Things to Do in Phuket: Beyond the Beach

Phang Nga Bay

The most dramatic landscape accessible from Phuket. Limestone karsts rise vertically from a shallow bay 40km northeast of the island — the setting includes James Bond Island (Ko Tapu, from The Man with the Golden Gun), sea caves accessible by kayak, and the fishing village of Koh Panyee built entirely on stilts over the water.

Standard tour — Longtail or big boat, covering James Bond Island and Koh Panyee. ฿1,200–1,800 per person. Busy and formulaic but the scenery justifies it.

Sea kayaking tour — A significantly better experience. Guides paddle you through cave entrances into enclosed lagoons (hongs) only reachable at certain tides. John Gray’s Sea Canoe is the most reputable operator and invented the hong kayaking format. ฿3,500–4,500 per person. Book ahead.

Koh Phi Phi day trip

Phi Phi Don and Phi Phi Le are 45 minutes by speedboat from Rassada Pier. The iconic Maya Bay (of “The Beach” film fame) is on Phi Phi Le and is now partially open after a closure for environmental recovery. The snorkelling around Phi Phi Le — clear water, coral, and reef fish — is excellent.

Day trip: ฿1,500–2,500 including transport and a snorkel stop. If you want to stay on Phi Phi Don rather than visiting on a day trip, Koh Phi Phi warrants its own article.

Phuket Town

The actual provincial capital, 15km southeast of Patong. The old town centre is a well-preserved example of Sino-Portuguese architecture — shophouses with decorative shutters, covered five-foot walkways, and the occasional ornate temple. Thalang Road and Soi Romanee are the main photogenic streets. The Sunday Walking Street market runs the length of Thalang Road (5pm–10pm).

Beyond architecture: the old town has better Thai food than any beach area, several independent cafes in restored shophouses, and a genuinely local atmosphere on weekday mornings.

Big Buddha

The Big Buddha (Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakkiri) sits on Nakkerd Hill at 382m elevation — visible from most of the island. The 45-metre white marble statue is still being completed. The hilltop terrace has panoramic views over the Andaman coast and Chalong Bay. Entry is free. An active temple is on-site. Best visited in the morning before heat builds and at sunset. Scooter or Grab required — no public transport.

Wat Chalong

The most important temple in Phuket. An active working temple rather than a tourist attraction, though visitors are welcome. The main building contains relics of two revered monks. The 61-metre chedi contains a sliver of Buddha’s bone according to local belief. No entrance fee. Traditional dress required.

Diving and snorkelling

Phuket is the main diving gateway for the Andaman Sea. The island’s own dive sites are secondary to the offshore options:

Similan Islands — 100km northwest. 11 granite islands with exceptional visibility (20–30 metres) and diverse marine life. Day trips from Phuket: ฿2,500–4,000, but most of the day is transit. Liveaboard is the recommended option — a 3-day/2-night trip costs ฿12,000–18,000.

Richelieu Rock — One of the top dive sites in the world. A seamount in the Surin archipelago, 180km from Phuket. Whale sharks aggregate here. Only accessible by liveaboard.

King Cruiser Wreck — 30km from Phuket, accessible as a day dive. A car ferry that sank in 1997, now colonised by coral and marine life. Suitable for Advanced Open Water divers.

Cooking classes

Phuket has a distinct cooking tradition — southern Thai food is spicier and more coconut-forward than central Thai. The best cooking classes start with a market visit to Banzaan Fresh Market or the local wet market. Thai Cooking Class by Sumalee (Cherngtalay) and Phuket Thai Cooking Academy (Chalong) are consistently well-reviewed. Half-day classes: ฿1,800–2,500.

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

A branch of the Chiang Mai ethical sanctuary. Located in the hills behind Chalong. No riding, no hooks. Half-day: ฿2,200–2,800 including transport from most Phuket areas. More expensive than Chiang Mai equivalent due to higher overhead in Phuket.