🗺️ Where to go in Phuket: islands, temples and sea trips

Tours save time: in one day you see islands, reefs, and temples that you would hardly reach on your own. Below are the best routes on the island, from Phi Phi and James Bond Island to Cheow Lan Lake, nightclubs, and sea fishing. For each one, the format, duration, and who it suits are listed. Marine national park fees are paid separately on site and are usually not included in the tour price (as of Phuket travel agencies, 09/2026).

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How to choose a tour in Phuket

💡 In short:

Sea tours start early in the morning, so pick a day without transfers.
Put sightseeing routes on your first day to get a feel for the island.
You pay the national park fee at the entrance; it is most often not included in the tour price.

If you want	See these options
See islands and reefs	No. 3, No. 7, No. 23, No. 25
Try snorkeling	No. 18, No. 23, No. 24
Explore temples and the city	No. 1, No. 6, No. 19
Have fun at night	No. 4, No. 7, No. 20
Get away from the crowds	No. 2, No. 12, No. 18
Eat and stroll through markets	No. 16, No. 17, No. 19

1. First introduction to Phuket

This sightseeing route is designed for your first day. In a single trip you get a general sense of Thailand's history, religion, and everyday traditions. The program covers the main viewpoints in the south of the island and several places you would hardly reach on your own along unfamiliar roads.

The route logic is simple. First, a climb to the Kata Karon viewpoint, which opens up a view of two bays at once. Then Promthep Cape at the southern tip of the island and the Windmill viewpoint, known for its wind turbines. Next, the Big Buddha statue on Nakkerd Hill, the Wat Chalong temple complex, and Monkey Hill. Kids usually enjoy the elephant farm, where the animals can be fed.

Format: a guided car trip, about six and a half hours.
Who it's for: for a first day and a general introduction to the island.
The catch: a packed schedule, you don't stay long at each stop.
Booking: Phuket sightseeing tour

2. Island motorbike sightseeing tour

This is a private format for those who want to see Thailand without bus stops. Over the course of a day you pass through both tourist spots and off-the-beaten-path trails. Wild tropics, deserted beaches, and fishing villages replace each other quickly.

The route's special value is the food. You get to try local dishes in an ordinary village, not in a coastal restaurant with a sign about authenticity. The guide takes you to viewpoints where groups are almost never seen. The trip is designed for about six hours, but it is built individually around your pace.

Format: private motorbike tour, about six hours.
Who it's for: for those who have already seen the island's main beaches.
Booking: private motorbike tour

3. Racha, Maiton, and Coral Islands

Rocky shore of a tropical island and the sea

Three islands in the Andaman Sea cover almost all of a beginner's needs. First you arrive at Maiton, which was closed to tourists for a long time. The coral reefs here stand out for their bright colors, which is why Maiton is considered an ideal spot for first-time snorkeling.

Coral Island surprises with its sand texture: it is soft and resembles flour. Schools of colorful fish gather in the quiet bays, and they are easy to see in the clear water. The trip ends on Racha Island, which is compared to the Similan Islands. If you're lucky, you'll see monitor lizards, the island's main inhabitants. On the way back, the boat stops at the azure Kon Kae Bay, and the final point of the route is Chalong Pier.

Format: speedboat, about eight hours.
Who it's for: for snorkeling and a first introduction to the reefs of the Andaman Sea.
Booking: Racha, Maiton and Coral tour

4. Phuket nightclubs and parties

The tour starts at night, when the old town lights up. You find yourself surrounded by colonial architecture and graffiti, but history is not the point of this walk. The route introduces you to the island's most colorful bars and ends well after midnight.

The first stop is the Forest Hut, a chapel-shaped building that has barely changed since it opened. Loud rock plays here and the nineties atmosphere is alive and well. Next, on the coast, the chill-out bar Cafe Del Mar awaits, where it's worth booking a table in advance. The final stop is Catch Beach Club, the island's most glamorous jazz bar, where a live saxophone is mixed with DJ sets.

Format: nighttime bar crawl, about five hours.
Not for: families with children and early risers.
The catch: the tour ends at night, so you'll need to take it easy the next day.

5. Cheow Lan Lake: Thailand's "Avatar"

Cheow Lan Lake with limestone cliffs and a boat

Cheow Lan Lake is young by geological standards, but it has already become one of the main attractions of southern Thailand. It lies on a fault line of karst mountains, so sharp peaks rise straight from the bottom. The sight is so unusual that locals call it Thailand's "Avatar."

The tour is designed to minimize time spent moving between locations. You walk through Khao Sok National Park and kayak along the cliffs. The day is packed but unhurried: part of the route the boat moves slowly, and you have time to simply look around.

Format: trip to the lake with kayaking, full day.
Who it's for: for those who care more about nature than beaches.
Booking: Cheow Lan Lake and Khao Sok

6. Khao Lak National Park and the cave temple

The cave temple greets you with silence and a statue of the Golden Buddha. The place's second name is Monkey Temple, and five species of these animals live here.

Next you head to Khao Lak National Park, a drive of about an hour. The program is packed and active: an elephant ride through the jungle, swimming at waterfalls, and rafting down a mountain river on a bamboo raft. After a full day, a Thai food snack and a walk around a turtle farm await.

Format: packed trip, about nine hours.
Who it's for: for active travelers and families with school-age children.
The catch: the tour runs almost nine hours, so the day takes you away from beach time.
Booking: Khao Lak and the cave temple

7. Phi Phi, Bamboo and Maiton over two days

The two-day format works well for those who don't want to spend half a day traveling between islands. A speedboat takes you to Phi Phi Leh, where you'll see the Viking caves with a guide. Then you swim in Pileh Lagoon with its unusual emerald water.

Bamboo is a typical island from a chocolate bar commercial. Every shade of azure, white sand and palm trees come together as classic beach vacation material. The evening is loud: parties until dawn and a fire show on the shore. The second day is entirely devoted to Maiton and its reef, one of the best snorkeling spots in the Andaman Sea.

Format: two days with an overnight stay, speedboat.
Who it's for: for those ready to devote two full days to the islands.
Booking: two-day Phi Phi and Bamboo tour

8. Phi Phi and Bamboo: Andaman Sea classics

White beach and green hills of Phi Phi Don

This is a one-day version of the same archipelago. The first goal of the trip is Phi Phi, and within the archipelago the main interest is Phi Phi Don, a narrow strip of land between two bays. Monkeys live on the lushly vegetated Monkey Beach, so it's best to keep your bags closed.

The second island in the archipelago is Phi Phi Leh, where some scenes from the movie "The Beach" were filmed. Tiny Bamboo seems even more miniature against the backdrop of the islands you've already seen. Here you can relax in a hammock, sipping a bright cocktail.

Format: one-day trip, about eight hours.
Who it's for: for those who want to see the archipelago without an overnight stay.
The catch: in high season, several groups are on Bamboo at the same time.
Booking: Phi Phi and Bamboo tour

9. James Bond Island and the Phang Nga Islands

Phang Nga National Park is famous for its cave systems and thousands of islands. For the first fifteen minutes you ride a speedboat, then civilization stays behind. After that you transfer to a canoe to explore Panak Island and its inner lake. You can only get there at low tide, and the guide times it accordingly.

Hong Island translates from Thai as "little room," and the name is accurate: it consists of hundreds of tiny caves that look like rooms. The climax of the route is the soaring island of Ko Tapu, where Bond film scenes were shot. Here you can recreate frames from the movie and take your own photos. The nine-hour excursion ends at the sea gypsy village of Panyi. Because of an old ban on land ownership, the houses there are built on stilts so they literally don't touch the ground.

Format: boat and canoe, about nine hours.
Who it's for: those who want to combine caves, water, and photos.
Booking: James Bond Island and Phang Nga

10. Phang Nga Province and its temples

Golden reclining Buddha in a cave temple

The route starts at the Suwan Kuha monkey temple. Hundreds of small monkeys live near the shrine and gladly accept offerings. A peanut or banana quickly makes you their best friend. Inside the temple caves stands a fifteen-meter statue of the Reclining Buddha, and the atmosphere there is meditative and quiet. On the way out you can buy a woven sai sin bracelet for good luck.

Next on the program is the floating village of Panyi and the Heaven and Hell Temple in the middle of the jungle. The temple's sculptures and bas-reliefs vividly illustrate Buddhist ideas about life and death. Then you have a stretch of the journey on an elephant and a longtail boat ride through the mangroves. The finale is the Nang She viewpoint, which the group reaches just in time for sunset.

Format: mixed route, full day.
Who it's for: those who want to see temples, a village, and mangroves in one trip.
Booking: Phang Nga Province with temples

11. Sea fishing off Racha Island

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

If beach time starts to feel monotonous, try catching a sailfish or a large tuna. The main "hunt" takes place around Racha Island. All gear is provided on site, so you don't need to bring anything. Wahoo, dorado, mackerel, and other inhabitants of the Andaman Sea end up on the hook.

After fishing you can grab a mask and snorkel. The reefs around Racha are good for relaxed snorkeling, and the water is clear for almost the entire season. The day ends with a barbecue or sashimi made from the fish you caught yourself.

Format: fishing from a boat, full day.
Who it's for: adults and teenagers interested in sea fishing.
The catch: the catch is not guaranteed, it all depends on weather and season.
Booking: sea fishing in Phuket

12. A day on Ko Rok and Ko Ha islands

You'll need patience here: just getting to the islands takes about two hours. But Ko Rok and Ko Ha see almost no mass tourism and are strikingly different from the large islands nearby. Nature here has remained almost pristine, and the only large inhabitants you'll encounter are monitor lizards.

Ko Ha looks like a set from a Bond film with its sharp peaks and lagoon. With no boat traffic, diving and snorkeling here are on another level. Moray eels, Moorish idols, parrotfish, and other rare creatures stay close to shore. The coral reef wall is especially impressive, dropping off sharply into a steep cliff.

Format: boat trip, full day.
Who it's for: divers and those looking for quiet.
The catch: the trip to the islands takes about two hours each way.
Booking: Ko Rok and Ko Ha islands

13. Cheow Lan Lake, the dam, and Khao Sok temples

View from a boat of Cheow Lan Lake and mountains

This route option focuses on religious sites around Khao Sok National Park. Rare animal species and people coexist within the park, and the roads lead to temples away from the usual tourist trails. First you see the Black Monk Temple with a giant Buddha statue and relics that, according to local legend, belonged to the teacher.

The next stop is Suwan Kuha Temple, where locals come to pray for the health of their loved ones. A large colony of monkeys lives nearby, so it's best to keep your belongings close. The day ends at Cheow Lan Lake itself, which was created after a dam was built. Several villages were not demolished, and now they remain at the bottom underwater. The view of the flooded mountains is truly unusual.

Format: temples and lake, full day.
Who it's for: those interested in Buddhist culture.
Booking: Cheow Lan Lake and Khao Sok temples

14. Cruise on a three-deck ship

Arrived a few days early and tired of the hustle? Then this format is for you. The ship sails along Naka Yai and Rang Yai islands, and as soon as you step on board you have just one task: relax properly. The schedule during the day is open, and you choose what to do.

On board there are high jumps into the water, fishing, diving, and snorkeling. The boat stops at deserted islands where you can lie on the sand. The upper decks with a bar are open to adults, while an animation team looks after the kids. The chef prepares Thai dishes and fresh pastries, so you won't go hungry.

Format: full-day cruise, three-deck boat.
Who it's for: families with kids and anyone who doesn't want to paddle.
Booking: sea cruise in Phuket

15. Phang Nga islands in one day

James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, Thailand

This route is designed so you see as many Andaman Sea islands as possible in a single day. You'll sail among hundreds of islands in Phang Nga Bay. The stops include the famous James Bond Island, as well as Hong and Panak islands with their stalactites and stalagmites. In the mangroves, it's best to keep your distance from the bats.

The program then heads to Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don with the Viking Cave and crystal-clear water. Bamboo Island gives you a sense of complete calm, and the group makes a long beach stop here. The trip ends with snorkeling off Maiton Island, where the water is clear and the reef is beginner-friendly.

Format: long boat program, full day.
Who it's for: those who want to see as many islands as possible in one go.
Booking: Phang Nga island tour

16. Phuket food tour

AIIllustrative image: AI-generated

Food culture in Thailand runs so deep that even a common greeting here is "have you eaten yet?" The six-hour food tour starts early in the morning at a market. You see with your own eyes how the first vegetables and fruit arrive, and vendors heat oil in large woks and fry pastries. At the morning tasting, you'll try donuts, crispy fried dough, and a local take on baklava.

Next comes a topic that has long been debated: durian. This fruit with its very distinctive taste and smell isn't for everyone, but it's worth trying. Lunch takes place at a casual cafe serving pineapple and coconut soups, as well as spicy Thai curry. The hours before dinner are filled with fresh juices, shakes, and craft beer. Closer to sunset, street food stalls open up, along with shops selling herbal remedies that came here from China.

Format: market, lunch, and dinner, about six hours.
Who it's for: those who travel for flavors, not just for the beach.
Booking: Phuket food tour

17. Relax day: yoga, temple, and market

White Thai temple Wat Chalong with palm trees

The itinerary is flexible, but the basic version starts with morning yoga by a waterfall. Once your body wakes up, you're taken to a mountaintop picnic with a view of the island. A logical continuation of the morning is Wat Chalong temple, where you can receive a blessing from a monk and make a wish. The guide will explain the temple's layout, architecture, and the pantheon of local deities in detail.

There's a lake not far from the temple. It's a pleasant spot to spend some quiet time alone and feed the birds or fish. Toward sunset, the group heads to one of the secluded beaches: a photo session and fruit shakes are included. In the evening, Phuket Town awaits. The old town delights with stylish cafes, and at the night market you can listen to local music and watch street performers.

Format: flexible full-day itinerary.
Who it's for: those who want a relaxed pace without long transfers.
Booking: relax day in Phuket

18. A day on Maiton Island

Sunset over the sea with no island in frame

Maiton is privately owned and was closed to tourists for a long time. Now it welcomes those who want to escape the noise and bustle. The island is almost untouched by civilization, so it suits a contemplative kind of rest. No car horns, no crowds at the water's edge, just the sound of waves and the rustle of mangroves. Essentially, the whole island is yours.

In the morning you'll be offered snorkeling. The water around is very clean, and a coral reef with vibrant marine life stretches along the shore. After lunch, the guide will help you reach the island's main viewpoint. If you like, you can return there at sunset for photos. After that, you explore the island on your own or simply lie on the beach.

Format: a peaceful day on the island.
Who it's for: those seeking quiet and who dislike crowded tours.
Booking: a day on Maiton Island

19. Phuket history and culture

This route explains the island through three themes: Buddhist culture, exotic nature, and architecture. The itinerary brings together the main attractions, including the Big Buddha statue, the old town, and the Wat Chalong temple complex. The guide explains why Portuguese and Chinese traditions are so visibly intertwined in the look of local buildings.

After the city portion comes the sightseeing part. You drive past the island's five main beaches and go up to Promthep Cape. The guide helps you feel the island's true pulse: you feed a baby elephant, cautiously meet monkeys, and bargain with vendors at Banzaan Market. Here you also sample local gastronomic curiosities.

Format: city tour plus sightseeing, full day.
Who it's for: those who want to understand how the island lives.
Booking: cultural tour of Phuket

20. A perfect day in Phi Phi

The Phi Phi archipelago suits two very different scenarios. You can arrange a romantic outing for two or an extreme quest through wild jungle. The organizers tailor the route to your idea of a good time, so the day turns out highly individual.

One of the most interesting options is a hiking route to Laem Tong Cape. The trail runs straight through the jungle, so wear comfortable shoes. Then the guide takes you to Tonsai village, where old-school artisans still work: they make silk, organic cosmetics, and souvenirs. Next comes the water portion with grottoes, caves, and striking rock formations. In the evening, fire shows and discos await, and the guide will pick cafes and bars to match your tastes.

Maya Bay on Phi Phi Leh island is closed to visitors every year from August 1 to September 30 (as of 09/2026, Maya Bay guide). Plan this excursion outside that window.

Format: an individual day in the archipelago.
Who it's for: couples and small groups.
Booking: a day in Phi Phi

21. Phang Nga and Krabi: caves, Railay, and hot springs

The real Thailand, without concrete and neon signs, survives in the provinces of Phang Nga and Krabi. In just half an hour you reach the Nang She viewpoint, which long remained little known. The views from there open onto the whole bay and the mangroves.

Then the route goes deep into cave temples with their quiet, meditative atmosphere. At the heart of the program are three temples: Tiger, Black Monk, and Suwan Kuha. You'll see sculptures of snakes, birds, and dragons, get to know the daily life of monks, and climb a thousand steps. After that, Railay Beach awaits, which ranks among the world's top beaches. The finale is the Emerald Pool with its cool water and the Klong Thom hot springs.

Format: a long mixed route, a full day.
Who it's for: for those ready for stairs and active walking.
Booking: Phang Nga and Krabi in one day

22. To James Bond Island on a big boat

Phang Nga Bay is dotted with a thousand islands. On a big boat you go at a relaxed pace, without the bouncing of a speedboat. The main goal is Khao Phing Kan, the island where the villain shot at the hero with a golden gun in the Bond film. The island's distinctive feature is that it narrows toward the base, so the rock seems to hover above the water.

A separate pleasure here is photography. Groups compete in creativity, recreating shots from the movie. The tour usually lasts up to nine hours, so you won't have to rush. Along the way you'll also see other islands of the reserve.

Format: big boat, up to nine hours.
Who it's for: for those who don't handle fast boats well.
Booking: to James Bond Island by boat

23. Similan Islands: beaches and snorkeling

Panorama of the Similan Islands with beach and sea

The Similan Islands are considered the best place to observe Thailand's underwater world. The archipelago has marine reserve status and is protected by the state together with international organizations. Palm forests give way to dense jungle that hides granite rocks of whimsical shapes.

The program includes a walk around the main islands of the archipelago and snorkeling. If you're lucky, you'll see not only tropical fish but also sea turtles or leopard sharks. The latter are safe for humans and don't approach people on their own. The season here is short: the park is open from October 15 to May 15, after which the monsoon begins (according to Khao Lak tour agencies, 09/2026).

Format: boat trip, full day.
Who it's for: for snorkeling and diving.
The catch: the islands are only open from mid-October to mid-May.
Booking: Similan Islands

24. Three Khai Islands

Rocky island of Khai Nok with a restaurant on stilts

The Khai Islands are tiny compared to Phuket, but that's exactly why they're loved by those who value seclusion. The trip takes only twenty minutes, so you won't spend half a day on transfers. You're greeted by turquoise bays and rocky shores covered in dense greenery.

These islands are made for photos. Relax on the soft sand, swim, and take pictures. If the heat gets to you, cafes with fruit ice cream and tropical cocktails hide at the edge of the jungle. The most enjoyable thing here is snorkeling off the shores of Khai Nui Island. The local fish are so used to visitors that they swim right up and take bread or rice straight from your hands.

Format: a short half-day trip.
Who it's for: for families with children and those who don't want a long journey.
The catch: the islands are tiny, there's almost nowhere to walk.
Booking: excursion to the Khai Islands

25. Coral, Maiton and Racha: a short trip from Phuket

Tropical beach with turquoise water and a palm tree

In one day you can visit three islands in the Andaman Sea: Maiton, Coral and Racha. If you don't want a long transfer or you're traveling with kids, this option works best. The ride to the first island takes only half an hour, while the itinerary stays packed.

The whole trip starts at Maiton with its wide coral reefs. You have time to relax on the beach, try water sports and feel like an explorer of the deep sea. Then the boat heads to Coral Island, which is more about the beach. The last stop is Racha, where the Toh and Konkare lagoons offer a quiet place to unwind.

Format: short transfers, full day.
Who it's for: families with kids and anyone who values time on the road.
Booking: Coral, Maiton and Racha islands

26. Photo shoot in Phuket

Toward the end of a vacation, you usually want to take home not just memories but also good photos. You agree on the shoot location with the guide in advance. Most often people pick the beach they liked best during the trip.

The walk takes a few hours, and at the end you get one hundred and fifty shots from a professional photographer with extensive experience. Along the way you also pick up useful travel hacks: where to eat, how to bargain, where to go next time. Take a morning slot while the light is soft and the beach is empty.

Format: walk with a photographer, a few hours.
Who it's for: couples, families and anyone who wants memorable photos.
Booking: photo shoot in Phuket

⁉️🤔 Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to go to the Similan Islands?

The season runs from October 15 to May 15, after which the monsoon starts in the Andaman Sea (according to Khao Lak travel agencies, 09/2026). In the first weeks after reopening, the water is clearest, but there are also many divers then. Toward the end of the season, closer to May, visibility drops, but groups are small.

Is the national park fee included in the tour price?

Almost never. The fee is paid separately at the park entrance or at the pier, and you pay it on the spot. Check with the tour organizer what exactly is included so you don't have to scramble for cash right before boarding. The amount is usually quoted in baht.

Can you swim in Maya Bay?

The bay itself was closed for coral restoration, and swimming there is restricted. Landings are done under strict rules and in small groups (according to a Maya Bay guide, 09/2026). If snorkeling is what matters to you, choose Maiton or the Similan Islands: the reefs there are more accessible.

Which tours are good with kids?

Short routes work well with kids: the Khai Islands twenty minutes from Phuket, a cruise on a three-deck ship and a trip to Maiton. The ride is short and there's entertainment on board. Long boat programs to the far end of the archipelago tire kids out more.

Which tour should you pick on the first day?

Go with a sightseeing tour of the island. In one day you see the viewpoints, Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha statue, and you also get a sense of where to come back. You can then spend the following days on the sea and islands without rushing.

In short: what to book

If it's your first time in Phuket, take the island sightseeing tour from option #1: it gives you quick orientation. Then add one sea program, and the best start is the Khai Islands or Racha, Maiton and Coral with a short ride. For islands and reefs, go to Phi Phi or the Similan Islands if you're there in season.

For temples and nature, routes through Phang Nga province and Khao Lak National Park are a good fit. If you're tired of the heat and active transfers, a cruise or a day on private Maiton is the better choice. The cultural side is easy to cover with Phuket Town and the night market, and you can collect flavors on a food tour.

Compare options by format and duration, and also check which hotels are convenient for you by location. tours and excursions on GetYourGuide will help you put together a trip that matches your pace.

26 Best excursions in Phuket: what to choose in 2026