Many travellers head to Thailand to enjoy the rich culture and gorgeous natural beauty. Of all of Thailand’s epic travel destinations, Phuket truly stands out among the rest.
This sweeping island is located off the western coast of Thailand in the Andaman Sea. It’s a top destination for all kinds of travellers as it has a wide offering of culture, outdoor activities, scenic coastlines and fabulous resorts.
In this article, we provide the perfect itinerary for 2 days in Phuket that will show you the very best of this Thai island. From exploring its cultural wonders and pristine beaches, we take you on a colourful journey that will inspire anyone thinking about visiting Phuket.
Phuket is filled with cultural highlights that showcase the very best of Thai heritage. When you visit the charming island, you will find a variety of different attractions that are both visually appealing and historically insightful.
As such, we have dedicated your first day in Phuket to seeing the best of its cultural offerings. Starting with a morning trip to the Big Buddha and finishing up in the vibrant Chillva Night Market, your first day will be a fabulous introduction to Phuket.
We start our Phuket itinerary with a trip to the Big Buddha, one of Phuket’s most famous landmarks, at the top of Nakkerd Hill. Be sure to kick off the day with a hearty breakfast, as there will be lots of climbing and walking at this site.
Starting your Phuket vacation with a visit to the Big Buddha is a great way to get a sense of the local heritage and see some of the best panoramic views of the island. The Big Buddha statue is an iconic feature of Phuket. Standing at an impressive 45 metres, the statue is visible from many southern areas of the island and the striking white marble perfectly catches the sunshine.
When you visit the Big Buddha in Phuket, you can also enjoy the surrounding gardens and pavilions which are meticulously maintained and provide a uniquely serene ambience. It is important to respect local customs, as the statue holds immense spiritual significance to the people of Phuket. You should dress modestly, with your shoulders and legs covered. There are sarongs available to purchase if you feel that you aren’t dressed appropriately.
The Big Buddha is free to visit, which makes it one of the best things to do in Phuket for budget travellers. However, you can still leave a donation which goes directly towards maintaining the idyllic site.
After gazing at the morning sun rising over Phuket from the Big Buddha, head south of Phuket Town where you’ll find our next stop on this itinerary. Wat Chalong is one of the most revered temples in Phuket and a major tourist attraction. It has undergone several renovations and expansions since its construction in the 19th century, which has made it a major centre of worship for Phuket’s local residents.
The temple complex at Wat Chalong is one of the best places to visit in Phuket for travellers interested in learning more about the culture and history of Thailand. There are several buildings and halls that showcase the stylised architecture and vibrant colours which are common design features in Thai temples. The standout aspect of Wat Chalong is the 60 metre tall Chedi, which houses a bone fragment from Lord Buddha himself, as well as wall paintings which depict his life.
When you walk through the gilded temple buildings, you will see locals praying, leaving offerings and seeking blessings. Tourists are welcome to take part in these practices as long as they do so respectfully, as the temple is still an active site of worship.
If you’re visiting Phuket in February, you can even get involved in the Wat Chalong Fair which offers a vibrant showcase of culture with traditional dances, music, games and food stalls.
We mentioned respectful behaviour for the previous stop, and it is still paramount you remain thoughtful when visiting Wat Chalong. Always remove shoes before entering any temple buildings and avoid having loud conversations which could disturb prayers.
After a very spiritual morning, we suggest spending the afternoon exploring the bustling streets of Phuket Old Town. Situated in the beating heart of Phuket Town, the Old Town is an astonishing display of historical buildings, colourful architecture and hip establishments. It’s one of the best places to visit in Phuket for anyone looking for authentic culture and instagram-worthy photos.
One of the most prominent features of Phuket Old Town is the spectacular array of Sino-Portuguese architecture that can be found on every corner. Many of the buildings here were constructed in the 19th and 20th centuries, with ornate decor and shuttered windows. Walking through the streets of Old Town is almost like walking back through time.
We highly recommend taking a stroll down Thalang Road, where you will find trendy restaurants and boutiques, perfect for some lunchtime leisure. You can also marvel at the stunning collection of street art that is plastered all over the area, depicting vibrant blends of historical and modern themes.
While in Old Town you can also explore a variety of museums which will provide you with more insight into Phuket’s culture. The Phuket Thai Hua Museum is a great place to learn about Thailand’s history and the influence of Chinese immigrants. Likewise, Chinpracha House is a beautifully preserved mansion which is open to the public and offers guided tours that offer a unique look into the island’s past.
After a full day exploring the exquisite cultural hotspots of Phuket, the best way to wind down for the evening is to take a stroll through the sensory street markets. There are many street markets in Thailand and it is a common feature across the country. They are some of the best places to visit at night, as you can soak up the bustling atmosphere and discover local specialties and handicrafts.
There are a few night markets in Phuket, but Chillva Night Market is the real standout. It’s a great place to pick up cheap Thai street food and fill up on unique treats after a long day exploring. When you arrive at the market you will be greeted by twinkling lights, the scent of fresh spices and the sounds of local peddlers and shoppers bargaining.
The open-air market has a much more laid-back vibe than other Thai night markets. This is a place where locals come to hang out in the evening and peruse stalls filled with handmade trinkets and souvenirs. You will likely find a few stalls selling bootleg designer goods, but overall the offering is much more artisanal.
It’s a great place to spend an evening in Phuket as there are usually live music performances which are the perfect complement to a street food dinner with delicious Thai beer.
After exploring the cultural offerings of Phuket, we recommend devoting your second day to beach time and island hopping. Phuket has some of the best beaches in Thailand and a network of dozens of islands which makes it a great location for travellers looking to explore unspoilt island landscapes.
So if you’re in need of some beachside relaxation and a refreshing ocean breeze after a full day of exploring Phuket, be sure to try our suggestions below.
Undoubtedly one of the best beaches in Phuket, Patong Beach is located on the western side of the island in the energetic town of Patong. The beach is a long stretch of golden sands and azure waters that’s the perfect place for catching the morning sun and basking in the warm rays. The beach attracts a diverse crowd, including families, partygoers and couples so it’s a great place for some morning people watching.
Patong Beach is famous for its selection of thrilling water sports as well as its thrumming nightlife. In the daytime, visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkelling, diving and windsurfing, making it a must-visit place in Phuket for any water sports enthusiasts. You will find a number of operators along the beach offering equipment and rentals, make sure you give the jet skis a go!
Along the coastline, there are a variety of local businesses that offer special amenities for visitors. You will find humble shops selling beautiful clothes and jewellery and even some massage and wellness spas where you can enjoy traditional Thai aromatherapy treatments. Why not treat yourself to a soothing foot massage after spending your first day in Phuket on your feet?
Phuket may be the largest island in Thailand, but it also has 32 smaller islands just off its coast. This makes it a prime spot for island hopping and offers endless opportunities for adventure and beach exploration. The Phi Phi Islands are a chain of 6 islands nearby, so there is so much fun to be had as you hop between them.
The islands can be accessed via a short 45-minute boat ride from Phuket and offer some of the most idyllic settings in Thailand. The most visited islands are Phi Phi Leh and Phi Phi Don, which have some incredible beaches and serene coves that are perfect for a day of island hopping.
The Phi Phi Islands are the best place in Phuket for snorkelling and diving and are home to a vast array of marine life and coral reefs. There are a variety of diving and snorkelling tours available which will take you to the most beautiful spots in this underwater wonderland.
Situated on Phi Phi Leh, we thought this splendid location deserved its own special mention. Made famous as the shooting location for ‘The Beach’ featuring Leonardo DiCaprio, Maya Bay is a picturesque cove with high limestone cliffs and crystal clear waters.
The beach at the bay is quite small, being only 15 metres wide. It is a very popular spot and can get quite crowded, so much so that boat tours will only take you to the bay rather than stopping on the shore. The Bay was closed for nearly 4 years as there was so much tourism it began to damage the unique environment.
This freeze in operations has done wonders for the local ecology, with local wildlife and plantlife numbers soaring. To protect the ecosystem, only a certain number of visitors are permitted to visit Maya Bay each day. While this makes exploring the pristine shore quite difficult, its sustainable practices show just how important conservation efforts are.
Our last stop on our Phuket island hopping adventure is the iconic James Bond Island. Known as Ko Tapu in Thai, the island is located in northeast Phuket and gained international notoriety after featuring in the James Bond movie, ‘The Man With The Golden Gun’. Its location in the Andaman Sea makes it a prime spot for travellers seeking Thailand’s natural beauty and you will be blown away by its inviting emerald waters and verdant mangrove forests.
You can find a variety of James Bond Island tours that are filled with a fantastic selection of activities. As you explore the lush environs, you can kayak into sea caves and marvel at the impressive limestone formations. You can also enjoy some relaxing beach time on the sandy shores which will be much less crowded than those found on the mainland.
Alongside our 2 days in Phuket itinerary, we’ve also included some tips that will help you plan your visit. We discuss the best times to visit Phuket and highlight how you can get around the island to ensure you have the best experience of this beautiful destination.
The best time to visit Phuket is during the high season, from November to February. This is the dry season which brings pleasant weather, warm days and little rainfall. Average temperatures in Phuket around this time can reach highs of 32°C and lows of 24°C.
This is also when many of the major events happen in Phuket which will add so much value to your visit. In November, Phuket celebrates Loy Krathong and the Patong Carnival. But you may wish to visit in January-February to attend the colourful Chinese New Year celebrations.
Getting around Phuket is very easy, which will be a relief for travellers coming to the island. The main mode of transportation is via taxis and tuk-tuks. You will find taxis available in most tourist areas and tuk-tuks are a great option for short trips, just be sure to agree on the price with your driver beforehand as tuk-tuks aren’t metered.
If you want more flexibility on your Phuket trip, consider renting a scooter. This is a popular way of getting around the island and gives you complete freedom on your adventure. You will need to have an international driver’s licence in order to hire one and always wear your helmet as traffic and road conditions can be difficult.
Phuket is a captivating destination that offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and beachside relaxation. In just 2 days, travellers can immerse themselves in the island’s rich heritage and natural beauty, experiencing everything from the iconic Big Buddha and revered temples like Wat Chalong to the vibrant streets of Phuket Old Town.
Whether you’re enchanted by ancient temples, pristine beaches, or vibrant markets, Phuket offers a delightful taste of Thailand’s rich heritage and natural wonders that is perfect for a 2 day visit.
If you’ve enjoyed this article, check out our other articles about Thailand like Phuket in December and What to Do in Chiang Mai for 3 Days.
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