How to Spend 3 Days in Phuket:
Your Ultimate Itinerary

The best of Phuket in 3 days - the only Phuket itinerary you need

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Phuket, Thailand’s largest island, is known as ‘The Pearl of the Andaman Sea’ – a sought after, dazzling destination that features on almost all Thailand itineraries. From its world-class beaches and luxurious resorts to jungle-clad interior and colonial Old Town, Phuket is a lively and energetic destination that will get into the blood of anyone who visits. Here’s our guide on how to spend 3 days in Phuket – your ultimate itinerary to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.

Promthep Cape, Phuket

Day One - Best of Phuket’s Coast

Morning

Begin your first day on the golden sands of Kata Beach, a favourite among locals thanks to its quieter crowds and peaceful atmosphere. Start your morning with a swim and a snorkel in the turquoise waters, or have a stroll along the shore. The swaying palm trees and the clear water lapping at your feet remind you that you have definitely arrived in Thailand. Head to one of the beachfront cafes for breakfast and coffee, or a fresh tropical fruit juice.

In the late morning, drive 20 minutes to Promthep Cape, one of Phuket’s most stunning viewpoints. This southernmost tip of the island has breathtaking vistas of the Andaman Sea, fringed by enormous palm trees. It’s a popular spot for sunset, but is much quieter in the clear morning light. Stroll along the pathways, admire the local shrine, and soak in the views that stretch endlessly to the horizon.

Rawai Beach, Phuket

Afternoon
It’s only a 5 minute drive to your next spot, Rawai Beach. While not a traditional swimming spot, Rawai is a hub for seafood lovers, as you can see from the numerous long-tail fishing boats lining the shore. Enjoy a feast of freshly caught prawns, crab, lobster, oysters, red snapper and squid at the Fresh Seafood Market. Here, you can take your pick from piles of seafood caught that morning and have it cooked fresh for you in the local restaurant. An immersive, wonderful Thai experience, and there’s no better spot to do it than Rawai.

After you’ve dined on the freshest seafood of your life, drive 10 minutes north to visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most sacred Buddhist temple. The intricate architecture, with its gilded spires and terracotta roofs is a stark contrast to the laid-back beach vibe of the rest of Phuket. Explore the various pavilions, learn about the history of the monks here and wander through the peaceful grounds. If you need an afternoon pick me up, walk to the nearby Valen Cafe, which serves delicious coffees and homemade pastries in a lush garden.

Karon Viewpoint, Phuket

Evening
As the sun sets, make your way to Karon Viewpoint, with its panoramic views of Kata Noi, Kata and Karon Beaches. The sight of the coastline bathed in golden light is a perfect way to end your first day. For dinner, head to Mom Tri’s Kitchen, a gorgeous, romantic waterfront restaurant overlooking Kata Noi Beach. Dine on seafood platters and fresh lobster, or marinated duck, goat curry and massaman lamb, overlooking the twinkling lights of the bay.

Phuket Old Town

Day Two - Phuket Like a Local

Morning
Start your second morning in Phuket Old Town, where the colourful streets, lined with Sino-colonial shophouses, come alive in the soft morning light. Wander along the main thoroughfare of Thalang Road and Dibuk Street, where boutique shops, cafes, and art galleries can be found. Stop for a traditional Peranakan breakfast at Kopitiam by Wilai, and try the kaya toast, Chinese almond coffee or the famous hokkien mee.

Vegetarian Festival, Phuket Old Town

After breakfast and maybe some people watching over coffee, delve deeper into Phuket’s heart with a visit to the Thai Hua Museum. This beautifully restored creamy mansion showcases the island’s Chinese heritage through exhibits, including antique artifacts and stories of early settlers. Afterwards, walk ten minutes to the dazzling Jui Tui Shrine, a colorful Taoist temple that plays a central role in Phuket’s annual Vegetarian Festival, which is a must-visit if it’s on during your visit. The atmosphere is electric as crowds mingle around the incense-filled shrine. Even if the festival isn’t on, the shrine is a fascinating stop.

One Chun Cafe & Restaurant

Afternoon
Take 15 minutes to stroll back through the streets of Old Phuket, to the charming lunch spot and local eatery One Chun Cafe & Restaurant. Dine on traditional Thai recipes passed down through three generations, in this gorgeous colonial building with coloured-glass windows and wooden chairs. Try their signature Phuket-style steamed pork belly, cooked with pepper and garlic for 3.5 hours.

After a busy morning exploring the streets of Old Town, make your way to Phuket Chaloem Phrakiat Park, a lush green space that’s a welcome respite from the bustling streets. Winding paths meander around a lake and beneath towering trees. Find a bench to rest in the shade and watch the world go by for a while. In some parts, the noise of the town disappears almost completely. Enjoy a cooling coconut or fresh fruit juice from one of the many stalls on the surrounds of the park and soak up a side of Phuket not many tourists get to see.

Chillva Market, Phuket

Evening
As the sun sets, make your way to Chillva Market, one of Phuket’s trendiest night markets, located just a 15 minute drive from the Old Town. Unlike some of the larger markets on the island, Chillva has a laid back feel, with colourful shipping containers repurposed as shops and bars. This is a classic Thai night market, Gen-Z style. The energy is young and fun here, relaxed but buzzing.

As at most night markets, the food at Chillva is a highlight, with stalls serving everything from Thai street food to international bites. Try sizzling grilled satay, fresh seafood, or soft and sticky dim-sum. Prices are some of the best on the island. Stroll through the market, grab a cold beer and watch some of the great live music performances. This is local Phuket at its best.

Hanuman World, Phuket

Day Three - Phuket’s Wild Side

Morning
Start your final day with a good hit of adrenaline. Hanuman World lets you zip-line through the forest canopy, as you fly through the treetops, cross sky bridges and rappel down towering trees. The guides are lots of fun, and few things can beat the rush of careering down a zip-line through lush rainforest. This is such a welcome and refreshing change of pace from the bustling Old Town and chaotic streets.

Alternative: For a more relaxed jungle experience, visit the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, where you can observe rescued elephants living freely in a natural habitat. This ethical experience provides insight into the lives of these majestic creatures while supporting their welfare. Phuket Elephant Sanctuary is the pioneer of these kinds of sanctuaries and is still the hallmark for how to get up close and personal with these animals. Note: no riding or bathing allowed.

Three Monkeys Restaurant, Phuket

Afternoon
After zip-lining through the forest, you might have worked up an appetite. Which is good, because right next to Hanuman World is one of the best and most unique dining experiences in Phuket. Nestled into the tree canopy you’ll find Three Monkeys Restaurant. Dine on some of the tastiest Southern Thai cuisine in your own glass pod overlooking the jungle. Rattan fairy lights are festooned in the trees and the sounds of monkeys and birds echo through the air. Even if you don’t go zip-lining, we recommend making your way here at least once while you’re in Phuket.

Alternative: If you spent the morning at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, make your way to the nearby Bang Pae Seafood Restaurant for a spot of lunch. Open-air seating looks right out onto a white sand beach, shaded by tall pandanus trees. This is an undeveloped and quieter stretch of coastline, and Bang Pae restaurant is the perfect way to enjoy it. Almost everything on the menu is worth trying, best washed down with a fresh young coconut.

Cafe Del Mar, Phuket

Evening
Before the sun sets, grab yourself a spot at Café del Mar, one of Phuket’s most sophisticated beach clubs located on Kamala Beach. Known for its sleek, Ibiza-inspired vibes, expect laid-back DJ sets and breathtaking ocean views. Make sure you arrive in time to catch the sunset over the Andaman Sea, sipping on a glass of chilled champagne or a signature Mojito. For dinner, Café del Mar’s menu is a treat for the senses, featuring gourmet seafood dishes, sushi platters, and Mediterranean-inspired cuisine.

As the night deepens, the Cafe Del Mar picks up the pace with world-class DJ’s spinning deep house music. Unwind or let loose, the choice is yours. Lounge on the plush daybeds, mingle at the bar or dance barefoot in the sand under the glow of string lights. Phuket never felt so beautiful.