Phuket 7-Day Guide: Beaches, Culture & Food
One unforgettable week in Thailand’s biggest island—balanced between island-hopping, serene temples, colorful markets, and world-class Thai food. This itinerary is designed for first-timers who want variety without rushing.
Day 1 — Soft Landing: Beach & Sunset
Morning arrival → Hotel check-in → Afternoon beach → Sunset viewpoint → Night market
Shake off jet lag with a calm beach afternoon at Kata or Karon. Grab a coconut, swim, and keep hydration front-of-mind—tropical heat sneaks up fast. Near golden hour, ride or taxi to Karon Viewpoint for a panoramic sweep of the bays. For dinner, browse a night market (e.g., rotating local markets often pop up on weeknights) and sample moo ping (grilled pork skewers), mango sticky rice, and fresh fruit shakes.
Day 2 — Old Phuket Town & Cultural Trail
Morning cafés → Sino-Portuguese streets → Temples → Sunday night market (if Sunday)
Head to Old Phuket Town for pastel shophouses, artsy cafés, and heritage lanes. Stroll Thalang and Romanee roads for colorful façades, street art, and boutique stores. Visit a local temple respectfully (covered shoulders/knees inside), then cool off with an iced Thai tea. If your trip hits Sunday, the Lard Yai Walking Street buzzes with food, crafts, and live music—perfect for grazing dinner and people-watching.
Day 3 — Island-Hopping (Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay)
Early speedboat → Snorkel → Lagoon swim → Beach time
Choose your vibe: Phiphi Islands for snorkeling, bright coves, and postcard beaches; or Phang Nga Bay for dramatic limestone karsts and calm emerald water with sea-cave kayaking. Go with a reputable operator that caps group sizes and includes reef-safe sunscreen guidance. Pack a dry bag, rash guard, and motion-sickness tabs if needed. By evening you’ll be sun-kissed and ready for an easy dinner near your hotel.
Day 4 — Big Buddha, Wat Chalong & Coastal Hopping
Morning temples → Scenic viewpoints → Nai Harn & Windmill
Start at Wat Chalong, Phuket’s most revered temple—go early, dress modestly, and keep voices low. Continue to the hilltop Big Buddha for sweeping 360° views. After lunch, drift south for a beach trio: Nai Harn (relaxed), Ao Sane (snorkel-friendly), and the breezy Windmill Viewpoint. Wrap the day with grilled seafood—look for spots with fresh displays on ice and clear pricing.
Day 5 — Adventure Day: ATV, Ziplines or Thai Cooking
Pick one hero activity → Afternoon spa → Casual night out
If you crave adrenaline, go ziplining through forest canopy or ATV rides on guided trails (always wear the provided safety gear). Prefer slow travel? Book a Thai cooking class that starts in a local market—learning to balance sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors is a souvenir you can eat forever. In the afternoon, treat yourself to a reputable spa for a Thai massage; communicate pressure clearly and hydrate after.
Day 6 — Freedom Beach & Sunset Sail
Morning hike or long-tail to Freedom Beach → Pool chill → Catamaran cruise
Freedom Beach is a stunner with powdery sand and clear water. Access can involve a steep path or hiring a long-tail boat from Patong—either way, go early. After lunch, enjoy downtime by the pool. Toward late afternoon, join a sunset catamaran or long-tail cruise: gentle breezes, music, and that sky-on-fire finale make for a memorable penultimate evening.
Day 7 — Café Hop, Last-Minute Souvenirs & Rooftop Goodbye
Leisurely brunch → Local crafts → Rooftop toast
Keep your last day light. Brunch at a beach-view café or a roastery in Old Town, then pick up artisanal gifts—coconut bowls, natural soaps, batik prints, or locally roasted coffee beans. Time your final sunset at a rooftop bar or a quiet stretch of sand. Toast a week well spent.
Where to Stay
- Kata/Karon: Balanced beaches, families, and couples.
- Patong: Nightlife and shopping, busiest vibe.
- Kamala/Surin: Quieter upscale resorts.
- Old Phuket Town: Culture, cafés, and heritage hotels.
Getting Around
- Apps: Grab or Bolt for point-to-point.
- Scooter: For experienced riders only; always wear a helmet.
- Day tours: Easy for islands and far-flung spots.
- Taxis/private drivers: Great for multi-stop days.
Food & Drinks You’ll Love
- Pad kra pao (holy basil stir-fry) with a fried egg on top.
- Massaman or green curry—ask for mild if needed.
- Fresh seafood: grilled prawns, snapper, and squid with lime-chili dips.
- Island fruit shakes and mango sticky rice for dessert.
Smart Budgeting (per person)
- Meals: $4–$12 for local; $15–$30+ for sit-down restaurants.
- Island tours: ~$45–$120 depending on boat and group size.
- Spa/massage: $10–$40+ (type & venue vary).
- Transport: $3–$15 per ride in-island by app taxi, more for long routes.
- When to go: Dry season typically brings calmer seas and clearer skies; shoulder months can be great value with fewer crowds.
- Sun safety: SPF 50 reef-safe sunscreen, hat, and a light long-sleeve for boat days.
- Respect: Remove shoes at temple thresholds; keep shoulders/knees covered inside; keep voices low.
- Connectivity: Airport SIM counters are convenient; eSIMs work well if your phone supports them.
- Cash & cards: Cards are common in hotels/cafés; keep some cash for markets and long-tail boats.
- Eco-care: Don’t touch coral, skip single-use plastics, pack out your trash.