5-day itinerary

Phuket

The Similan Islands are only open November to May — if you're here in season, book the liveaboard snorkel tour from Khao Lak before you arrive. Thirty-metre visibility, nine granite islands, the best coral in the Andaman. That's the centrepiece of this 5-day Phuket itinerary's fourth day; the rest of the plan covers Phang Nga Bay sea cave kayaking, Phi Phi Islands with an 8am departure to reach Maya Bay before the crowds, Nai Harn beach on the quiet south coast, and the Rawai pier seafood market where you point at the boats and they cook it. Start each day in Old Town — Soi Romanee and the Chinese shrines are best before 10am — and use Grab for transport.

Day 1

Phuket Old Town and west coast beaches

Old Town in the morning, beach in the afternoon. Kata is the best first beach — sheltered, clear water, less crowded than Patong.

Morning
PO

Phuket Old Town

Established

The Sino-Portuguese shophouse district — Thalang Road, Soi Romanee, the Chinese shrines, and the best coffee on the island at coffee shops in the old buildings. Walk the lanes slowly. The Sunday Walking Street (Thalang Road, 4–10pm) is a separate experience worth adding.

Explore area
PT

Phuket Thai Hua Museum

Explorer

The history of the Hokkien Chinese community in Phuket — housed in a 1934 colonial building. The old photographs of the island before tourism are the highlight.

Verify hours before visiting

View on map
Afternoon
KB

Kata Beach

Established

Phuket's best all-round beach — curved bay, clear water, reef at the southern end, and good food at the beach shacks. Less crowded than Patong and more accessible than the remote north coast beaches.

Explore area
Evening
DA

Dinner at Phuket Town night market

Established

The Ranong Road night market and the food stalls on the streets around it — local southern Thai food at low prices. Khao mok gai (Thai chicken biryani), massaman curry, and kanom jeen (rice noodles with curry) are the dishes here.

View on map

Days 2–5

Get the full plan

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

Build my Phuket plan →

Build your own Phuket plan

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

Plan my Phuket trip →

TripKit