What to Do in Phuket in 2 Days
A Mini Guide to 48 Hours in Phuket
If you only have two days in Phuket, you’re going to need to prioritize the absolute must-see things to see and do on the Pearl of the Andaman. Phuket is not a particularly big island, but it’s packed with a diverse range of attractions, from stunning beaches and viewpoints to fascinating historical and cultural sites, great shows, vibrant nightlife, first-class restaurants, bustling markets, and more.
This guide helps you to narrow down the vast selection of attractions to an easy 48-hour itinerary so that you can tick off the absolute must-see places. It ensures that you get the most out of your time in such an idyllic destination, allowing you to experience a fun and memorable vacation.
1. Full day exploration
How to fill a whole day in Phuket
Good for: Adventure, Photo
You can spend an entire day exploring Phuket and stunning destinations nearby. As remarkable as Phuket’s natural beauty is, it’s all the more special as a destination for the even more breathtaking places which surround it.
All reachable within no more than a few hours from Phuket, the striking limestone formations jutting from the sea in Phang Nga Bay, the perfect desert islands of the Similans and the rugged beauty of the Phi Phi Islands are all more than worth a visit. Ask locals for tips on where to go or hire a local guide or driver for a more comfortable adventure.
Full day exploration
2. Morning – discovering Phuket landmarks
Where to learn about the island’s history
Good for: History, Photo, Budget
Exploring Phuket’s historic landmarks and monuments is a great way to tour the city and island and learn something new. Phuket has a long and colorful history, which is perhaps best discovered in the equally colorful streets of Old Phuket Town.
Extravagant Sino-Portuguese mansions show the prosperity which the island once enjoyed in the height of the tin mining boom around the turn of the 20th century, as do some of the Phuket’s premier attractions: its impressive religious sites such as the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong. To navigate easily from one landmark to another, hire a local guide. Read more
Morning – discovering Phuket landmarks
3. Afternoon – a trip to the beach
Time to work on your tan
Good for: Budget, Couples, Families
Spend an afternoon on one of Phuket’s stunning beaches, have a casual picnic, and relax on the pristine white sand after a long day of sightseeing. Phuket’s finest beaches boast wide expanses of soft white sand bordering clear, warm seas. Patong, Karon and Kata are the most popular beaches because they’re the perfect places to chill out in the afternoon sun and enjoy a refreshing dip.
Most beaches have top-notch amenities such as showers, toilets, and more. You can get a cool drink or a snack from vendors circulating the beach. If you forgot your sun hat and sun cream, don’t worry, you can purchase them from the nearby shops. Read more
Afternoon – a trip to the beach
4. Evening – sunset views with cocktails
Seafood and cool drinks by the beach
Good for: Food, Nightlife, Photo
Evening brings cooler air to Phuket’s streets and beaches and it’s the perfect time to sit down by the sea to enjoy a trendy cocktail, or two. Phuket’s west coast is treated to a glorious sunset every evening, making it the ideal spot to enjoy a truly magical evening.
There are plenty of exceptional cocktail bars which have taken advantage of this unbeatable setting, providing high-quality cuisine, bar snacks, and refreshing beverages with a perfect backdrop. Try fresh seafood dishes with a Thai twist or relax with a cold drink while enjoying the breathtaking sunset. Read more
Evening – sunset views with cocktails
5. Evening – a memorable Thai dinner
From 5-star dining to stellar street food
Good for: Couples, Families, Food
If you’re looking for an authentic Thai evening experience, savor treats and delicacies of the world-renowned Thai cuisine. Phuket boasts eateries ranging from low-budget restaurants, food stalls, and street food carts where Thais enjoy their everyday meals to high-end luxurious restaurants showcasing the very best of Thai food.
You can find both ends of this spectrum in unforgettable settings, from huge, opulent mansions and luxurious venues to floating villages, cozy plazas, and beachside streets. The more upscale establishments usually require an advanced booking. For the more budget-friendly options, no reservation is needed but do bring cash as cards aren’t widely accepted. Read more
Evening – a memorable Thai dinner
6. Night – wild parties
Thailand’s nightlife mecca
Good for: Couples, Nightlife
Phuket comes a live at night when parties, bars, and clubs pop up in almost every street corner. The nightlife capital of Phuket is undoubtedly Patong, with everything from pool and beach clubs to discotheques and live music bars to choose from. The real heart of the party is found along Bangla Road, where very nearly every building is a club or bar of some description.
Even the various side-roads off the famous street are mostly packed with good times. For a walk on the really wild side, don’t forget to check out Soi Seadragon, with its huge choice of go-go and beer bars.
Night – wild parties
7. Night – live shows and entertainment
Unique performances all night long
Good for: Nightlife, Photo, Unusual
Phuket’s nightlife is not just about bars and party, but a vast and colorful array of stunning and one-of-a-kind performances and shows. The highly entertaining and memorable events range from glitzy and glamorous ladyboy cabaret shows, brutal Muay Thai boxing bouts to cultural extravaganzas like Siam Niramit Phuket that features a blend of songs, dance routines, and traditional martial arts. Some performances are interactive, so you might find yourself on the stage too.
Most venues welcome walk-ins, so just buy a ticket and find a seat. The most popular ones might require an advanced booking, so be sure to the check online for details before you go.
Night – live shows and entertainment
This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.