Here’s the scenario: You have limited time for your Thailand trip with just enough time to hit the highlights in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. Not really a beach person but feel remiss if you didn’t at least see what the hype Phuket is all about. So you say what the heck, let’s spend a day there. WHAT – DO – YOU – DO?
Disclaimer: There are some wonderful excursions that are outside the Island such as Koh Phi Phi, Phang Nga Bay, Similan Islands, as well as a few upscale day cruises for those who enjoy time on the water. However, these trips will consume the majority of the day. This blog is intended for those with only one day in Phuket who want to experience all there is to this island.
Luckily, you found just the right blog and the experts to go with it. Here goes:
Head out to Phuket Town
Alright, you’ve been a Thailand for a few days and had already experienced some fabulous (and fabulous they are!) hotel breakfasts. Given your limited time and quest for adventure, just grab a cup of coffee or juice and go. Head out to Phuket Town. Old Phuket Town is a beautiful, historic district that has been meticulously preserved. It’s a great place to stroll around and see how the locals live on an otherwise tourist mecca. Since you’ve forgone your sumptuous hotel breakfast, let’s go get some chow! In the center of town is Talang Road where get in line for some roti, a Thai style crepe with a variety of delicious fillings, including tropical fruits only found in Southeast Asia, to choose from, and “Cha Chuk”, pulled Thai iced milk tea. Continue to eat around town and people-watch in this vibrant, sometimes chaotic setting. Visit a couple of local markets like Muang Boran Market and Chalong Central Market to observe local folks get ready for the day’s meals.
Rawai Beach
No visit to Phuket is complete without hitting the shores, even if it’s just to dip your feet in the water. After all, it is the Andaman Sea! We head to Nai Harn Beach at the southern tip facing the west. Nai Harn is a superb beach with soft white sand and calm waters. It sports laid-back atmosphere not inundated with tourists perfect for some late morning sun-and-surf. Spend an hour or so here, or until you’re hungry, to soak in the calm and serenity before jumping on a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride to Rawai beach. Known for its fish market, Rawai Seafood Market boasts a wide variety of the freshest seafood you’ll find anywhere – fish, squid, shrimp, clams, crabs, even lobster. If it’s in the sea, it’s here! But what fun it is to look but can’t eat? But eat you will! There are many restaurants where they’ll cook your freshly bought catch for a modest fee. So pull up a plastic chair, order a Singha or Chang Beer and eat away!
Elephants (For the Animal Lover)!
If sunbathing or hanging out at a beach bar really isn’t your thing and you didn’t make it to one of Chiang Mai’s many Elephant sanctuaries, you’re in luck. Phuket has a few that care for these rescued gentle giants in an ethical way with conservation in mind. If that’s your cup of tea, skip Kata and Karon Beach and head for the jungle.
Here are 3 carefully vetted Elephant venues we feature on our meticulously crafted Thailand tour packages, each offers their style of interactions with the elephants with included transfers from major hotels in Phuket. From Rawai beach, you can arrange for pick-up for an afternoon session. At the end of the tour, request to be dropped off at Surin Beach or Patong Beach (see below) and party on from there.
Kata and Karon Beach (For the Beach Lover)
From Rawai Beach, continue north up the western coast to two of the best beaches in all of Phuket. These beaches, among others on the Western Shore (Phi Phi Islands and Phang Nga Bay too of course), are what makes Phuket world famous. If you prefer to start slow, chill out at Kata Noi Beach in a beautiful bay that boasts a long stretch of white sandy beach with deep blue waters with crashing waves. Kata Noi Beach is home to the luxurious The Shore at Katathaini and the family-friendly Katathani Beach Resort so you won’t see hoards of tourists here. And since all beaches in Thailand are public, no worries about trespassing. As you start to get thirsty, take a 5-minute tuk-tuk ride or 15-minute walk to Kata Beach, another picturesque beach nestled in a beautiful cove. The difference is, your’re now in the thicker of things. Here you’ll see Beach go-ers from around the world – bars, music, shops, restaurants, resorts – the whole nine yards. Besides laying on the beach or trying out your surfing skills, Kata Beach is a great place to check into one of the many bars with cheap drinks overlooking the sea, as well as getting a nice foot massage on the beach or at a day spa. If you’re looking for something a bit more upscale, check out Kata Rocks right on the water to enjoy one of the most stunning sunsets you’ll see anywhere.
The next beach over is Karon Beach, equally as beautiful as the latter two on a long stretch of sand, but a bit more relaxed with a few resorts, shops and restaurants. Beach-wise, they’re similar so you may or may not spend a great deal of time here – maybe just a quick stop or drive-by for a few nice pics.
Surin Beach
Depending on what time you’re done at Kata, if you’re still up for more beach, head north to Surin Beach. Surin Beach is my personal favorite and one of the most beautiful and natural spots on the island. The beach is nestled in a small cove blessed with an Instaworthy beach of beautiful sand and a brilliant blue sea. It is a popular spot among the locals so you’ll catch a glimpse of how the Thais laugh, eat and play. For a snack or beverage, there are food stalls and modest mom-and-pop restaurants offering delicious eats under the coconut tree. Beyond the looks, the quality of the water and sand make Surin really, really special. Good swimming and always fun jumping the waves.
Party on at Patong Beach
Alright, now it’s time to check out the night scene in Phuket. It’s not exactly the greatest for families or the romantics (in which case we recommend doing an evening show at Siam Niramit instead), but for those who want to get some nightlife action. Patong is where it is. I liken this to Miami’s South Beach – anything goes TIMES TEN! In Patong, there are night markets, fruit and roti stalls, seafood restaurants, open-air lounges with live bands, shops galore, and of course, the beach. The beach itself is nothing to write home about, at least by Phuket standards but it’s always lively and full of action. To some, Patong showcases the “uglier” side of the island but it’s still fascinating for the first-time tourist. As you stroll through town, you’ll stumble across Bangla Road where “Lady Boys” and “Lady Bars” (I won’t elaborate here but you easily Google it yourself) abound. But don’t be afraid, the Lady Boys are very friendly, fun-loving and often enjoy taking a photo with you. So keep an open mind, laugh, and just have fun!
Bonus Round: Watch at Muay Thai Fight
If you’re tired of eating, drinking and beaching all day, take a short walk to Patong Muay Thai Stadium to get your juices flowing. Watch one (or ten) adrenaline-pumping Muay Thai Fights.
So there you have it. The best way to get your ONE DAY out of Phuket. Obviously, you should really have more time here as there are some real gems to discover – Sea kayak Phang Nga Bay, Snorkel the Phi Phi Islands, chill out on a luxury yacht, take part in a fun-filled cooking lesson, Phuket has it all.
For those visiting Phuket for the first time, you’ll quickly realize the island is big so you need to get around efficiently. Of course, if you’re booked on one of our private Thailand tours, we can arrange a car and guide at your disposal – going wherever you want, whenever you want. Hiring a taxi for the day at a pre-negotiated rate is also an option. Taxi costs are quite steep relative to other cities in Thailand. If you’re spending the day around the island, avoid taking taxis one leg at a time as costs will add up very quickly as you’re at the mercy of the taxi driver.
Explorient offers an arsenal of innovative, immersive and hand-crafted Thailand vacations throughout the Land of Smiles – all private, fully customizable, and highly personalized – from blissful honeymoons to tantalizing culinary adventures to unforgettable family holidays. Whatever your wish for the perfect vacation experience, let us help you make it a reality.
