Things to do in Phuket and event guide for 2020

1. Venture up to Big Buddha

The Big Buddha is an important monument on the island that sits 45 metres tall and rests on top of a mountain, meaning you can see it from miles away. The base of the Big Buddha provides excellent scenery, offering 360-degree views of the island and ocean. Discover the Big Buddha with skip-the-line access or with a half-day walking tour around Phuket that includes a stop at the iconic landmark.

• Pocket-friendly option: Big Buddha Jungle Trekking Tour
• The ultimate experience: Great Buddha Walk with Skip-The-Line Cable Car

2. Cruise to Phi Phi Island

Phi Phi Island is not far off the coast of Phuket. It features picturesque views of limestone mountains and bays surrounded by vibrant blue waters. Snorkel to see coral reefs, visit Monkey Beach to hang out with the animals and bask in the sun at Maya Bay.

• Pocket-friendly option: Phi Phi Trip Cruise Transfer
• The ultimate experience: Phi Phi Island Speed Boat Day Tour

3. Relax with a spa day

If you're looking for some time to zen out while in Phuket, head to a spa and get pampered with a sansabai massage and a range of relaxing treatments, including a flower and milk bath that you'll find at the 5-star Burasari Phuket Hotel.

• Pocket-friendly option: Sansabai Massage and Spa Experience
• The ultimate experience: Spa Burasari Experience

4. Ride the waves at Surf House Phuket

Head to Surf House Phuket and practice your surfing skills on a wave simulator with a trampoline-like surface. Choose from a one- to three-hour session and catch the waves on the Double FlowRider, whether you're a beginner or a pro. Surf House Phuket is located next to Patong Beach, eateries and nightlife.

• Our top pick: Surf House Phuket

5. Explore with a day tour from Patong

Choose a land adventure or scuba diving experience in the sea, accessible by hotel transfers that will pick you up from your accommodation and take you around. Visit local temples, challenge yourself with water rafting and trek to waterfalls during an adventure that will get your adrenaline pumping. If you're looking to try something new, dive in the Andaman Sea around Racha Noi and Yai, known for its coral reefs and marine life including tropical fish and turtles.

• Pocket-friendly option: Phuket Adventure Day Tour
• The ultimate experience: Scuba Diving at Racha Noi and Yai

6. Take a tour of Phuket Town

Explore the rich culture and history of Phuket with a sightseeing tour. Visit Buddhist temples such as Wat Chalong, explore the Sino-Portuguese architectural surroundings and get transported to the best vantage points to take in the incredible views.

• Pocket-friendly option: 5-Hour City Highlights and Viewpoints Small Group Tour
• The ultimate experience: Phuket Highlights: Small Group City Tour

7. Test your cooking skills with a Thai cooking class

Get picked up from your hotel and transported to the market to pick up ingredients for your cooking class. Enjoy serene views as you make classic Thai dishes, before settling down and tucking into your cooking creation while overlooking incredible scenery.

• Pocket-friendly option: Half-Day Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour
• The ultimate experience: The Phuket Thai Cookery School

8. Watch Muay Thai boxing

Choose between stadium, ringside and VIP seating and settle in for a night of live entertainment at the largest Muay Thai venue in southern Thailand. You'll get transferred to and from the establishment, so all you have to worry about is enjoying the Muay Thai boxing live experience.

• Pocket-friendly option: Patong Boxing Stadium Ticket and Shared Transfer
• The ultimate experience: Bangla Boxing Stadium Muay Thai Tickets and Transfer

9. Wander through the Phuket Night Markets

After a day at the beach, why not wind down with a stroll through a night market? Take in the local culture with traditional performances and entertainment, try the local cuisine and check out the Thai handmade goods.

• Our top picks: Chillva Market, Phuket Weekend Market, Phuket Walking Street and Phuket Indy Market.

10. Hit up Patong's nightlife

Phuket is no stranger to the party scene and promises partygoers a great experience out on the town. Hop between bars in Patong, while meeting new friends and checking out the best spots with music sets from international DJs. A Full Moon Party experience on Paradise Beach delivers one of the most energetic nightlife experiences in Thailand. Dance the night away under the full moon and be amazed by live entertainment including fire dancers and DJs playing throughout the night.

• Pocket-friendly option: Phuket Pub Crawl
• The ultimate experience: Paradise Beach Full Moon Party

Things to do in Phuket in summer

• Makha Bucha Day
• Phuket King's Cup Regatta
• Phuket International Blues Festival

Things to do in Phuket in winter

• Phuket Raceweek
• Kathu Street Culture Festival
• Chao Le Boat Floating Festival

Things to do in Phuket in autumn

• Songkran Festival
• Phuket Pride Festival
• Mai Khao Marine Turtle Release

Things to do in Phuket in spring

• Vegetarian Festival
• Loi Krathong Festival
• Laguna Phuket Triathlon