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Phuket Guide - 3 Day Itinerary

3-day Phuket itinerary

Weekend Phuket itinerary

Phuket guide
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Jan 27th, 2025
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Discover Phuket’s stunning beaches, vibrant culture, and thrilling adventures in just three days. From island hopping to temple visits and lively night markets, this itinerary packs the best of Phuket into an unforgettable getaway!

General tips

Best Time to Visit: Plan your trip between November and March for pleasant weather. Summers can be extremely hot, while winters bring rainfall and occasional cyclones.
Getting Around: Rent a scooter or take longtail boats to explore beaches and nearby islands. For city travel, use taxis for longer distances and tuktuks for short trips.
Where to Stay: Stay in Patong for nightlife, Ao Nang for easy beach access, or opt for bay/island resorts for a quiet getaway.
Must-Try Food: Enjoy fresh seafood and Thai street food—don’t miss Pad Thai and Mango Sticky Rice!
Island Tours: Take organized tours to visit Phi Phi Islands and Four Islands—many operators offer competitive prices.
Wildlife & Nature: Visit sanctuaries and national parks for an eco-friendly adventure.
Cultural Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples and respect local customs.
Adventure Activities: Try snorkeling, rock climbing, and kayaking for an active experience. Jungle ATV adventures are must try!
Money Matters: Use Thai Baht (THB) and keep cash handy for small vendors and tuktuk rides.
Eco-Friendly Travel: Support sustainable tourism by avoiding plastic waste and choosing eco-conscious tours.
Stay Safe: Beware of scams and pickpockets in crowded areas.
The following itinerary is a flexible guide designed to help you make the most of your time in Phuket. Feel free to adjust it to suit a shorter or extended visit. Use it as inspiration to craft your own perfect Phuket getaway that will hold your special memories!

Day 1

Arrival Phuket/Krabi
1

Night Market Patong

Market
Open almost every night till around 10 pm though , so make sure to arrive early ! its food paradise and has a lively atmosphere, serves authentic Thai street food, and provides unique souvenirs like handmade crafts and jewelry. Don’t miss trying local favorites like mango sticky rice, tempura , grilled seafood, and be prepared to bargain for great deals. Bring cash in small denominations and a reusable bag for eco-friendliness.
19 min · 1 mi
2

Bangla Road

affordable
Night club
Bangla Road is the island’s most famous nightlife hub, transforming into a vibrant party street after sunset. Lined with neon-lit bars, nightclubs, street performances, and live music venues, it offers an electrifying atmosphere for partygoers. From lively go-go bars to rooftop lounges and international DJ sets, Bangla Road is the heart of Phuket’s entertainment scene. Whether you're looking to dance all night, enjoy street food, or people-watch, this bustling strip is a must-visit for those seeking a wild and unforgettable night out.
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Day 2

Island Hopping & Relaxation
1

Phi Phi Islands

Island
Start your day with an early morning speedboat tour to the Phi Phi Islands (tours usually departing around 7 AM).There are multiple agencies to choose from that have excellent tour guides. Can try Phi Phi island tours or Maya Bay tours. Their usual stops include:
1) Maya Bay (famous from The Beach movie) : enjoy a peaceful walk and soak in the beauty before the crowds arrive.
a) Monkey Beach, home to playful macaques (keep your belongings secure!).
2) Ko Phi Phi Lee:
a) Pileh Lagoon : Snorkeling stop at Pileh Lagoon—crystal-clear emerald waters surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
b) Viking Caves: Explore Viking Cave, known for its ancient paintings and the bird’s nest harvesting tradition.
3)Ko He : (sometimes included , make sure to ask your provider)
a) Coral Bay : Get closer to nature as you board the snorkelling boat at Ton Sai Pier. Go swimming or snorkelling in Coral Bay.
3 hr 56 min · 160 mi
2

Kata Beach

Beach
Outdoor Activities
one of Phuket’s best sunset spots! Relax with a drink at a beachside bar or take a dip in the warm waters. The beach is a picturesque stretch of golden sand and clear waters, perfect for surfing, snorkeling, and relaxing. Popular with families and couples, it offers a laid-back vibe with beachfront restaurants and cozy resorts, making it an ideal spot for both adventure and tranquility.
13 min · 6.6 mi
3

Patong Beach

Beach
Phuket’s most famous and bustling beach, known for its golden sands, turquoise waters, and lively atmosphere. Stretching for nearly 3 kilometers, it offers everything from jet skiing and parasailing to beachfront dining and vibrant nightlife. 
11 min · 5.8 mi
4

Oasis Spa (Turquoise Cove Spa, Kamala)

Day spa
Health spa
Massage spa
Thai massages are well known! They promote deep relaxation, improved circulation, and muscle flexibility, while also reducing stress and restoring energy balance through gentle stretching and acupressure techniques. Treat yourself to a traditional Thai massage at a luxury spa like Oasis Spa (multiple locations) or Let’s Relax Spa.

Day 3

Jungle Adventure & Cultural Experience
1

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

Wildlife refuge
Nature & Parks
Visit an ethical elephant sanctuary (e.g., Phuket Elephant Sanctuary or Green Elephant Sanctuary). Feed, bathe, and learn about rescued elephants in a cruelty-free environment.
27 min · 14 mi
2

Bang Pae Waterfall

Nature & Parks
Waterfalls
Depending on the sanctuary location take and time that permits, take a short trek to Bang Pae Waterfall, located in Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. It’s a refreshing escape into Phuket’s jungle, perfect for a swim.
35 min · 17.1 mi
3

Hanuman World

Theme park
Hanuman World is Phuket’s ultimate ziplining adventure park, offering thrilling treetop courses, skywalks, and abseiling through lush jungle canopies. With multiple zipline routes, sky bridges, and a roller coaster-style zipline, it provides an adrenaline-pumping experience while showcasing Phuket’s natural beauty. Perfect for adventure seekers, it combines excitement with breathtaking views, making it a must-visit for those looking to explore the island from above.
12 min · 4 mi
4

Chaithararam Temple - Wat Chalong

Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Wat Chalong is Phuket’s largest and most revered Buddhist temple, known for its ornate architecture, golden statues, and sacred relics. A spiritual and cultural landmark, it attracts visitors seeking blessings, history, and stunning panoramic views from its multi-tiered pagoda.
13 min · 5 mi
5

The Big Buddha, Phuket

Temporarily Closed
Buddhist temple
Sights & Landmarks
Visit the Big Buddha, a 45-meter-tall marble statue offering panoramic views of the island.

Hotels to Stay at

1

The ShellSea Krabi I Luxury Beach Resort & Pool Villas

Resort hotel
Hotel
From the web: Polished hotel with refined rooms & plush villas, along with bars & a restaurant, 2 pools & a spa.
2

Hotel Clover Patong Phuket

Hotel
Bar
From the web: Polished lodging close to the beach offering a rooftop outdoor pool, a poolside bar & a restaurant.
3

Chanalai Garden Resort

Hotel
Extended stay hotel
Resort hotel
From the web: Airy rooms in a casual resort offering sea views, international dining & an outdoor pool.
4

The Racha Chalong Lounge

Travel lounge
5

Amari Phuket

Hotel
Health spa
Massage spa
From the web: Contemporary beachfront retreat with 3 restaurants & 2 bars, as well as a day spa & an outdoor pool.
6

Sri Panwa Phuket Luxury Pool Villa Hotel

Hotel
Restaurant
From the web: Polished suites & villas, all with private pools, in an upscale resort with a beach club & a spa.
7

Sinae Phuket

Hotel
From the web: Refined quarters, some with private pools, in an upmarket seafront resort offering a spa & a bistro.
8

Mai Morn Resort SHA+

Resort hotel
Hotel
Lodging
9

Courtyard Phuket, Patong Beach Resort

Hotel
Meeting planning service
Wedding venue
10

The Tide

Hotel
From the web: Colorful quarters with balconies in a polished beachfront resort offering dining & 2 outdoor pools.

Must Try Food Places

1

The Boathouse Phuket

Hotel
Event venue
Resort hotel
Wedding venue
A luxurious beachfront restaurant in Kata Beach, perfect for a romantic sunset dinner. Try their grilled Andaman seafood platter and premium Thai curries, paired with fine wines.
2

Mor Mu Dong Restaurant

affordable
Hidden gem
Restaurant
A hidden gem with thatched-roof huts over a mangrove, offering a rustic dining experience. Try their grilled river prawns, crab curry, and spicy shrimp paste dip for a truly local flavor.
3

Laem Hin Seafood

affordable
Seafood restaurant
Located on the water’s edge, this place is known for its fresh seafood, stir-fried clams, and deep-fried sea bass with mango salad. The casual, open-air vibe makes it perfect for a relaxed meal.
4

Raya Restaurant

expensive
Thai restaurant
A historic Thai restaurant in a colonial-style house, known for its slow-cooked crab curry with coconut milk. The warm, vintage ambiance makes it a perfect place for an authentic local dining experience.
5

Blue Elephant Phuket Cooking School & Restaurant

expensive
Thai restaurant
Set in a grand Sino-Portuguese mansion, this fine-dining spot specializes in royal Thai cuisine, with must-tries like massaman curry and butterfly pea rice. The elegant setting offers a blend of tradition and luxury.
6

Kan Eang at Pier

affordable
Must go
A seafront restaurant perfect for fresh seafood lovers, serving grilled lobster, spicy seafood salads, and Phuket-style steamed fish. Enjoy your meal with breathtaking views of Chalong Bay.
7

One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

affordable
Thai restaurant
Restaurant
A cozy, vintage-themed eatery famous for its crab curry, moo hong (braised pork belly), and rich tom yum soup. It’s a great place to taste authentic Southern Thai flavors.
8

Tu Kab Khao Restaurant Phuket

affordable
Thai restaurant
Restaurant
A beautifully decorated heritage restaurant offering unique Phuket-style dishes like shrimp paste fried rice and stir-fried crab with black pepper. The elegant yet cozy setting enhances the dining experience.
9

MeeTonPoe Phuket Town

affordable
Must go
Restaurant
A legendary spot for Hokkien-style fried noodles, served with crispy pork or seafood. The casual, no-frills atmosphere keeps the focus on the rich, flavorful dishes.
10

Chillva Market

Night market
Shopping
A trendy night market with street food stalls selling grilled skewers, mango sticky rice, Thai omelets, and coconut ice cream. The vibrant, youthful atmosphere makes it a great place to explore local flavors.
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