1 Week in Phuket
A Travel Guide to Thailand's Largest Island
Last summer, we spent two adventurous months in Thailand, starting with a week in Phuket. It was our first time in Southeast Asia, and we could not have picked a better introduction to this incredible region. With pristine beaches, fresh food and cheap,
yet amazing massages, this trip opened my eyes to how simple, happy and beautiful life in Thailand can be. If it's your first time in Phuket, here's a travel guide to help make the most of your time there, including the best sights, day
trips, stays and food. This post contains affiliate links.
When to visit Phuket
The best time to visit Phuket is from November to February, as the days are usually sunny and dry. March to October is monsoon season, so the weather can be unpredictable. We didn't do research beforehand and traveled to Phuket in June, which is also one of the hottest months of the year. Luckily, although there were rainy days, the rain showers didn't last for more than a few minutes, and since it was off-season, prices for flights and hotels were lower and there were less crowds than usual. As we were slow traveling in Thailand for a long period of time, we weren't out every day and the weather wasn't an issue. However, if you're only visiting for a few days and want to make sure you have the best weather possible for outdoor activities, then visiting during peak season may be your best option.How to get around Phuket
The easiest way to get around Phuket is by motorbike, which you can rent with an international driver's license. You'll find plenty of places that allow you to rent motorbikes for various lengths of time. We used our motorbike for short rides, and Grab to call a taxi for longer trips.Places to visit in Phuket
Samet Nangshe: This is one of the most epic sunrise spots I've been to. It's a bit far away from Phuket, so we scheduled a private car to pick us up at 4 a.m. and drive us there before sunrise. Once we arrived, there was a pickup
truck that offered to drive small groups up to the viewpoint for a small fee, which I recommend given how steep it is. At the top, we were met with iconic views of Phang Nga Bay.
Big Buddha: With a height of 148 feet and made of white marble, the Big Buddha is an impressive sight to behold. After admiring the statue from the outside, we were surprised to find out that they offered a 7-minute guided happiness meditation inside, beneath the statue. It was a serene experience and a must-visit if you're in Phuket. Similar to other temples in Thailand, there is a dress code, so make sure you are covering your shoulders and knees.
Promthep Cape: Located on the southernmost tip of Phuket, Promthep Cape is the perfect location to watch the sunset. It's easy to access by motorbike or car, and once you arrive, there's plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the scenery, or you can walk down a dirt path to the edge of the cape for a panoramic view.
Old Phuket Town: With brightly painted Sino-Portuguese style architecture, Old Phuket Town is a charming, historical location that can't be missed. Spend an afternoon here on a Sunday, when the Sunday Walking Street Market takes place and the street on Thalang Road is filled with live music, street food and excited crowds. Don't miss the coconut crepes cooked over charcoal stoves at A Pong Mae Sunee!
Big Buddha: With a height of 148 feet and made of white marble, the Big Buddha is an impressive sight to behold. After admiring the statue from the outside, we were surprised to find out that they offered a 7-minute guided happiness meditation inside, beneath the statue. It was a serene experience and a must-visit if you're in Phuket. Similar to other temples in Thailand, there is a dress code, so make sure you are covering your shoulders and knees.
Promthep Cape: Located on the southernmost tip of Phuket, Promthep Cape is the perfect location to watch the sunset. It's easy to access by motorbike or car, and once you arrive, there's plenty of space to walk around and enjoy the scenery, or you can walk down a dirt path to the edge of the cape for a panoramic view.
Old Phuket Town: With brightly painted Sino-Portuguese style architecture, Old Phuket Town is a charming, historical location that can't be missed. Spend an afternoon here on a Sunday, when the Sunday Walking Street Market takes place and the street on Thalang Road is filled with live music, street food and excited crowds. Don't miss the coconut crepes cooked over charcoal stoves at A Pong Mae Sunee!
Day trips to take from Phuket
Phi Phi Islands: This might be one of the most famous islands in Thailand, and for good reason. The Phi Phi Islands consist of a group of stunning islands that feel unreal to see with your own eyes. We took this tour, which
brought us on a day-long speedboat trip around the islands and allowed us to spend the day admiring the natural beauty of Bamboo Island, Monkey Beach and Maya Bay.
Khao Sok National Park: For nature lovers, I highly recommend spending time at Khao Sok National Park. Although it's possible to do a day trip, we chose to spend a night at Panvaree the Greenery in a floating bungalow, surrounded by limestone mountains and a gorgeous lake. With delicious home cooked Thai meals and a sunrise long-tail boat ride included with our stay, this was the perfect getaway and one of the most unique, peaceful places I've ever stayed at.
Krabi: Another Phuket neighbor that's worth a visit is Krabi. We decided to spend a weekend here, and compared to Phuket, I found Krabi to be quieter and more relaxing. Known for its limestone cliffs and white sand beaches, it's also home to Phra Nang Beach, my favorite beach that we visited in Thailand. The location is only accessible by long-tail boat, but is worth it for the secluded location and clear waters. For accommodation, we stayed at Ban Sainai Resort and absolutely loved the property, which included cozy cottages and an outdoor pool, surrounded by lush greenery, gardens and ponds.
Khao Sok National Park: For nature lovers, I highly recommend spending time at Khao Sok National Park. Although it's possible to do a day trip, we chose to spend a night at Panvaree the Greenery in a floating bungalow, surrounded by limestone mountains and a gorgeous lake. With delicious home cooked Thai meals and a sunrise long-tail boat ride included with our stay, this was the perfect getaway and one of the most unique, peaceful places I've ever stayed at.
Krabi: Another Phuket neighbor that's worth a visit is Krabi. We decided to spend a weekend here, and compared to Phuket, I found Krabi to be quieter and more relaxing. Known for its limestone cliffs and white sand beaches, it's also home to Phra Nang Beach, my favorite beach that we visited in Thailand. The location is only accessible by long-tail boat, but is worth it for the secluded location and clear waters. For accommodation, we stayed at Ban Sainai Resort and absolutely loved the property, which included cozy cottages and an outdoor pool, surrounded by lush greenery, gardens and ponds.
What to eat in Phuket
Roti Chaofa: There's nothing like a roti breakfast to start the day. Located in Old Phuket Town, this famous shop goes through more than 10kg of roti dough every day. The roti is crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, and
pairs perfectly with the goat curry.
Raya Restaurant: Another gem of Old Phuket Town, Raya Restaurant was one of my favorite restaurants in Phuket. The crab curry with rice noodles was incredibly fresh, and the deep fried fish with lemongrass and tamarind sauce left us speechless.
Kodam Kitchen: Located in Krabi, Kodam Kitchen became an instant favorite. We came here for two dinners in a row, ordering classic Thai dishes, including pan grilled prawn with garlic butter and pepper, pad thai and mango sticky rice.
Beach Coconuts Bowl: For a fresh and healthy breakfast, this cafe is well-known for its smoothie bowls, which come loaded with fresh fruit and toppings. The environment is also aesthetic and relaxing, letting you start your morning right.
If you're visiting Thailand, Phuket is a fantastic place to spend time relaxing, appreciating the natural beauty and eating delicious food. For more everyday videos and clips from our trip to Phuket, check out my Instagram Story Highlights.
Raya Restaurant: Another gem of Old Phuket Town, Raya Restaurant was one of my favorite restaurants in Phuket. The crab curry with rice noodles was incredibly fresh, and the deep fried fish with lemongrass and tamarind sauce left us speechless.
Kodam Kitchen: Located in Krabi, Kodam Kitchen became an instant favorite. We came here for two dinners in a row, ordering classic Thai dishes, including pan grilled prawn with garlic butter and pepper, pad thai and mango sticky rice.
Beach Coconuts Bowl: For a fresh and healthy breakfast, this cafe is well-known for its smoothie bowls, which come loaded with fresh fruit and toppings. The environment is also aesthetic and relaxing, letting you start your morning right.
If you're visiting Thailand, Phuket is a fantastic place to spend time relaxing, appreciating the natural beauty and eating delicious food. For more everyday videos and clips from our trip to Phuket, check out my Instagram Story Highlights.
