No Thailand journey is full with out visiting the nation’s greatest and hottest island – Phuket!
Positioned within the south of Thailand, within the attractive Andaman Sea, Phuket is understood for its lovely seashores, buzzing night time markets, breath taking pure surroundings and world-class resorts.
However being such an enormous and vibrant island, which seashores, points of interest and different islands must you go to and the way do you match all of the highlights into one epic Thailand journey!? Properly, this publish accommodates all that you must know…
As an expat who has been dwelling in Phuket for over 3 years and has explored it from prime to backside, I’ve created what I feel is one of the best Phuket itinerary with my insider suggestions.
This fun-filled 7 day itinerary for Phuket, Thailand consists of the must-see’s, hidden gems, and island hopping to Koh Phi Phi and Krabi whereas skipping the over-rated locations to profit from your time right here.
The Final 7 Day Phuket Itinerary – Methods to Spend 7 Days in Phuket, Koh Phi Phi and Krabi.
The primary a part of planning your Phuket itinerary is setting your dates and reserving in your flights and lodging.
The very best time to go to Phuket weatherwise is between December and March and Phuket’s worldwide airport makes attending to the island straightforward. (extra information on this later within the publish) I all the time discover one of the best flight offers on >>>
The place To Keep in Phuket, Thailand
As Thailand’s largest island, there’s an enormous vary of various areas and locations to remain in Phuket to go well with all budgets and sorts of traveller.
From luxurious accommodations and household pleasant resorts, to finances accommodations and backpacker hostels, there’s no scarcity of selection so one of the best place for you’ll actually depend upon what you might be in search of.
Every place has a really completely different vibe so you will discover out extra about Phuket’s greatest accommodations, resorts, and areas in my complete information on the place to remain in Phuket.
The very best seashores in Phuket are positioned on the West Coast. Full of life Patong Seaside is greatest for nightlife and finances vacationers, whereas Kata seashore, Karon seashore and Kamala seashore are common with households and {couples} as they provide a extra balanced expertise.
Additional north, Bang Tao seashore and Mai Khao seashore provide unspoiled seashores, luxurious resorts and a peaceable environment. Outdated Phuket City is the historic and cultural coronary heart of the island and provides cafes, markets and vibrant, historic boutique accommodations.
To comply with this itinerary I’d advocate staying close to Nai Harn and Rawai within the south as these are probably the most beautiful and stylish areas to remain proper now.
Listed here are my prime lodging picks for Nai Harn and Rawai that present a handy base for this Phuket itinerary:
- Greatest Luxurious Lodge: The Nai Harn – Perched on a hill overlooking Nai Harn seashore this beautiful 5 star lodge provides a beach-club type pool and bar space and an incredible breakfast buffet!
- Greatest Mid-Vary Lodge: Selina – Fashionable “all-in-one resort” with a beachfront restaurant and pool, wellness deck, and co-working house excellent for digital nomads.
- Greatest Finances Hotel: Roost Glamping – Distinctive and glamourous tenting expertise with a pool and correct beds in fashionable bells tents surrounded by nature.
Bear in mind that it’s a 1-hour (or extra) drive from Phuket Worldwide Airport which is positioned within the north of the island to Rawai within the South.
Staying at Kata Seaside can be a great choice as there’s a bit extra selection and it’s extra centrally positioned however the seashores are busier right here.
How Lengthy To Spend In Phuket
There’s so many lovely locations to go to and issues to do in Phuket {that a} weekend or 3 days in Phuket is just not sufficient time to see all of it.
Together with exploring completely different seashores and points of interest on Phuket island itself, you’ll additionally need to go to a couple of close by islands. And perhaps you need to see the close by provinces of Phang Nga or Krabi, too?
If that’s the case, I extremely advocate staying no less than 7 days in Phuket (or extra). Seven days is simply sufficient time to get pleasure from all the highest choices of Phuket, plus take a look at the well-known Phi Phi islands and a few components of Phang Nga Bay and Krabi too.
Whereas the next itinerary can simply match into seven days, you probably have extra time and need to take it slower I like to recommend staying in Phuket for 10 days or 2 weeks. You may prolong your keep in Krabi, add a pair extra island day journeys or keep a couple of nights on Phuket’s different lovely islands like Koh Yao Yai.
For extra inspiration take a look at my Phuket Island Hopping And Day Journeys information – I assure you gained’t get bored!
However how are you going to match all of it into seven days? The next 7 days in Phuket itinerary will present you ways!
The Greatest 7 Day Phuket, Krabi, Phi Phi Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrive, Settle In and Chill out
Ease into your 7 day Phuket itinerary by spending the primary day settling into your lodge and having fun with the seashores and native points of interest.
When you’ve checked into your lodging, head to the attractive Nai Harn seashore to refresh within the turquoise waters of the Andaman Sea and take in the solar.
Simply earlier than sundown, drive or hike up the hill to The Windmill for an epic sundown. Alternatively, head to the close by Yanui seashore for a sundown kayaking session!
Go for dinner at one of many unimaginable seafood eating places alongside Rawai Seaside. I like to recommend Nikita’s (ebook forward to get a waterside desk!). After dinner, head throughout the street to Freedom Bar or Rawai Reggae Bar for stay music and drinks.
Or, in case you are feeling jet lagged and need to get an early night time for an enormous day of seashore hopping tomorrow, deal with your self to one of many spa remedies at your lodge.
Day 2 – Discover Phuket’s Well-known West Coast Seashores
Phuket is dwelling to among the greatest seashores in Thailand, so it solely is smart to start your Phuket itinerary with a seashore day!
Morning
Begin the day by mountaineering as much as Promthep Cape in Rawai – probably the most southern level in Phuket. This beautiful peninsula will get crowded each night for sundown, however within the morning, it’s peaceable and exquisite. You may benefit from the view from the highest or hike right down to the tip of the cape.
From right here, head to Kata Seaside for a morning surf session however be certain to cease on the viewpoint the place you may get a surprising view of three seashores.
If you like to sunbathe, take a look at Kata’s smaller sister – Kata Noi Seaside. This tiny cove is dwelling to quite a few luxurious resorts, giving it an virtually personal seashore vibe.
Afternoon
Get pleasure from lunch in Kata city earlier than taking a brief drive to Karon Seaside, one of many longest and most beautiful white sand seashores in Phuket.
Alongside the best way, cease on the stylish ‘A Blanket & A Pillow Cafe‘ for an iced espresso with an epic view overlooking the south of Karon seashore.
Conclude your afternoon with a protracted stroll or enjoyable seashore therapeutic massage on Karon Seaside earlier than heading to Patong for the night.
Night
Hail one of many many tuk tuks for a enjoyable experience to the well-known Bangla Highway at Patong seashore, a bustling strip of bars and nightclubs.
Tuck into some scrumptious and reasonably priced Thai delicacies at Patong Evening Market. Right here, you may get among the least expensive and tastiest Pad Thai, scrumptious contemporary fruit, and Thai desserts.
Patong is undoubtedly the hub of Phuket nightlife, however Bangla Highway might be fairly noisy and seedy so isn’t everybody’s cup of tea however it’s value checking it out no less than as soon as.
Should you favor a extra chilled and stylish night, head to one of many rooftop bars for spectacular sundown views or again to Karon Seaside for cocktails and fireplace exhibits at Tann Terrace.
Day 3 – Get pleasure from Unspoilt Seashores and Elephant Sanctuaries
For day 3 in Phuket, discover the island’s north, the place you will see many extra beautiful seashores and fabulous points of interest.
Morning
Bang Tao Seaside is 6 km of white sand with crystal clear waters excellent for swimming. The close by Surin Seaside is way smaller however has a wild, untouched vibe. Components of it are additionally shaded by palm bushes, serving to you escape the warmth!
Afternoon
I like to recommend having fun with a leisurely lunch full with an ice-cold beer at one of many seashore golf equipment, equivalent to Hugo Hug, Carpe Diem, or Catch.
After lunch, if you would like extra seashore time, head to Banana Seaside or Mai Khao Seaside, two peaceable and exquisite seashores within the far north of the island.
Should you’re all beached out, head to Phuket Elephant Sanctuary in Thalang. In contrast to a lot of Phuket’s ‘elephant camps, ‘ this moral elephant sanctuary doesn’t hurt elephants by providing rides or bathing periods. As an alternative, you’ll be able to admire the attractive mammals from above on a 1.5-hour cover walkway tour.
Night
In search of an epic eating expertise? Then, on the best way again to your lodge, cease at Three Monkeys, one among Phuket’s most well-known eating places. Three Monkeys boasts a breath taking hilltop location constructed amidst a lush rainforest. The food and drinks are a bit dearer than different locations, however it’s value it as a result of the views and expertise are priceless!
Day 4 – Uncover Temples, Thai Tradition and Phuket Outdated City
Now you’ve seen a few of Phuket’s seashores it’s time for some Thai tradition! On day 4, go to Phuket city to see Phuket’s cultural hub and discover some close by temples.
Morning
Begin the day with a Thai cooking class the place you go to an area market to purchase the elements earlier than making some well-known Thai meals equivalent to pad thai, vegetable spring rolls and inexperienced curry. On the finish of the cooking class, you’ll be able to style your creations, filling your stomach for a day of sightseeing.
Afternoon
Proceed your cultural exploration with a go to to Wat Chalong, one among Phuket’s most important historic landmarks. This temple is simply as common with locals as it’s with vacationers. So you’ll be able to be taught first hand in regards to the Thai tradition of merit-making, a Buddhist follow for clearing dangerous karma and bringing good luck.
For sundown head as much as the well-known Huge Buddha close by. This isn’t your normal temple; it’s a 45-meter (148 ft) tall and 25.45-meter (83.5 ft) extensive white Buddha statue sitting atop one of many highest mountains on Phuket island.
The concrete statue is roofed with Burmese white marble, and you’ll spot it from numerous factors on the island. Nonetheless, it’s properly value seeing it up shut, the place additionally, you will get an unimaginable view over the south of the island. It’s a preferred sundown spot.
Night
Within the night, head to Phuket Outdated City to take a look at the colorful historic shophouses, boutiques and cafes. For dinner strive some top-quality Thai meals or worldwide delicacies.
Should you’re visiting Phuket Outdated City on the weekend, take a look at the night time markets for affordable however scrumptious avenue meals. Attempt to go to on a Sunday to expertise the Phuket Sunday Strolling Avenue Market, when the streets actually come to life and an ideal place to choose up some cool and distinctive souvenirs and items!
Should you’re there on a weekday, don’t fear, as there are many unimaginable eating places in Phuket City. Go Benz is extraordinarily common amongst locals, with lengthy queues main down the road each night time.
Then, for dessert, seize some French toast from Phuketique earlier than having fun with a cocktail or two at one among Phuket City’s MANY cute bars.
The very best and best strategy to see all of those cultural points of interest is with a tour like this half day Phuket Metropolis Tour which takes you to the Huge Buddha, Wat Chalong, Phuket City and an incredible viewpoint.
Day 5 – Go to Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
For day 5, it’s time to get out of Phuket and discover the beautiful Phang Nga Bay, positioned within the subsequent province north of Phuket.
Morning & Afternoon
One of the common methods to discover Phang Nga Bay is with a boat journey to James Bond Island. This island turned well-known after getting used as a filming location for the 1974 James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun.”
There are various several types of boat journeys accessible to James Bond Island, together with by way of velocity boat, luxurious yacht, and conventional long-tail boat.
I like to recommend selecting a day journey that features kayaking, equivalent to this James Bond Island Day Journey With Lunch. This journey consists of kayaking by means of the caves of Panak Island and sea canoeing round Koh Hong Island’s emerald lagoons – the highlights of the Phang Nga Bay.
Night
As most James Bond Island hopping journeys final 8 to 9 hours, anticipate to return to your lodge round 6 p.m.
As tomorrow entails one other huge day journey, I like to recommend a quiet dinner close to your lodge earlier than an early night time. If you’d like one thing distinctive, take a look at Rock Salt at The Nai Harn or Rustic And Blue overlooking Rawai Seaside.
Day 6 – Go to The Phi Phi Islands And Maya Bay
No itinerary for Phuket is full with out a day journey to Phi Phi islands and the well-known Maya Bay. So set an early alarm to profit from this unimaginable a part of Phuket and Krabi!
Morning & Afternoon
The easiest way to get to Phi Phi islands from Phuket is by way of speedboat. There are MANY excursions accessible, which you’ll be able to ebook on-line or in particular person, or you’ll be able to take the public ferry straight from Rassada Pier in Phuket City.
Most excursions will decide you up out of your lodge and embody a number of stops within the Phi Phi islands. For instance, this prime rated Phi Phi Islands and Maya Bay Day Journey consists of three snorkeling stops, together with sightseeing stops in Maya Bay, Viking Cave, and Monkey Seaside (the place you’ll be able to see wild monkeys) and lunch.
Maya Bay is the preferred vacationer vacation spot within the Phi Phi islands, famed for being the filming vacation spot for the 2000 movie “The Seaside.” When you can now not swim at Maya Bay it’s nonetheless a spectacular sight to witness. Bamboo Island is one other spotlight on Phi Phi island hopping excursions because of its serene location for swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving.
Night
If you wish to benefit from the island’s occasion vibe spend the night time on Phi Phi Don (the archipelago’s solely inhabited island). Whereas the island is significantly dearer than mainland Phuket or Krabi, there are many finances lodging alongside the posh accommodations.
If you wish to expertise the island’s nightlife keep someplace like Phi Phi Villa Resort. This beachfront resort is shut sufficient to Ton Sai Village to benefit from the events however distant sufficient to get a peaceable nights sleep!
Alternatively, you’ll be able to take the ferry from Ton Sai pier in Phi Phi Don to Krabi and revel in a night in Krabi City or at Ao Nang night time market earlier than the ultimate day of your Krabi Phuket itinerary. There are various accommodations in Ao Nang however my favorite place to remain in Krabi is the beautiful Railay Bay Resort.
Bear in mind that the final ferry to Krabi is at 5 p.m. and takes 2 hours. It’s also possible to get a personal speedboat switch at a time that fits you which ones solely takes 1 hour and features a switch to your lodge or the airport.
Day 7 – Discover Krabi And Railay Seaside
On the ultimate day of your Phuket and Krabi itinerary, spend a while exploring the sights, points of interest, and seashores in Krabi.
Morning
Should you stayed in Krabi final night time, you can begin the ultimate day of your Phuket Krabi Phi Phi itinerary shiny and early. You may even be a part of a jam-packed 4 Islands Krabi Day Tour, which visits the attractive Phra Nang Cave Seaside at Railay, together with stops at Koh Poda, Rooster Island, Koh Tub, and Koh Mor.
Nevertheless, should you stayed in Phi Phi the night time earlier than, take the primary ferry to Krabi at 9 a.m. or the ten a.m. speedboat, arriving by 11 a.m.
One must-visit in Krabi is Railay Seaside. You may take a protracted tail boat right here to discover the unimaginable limestone cliffs, kayak by means of the hidden lagoons, and hike the spectacular bat cave.
Afternoon
When you’ve labored up an urge for food, eat lunch at one of many eating places alongside Ao Nang seashore earlier than a spot of sunbathing. Or escape the crowds by driving half-hour north to the peaceable Klong Muang Seaside.
Should you’re up for extra of a jungle journey you would discover the Tiger Cave Temple, and bathe within the sizzling springs and emerald pool. This Krabi Jungle Tour will take you there.
Night
Should you’re leaving Krabi at this time, head to the airport to catch your flight. To keep away from touring again on your self to Phuket you may need to think about flying out from Krabi airport. In any other case, get pleasure from a remaining night time in Krabi City earlier than your onward journey tomorrow!
Extra Ideas For Planning Your Itinerary For Phuket
Earlier than you ebook in your Phuket itinerary, right here’s a couple of vital suggestions that will help you plan your journey to Phuket.
Greatest Time to Go to Phuket
As a tropical island, Phuket is heat all yr spherical, however has completely different seasons that try to be conscious of.
The very best time to go to Phuket is between December to March when you’ll be able to anticipate persistently good climate – blue skies and loads of sunshine however it’s not too sizzling and humid.
That is additionally the peak vacationer season and the busiest, and most costly, time to go to Phuket, so you need to determine in your itinerary upfront and ebook in your lodging, actions and day journeys earlier than arriving to keep away from disappointment.
I all the time use Reserving.com to ebook accommodations, flights and transfers. The very best place to ebook actions, excursions and day journeys upfront is on Viator or Get Your Information, as a result of there’s lots of selection and you’ll learn opinions so you recognize what to anticipate and might guarantee your journey is a memorable expertise for all the proper causes!
April and Might are a great time to go to should you don’t thoughts the warmth. The island is just not too crowded by this time, however it may be highly regarded, starting from 27°C to 36°C, which makes sightseeing somewhat uncomfortable.
Additionally think about November, it may be a beautiful month to go to as Phuket is comparatively quiet however the climate can unpredictable because it’s the tip of the wet season.
June to October is the wet season which sees quick however frequent tropical downpours, cloudy and overcast skies. You’ll nonetheless get some sunny, dry days however the climate might be fairly unpredictable and tough seas imply that it’s typically not protected to swim throughout this time.
Methods to Get to Phuket and Get Round
Touring to Phuket is simple because the island is dwelling to Phuket Worldwide Airport (HKT) It’s Thailand’s second busiest airport and receives many direct flights from everywhere in the world.
For this Phuket – Krabi itinerary you may need to think about flying into Phuket airport after which flying out from Krabi Airport to keep away from touring again on your self.
There are additionally buses from everywhere in the nation, one of the best place to ebook buses, trains and even ferries in Thailand is on 12Go Asia. However as Phuket is roughly a 12-hours from Bangkok, flying is perhaps the quickest and best choice, even should you’re visiting Phuket as half of a bigger journey round Thailand.
Most nationalities can both get a visa exemption for 30 days, or a visa on arrival, which makes getting into Thailand straightforward and handy.
When you arrive there are a number of choices for getting from the airport to your lodging. The simplest means is to ebook an airport switch by means of Reserving.com, your lodge or a good firm. There are additionally taxi and bus companies on provide on the airport.
Taxis in Phuket might be costly, by Thai requirements, so agree the speed first earlier than hopping in. I like to recommend utilizing on-line apps like Seize or Bolt for a less expensive and extra handy choice.
Should you’re on a finances then you’ll be able to journey round Phuket by utilizing the Good Bus, which runs between the airport and Rawai stopping in any respect the main seashore cities. A single experience is 100 THB, and you may also purchase day or multi-day passes.
Driving in a tuk-tuk generally is a enjoyable expertise that you need to positively strive no less than as soon as whenever you’re in Thailand, however they’re dearer than taxis and best suited for brief distances.
For probably the most freedom you’ll be able to lease a scooter or motorcycle to discover Phuket. Nevertheless, the roads might be busy and windy so I’d solely advocate this if you have already got expertise driving in Thailand or Asia earlier than. Be sure you have a world driving license (the police do verify) and insurance coverage that covers this too.
Prepared To Begin Planning Your Personal Phuket and Krabi itinerary?
I hope this 7-day Phuket itinerary has given you plenty of inspiration for what to do in Phuket. Koh Phi Phi and Krabi. This itinerary options all the highest sights of this magnificent Thai island in addition to the encompassing space and, as some of the numerous Phuket itineraries, there’s something for everybody.
Whether or not you discover temples fascinating, search serene snorkeling spots or the right mango sticky rice, or just need to chill out on picture-perfect seashores, following this itinerary for Phuket and Krabi will present you among the most beautiful locations in Thailand and is bound to be an incredible journey!
I hope this itinerary helps you propose your journey to this wonderful a part of Thailand and don’t neglect to take a look at my different weblog posts and journey guides that will help you plan your journey to Phuket and the remainder of Thailand.
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