How to Spend 5 Days in Phuket, Thailand

A Little Bit about Phuket

An island located in southern Thailand, Phuket (pronounced poo-ket) lies just off the western coast of Thailand's mainland in the Andaman Sea. It is the country's largest island but is connected to the mainland by the Sarasin Bridge. 

Historically, Phuket was on a major trading route between China and India. Today, Phuket is a very diverse place, with influences from China and Europe. In Phuket's Old Town, colorful shopfronts in the Sino-Portuguese style house an array of shops, restaurants, and trendy coffee shops.

As you drive around the island, you'll also notice this diversity in its religious buildings too. All across the island, you'll spot colorful Buddhist temples (wats), an array of mosques, and some Chinese-style shrines and temples. 

Today, Phuket is a well-known and popular beach destination in Thailand with over 40 beaches to discover around the island. From large and crowded beaches with loads of hotels to secluded bays with a relaxed atmosphere, you're sure to find a beautiful spot that appeals to you. 

When to Visit Phuket

Though Phuket remains warm year-round, the season during which you visit will impact your trip. Here are a few things to take into consideration when planning a vacation in Phuket.

Visiting Phuket in Dry Season (December - March)

Dry season from December to March is Phuket's high season, when the weather is sunny and gorgeous, seas are calm, plus temperatures and humidity are (slightly) milder. It's also the most expensive season for accommodations in Phuket, and Thailand in general, due to the high number of tourists visiting the country. 

Visiting Phuket in Hot Season (April - May)

In hot season from April to May, temperatures are scorching and prices for accommodations begin to drop. It's a transitional season, meaning that you might see more rain than in dry season, or none at all. Be sure to book accommodations with air-conditioning or else it might be an uncomfortable time of year to visit.

Visiting Phuket in Rainy Season (June - October)

Rainy season (or monsoon season) from June to October is Phuket's low season. Temperatures are hot and humidity is high as heavy rains douse the region. Plus, the seas are much rougher and often are not fit for swimming due to the strong currents.

However, it can be a great time of year to visit due to lack of crowds and low accommodation prices. Depending on your luck (or lack thereof), it may rain constantly every day. Or, you might just have a couple of strong showers each day but also a fair amount of sunshine. It's often hard to predict. 

Speaking of hard to predict, November is another transitional month between the rainy and dry season. Typically, rains begin to dry up and humidity lessens throughout the month.

Where to Stay in Phuket

Phuket has a wide variety of places to stay, ranging from ultra-luxurious 5-star resorts with private villas to local-style houses at very affordable prices. Plus, you'll find plenty of accommodations in between those extremes so every traveler should be able to find a place to stay that's perfect for their trip.

In Which Area of Phuket Should I Stay?

Phuket is a fairly large island with many different beaches and regions in which to stay. The location of your beach retreat may be just as important as the type of accommodation you book to ensure you have a great trip. 

Phuket's Western Coast

Phuket's western coast is a postcard-worthy landscape of gorgeous, white-sandy beaches nestled into bays hugged by green hills. This is where you'll find well-known beaches such as Karon, Kamala, Patong, and Kata - just to name a few - as well as a ton of hotel options.

However, the Andaman Sea on the west coast gets particularly rough during rainy season and is not swimmable for most of those months.

Phuket's Eastern Coast

Seas tend to be calmer on Phuket's eastern coast and are also highly affected by the tides. This is where you'll find many of the marinas and Phuket Town. Although you won't find a lot of beaches on the east coast, there are a few nice resorts which overlook beautiful turquoise waters and islands off the coast.

If you'd like to stay on the eastern side, check out the COMO Point Yamu - an exceptionally well-reviewed resort and spa on Cape Yamu.  

Naka Island / Coconut Island 

Just a short speedboat ride from Phuket's eastern coast, you'll find a couple of small islands which offer a more private getaway. I highly recommend Naka Island for a relaxing tropical escape. Slightly larger than Naka, Coconut Island also has several resorts offering luxurious getaways. 

Phuket's Southern Coast

For calmer seas and smaller, picturesque beaches, and a more local vibe head to Phuket's southern coast. A hidden gem, Ao Yon Beach is swimmable year-round and is a peaceful escape from the busier west coast beaches. In Rawai, you'll find lots of excellent local seafood restaurants and beautiful scenery.

Phuket Accommodations Map

To start getting an idea of what type of accommodations are available in Phuket, use the map below. Enter your travel dates, then zoom in and out to see what accommodations are available in various regions of Phuket. 

Phuket Hotel Recommendations

In the three times I've visited Phuket, I've stayed in a range of places. I'll recommend a few of my favorite spots you started in your search.

The Shore at Katathani 

Beautiful pool villas set on the southern cliffside overlooking Kata Noi Beach, The Shore at Katathani boasts incredible views, delicious restaurants, and easy access to the beach. This is an adults-only resort, so it will not be for everyone, but it's perfect for a romantic getaway.

The Naka Island

Located on a small island just off Phuket, The Naka Island Resort & Spa is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beach vibes. The property offers spacious rooms as well as private villas scattered on the hillside. In addition, the private beach, gorgeous infinity pool, full spa, and kids club make it a great beach retreat for couples, large gatherings, and families alike. 

If you're interested in finding out more, read my full review on The Naka Island here.

Ao Yon Beach

One of Phuket's hidden gems, I highly recommend staying on Ao Yon Beach for a quiet, more local Phuket experience. Not only is the bay more secluded than many around the island, it's often still swimmable during rainy season too. Just steps from the beach, the village has great local restaurants, massage shops, and convenience stores which make Ao Yon Beach the perfect spot for a longer getaway. 

We've stayed in an Airbnb on Ao Yon Beach twice. Unfortunately, that particular Airbnb will no longer be available after summer 2025. However, there are other houses and rooms for rent at this beach. Also, walking past the Bandara Pool Villas, they looked nice and have great views, so I'd check them out if you're looking for a hotel on Ao Yon Beach. 

Traveling to Phuket

As a popular tourist destination, getting to Phuket is fairly easy. Here are a couple ways you could go. 

Flying to Phuket

The easiest way to get to Phuket is to fly to Phuket International Airport (airport code: HKT). Direct flights to Phuket are available from international hubs like Hong Kong, Singapore, Dubai, Doha, Sydney, and more. Domestically, you can find many flights to Phuket each day from other Thai destinations, such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai. 

Bus to Phuket

Alternatively, for a cheaper domestic transportation option, you could take a bus to Phuket. Many VIP buses run to Phuket from Bangkok each day, as well as other Thai cities. Taking a bus is a great way to see the scenery, reduce your carbon footprint, and save a few bucks. However, it's a long journey so generally I'd recommend flying.

Getting around Phuket

On Phuket, there are a few ways to get around the island. Depending on where you're staying and what you plan to do, you could consider these options.

Taxis & Grab Taxis

As a tourist, the easiest way to get around Phuket is by taxi or Grab taxi. Taxis in Thailand are fairly cheap and with the Grab app, it's easy to call a ride to your location and pick your exact destination on the map. 

Pro Tip: Be sure to download the Grab App before traveling to Phuket. This local rideshare app is the best way to easily and cheaply get around Southeast Asia. Example of costs: You can expect a ride from the Phuket Airport to the southern coast (Ao Yon Beach) to cost ~1,000 THB (30 USD) and take ~1 hour.

Renting a Car / Motorbike Phuket

If you want to get out and do some exploring on your own in Phuket, renting a car or a motorbike is a great alternative to taxis. In Thailand, they drive on the left side of the road. Be sure to consider your comfort level with this if you're used to driving on the right side.

Renting a Car in Phuket

Renting a car in Phuket is pretty easy and is great to have if you plan to explore the island or even head up north to Phang Nga province on mainland Thailand. 

You can book your rental car on Expedia and pick it up at the Phuket Airport when you arrive. To rent a car in Phuket, it's a good idea to have both your local driver's license and also an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Depending on the car and length of the rental, you can expect to pay around 20-40 USD per day to rent a car in Phuket. Be sure to check with your accommodations to see if they have parking.

Renting a Motorbike in Phuket

Motorbike (scooter) rental in Thailand is easy and cheap. Across Phuket, you'll find lots of motorbike rental shops in various towns. Typically, a motorbike will cost ~7 USD per day. Most shops accept just your local car driver's license and passport to rent the bike to you.  

However, just because motorbike shops don't require a motorcycle license to rent a scooter to you doesn't mean that it's legal to drive one without it. Police in Phuket frequently pull over foreigners driving motorbikes without the proper license and you may need to pay a fine (bribe) on the spot if you get pulled over. 

Finally, although it's easy to rent a motorbike in Thailand, it's a huge safety risk. Motorbike accidents are common, resulting in serious and sometimes fatal injuries for tourists and locals alike. If you do rent a scooter, make sure you rent from a shop with helmets and be sure to wear it. 

Public Transportation in Phuket

Phuket has a couple different public transportation options, including local buses and songthaews (trucks with seating in the back). The only time I'd recommend using the buses is if you're on a tight budget. Buses are a much slower way to get around and taxis are already very affordable.

5-Day Phuket Itinerary

Although you could easily just spend your entire trip in Phuket relaxing on the beach and sipping fruity cocktails, the island offers plenty of adventures too. In this 5-day Phuket itinerary, I'll share some of the fun things you can do on this amazing island while incorporating some relaxation into the itinerary. 

Day 1 in Phuket - Beach Day

On your first day in Phuket, you'll most likely arrive at the airport and head to your accommodations to check-in. Take the rest of the day to relax and start getting acquainted with your resort or the town in which you're staying.

Relax at the Beach / Resort

If you're anything like me, on the first day, you'll spend the rest of the afternoon at the beach. Or, perhaps enjoying your luxurious pool villa depending on what accommodations you've booked. There's nothing like finally arriving at your tropical destination after a long (or even a short) flight and finally being able to relax. 

Soaking up the warm sea air and refreshing tropical breezes while drinking a coconut or a fruit smoothie is a great way to start the trip.

Enjoy a Beautiful Sunset

If you're staying on the western side of Phuket, be sure to soak in those amazing sunsets each evening. Phuket has some of the best sunsets I've seen with beautiful sky colors.

Visit a Night Market

Phuket has several excellent night markets that you can visit throughout your stay where you can grab a bite to eat and shop for souvenirs and handicrafts. Some of these markets occur over the weekend, while others are open daily. So, be sure to check their hours online or ask your hotel concierge for recommendations. 

Phuket Old Town is home to several of these fantastic markets, including the Phuket Sunday Street Market and the Naka Weekend Night Market. However, you can also find night markets in a few of the beach towns like Malin Plaza at Patong Beach or the Kata Night Market at Kata Beach.  

Check out this helpful list of night markets on Phuket101 for ideas of markets you could visit throughout your Phuket trip. 

Day 2 in Phuket - Island Hopping Trip 

On your second day in Phuket, book a boat tour to get out on the water and visit some of the beautiful islands nearby. Most day cruises from Phuket visit one of two main areas: 1) Phi Phi Islands or 2) Phang Nga Bay, home to the "James Bond Island".

Many tours sail to these areas each day and you can choose from several tour operators with varying boat and group sizes. Typically, the smaller the boat/group size, the more expensive per person the price will be. 

Pro Tip: Given how popular these tours are, it would be worth it to book an early private tour which gets you to the main attraction (i.e. Maya Beach on Phi Phi Islands) before the influx of day trippers arrives.

Day Cruise Details

Usually these tours will begin in the morning and last the full day (~7-9 hours). Most provide lunch, snacks, and drinks while onboard. However, be sure to check the specific details for whichever cruise you book to see exactly what yours will provide.

Sometimes, national park fees will not be included in the cruise (300-400 baht per person) and you may have to pay these in cash. Be sure to bring cash for these fees and any tips you'd like to give staff after the cruise.

Booking your Cruise

Although you can usually find places to book day cruises once you arrive in Phuket, you can also book ahead online to secure your cruise. Below, I've included a few tours on Viator that people loved.

Phi Phi Islands

Phi Phi Islands are a small group of islands located in the Andaman Sea about midway between Phuket and Krabi province. Comprised of limestone rocks jutting up from the sea, they're famous for stunning white sandy beaches framed by impressive cliffs, beautiful lagoons, and hidden caves.  

On a Phi Phi Islands day trip from Phuket, you'll have the chance to visit Maya Beach (from "The Beach" with Leonardo DiCaprio), snorkel beautiful coral reefs, and see monkeys at Monkey Beach.

Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island

In the northern section of the Andaman Sea between Phuket and mainland Thailand, you'll find the beautiful Phang Nga Bay and protected Ao Phang Nga National Park. In this bay, you'll find limestone cliffs with caves and archeological sites to explore. 

On a day trip from Phuket to Phang Nga Bay, you'll sail into the bay with a chance to explore the islands and its caves more closely by canoe. Most of the cruises will visit the "James Bond Island" (actual name: Khao Phing Kan) made famous by the 1974 James Bond movie "The Man with the Golden Gun".

Seafood Dinner

End your day by heading to Rawai for a seafood feast at one of the local waterfront seafood restaurants. Several years ago, we ate at Chom Lay Seafood for lunch and it was delicious.

Day 3 in Phuket - Explore Phuket

On your third day in Phuket, get an early start and head out to explore the island. If you've rented a vehicle, this is the time to use it. Or, you can book a private car with a driver on Viator and customize your town tour.

Tour the Island - Phuket Sights Not to Miss

As you drive around Phuket, I recommend stopping at various beaches to get a feel for how different they are. On our first trip to Phuket, we drove a motorbike along the western coast and stopped at each beach we encountered along the way. 

While you explore, be sure not to miss some these awesome Phuket sights.

Karon Viewpoint

This clifftop lookout spot is a great one to get views of Phuket's gorgeous western coast. From the hill, you can see the turquoise bays of Kata and Karon framed by lush greenery.

Big Buddha Phuket

Located atop Nakkerd Hills, you'll find the 45-m (148-ft) tall Burmese-alabaster Big Buddha. Visitors should pay their respects at the golden shrine, then step up to the platform to enjoy views of Kata Bay and Karon Beach below. Even if you do not visit the Big Buddha, you'll no doubt catch a glimpse of it as you drive around the island. 

At the time of writing (April 2025), the Big Buddha was temporarily closed.

Wat Chalong (Chalong Temple)

Built in the 19th century, Wat Chalong, or Chalong Temple, is Phuket's largest and most-visited temple. Its 3-tiered salmon chedi houses a relic of the Buddha.

Pro Tip: To go inside temples in Thailand, you must be dressed appropriately. Be sure to bring a sarong to cover up your legs and wear a shirt with sleeves. Otherwise, just admire the architecture from outside of the temple.

Old Town Phuket

Phuket's Old Town is a fun place to spend a half day exploring. Admire the historic Sino-Portuguese colorful shopfronts as you peruse the shops and grab a delicious cup of coffee. 

Check out the colorful murals in some of its alleys and visit some of the town's Buddhist temples, Chinese shrines, and old mansions.

After exploring a bit, make sure to grab lunch at one of the fantastic Phuket restaurants. We've tried a few in town that I'd highly recommend:

Afternoon by the Beach

For the afternoon or whatever part is left of the day, head back to the beach to relax and cool down. Or, continue exploring the different beaches around the island.

Evening in Patong

Start your evening by grabbing a bite to eat at Malin Plaza in Patong Beach. Wander the market and shop for souvenirs or just hang out and enjoy the bustling vibes of this night market. 

Then, head to the Patong Boxing Stadium to watch a live Muay Thai fight. Muay Thai, or Thai kickboxing, is a traditional Thai martial art and full contact combat sport in which combatants use a combination of striking, sweeps, and clinching techniques.

Day 4 in Phuket - Scuba Diving / Snorkeling Trip

On your fourth day in Phuket, head back out on the Andaman Sea for a full-day snorkeling / scuba diving adventure. Phuket has some incredible dive sites with beautiful corals and a wonderfully diverse marine life. 

Snorkeling in Phuket

If you are not certified for scuba diving or are traveling with kids, then most likely you'll choose the snorkeling trip option. Since most of the snorkeling trips seem to go to Phi Phi and Khai Islands, you may have already done this on day 2 of your itinerary. 

In that case, you could do the other island cruise to Phang Nga Bay. Alternatively, you could search around once you arrive to see if any other snorkeling trips are offered locally.

Pro Tip: Many snorkeling trips are joint scuba diving and snorkeling trips. I would NOT recommend signing up for one of those if you're only planning to snorkel or have kids. Priority is given to the divers who will get more time in the water. Plus, the locations are not generally as good for snorkeling as if you book a snorkeling-only trip.

Beginner Diving Course

If you would like to try scuba diving while you're in Phuket, you could book this Full-Day Racha Yai Private Scuba Diving Course from Phuket which allows you to dive with no prior certification. This tour includes scuba instruction and guidance from a certified diver and 2 open-water dives. 

Diving Trip in Phuket

For experienced divers, Phuket is a great place to get back in the water for some incredible open-water dives. One popular Phuket scuba diving trip is to the islands of Racha Yai and Racha Noi.    

A couple of years ago, we took this diving trip to Racha Yai and Racha Noi and had a great experience. It was rainy season so the boat trip itself was a bit cold and wet, but the marine life we saw made up for that.

Our guide led us through the water and pointed out various creatures to us. We had 3 dives during the day and a pretty tasty lunch aboard the boat.

Being a beginner with only a few dives under my belt before this one, I was overwhelmed by the number of other divers surrounding me in the water. That's something that is probably unavoidable in Phuket given how popular it is, so just be ready for it. 

Enjoy a Local Dinner

After a full day of diving, kick back and relax near your hotel with a dinner at a local restaurant or one near your hotel. Or, if you're still raring to go, head to another night market that you haven't yet visited.

Day 5 in Phuket - Relaxing Beach Day

On your last day in Phuket, a relaxing beach day is a great way to wind down the trip. This is also your chance to head back to your favorite spots on the island and make sure you've done all your souvenir shopping. 

Book a Massage or Spa Experience

If you haven't taken advantage of any of the numerous massage shops and spas in Phuket by this point, perhaps book yourself a massage to fully unwind before traveling home.

Looking for One More Phuket Adventure?

If you're not the type to sit around and relax all day, here are a few more unique Phuket adventures to try out on your last day. These are also great kid-friendly activities which are perfect for families traveling to Phuket.