9-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Phuket

  • Day 1: Explore Phuket Old Town
    25 minutes (10.5 miles) from Phuket International Airport

    Discover the historic charm of Phuket Old Town with its shophouses, Chinese temples, and colorful streets. Visit the must-see Thalang Road and the trendy street art of Phang Nga Road. Don't miss the appetizing local food at the weekend night market on Thepkasattri Road.

  • Day 2: Splash Jungle Water Park and Mai Khao Beach
    25 minutes (9.5 miles) from Day 1

    Spend a fun day with your family at Splash Jungle Water Park, the largest water park on the island. Enjoy the thrilling slides, a lazy river, and a wave pool. Later, relax and soak in the serene Mai Khao Beach. Take a turtle conservation tour or just build sandcastles with your kids.

  • Day 3: Island Hopping to Phi Phi Islands
    1 hour (27 miles) from Day 2

    Embark on an island-hopping adventure by speedboat to the famous Phi Phi Islands. Admire the breathtaking scenery of Maya Bay, embrace the lively vibe at Monkey Beach, and discover the colorful marine life while snorkeling in the crystal-clear water. Don't forget to capture your precious moments at the stunning Viking Cave.

  • Day 4: Phuket Fantasea and Kamala Beach
    45 minutes (19 miles) from Day 3

    Experience the ultimate cultural theme park at Phuket Fantasea. Enjoy the magnificent theatrical show, explore the shopping village, and visit the tiger jungle adventure. Later, unwind at the peaceful Kamala Beach with its pristine sand and turquoise water.

  • Day 5: Big Buddha and Kata Beach
    30 minutes (11 miles) from Day 4

    Marvel at the stunning Big Buddha, a massive statue perched on top of a hill overlooking the island's scenic beauty. Take a panoramic photo at Karon Viewpoint and explore the Buddhist teachings at Wat Chalong. In the afternoon, relax at the beautiful Kata Beach with its soft sand and friendly waves.

  • Day 6: Surf House Phuket and Patong Beach
    20 minutes (7 miles) from Day 5

    Enjoy a thrilling surf experience at Surf House Phuket, Asia's first surf park. Practice your surfing skills or just chill out with a cold drink and a tasty snack. Later, head to the vibrant Patong Beach and stroll along the beachfront road full of shops, restaurants, and entertainment options.

  • Day 7: Similan Islands and Natai Beach
    2 hours (65 miles) from Day 6

    Take a live-aboard boat trip to the breathtaking Similan Islands, a natural paradise of white-sand beaches, crystal-clear water, and diverse marine life. Snorkel in the colorful reef, swim with sea turtles, and try cliff jumping. At sunset, head to the tranquil Natai Beach and admire the amazing twilight horizon.

  • Day 8: Phuket Trickeye Museum and Bang Tao Beach
    45 minutes (18 miles) from Day 7

    Get amazed by the 3D illusions and interactive art at Phuket Trickeye Museum. Take funny photos and enjoy the creative displays. Later, relax at the serene Bang Tao Beach, a long and wide stretch of powdery sand and calm sea. Take a walk along the beach or enjoy a spa treatment at one of the luxury resorts.

  • Day 9: Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Surin Beach
    1 hour (23 miles) from Day 8

    Immerse yourself in the heartwarming experience of Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, a natural habitat for rescued elephants to live freely and happily. Learn about their stories and behaviors while observing them from a respectful distance. In the afternoon, visit the charming Surin Beach with its delicate sand, clear water, and laid-back atmosphere. Enjoy a seafood dinner at one of the local restaurants.

Time and Costs Estimates

  • Phuket Old Town (2-3 hours, free)
  • Splash Jungle Water Park (6-7 hours, ฿1,295 adults, ฿650 kids)
  • Phi Phi Islands Tour (9-10 hours, ฿3,800 adults, ฿3,000 kids)
  • Phuket Fantasea (5-6 hours, ฿1,700 adults, ฿1,500 kids)
  • Big Buddha & Wat Chalong (2-3 hours, free)
  • Surf House Phuket (2-3 hours, ฿1,000 per hour)
  • Similan Islands Tour (2 days, 1 night, ฿9,000 adults, ฿6,000 kids)
  • Phuket Trickeye Museum (2-3 hours, ฿500 adults, ฿300 kids)
  • Phuket Elephant Sanctuary (3-4 hours, ฿2,500 adults, ฿1,500 kids)

Total Estimated Costs: ฿20,745 adults, ฿14,400 kids

Transportation

It's recommended to rent a car or book a private transfer for convenience and flexibility. Expect to pay around ฿1,000-฿1,500 per day for a car rental with insurance. Alternatively, you can take public transport or join group tours, which cost less but may be less comfortable and have fixed schedules. Taxis and Grab are available, but negotiate the price in advance, and be aware of scams.

Useful Tips

If you have more time, you can add a trip to the beautiful James Bond Island or explore more beaches like Kata Noi or Nai Harn. If you have less time, you can skip some of the island hopping tours or spend only a half-day at the water park. Remember to wear sunscreen, bring insect repellent and appropriate clothing, and respect the local customs and environment.

Airports

Phuket International Airport (HKT) is the main airport in Phuket and the second biggest airport in Thailand. It's located in the northern part of the island, around 35 km (22 miles) from Patong Beach. The airport code is HKT. You can reach the city center by taxi, shuttle bus, or private transfer in around 45 minutes. The airport has a range of facilities, including ATMs, currency exchange, duty-free shops, restaurants, and lounges.

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