Itineraries for Your Trip to Phuket
2 Days in Phuket for First Timers
Phuket is one of Thailand’s top beach destinations, as it’s surrounded by the turquoise waters of the [Andaman Sea](https://www.viator.com/Southern-Thailand-and-Andaman-Coast/d22568O. Ironically, this island’s popularity is what had put me off visiting it during my year in Asia. I’d targeted more off-the-beaten-path locales, so it was with a hint of reluctance that I made my way down to the south coast to reconnect with a friend I’d made during my trip. However, I didn't have to spend long on the soft white sand to see why this beach resort is so popular among both Thai and international visitors. If you’ve got two days in Phuket, here’s how to lap up its landscapes.
If you only have time for one thing, make it the Big Buddha.
For the coolest and driest weather, visit Phuket from November to February, but expect hotel prices to be higher.
There’s much more to Phuket than just its beaches, so spend your first morning zipping between top Phuket attractions on an island tour. Admire the intricate Buddhist architecture of Wat Chalong, one of more than 30 temples on the island, and head up to the gigantic hilltop Big Buddha for sweeping views of the coastline.
The cuisine of Southern Thailand has a unique style that differs from the rest of the country, so spend this afternoon enjoying the feisty flavors of Thai food during a cooking class. Master the art of dishes such as tom yum soup, famous for its hot and sour flavor, and mango sticky rice for dessert.
Tonight, hear the roar of the crowd during an atmospheric Muay Thai (Thai boxing) match at Patong Boxing Stadium, the island’s top sporting venue. Watch skilled fighters demonstrate agility and speed in the ring—if this inspires you to try the sport yourself, a beginner muay thai workshop is a great place to start.
Skip a cup of coffee this morning and, instead, wake yourself up with a dose of adrenaline during a paragliding adventure that reveals Phuket’s stunning island scenery from above. You don’t need any prior paragliding experience to enjoy this tandem flight. If you’d rather do something more relaxing, head to Patong Beach for an early morning swim instead.
Phuket Old Town is as pretty as a picture, with its brightly colored buildings and hidden alleys. Spend your second afternoon enjoying Phuket Town with all of your senses, on a sightseeing and street food tour that takes you beyond pad thai and introduces you to dishes you might otherwise miss.
Revelers flock to Thailand’s south coast to party, and an evening on Bangla Road—Phuket’s premier nightlife destination—makes it easy to see why. On your final evening, toast your time in Phuket on a bar crawl in Patong, where venues range from quaint cocktail lounges to thumping nightclubs.
