Ten Best Day Trips in Phuket, Thailand

by Jane Sophia
Longtale boat

When you read an article listing the most beautiful destinations in the world, Phuket is often at the very top of the list. The graceful palm trees, gorgeous white sands, glittering blue seas, and fun and lively small towns give Phuket a unique and breathtaking quality for every type of traveler. If you’ve watched blockbusters such as Leonardo DiCaprio’s The Beach, the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies (1997), or even Star Wars: Episode III Revenge of the Sith (2005), you’ve definitely been to Phuket through the silver screen. Whether searching for exotic foods, exclusive luxury, or family entertainment, Phuket and its surrounding areas are not to be missed.

Phuket road trips

With lots of ways of discovering Phuket, the best is taking a day or weekend trip. Prepare first by picking a vehicle in top condition. The striking pearl perched on the Andaman Sea is awash with affordable Phuket car rental options. Book the car online and pick it up at the Phuket International Airport.  Once ready with a physical map, GPS system, and fully charged phone, then it’s time to hit the road. Your itinerary for the road trip should include finding great food, lots of unforgettable culture, parties on the beach, secluded dinners,and memorable vibes. Pass by Old Phuket for Royal Thai cuisines, enter Thavorn Hotel Museum, take selfies by the Big Buddha overlooking Chalong Bay, enter Wat Chalong temple for a quick prayer, and end the day with a great dose of unforgettable sunset at Promthep Cape.

Visit Phi Phi Islands

With lots of day trips in Phuket, it’s almost sinful to leave this area of Thailand without a speedboat to Phi Phi Islands. The six spectacular islands offer a kaleidoscope of lush foliage, karst limestone, and impressive scenic masterpieces. See notable sights at Maya Bay and Ko Phi Phi Don and snorkel for a close view of the most appealing crystal clear blue waters around Phi Phi Islands.

Take your breath away at Phang Nga Bay

If you’ve watched James Bond’s the Man with a Gold Gun, then you’ve definitely seen these rocky islands cloaked with the elegance of the jungle jutting out of the clearest waters. Snap a quick photo by Koh Ping Gan, pass by Koh Panyee Muslim fishing outpost, Kayak at Koh Hong and Koh Panak, and be ready to meet packs of tourists out to enjoy the sights as well.

Koh Yao Noi escape

Looking for some seclusion in Phuket? A long tail boat ride for about 60 minutes from Phuket to the island of Koh Yao Noi will do the trick. See locals in their most traditional self as they run small shops, farm, and fish, and witness great views of Phang Nga Bay rising from the clear blue sea.

Koh Hae the Coral Island

Just six kilometers from Phuket, Koh Hae as locally known is the perfect day trip if you love the beach, white soft sand, and snorkeling with trumpet fish, butter fish, and parrotfish. Coral Island offers kayaking activities, banana boat adventures, open-air beach massages, and parasailing. Complete your Coral Island trip with quality cuisine at any of the Beachfront restaurants. Extend your Phuket day trips if you’ve some extra spare time to Racha Islands, Khao Lak, Mu Ko Similan National Park, and Koh Yao Yai to view open natural wonders, partake the delightfulness of perfect sunsets with some fusion tapas, fun, culture, and great food.

The great news is that you can pick your car rental upon arrival or make a prior booking. Discovering Phuket in a day road trip is a delightful way of immersing yourself into the island as you smell the blue ocean, bask in the sun, taste unique gourmet delights, meet real people, and explore ride winding roads.

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