What to See
7 highlights📍 Tap the pin for directions
Phi Phi Islands
The postcard-perfect limestone islands made famous by The Beach — turquoise water, dramatic cliffs, and Maya Bay itself (now restricted to timed entry with no swimming allowed, to let the reef recover). Full-day boat tours from Phuket typically include snorkeling stops, lunch, and a swing past Maya Bay; speedboat tours are faster but pricier than the larger ferry-style tours. Go early or book a tour that arrives before the midday cruise-boat crowds.
Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
Karst limestone cliffs rising straight out of emerald water, best explored by longtail boat or sea kayak through hidden lagoons and mangrove tunnels. James Bond Island (Ko Tapu) itself is a quick, crowded photo stop, but the surrounding bay scenery is the real draw. Most visitors do this as an organized day tour from Phuket including the boat, lunch, and sometimes a kayak add-on.
Big Buddha
A 45-meter white marble Buddha statue sitting atop a hill in southern Phuket, visible from much of the island. The viewpoint at the base offers a sweeping panorama over Chalong Bay and the surrounding hills. Free to visit (donations welcome); modest dress required, as at any Buddhist site.
Old Phuket Town
A world away from the beach resorts — colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses, boutique cafés, street art, and genuinely good local food along streets like Thalang Road and Soi Romanee. The Sunday Walking Street market turns the old quarter into a lively night market with food stalls and live music. Worth a half-day even if you're based on the beach side of the island.
Wat Chalong
Phuket's most important and impressive Buddhist temple, known for its ornate multi-tiered pagoda housing a relic of the Buddha, and elaborate murals depicting his life. A working temple with an active local following, not just a tourist stop.
Karon Viewpoint (Kata Noi Viewpoint)
A famous three-bay lookout over Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon beaches from a single hillside spot — one of the best sunset viewpoints on the island. Easily reached by scooter or taxi along the coastal road between Kata and Nai Harn.
Snorkeling & Diving
Phuket is a major diving hub, with day trips to sites like the Similan Islands (seasonal, roughly Oct–May) and Racha Yai/Racha Noi ranking among Thailand's best visibility and reef life. Numerous PADI-certified dive shops around Patong, Kata, and Chalong offer everything from a single fun dive to full certification courses.