Whether or not it’s your first or fifth time in Thailand, that is going to be one of the best 3 days in Phuket itinerary you come throughout!
Image rainforests, beautiful white-sand seashores, and massive limestone cliffs and caves surrounding an island in the midst of a crystal blue sea.
Welcome to Phuket, Thailand’s largest island that’s roughly the identical dimension as Singapore!
From the nation’s capital of Bangkok, Phuket is barely an hour away by airplane and with its personal airport, most main Asian cities have flights coming into the island.
For a lot of backpackers travelling by South East Asia twenty to thirty years in the past, Phuket was a bit hidden paradise.
In 2000, it turned popularised due to the movie “The Seashore” that showcased Phi Phi Island, one of many smaller islands simply off Phuket.
Travellers started to go to Phuket simply to see the notorious “island from The Seashore”.
This isn’t what retains individuals coming again although.
The entire issues to do in Phuket provide one thing for everybody – from price range backpackers desirous to celebration arduous, to adventurers searching for some epic outside actions to those that simply want a luxurious getaway for a couple of days.
The island has many seaside resorts, spas, eating places, nightclubs, bars, actions and naturally, seashores. You possibly can even go to the well-known James Bond island close by.
Phuket island is especially particular due to the a whole lot of islands surrounding it, lots of them uninhabited and surrounded by a number of the most spectacular coral reefs on the earth.
READ MORE: Try our superior travelling in Thailand information!
How one can Spend a Excellent 3 Days in Phuket Itinerary
To benefit from your 3 days in Phuket itinerary, it would be best to immerse your self in Thai tradition and go to some temples, attempt scrumptious new meals, stroll by evening markets, benefit from the nightlife and throw your self into some superior outside actions.
This excellent mixture of actions provides you with an incredible concept about what the island has to supply and will certainly hold you coming again for extra.
READ MORE: Right here’s our information to the finest spots to go to in Thailand!
Day 1
One of the best ways to spend your Phuket itinerary is to get a mixture of the whole lot: nature, journey, rest, purchasing, and nightlife.
Thailand is a protected place to attempt some new issues so that is the place to embrace some actions you haven’t tried earlier than.
In your first day in Thailand, we advocate staying within the Karon space and exploring the whole lot shut by.
Morning: Massive Buddha and Wat Chalong
To kick off your morning, stand up early to beat the crowds to a few notorious sightseeing spots.
Put on sneakers that may be eliminated simply, carry a shawl or sarong to cowl uncovered shoulders and put on bottoms longer than your knees.
You’ll have seen a large Buddha out of your window and a few level upon your arrival.
Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri (which accurately means the Buddha gloriously honourable prime of the hill of Naka) or The Nice Buddha of Phuket is a seated Buddha statue that sits atop Nakkerd Hill.
The Buddha was initially constructed in 2004 and is Thailand’s third-tallest statue at 45 metres tall and 25.5 metres broad.
Product of concrete and coated with Burmese white marble, the Buddha depicts Guatama in a sitting place dealing with Ao Chalong Bay.
Seeing Phuket island in 3 days means separating our moist and dry actions.
In your first day, stand up early to beat the crowds and head to Massive Buddha and Wat Chalong.
This 45-metre big white marble statue of the Buddha is Phuket’s hottest landmark.
Perched atop a hill, it affords stunning views of Chalong Bay
Wat Chalong is the most important and probably the most well-known temple in Phuket.
Most travellers who come to Phuket island get pleasure from visiting this serene and vibrant place of worship.
- Opening hours: 6:00 am to six:30 pm each day
- Admission: FREE however donations appreciated
- Handle: 70 Moo 6 Chaofa Rd, Tambon Chalong, Muang Chang Wat Phuket 83130, Thailand
Afternoon: Kata Noi Seashore
After lunch, head to Kata Noi Seashore, a picturesque and peaceable little bay alongside Phuket’s west coast.
It’s thought of among the best seashores on the island and situated simply south of the primary Kata Seashore.
With mushy sand and blue water, the seashore is kind of protected, offering ultimate swimming situations for all skills.
The rocks alongside both finish of the bay provide nice stalking however the remainder of the bay is sort of fully rock-free so it’s excellent for browsing from Could to October.
Kata Noi can also be house to some luxurious resorts and eating places so is an efficient spot to remain for these wanting a getaway.
You’ll want to carry your towel and spend a few hours getting some vitamin D!
Different beautiful seashores in Phuket embrace Bang Tao Seashore and Surin Seashore.
Sundown: Karon View Level
After enjoyable on the seashore, head as much as Karon View Level, one of many extra common viewpoints in Phuket.
Positioned between Nai Harn and Kata Noi seashores, you’ll be able to absorb views of the Andaman Sea, Kata Noi, Kata Yai and Karon Seashore from right here.
That includes the whole lot nice about Phuket, this iconic vista exhibits off the island’s crystal blue sea, mushy waves, white sand seashores and the luscious inexperienced hills.
Don’t overlook your digital camera! That is an epic spot on any Phuket itinerary.
READ MORE: Don’t overlook to take a look at all these Chiang Mai sights in your subsequent journey to Thailand!
Night: Karon Temple & Karon Market
To complete off your day of tradition in your Phuket itinerary, go to Wat Karon which is situated in Karon centre.
The temple was based in 1895 and has a three-story constructing that hosts dormitories for monks, prayer corridor and a big kitchen.
On Tuesdays and Fridays, the compound hosts Karon Temple Market, a well-liked evening market filled with scrumptious avenue meals, memento gadgets, Singha (the native beer) shirts and loads of buzz!
- Market hours: Each Tuesday and Friday, 4 pm – 9 pm
- Admission: FREE
- Handle: Wat Karon on Patak Highway, Central Karon, Phuket
Day 2
Hope you’re prepared for day 2 on this Phuket itinerary, as a result of it’s going to be a enjoyable one!
Morning and afternoon: Island Hopping and Snorkelling
Island hopping is a should for any itinerary for 3 days in Phuket and one of the best ways to do it’s to get your self on a tour.
There are completely different island clusters to discover and numerous operators will normally provide kind of of the identical packages.
The favored areas and islands to go to are Phi Phi Island (the place The Seashore was filmed), Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island), Similan Island, Racha Island and Coral Island.
Most excursions will make three to 4 stops to provide you time to get pleasure from every of the islands.
Our favorite is Similan Island due to the attractive coral reef and snorkelling alternatives. (Guide your tour to Similian Island right here.)
Go for the speedboat possibility because the seas can generally be tough and it will scale back seasickness in addition to pace up in your journey time to provide you extra time within the water.
Island hopping excursions will normally end within the afternoon.
You’re prone to be fairly drained by the top of it so take a nap earlier than having fun with some actions within the night.
Night: Chillva Market
This evening market is the trendiest on the island with hipster vibes, upcycled vibrant delivery containers and an superior choice of retail retailers, meals and different bespoke gadgets.
Whereas it’s not the most important market in Phuket, it’s positively the one most value visiting.
For those who’re right here from Thursday to Saturday, you’ll benefit from the market at its full potential when all of the smaller stalls additionally arrange.
- Opening hours: Container retailers solely are open each day 4 pm to 10 pm
- Full market: Thursday to Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm
- Handle: 141/2 Yaowarat Highway, Phuket City
Day 3
After an enormous couple of days, you most likely need to spend a little bit of time enjoyable and chilling earlier than ending your 3 days in Phuket with a bang.
We’re heading over to the east aspect of the island and kickstarting the day in Phuket Outdated City.
Morning: Cooking Class
You’re prone to be hooked on Thai meals after this journey so if cooking is your factor and also you’re eager to study Thailand’s delicacies, join a cooking class.
The morning class begins at 9:30 am and comes with a visit to the close by market the place you study native components and the way they’re utilized in Thai cooking.
The chef will then show and clarify the steps concerned within the dishes you’ll put together. Within the half-day class, you’ll cook dinner 4 or 5 dishes, benefit from the fruits of your labour (aka lunch) and end up by 1:30 pm.
Reserve your spot as we speak by reserving on-line at Get Your Information.
- Value: round 3,000 Baht for a half-day class
- Handle: Phra Pitak Chinpracha Mansion, 96 Krabi Highway, Phuket Outdated City, Phuket 83000
After lunch: Outdated Phuket City
When you’ve completed up on the Blue Elephant, take an hour to get pleasure from some sightseeing round Outdated Phuket City.
The city is stuffed with shrines, temples, outdated ‘shophouses’, cafes, tiny printing shops, personal and public museums and even a small ex-red mild district.
Afternoon: Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
The Distillery gives 30-minute guided excursions that embrace a tasting session and a Chalong Bay Mojito at each hour from 2 pm to six pm.
The tour takes you thru a behind-the-scenes take a look at the rum is crafted.
Alternatively, if you happen to’d moderately carry some cool cocktail recipes again house, be part of the cocktail workshops that happen day by day. You’ll want to guide forward on the web site!
Within the 2-hour expertise, you’ll discover ways to make 3 cocktails (and style them in fact!), get pleasure from one tapas, and do a guided distillery go to to study what goes on in making rum.
- Admission: 450 Baht for a guided tour, 1700 Baht for a cocktail workshop
- Handle: 14/2 Moo 2 Soi Palai 2 T. Chalong A. Muang, Phuket 83130
- Hours: On daily basis 11am – 6pm
- Web site: https://www.chalongbayrum.com/
Night: Simon Cabaret Present
You’ve doubtless heard of Thailand’s famed kathoey (‘ladyboy’) dancers.
For those who’re excited about witnessing a spectacular efficiency, the Simon Cabaret Present is the right addition to your Phuket 3 day itinerary.
The present first opened in 1991 and options an extravagant present with costumes, unbelievable set designs and performances.
You’ll watch trendy and conventional acts from throughout the globe.
The present takes roughly one hour, is family-friendly and youngsters are welcome.
Pictures are usually not allowed through the present however you’ll be able to grasp round after the present to take images with the artists.
- Present Instances: 7:30 pm and 9:30 pm
- Handle: 8 Sirirach Highway, Patong Seashore, Kathu, Phuket 83150 Thailand
Late: Bangala Highway
The notorious Bangala Highway (also referred to as Patong Strolling avenue) involves life because the solar goes down.
It’s the coronary heart of the Phuket nightlife and is a avenue that stretches from the seashore to Rat-U-Thit Highway, close to Jungceylon Buying Mall that turns right into a pedestrian strolling avenue at 6 pm.
Because the night progresses on, the road slowly turns into busier and you may anticipate dense crowds after 10 or 11 pm.
The road turns into a 400 metre stretch of neon lights, rowdy vacationers, loud music, dancing and loads of low cost beer.
Most bars are outside or open-fronted so be ready an unique mix of beats.
You’ll end up being pulled into to have a look at drink menus left, proper and centre to get you into bars.
You’ll even be approached by loads of touts providing low cost tickets to ping pong exhibits and go-go bars.
Simply keep in mind that these touts normally don’t work instantly with the venues so that you may be getting ripped off!
After the Simon Cabaret Present, head to Bangala Highway for a memorable evening out.
Get pleasure from some drinks and let free in your final evening in Phuket. Don’t get too wild otherwise you’ll be spending a fourth day in Phuket!
Phuket Itinerary Journey Information
Now that you understand how to spend your 1, 2 or 3 days in Phuket, let me share with you some extra journey recommendation and ideas for the world!
When to Go to Phuket
The most effective time to go to Phuket for sunny seashore climate is from December to March within the dry season.
That is whenever you’ll discover probably the most solar and the least quantity of rain.
December and January are the easiest time weather-wise. However due to this, they’re additionally high-season months which suggests extra crowds and bills.
The most effective months for diving in Phuket is from November to April.
However November and December are often known as the months that usually have one of the best visibility.
Seas turn out to be extra tough from Could by October, making situations tougher to journey to and dive in for inexperienced divers.
Off-season in Phuket is the wet season from mid-Could to October.
That is whenever you’ll discover one of the best offers on airfares and lodging and a decrease variety of vacationers.
Nevertheless, the trade-off is commonly heavy rainfall, and seashores that aren’t swimmable.
There are positively some heat and sunny days nonetheless so if water actions aren’t your factor, visiting throughout this time isn’t a nasty concept.
We advocate travelling in November or March to early-Could when it’s a little much less crowded, the climate continues to be superior, the diving is nice and you may rating some fairly good offers if you happen to guide upfront.
Getting Round Phuket
There are a few completely different transportation choices for getting round Phuket relying in your distances and luxury.
For those who’re searching for long-distance buses and trains, one of the best web site for reserving these forward of time for one of the best costs is 12Go.asia.
Tuk-tuks
For brief distances, tuk-tuks are a handy (and enjoyable) technique to get round.
Their small dimension makes them fairly uncomfortable however are value not less than one journey if you happen to’re in Phuket island.
Although they was one of many least expensive choices for getting round, there’s a little bit of a vacationer tax given their recognition.
Quick distances will price round 100 Baht.
You’ll want to verify the vacation spot and agree on a worth earlier than getting inside and setting off. Bartering abilities all the time turn out to be useful right here.
Taxis or GrabTaxi App
Metered taxis will also be fairly costly however are nonetheless normally cheaper than tuk-tuks.
You can even use the GrabTaxi App as a way to see precisely what you’re paying earlier than committing to the experience.
Hiring a scooter/motorcycle
Oh, the notorious South-East Asia scooter rental journey!
Like most travellers, you’ve most likely heard some form of horror story regarding scooter or motorcycle leases in Asia.
For many who are correctly licensed to experience, hiring a scooter or motorcycle is an environment friendly and low cost approach of going round Phuket island.
You’re not beholden to any schedules, don’t have to fret about getting wifi to lookup distances and resolve costs and you’ve got the liberty to go wherever and everytime you need.
The flipside to that’s that it’s worthwhile to be extraordinarily cautious and well-informed earlier than doing so.
It is best to guarantee that you’re correctly licensed to drive the category of scooter or motorcycle, have a world driver’s license and have sufficient journey insurance coverage that can cowl you (learn the phrases, contact the corporate and examine all the small print).
You must also be snug driving abroad.
Usually, there are few choices for rent starting from small 50cc scooters to larger motorbikes.
You’ll discover rental retailers throughout the primary areas and anticipate leases to be round 250 Baht per day.
Bear in mind that there’s a blatant disregard for any visitors rules so hold protected distances, take note of what the native’s are doing (and customarily, observe that) and be additional cautious through the raining season when roads are slippery.
Public bus
The native bus connects Phuket Outdated City with the island’s primary seashore resorts.
Buses run recurrently from 7:00 am to six:00 pm and locations are written in English on the surface of the bus.
Since there are not any designated bus stops, if you happen to head to the primary a part of city, one will come alongside finally.
In Patong, you’ll be able to catch a bus alongside the seashore street exterior the vacationer police field.
For those who’re in Phuket city, head for the market on Ranong Highway.
The buses are painted vibrant blue so that they’re arduous to overlook.
Journeys throughout the island (from Phuket City to Patong for instance) will solely set you again 15-20 Baht.
Buses will be gradual on account of their routes and the variety of stops they make so if you happen to’re in a rush, keep away from the bus!
The place to Keep in Phuket
To benefit from your 3 excellent days in Phuket, it’s necessary to remain in the suitable space that’ll provide the varieties of vibes, environment and companies you’re after.
There are lots of completely different seashores across the island together with its personal primary resort space.
READ MORE: Right here’s our full information on the place to remain in Phuket!
Patong is the primary resort city on the island.
Positioned on the west coast, it’s best recognized for Bangla Highway which has the best focus of bars and golf equipment in Phuket.
The world is surrounded by a lot of accommodations, resorts and celebration hostels.
If you’re after someplace near Patong however rather less wild, keep in Kamala as a substitute.
Kamala has some smaller guesthouse and resort choices on the seashore and is located 10km north of Patong.
Kata Seashore is mostly an all-rounder location however is especially common amongst surfers and divers with its lengthy stretch of seashore and a few stunning coral reef to discover.
There’s a little bit of nightlife right here however is way tamer than Bangla Highway in Patong.
For those who love little markets, a splash of luxurious in addition to a while within the water, Karon Seashore is the best place to remain.
It’s the third-longest seashore in Phuket and has many resort choices whereas nonetheless protecting it fairly chill with surrounding nature.
Typically referred to as ‘Patong’s little sister’, Karon is ideal for individuals who need nightlife, purchasing and different sights with out being bombarded with it 24/7.
Lastly, if that is purely a rest or romantic getaway, Mai Khao Seashore is Phuket’s longest seashore at 11km and gives a abandoned coast set amongst pine, tropical almonds and palm bushes.
Mai Khao is remoted and much from a lot of the motion.
Come right here to flee to luxurious resorts in a distant location away from everybody and the whole lot.
The Finest Hostel in Phuket – Lub D Phuket Patong
This is likely one of the prime rated hostels in Phuket, with over 1600 constructive critiques and a 9.3/10 on Hostelworld.
Workers love working right here and can make you’re feeling at house. The area is clear and trendy, and it’s social with out being a loopy celebration hostel.
Dorm rooms are clear, fundamental, tight and cosy with particular person curtains for privateness and cozy beds. It’s additionally only a 3 minute stroll from Patong Seashore! An excellent place for price range vacationers throughout their Phuket itinerary.
Finest Funds Lodging for {Couples} in Phuket – Aspery Lodge in Patong
The Aspery Lodge gives clear, spacious and cozy rooms for very reasonably priced costs.
At the price of a few beds in a hostel, you’ll be able to keep at this nice price range resort that’s situated within the coronary heart of Patong.
It’s uncomplicated and gives all the fundamentals comparable to air-conditioning (a should for Thailand), wifi, personal rooms with bogs and even an outside pool on the rooftop.
Finest Funds Lodging for {Couples} in Karon- Allstar Guesthouse
{Couples} wanting to remain exterior of Patong ought to think about staying in Karon at Allstar Guesthouse.
This guesthouse is family-owned and has twelve rooms.
Tonny, the host, could be very useful and pleasant and needs to make sure that company have an excellent time.
The guesthouse is stored extraordinarily clear and it’s centrally situated for the seashore to the primary metropolis centre. It’s solely 300 metres from Karon Seashore and 150 metres to the primary metropolis centre!
Rooms are spacious, fundamental and cozy and have the whole lot you want for a budget-friendly worth.
Finest Mid-Vary Lodge in Phuket – The Marina Phuket Lodge
This resort is of remarkable high quality for its worth vary and can really feel like a bit little bit of luxurious for these on a mid-range price range.
Solely a 15-minute stroll away from Bangala street, you’ll be near all of the motion whereas nonetheless having fun with some facilities like a rooftop pool, sunbeds to calm down on and a scrumptious breakfast buffet.
You’ll want to head as much as the pool to catch a spectacular sundown.
The spacious and cozy rooms are brightly lit with ocean-themed styling all through.
The resort is clear and workers are very useful. There’s not far more to ask for!
Finest Luxurious Lodge in Phuket – Keemala
For those who’re questioning tour Phuket in 3 days whereas balancing some luxurious time, then Keemala resort is the place for you!
Positioned on the west coast above Kamala Village, Keemala has a number of the most spectacular design structure you’ll discover at any resort in Phuket.
Each villa has its personal personal pool, and the grounds are fantastically stored amongst the rainforest.
You’ll discover spa remedies, actions and a few award-winning delicacies proper right here on the property too.
Warning although, you may be tempted to spend your total 3 days right here and never go away in any respect!
Different Finest Luxurious Lodge in Phuket – Chanalai Backyard Resort in Kata Seashore
For those who’re staying a bit additional away from the noise, Chanalai Backyard Resort is barely a 2 minutes’ stroll from Kata Seashore and round 40 minutes drive away from Patong.
That includes two outside swimming pools, two pool bars, a health centre and two eating places on-site, this resort is a good mid-range possibility for anybody wanting a bit getaway.
Rooms are embellished in a contemporary Thai fashion and geared up with a TV, fully-stocked mini-bar, air-con, clear and spacious rooms, a bath and a personal balcony overlooking the ocean of the resort’s backyard.
Households with children will even benefit from the Child’s Membership with loads of toys to play with.
For those who guide far sufficient upfront, you’ll be able to rating some fairly nice offers and get rooms for round 50% off.
Finest Eating places in Phuket
There’s an excellent purpose that most individuals will let you know Thai meals is a number of the finest in Asia.
Based mostly round a couple of staple components and easy spices, the myriad of dishes from curries to noodles to soups all have one factor widespread – flavour.
Whereas
a variety of dishes include rooster or seafood, it’s simple for vegetarians to have
meat excluded or to substitute tofu as a substitute.
Nothing actually beats strolling alongside the road, taking within the mouth-watering scents from a neighborhood stand and simply pointing at no matter it’s that’s cooking.
For those who’re searching for a couple of dine-in choices although, listed here are our suggestions for the place to eat in Phuket.
Funds
For some scrumptious and good worth for cash native Thai delicacies, head to Butterfly Restaurant and take a look at a few of their Thai curry, barbequed fish and pad thai. Most important dishes are only some {dollars} every so it’s an enormous hit amongst travellers.
Mid-range
For the right steadiness between affordability and high-quality meals, go to Suay and take a look at Superstar Chef Tammasak’s inventive twist on Thai delicacies.
Identified for his daring steadiness of flavours, Suay gives a spread of scrumptious Asian dishes that can positively impress.
Suay has two areas, one in Phuket City and the opposite in Cherngtalay.
Excessive-Finish
With so many high quality high-end eating places in Phuket, it’s not possible to solely make one suggestion.
Dee Plee gives a shocking setting on the seashore and distinctive fusion Thai meals. For advantageous eating, it isn’t too costly and gives a la carte or set menu choices.
The chef makes use of herbs and spices from the spice backyard on the resort and selects ethically sourced merchandise. Dee Plee is situated at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort within the Thalang space, round 25km north of Patong.
For those who’re desirous to attempt. one thing aside from Thai meals, Siam Supper Membership describes its menu as a throwback to “a time when a meal was a meal”.
With a mix of scrumptious flavours, you’ll discover steaks, contemporary seafood, pasta and pizzas that target style and presentation.
Accompanied with award-winning wines, that is positively a spot you need to go to in case you have the possibility.
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