3-day itinerary

Phuket

Patong Beach is the tourist strip — Kata or Nai Harn is where you actually want to be. Start this 3-day Phuket itinerary in the Old Town while it's still cool: the Sino-Portuguese shophouse architecture along Soi Romanee is excellent, and Kopitiam by Wilai serves the best local southern Thai food on the island. Day two is a full day in Phang Nga Bay — book a small-group sea kayaking tour, not the big speedboat tours, to paddle into the limestone hongs. Day three, leave at 8am for the Phi Phi Islands; Maya Bay's coral and walls are best before the day-tripper boats arrive. Use Grab for transport around the island — the tuk-tuk touts at the beaches will charge four times the rate.

Day 1

Phuket Old Town and the west coast beaches

Start in Old Town in the morning while it's cool — the Sino-Portuguese architecture along Thalang Road and Soi Romanee is best before 10am. The beaches are the afternoon.

Morning

Phuket Old Town

Established

The 19th-century Sino-Portuguese shophouse district in Phuket Town — pastel facades, Chinese shrines, and excellent coffee. Walk Thalang Road, Soi Romanee (the most photogenic lane), and Dibuk Road. The Sunday Walking Street market expands the area considerably.

Explore area

Phuket Thai Hua Museum

Explorer

The story of the Hokkien Chinese community that built Phuket — housed in a beautiful 1934 colonial building. The best museum on the island; often empty. The photography collection documents Old Town before modern tourism arrived.

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Afternoon

Kata Beach

Established

The best balance of beauty and accessibility on Phuket's west coast — a curved bay with clear water and a reef at the southern end for snorkelling. Less crowded than Patong; more convenient than the remote northern beaches. Arrive mid-afternoon when the light is best.

Explore area

Evening

Dinner in Phuket Town

Established

Return to Old Town for dinner — Kopitiam by Wilai (local southern Thai food) or the night market on Ranong Road. The crab curry and the morning glory with oyster sauce are the local dishes to order.

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Days 2–3

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Build your own Phuket plan

Personalised to your travel style, group size, and budget. Day 1 free.

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