Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Phuket?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Phuket?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Phuket, Thailand? Most people spend at least 3 or as many as 7 days in Phuket during their visit. After all, the party-hard resort island will let you swim at the beach, grab some drinks at a bar, snorkel or scuba dive, and taste delicious cuisine.
Phuket is one of the most famous islands in Thailand. It's popular with tourists who come to party, swim, and experience the sights and culture. The capital of the island is Phuket City, but most visitors stay at one of the many resorts by the beaches around the island.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Phuket? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Phuket?
Three days is usually not enough time to experience the party-hard resort island of Phuket, so you may find yourself somewhat rushed. You don't want to miss the main attractions such as the beaches, the nightlife, scuba diving and snorkeling, and the cuisine, as well as the Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha). You'll likely want more than three days, as many tourists set aside around three to seven days for their visit. However, if your schedule is tight, we have a handful of recommendations to make the most of your journey below.
How to spend 3 days in Phuket
The beautiful beaches await you in Phuket, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. The island has more than 30 beaches to choose from, ranging from party hard areas to a few quieter gems in more remote locations. The area became a world-famous destination because of its white sand beaches and crystal clear waters, and the beaches will not disappoint, even if development has taken over the island.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sailaway Boat Party Phuket ($80)
- Sunset Boat Trip To Phang Nga Bay & James Bond - Phuket Sail Tour ($123)
- Phang Nga Bay kayaking day trip ($127)
The nightlife scene is very popular here. After dark, head out to one of the many venues around town. The island has a long running reputation as a party destination and it lives up to expectations. The biggest party area is Patong, particularly around Bangla Road, but even in Kata and Karon, it's hard to escape the party atmosphere.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Phuket Guided Pub Crawl ($25)
The public transit in Phuket is fast and efficient. Over the course of a few days, you should be able to explore the resort island quite easily and affordably. Tuk tuks, buses, and motorbike taxis are all available on the island. The buses are usually Songtaew, which have open air seating areas.
Don't miss the Seated Maravija Buddha Statue (Big Buddha) during your trip to Phuket, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Because it served as an international port for so long, food around the island has many international influences. For the most authentic local food, head into Phuket Town. Many dishes include seafood, but there are also chicken curries and noodle soup. Like elsewhere in Thailand, the food can be quite spicy but because the island is so touristy, they're accustomed to people asking for "no spice."
A few tour suggestions include:
- Thai Cooking Class in Phuket ($55)
- Baba Tastes Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings ($59)
- Phuket Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour Option ($56)
Scuba diving and snorkeling around Phuket is very popular. Spend the day exploring the beauty of the surrounding underwater world. You can dive and snorkel year round, but the visibility is usually best between November and May. There are countless boat tours available and the easy accessibility make this a good base for snorkeling and diving. Many areas are overrun with tourists though, so it'll be hard to find a quiet, undisturbed location.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Full-Day Racha Yai Private Scuba Diving Course from Phuket ($139)
- Fullday Sunset Cruise By Luxury Catamaran, Music and Snorkelling ($69)
- Phi Phi & Khai Islands Snorkeling Trip w/ Lunch and Fins by Speedboat ($119)
Phuket is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. It is a mix of beautiful beaches and tourist crowds. The island is very developed with a combination of 5 star hotels, souvenir shops, and tour companies. Because of the many excursions leaving from the island, many visitors find it a makes a good base for exploring the area.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Thai Cooking Class Half Day + Local market tour + Garden tour ($70)
- Sailaway Boat Party Phuket ($80)
- Sunset Boat Trip To Phang Nga Bay & James Bond - Phuket Sail Tour ($123)
Is 4 days enough time in Phuket?
Phuket is a small resort island that is extremely popular with tourists due to the many sights and attractions. So with four days, you'll probably feel rushed to see everything the island has to offer. You really need more time to swim at the beach, grab some drinks at a bar, snorkel or scuba dive, and taste delicious cuisine. Many visitors prefer to have at least 3 or as many as 7 days to fully enjoy the resort island. If you have four days or less, we still have some great ideas for what to do while you're in town.
Phuket, Thailand
How to spend 4 days in Phuket
Having 4 days in Phuket will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the resort island.
Shopping in Phuket is very popular, and it's easy to see why. Spend time exploring the many shops and boutiques to find the perfect gift, souvenir, or outfit. Shopping malls offer a range of stores, air conditioning, and fixed prices while markets have more local items and unique souvenirs. There are also galleries and other souvenir shops all over the island.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Small Group Phuket City and Shopping Tour ($34)
- Phuket City and Shopping Tour ($34)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
Is 5 days enough time in Phuket?
Five days is the perfect amount of time on Phuket, as many visitors prefer to spend around three to seven days here. You'll be able enjoy the resort island's offerings such as the beaches, the nightlife, and scuba diving and snorkeling. We have some suggestions for what to do and where to start your adventure below.
Phuket Beaches
How to spend 5 days in Phuket
With 5 days in Phuket, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the resort island has to offer.
After you've explored most of Phuket, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Phang Nga Bay kayaking day trip ($127)
- Day Trip to James Bond (Canoeing & Kayaking Islands & Lunch) ($88)
- Exclusive Small Group Phi Phi Islands Sunrise or Day Trip ($109)
Because the nightlife scene is so popular here, you'll want to take full advantage of it more than once. From the bars and pubs to the nightclubs, there's something for everyone. Or, get some tickets to another show at the theatre such as a ballet or opera.
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Phuket, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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