There is a big bus terminal in Phuket in the north, however, its not very common for tourists to use this. Youre in the right place! Heres our ultimate guide on how to spend the best 2 weeks in Japan, Read More Ultimate 2 week Japan Itinerary (2023) The Best PlacesContinue, Planning a 3 day Bohol itinerary or wondering what to do in Bohol? Storefronts are decorated with lanterns and red banners and dancers take to the colorful streets in preparation of the dragon processions. We had our international drivers permit with us (as always!). I hope this Phuket itinerary has you excited for your trip! If surfing is a bit too ambitious for you (as it was for me), Kata beach is great for snorkeling, diving, paddleboarding (unless you cant seem to stay upright, like me) and kayaking (more my level). Be sure to download the app before you arrive and youll be good to go. Thailand is a tropical paradise for diving and the Andaman sea has amazing diving opportunities! Overview: One week Phuket holiday. That said, the Phi Phi Islands remain one of my favourite places in Thailand, on my second trip I went back there even without being able to visit Maya Bay. Another activity to add to your 4 day Phuket itinerary is a Thai cooking class. Now, we last visited Koh Phi Phi over 15 years ago, in 2004, just before the tsunami. Now its time to relax! Its 100% up to you if you want to visit this area we chose to add it to this 4 days Phuket itinerary as there are many accommodations here and its a different kind of area to visit on your trip! Visit the Big Buddha, see What Chalong, go inland . Ok, so youre either going to love me or hate me for this, but this morning youre getting up incredibly early to watch the sunrise from Karon Viewpoint. If youre already in the country and exploring other areas, the easiest way to get to Phuket is by bus. THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE with Multi-City ITINERARIES: 4, 6, 7, 12 Days This DIY THAILAND TRAVEL GUIDE BLOG provides a quick overview of Thailand as a tourist destination and tips on how to enjoy it on a budget. November - April: The best time to visit Phuket is during the dry season, lasting from November to April. If youre looking to party it up and dont need much sleep, Id recommend staying anywhere along Patong Beach Road. The foodin Thailand isrich in flavour, if something is hot it is usually advertised as such so you can steer clear if you dont like it. How to Plan the Perfect Thailand Itinerary - Taylor's Tracks We recommend All 4 Diving Website (based in Patong), however, you can find dive sites all over the west side of the island. to tom yum kung (a spicy shrimp soup) and of course Pad Thai. The Complete 4D3N Phuket Itinerary With The Best Things To Do - Klook Its become so popular because of its fame and beauty, that a lot of the tours wont stop at Maya Bay for more than a few minutes, just to take pictures. Oh, and light comfortable shoes for walking. Phuket is the largest Thai island off the southwest coast of the country. Its thought that the paintings were made by sailors taking shelter in the cave during a storm. Most of the accommodation that we could find in Phi Phi was either hostels or apartments, so when we finally found this nice resort we were very happy with it. We had to drive for approximately 1 hour, before arriving at the harbor where we got on a boat that then took us cruising around Phang Nga Bay. Its one of the best things to do in Phuket and a great experience! The hotel is obviously amazing, as you would expect of a Hilton, however if I had been paying for it myself and it wasnt on points I doubt I would have stayed there. Yes, the Big Buddha is full of tourists at most times of the day, given that its one of Phukets most visited landmarks. Theres also many tours to do around the island such as a Phuket Half-Day Tour Find the link here! While it isnt as fancy as the Cliff Beach Resort it was really lovely and the staff was super helpful. 1) Bangkok (2 days) To visit Thailand in 20 or 21 days, you will probably arrive at Bangkok's main Airport (Suvarnabhumi). Hi Sarah, thanks for the comment, glad you enjoyed my post! We did two dives at two different sites in Koh Phi Phi Lei, both with stunning coral reefs and plenty of fish. We are traveling from India - landing in Phuket and flying out from Bangkok. Rates are typically pretty competitive and therell be no language barrier when telling your driver where to go. Its possible to rent snorkelling gear here and there are also sun lounges for rent (location). To get to Ko Phi Phi on your own, the most usual option is to take a ferry. There are a dozen exhibition rooms within the museum space and a quaint courtyard. We spent the morning getting massages on the beach (1 hour massage for the equivalent of 3 GBP, how can you say no?!) And its such a good value! You can absolutely bargain for cheaper prices but the prices are already really good and I felt bad bargaining too much as I didnt want anyone out of pocket I know Im an amateur! B Bakery Bus Tour: The Best Afternoon Tea Bus Tour In London, The 7 Best Places To Scuba Dive & Snorkel In Thailand, [] of opportunities all around the country to try both snorkeling and scuba diving. When to Visit Phuket. Grab: Grab is pretty much the Uber of Asia. The airport is located in the north of the island and it will take around 1 hour or more to get to popular areas to stay in Phuket. It was certainly a different place with much (over) development occurring in the years since. I was only in Thailand for 10 days and as much I would have liked to, I wasnt able to visit all the best scuba diving and [], Hey Greta, wonderful post! Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Day 1: Explore Big Buddha and Chalong Temple Visit the Wat Chalong temple, one of the most important Buddhist temples on the island Learn about Thai culture and traditions at the Phuket Cultural Center Explore the Big Buddha, a large marble statue overlooking the island Welcome to the beautiful city of Phuket! Start with hotel pickup between 7AM - 8AM in the morning. Thats amazing! You can follow her adventures through her blog or on social media: Your email address will not be published. DAY 1 Bangkok If you want to know more about Thai cuisine, why not learn about it through a cooking class while youre in Thailand? Shorts, cotton t-shirts, and light summer dresses are what most people wear around the island. The best time to visit Karon Viewpoint is at sunset to watch the colours change in the sky! Highlights of Thailand: From Chiang Rai to Phuket - 15 Days The first day is reserved for you to relax and get to know the place at your own pace upon your arrival at the city. Its quite an experience (Ill leave it to you to decide whether its a terrifying experience or an exciting one!). After the show, hang around and get some pictures with the stars of the show. You can reach both quite easily from Phuket. This is like nothing I had ever seen before. in Thailand. Our Ultimate 3 Week Thailand Itinerary! {Updated 2023} Day 1 In Phuket Day 1 in Phuket is an easy day of exploring Phuket's old town and surrounding sights. Required fields are marked *. If youre visiting in high season you should be able to get a direct ferry from Phuket to Koh Lanta, since we were there in low season we had to change ferry in Koh Phi Phi Don. You can dance the night away with the occasional beeror eight. Pack your sunnies and a hat, as Phuket is hot all year round! It looks just like one of those paradise islands you see in the movies no joke! But its way more than that. Since my first trip to Thailand in October 2016, Ive now been back four times on separate trips, thats how much I love Thailand! Were excited to share all the amazing things you can do on a 4 day Phuket itinerary and how we think that Phuket is still worth a visit on your Thailand trip. If not, you can drive or take a motorbike or scooter. You can also book a guide to take you around the island and visit Wat Chalong Find out more! There are a few things you might want to know before spending 4 days in Phuket. There are plenty of other types of trees on the island. The iconic limestone formation of James Bond Island, Thailand. Check out the latest prices and availability at Papaya Phi Phi Resort, Breakfast served to your room at Papaya Phi Phi Resort in Koh Phi Phi Don, Thailand. These are definitely the most expensive option and youll most likely have to haggle the price down a bit. Its very cool! The BEST PHUKET ITINERARY in Existence (2023 UPDATED) We always carry a beach sarong with us (location here)! Its super easy to switch up these days or even spend all day on one of the beautiful beaches here in Phuket. We're Amy & Dan, a British travel couple with a passion to explore and discover the world.From backpacking in Europe, to night buses in Asia and driving across Canada in a van, we love adventures! Whats it known for?! The ferry terminal is near Phuket Old Town (Rassada Pier) and there will be many taxis or tuk-tuks around the area ready to take you to your accommodation. We then got a ferry to Koh Phi Phi Don around lunch time. : This is essentially a giant water fight festival which sees adults and children alike take to the streets with water guns, water balloons and buckets of water. Keep your distance and hold onto your belongings theyre sneaky little creatures! LIKE THIS POST? Chai also helps to organise any onwards travel to other islands. Thailand itself has over 1400 islands and Phuket consists of the main island as well as another 32 smaller islands off the coast, which makes it the perfect location for some, To get to this tropical paradise, you can fly directly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) from around 45 cities all over the world, including. The rich marine flora and fauna combined to the clear water makes it one of the perfect destinations to do so. The name Phuket comes from the Malay word Bukit, which means mountain or hill. Just accept it, haha. Karon Beach is also great to visit in the daytime. Book yours ahead of time. We went to Kata Beach, which is advertised as one of the best surfing beaches in Phuket, while still being away from the main crowds. Phuket often has a bad reputation for being too busy and party-ish due to its Patong Beach and Bangla Road area. It was a great day, until we then had to sail through a tropical storm in a small wooden long tail boat to get back to the harbour. t in Phuket Town. Its somewhere you might not have even noticed because its almost completely sheltered by cliffs, but once you get in, its incredibly beautiful. Youre off out onto the water again today, but this time youll be cruising around the Phang Nga Bay. Theres a big scene for backpackers all over the island. Phuket is located on the Andaman Sea in the southwest of Thailand. Pileh Lagoon is a secluded lagoon with crystal clear waters, surrounded by giant limestone cliffs and white powdery sand. Starting from Phuket, you will discover Koh Lanta, Krabi, Koh Yao Noi and the splendid beaches of Southern Thailand.. A quick note: If you prefer to combine Bangkok, Northern Thailand and the South, you should rather read my other itinerary: 2 weeks in Thailand: North + South. We highly recommend having your own mode of transport as it will give you so much freedom to discover the island. There are a few buses that go directly from Bangkoks Southern Bus Terminal (Sai Tai Mai) to Phuket every day, with a journey time of between 11-13 hours. 1 Day in Koh Phi Phi 2 Week Thailand Itinerary 2 Days in Bangkok 3 Days in Chiang Mai 2 Days in Chiang Rai The White Temple (Wat Rong Khun) The Blue Temple (Wat Rong Suea Ten) 2 Days in Phuket 2 Days in Koh Lanta 2 Days in Ao Nang These are beautiful off the beaten track islands, very different from Phi Phi, but with a similar crystal clear sea and rich marine life. There are loads of diving schools all over Koh Phi Phi Don, who all offer similar tours at the same price. Its totally worth it! If you make a purchase through them I will receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you. First stop on our Phi Phi island hopping tour is Bamboo Island, also known as Koh Mai Phai, for swimming and snorkeling. While yesterdays islands were more about the beaches and relaxing, todays itinerary is a little more adventurous. All the rooms have small balconies with a view where you will be served breakfast in the morning at your chosen time, just watch out for the monkeys! Its close to many amazing restaurants, local life and the ferry port for any onward travel. If you want more suggestions of things to do in Koh Lanta, check out this list of top 20 activities to do in Koh Lanta. Click here to find out the availability & prices at Crown Lanta Resort & Spa. If youre visiting during monsoon season be sure to have a light waterproof jacket with you, because well, its the rainy season. The next day is when the trip actually begins with a city tour around some of the main attractions, famous among the travellers. Id look at your travel dates to make sure they dont overlap with any major festivals. If your Phuket itinerary happens to take place during a full moon, I highly recommend giving Bangla Road a miss tonight (or add it to day 1 or day 2 of your Phuket itinerary) and head to a full moon party on Paradise Beach instead. | READ MORE: THE BEST SCUBA DIVING AND SNORKELLING SPOTS IN THAILAND |. Its definitely possible to visit all year round, however, as Phuket has a tropical climate there will be more rain and monsoons throughout the months of May to October. Its the strangest experience, but amazing. Weve mentioned the other ways to arrive in Phuket above in this travel guide. as well, as you may find much cheaper options and then can make the short flight to Phuket. Koh Lanta is slightly less touristy than Phuket which we loved, the beaches we visited on our island hopping tour were empty and the fish we saw while snorkelling werent scared of us. It can get pretty busy in this area, but its totally worth a visit on your 4 days in Phuket itinerary! If youre starting to feel peckish after all that swimming and snorkeling this morning, head over to Phi Phi Don, the largest of the Phi Phi islands, for lunch. Most hotels in Phuket comes with free breakfast buffet. Its believed that on this night, a floating basket containing offerings to the gods is let loose, bringing good fortune. Its said a lot of miracles have occurred in the temple and inside the Poh Jao Wat area there are two statues of elderly men, one of whom is Ta Khee-Lek a man who went on to win numerous lotteries after his visit. Your 2-Week Thailand Itinerary - Phuket & Koh Samui If youve read my blog before you probably know that I strongly disliked my corporate job and used to escape at every opportunity I got (find out here how I went on 20 trips in 20 months while working 9-5). The underwater visibility is usually perfect and the reefs are homes to so many species of fish. Tip: Phuket is pronounced Poo-ket try to say it phonetically and you might end up in a spot of trouble! This day has a few options depending on what activities youd like to do. Koh Hong is another island with incredible caves and lagoons to explore. Its called Bamboo Island because you guessed it its covered in bamboo trees. Theres a stereotype about it being spicy, but coming from someone like me that cant handle hot food, trust me when I saw you have nothing to worry about. Once aboard, off you go to the Phi Phi islands! If youre feeling adventurous, there is a 2.5km trail leading up the hill. We spent the rest of our day in Koh Phi Phi Don exploring the markets and central streets and we made it up to the famous view point in time for sunset. Day 4: Take A Day Trip to Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island. You'll explore temples, beaches, an elephant sanctuary, authentic Thai markets, and luxury hotels. Promise! Phuket: 3-4 days. The Best 4 Day Phuket Itinerary: What To Do (2023) - The Sunrise Dreamers Thailand Itinerary 10 Days- Phuket, Khao Lak, Koh Lanta - Travel2Next Actually, more than a few plenty! How to get to Freedom Beach? At the time of visit 1 GBP was approximately equivalent to 50 THB. Ok, so youre either going to love me or hate me for this, but this morning youre getting up incredibly early to watch the sunrise from Karon Viewpoint. Thailand is one of the most popular travel destinations in the world, and one of my personal favourites. Psst: I always recommend checking flights into Bangkok as well, as you may find much cheaper options and then can make the short flight to Phuket. The Big Buddha is a 45 meter (yep, its huge!) They have a vegetarian menu and can make almost all the dishes vegan. Hong in Thai means room and it makes sense when youre canoeing through the caves. Enjoying the empty beaches of Koh Lanta, Thailand. The famous Phi Phi islands are only a short trip away from Phuket. From western restaurants to Thai food and street food its all delicious on the island! While the Thai word rommani means beautiful (and youll see why when you get to this street), the street used to be knownas the red light district in Phuket and now Soi Romanee roughly translates to naughty with the ladies! (Location here!). We stayed in the following hotels. While yesterdays islands were more about the beaches and relaxing, todays itinerary is a little more adventurous. Day 1 Wat Chalong Temple Wat Chalong is a Buddhist temple located in the northern part of Tambol Chalong. You guessed it, theres a place that will teach you Thai boxing on Kata beach. We think Patong is worth checking out on your Phuket 4 day itinerary, even if its for an hour or two! You can do lots of day trips from Phuket, check out this Phuket day trips guidefor more travel inspiration. The streets are lined with colorful cafes, shrines and temples. There are plenty of ways to get around depending on how much you want to spend and whether you prefer public transport or going it alone. so take the time to relax and enjoy the ride. Dont forget the mango sticky rice for dessert! After exploring the village, stop at one of the many seafood restaurants on this floating village. While the Thai word rommani means beautiful (and youll see why when you get to this street), the street used to be knownas the red light district in Phuket and now Soi Romanee roughly translates to naughty with the ladies! Its centred all around Phuket. ): You cant visit Phuket without trying the street food. There are a few trees for shade at the back of the beach (as it can get so hot in Thailand)! This Phuket itinerary is for you! PIN IT FOR LATER & SHARE IT WITH OTHERS! But its still interesting to take a boat around the cave and spot the unique rock formation as well as the bamboo scaffolding set up for the locals to collect the birds nests. Ferry prices change depending on the distance but can be around 600 or more. Opening hours: 10am - 10pm, open daily. 7 Days Backpacking Phuket Itinerary - The Ultimate Phuket Sandbox I found James Bond Island in itself not particularly exciting. This full day James Bond Island Day Trip from Phuket is the perfect one! Swimming with turtles in the Similan Islands, Thailand. When I first visited, I instantly fell in love. They were giving time to the beach to recover from the damage caused to its ecosystem. Of course, if youre visiting on your own I recommend coming here either early in the morning or after 5 in the evening. All the diving schools are regulated by PADI, the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, meaning that there is a set price at all the shops, no room for haggling, just pick the diving shop with the nicest instructors / fanciest boat / closest to your hotel etc. There are many great restaurants in Phuket and as the island is so big, you wont get a chance to try all the best places! And if youre following this Phuket itinerary, half of the time youll be exploring by boat anyways! Prepare to get soaked! Below is a suggested Phuket itinerary for 5 days based on our adventures in Thailand. Its located on the west side of the island and it isnt as easy to reach as the other beaches on this 4 days in Phuket itinerary. One of the best things to do in Phuket is to just simply to relax on the beach with a coconut! And who doesnt love a panoramic island sunrise? Youll also want to be careful as the drivers in Phuket are notoriously road-rageous! Travel time varies depending on where in Phuket you are, from the airport to where we were staying Karon Beach it took approximately 1 hour, since we got a collective taxi and it did other stops on the way. Before we jump straight into the day-by-day itinerary, I wanted to run you through some of the basic things you need to know about travelling to Thailand. Thai cuisine is rich of noodle and rice based dishes. The best time to visit Phuket is during the dry season, lasting from November to April. Last stop before heading back to Phuket is Maya Bay, made famous for being the location used in the filming of The Beach. 7-Day Itineraries Gems of Thailand: Bangkok & Phuket - 7 Days Gems of Thailand: Bangkok & Phuket - 7 Days View Map This seven-day guided tour showcases some of Thailand's top attractions, starting with a visit to the canals of Bangkok's Chao Praya River. Dont forget to look up and spot many colorful Chinese shrines. After our semi traumatic experience sailing through a tropical storm we spent the morning of day 7 relaxing on poolside, since we had direct pool access from our room this was pretty convenient. Pad Thai; one of the most traditional and popular amongst tourists, dishes in Thailand (I made this one!). Find out more here! You can find really nice accommodation for very cheap. Transfer/Car Getting around Thailand is pretty easy as there are many tour agencies selling tickets to popular destinations in Thailand. The locals will take you through on inflatable kayaks as it can be difficult to maneuver through them yourself. This island was my favourite part of our Thailand trip, the island is entirely pedestrian and there was such a chill island vibe I didnt want to leave. Malika Hotel $-$$ (Phuket Old Town) Modern hotel with a pool Find them on Booking.com here! the backpacking, beach partying, only need a couple of hours sleep side, and the I need a bit of R&R and a good nights sleep upmarket side (thats obviously not to say that there arent plenty of mid-range hotels in Phuket), : Rosewood Phuket (this is if you have no qualms about spending a fortune), : Check In Hostel (more than you could expect in a hostel, plus minutes from the beach), Heres my two favorite spots to eat in Phuket. Koh Phi Phi is the party island and a fun place to include on your 7 or 10-day Thailand itinerary or even if you're staying for a month. Hopefully, in your 4 day Phuket itinerary, one of those days is a Sunday so you can enjoy the Sunday Walking Street Market in Phuket Old Town. You can book either a half-day or a full-day tour, depending on how long you want to spend in the Maya Bay beach. The monsoon season in Phuket runs from May to October. Lets talk about accommodations where should you stay in Phuket? Your email address will not be published. 2023 Update: Maya Bay was closed for years due to over tourism. I'm sure you guys had a lot of fun. Its one of the best Templestays, Read More Staying in Golgulsa Temple: The Best Templestay in Korea (2023)Continue, Are you looking for a South Korea vegan guide? They serve delicious Thai food, in an outdoor setting and the prices are great. One of the few perks of the job was that I travelled a lot for work (nowhere exciting unfortunately, just small towns within the UK) and managed to accumulate lots of hotel points.