Phuket Itinerary: Attractions You Can’t Miss
Phuket Big Buddha
We started our exploration at sunrise to see the 150 foot tall Buddha. This large marble statue overlooks the ocean of Phuket and is the third tallest statue in Thailand. The name in Thai is Phra Phutta Ming Mongkol Eknakiri, meaning “The Cherished Auspicious Lord Buddha atop Naga Hill”. The view over the ocean and the city is so beautiful, it’s one of the best vistas in Thailand. We recommend you arrive early in the morning to beat the crowds and watch the sunrise.
As we walked up the steps early in the morning, the white marble glistening in the sun, which stunned us with its beauty. It’s a great place to take a stroll, relax, and enjoy the nature. The area surrounding Phuket Big Buddha is not large and there isn’t much to see compared to other temples so you only need 30 minutes to an hour to explore this area. If you put this on your itinerary, be sure to schedule a taxi ride back into Phuket since it’s hard to get a Grab from here.
Kim’s Massage
First Massage
When in Thailand, you get a massage! My friends recommended getting a massage in Thailand because the prices are great. I have had a professional massage once in my life, but Michael had never had one before. Kim’s Massage has locations all throughout Phuket and excellent reviews. We went to location 5 in Phuket Old Town. Thankfully, we arrived in the evening so there was no wait. They bring an English menu where you can choose the service you want. There are many options for body parts, sets, and packages. I got a back & shoulder special (with herbal balm) which was an hour long.
I don’t quite remember the process because I was so relaxed that my mind shut off. Michael was a bit nervous to get a massage since his body is extremely sensitive but he gave it a try. He got a head massage, and he felt like his head was slowly melting as the stress in his neck was releasing. At points, he tried not to flinch but it got a bit difficult when she messaged his shoulders for a short time. After our massages were over they gave us hot tea, towels, and a small snack. It was the perfect way to end our night.
Second Massage
The next day we decided to go back because we loved it so much! We decided to do a couples traditional Thai Massage. This massage uses elements of acupressure, yoga-like stretches, and energy work. They gave us clothes to change into and we started our hour massage. I really enjoyed it as I like the feeling of assisted stretching but I was a bit sore from my massage the night before. For Michael, the full-body massage was a bit painful since he isn’t used to stretching. It wasn’t quite his cup of tea but it was a great experience that we got to do together this time.
Ma Doo Bua
If you’ve seen Instagram reels from Phuket you’ve probably seen Ma Doo Bau. It is famous for their drone photo zone of a boat surrounded by beautiful lotus. Ma Doo Bau is not just a cafe but they also have Thai villas you can stay in. We only came because we really wanted to take that picture. On our first day we visited the cafe in the afternoon, but the time slots for the drone photos were all sold out. The next day, we arrived to the cafe an hour early and waited in line so we could guarantee our spot. We got the second slot, and by the time we left the cafe they were reserved several hours in advance, so getting there early is key.
You’re not allowed to fly your own drone, and must reserve a spot when you arrive. They offer various photo packages based on the location and number of people. You can take pictures on the boat or the standing bua (lotus leaf). For the standing bua there is a weight limit of 50kilos. We booked two different packages, with Michael and I going together and I took some on my own separately. Each session was 15 minutes and they can airdrop or email you the photos.
This activity is definitely geared towards tourists, but what are we if not tourists? To this day it’s still one of our favorite photos that we have taken together. If you don’t know how to pose, don’t worry the staff will help adjust you to get the picture perfect photo. If you’re looking for Insta-worthy spots, this should be at the top of your Phuket itinerary.
Thai Cooking Class
We love Thai food and we decided to do something we hadn’t tried before, a guided cooking experience. We booked our cooking class through Airbnb. They offer a morning class from 9am-1pm or afternoon class from 4pm-8pm. We decided to arrive at the cooking class location versus being picked up. The class consists of a small group of around 4-10 people. After everyone arrived, we got in a van and rode for a short time to Kathu market.
Local Market
Our host Tony’s assistant guided us through the market as we got fresh and local ingredients for the food we would be making later. At the market, we had the option of getting tea or coffee. Thai iced tea is truly life changing for me! It was so delicious but not overly sweet, and I drank it down like water. As we walked through the market our guide took us to various stands and had us smell herbs, feel vegetables, and observe meats to see the freshness and how the quality should be. We also stopped at some local snack stalls and sampled some fruits that we would be having later.
Cooking Class
After arriving back from the market, it was time to cook! We were going to make soup (two options), curry (four options), and a stir fry (four options). Michael and I made sure to not make the same dishes so we could try more options, although we both chose pad Thai. Pad Thai is too good to share, therefore in order to have a healthy relationship, we both decided to make some.
Tony sat down with us and explained the menu and the steps to make these amazing meals. Everything was excellently prepared, from individual burners and measuring tools to portioned ingredients. Tony walked around and help us when needed, and instructed very clearly. I can’t believe I made a Thai feast, I was in shock of what I accomplished.
We also made the iconic MANGO STICKY RICE! We all had 4 dishes for our feast including the snacks and fruit from the market. The food was a *mwah* chef’s kiss. The room was really quiet as everyone was enjoying the Thai dishes they created. It was so good that I had trouble deciding whether to eat my favorite part first or save it for last. After the class, they send pictures from the day and handed out pdfs of the recipes so you can make it at home.
Soi Romanee
Soi Romanee is a charming street located in the heart of downtown Phuket. Once a red-light district, the area has been beautifully restored, with brightly painted buildings now housing coffee shops, guesthouses, and small stores. The architecture, featuring the stunning Sino-Portuguese style, adds to the street’s visual appeal.
It’s a perfect spot for photography or simply wandering, as you’ll find unique corners and local businesses that highlight the area’s rich history and modern-day charm. Soi Romanee offers a delightful blend of culture, relaxation, and exploration. We spent our time getting ice cream, visiting cafes, and taking cute pictures. I absolutely love colorful buildings; they make me feel lively and excited.
Museum Phuket
The Museum of Phuket occupies a former bank building in the heart of downtown. This small museum spans two buildings and offers insightful exhibitions on the history of Phuket. It features several rooms that highlight the migration of the Hokkien Chinese to Thailand, showcasing their influence on the island’s culture and development.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in history, the museum is free to visit and lets you explore beautiful architecture and fascinating displays. Take a few minutes to wander through its exhibits, and you’ll gain a deeper understanding of the island’s rich heritage. The museum’s central location makes it a convenient and enriching stop while exploring downtown Phuket.
Nai Thon Beach
Nai Thon Beach is located on the west coast of Phuket, known for its peaceful and secluded atmosphere. Unlike the more popular beaches in Phuket, it remains less crowded, making it an ideal spot for relaxation. The beach features soft white sand, and its warm, clear blue waters are perfect for swimming. The beach is also home to nearby resorts and offers a variety of activities, including snorkeling and nature walks.
The lush, tropical surroundings and clear waters make it a great spot for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility. Additionally, Nai Thon Beach stays relatively protected from strong currents, making it a safe spot for swimming year-round. There is a long, large staircases leading down to the beach which is iconic for photos.
This was one of the last places we visited during our trip, and it provided a calm, quiet retreat away from the bustling crowds. Michael and I spent the afternoon there, watching the sunset and swimming, which left us feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. It was while swimming that we came up with the idea to start a blog to share our travel experiences.
In Korean, the word “healing” refers to the process of relaxing and being refreshed by the environment around you. Our time at Nai Thon Beach truly embodied that sense of healing.
Final Thoughts
As our trip came to an end, we couldn’t help but reflect on the beautiful memories we had made. From the tranquil beauty of Nai Thon Beach to the vibrant culture and history we discovered throughout Phuket, this island gave us experiences we’ll never forget. Our journey was filled with healing moments, delicious food, and breathtaking sights. Until next time, Phuket—thank you for the memories!
Check out our Travel Diary
