Welcome to Phuket! The largest island in Thailand. Which makes it also one of the most popular destinations for tourists looking for the perfect vacation spot.

In addition to the main island offering unforgettable experiences, amazing parties and delicious street food, Phuket is a great base for island hopping to surrounding islands such as Coral Island, Phi Phi Islands, or Khao Ping Khan, which is commonly referred to as James Bond Island.

It is here that you will see the most beautiful beaches with white sand and beautiful clear and blue water.

Explore 8 places and islands that you absolutely must visit during your stay on this amazing island.

Since Phuket is one of the most popular destinations in Thailand, loved by tourists from all over the world, you probably won’t experience the most authentic Thailand here.

The tourists far outnumber the locals, so Phuket and especially Patong beach is really loud and got party vibe.

However, in the more peaceful and relaxed areas, the island showed us its other side, with beautiful islands, delicious street food, charming colonial buildings and an incredible 45-meter Buddha statue.

And this is the side of the Thailand we personally prefer.

#1 Relax at Coral Island

Coral Island is an amazing island located only 30 minutes by boat from Phuket Island. It’s a great place to spend a day relaxing among palm trees, on white sand and in crystal clear waters.

There are two beaches on the island – Banana Beach and Long Beach. And they are quite similar to each other. Neat, clean, with sunbeds, toilets and restaurants.

Apart from sunbathing, swimming and observing colorful fish just off the shore (the water is so clear that you don’t even need snorkeling gear) you can rent a kayak with a transparent bottom (unfortunately, the price is quite high – $12), snorkel, go on a giant swing ($9) or go scuba diving.

There’s even a jungle gym on site, as well as several free swings where you can take pictures.

To enter the beach, you need to pay a fee and there are two options from which you can choose the more convenient for you.

The first option is $8.90 (THB 300) and you can use the beach chairs and toilets, as well as a $5.90 (THB 200) voucher at the beach restaurant.

The second option is to pay $2.90 (THB 100) and this price includes sunbeds and toilets. However, if you want to eat at the restaurant, you can pay cash.

We recommend the second option. Because in the restaurant, although the dishes are quite tasty, the prices are quite high. It’s definitely better to arrive on the island after breakfast, take snacks and drinks with you, and return to Phuket for dinner.

– How to get to Coral Island

The easiest way is to hire a private boat with a captain that will deliver you to the island, and wait for you all day to return to Phuket without any problems.

The price for such a trip is total about $59 (THB 2,000). You pay for the captain and the boat, so the more people, the more attractive the price for each participant. Don’t forget to bargain in case they start higher. 😉

Ask about the boat and captain at Rawai beach, which can be easily reached by rented scooter, Bolt or Grab.

#2 Swim at Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands is a group of six islands including Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Lee, which are the largest and most popular. The rest of the islands are not much more than large limestone rocks jutting out of the sea.

The largest of the islands, Ko Phi Phi Don, can be reached by ferry from Phuket and you can spend the night on the island and in the morning go on an organized tour around the Phi Phi Islands. Or just to certain points which you can reach by private long-tail boat.

If you prefer to stay in Phuket, we have some good news. From Phuket you can also take an organized tour around Phi Phi Islands.

Tour prices vary depending on the provider you choose. If you want a trusted company, a really affordable and fair price, we can recommend “Travel 88 Global” for Phi Phi Islands .

The tour includes some amazing destinations such as Maya Bay, Monkey Beach, lunch on the beach, swimming in the lagoon and snorkeling.

– Maya Bay

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh, is one of the most popular white sand beaches in the world.

Located in the Andaman Sea of Thailand, Maya Bay is an incredible place with a beautiful white sand beach surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. The beach and all the surroundings are really beautiful and unique.

This place is like from the movies! Everyone who travel to Thailand, needs to see this place at least once in the lifetime. Apropos movies, Maya Bay gained its popularity thanks to the movie starring Leonardo DiCaprio “The Beach” which was filmed here.

Unfortunately, because it was so popular and masses of tourists flocked to this beach, the coral reef in this place was completely destroyed, resulting in the closure of the beach for several years. The closure allowed the rebuilding of the reef and the return of the baby sharks.

As of 2022, the place can be visited again, but there are limits on the number of tourists who can visit the beach per day. Boats and speed boats are completely banned from entering Maya Bay.

That’s why the boats currently park on Loh Samay Bay, which is located on the back side of Phi Phi Leh island, and to get to Maya Bay you have to go through the jungle. The whole way is a specially prepared platform, so don’t worry. You don’t have to trudge through the bush, and it only takes about 5 minutes.

Unfortunately, on Maya Bay you can not swim. It is only possible to wade in the crystal clear water up to your knees.

– Pileh Lagoon

It’s a beautiful place where you’ll jump into the refreshing and clear water and have the opportunity to swim surrounded by amazing limestone rocks.

Remember that the water here is deep, so this is an activity for those who can swim. If you don’t feel up to it, be sure to wear a vest.

– Monkey Beach

This small beach is a home for local monkeys. The monkeys are used to tourists, but it is important not to get too close to them. And not to feed them, as they can get aggressive if they don’t get what they want.

– Snorkeling

The next stop on this tour is snorkeling near Monkey Beach. Here you will have the opportunity to admire the amazing number of colorful fish and coral reefs at the bottom of the sea.

Snorkeling gear is provided by the service provider and the water here is also deep, so remember to wear a vest.

– Khai Nok Island

This is a small island where you will have a delicious lunch that mostly consists of rice, seafood and chicken. Fresh and juicy fruits are provided for dessert.

If you feel thirsty you can easily buy fresh coconut, fruit cocktails, or other drinks in bars and stores located on the island.

However, the main attraction of this place is the beautiful beach, with white sand, crystal clear water and colorful fish, right on the shore.

On the beach there are sun loungers and umbrellas that are provided by the tour operators. It is also an ideal place to relax and unwind after a day of adventures and experiences.

#3 Visit James Bond Island

Located in Phang Nga Bay within the National Park, Khao Ping Khan Island, commonly known as James Bond Island, is one of the most popular destinations visited by tourists traveling to Thailand.

The most recognizable spot is James Bond Island, but this place also has several other amazing attractions to offer such as caves, a mangrove forest, and an island with stilt houses.

You’ll get here by longtail boat from Phang Nga, from one of the ports: Ao Po Pier, Surakul Pier or Tha Dan Pier. You can get to your chosen port by Grab, or by rented scooter.

If you prefer an organized tour, choose one of the options offered on Phuket (you’ll find tour booths on practically every street), prices vary depending on the company.

Or choose the company “Travel 88 Global” for visiting James Bond Island , a trusted provider, fair prices and an unforgettable experience. The tour includes Panak Island, James Bond Island, Hong Island, lunch at Panyee Village and relaxation on Naka Island.

– Panak Island

This island got as much as five caves, but one of the most popular is the Ice cream Cave with ice cream-shaped stalagmites and stalactites.

The cave is quite dark so it’s a good idea to light your way, if only with a flashlight. And don’t forget a helmet, as the inside of the cave is very low in places and it’s easy to hit your head. The latter is provided for you.

– James Bond Island

It is one of the most popular islands around Phuket. It became popular because of the movie about the famous agent 007 played by Roger Moore. This episode of the James Bond series was released in 1974 and was titled “The Man with the Golden Gun”.

What makes this place so special and appealed to the filmmakers is the unusual balanced rock, protruding from the sapphire water. It is certainly an interesting and surprising formation.

By the James Bond Island you can swim, so if you feel like it, you can easily jump into the water.

Besides, there are many stores on site with special souvenirs made of pearls. There are also several places from where you’ll take great photos of the place. So don’t stop at just the beach, but climb a little higher to admire the floating rock – Ko Ta Pu from this perspective.

– Hong Island

Kayaking to mangrove forest and through limestone caves is one of the coolest and unforgettable experiences.

A local guide will take you to amazing places where you can admire both mangrove forests and caves from very close up. Sometimes you will even be forced to lie down flat in the kayak to get to some of the amazing places.

– Panyee Village

This small village has only 1,600 people and was established about 200 years ago, when several families from Indonesia arrived here in search of a better life and plenty of fish. This is because in the past the residents were mostly engaged in fishing.

Today, however, as tourism here increases, although fishing is still important to the locals, you will find many souvenir stores for tourists on the stilted island, as well as several restaurants serving local delicacies.

The village also has a school with 80 students, a floating soccer field, and… a whole lot of cats.

– Naka Island

Naka Island is located only about 20 min boat ride from Phuket.

Thanks to this distance, it is also very popular among the tourists. There are several luxury resorts on the island, beaches with white sand and clear water.

After a day of adventures it is a good place to relax. However, remember to bring your own towel, as there are no sunbeds on the island.

#4 Enjoy Freedom Beach

Located just a few minutes away from Phuket – Patong, Freedom Beach is one of the fastest accessible beaches with crystal clear water and soft white sand.

Getting down to the beach, however, requires some effort, as you have to walk through the forest.

There are two entrances to the beach, the first entrance is charged $2.90 (THB 100), but the descent is made easier as you go down the stairs. This is where Grab will probably give you a ride for $2.90 (THB 100) aswell.

Slightly further up is an entrance with a descent that is a bit steep and challenging, but this one is completely free. The entrance is located at The Lek Sand Beach Bar.

There is also a third option – entering from the beach side using a long-tail boat from Patong. However, this is quite an expensive option for $14.80 (THB 500) per person.

#5 Admire Big Buddha

One of the most visited spots on Phuket is the Big Buddha statue. The statue, made of cement and covered with white marble, is as tall as 45 meters and is called the “Buddhist Treasure of Phuket”. Around Big Buddha there are also other statues, as well as a tree on which you can hang gold leafs with your prayers.

Since Big Buddha is located on Nakkerd Hill, there are amazing views from this spot.

Entrance is completely free, but remember to wear appropriate clothing that covers your shoulders and knees.

#6 Take a stroll in Phuket Old Town

The old town in Phuket is incredibly colorful and charming. Full of colonial buildings that are a mix of Chinese and European styles. This place is full of cute little cafes, restaurants and stores selling handicrafts.

The best way to explore Old Town in Phuket is to walk the streets and admire the surrounding colorful buildings.

#7 Taste Street Food

Street food culture in Thailand is amazing! The dishes are cooked fresh and fast.

Prices for street food are very attractive, so don’t skip places like Malin Plaza and go for delicious Pad Thai, Roti, smoothies or fresh fruit.

You will love it!

#8 Party through the night at Bangla Road

Phuket is known as a party islands. Therefore, Bangla Road, where tourists willingly and in large numbers party until dawn, could not be missing from this list.

If you want to avoid the crazy crowds, go to this place during the week, in the early evening hours. You can still enjoy it, and have fun, just with less crowd.

The easiest way to get to Phuket is by air. Phuket International Airport handles both international and domestic flights. Find your flight connection to Phuket Island.

From the airport you can get to the center of e.g. Patong, Karon or Phuket Old Town by Grab  or Bolt .

If you are traveling from elsewhere in Thailand, you can also get to Phuket by bus. Find your shuttle service to Phuket.

The best and cheapest way to get around Phuket is to rent a scooter, but remember that to ride a scooter in Thailand you must have an international driver’s license.

Police on the island like to verify this, so it is not worth the risk!

Traffic on Phuket is crazy, so if you don’t feel up to riding a scooter, it’s definitely better to opt for a Grab or Bolt .

Phuket is a large island and has several places to book your accommodation.

If you like to party and be in the center, Patong will be the perfect place for you. This is where the most cafes, bars and restaurants are located.

But if you appreciate a quieter atmosphere choose Karon Beach or Kata Beach. These are also the best options for families with children.

For the one looking for a luxury vacation, resorts in Bang Tao are the best option. The beach here is amazing.

On the other hand, if you want to live among charming colonial buildings, choose Phuket Old Town.

• I-Kroon | Best breakfast and lunch options
• Roxane | Tasty bowls and avocado toast
• Baijai | Great breakfast and cake
• Casa Blanca | Good pizza and pasta
• Pizza Company | Best pizza in Asia
• Kiyo Sushi | Amazing sushi
• Coco Copper | Yummy coctails
• Baan Laimi | Nice drinks
• Malin Plaza | Great street food

The best time to visit Phuket, are the months from March to May. This is the time after the high season, the weather is perfect then, the prices are lower and there are not so many tourists.

The hottest time is the months from November to February. Tourists are most numerous then, prices go up, but the weather is ideal – cool and dry.

For your Thailand visit you will need a visa on arrival, and it’s free. It allows you to stay in Thailand for up to 30 days. Check the current Thailand visa requirements well in advance.

During our stay in Thailand we used an AIS Sim card . Super fast and reliable internet, good coverage and great service. We can highly recommend it! Just don’t buy the SIM card at the airport, as it is a lot cheaper in the city.

The prices are per person, except for the accommodation and Taxi, which we rent for 2 people.

Accommodation: $15 – $80 / night

Restaurant: $3 – $15 / meal

Snack: $3 – $6 / meal

Pleasure: $1.50 – $4 / event

Taxi: $2-50 – $8 / ride

Activity: $18 – $50 / event