Top things to do in Phuket: attractions, stays and day trips

Key takeaways for your trip to Phuket: Best time to visit: The ideal period to explore Phuket is between November and April during the dry season when the weather is less humid. Avoid traveling from May to October, as this marks the monsoon season with frequent rainfall.   Getting around: The easiest way to get around Phuket is by using ride-hailing apps such as Grab or Bolt, which offer transparent, fixed fares. For a more local experience, hop on a Songthaew (shared truck bus). Otherwise, scooter rentals offer greater flexibility.   Payment methods: While some shops and restaurants still prefer cash, TNG eWallet’s overseas QR payment feature is accepted at over 8M+ merchants across Thailand, allowing for easy digital transactions. It’s still wise to carry your Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Travel Card as a backup. Enjoy up to 3% cashback too and one free ATM withdrawal every month.

 

If you are looking for a short getaway from Malaysia, you don’t have to travel far. Being only an hour away by flight, Phuket is one of the quickest options for an overseas beach vacay.

When is the best time to visit Phuket?

The ideal time to travel to Phuket is from November to April, during the dry season. Temperatures typically sit between 24°C and 32°C, with minimal rainfall and lower humidity, making this one of the most comfortable periods to visit.

Travelling during this window also means you may catch the Songkran Festival (13 – 15 April), Thailand’s biggest water celebration. Expect lively street festivities and large-scale water fights, so wear clothes you don’t mind getting soaked.

The monsoon season runs from May to October. If your Phuket itinerary consists mostly of outdoor activities, it’s best to avoid these months. That said, if you prefer fewer crowds and don’t mind the occasional rain, visiting during this off-peak season can be a quieter and more affordable alternative.

How should I plan my Phuket trip effectively?

Travelling is all about smart planning. Here are a few quick ways to save on your Phuket trip:

• Compare flights: Book in advance and compare prices across different airlines. You can use the Travel+ feature in your eWallet to check fares from airlines like AirAsia, Scoot, and Batik Air to find the best deals for your dates.

• Be flexible: Flying mid-week is often cheaper than travelling over the weekend. For example, flights arriving on a Monday or Tuesday are usually more affordable than those landing on Friday or Saturday.

• Accommodation options: Phuket offers a wide range of budget-friendly stays, from hostels to guesthouses. You can also browse and book these stays directly on Travel+ to keep your itinerary organised in one app.

• Location matters: Choose Patong Beach for easy access to nightlife and the beach, or Phuket Town for a more local vibe and cheaper food spots.  For island vibes and day trips, head to Phi Phi Islands or Phang Nga Bay—perfect if you’re visiting for 5 to 7 days.

Can I use TNG eWallet in Thailand?

Yes, many popular restaurants and shops in Thailand now accept TNG eWallet, allowing you to can scan and pay just like a local. Simply scan the Alipay+ QR code or show your eWallet QR to pay. There is no need to worry about the Thai baht exchange rates or carrying loose cash. It is quick, seamless, and hassle-free.

TNG eWallet’s overseas QR payment is widely accepted at over 8 million shops and restaurants in Thailand, including popular brands like 7-Eleven, McDonald’s, Big C, Boots, and Gentle Woman. You can either show your QR code to pay or scan the shop’s QR code, even at street markets and souvenir stalls.

On top of that, with A+ Rewards, you can earn vouchers on your transactions, giving you even more ways to save money while enjoying your trip.

Do I need a travel card for my trip?

While QR payments are everywhere, it is always good to have a backup. Popular travel card options are the Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Travel Card and Wise Travel Money Card.

The Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Travel Card is the perfect companion for merchants that may not accept QR payments or don’t support TNG eWallet’s QR code. It also comes in handy when you need cash abroad, as it provides one free overseas ATM withdrawal per month with no cap on the amount, after which a fee of RM10 applies for each additional withdrawal.

It’s also accepted worldwide in over 200 countries and gives you the flexibility to pay anywhere Visa is accepted while allowing you to gain up to 3% cashback until 31 December 2026.

Alternatively, the Wise Travel Money Card works in , letting you hold up to 40 currencies that you can convert at the via the Wise app for a small fee. It offers free ATM withdrawals up to RM1,000 monthly in your selected currency. Make sure to always pick local currency at ATMs to skip bank mark-ups.

Feature	Wise Travel Card	Touch ‘n Go eWallet Visa Travel Card
Best For	Multi-currency management and rate locking	Max rewards on overseas spending
Exchange Rate	Mid-market + transparent fee (varies from bank to bank)	Visa rate (no markup, reliable conversion)
Cashback	None	Up to 3% on physical overseas transactions
ATM  Withdrawal	2 free/month (up to RM1,000); then fees (up to RM5 + 1.75%)	1 free/month (no limit); then RM10
Currencies	Hold 40+	MYR-only (instant conversion upon payment)
Annual Fee	RM0	RM8 (waived first year)

Best things to do in Phuket

From high adrenaline activities to strolling through street markets, here are some of the best attractions in Phuket to check out.

Baba Nest Rooftop Bar

Cap off your evening at Baba Nest Rooftop Bar, where a stunning infinity pool encircles the deck to create a seamless view of the Andaman Sea. Sip on signature cocktails like the Mexican Bowl or a Cuba Sour as you watch the sun go down and be sure to order some tapas to snack on while you enjoy the 360-degree scenery.

Khao Phra Thaeo National Park

Nature lovers who are looking for more outdoor things to do in Phuket should prioritise a visit to Khao Phra Thaeo National Park. The park features three hiking routes: two easy paths (600m and 2km) and a more challenging 4km trail leading to Bang Pae Waterfall. For the longest route, hiring a local guide at the Ton Sai entrance is recommended.

Once you reach the falls, you’ll find a well-equipped picnic area with benches and shelters, perfect for resting and taking in the views.

Patong Beach

No things-to-do-in-Phuket list is complete without mentioning its iconic beaches. Patong Beach is a popular option with both locals and tourists. Spanning an impressive 4km, this bustling shoreline is a playground for water-sports lovers—think jet-skiing, parasailing, and banana boat rides.

If you’re looking for nightlife, the famous Bangla Road is just a few steps away, packed with bars and clubs for the ultimate night out.

Pro tip: To enjoy the beach without the massive crowds, try to arrive early in the morning before the peak-hour rush at 10am begins.

Phuket Jungle Extreme ATV & Zipline

Looking for a heart-pumping adventure? Phuket Jungle Extreme ATV is a must-try. You can zoom through jungle trails, dirt paths, and rubber plantations, choosing a route that suits your experience level from beginner-friendly to full-on extreme. Bounce over mud, splash through puddles, and feel the thrill of every twist and turn.

Prices usually range from er ride. If you want some photos for social media, just ask your tour guide; they are usually happy to snap action pics of you riding.

Safety tip: Adventure activities are fun but come with risks. Ensure you have travel insurance that covers adventurous sports. You can easily get travel insurance via SafeTrip through TNG eWallet, which offers an optional add-on for adventure coverage, ensuring you are protected while you have fun.

Phuket Old Town Walking Street Market (Lard Yai)

Every Sunday evening, Thalang Road in Phuket Old Town comes alive with the Walking Street Market. Entry is completely free, and the street is packed with food stalls, handmade crafts, and live music. Come hungry, stroll around, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. It is easily one of the best free things to do in Phuket.

Phuket Simon Cabaret

Enjoy spectacular performances with stunning costumes and catchy music at Phuket Simon Cabaret for a dazzling night out. The show is held in a proper theatre with professional staging, lasting around 60–70 minutes. It is seated, air-conditioned, and perfect for relaxing after a day in the sun.

Tickets start from around ฿800 (RM103). After the show, head outside to meet the performers and snap some selfies. Just remember to bring a small tip if you want a photo with the stars.

Wat Chalong

Standing at 60m tall, Wat Chalong is one of the largest Buddhist temples in Phuket. It was built back in the early 19^th century as a tribute to two monks, Luang Pho Chaem and Luang Pho Chuang, who were significant figures during a rebellion involving Chinese miners.

You can easily identify the temple by its towering height and intricate design in gold, beige, and red colours. Some even say that the top of the pagoda contains a piece of bone from Buddha.

Note: Wat Chalong is free to enter, but please remember to dress modestly while visiting.

Day trips from Phuket

With a wide range of private boat charters available, you can make the most of your vacation by embarking on a day trip to one of the stunning islands scattered across the Andaman Sea.

Among the most popular destinations are the Phi Phi Islands, a group of six picturesque islands, with Phi Phi Don standing out as the largest and only permanently inhabited one. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant mix of resorts and pristine beaches.

Fans of James Bond can also explore Phang Nga Bay and its iconic James Bond Island, which shot to fame after appearing in the film The Man with the Golden Gun. The scenery is renowned for its limestone cliffs that rise dramatically above crystal-clear waters.

Where to stay in Phuket

Phuket has accommodation for every budget, from ultra-luxury pool villas to family-friendly beachfront resorts. If you’re willing to splurge, you can look at high-end properties with private pools with direct beach access:

• The Surin Phuket: Features a hexagonal pool that leads directly to a private beach.
• Four Points by Sheraton Phuket Patong Beach Resort: 4-star hotel in the hub of Patong Beach and luxury rooms offering clear views of the Andaman Sea.
• Rosewood Phuket: Exclusive pool villas with wellness programmes and romantic beachfront restaurant dining.

​Those who prefer boutique stays can opt for stylish resorts and hotels, offering unique interiors, and quieter surroundings. Options include:

• Hill Myna Condotel: Scandinavian-style rooms with mountain views.
• Ratri Hotel Phuket Old Town: Minimalist black and white boutique hotel located near Phuket Old Town, Central Festival Phuket mall, and Chao Fah Variety Market.
• Isara Boutique Hotel and Café: Wes Anderson-inspired, pastel-coloured interior with an in-house café for high tea.

For budget-travellers, being on budget, doesn’t mean  sacrificing comfort or convenience. There are plenty of mid-range hotels and guesthouses within walking distance of the beach, restaurants, and nightlife, some costing under RM150/night.

• Book a Bed Poshtel: Modern backpacking hostel near Phuket Old Town, with rooms from as low as ฿350/night (approximately RM45/night).
• Beehive Phuket Old Town Hostel: Deluxe room with pool access from as low as ฿372/night (RM47/night).
• Mazi Design Hotel: 5-minutes walk from Patong Beach starting from ฿1,800/night (RM227/night).

How do I get around Phuket?

There are many ways to get around Phuket. Here are the options available:

Scooter rental

For a budget-friendly and flexible option, consider renting a scooter for around ฿200 (RM26) to ฿400 (RM52) per day. If you’re renting for several days, try negotiating for a lower rate.

To avoid potential scams, take photos of the scooter before riding off to document any existing scratches or dents, so you won’t be blamed later. If you’re not experienced with scooters, it’s best to skip this option for safety reasons, as Phuket’s traffic can be quite chaotic and accidents happen frequently.

Songthaew

If you’d rather not drive, another common mode of transport is the songthaew, small passenger trucks frequently seen around the city centre and beach areas. Just flag one down, tell the driver where you’d like to go, and confirm the fare before hopping on.

Grab/Bolt

Alternatively, the simplest and most convenient way to travel around Phuket is through apps like Grab or Bolt. Enter your pickup and drop-off locations, select your preferred vehicle, wait for the driver’s confirmation, and you’re ready to go without negotiating fares.

With Grab, you can pay by cash, link and save your credit or debit card directly in the app, or use the in-app wallet by topping it up for convenient, automatic deductions. Bolt keeps it equally straightforward, offering saved credit or debit card payments or cash handed to the driver upon arrival.

Travel with ease with TNG eWallet

Save this ultimate Phuket guide for your upcoming trip. From Old Town markets and jungle treks to rooftop sunsets and island day trips, Phuket promises non-stop excitement. Get ready, scan and pay with TNG eWallet, and travel with ease!

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Cover image credit: Dimitri Kuliuk via Pexels