail on Kata Beach, before enjoying the classic Southern Thai dish of gaeng som, a sour and spicy curry with fish and vegetables. Then, it’s time to experience the electric atmosphere of a Muay Thai boxing match at Patong Boxing Stadium, where you can watch a fight from ringside seats. If you’ve got the energy, round out the evening at the nightlife hot spot of Bangla Road for dancing and daiquiris until the early hours.
