Whether or not it’s your first or fifth time in Thailand, that is going to be the very 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 measurement as Singapore!
From the nation’s capital of Bangkok, Phuket is simply an hour away by aircraft and with its personal airport, most main Asian cities have flights coming into the island.
For a lot of backpackers travelling by way of South East Asia twenty to thirty years in the past, Phuket was a bit hidden paradise.
In 2000, it grew to become popularised due to the movie “The Seaside” 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 Seaside”.
This isn’t what retains individuals coming again although.
The entire issues to do in Phuket supply one thing for everybody – from funds backpackers eager to get together onerous, to adventurers on the lookout 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’ll be able to 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, a lot of them uninhabited and surrounded by a few of the most spectacular coral reefs on this planet.
READ MORE: Try our superior travelling in Thailand information!
Spend a Excellent 3 Days in Phuket Itinerary
To profit from your 3 days in Phuket itinerary, you’ll want to immerse your self in Thai tradition and go to some temples, strive scrumptious new meals, stroll by way of night time markets, benefit from the nightlife and throw your self into some superior outside actions.
This excellent mixture of actions will provide you with a fantastic concept about what the island has to supply and will certainly maintain you coming again for extra. Take pleasure in this 3 Day Phuket Itinerary!
READ MORE: Right here’s our information to the greatest spots to go to in Thailand!
Day 1
One of the best ways to spend your 3 day Phuket itinerary is to get a mixture of all the pieces: nature, journey, rest, buying, and nightlife.
Thailand is a secure place to strive some new issues so that is the place to embrace some actions you haven’t tried earlier than.
On your first day in Thailand, we suggest staying within the Karon space and exploring all the pieces 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, deliver a shawl or sarong to cowl uncovered shoulders and put on bottoms longer than your knees.
You could have seen an enormous Buddha out of your window and a few level upon your arrival.
Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Akenakiri (which accurately means the Buddha gloriously honourable high 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 going through 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 large 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 largest 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 day by day
- Admission: FREE however donations appreciated
- Deal with: 70 Moo 6 Chaofa Rd, Tambon Chalong, Muang Chang Wat Phuket 83130, Thailand
Afternoon: Kata Noi Seaside
After lunch, head to Kata Noi Seaside, a picturesque and peaceable little bay alongside Phuket’s west coast.
It’s thought of top-of-the-line seashores on the island and positioned simply south of the primary Kata Seaside.
With comfortable sand and blue water, the seaside is kind of protected, offering supreme swimming situations for all skills.
The rocks alongside both finish of the bay supply nice stalking however the remainder of the bay is sort of utterly rock-free so it’s excellent for browsing from Could to October.
Kata Noi can be residence to some luxurious resorts and eating places so is an effective spot to remain for these wanting a getaway.
Make sure you deliver your towel and spend a few hours getting some vitamin D!
Different beautiful seashores in Phuket embody Bang Tao Seaside and Surin Seaside.
Sundown: Karon View Level
After stress-free on the seaside, head as much as Karon View Level, one of many extra well-liked 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 Seaside from right here.
That includes all the pieces nice about Phuket, this iconic vista exhibits off the island’s crystal blue sea, comfortable waves, white sand seashores and the luscious inexperienced hills.
Don’t neglect your digicam! That is an epic spot on any Phuket itinerary.
READ MORE: Don’t neglect 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 positioned 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 night time 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
- Deal with: Wat Karon on Patak Street, 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 within the Phi Phi Islands
Island hopping is a should for any itinerary for 3 days in Phuket and one of the simplest ways to do it’s to get your self on a tour.
There are totally different island clusters to discover and numerous operators will often supply roughly of the identical packages.
The favored areas to go to are the Phi Phi Islands (the place The Seaside was filmed), Phang Nga Bay (James Bond Island), Similan Island, Koh Lanta, Racha Island and Coral Island.
Most excursions will make three to 4 stops to offer you time to get pleasure from every of the Phi Phi Islands and surrounds.
Our favorite is Similan Island due to the gorgeous coral reef and snorkelling alternatives. (E-book your tour to Similian Island right here.)
Go for the speedboat possibility because the seas can generally be tough and this can scale back seasickness in addition to velocity up in your journey time to offer you extra time within the water.
Excursions of the Phi Phi Islands or Similan Island will often end within the afternoon.
You’re more likely to be fairly drained by the tip of it so take a nap earlier than having fun with some actions within the night.
Night: Chillva Market
This night time market is the trendiest on the island with hipster vibes, upcycled vibrant transport containers and an superior number of retail outlets, meals and different bespoke gadgets.
Whereas it’s not the most important market in Phuket, it’s positively the one most value visiting.
In the event you’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 outlets solely are open day by day 4 pm to 10 pm
- Full market: Thursday to Saturday, 5 pm to 11 pm
- Deal with: 141/2 Yaowarat Street, Phuket City
Day 3
After an enormous couple of days, you most likely wish to spend a little bit of time stress-free 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: Thai Cooking Class
You’re more likely to be hooked on Thai meals after this journey so if cooking is your factor and also you’re eager to find out about 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 find out about 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 prepare dinner 4 or 5 dishes, benefit from the fruits of your labour (aka lunch) and end up by 1:30 pm.
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, previous ‘shophouses’, cafes, tiny printing shops, personal and public museums and even a small ex-red gentle district.
Afternoon: Chalong Bay Rum Distillery
The Distillery provides 30-minute guided excursions that embody 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, for those who’d quite deliver some cool cocktail recipes again residence, be a part of the cocktail workshops that happen day by day. Make sure you ebook forward on the web site!
Within the 2-hour expertise, you’ll learn to make 3 cocktails (and style them in fact!), get pleasure from one tapas, and do a guided distillery go to to find out about what goes on in making rum.
Night: Simon Cabaret Present
You’ve doubtless heard of Thailand’s famed kathoey (‘ladyboy’) dancers.
In the event you’re interested by 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, unimaginable 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 kids are welcome.
Images should not allowed through the present however you’ll be able to cling round after the present to take images with the artists.
Late: Bangala Street
The notorious Bangala Street (often known 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 seaside to Rat-U-Thit Street, close to Jungceylon Purchasing 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 count on 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 open air 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 often don’t work straight with the venues so that you is likely to be getting ripped off!
After the Simon Cabaret Present, head to Bangala Street for a memorable night time out.
Take pleasure in some drinks and let free in your final night time in Phuket. Don’t get too wild otherwise you’ll be spending a fourth day in Phuket!
Phuket Itinerary Journey Information
Now that you know the way to spend your 1, 2 or 3 days in Phuket, let me share with you some extra journey recommendation and suggestions for the world!
When to Go to Phuket
One of the best time to go to Phuket for sunny seaside climate is from December to March within the dry season.
That is while you’ll discover probably the most solar and the least quantity of rain.
December and January are the perfect time weather-wise. However due to this, they’re additionally high-season months which implies extra crowds and bills.
One of the best months for diving in Phuket is from November to April.
However November and December are referred to as the months that sometimes have the very best visibility.
Seas turn out to be extra tough from Could by way of 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 while you’ll discover the very best offers on airfares and lodging and a decrease variety of vacationers.
Nevertheless, the trade-off is usually 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 suggest travelling in November or March to early-Could when it’s a little much less crowded, the climate remains to be superior, the diving is nice and you may rating some fairly good offers for those who ebook prematurely.
Getting Round Phuket
There are a few totally different transportation choices for getting round Phuket relying in your distances and luxury.
In the event you’re on the lookout for long-distance buses and trains, the very best web site for reserving these forward of time for the very best costs is 12Go.asia.
Tuk-tuks
For brief distances, tuk-tuks are a handy (and enjoyable) method to get round.
Their small measurement makes them fairly uncomfortable however are value a minimum of one journey for those who’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 reputation.
Brief distances will price round 100 Baht.
Make sure you verify the vacation spot and agree on a worth earlier than getting inside and setting off. Bartering expertise all the time come in useful right here.
Taxis or GrabTaxi App
Metered taxis may also be fairly costly however are nonetheless often cheaper than tuk-tuks.
You may as well use the GrabTaxi App so that you could see precisely what you’re paying earlier than committing to the experience.
Hiring a scooter/bike
Oh, the notorious South-East Asia scooter rental journey!
Like most travellers, you’ve most likely heard some type of horror story regarding scooter or bike leases in Asia.
For many who are correctly licensed to experience, hiring a scooter or bike is an environment friendly and low-cost method of going round Phuket island.
You’re not beholden to any schedules, don’t have to fret about getting wifi to search for distances and resolve costs and you’ve got the liberty to go wherever and everytime you need.
The flipside to that’s that you should be extraordinarily cautious and well-informed earlier than doing so.
It’s best to guarantee that you’re correctly licensed to drive the category of scooter or bike, have a world driver’s license and have satisfactory journey insurance coverage that may cowl you (learn the phrases, contact the corporate and test all the main points).
You also needs to be snug driving out of the country.
Usually, there are few choices for rent starting from small 50cc scooters to greater motorbikes.
You’ll discover rental outlets throughout the primary areas and the Outdated City. Anticipate leases to be round 250 Baht per day.
Bear in mind that there’s a blatant disregard for any site visitors rules so maintain secure distances, take note of what the locals are doing (and usually, comply with that) and be further cautious through the raining season when roads are slippery.
Public bus
The native bus connects Phuket Outdated City with the island’s fundamental seaside resorts.
Buses run frequently from 7:00 am to six:00 pm and locations are written in English on the surface of the bus.
Since there aren’t any designated bus stops, for those who 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 seaside highway exterior the vacationer police field.
In the event you’re in Phuket city, head for the market on Ranong Street.
The buses are painted shiny blue so that they’re onerous to overlook.
Journeys throughout the island (from Phuket City to Patong for instance) will solely set you again 15-20 Baht.
Buses might be gradual attributable to their routes and the variety of stops they make so for those who’re in a rush, keep away from the bus!
The place to Keep in Phuket
To profit from your 3 excellent days in Phuket, it’s necessary to remain in the suitable space that’ll supply the kinds of vibes, environment and providers you’re after.
There are a lot of totally different seashores across the island together with its personal fundamental 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 identified for Bangla Street which has the best focus of bars and golf equipment in Phuket.
Bangla Street is surrounded by a lot of lodges, resorts and get together hostels.
If you’re after someplace near Patong however rather less wild than Bangla Street, keep in Kamala as an alternative.
Kamala has some smaller guesthouse and lodge choices on the seaside and is located 10km north of Patong.
Kata Seaside is mostly an all-rounder location however is especially well-liked amongst surfers and divers with its lengthy stretch of seaside and a few stunning coral reef to discover.
There’s a little bit of nightlife right here however is far tamer than Bangla Street in Patong.
In the event you love little markets, a splash of luxurious in addition to a while within the water, Karon Seaside is the perfect place to remain.
It’s the third-longest seaside in Phuket and has many resort choices whereas nonetheless protecting it fairly chill with surrounding nature.
Generally referred to as ‘Patong’s little sister’, Karon is ideal for many who need nightlife, buying and different sights with out being bombarded with it 24/7.
Lastly, if that is purely a rest or romantic getaway, Mai Khao Seaside is Phuket’s longest seaside at 11km and provides a abandoned coast set amongst pine, tropical almonds and palm timber.
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 all the pieces.
The Greatest Hostel in Phuket – Lub D Phuket Patong
This is likely one of the high rated hostels in Phuket, with over 1600 constructive opinions and a 9.3/10 on Hostelworld.
Workers love working right here and can make you’re feeling at residence. The area is clear and trendy, and it’s social with out being a loopy get together 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 Seaside and Bangla Street! A really perfect place for funds vacationers throughout their Phuket itinerary.
Greatest Price range Lodging for {Couples} in Phuket – Aspery Lodge in Patong
The Aspery Lodge provides clear, spacious and cozy rooms for very inexpensive costs.
At the price of a few beds in a hostel, you’ll be able to keep at this nice funds lodge that’s positioned within the coronary heart of Patong.
It’s uncomplicated and gives the entire fundamentals comparable to air-conditioning (a should for Thailand), wifi, personal rooms with loos and even an out of doors pool on the rooftop.
Greatest Price range Lodging for {Couples} in Karon- Allstar Guesthouse
{Couples} wanting to remain exterior of Patong ought to contemplate staying in Karon at Allstar Guesthouse.
This guesthouse is family-owned and has twelve rooms.
Tonny, the host, may be very useful and pleasant and needs to make sure that company have a superb time.
The guesthouse is stored extraordinarily clear and it’s centrally positioned for the seaside to the primary metropolis centre. It’s solely 300 metres from Karon Seaside and 150 metres to the primary metropolis centre!
Rooms are spacious, fundamental and cozy and have all the pieces you want for a budget-friendly worth.
Greatest Mid-Vary Lodge in Phuket – The Marina Phuket Lodge
This lodge is of outstanding high quality for its worth vary and can really feel like a bit little bit of luxurious for these on a mid-range funds.
Solely a 15-minute stroll away from Bangala highway, you can 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.
Make sure you 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 lodge is clear and workers are very useful. There’s not way more to ask for!
Greatest Luxurious Lodge in Phuket – Keemala
In the event you’re questioning easy methods to 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 few of the most spectacular design structure you’ll discover at any lodge 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 is likely to be tempted to spend your complete 3 days right here and never go away in any respect!
Different Greatest Luxurious Lodge in Phuket – Chanalai Backyard Resort in Kata Seaside
In the event you’re taking a look at staying a bit additional away from the noise, Chanalai Backyard Resort is simply a 2 minutes’ stroll from Kata Seaside 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 lodge is a good mid-range possibility for anybody wanting a bit getaway.
Rooms are adorned in a contemporary Thai fashion and outfitted 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 youngsters may also benefit from the Child’s Membership with loads of toys to play with.
In the event you ebook far sufficient prematurely, you’ll be able to rating some fairly nice offers and get rooms for round 50% off.
Greatest Eating places in Phuket
There’s a superb motive that most individuals will inform you Thai meals is a few of the greatest 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 frequent – flavour.
Whereas
a variety of dishes comprise hen or seafood, it’s straightforward for vegetarians to have
meat excluded or to substitute tofu as an alternative.
Nothing actually beats strolling alongside the road, taking within the mouth-watering scents from an area stand and simply pointing at no matter it’s that’s cooking.
In the event you’re on the lookout for a couple of dine-in choices although, listed here are our suggestions for the place to eat in Phuket.
Price range
For some scrumptious and good worth for cash native Thai delicacies, head to Butterfly Restaurant and check out a few of their Thai curry, barbequed fish and pad thai. Most important dishes are just a few {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 check out Superstar Chef Tammasak’s inventive twist on Thai delicacies.
Recognized for his daring steadiness of flavours, Suay provides a variety of scrumptious Asian dishes that may 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 inconceivable to solely make one suggestion.
Dee Plee provides a surprising setting on the seaside and distinctive fusion Thai meals. For high quality eating, it isn’t too costly and provides 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 positioned at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort within the Thalang space, round 25km north of Patong.
In the event you’re eager to strive. 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 mixture 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 wish to go to when you have the possibility.
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