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.

Duration: 7 days
Style: Relax + Explore
Best for: Couples, Friends, Solo
Budget: $$–$$$

Golden hour over a Phuket beach with long-tail boat — Classic Phuket: turquoise water, long-tail boats, and sunset skies.

Quick start: Base yourself in Kata or Karon for laid-back beaches and easy dining; choose Patong if you want nightlife; stay in Old Phuket Town for culture and cafés. Rent a scooter only if you’re experienced; otherwise use Grab, Bolt, or hotel transfers for day trips.

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 and sample moo ping, 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, then cool off with an iced Thai tea. If it\'s Sunday, the Lard Yai Walking Street is perfect for food and live music.

Colorful Sino-Portuguese shophouses in Old Phuket Town — Old Phuket Town’s photogenic shophouses—great for a half-day wander and coffee hop.

Day 3 — Island-Hopping (Phi Phi or Phang Nga Bay)

Early speedboat → Snorkel → Lagoon swim → Beach time

Choose your vibe: Phiphi Islands for snorkeling and postcard beaches; or Phang Nga Bay for dramatic limestone cliffs and sea-cave kayaking. Go with a reputable operator that includes reef-safe sunscreen rules. Pack a dry bag and rash guard.

Day 4 — Big Buddha, Wat Chalong & Coastal Hopping

Morning temples → Scenic viewpoints → Nai Harn & Windmill

Start at Wat Chalong, then continue to the hilltop Big Buddha for big views. After lunch, explore Nai Harn, Ao Sane, and the breezy Windmill Viewpoint. Finish with grilled seafood.

Wat Chalong temple complex in Phuket at golden hour — Wat Chalong at golden hour—pair it with Big Buddha for a culture + viewpoint combo.

Day 5 — Adventure Day: ATV, Ziplines or Thai Cooking

Pick one hero activity → Afternoon spa → Casual night out

Choose adrenaline (zipline / ATV) or slow travel (Thai cooking class). Afternoon spa. Night out or relaxed dinner.

Day 6 — Freedom Beach & Sunset Sail

Morning hike or long-tail → Pool chill → Catamaran cruise

Freedom Beach is a gem with clear water. Access via steep path or long-tail boat. Afternoon rest. Sunset cruise for the finale.

Day 7 — Café Hop, Souvenirs & Goodbye

Brunch → Local crafts → Rooftop sunset

Slow morning, souvenir shopping, and a final sunset at a rooftop bar or beach.

Where to Stay

Kata/Karon: Balanced beaches.
Patong: Nightlife.
Kamala/Surin: Quiet upscale.
Old Phuket Town: Culture & cafés.

Getting Around

Apps: Grab/Bolt.
Scooter: Only if experienced.
Day tours: Best for islands.
Taxis/drivers: Great for multi-stop days.

Food & Drinks

Pad kra pao + fried egg.
Massaman or green curry.
Fresh seafood grills.
Mango sticky rice.

Smart Budgeting

Meals: $4–$12 local.
Tours: $45–$120.
Spa: $10–$40.
Transport: $3–$15.

Practical Tips

Weather: Dry season = calm seas.
Sun safety: SPF 50 reef-safe.
Respect: Dress modestly at temples.
Connectivity: Airport SIM or eSIM.
Cash: Keep some for markets.
Eco-care: Avoid coral & plastics.