20 Best Phuket Instagram Spots you need to visit

We’ve been back to Phuket more times than we can count, and every trip turns up a new cafe, a new backstreet, or a better time of day to shoot the same view. This guide skips the generic “paradise island” talk and gets straight into exactly where to go, when to go, and what the photos really look like once you’re there.

We find the old town gorgeous, and so diverse compared to the classic atmosphere of other Thai cities.

Without talking about the Big Buddha, this last time we went at sunset, and oh Boy! The view is incredible, especially watching from our drone shots.

While some places we mention in this guide are already famous, they are still worth adding to your Phuket Instagram guide. Whether wearing beautiful dresses or carrying a tripod, these photo spots in Phuket will surely leave you amazed. If you’re pairing Phuket with the rest of the country, our Bangkok, Phuket and Krabi itinerary covers the whole route, and we’ve done the same photo-spot hunt for Bangkok too.

Where to find the most instagrammable places in Phuket

• Phuket Old Town
• Old Town Street art
• Big Buddha
• Ma Doo Bua Cafe
• Promthep Cape
• Nai Yang Beach
• Surin Beach
• Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
• Wat Sri Sunthon
• Wat Chalong
• Wat Mongkhon Nimit
• Kata Beach
• Karon Beach
• Freedom Beach
• Patong Beach
• Kamala Beach
• Chalong Bay 
• Rawai Beach
• Baba Nest 
• Akoya Star Lounge
• Estrela Rooftop Bar

Spot	Region	Best Time to Shoot	Crowd Factor	Entry / Photo Fee
Phuket Old Town	Old Town	Before 8am, before shops open	Low at sunrise, high by mid-morning	Free
Big Buddha	Chalong	~20 min before sunset/closing	High midday, quieter near closing	Free
Ma Doo Bua Cafe	Near Old Town (25 min)	Morning, before tour groups	Moderate to high	Free to browse; paid photo packages, price on arrival
Promthep Cape	South tip	Sunset	High, heavy traffic before sunset	Free
Nai Yang Beach (plane spotting)	Near airport	Depends on runway/wind direction	Low, off the beaten path	Free

Instagram spots in Phuket MAP

Click on the map below to access all the places we are suggesting on this guide to Phuket instagram spots.

Phuket Old Town

While in Phuket, we decided to stay close to the old town; this was a great way to explore it at sunrise when shops were still closed. Phuket’s old town is one of the most gorgeous places we visited on our trip to Southeast Asia.

In some ways, the architecture of the old town of Phuket reminds us of Malacca and Georgetown in Penang. Still, it also has some reminiscences of Koon Seng Road in Singapore. We find the charm of this part of Phuket simply irresistible.

As said, we went for an early walk and snapped what we think are iconic photos of Phuket, yet very rare, without people around.

Old Town Phuket
🎫BEST PHUKET OLD TOWN TOUR | We love this tour by GetYourGuide, and you should consider a Phuket old town tour to enjoy the picturesque Sino/Portuguese architecture. CHECK AVAILABILITY FOR THE TOUR NOW!

Big Buddha

The Big Buddha is popular and crowded, but it is still unmissable. We shot the above with our drone at sunset, and it is by far one of the best photos we took of this sight. To avoid the crowds, we went about 20 minutes before closing times. We almost missed the sunset.

You can see the tall statue from miles away, but once there, it offers a perfect 360-degree view of the island. Right behind it is Karon Bay, one of our favourite places in Phuket. Among the many Instagram spots in Phuket, this is one we suggest not missing, also because it is free.

Big Buddha Temple Phuket
👉If you plan to rent a scooter to visit the viewpoint with someone else, it’s advisable to rent a bigger and more powerful scooter as the route to the viewpoint involves a steep hill with curves. If you don’t feel confident riding a scooter, you can book a tour here to take you to the Big Buddha without any hassle.

🎫BOOK YOUR PHUKET INSTAGRAM TOUR HERE

Ma Doo Bua Cafe

One of the most Instagrammable cafes in Phuket worth visiting is Ma Doo Bua Cafe, located 25 minutes from Phuket Old Town. Recently, it has become trendy on Instagram because of its unique setting.

The cafe offers expensive private photography and video services. So you can get these pose on the boat or by the giant Victoria lilies.

They offer different packages for solo travellers or families, depending on whether you want photos, videos, or both.

However, if you want to save money, you can take your tripod and shoot around the cafe area. We did not pay for any of their services and instead took our tripod to get some great shots.

Ma Doo Bua Cafe

Promthep Cape

Promthep Cape is considered one of the best viewpoints in Phuket. Let us know if you think otherwise. To get there, it will take you around 30 minutes scooter drive from the Old Town.

Traffic before sunset is crazy, so make sure you plan accordingly. Just so you know, you’ll have the best time chasing the sunset in Phuket; it was our favourite activity once we ditched the laptop in the afternoon.

Promthep Cape

🎫BEST VIEWPOINT TOUR | Check out this tour of Phuket, showcasing all the best viewpoints of the island. Get on a bus and make some friends while discovering some of the most instagrammable spots in Phuket. The tour is often sold out, so don’t miss out and check the availability now!

Nai Yang Beach | Phuket Plane beach

We have to confess: To find this spot, we almost got lost, and it should have been easy instead. Anyway, we find Nai Yang Beach, one of the most picturesque spots in Phuket. I mean, isn’t every day that you get to stand right near an aeroplane on departure or landing.

While it may seem easy to get to, it’s not. We spent 20 minutes trying to find the right way to the beach and eventually stumbled upon it. Don’t rely on Google Maps; it will direct you to the wrong side.

The beach is next to the Phuket International Airport, following SOI MAI KOAH 6 road signs. There are many private properties reserved for resorts. It might not be obvious, but we have explained how to reach this spot on ourInstagram highlights stories.

Nai Yang Beach

Surin Beach

If you’re looking for a less crowded and touristy beach in Phuket, then Surin Beach could be perfect for you.

Unlike other popular beaches in the area, Surin Beach is known for its serene and peaceful atmosphere, making it an excellent spot for taking photographs.

It is considered a hidden gem in Phuket, as only a few people visit this shoreline, but the effort to get there is absolutely worth it.

The best time to visit Surin Beach is during sunset when the sky changes colour, creating a unique and picturesque backdrop for your photographs.

Additionally, Surin Beach is an excellent option for those who want to enjoy water activities in Phuket. Plan to spend the whole day at this location to experience everything it has to offer fully.

Surin Beach

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint

The Samet Nangsge viewpoint is a must-visit place despite being far from Phuket Old Town. It offers one of the most incredible views you will ever see. Although it takes about an hour and a half to get there, the drive is picturesque as you will pass through wildness and stunning landscapes.

For the best experience, you can book a one-night stay at this boutique hotel. Waking up to this view is a dream come true and will make your trip to Phuket even more memorable.

Samet Nangshe Viewpoint
🎫BEST TOUR FOR VIEWPOINT IN PHUKET | Highlighting the best viewpoints on the island, this tour will take you from the hotel to the best scenery in Phuket. Enjoy the ride and make some friends. Book it in advance here, as it tends to be fully booked because it’s very cheap! BOOK NOW!

Phuket instagrammable temples

Thailand boasts some of the most stunning temples in the world, with spectacular options in cities such as Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai. Additionally, Phuket is a must-visit destination for those seeking charming and picturesque temples, perfect for your Phuket Instagram spots guide!

Wat Sri Sunthon

While driving to our café spot, we accidentally stumbled upon a temple. We decided to make a quick stop and visit it.

This turned out to be the best decision we could have made. Wat Srisoonthorn temple was built in 1792 and is renowned for its enormous sleeping Buddha statue on the roof.

It is a unique palace that is worth visiting while in Phuket. There are many opportunities to take cute pictures around this temple, which is not on the tourist radar. It is important to dress appropriately and respect other religions when visiting.

Wat Srisoonthorn – 🎫ENTRANCE FREE

Wat Chalong

If you’re looking for a lesser-known temple in Phuket, Wat Srisoonthorn might be a good choice.

However, if you prefer to visit a more popular temple, Wat Chaithararam, also known as Wat Chalong, is a great option. It is one of the largest temples in Phuket, with an impressive 60-meter shrine.

Remember that there is a dress code, so bring appropriate clothing. Wat Chalong was built in the 19th century and is dedicated to two important monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who led the citizens of the Chalong district against the Chinese rebellion in 1876. Best of all, admission to the temple is free!

Wat Chalong – 🎫ENTRANCE FREE

Wat Mongkhon Nimit

Wat Mongkhon Nimit is a must-visit temple in Phuket. It’s considered one of the best Phuket Instagram spots and is located in Phuket’s Old Town.

The temple is an impressive sight to behold, and we stumbled upon it while looking for cute spots and street art graffiti. Visiting the temple turned out to be the best decision ever.

We discovered some of the best temples in Thailand, and this one is truly incredible. If you haven’t added Wat Mongkhon Nimit to your Phuket bucket list, you should definitely do so.

Wat Mongkhon Nimit

Phuket Instagram Spots – Best Beaches in Phuket to visit

Phuket is a popular destination known for its stunning beaches. From the well-known Kata and Karon beaches to the hidden gem of Freedom Beach, visitors can find many opportunities to take beautiful photos while exploring the beaches.

Our favourites are Freedom Beach and Rawai Beach, which are less crowded than Patong Beach. These two locations are perfect for adding to your Phuket Instagram Spots guide. Remember to bring a cute swimsuit to take nice pictures on the beach!

🏖️ Freedom Beach
⛱️ Kata Beach
🌴 Kamala Beach
🏄‍♀️ Rawai Beach
🌞 Chalong Bay
🏄🏽 Karon beach
⛱️ Patong Beach

Best rooftop bars in Phuket 

Experiencing a sunset from a luxurious location is a must-do activity while visiting Phuket. During our drive around the city, we came across some of Phuket’s most fantastic rooftop bars that are definitely worth the price.

We highly recommend the Akoya Start Lounge, but remember that some of these bars only accept online reservations. Planning your visit in advance is crucial to avoid any inconvenience.

📌Akoya Star Lounge
📌Estrela Rooftop Bar
📌Baba Nest

Best Day trip from Phuket | Beyond Phuket Instagram spots 

Maya Bay

Visiting the famous Maya Bay should be on your bucket list before leaving Phuket or Thailand. Although it’s usually crowded, it’s definitely worth a visit. Maya Bay is one of the most stunning places in Phuket.

We still remember the feeling of the soft sand under our feet. It was so incredibly soft that we couldn’t believe it was sand.

The water was a stunning shade of blue with turquoise hues. It’s almost impossible to describe Maya Bay in just a few words, but we hope the pictures can do justice to this place.

📍LOCATION | Here
🎫ENTRANCE | 400 Baht 
👉IMPORTANT NOTICE | You are not allowed to swim, and drones are not allowed either
🎫BOOK A TOUR TO MAYA BAY FROM PHUKET | This tour will take you the whole day around the islands and offer a fantastic trip to Maya Bay with Pickup from the hotel and includes the Maya Bay entrance fee.

James Bond Island

James Bond Island, also known as Khao Phing Kan, gained popularity as a tourist destination after being featured in “The Man with the Golden Gun” movie. Similarly, Maya Bay became famous after Leonardo di Caprio’s “The Beach” movie.

If you want to visit James Bond Island, you can take a day tour from Phuket or Krabi. The 20-meter-high limestone rock, Ko Ta Pu, characterises the island.

You can organise a day tour from Phuket or Krabi and be able to discover James Bond Island.

Railay Beach

After we visited Maya Bay and James Bond Island, we didn’t have high expectations for Railay Beach. We assumed it was just another tourist spot but were pleasantly surprised.

Railay Beach is only accessible by boat, but there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained. In addition to sunbathing and taking pictures, you can rent a kayak and enjoy a stunning sunset in the middle of the sea or try your hand at rock climbing. Don’t miss out on this fantastic experience – book your spot now!

Phi Phi Island

Many boats organise such trips for those interested in a day trip to Phi Phi Island from Phuket (you can check out some of our favourites here). My friend and I decided to plan a day trip from Phuket and explore Phi Phi Island.

Phi Phi Island is a group of islands situated between Phuket and the Straits of Malacca on the coast of Thailand. Once you’re there, you can visit Koh Phi Phi Don and enjoy a stunning view from the viewpoint. This spot is one of the most Instagrammable places in Koh Phi Phi and is absolutely worth visiting.

The hike takes between 20 and 40 minutes, depending on your fitness level, but the view from the top is unique. It’s best to reach Koh Phi Phi early in the morning to avoid massive crowds at the viewpoint.

Poda Island

During our stay in Krabi, we had the opportunity to go on a beautiful tour, which included a visit to Poda Island. The 7 Island sunset tour was fantastic, and we witnessed a breathtaking sunset from Poda Island.

Poda Island has plenty of picturesque spots that are perfect for Instagram, and we were fortunate enough to find a long-tail boat to capture our desired Instagram shot!

Chicken Island

One of the most well-known landmarks in the area is Chicken Island, also known as Koh Kai, which is a rock formation shaped like a chicken. It is definitely worth a visit, and reaching from Phuket or Krabi is straightforward. If you’re booking an organised tour, ensure it includes visiting Chicken Island.

We had the opportunity to go snorkelling around Chicken Island, which was the best spot to see the coral reef and many different kinds of fish. If you’re travelling on a long-tail boat, you can take a beautiful picture with Chicken Island in the background.

Flying a Drone in Phuket

We fly a drone for a lot of our shots here, including the Big Buddha ones, so this bit matters to us too. Thailand’s rules have got stricter: if your drone has a camera, it needs to be registered before you fly, no matter how small it is, and being a tourist doesn’t get you out of it.

We’d sort the paperwork before you leave home rather than after you land, it’s a lot easier from your sofa than from a phone in Phuket. And keep it away from the airport, away from crowds, and away from Big Buddha itself, common sense really.

Best time to visit Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is between November and February, when the days are mostly sunny and dry, making it perfect to spend time on the beach. The wet season is from May to October, with the wettest months being May, September, and October.

During our trip to Phuket in January, we experienced mostly sunny days, with a few cloudy days and only one day of rain. If you remember watching our Instagram stories, you might recall that we were in the middle of a boat tour when it started raining.

How to get around Phuket 

🛵 SCOOTER

Renting a scooter is the easiest way to get around Phuket. During our week-long stay in Phuket Old Town, we rented a scooter to explore the island stress-free. However, if Phuket is not your first destination in Thailand, the scooter rental prices are slightly higher than elsewhere.

The average daily rate for a scooter rental in Phuket is around 250 baht, but you may need to bargain to get a better deal. We couldn’t find a rental place for less than 300 baht daily, which is about £7.

🚖 TAXI

If you can’t drive, don’t worry. There are many taxis in Phuket. You can either negotiate with locals or download the Grab and Bolt apps. Both apps are great, but sometimes Bolt is cheaper than Grab.

🚘 CAR

Renting a car is an option when visiting Phuket. Many families opt for this option to explore the surrounding areas. Although finding a parking spot may be challenging, it’s worth it if you have additional people on the trip.

🚍 BUS

If you’re staying in Phuket’s Old Town, there’s a convenient way to access the famous beaches. From the central market, you can take a local blue bus that will take you to Patong, Kata, Karon, and Kamala Beach approximately every hour. The fare varies based on your destination and starts at just 40 baht.

Where to stay in Phuket

Q&A Phuket Insatgram Spots