Should I spend 1 or 2 weeks in Phuket?
Should you spend 1 or 2 weeks 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 stunning 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 one or two weeks 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 one week enough time in Phuket?
One week is more than enough time to see pretty much everything on Phuket. You can move at your own pace and take in the scenery and culture of the island. You could also use Phuket as a base for exploring the nearby destinations or get out on the water. You'll find some great day trips here for sure.
How to spend a week 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:
- Twilight Sea Canoe Tour with Sea Cave Kayaking in Phang Nga Bay ($118)
- John Gray's Hong by Starlight with Sea Cave Kayaking + Loy Krathong From Phuket ($127)
- John Gray's Cave Canoeing Tour in Phang Nga Bay ($139)
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 ($29)
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.
The restaurant and food scene here is top notch, so make sure you spend time at one of the local restaurants where you can taste the delicious cuisine. 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 ($61)
- Southern Flavors Phuket Food Tour with 15+ Tastings ($59)
- Phuket Food Tour and City Walk by Jane ($61)
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 ($154)
- Discover Scuba Diving for Beginners (Non Certified Divers) ($77)
- Relaxing Day with Snorkeling - Away From The Crowds ($111)
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:
- Half day Thai cooking Class + Market tour+Garden tour ($87)
- Phuket Sunset Big Boat Trip To Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island ($136)
- Luxury Small Group Phang Nga Bay Relaxing Sunset Cruise ($140)
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:
- Private Phuket City and Shopping Tour ($50)
- Small Group Phuket City and Shopping Tour ($38)
- Small Group Phuket City and Shopping Tour ($61)
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.
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 ($141)
- Exclusive Small Group Phi Phi Islands Sunrise or Day Trip ($121)
- Phi Phi Snorkeling Early Day Trip, Speedboat - Phuket Sail Tours ($136)
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Phuket.
With so much time here, you should absolutely take another day trip to one of the many nearby destinations around Phuket. Plenty of amazing options are available.
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.
Another fun day at the beach awaits, so spend more time relaxing and swimming. After all, a beach vacation usually calls for plenty of time to have fun on the sand and in the waves.
There are plenty of restaurants you haven't tried yet, so don't miss another amazing meal at local places for lunch and dinner. Try to go out of your way to find the small, locally owned places that offer the charm and ambiance that can only be found in Phuket.
Is 2 weeks enough time in Phuket?
Two weeks provides more than enough time to explore the entirety of Phuket at your own pace to swim at the beach, grab some drinks at a bar, snorkel or scuba dive, and taste delicious cuisine. Then, use your hotel as a base to take some day trips or get out on the water, as this resort island offers plenty of options
Thai Tuk Tuk
How to spend 2 weeks in Phuket
With 2 weeks in Phuket, you'll have plenty of time to enjoy everything the resort island has to offer at your own relaxed pace. You'll want to spend plenty of time relaxing on the beach and hopping around the bars and clubs. You can also relax at your hotel, or casually explore this resort island looking for hidden gems. Also, consider taking some day trips to nearby destinations where you can explore more of the region.
A few trip suggestions:
- Phang Nga Bay kayaking day trip ($141)
- Exclusive Small Group Phi Phi Islands Sunrise or Day Trip ($121)
- Phi Phi Snorkeling Early Day Trip, Speedboat - Phuket Sail Tours ($136)
- Phi Phi Islands Adventure Day Trip with Seaview Lunch by V.Marine ($87)
- Amazing Phang Nga Bay Day Trip with Kayaking & Snorkelling ($102)
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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