The Ultimate Flexible 5-Day Phuket Itinerary

So, you’ve booked your flights to Phuket and you’re ready to plan the trip of a lifetime. However, a quick Google search will reveal that Phuket has more to offer than you can possibly achieve on a short vacation.

 

With that in mind, how will you make sure you plan the best itinerary? That’s where we’re here to help. In this post, we’ll give you a flexible itinerary. We’ll provide you with five themes to make sure you experience the diversity of Phuket. 

 

Simply pick a theme for each day and then choose your preferred activities for the day. You’ll need to be selective if you’re on a one-week vacation. Whereas, if you’re staying for two weeks, you’ll have time to spare or to repeat your favorite activities

Read on for more.

Day 1 – Relaxation and Pampering

When you touch down in Phuket, you’ll be grateful for a day to relax before venturing into the unknown. Why not spend your first day in Phuket relaxing at the hotel pool and treating yourself to some relaxing treatments? 

 

Most hotels offer massage services, and you’ll find beauty salons on every street. You’ll be able to get full body treatments at a fraction of the price back home. The best thing about going to a salon in Phuket is the luxurious customer service. You’ll be greeted with traditional tea and snacks, and usually, they’ll treat you to feet washing or head massage. You’ll receive five-star treatment for a very low price. 

 

However, remember that some salons won’t adhere to strict health and safety precautions. We recommend opting for low-risk treatments such as haircuts, massages, and waxing. Be cautious around any treatments that require the use of new materials for each treatment (e.g., Dermaplaning, tattoos, pedicures). You risk infection if the tools aren’t replaced or sterilized between treatments. That’s not to say you can’t get these treatments – just opt for a reputable venue and ask about their health and safety practices first. 

 

Really, you could spend a week pampering yourself around Phuket. But if you’re trying to fit it into one day, a trip to ViVi Sauna might be just what you need after a long flight.

 

Day 2 – Animals and Wildlife

Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, a spouse, or children, there are some fantastic animal experiences in Phuket. In the past, this part of the world has received bad press for its animal welfare regulations – however, times have changed, and if you’re ethically conscious, please do not skip this section! From volunteering with rescue animals to circus events, there is something for everyone. 

The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project

Sadly, gibbons are often hunted and exploited in the tourist trade in South East Asia. They’re trained to entertain and perform. However, an increasing number of visitors now recognize the abuse behind these practices – now, you can visit sanctuaries instead. 

 

The Gibbon Rehabilitation Project is found in Northern Phuket in the Khao Phra Thaeo Wildlife Sanctuary. In Phuket, Gibbons were hunted to extinction around 40 years ago; this sanctuary rescues illegally imprisoned Gibbons from Northern Thailand and rehabilitates them. When they are ready, they’re re-released into the non-hunting area of the national park. 

 

The goal is to repopulate Phuket with healthy and free Gibbons. 

 

A visit to the Rehabilitation Project is fun, wholesome, eye-opening, and sobering. You can join one of two courses: 

 

• How We Save Gibbons – 1 hour 
• Save Gibbons and Save Forests – 2 hours with a Gibbon Specialist 

 

Every visit to the project helps fund the cause (you pay a 200 baht entry fee), and you get to learn about their mission. While you’re in the area, make sure to also stop at the Bang Pae Waterfall for a cool, rainwater swim!  

The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary

Thailand is well known for its elephant experiences. From riding the elephants to bathing them, the internet is filled with photos of tourists with elephants in Thailand. Again, this is a controversial topic.

Northern Thailand is home to Chiang Mai’s Elephant Nature Park, quoted by National Geographic as one of ‘the most ethical animal sanctuaries’ in the world. The founder of the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary was inspired by the practices in Chaing Mai. He previously owned an elephant riding camp, and realized he should be providing a different life for his elephants. 

 

Now, he has bought 30 acres in North East Phuket for his 12 elephants. It’s located near the Gibbon Rehabilitation Project and can be done on the same day trip. The elephants roam freely across their ‘retirement home’ with no chains or tourist interactions. You can observe the elephants behaving as they would in the wild, from a canopy above the sanctuary. There are some tours where small groups are allowed to feed or interact with the elephants, but these must be pre-booked, and the numbers are kept small. 

 

Visiting the elephants could easily be the highlight of your trip; their immense size and gentle nature is unparalleled. Knowing that you’re visiting an ethical sanctuary is important; beware of ‘pseudo-sancturaries’ in Phuket. 

Aquarium 

The next stop for animal lovers is the Phuket aquarium. Located in Cape Panwa in the South East of Phuket, it makes a great day trip as it’s nearby various beaches and viewpoints. The entrance fee for adults is 180 baht and 100 baht for children. 

 

We recommend spending a few hours walking through the many sea-themed rooms. The range of exotic aquatic life is more extensive than you’ll see on day trips from Phuket. Kids will love the interactive elements where they can touch certain wildlife. For the adventurous, there are plenty of sea turtles, sharks, eels, and even piranhas

If you’re taking children to the aquarium, it’s a good learning opportunity to also talk about the controversy around aquariums and keeping animals in captivity. We recommend watching ‘Black Fish’ on Netflix before visiting an aquarium

Soi Dog Foundation 

The Soi Dog Foundation is an incredible charity that works to save and rehome vulnerable dogs and cats around Asia. They protect against homelessness, disease, and the dog meat trade. Every year they rescue over 16,000 dogs, sterilize and vaccinate over 800,000, treat over 17,000 sick dogs, and rehome over 500. 

 

You can donate to the Soi Dog Foundation, sponsor a dog, or adopt a dog from anywhere in the world. 

 

If you’re in Phuket, you also have the opportunity to visit. They have over 1000 dogs and 160 resident cats. They welcome more than 500 volunteers every year, and you can do anything from feeding, to playtime, to daily walking. 

 

You can visit the Foundation for a day or volunteer for as long as you like. This organization is such an incredible hub in Phuket that we will be writing a longer article about this in the coming months. Let us know in the comments if you’d like to be told when this is online. 

 

In a nutshell, the Soi Dog Foundation is a core experience in Phuket, and we recommend visiting them for either a day or as a volunteer. 

Snake Events

The tropical climate in Phuket is the perfect home to over 60 species of snakes. Snake sightings are relatively common, especially if you ride a moped or stay in rural conditions with locals. 

 

However, it’s improbable you’ll be bitten by a snake in Phuket; they’re defensive rather than aggressive and will do their best to avoid any interaction with humans. If you leave them alone, they’re more than happy to ignore you. Most of the snakes in Phuket are far more interested in potential food than wasting venom on a passing human. 

 

Unfortunately, there is a sad history of snake exploitation in Thailand, and some of this is still present in modern Thailand. If you want to learn more about snake behavior, avoid ‘snake shows’ and opt for educational events instead. 

 

If you’re looking for an educational experience in Phuket without the risk of animal exploitation, we highly recommend visiting an event hosted by the Snake Guy in Phuket. 

 

Vinnie Modell, an ex-paramedic now known as “The Snake Guy in Phuket.” Vinnie runs snake education events around Phuket. During the event, Vinnie shares invaluable knowledge about snakes, the culture around traditional snake shows, and personal stories (including some lessons he learned the hard way!). 

 

Our team would never recommend an experience that we believed encouraged animal exploitation – we have no ethical concerns about Vinnies’ work whatsoever. We recommend these events to all travelers and vacationers interested in learning more about snakes. 

 

You can check out more about Vinnie’s events in our longer article here. 

Tiger Kingdom

 

Tiger Kingdom is a great experience for some families visiting Phuket. You’ll find it in Kathu, central Phuket (Google Maps link here). For animal enthusiasts, you’ll be pleased to know it’s nearby an elephant sanctuary and a cobra show. Tiger Kingdom is open daily from 09:00-17:30. 

 

The important thing to know is that our team hasn’t visited Tiger Kingdom. We support ethical animal experiences, and personally, we don’t support some of the experiences available in Phuket. As far as we know, the tigers are treated well at Tiger Kingdom, and we’ve had friends talk about what a brilliant day trip it is. However, these animals should not live in captivity, and we do not wish to support this business. 

Rather than talking from experience, we’ll give you details we’ve heard by word of mouth. You can also find more information on their website here. The animal encounters last 10 minutes, and you can choose your animal to pet and take a photo with. Tickets are 900-2500 baht, with an additional 500 baht for photos.

Day 3 – Island Tour 

Although it’s still relatively small, Phuket is the largest island in Thailand – this means there’s plenty to do and see! Fortunately, you can tour the entire island in one jam-packed day.

 

We recommend you do your island tour on a Sunday – there are several Sunday markets to which you should pay a visit. Additionally, it’s best to hire a driver for the day – it’ll be more convenient and cost-effective than getting taxis. 

 

The best way to experience the whole of Phuket in one day is to take a circular trip around the island. There isn’t too much to do in central Phuket; stay near the coast. Additionally, you can cross the North of Phuket off your list for this day: North is primarily animal experiences, and you cover this on day 2. 

 

Throughout your island tour, you’ll come across hundreds of places to experience authentic Thai cuisine. If you want our recommendations on where to eat, check out the restaurant section of our website for in-depth reviews of all our favourite locations are the island. 

 

Here are some places to consider visiting on your island tour of Phuket: 

Big Buddha 

If there’s one thing you must see in Phuket, it’s Big Buddha. We recommend going early in the day before the sun and heat become overwhelming. Located near Karon beach, Big Buddha is visible from most places in South Phuket. This majestic statue is perched on a hilltop overlooking the island, and it is truly an awe-inspiring sight to behold.

 

Standing at a towering 45 meters high, the Big Buddha is one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. Although it’s a fantastic photo opportunity, remember that Big Buddha is a place of worship. Make sure you follow ‘temple etiquette’ and dress appropriately. Many tourists don’t realize that women need to cover their shoulders. You should also avoid turning your back to Big Buddha as this is considered disrespectful. 

 

Aside from the statue itself, there are several smaller shrines and statues around the Big Buddha. As it’s located on high ground, you can also view amazing panoramic landscapes. 

 

Whether you are looking for a spiritual experience or simply want to take in the island’s beauty from a different perspective, a visit to the Big Buddha is a must-do activity in Phuket.

 

We recommend spending around an hour at Big Buddha; you can either go independently or book a group tour. If you’re feeling adventurous, there is a hike that you can do up to Big Buddha rather than driving. 

 

Entry to Big Buddha is free, but there are plenty of places to make much-needed donations or buy souvenirs; it’s a good idea to take some cash. 

Phuket Old Town 

 

Next on your list is Phuket Old Town. Although many people think of Patong as the epi-center of Phuket, the Old Town is the central city. Many tourists miss out on the beauty of Phuket Old Town because it’s not a coastal area. However, make sure you visit at least once – if you go on a Sunday, you can also visit the Sunday Walking Street Market. 

 

Phuket Old Town is a charming district in the heart of Phuket City that offers visitors a glimpse into the island’s rich cultural heritage. The town is a maze of narrow streets and alleys, lined with colorful Sino-Portuguese shop-houses, colonial buildings, and shrines, which showcase a unique blend of Chinese, Thai, and European influences.

 

We recommend paying a guide to take you on a walking tour. Your guide will show you all the town’s hidden gems, including quaint cafes, trendy galleries, and antique shops. Along the way, you can admire the intricate architectural details of the buildings, such as the ornate facades, shuttered windows, and tiled roofs.

 

One of the most iconic landmarks in Phuket Old Town is the Thai Hua Museum, which is housed in a former Chinese school. The museum tells the story of the island’s Chinese community and showcases its traditions, costumes, and artifacts. Other notable attractions include the Jui Tui Shrine, dedicated to the Chinese goddess of mercy, and the Sino-Portuguese mansions on Thalang Road.

 

While you’re there, make sure you enjoy some of the local street food too! 

Central Festival and Central Floresta 

Central Festival and Central Floresta are heaven for keen shoppers – these shopping centers are nearby the Old Town and are the next logical step on your day exploring the island. 

 

Central Festival is the largest shopping center in Phuket and features over 120,000 square meters of retail space. The mall is home to over 400 international and local brands, including luxury fashion, cosmetics, electronics, and home decor. For those not keen on shopping, there’s also a large food court, a cinema complex, a bowling alley, and an ice-skating rink.

 

Central Floresta is a newer addition to Phuket’s shopping scene. The mall’s eco-friendly design features a green forest theme throughout its five floors. Central Floresta has over 200 stores, including international fashion brands, a gourmet supermarket, and a large food court. The mall also has a state-of-the-art cinema and an indoor playground for children.

Wat Chalong 

 

After your shopping trip, it’s time to head to Chalong Temple (Wat = temple). Chalong is fairly new to Phuket Town, and it’s easy to get to in a taxi. Wat Chalong is a beautiful Buddhist temple located in the heart of Phuket. It is one of the most adored temples on the island, and its intricate architecture and rich history are sure to leave a lasting impression on visitors. Additionally, it’s the perfect size to avoid ‘temple fatigue’ – you can spend anywhere from 30 minutes to 5 hours exploring this temple complex. 

 

There are several buildings to explore, each with ornate decorations and intricate carvings. Sometimes you’ll also find there are meditation sessions you can join or cultural performances to watch.

Sea Gypsy Villiage

In the afternoon, it’s time to head to the Sea Gypsy Villiage; this small fishing community is located in Rawai Beach, just a short drive from Chalong. The village is home to the Chao Leh people – a unique community with a distinct culture and way of life. 

 

They have opened their doors to tourists and welcome them to explore their village and learn about their traditions and customs, including fishing techniques and handicrafts. You can sample delicious fresh seafood dishes cooked in traditional ways and purchase trinkets.

 

There are several tours where you can spend the day in this village, but you can also add it to an independent itinerary if you don’t wish to spend the whole day there. Please remember that you’re in the Sea Gypsies’ homes, and be respectful when you visit. If you don’t want to buy their trinkets, it’s a good idea to leave a donation instead. 

Promthep Cape 

 

The last stop on your island day trip is Promthep Cape. It’s vital that you time this perfectly, because you’re going to this viewpoint to watch the sunset. Located at the southernmost point of Phuket, it’s the best place to watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea and take in the breathtaking panoramic views of the coastline. 

 

Because Phuket is equatorial, sunset is usually around 18:30, but check the local sunset times when you visit. We recommend arriving about 30 minutes before sunset to find the best spot. 

 

After sunset, your island tour is complete, and you’re ready for another fun-filled day.

Day 4 – Boat Trips

The kingdom of Thailand contains an incredible 1430 islands with amazing sandy beaches, vibrant snorkeling, and rare wildlife. If you’re visiting Phuket, 32 of these islands are just a short boat ride away, each with something different to offer. Swimming, snorkeling, and diving are one of Phuket’s main attractions, so make sure you don’t miss out. 

 

There are two main areas that you can explore from the coast of Phuket: 

 

• The Andaman Sea (West, East, and South of Phuket)
• Phang Nga Bay (North East of Phuket)

 

Unfortunately, you won’t be able to see all the islands on a short trip to Phuket; you need to prioritize what’s most important to you. Many islands are close to each other, and if you look on Tripadvisor, you’ll see many tours where you’ll visit up to five different islands in one day. 

 

Day trip tours are generally excellent value for money. You get to see more sights than you’d ever be able to by making separate bookings, and you’ll have food included. These days are generally quite commercial, and there will be many other tourists around, but they’re worth it. 

 

1. Phi Phi Islands – we highly recommend you spend a few nights there, but if you don’t have the time, make sure you make a day trip.  There is so much to do and so many incredible sights to see. 

 

1. Racha Islands – make sure you go to the Racha Islands for snorkeling or diving. These tours also usually include a stop at Coral Island. 

 

1. Similan Islands – this day will be filled with snorkeling, sightseeing, and lunch. The Similans aren’t very near the other famous islands, so it’s good to dedicate an entire day to this. 

 

1. Phang Nga Bay – this day trip around the Bay is non-negotiable. You’ll see so many of the best nearby sights on this trip. Stops usually include Hong Island, James Bond Island, Kudu Island, Koh Panyee, and Koh Panak Cave.

 

1. Ko Yao and Khai Islands – this is an excellent trip if you like classic tourist locations with umbrellas, coconuts, and jet skis. 

 

1. Koh Lanta – best for snorkeling and diving. It’s a long way from Phuket so it’s a good idea to stay a few days here.

Nearby Islands to Visit 

If you want to be independent and not have a set itinerary, you’re best off hiring a longtail boat to take you to a nearby island. A return trip will usually cost between 1000 – 2000 baht. 

 

1. Coral Island – very commercial, adventure activities, and a restaurant on the island. It can get a little crowded. 

 

1. Koh Bon – not touristy; very quiet and peaceful. Good for snorkeling and relaxing.

 

1. Khai Islands – commercial and touristy, with post-card-worthy beaches 

 

1. Koh Rang Yai – secluded, beautiful, and tranquil. Great for swimming and relaxing.

How to Choose the Best Boat Trips 

Having been on many boat trips from Phuket, we can promise you that the type of tour you book is sometimes even more important than the destination. It’s not always clear what you’ll get when you book tours, so we’ve outlined your options here. 

 

The traditional option is booking a group tour through Tripadvisor or a local travel agent. You should do this two or three days in advance. These tours are great value for money, you get taken to all the best spots, and you usually have lunch included. The boats are large (and noisy), and there will be around 40 people. Insurance, lunch, equipment, and national park fees, are usually all included in the price.

 

Next, you have day trips with local businesses, usually diving schools. On these trips, they use smaller boats, and 10-15 others will join you. These trips are far less commercial and more about getting you to the best snorkeling or diving spots. These options are rarely on Tripadvisor; you have to talk to the staff in diving shops to see what they offer. Remember, most provide opportunities for snorkeling, swimming, and diving. 

 

If you want a private trip, you have two options: luxury or longtail. The luxury trips are costly. You’ll charter a speed boat for a day and sail around on your own itinerary (or recommendations from the captain). 

 

Longtail boats are a far more accessible option. If you head to Rawai beach, you’ll see longtail boats everywhere. You can simply talk to one of the owners and agree on a plan for the day. They will take you to any of the nearby islands, and a return trip costs around 1000 -2000 baht.

 

Now you know your options for booking boat trips, let’s get on to the exciting stuff – learning about the delights of the most popular islands near Phuket. 

If you’re simply looking for beauty, any of these beaches is perfect. The North is a less popular area for tourists, so it’s generally quieter and relatively undisturbed. 

 

The best part is that Nai Thon, Nai Yang, and Mai Khao are part of Sirinat National Park – there is protected beauty, including nesting sea turtles, tropical coral reefs, and mangrove forests. 

 

If you’re on this part of the island, you’re in the perfect place to relax, golf, and visit animal parks, and you’re next to the airport. 

 

However, there may be fewer classic ‘tourist experiences’ on offer. 

 

In Mai Khao and Bang Thao, you’ll find the population is primarily foreign expats living and working in Thailand. 

Patong beach is usually extremely busy; tourists flock from all over the island to Patong, so the beach is very crowded. It’s no less beautiful than the other beaches, but we prefer quieter spots like Surin and Kamala. 

 

Freedom beach is the final stop in the center of Phuket. Try your very best to make it to freedom beach; it’s a hidden gem! After a 10-minute trek down steep woodland paths, you pop out at sea level in a cove-like area. It’s quiet, secluded, and perfect for relaxing. There is a beach bar that also serves food, but the prices are high. 

 

You can read more about getting to Freedom beach here. 

 

Best Beaches in South Phuket 

The Southern end of Phuket is where most tourists flock to experience the famed crystal waters and perfect beaches. 

Kata, on the other hand, is a surfer’s paradise – this is where the adventurers go. There are fewer ‘tourist trap’ activities, and it’s where you’ll find serious surfers. There are also plenty of local Thais that offer surfing lessons for beginners here. 

 

Unfortunately, the snorkeling opportunities in Karon and Kata are limited; for that, you want to head even further south.  

 

Heading down to Nai Harn and Yanui, this is where you can enjoy epic snorkeling and get the insta-perfect photo. These beaches make great day trips – you have a wide choice of nearby restaurants, beach bars, and picturesque nearby walks. If you’re planning on snorkeling at either of these beaches, check the tide times first – it’s near impossible at low tide. 

 

Rawai beach is not the best place for a beach day. It’s an unofficial ferry port for nearby island hopping. You’ll find locals mooring their long-tail boats up and down the beach – they will happily take you to any of the nearby islands for a day trip for 1000-2000 baht. 

 

Note: long-tail boats, often called cigarette boats, are a signature sight in southern Thailand. They are canoe-shaped and usually use a motor engine from a car or bike. They’re perfect for short journeys, but you won’t find these boats used for commercial tours.

Nightlife 

On the evening of your final day in Phuket, after a day of sunbathing and swimming, it’s time to dress up and have fun. Phuket, specifically Bangla Road, has become famed for its nightlife scene. Generally, the parties start earlier in Thailand than in the West. Sunset is around 6pm; after that, nothing is off-limits. 

 

Bangla is located in Patong, on the west coast of Phuket, and it’s free to enter. Bangla Road is a walking street filled with bars, clubs, and street vendors. 

 

Nothing is off-limits when you enter Bangla. Be prepared for loud music, ladies encouraging you to come for a drink, and countless cigarette sellers. Even if clubbing isn’t your scene, at least walk down Bangla simply for the experience. It’s truly unforgettable. 

 

However, keep your wits about you. Don’t be tempted to buy anything illegal, and keep your bag nearby. Bangla is the epicenter of Phuket, and as with any city, there are risks. Additionally, remember that Bangla is known as the sex capital of Phuket, so don’t be surprised if you’re solicited!

 

Top tip for Bangla: try and pay as you go for drinks wherever possible instead of getting a tab. Otherwise, you may get hit with an unexpectedly high bill at the end of the night. 

 

If your partying days are behind you, simply head to any of the bars in Phuket for a more chilled-out evening. Rawai, in particular, has a fantastic live music scene. 

Your Flexible Phuket Itinerary: Time to Start Planning 

 

And there you have it, all your Phuket plans in one place. Now we’ve given you 5-themed days, and it’s time for you to customize it into your perfect Phuket vacation. From beaches to volunteering, the world is your oyster in Phuket. Make sure you get the most out of your vacation by fitting in as many of these activities as possible – you won’t regret it! 

 

Just remember to wear sunscreen and drink bottled water! You don’t want anything ruining your well-planned itinerary.

 

Would you like a longer itinerary? We’ve got loads more ideas for activities in Phuket, so make sure to let us know and we’ll share some more insights from our time on the island.