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4-Day Patong Beach Phuket Itinerary + Koh Phi Phi & Phang Nga

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I crafted a Phuket itinerary for the first time back in 2019 on a 2-week trip that included Phuket, Bangkok, and Chiang Mai. Although I had heard mixed reviews about Phuket, I found myself captivated by this island from the moment I glimpsed the towering limestone cliffs and sparkling blue water from the Air Asia airplane window.

After my quick visit back in 2019, I went back in 2022 to live in Phuket for two months while I worked as a digital nomad and traveled around the rest of Thailand!

On this 4-day Phuket itinerary, I’ll lay out exactly what to do when visiting this controversial island in the south of Thailand. I’ll take you through days 1-4 with a home base in Patong Beach—a popular resort town and the party capital of Phuket Island. If you’re ready for good food, gorgeous views, a bit of partying, and a lot of fun in the sun, then you’re going to love my guide for the best things to do in Phuket. Ready? Let’s go to Thailand!

The Lazy Girl’s Phuket Itinerary

Short on time? No sweat! Catch the major must do things in Phuket below 👇🏼

  • Visit the Big Buddha 🕉️ (alt. start the day with a Thai cooking class!)
  • Head back into town for lunch at No. 6 Restaurant 🍜
  • Relax on Patong Beach 🏝️ or rent jet skis!
  • Unwind with an affordable Thai massage 💆🏽‍♀️
  • Have a street food dinner at the Chino Market 🦑
  • Enjoy some swanky cocktails at the Kee Sky Lounge Rooftop Bar 🍹
  • Sleep in after your pub crawl 😴 and then grab a hungover breakfast at Dang Restaurant (or McDonald’s—I won’t judge)
  • Put on a cute outfit and head on over to Phuket Town 🌸
  • Wander around the picturesque streets and stop for an iced tea at Torry’s 🫖
  • Stop for lunch at Dibuk Restaurant 🍚
  • Shop your heart out at Central Festival—the largest mall in Phuket 🛍️
  • Hit the Naka Weekend Market for dinner on your way back 🥭

Day 1: Patong Beach

Day 1 is all about exploring lively and beautiful Patong Beach. There’s always something going on here whether it’s a dance class on the beach, bustling street food markets on every corner, beachgoers renting jet skis to tear through the waves, or pub crawls winding their way through the clubs on Bangla Road.

On your first day in Phuket, you’ll be getting both culture and views on a visit to the Big Buddha (or participating in a Thai cooking class—dealer’s choice!), relaxing or renting jet skis on Patong Beach, indulging in a Thai massage, exploring one of Patong Beach’s best street food markets for dinner, and taking in the sunset from one of the best rooftop bars in town. 

Visit the Big Buddha

This 45-meter (148-foot) tall Buddha statue made of Burmese white marble is pretty impossible to miss on your trip to Phuket. Perched atop the 350-meter-tall Nakkerd Hill, the statue is visible from pretty much anywhere in Patong Beach and the surrounding towns.

It takes about 35 minutes by car to reach the Big Buddha from Patong Beach. I recommend booking a car on Grab or inDrive (Thailand’s version of Uber), since the prices are incredibly reasonable—even for a drive that far.

Be sure to cover up! Both men and women must be covered from their shoulders to their knees. There are scarves available for purchase on-site if you forget the dress code.

Me in an orange dress in front of Phuket's Big Buddha statue.

Alt. Activity: Take a Cooking Class

If you’re more interested in learning how to make authentic Thai cuisine, then you may want to consider booking a Thai cooking class for the first morning on your Phuket itinerary. 

There are tons of cooking classes to choose from in Patong Beach and the surrounding areas! We actually ended up taking a cooking class on our visit to Chiang Mai instead (where the cuisine differs slightly from the south), however, I would highly recommend this small group cooking class with an option to add a market tour. It’s a great way to learn more about the southern cuisine in Thailand. 

The ingredients from our cooking class in Chiang Mai, Thailand laid out on the table—fresh herbs, chicken, eggs, noodles, vegetables, garlic, etc.

Have Lunch at No. 6 Restaurant

If you opted for a trip to the Big Buddha instead of a cooking class (if you opted for the latter—you likely won’t be hungry), chances are you’ve worked up an appetite for some tasty and affordable Thai food. 

During the time I lived in Patong Beach, No. 6 Restaurant was my favorite spot for a quick and delicious lunch. I probably ate here at least five times during my two-month trip! Everything on the menu is delicious, but I highly recommend the spicy papaya salad and the roasted duck in red curry paste. 

A bowl of roasted duck in red curry paste from No. 6 Restaurant in Patong Beach.

Relax on Patong Beach

After a hectic, but fun-filled morning, it’s time to add a bit of relaxation and fun-in-the-sun to your Phuket itinerary. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Patong Beach or drinking cocktails poolside (if your hotel comes with a pool—our first hotel, The Charm Resort, came with the best infinity rooftop pool). The best Thailand travel tip I can offer you is don’t go too fast—take a minute to slow down and appreciate the beauty surrounding you. 

Me in a striped one-piece swimsuit and white skirt smiling on the main beach in Patong.

Or Rent Jet Skis

When I first visited Thailand, jet skiing had been on my personal bucket list for years. For 1500 Baht, roughly $45 (in 2019 mind you), you could rent a jet ski out in the bay for 30 minutes. Vibrant blue water, stunning views, perfect weather, and a trusty GoPro made this an unforgettable experience—and one that I would gladly repeat. 

Get a Thai Massage

Thai massages are incredibly cheap in Phuket and boy did we take advantage. We tried a variety of spas during our trip, ranging from super cheap to somewhat expensive, and enjoyed each and every minute of pampering. 

Our favorite in Patong Beach was Mama’s Massage. They are incredibly sweet and accommodating, give you tiny Thai desserts with every treatment, and the prices are insanely affordable. We came here multiple times a week for massages, facials, nails, and more. (Note: it’s cash-only).

Have Street Food for Dinner at the Chino Market

One of my favorite travel tips for Thailand is this: do not be afraid to eat street food. 

Thailand is world-famous for its delicious, affordable, and safe street food markets. There are tons of lively markets to choose from in Patong Beach: Banzaan Market, Beyond Market, and—our favorite—The Chino Market

This market is filled with rows and rows of stands selling seafood, meat skewers, sushi, rolled ice cream, noodles, stir fry, fresh smoothies, beer, cocktails, and more. Anything your heart desires—you can find it at this market. They also offer plenty of seating (which you can’t always find at Thai street food markets). 

Raw chicken and beef skewers laid out on a table at the Chino Market in Patong Beach.
Raw seafood skewers at the Chino Market—mainly octopus and squid but also some raw fish.
Stands at the Chino Market strung with lights at sunset. This is one of my favorite markets on my Phuket itinerary.

Watch the Sunset from the Kee Sky Lounge

There’s nothing I love more than a rooftop bar, and combine it with a sunset, and you’ve pretty much got the perfect evening. The best sunset I’ve ever seen in Thailand was from the Baiyoke Sky Hotel (where we stayed on our first trip to Bangkok), but don’t fret—there are many glorious sunsets in your future on this Phuket itinerary. 

To wrap up day #1, head to the Kee Sky Lounge in The Kee Resort & Spa. This rooftop bar is insane—it’s two levels and shaped like a cruise ship. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a slightly overpriced piña colada and a gorgeous sunset. 

Day 2: Phang Nga (James Bond Island)

I hope you got a good night’s sleep…since day 2 on your 4 day itinerary is about to be a doozy.

Today, you’ll be embarking on a day trip filled with sea canoeing, temple exploring, lunch on a floating village, and a visit to the notorious Phang Nga—or James Bond Island. On every travel blog about Patong Beach, James Bond Island is listed as a must do in Phuket. 

👉🏼 Book it here: James Bond Island day trip from Phuket.

Be sure to pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, a straw hat to keep the sun off your face, a portable phone charger, and a camera (if you’re so inclined—my favorite is the trusty Canon R50). You may also want to invest in one of my favorite crossbody phone cases, lest your iPhone takes a trip over the side of a longtail boat while you’re trying to capture the scenery. 

Grab a Quick Brekkie

It’s going to be a long day, so be sure to fuel up before pick up. If your hotel has an included breakfast, grab breakfast there and save yourself some dough. If not, check out the Sandwich Shoppe Cafe & Bar for freshly baked bagels, baguettes, and focaccia sandwiches. 

A caprese panino made on fresh focaccia from the Sandwich Shoppe Cafe.

Sea Canoeing

Unfortunately not pictured because my ancient GoPro did not do it justice back in 2019, the Viator tour we booked included a stop for sea canoeing through a natural sea cave at Talu Island. The guides will partner you off (don’t worry—it’s still solo female travel friendly), get you fitted for life vests and situated in a sea canoe, and send you off to canoe into a gorgeous sea cave. It’s a wonderful adventure and a thrilling first stop on your day trip! 

James Bond Island (Phang Nga)

Phang Nga, or James Bond Island, got its nickname for being one of the most scenic filming locations in James Bond: The Man with the Golden Gun. The famous view of a sandy beach, turquoise water, and one towering limestone cliff in the backdrop draws in hundreds of thousands of tourists from around the globe each year (pictured below—left).

I’ll be honest, if the tour only included James Bond Island, it wouldn’t be worth it. The area where the tour groups take you is extremely small and crowded and is filled with vendors selling cheaply-made trinkets to tourists for an inflated price. However, as a stop on this all-inclusive day trip—it was worth the visit. 

Wander around the island, splash in the turquoise waters off of the beautiful beach, and snap a few Insta-worthy shots before getting back on the boat and heading to your next destination.

Me in a matching red skirt and top in the water on James Bond Island.
007 reporting for another Chang beer on James Bond Island.
Our longtail boat on its way to James Bond Island.

Lunch at Koh Panyi (The Floating Muslim Village)

Panyee Island, a floating Muslim fishing village, is your next stop on day 2 of your Phuket itinerary. Here, you’ll be served a delicious lunch of chicken, rice, and stir-fried veggies, and have the chance to wander around the floating village. We found a few shops selling clothes and did a bit of shopping before hopping back on the boat to our next destination (and almost missed it since we were too busy haggling). 

Panyee Island—a floating Muslim fishing village off the coast of Phuket.
Our longtail boat docked at Panyee Island.

Wat Suwan Kuha

The last stop on your James Bond Island day tour is Wat Suwan Kuha—or the Monkey Cave Temple. The temple was gorgeous and very interesting to wander around, especially since it’s not a site we would have had a chance to see otherwise. However, always be wary of monkeys—keep your distance and don’t look them directly in the eyes. 

Shoulders need to be covered to enter the cave temple, but scarves are provided to visitors who have not planned ahead for the dress code. 

Me covered in a red scarf inside the Monkey Cave Temple.
Wat Suwan Kuha cave temple.
A beautiful temple outside Wat Suwan Kuha that we saw during a day trip on our Phuket itinerary.

Have an Authentic Dinner at Kaab Gluay

Grab a siesta (you’ll likely need it after such a long day of exploring) and then head to Kaab Gluay—one of the most authentic and delicious Thai restaurants in Patong Beach

The cuisine at Kaab Gluay did not disappoint. I opted for a few fresh oysters and the grilled squid in lemon and chili sauce. My friend decided on the green curry and a fresh mango margarita. Everything was delicious! 

A boiling pot of lemon squid with fresh herbs and chili oil from Kaab Gluay.

Pub Crawl Down Bangla Road

Although we decided on the luxury of staying in hotels instead of hostels, nothing beats the hostel crowd on a night out. Instead of blindly finding our way around Phuket’s club scene, we decided to book a pub crawl through one of the top-rated hostels in the area, The Bodega Party Hostel Phuket.

Sadly, the Bodega Party Hostel has since closed its doors in Phuket permanently (although they still have locations in Bangkok, Pai, the Phi Phi Islands, and Koh Phangan). If I went back to Patong Beach today, I would book this highly-rated pub crawl on Viator instead for only $25. Or, you can DIY it and just head to the Patong Backpacker Bar on Bangla Road (Phuket’s version of Khao San Road) for beer pong, dancing, and immaculate vibes.

Day 3: Phuket Town and the Naka Market

It’s day #3 on your trip to Phuket—are you excited? Today is all about exploring the beautiful (and very Instagram-worthy) Phuket Old Town, getting some great shopping in, and trying plenty of food from one of Phuket’s best night markets—the Naka Market. 

Have Breakfast at Dang Restaurant

Start the day off with a hearty breakfast at Dang Restaurant. Despite its funny name, this restaurant was one of our favorites in Patong Beach for a tasty, yet affordable, meal any time of day. It’s located right next to No. 6 Restaurant and serves delicious fresh smoothies and Thai tea, along with Thai breakfast favorites like Thai omelets over rice. 

Eat your fill to fuel up for the day ahead!

A fresh papaya salad from Dang Restaurant in Patong Beach.
Stir-fried squid and veggies from Dang Restaurant.

Wander Around Phuket Old Town

Phuket Old Town looks like a mix of Europe and Cartagena, Colombia. You would never believe the photos below were taken in Thailand—take a peek, am I wrong? Phuket Town is the capital of Phuket and is well worth a visit during your 4 days in Phuket itinerary. In Old Town you’ll find plenty of colorful buildings, street art murals, intricate tiles, blooming flowers, and more.

Old Town is only about a 30-minute drive from Patong Beach, so I advise you to simply book a ride on Grab or inDrive. 

Me sitting on the steps of a bright turquoise building in Phuket Old Town at sunset.
My white sandals against colorful blue tiles in Phuket Old Town.

Have a Picturesque Iced Tea at Torry’s

Torry’s is a cute little ice cream and tea shop on Soi Rommani, one of the most picturesque streets in Old Town Phuket. Stop by for an adorable iced tea or a sweet treat, you won’t be disappointed. 

Me wearing a green dress and leaning against a wall covered in pink flowers in Phuket Old Town.
Iced tea on a gold tray from Torry's Ice Cream.

Stop for Lunch at Dibuk Restaurant

Located in the heart of Old Town, Dibuk Restaurant serves a delicious mix of French and Thai cuisine and is the perfect stop for lunch on day 3. They have an adorable, vintage-inspired outdoor patio where you can people-watch as you devour a tasty meal. Keep in mind that this spot is high-end for the area and the prices will reflect that.

If you’re looking for something more low-key, try out O Cha Rot for a heaping bowl of beef noodle soup! This little spot is a staple in Phuket—she’s been serving the same soup here for over 30 years and the restaurant has actually been mentioned by Michelin. 

Do Some Serious Shopping

If you’re like me, then you can’t resist doing some serious shopping in a new destination. If you’re from the U.S., everything is cheaper in Thailand, and I mean everything. Thai shopping malls are addictive—they have adorable boutiques we’ve never heard of with prices that are actually unheard of. The largest shopping mall in Phuket is Central Festival, and it’s conveniently only a 10-minute drive from Old Town. Grab a Grab (haha) and head over to shop your heart out!

Explore the Naka Weekend Market for Dinner

If you love a good street food market, then the Naka Weekend Market is not to be missed on the list of things to see in Phuket. This market is massive—and I mean massive. It’s outdoor, but covered, and is split into halves: one selling street food and the other selling clothes and trinkets. 

The street food at this market was next-level. We tried a little bit of everything—dumplings, sushi, beef skewers, fresh smoothies, and my favorite, pictured below, which I believe is called banh khot. You could easily kill three hours at this market—and it would be time very well spent. 

WARNING! Be sure to time your visit on a weekend. This market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays from 4:00 PM–10:00 PM.

The entrance to the Naka Weekend Market.
Banh khot being sold at the Naka Weekend Market in Phuket.

Day 4: Day Trip to Koh Phi Phi

It’s already day 4 on your Phuket itinerary—where did the time go?! By now, you’ve seen lots of the best things to do in Phuket, but the fun isn’t over yet. 

Day 4 will be another day trip—this time to the iconic Phi Phi Islands, or Koh Phi Phi. There are a few options you can choose from to see these iconic islands. You can take the easy route and book an organized tour from Phuket to Koh Phi Phi, but take it from me—you won’t see as much. OR, you can book ferry tickets from Phuket and do it yourself. I would personally opt for option #2, but choose whichever option makes you feel the most comfortable. 

If you decide to book a guided tour, these are the ones I recommend from my favorite booking site, Viator: 

If you decide to do it yourself, follow the guide below!

Grab Brekkie from No. 9 Restaurant

Whichever option you choose, start the day off with a hearty breakfast from No. 9 Restaurant—another of our favorite places to eat in Phuket. Even if you’re visiting for breakfast, I highly recommend the chicken satay with peanut sauce—it’s seriously delicious. 

Chicken skewers and beef noodle soup from No. 9 Restaurant in Patong Beach.

Take a Day Trip To Koh Phi Phi

A visit to Koh Phi Phi is a must-see on your Patong Beach itinerary! During our first trip to Phuket, we booked a day trip recommended by the Bodega Hostel (which has since closed). Although it was a wonderful day, we spent a lot of time on other islands and only had about two hours total to spend on Koh Phi Phi—and that included lunch. 

On our second trip to Phuket in 2022, we spent 4-days on Koh Phi Phi and really got to experience what the islands have to offer. If you’re comfortable getting to Koh Phi Phi yourself, I would recommend booking a transfer on Viator (or booking on 12Go for more timing flexibility) and planning out the day yourself. If you go this route, consider the activities below!

The Koh Phi Phi viewpoint offers one of the most stunning views on the island. Thankfully, it only takes about 20-25 each way, although it can be a little tricky to find. Start in Tonsai Village and follow the signs for “Viewpoint 1” and “Tsunami Evacuation Route.” If you find a set of very steep stairs, you’re in the right place!

Me looking out at the gorgeous views from the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint.
Me looking out at the gorgeous views from the Koh Phi Phi viewpoint.

One of the most popular things to do on Koh Phi Phi is to take a full or half-day island tour. There are tons of tour operators advertising these services once you arrive on the island, so take your pick! Most of them offer snorkeling* and a stop in the scenic Maya Bay (be warned: due to environmental concerns you can no longer swim in Maya Bay). 

*Scuba diving is actually one of my favorite activities in Koh Phi Phi, however, it’s impossible for a day trip since the boats leave too early from the island. 

Me in a straw hat and swimsuit sitting on the bow of a longtail boat on our 1/2 day island tour from Koh Phi Phi.

Koh Phi Phi has plenty of gorgeous beaches (not that those are hard to find in Thailand, Koh Tao has some of my personal favorites). Grab your sunscreen and a towel and simply enjoy the scenery with a good book during your day trip!

Me holding a coconut with a straw and pink umbrella on the beaches in Koh Phi Phi.
Longtail boats docked on the beaches of Koh Phi Phi.

If you get hungry, stop by Only Noodles for a bowl of homemade pad Thai—which happens to be the only thing on the menu. You can choose your noodles, your protein, and the level of spiciness. It was one of the best bowls of pad Thai that I had in Thailand, and the prices are an absolute steal. 

A heaping plate of homemade pad Thai from Only Noodles on Phi Phi Island.

Have Dinner with a View at Pan Yaah Restaurant

When you get back to Phuket, it’s time to ring in your last evening with a bougie dinner with a view. Pan Yaah Restaurant is located right on the coast and boasts fabulous sea views—as well as a fabulous menu. 

They’re known for their delicious fish baked in a clay pot, so naturally, I had to try some out. However, be warned—this is not a budget-friendly restaurant in Patong Beach. For two drinks and one entree, I walked away with a $35 bill (and this was in 2022). 

Fish baked in a clay pot with veggies from Pan Yaah Restaurant in Patong.

Where to Stay in Patong Beach

This backpacker-friendly hostel is located in the heart of Patong Beach. The building has to be new—because these rooms are ultra-modern and gorgeous. The hostel is well-known for its social atmosphere and party vibe, which is only enhanced by the on-site bar and swimming pool.

Along with its stellar location, guests of Lub d Phuket will enjoy strong air conditioning (a must-have in Phuket), free wifi, security lockers, and included towels (although I still recommend bringing a microfiber towel on your trip to Thailand).

Note: I wouldn’t recommend booking a private room here unless you get a deal, they are super overpriced for Thailand. The dorms are a much better deal!

👉🏼 Book your stay at Lub d Phuket!

If you’re looking for something less party-heavy, but still budget-friendly, check out the Kalim Resort.

On our first trip to Phuket in 2019, we decided to book accommodation at the lovely Charm Resort in Patong Beach—which was absolutely as charming as the name suggests.

Words cannot express how much we loved this hotel. The instant I arrived for check-in, sweaty, jet-lagged, and alone, I was immediately upgraded to a larger suite for the night. The hotel staff was incredibly friendly and accommodating throughout our entire stay. Bonus points: the beach was only a minute walk from our front door and we looooved the room service.

👉🏼 Book your stay at The Charm Resort in Patong Beach!

My two friends smiling in front of the Charm Resort sign.
The infinity rooftop pool and view from the Charm Resort in Patong Beach.

If you’re looking to stay in the lap of luxury in Patong Beach, the good news is you’ll have plenty of options. It’s easy to find cheap accommodation in Phuket, but it’s also easy to ball out—if you’re so inclined.

Avista Hideaway Phuket is by far one of the nicest luxury hotels in Patong Beach. Guests of the hotel will enjoy three swimming pools, three on-site restaurants, a spa, fitness center, and gorgeous views from pretty much everywhere in the hotel.

Hint: Whatever you do don’t book the Wyndham Grand Phuket. We decided to be a little bougie during our first week in Phuket and booked this accommodation. In order to get to our room, we had to walk through an abandoned section of the hotel, which was pitch black at night, and included an odd outdoor stretch that was full of terrifying tropical bugs.

👉🏼 Book your luxury stay at Avista Hideaway in Patong Beach!

General Advice for Visiting Thailand

Data in Thailand

I always use Airalo to purchase an eSIM when traveling to a new destination. Simply download the app on your phone, choose your country and package, pay, and the eSIM installs within minutes! You can renew your package at any time. 👉🏼 Use code MADI10 for 10% off!

Thailand has the following packages to choose from: 

Local Currency—The Thai Baht

When traveling in Europe I always steer clear of currency exchange and prefer taking out cash from ATMs. In Thailand, currency exchange is a legitimate strategy for getting local currency. You can also use the ATMs scattered around Patong Beach (which we did often). However, be warned, some of the Thai banks would refuse to let me withdraw cash—to the point where I thought it was an issue with my debit card. In the end, I found the Bangkok Bank ATMs (the purple ones) to be the most reliable.

Download Grab and inDrive

Although almost all Thai taxis will allow you to barter for a better fare, Grab (the Thai version of Uber) usually ends up being a better deal. It can sometimes be difficult to set up payment with a foreign credit card, but Grab offers a cash payment option as well. I would suggest trying to find a “Grab Taxi” which we found to be even cheaper than the normal Grabs. You can also order food on the Grap app!

Although Grab seemed to be the move in Bangkok, it ended up being a lot more expensive in Phuket. We found a new app called inDrive that we had much better luck with in Patong Beach and the surrounding areas.

Never Drink the Water

You cannot drink the tap water anywhere in Thailand. It will make you very sick. We were able to brush our teeth with tap water without getting ill, but make sure all your drinking water is bottled or filtered. Additionally, steer clear of any street food that may have unfiltered water in it. My friend bought a popsicle off a street vendor and it was very clear it was made with unfiltered water when she started puking at the airport.

Some Simple Thai Phrases

No matter where you’re traveling, it’s always helpful to know some simple phrases in the local language.

  • Thank you (feminine): Kap-kun-kah (kop-coon-kaaaaa)
  • Hello (feminine): Sawadee-kah (sah-wah-dee-kaaaaa)
  • Not spicy: Mai pet 
  • Medium spicy: Pet noi
  • Very spicy: Pet mok 
  • Beer: Bia
  • Bathroom: Hong-num
  • Delicious: A-roy
  • Too expensive: Feng-mak-pie
  • Hurt (for Thai massages): Jep
  • Yes: Chai
  • No: Mai

Visiting Phuket FAQ:

How many days is ideal for Phuket?

The ideal duration for a visit to Phuket largely depends on your interests and how thoroughly you wish to explore the island. Generally, a stay of about 4 to 6 days allows enough time to enjoy the beautiful beaches, explore the vibrant nightlife of Patong, visit cultural sites like the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong, and partake in water activities or day trips to nearby islands like the Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island.

Is 4 days enough in Phuket?

Four days in Phuket is sufficient to cover the highlights, including enjoying its famous beaches, exploring the nightlife in Patong, visiting iconic sites like the Big Buddha, and throwing in a day trip or two. While this duration won’t allow for extensive exploration or leisurely day trips to more distant attractions, it’s enough for a brief and satisfying experience of the island’s main offerings.

Is Phuket worth visiting?

Yes, Phuket is definitely worth visiting! It offers a rich mix of beautiful beaches, vibrant nightlife, cultural sites, and exciting day trips. Whether you’re interested in relaxation, adventure, or cultural exploration, Phuket has something to offer.

However, if you’re searching for maximum affordability, relaxation, quiet, and 100% Thai authenticity, it may not be the perfect destination for you.

Is Phuket safe for solo travelers?

Yes, Phuket is safe for solo travelers! Like any popular tourist destination, it’s important to follow common safety practices such as safeguarding your belongings, watching your drink, and not walking home alone after dark.

The locals are generally friendly and helpful, and the island offers a well-established tourist infrastructure that caters to the needs of visitors, including solo explorers.

Final Thoughts

Wrapping up my 4-day Phuket itinerary, I’ve gotta say—I love Phuket. It’s a controversial destination to be sure. Many (possibly most) bloggers will tell you to steer clear of Phuket in favor of destinations like Koh Phangan or a visit to Ao Nang (Krabi). Don’t get me wrong, both of these destinations are fabulous, but so is Phuket! 

If you love to be in the center of the action, meeting people left and right, and having a 24/7 reliable nightlife scene—Phuket might just be your next favorite destination in Southeast Asia. On the other hand, if you’re looking for peace, quiet, and 100% Thai authenticity, it might not be the destination for you. 

From the stunning waters of Koh Phi Phi, to the bustling Naka Market, to the 360-degree views from the Big Buddha—I hope I gave you plenty of inspiration for what to do in Phuket. If you have more than 4 days to kill, there are even more exciting activities to discover in this part of Thailand! You could check out the famous Wat Chalong Temple, go scuba diving, or catch the sunset from the Promthep Cape Sunset Viewpoint. I would advise against visiting elephant sanctuaries in Phuket since they tend to be less ethical than the sanctuaries in northern Thailand (I recommend Maerim Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai). 

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