City Guide: Phuket, Thailand
The outdoor pier at the iconic Ma Doo Bua Cafe in Phuket
Phuket, Thailand — one of those places it seems everyone has on their bucketlist. With its clear blue waters, white sands, and movie-like beaches and islands, Phuket is a sought-after destination for good reason. This city guide focuses on our favorite neighborhoods in Phuket: Patong, Kata and Karon, Old Town, the Phi Phi Islands, James Bond Island, and other notable spots scattered throughout the island.
We’ve listed out the TOP highlights, things to do, prettiest and best restaurants and cafes, and excursions in each area - the Phi Phi Islands and James Bond Island are notably cannot-miss destinations!
We’ve linked a list of all the Google Maps highlights in Phuket at the end of the article. Enjoy planning your trip to Phuket!
PATONG
The busiest and most popular neighborhood in Phuket, with sandy beaches, nightlife, and activities. You’ll find people from all around the world living and vacationing in Patong’s beaches and famed Bangla Walking Street.
Patong Beach at sunset
Things to Do
Patong Beach: beautiful beach with white sand and clear blue waters with tons of water activities, boats, cabanas, cafes, and beach volleyball. Parasailing and jetskiing are widely available on the beach for booking
Bangla Walking Street: busy street full of live music bars, shopping malls, and nightlife; includes tons of night markets
Freedom Beach: quieter, sandy beach south of Patong Beach that can only be reached by longtail boat from Patong Beach or via walk up a steep hillside path
Aqua Spa: beautiful spa open for day visits offering massages, treatments, and beautiful ambiance
Banzaan Fresh Market and Night Market: night market with sweets, local delicacies, and shopping
Patong’s nightlife at the start of Bangla Walking Street
Restaurants, Cafes, and Rooftops
Ko Yoon Phuket Noodle: excellent spot for noodles, soups/broths, prawns, and other fresh and casual meals
Khun Jeed Yod Pak Restaurant: restaurant with Thai and Chinese delicacies; make sure to try the coconut milk custard
Aroon Po Chana: restaurant famous for roti and curries
Boonrat Dim Sum: popular dim sum and dumpling spot
Kee Sky Lounge: rooftop bar with music and cocktails
Kaab Gluay: local late-night favorite for classic Thai
The Coffee Club: coffee and casual meal chain with multiple locations in Patong; great Thai iced tea
KATA + KARON
Neighboring beaches with relaxed atmospheres, restaurants, and entertainment
Things to Do
Kata Beach: beautiful beach with soft white sand, palm trees, blue waters, and space to lay out. Includes spots to rent beach umbrellas and loungers; water activities, massages, kayaking, and surfing are all widely available for booking on the beach
Kata Noi Beach: small bay for swimming and snorkeling with fewer crowds
Hike to the Karon Viewpoint: popular viewpoint with a view of the ocean, hills, and Kata Noi, Kata Yai, and Karon Beaches
Visit Wat Suwan Khiri Khet: a beautiful and intricate Buddhist temple with traditional Buddhist architecture, located very close to Karon Beach
Karon Beach: larger beach known for its waves and surfing; availability to take a surf lesson from the surfschools, as well as other water activities
Restaurants, Cafes, and Rooftops
Ska Bar + Kata Seafood Restaurant: beach bar with live music, fresh coconuts, and drinks. Kata Seafood Restaurant has many food options; right on the beach
Eightfold: smaller spot with classic, tasty Thai meals
Two Chefs: lively restaurant with live music in the evenings and food from all over the world (including Thai); two locations in Kata and Karon
Bai Toey: beautiful spot with lush interior and popular for its Thai specialties; reservations recommended
Karlsson Restaurant and Steakhouse: known for its cocktails and steaks; reservations recommended
OLD TOWN
Colorful central of the historic district dotted with temples, tons of restaurants and cafes, local shopping streets, and historical significance
The floral and mirror lined walkway on Soi Romanee in Old Town, Phuket
Things to Do
Soi Romanee: beautiful and historic street lined with colorful pastel buildings and florals
Thalang Road: main road lined with small cafes, boutiques, and restaurants; lots of picturesque spots
Dibuk Road: street with historical and colorful architecture and dessert shops
A few of the many colorful murals scattered throughout Phuket’s Old Town
Wat Chalong Temple: local temple with bright white, red, and blue ornate exteriors, walking distance from Soi Romanee
Wat Mongkhol Nimit: local temple close to Thalang Road, characterized by its red and gold architecture
Wat Khao Rang Temple: temple with golden Buddha
Khao Rang Viewpoint: viewpoint of the entire city with park and terrace
Wat Chalong Temple in Phuket, just a quick walk over from Soi Romanee
Restaurants, Cafes, and Rooftops
Blue Elephant: fine Thai dining in one of Phuket’s most beautiful palaces; known for its ambiance and high-quality food; also includes cooking school; make reservations!
Tu Kab Khao: restaurant with an extensive menu of classic Thai options and creative cocktails; be sure to try the mango sticky rice
Metro Roast Duck: featured in the Michelin Guide, this street food spot is known for its roast duck and smoky meats
Khao Tom Thanon Di Buk: family-run spot with classics, known for its noodle soup
Nam Yoi: casual open-air restaurant with specialties like grilled fish and curries
Bookhemian: cafe and bookshop with a relaxing vibe
Feelsion Cafe Phuket: beautiful decor in various rooms with different and intricate interiors
The creative cocktails at Tu Kab Khao
MUST-DO EXCURSIONS
You cannot go to Phuket and miss the Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island - these iconic islands are world-famous for their unbelievable beaches and movies that have been filmed on those smooth shores. If you can, plan to also spend a half day at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Big Buddha, both unique excursions in Phuket and a nice break from the beach.
Longtail boats in the bluegreen waters of Pileh Lagoon, a stop on the Phi Phi Islands excursion
PHI PHI ISLANDS: the beautiful islands made famous by Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach, of which the most-visited are Ko Phi Phi Don and Ko Phi Phi Le. An excursion includes visits to their beautiful beaches and lagoons, especially Pileh Lagoon, Maya Beach, and Monkey Beach.
A longtail boat ride on the Phi Phi Islands excursion
JAMES BOND ISLAND AND THE SURROUNDING CAVES AND LAGOONS: the island featured in the James Bond movie The Man with the Golden Gun, and Including stops at Ko Panyi, Monkey Cave, Talu Cave, and sea canoeing in Phang Nga Bay. The stops will take you through stunning hidden jungles and caves before James Bond Island.
A stop at a hidden jungle on the way to James Bond Island
PHUKET ELEPHANT SANCTUARY: a great way to sustainably enjoy an elephant experience in Thailand. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary rescues and rehomes elderly and disabled elephants that have been in the tourism industry for most of their lives in a habitat more natural to them. You can enjoy petting, feeding, and observing the elephants (there is no riding).
Lucy the elephant, Phuket Elephant Sanctuary’s friendliest resident
VISIT BIG BUDDHA: Big Buddha is driving distance from most places in Phuket, but it is closest to Patong, Kata, and Karon. The famous statue sits on top of Nakkerd Hill (which is more like a mountain) with panoramic views of all of Phuket. You can reach it via taxi, Grab/Bolt (the Thai ride-sharing services), or an independent tour.
Phuket’s enormous Big Buddha, overlooking the entire island
MORE NOTABLE SPOTS IN PHUKET
Scattered around other neighborhoods in Phuket, these spots are worth going out of your way for.
Cafes
Ma Doo Bua Cafe: with its lily pad pond, pier, and boat rides from its patio, this open-air cafe is an incredible spot to spend an afternoon enjoying the views; enjoy their iced lattes while you take in the gorgeous scenery. It’s a 20 minute ride from the Phuket airport, so it’s a great stop on your way to or from the airport.
Ma Doo Bua Cafe, Phuket
Delico Decoration Coffee & Restaurant: just a few minutes’ drive from Phuket’s Old Town is Delico Decoration Coffee and Restaurant, known for its beautiful blue interior decor and creative coffees; a great spot to spend an afternoon
Viewpoints
Monkey Hill Viewpoint: a hilltop covered in forest, this spot includes an observation deck with panoramic views of Phuket, as well as plenty of chances to encounter the monkeys that live in the area - just be sure to keep track of your belongings and not to get too close!
Cape Phrom Thep: beautiful cape and lookout point on the south of Phuket, famous for its sunsets and ocean views - if you are heading there for sunset, go early to get a good spot. A 20-minute ride from Kata.
Mai Khao Beach: beach famous for its views of the lowflying airplanes landing at Phuket airport.
Google Maps Link: PHUKET
The infinity pool at Como Point Yamu hotel, Phuket, Thailand
