The Ultimate Phuket 3 days itinerary | Culture, fun and island hopping

We stayed in Phuket more than we thought initially. There is plenty of activities and we literally did it all, just condensing all the best in this 3 days Phuket itinerary.

It’s not a secret that we returned on our second Southeast Asia trip, and did it differently, so that’s why this is the only itinerary you’ll not miss, it’s updated and only first-hand experience.

In this Phuket itinerary 3 days you will find daily excursions, tips like how to get a scooter and don’t get scammed, best area to stay (spoiler alert – Old town), where to get the best view, best beaches and some hidden gems.

The Best Phuket 3 day itinerary

Day 1 in Phuket | Elephant Sanctuary and Old Phuket town

As you might get, we love Phuket old town. We wake up before the shops even opened to catch the photo you see above. It is a rare glimpse of Portuguese mixed architecture. If you want the exact location of this instagrammable spot in Phuket it is the so called Krabi Road.

Aligned on this half-mile road there are colourful shophouses (like the Koon Seng Road Shophouses in Singapore), some Chinese Thaotist temples, shops and of course cafes.

We took about two hours around the old town, and it was fantastic to snatch photos. Actually you can even return here with your laptop and work, wi-fi is fast, coffee is delicious and overall there is a relaxing atmosphere.

Don’t forget to visit two of the most remarkable Buddhist temples in the Old Town – Wat Wichit Sangkaram and Wat Mongkhon Nimit. These temples are truly unique and definitely worth a visit!

Take the afternoon to explore besides the old town. The perfect spot for sunset is on the other side of the island, on Patong Beach. Maybe the most famous beach in Phuket.

Sunset time is usually around 6:30 PM, grab a beer at the nearby 7-eleven, find the right spot, watch people playing beach volley and enjoy the sunset.

When in Chiang Mai we had so much fun watching the Cabaret show, that we had to replicate in Phuket too. That’s why we suggest as is unique, fun and alternative to what the usual Phuket 3 days itinerary guides propose.

The famous Simon Cabaret Show in Phuket opens the doors every night, with three shows at 6 PM, 7:30 PM, and 9 PM. It is particularly popular so we suggest to grab your tickets ASAP.

After enjoying a fabulous cabaret show, it’s time to experience the vibrant nightlife of Phuket. Coming to Phuket you must visit Bangla Road, we did it too, just curious, you know! It is often referred as the Khao San Road of Phuket.

During the day it is an ordinary street, but at night, it is close to traffic, lights are on and bar tab open. Bangla Road bang till late in the morning, with many party places in full swing, live music and bars offering the well known side of Phuket.

Day 2 in Phuket | Sightseeing and beaches

As you get on day one, we love waking up early in the morning and visiting places when the city is still sleeping. I mean, you have every corner for yourself.

To make the most of your Phuket itinerary, set your alarm for sunrise and head to the Big Buddha, one of the city’s most breathtaking and Instagram-worthy locations.

From there, you can enjoy a 360-degree view of Phuket that is simply stunning. We flew the drone and could see all the beautiful beaches we were going to explore during the day.

The Big Buddha Complex opens at 6 AM and closes at 6:30 PM. So it’s perfect to beat the crowds going early. Although we prefer it at sunset, as the colours are incredible, this is partially true as it depends on the season.

We once visited the Phuket Big Buddha about 30 minutes before closing time during the rainy season (which means 5.30 PM), and everyone was leaving while we were entering.

After an early morning start, take some time to unwind and enjoy the tranquillity. Grab a scooter and head to , a hidden paradise that requires a bit of a hike. While the path is well-designed, there are some challenging parts due to the rocky terrain.

We are halfway through your trip to Phuket, and you are itchy about some beach and itchy sea waves. The beach we propose to you is one of our favourites, Freedom Beach.

Well known for its tranquillity (not so much as it is becoming very popular), it is about 20 minutes from the Big Buddha. While the path is well-designed, there are some challenging parts due to the rocky terrain.

The drop is steep, beneath the hill for 500 metres, but I assure you the crystal clear water is spotless. Take a few hours, listen to some music, sunbathe and swim at Freedom Beach. Recharge the batteries before moving to the next beach.

When we see a good stand, we stop by and take some food, fresh fruit, maybe a juicy coconut. On your way to the next beach, grab some lunch and head to the beautiful Kata Noi beach on the west coast of Phuket. It is the favourite spot of expats and people who choice to live in Phuket.

Truthfully, it is one of our favourite beaches in Phuket because it is quieter. If you get here for sunset, you’ll love it, too. There is a pop beach volleyball pitch, and you are welcome to join the game.

For the second night in Phuket, we suggest something more easy, chilled, and with less party space. We have been to several markets, and to be honest, it has been difficult to decide which we love the most. So, we better give you the choice.

If you are staying on the West side of the island, you should check out Kata Night Market, which is open only on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Staying close to the old town might give you more opportunities for the market. If renting a scooter in Phuket, definitely visit at least a couple in one night.

The best in Phuket is Chillava Market, which is vibrant and full of food stalls and vintage clothes, but very crowded. More local instead of the Naka Market, which was closer to the accommodation on our first trip to Phuket – The Pure Phuket Residence.

Day 3 in Phuket | Island Hopping and Snorkelling

If you’re planning a Phuket three-day itinerary, we strongly recommend including an island-hopping tour. We did one, and it was epic, even though we got caught up by a sudden storm.

In order, we landed on Phi Phi Island, explored Maya Bay during lunchtime (when other tours were away), snorkelled in two spots (Epic), and had lunch on a tropical island. Last but not least, sunset and bioluminescent plankton.

If you want to replicate the same day, we suggest booking this tour. A professional team will take care of everything from pick-up and drop-off at your hotel to show you the highlights of Maya Bay and Phi Phi island.

Don’t miss this opportunity, and grab the ticket as soon as you organize the itinerary. Maya Bay isn’t often open to the public to help marine repopulation and save this paradise.

Although swimming is prohibited, we still enjoyed walking on the powder sand. Thanks to the small groups allowed at the same time on the shore, you’ll be able to have little spots all for yourself.

ADMISSION FEE | 400 THB per adults, £9.53 – 200 THB children, £4.77

IMPORTANT NOTICE | Swimming is not allowed

After a day of island hopping, you must be tired. We have already introduced Chillava Night Market, one of the busiest but best street food markets in Phuket.

Even though very tired was always time for great vibes and Thai food. Without saying more, Chillava is definitely one of the coolest on the island, as it has a great atmosphere, lively music, retail stands and a hipster vibe.

If you are driving there, you should know that their parking lot is always super crowded. I went around and around for about 20 minutes, eventually giving up and parking on the side streets in front of the market entrance. Going directly there is a smart move to save time.

Cha Kang Way

During our Phuket 3 days trip, we found the best place for noodle soup that you can customise with your preferred toppings. We loved it so much that we visited the place eight times.

Not only is it affordable, but the taste is also exceptional. Although they also serve rice, we highly recommend their delicious noodle soup. You can even check out our Instagram reel to see how much we enjoyed the food.

AVERAGE PRICE | 150 THB – £3.59 (Based on 2px)

Steak Tonight 2

If you’re looking for a restaurant that serves delicious steak at an affordable price, look no further than Steak Tonight 2. This eatery is famous among the locals for its variety of mouth-watering steaks.

We queued every time we went there, but the price was so cheap and so good taste that it was worth the waiting.

We tried the bacon and cheese steak, and it was simply amazing. They offer different plates to choose from, so make sure you visit this place at least once. However, it’s better to go there earlier, around 7 or 7.30 PM, as it tends to be crowded with locals.

AVERAGE PRICE | 210 THB – £5 (Based on 2px)

Pad Thai Phanhin

Small, local, not-so-hyped restaurants are always the best. We recommend trying their 50 THB Pad Thai. The good news is that they offer variations with Chicken, Shrimp, a combination of the two, and even a vegetarian version of the traditional Thai dish.

We have been more than once here and have never been disappointed, even just for a $1 lunch.

AVERAGE PRICE | 50 THB – £1.19

Marni Pizza

Still today, Marni is one of the best Pizzas we have had in Southeast Asia. Tales of Pizza are frequent with our friends back in London. While it isn’t the ideal restaurant for backpackers (prices are higher than regular pizza shops), the taste is unique. Save it for a special night.

We had a delicious pizza with burrata and were impressed by the freshness of the ingredients and the perfect dough.

AVERAGE PRICE | 860 THB – £20 (Based on 2px)

Is Phuket worth visiting?

Yes, absolutely! Phuket is worth visiting, and there should be no doubts about it. We returned to Phuket because the island was too big and too beautiful to see it all at once.

We found it a great rival to Bali, even price-wise, and you can have brilliant nightlife, cheap restaurants, lively markets, tropical beaches and incredible sunsets.

We also love to work from the cafes in Phuket, especially the ones in the old town. Phuket is the ideal destination for first-timers in Thailand.

How to get to Phuket?

Phuket is easily accessible, being well-connected to the rest of Thailand. The island has a busy International Airport in the northern part, serving as the main gateway.

Phuket International Airport is the primary airport serving Phuket, offering flights from all major cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. You can choose from famous companies such as Thai Airways, Emirates, AirAsia, and Jetstar when booking your flight.

There are various ways to reach Phuket from Thailand and other countries. Buses and minivans are available from nearby cities and towns, including Bangkok and Krabi.

After spending a few days there, you can also take longtail boats or ferries from the unique dreamy islands, such as Phi Phi or the rugged Koh Lanta. Venture further in the Jungle and explore Khao Sok, stay overnight in a floating bungalow on Cheow Lan Lake and enjoy nature.

How to get around Phuket

WALK / PUBLIC TRANSPORT

We found Phuket to be an easily walkable destination compared to other places in Thailand. If you’re staying in the Old Town, getting around is hassle-free.

Alternatively, you can use the public blue, pink, and yellow buses to explore distant locations. For instance, public buses are available at the old town bus station in Phuket to take you to the other side of the island, where all the beaches are located.

SCOOTER RENTAL

If you’re looking for a convenient and efficient way to get around Phuket, renting a scooter is one of the best options. However, driving in a foreign country can be daunting, so ensure you feel comfortable before renting one.

There are plenty of rental shops in Phuket, but it’s essential to find a reputable one that offers reasonable prices. Remember that prices can vary significantly, so it’s worth shopping around. The cheapest rental we found was 300 THB, which cost £7 per day.

Although this is still affordable, it’s relatively expensive compared to other destinations in Thailand. To avoid any issues with the police, ensure you have an international driving license before renting a scooter.

Remember that the police are known to stop tourists frequently, and the fine for driving without a license can be as much as 1000 THB (£23). During our Phuket trip, we were stopped five times, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

TAXI / GRAB

One of the most convenient ways to get around Phuket is by taxi or Grab. If it’s your first time in Phuket, download the Grab app, which is similar to Uber and available in various Asian countries.

CAR

If you travel with your family, renting a car and exploring Phuket can be a great option. We saw many families driving around with a rented car as it’s a convenient way to transport multiple passengers. You can easily rent a car with an airport pick-up service available here.

Best time to visit Phuket

The best time to visit Phuket is between November and February because the weather is usually sunny and dry. Although we visited Phuket in January and experienced a few rainy days, overall, our Phuket itinerary went perfectly, and we enjoyed the hot weather.

However, it is worth noting that the wet season in Phuket is between May and October. Therefore, when planning a three-day itinerary in Phuket, consider these months.

Phuket Travel Insurance

Where to stay in Phuket

3 Day in Phuket itinerary final thoughts

If you’re looking for a great destination for a short getaway, Phuket is an excellent choice. It offers a wide range of attractions, places to see, and beaches to explore, making it the perfect place to spend a 3-day trip.

Phuket has something for everyone, whether you’re travelling solo, with friends, family, or a partner. You’re sure to have an amazing time exploring all that this island offers. So, if you’re planning a trip to Thailand, pack your bags and book your next flight to Phuket!

FAQ Phuket 3 days itinerary