11 Awesome Things to Do in Phuket for First-Timers

11 Best Things to Do in Phuket

1. Visit Phuket Old Town

After arriving in Phuket, the first order of business is to visit Phuket Old Town and discover the island's past. Colorful old Chinese-European-style houses reminiscent of the antique houses often seen in countries like Malaysia and Singapore, with a touch of Phuket's own uniqueness.

There are lines and lines of tourist attractions and shops for you to check out in Phuket Old Town, from interesting museums to places selling souvenirs for you to enjoy. Not to mention all the cool restaurants and unique cafes for you to indulge yourself in.

If you are looking for a nice restaurant to try traditional dishes in Phuket Old Town, they have a variety of places for you to check out. From the super cheap Lock Tien local food center to the super high-quality places like One Chun Cafe and Tu Kab Khao Restaurant, all serve delicious local food like Hokkien noodles, crab curry soup, and more.

For cafes to sit back and relax, you can't go wrong with Kopitiam, a traditional kopitiam-style cafe that serves the traditional sweet and strong kopi (coffee). For a nice, quiet, and cozy place to sit, Campus Coffee Roaster and its creative coffee choices and traditional Thai school decor are my definite go-to places after a long tiring day.

Phuket Old Town is not very big, and it should take you no more than half a day to see all the beautiful parts of the area. The place can be explored anytime during the day, but if you are there on a Sunday, there is quite a treat waiting for you at Phuket Old Town if you drop by in the evening.

For more things to do in Phuket Old Town, check out:9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town

2. Eat Your Way Through the Old Town Sunday Walking Street

Every Sunday, the entire main street of Phuket Old Town is turned into a lively walking street market full of street food stalls, local performers, and a ton of shops selling cheap handicrafts and more.

The Sunday Walking Street truly brings new life to the old, peaceful Phuket Old Town, with a multitude of people visiting, including both locals and foreigners. They all walk up and down the street, trying out all sorts of delicious street food Thailand is known for.

Phuket Sunday Walking Street starts around 4 PM and goes all the way into the night until 10 PM every Sunday of the week. There is a ton of street food you can try here, all sold at a lower price point than if you were to buy them in restaurants.

What I often do at Phuket Sunday Walking Street is walk up and down the street, grab whatever I want to try as I go, and then find a nice quiet place to sit at the Golden Dragon Monument. The Golden Dragon Monument is in a small park, and you can easily find a nice quiet place to sit and enjoy your food at your own leisure.

3. Hike Up to Khao Rang Viewpoint

If you are looking for a nice viewpoint near Phuket Old Town to enjoy a beautiful sunset over the city, there is no better place to be than at Khao Rang Viewpoint. Located within walking distance of the old town, the Khao Rang Viewpoint offers a great vantage point where you will be able to see as far as the southeastern coast of the island.

You can either walk up Khao Rang Viewpoint from the Old Town, which should take around 30-45 minutes one way, or you can rent a motorbike and ride up to the viewpoint. I highly recommend going up there an hour before sunset and spending some time up there.

Once you are at Khao Rang Viewpoint, you will find a few restaurants and shops where you can replenish your energy. Just watch out for monkeys if you are planning to buy something to eat at the viewpoint.

Khao Rang Viewpoint also makes for a great place to exercise, as you will find many locals climbing to the top on foot every evening for the sunset. It is one of my favorite places in Phuket Old Town, and I highly recommend you visit the viewpoint before leaving Phuket Old Town and exploring other parts of the island.

4. Check Out Wat Chalong

One of the oldest and most renowned temples in Phuket, Wat Chalong, is one of the most important places on the island and a must-visit for tourists.

The temple is located just southwest of Phuket Old Town, and it can easily be reached by motorcycles on your way to the coasts. Within the temple, you will find several stunning architectures, as well as a massive pagoda where you can climb up to see the view of the surrounding area.

You can spend around half an hour here, walking the temple grounds, checking out all the stunning ordination halls, and hiking up to the top of the pagoda. From the top of the pagoda, you will be able to see the Big Buddha statue on top of a mountain, which is where we will be heading next. The temple opens from 8 AM to 5 PM every day, and like most temples in Thailand, you can enter for free.

5. Go Up the Big Buddha

The Big Buddha is definitely the highlight of visiting Phuket. The statue is 45m high and is located on top of one of the highest viewpoints in the area, where you will be able to get a panoramic view of the entire southern coastal area of Phuket.

The ride up there is quite steep but incredible, and you should be able to go up there with a rented moped just fine. There are some really steep sections, but the road is good, and as long as you take it slow when coming down, you should have no trouble getting up and down the Big Buddha safely.

Once you are at the top, you can park your moped in a designated parking area, and you will have to walk up a bit to reach the viewing platform and a bit more to reach the Big Buddha statue itself.

From the platform, you can see the entire southern coast of Phuket, with Promthep Cape, Nai Harn, and Rawai beaches all in your vicinity. You can even see Kata beach from behind if you walk a little further to the other side of the platform.

It can get pretty hot up here as there is not a whole lot of natural shade, so be sure to wear your sunscreen when riding up here. The Big Buddha Statue opens from 8 AM to 6 PM every day, and it is free to enter.

6. Relax at Nai Harn Beach

Of course, if you come to Phuket, you have to visit one of its pristine beaches. After traveling around Phuket for a while, I found Nai Harn Beach to be the best of all, striking the balance between location and crowdedness.

Patong Beach, which we will visit later on, is by far the most popular beach in Phuket, with Kata Beach coming in at a close second. However, that comes with the bustle that some people might not like. I certainly despise being in a beautiful but crowded place, which ruins the whole relaxed-on-the-beach vibe.

Nai Hard Beach, on the other hand, is as beautiful as other beaches, with fine, soft sands and plenty of space and facilities for you to relax in. And best of all, it isn't crowded at all.

There are enough resorts, restaurants, and cafes to make your life pretty comfortable around Nai Harn Beach, and its proximity to other tourist attractions in Phuket does make it a great base to reside in while you are in Phuket.

If you are looking for a quiet and cozy beach to go sunbathing in Phuket, you can't go wrong with Nai Harn Beach. There are also several viewpoints you can visit near Nai Harn Beach, and one of those is the Black Rock Viewpoint, which we will discuss in the next section.

Looking for the most beautiful beaches in Phuket? Check out:8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket

7. Hike Up to the Black Rock viewpoint

Black Rock is a stunning viewpoint near Nai Harn Beach where you will be able to get an unparalleled panoramic view of the entire southern coast of Phuket, offering an even better perspective than that from the Big Buddha statue.

From this viewpoint, you will have an incredible vista over Nai Harn Beach and Promthep Cape, as well as all the other small islands around Phuket. It is probably one of the best viewpoints in Phuket and a must-do if you are in Nai Harn.

There are two ways you can get up there. First, you will have to ride your moped to a dirt road leading up to the Black Rock viewpoint, and from there, you have two options. You can either walk the length of around 2 km to the trailhead to the Black Rock viewpoint or you can hire one of the taxi drivers there to take you up on their pick-up trucks.

Phuket can get really hot, and there isn't a whole lot of shade along the way. So, if you are unsure, I highly recommend you go for the taxi instead. The taxi will cost around 50 THB per person one way, 100 THB total if you want the driver to wait for you.

The dirt road is pretty bad, so I would recommend that you avoid taking your moped all the way up to the trailhead unless you have a dirt bike or know what you are doing. Once you arrive at the trailhead, it only takes about 5 minutes to hike to the viewpoint.

It's not very big, so it shouldn't take you more than 30 minutes to visit the Black Rock viewpoint. You can either get down with the same taxi, or you can walk back, which should take around 45 minutes.

Unless, of course, you are still feeling active and don't mind hiking a little further, there is another cool place to hike to beyond Black Rock Viewpoint called Krating Cape, which is a better place to watch the sunset than at Black Rock.

8. Watch Sunset at Krating Cape

Krating Cape is another viewpoint that offers a great view of the ocean, as well as a fun hike that will take you through a more remote part of the island.

Since the cape is facing west, it is also one of the best places around to watch the sunset over the ocean. When I was there, there was no one at the viewpoint except for me, and it was incredible!

There are two ways you can get to Krating Cape: you can either continue on and hike from Black Rock Viewpoint for another 1 km (around 1 hour), following the road until you arrive at the intersection above and turn left.

Continue following the dirt road until you find a bunch of banana trees, and then turn right, following the narrow path until it merges with the dirt road again and continues into the forest.

Once you arrive at a large bayan tree, turn right, and you should arrive at an opening with the ocean on the horizon. Continue on, and you will be met with a stunning vista of the ocean and the cape.

The view from Krating Cape may not be as beautiful as Black Rock Viewpoint, but if you are there before sunset, you will find yourself completely in solitude. Just make sure to spare some time for the hike back; otherwise, you will be hiking back at night, which is not recommended.

Once you are done, you take the same way back and continue along the road for about 2 hours before you arrive back at the taxi stall where you parked your moped. Many people, including myself, often combine Black Rock Viewpoint with Krating Cape into a 5-km long hike, which should take about 4 hours to complete. It's a long walk, so make sure you have enough drinks with you before tackling this trail.

Another way to get to Krating Cape is to hike from the beach along the rocky coast and up the cape. It's a shorter hike, taking about 45 minutes one way, but it is steeper, and you won't get to see Black Rock Viewpoint.

From Nai Harn Beach, you will have to drive into The Nai Harn Resort and continue to the end of the road where you can start hiking along the coastline until you arrive at the cape. You should find a way up to the top. If you are unsure where the trailhead is, ask the hotel security guard, and they should be able to direct you to the right place.

9. Visit Promthep Cape For Sunset

If you prefer a more accessible place to watch the sunset, Promthep Cape is another great place to be. It used to be one of the most beautiful sunset spots on the island, but from my recent experience, the place could use a little trimming and a bit of clean-up as tall dry grass covers most of the cape nowadays.

Still, it is a great and easy place to visit, and the place is extremely well-facilitated with a large parking lot, restaurants, shops, and toilets available on-site. The place gets extremely crowded at sunset, so be sure to come early and find the best spot for the sunset before the crowd gets here.

If you want to take your trip to the next level, you can also watch the sunset at Promthep Cape on a boat instead, which, in my opinion, is the right way to do it. You can book a sunset cruise to Promthep Cape from here, which includes snorkeling and dinner.

10. Check Out Patong Beach But Don't Stay Too Long

Just like Pai, Patong Beach had garnered quite a bad reputation in the past for being a tourist trap, overcrowded, and full of touts and ski scammers. However, ever since COVID obliterated the tourism economy here, the place is becoming much calmer, and there is no better time to visit Patong Beach than now.

There is a reason why Patong Beach is the most popular beach in Phuket. Its wide, spacious, white sand beach that is soft to the touch is hard to beat, and there are fewer people now than before. So, if you want to see Patong Beach as it is meant to be, this is the time.

Soi Bangla is still as bad as it once was, so I would recommend you spend as little time there as possible and focus more on beach activities instead. I would recommend spending just one day in Patong and spending your time in other places instead.

11. Go On a Boat Trip and Explore Other Nearby Islands

Last but not least, be sure to dedicate a day or two to island hopping and just go on boat trips to other nearby islands like the famous Phi Phi island, James Bond Island, or lesser-known islands like the Racha and Coral Island, etc.

All of these islands are worth a visit if you have a few extra days to spare, and there is no better place to do it than from Phuket. For more day trips from Phuket, you can find tours here.

Where to Eat and Drink in Phuket?

Try Traditional Food at Lock Tien Food Center

For the cheapest place to try all kinds of local food in Phuket Old Town, Lock Tien local food center is one of the best places to be. The food center has several restaurants inside where you can order various local dishes such as Hokkien Noodle, fresh spring rolls, satay pork on sticks, and more.

A dish at Lock Tien Food Center often goes for around 50-60 THB, which is pretty cheap considering it is right in the middle of a tourist area. The place opens from 9 AM to 5 PM, making it a great stop for lunch in between your Phuket Old Town exploration.

Try Premium Local Dish at One Chun Cafe

One Chun Cafe is a colonial-style restaurant that serves premium local dishes such as fresh crab meat in yellow curry soup, stir-fried crab meat with various seasonings, tiger prawn Pad Thai, and much more.

Dishes at One Chun Cafe start at around 100 THB and go all the way up to 500 THB, so it is quite expensive. However, the food they serve here is of top quality, and you are really getting your money's worth with all the fresh seafood they provide.

One Chun Cafe restaurant is located in the Old Town, and it opens from 11 AM to 9 PM every day.

Drink Traditional Coffee at Kopitiam

For coffee lovers, you need to try the traditional kopi (coffee) at Kopitiam, a kopitiam-style cafe that reminisces the old Chinese-inspired tea houses you often find in Singapore and Malaysia.

The coffee menu costs between 60 - 100 THB and you can order it with all kinds of traditional snacks that go really well with the traditional coffee.

Since it is located right on the main street of Phuket Old Town, it is a great place to drop by if you are looking to replenish your energy after a hot day exploring the Old Town. The cafe opens from 11 AM to 8 PM every day except Wednesday.

Try Unique Coffee at Campus Coffee Roaster

If you are looking for a cozier cafe where you can sit for a few hours and cool down, one of my favorite places in the Old Town is Campus Coffee Roasters.

The café is decorated with old-style school furniture from my childhood, such as wooden tables and tiny chairs, and it is popular among digital nomads. They also provide a list of interesting coffee choices to choose from, like my favorite, Dirty Coffee. The price is often around 100 THB, which is not bad.

If you are looking for a cozy café to relax in, you can't go wrong with Campus Coffee Roaster. The café's opening hours are between 8 AM and 6 PM every day.

Have a Drink at Tusk Restaurant

If you are in Patong and craving a little drink, Tusk Restaurant, with its open-air space and cozy wooden decor just off the main Patong Street, is a great spot to enjoy a nice drink before hitting the beach.

You will find all kinds of delicious fusion food here at Tusk, from the deliciously crispy schnitzel to proper steaks and seafood, as well as cocktails, mocktails, and local craft beers. The place is a one-stop restaurant for those who are craving western fusion foods in Phuket.

Tusk Restaurant's opening hours are between 7 AM and 11 AM. The all-you-can-eat breakfast is from 7 AM to 1 PM, while brunch is served from 7 AM to 4 PM.

Further Reading for Southern Thailand

Looking for more information for your trip to Southern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Southern Thailand that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete travel guide to Southeast Asia? You should check out our 3 Months Backpacking Itinerary for Southeast Asia.
• Looking for an itinerary for Thailand? Check out 10 Days Itinerary for Thailand.
• One of the best places to go snorkeling in Thailand is Koh Lipe, an island in the far south of Thailand. Here is The Ultimate Snorkeling Guide to Koh Lipe.
• Looking to change things up a little? How about we head down to the south of Thailand and explore one of my favorite places in Thailand? Here is How to Travel to Khao Sok National Park, Backpacking-style.
• There are over 30+ beaches in Phuket, and it can get quite overwhelming to find the perfect beach to stay at. Don't worry, I've got you covered. Here are the 8 Most Beautiful Beaches in Phuket.
• Visiting Phuket Old Town is the highlight of your Phuket Trip. You can easily spend a day exploring the Old Town. Here are the 9 Best Things to Do in Phuket Old Town.
• Phang Nga is probably what Phuket was like before mass tourism ruined it. From quiet, empty beaches to wild, untouched waterfalls, here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Phang Nga.
• If you are in Phang Nga, you should also drop by Takua Pa and its charming little old town. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Takua Pa.
• Khao Lak is the main tourist hub in Phang Nga, and it is a great place to be if you like adventure, island-hopping, and snorkeling. Here are the 8 Best Things to Do in Khao Lak.
• For a complete Krabi backpacking itinerary, check out: 3 to 5 Days Backpacking Krabi Itinerary.
• Whether you are an adventurer or a beach-goer, Krabi has it all. From island-hopping to rock climbing, here are the 13 Best Things to do in Krabi.
• Krabi is not just beaches and islands. Krabi town offers a great alternative place to stay away from the tourist crowds. Here are the 8 Best Things to do in Krabi Town.
• Ko Lanta is a quiet, remote, and less trodden part of Krabi, making it a great place to visit for those who want to go off the beaten path. If you are planning to go there, here are the 8 Best Things to do in Ko Lanta.
• Nakhon Si Thammarat is the land of countless waterfalls that no one knows about. It is an off-the-beaten-path place to visit in Southern Thailand that may surprise you. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Nakhon Si Thammarat.
• You've heard about Hua Hin, but have you heard about Lemon Bay? There's so much more to the Prachuap Khiri Khan province than Hua Hin. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Prachuap Khiri Khan.
• There is more to Chumphon than just Koh Tao. Here are the 10 Best Things to Do in Chumphon.
• Surat Thani is not just Ko Samui and Ko Phangan. There is so much more to do in this province than you might think. Here are the 11 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani.
• Have to spend a night in Surat Thani's Old Town and not sure what to do there? Check out: 8 Best Things to Do in Surat Thani's Old Town
• For the best things to do in Koh Samui, check out: 13 Best Things to Do in Koh Samui.
• If you are traveling to Thailand, it is important for you to know what you should and shouldn't do. Here are 10 Tips for Traveling in Thailand.
• Thai Street Foods are among the best in the world, and to help guide you through the street food cuisine of Thailand, be sure to check out the 15 Best Street Foods in Thailand to Try.
• Learning a bit of Thai phrases will go a long way for you when you visit Thailand. Here are 15 Thai Phrases You Should Know.
• Photos are worth a thousand words, but what is worth more than photos? A video. Here are travel videos I made for Thailand: Timeless Thailand, a journey into the North of Thailand; Long Tail Thailand, explore the beautiful south of Thailand; and taking it slow with Slowed Down Bangkok travel video.
• Wondering where to go after Thailand? How about continuing on to Malaysia, Myanmar, or Indonesia?
• Want to explore other parts of Thailand? How about exploring Northern Thailand or Central Thailand?
• For all articles about Thailand, visit the Thailand Travel Guide page.
• Looking to travel to Southeast Asia? Check out all my articles about Southeast Asia here: Southeast Asia Travel Guide page.
• You can see all my Asia-related articles here: Asia Travel Guide page.
• For more travel guides like this, visit my Destinations page.