Phuket

Travel all the way across the world to snorkel in the Phi Phi Islands and indulge in delicious Thai food? Yes, please! In just seven days, I was lucky to experience so much in beautiful Phuket with my best friend. I truly couldn’t pick a favorite experience, but I can definitely say, I would do it all over again.

Here are my top must-see spots in Phuket that should be on your itinerary, listed in no particular order.

*Disclaimer: These are purely personal experiences, there are no ads or profits involved!

Ton Mai Spa

After 14+ hours of travel, all I wanted to do was relax.  What started as a last-minute search for a taxi from the airport turned into something totally unexpected — our very own personal driver (yes, personal driver!). By pure chance, our taxi driver offered their services and ended up becoming our go-to guide for the trip. I couldn’t have been more grateful for all the local tips and recommendations we got along the way because of him. (Just a reminder to always trust your instincts and use caution when agreeing to any personal driver or tour setups!)

Our lovely driver, who owns Black Pearl Travel, suggested visiting Ton Mai Spa to unwind before heading to our Airbnb, which wouldn’t be ready until later in the day. They offer luggage storage, a steam room, sauna, massage, pools, and food, which was everything we needed to recharge after a long flight.

By paying a one-day entrance fee, we got access to the beautiful outdoor space. I also booked a 90-minute Thai massage in a private gazebo hut for an unbelievably low price in Thai Baht. We loved this place so much that we even went back another time before leaving. If you’re visiting Phuket, do not miss out on this traditional experience!

Phuket’s Beaches: Yanui Beach (pictured), Freedom Beach, and Nai Harn Beach

There’s no way you can visit Phuket without a beach day… or two… or three… and even that’s not enough! The crystal-clear waters are perfect for swimming and snorkeling here. In my opinion, Phuket is one of the best places in the world for it. I was fortunate enough to visit in September where it wasn’t overcrowded at all. All three beaches had plenty of food spots nearby, so thankfully there was no need to pack anything. Just be sure to grab a Thai iced tea, because when in Thailand… how could you not?!

 (Note that you can get to these beaches by hopping on a rickshaw, which is way more of an authentic and local way to get around town. Not only does it support local drivers, but it also offers a unique experience that truly lets you soak in Phuket’s vibe!)

Monkey Viewpoint, Ratsada

In my opinion, watching animals in their natural habitat is always more rewarding than seeing them in a zoo, and Monkey Viewpoint is the perfect example.

Just standing along the side of this street was enough to feel immersed in the monkeys’ world. We even bought a basket of bananas from a street vendor across the road, and as soon as we held them up, the monkeys excitedly ran toward us! They might try to snatch the whole basket, but they’re pretty harmless and just incredibly playful. Watching them climb, interact, and snack on bananas was such a fun experience you don’t want to miss out on!

Chillva Street Market

Traveling anywhere abroad comes with the constant reminder, ‘Don’t eat the street food!’— but let me tell you, Chillva Street Market was the exception. It’s like a street food paradise! It offers the experience of local vendors in a clean, organized setting (think of it as a food truck park, but Thai style). There’s also plenty of outdoor seating available. I indulged in grilled shrimp on sticks, chicken skewers, mango sticky rice, and so much more. The market also has live music and a mixed crowd, making it a fun place to socialize. If you’re hesitant about trying street food, have no fear with Chillva, because it is the perfect spot to dive right in!

Elephant Sanctuary

One of the absolute highlights of this trip? Bathing an elephant! This sweet elephant, named Pancake, lives in Phuket’s Elephant Sanctuary, where you can feed, bathe, and interact with her, along with other rescued elephants. If you plan to bathe them, be sure to bring a towel and a change of clothes because you WILL get soaked!

 We also learned about elephant behavior, expressions, and their massive muscle mass, which made the experience not just fun, but also educational. If you’re looking for a meaningful animal experience, go give an elephant some love!

Big Buddha

If you Google “What to see in Phuket”, chances are Big Buddha is the first thing that pops up (and for good reason).

This massive white-marble Buddha sits at the top of Nakkerd Hill overlooking the entire island. There are also several sacred shrines surrounding Big Buddha that are worth seeing, too. You can also take part in a ten minute meditation session or simply walk, sit, and soak in the view.  My friend and I decided to take part in the brief meditation, which made the experience even more immersive and beautiful.

Phi Phi Islands

This was truly a bucket wish-list come true. I’ve always dreamt of visiting the Phi Phi Islands for as long as I can remember, and it was one of the most breathtaking sights I’ve ever seen.

*NOTE: If you have motion sickness or are sensitive to speedboats, this might not be for you. Most of the boats here fly across the water at 60+ mph, and while I personally loved the adrenaline and rush, it’s worth mentioning for those who might not or are sensitive to speed.

But, once you arrive, it is pure paradise. I’ve never swam in water that felt like pure silk before! And the snorkeling here was nearly one of the best I’ve ever experienced. Our captain even provided beach balls, paddle-boards, and other water gear, making it even more fun for all of us. We also had the chance to visit James Bond Island and Maya Bay, which were both equally incredible spots for swimming and snorkeling. And, of course, be sure to sip on a fresh coconut at the island while you’re here!

Old Phuket Town

While I usually prefer shopping at local markets, Old Phuket Town was a charming town worth visiting. This historic, walkable town is lined with colorful buildings and unique little shops selling clothing, souvenirs, and local treats. While it’s a much slower-paced, it’s absolutely worth visiting. We stopped for ice cream and strolled through the small town in the evening, which was the perfect way to end the night after a busy day.

Wat Chalong Temples

I’d like to think my trip to Phuket wouldn’t have been complete without a temple visit.

Recommended by our driver, we went to Wat Chalong Temples, and it was the perfect place to walk around open courtyards and explore temples freely. Wat Chalong is so massive and expansive; you could easily spend hours exploring all the different temples and golden carved statues and shrines. One of my favorite things about this place was that the air was filled with the subtle scents of burning incense, which really added to the experience.

If you’re looking for a place to pray, meditate, or simply reflect, this place makes it so easy to do so.

Questions or comments about my experience? Drop them in the comments below!