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Things to do in Phuket Old Town

Our most recommended things to do in Phuket Old Town

Phuket: Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Great Buddha Van Tour

1. Phuket: Old Town, Chalong Temple, and Great Buddha Van Tour

Discover the beauty of Phuket on a full-day group tour by van. Capture pictures at the Karon, Nak-Kerd Sea, and Rang Hill viewpoints. See the Big Buddha statue and Phuket Old Town. Learn about local food production at a cashew factory. Enjoy the convenience of being picked up from your accommodation in Phuket. Sit back and relax on the scenic drive to Karon viewpoint. Stop to gaze out over the Andaman Sea. Continue to the Nak-Kerd Sea viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views of the coastline. Head to the iconic Big Buddha statue to take photographs of the largest sitting Buddha statue on the island. Travel to Chalong Temple and discover Buddhist traditions and architecture in one of the most celebrated temples in Phuket. See one of Phuket's major exports at a local cashew nut factory. Find out how cashews are manufactured. Drive to Phuket Old Town and have some free time to wander through the unique architecture of the colorful Sino-Portuguese buildings. Make your way to the Rang Hill viewpoint to catch stunning panoramic views of the south of Phuket. Relax and purchase a drink before returning to your accommodation in Phuket.

Phuket: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Instagram Tour

2. Phuket: City Highlights and Hidden Gems Instagram Tour

Join a local guide to explore Phuket's highlights and hidden gems on this full-day tour. Take a guided walk in Phuket Old Town, visit Wat Chalong and the Big Buddha, discover the best local viewpoints, and enjoy time to relax on Ya Nui Beach. First, head to Phuket's Old Town, known for its vibrantly colored, centuries-old Sino-Portuguese houses that will transport you to a different era. Stroll along the streets, take in the sights and sounds, and explore Soi Romanee, one of the most famous streets in the Old Town. Up next is Chaithararam Temple or Wat Chalong, the largest and most sacred temple in Phuket as it houses a bone fragment of Buddha. Wander around the temple, taking in the decorative walls and ceilings that depict mosaics of Buddha’s life. After taking in the glory that is Wat Chalong, head over to The Big Buddha, aptly named for the large 45-meter-tall alabaster statue of Buddha sitting atop a hill. Snap some photos of this famous landmark as well as the surrounding scenery before making your way to Nui Beach. Once at Nui Beach, you can take a breather and enjoy a local lunch (at your own expense) before making your way to Karon Viewpoint to take in the breathtaking views of the Andaman Sea and the island's lush greenery. Head to Ya Nui Beach next where you can spend some free time resting and relaxing, snorkeling, and swimming. To end the day, you’ll head to Windmill Viewpoint and Promthep Cape to take photos of even more seascapes and gorgeous views to memorialize the day’s adventure.

Phuket: Half-Day City Highlights and Viewpoints Group Tour

3. Phuket: Half-Day City Highlights and Viewpoints Group Tour

Discover the most iconic and picturesque sites throughout Phuket on this half-day tour and learn local history from your guide along the way. Snap pictures at locations like the Karon view point and the charming streets of Phuket's Old Town.   Starts with pickup in the main lobby of your hotel and relax on on your way to the first stop in Phuket Old Town. Discover Sino-Portuguese style architecture, such as the former Charter Standard Bank building and vibrant street art along Thalang Road. Find out where the locals like to eat before heading to the Chalong Temple, where you can see the glistering pagoda and wax model of "Cham Abbot," who is highly respected by the people of Phuket.  Continue on the top of the Nakkerd Hills where the Big Buddha statue was built as a symbol of peace and unity. Marvel at the majestic 45-meter high marble, Marnwichai-style statue up-close while enjoying the views of both Chalong Bay and Kata Bay. Go to a wind power energy plant situated near the Promthep Cape which is renowned for its stunning views. Finally, take in the views from the Karon viewpoint overlooking the west coast of the island and the sea before heading back to your accommodation.

Phuket: Old Town Food Tasting Tour with 14 Dishes

4. Phuket: Old Town Food Tasting Tour with 14 Dishes

Explore why Phuket is considered one of Thailand's top foodie hotspots on a walking and tasting tour in the Old Town. Treat yourself to more than 14 different dishes as you make your way through the Central Market. Enjoy spiced rice cooked in banana leaves and traditional rotis. Meet your guide in outside the famous Central Market and begin your walking tour. Weave through the streets and admire a Chinese temple from the outside. Start off with trying a Phuketian classic snack of spiced rice cooked in banana leaves. Back at the market, your guide will take you to a hidden little teashop which serves the local Burmese working community. Here, you'll try Burmese curries, crispy samosas, and other delights accompanied by naans freshly cooked in their wood-fired oven and washed down with sweet tea. Go down the road to find an outdoor fresh fruit and vegetable market where your guide will explain the ingredients that go into Thai cuisine. Sample exotic fruits, juices, and other tasty morsels like deep-fried coconut balls and prawns cooked in banana leaves. Continue your culinary adventure with a bowl of rich Hokkien noodles from a little restaurant. Discover an indoor market famed for its fresh spring rolls filled with cured pork and topped with sweet sauce. Try their coconut pork skewers served with rich peanut satay and zingy ajat cucumber relish. Take a sweet twist as you help yourself to a particularly special Phuket-style crepe cooked over fiery coals. Cool down with a refreshing iced dessert and a sweet milky tea as you indulge on flaky rotis. Return back to the Central Market with a full stomach. Your guide will help direct you back to your accommdations.

Phuket: Old Town Street Food Delights Walking Tour

5. Phuket: Old Town Street Food Delights Walking Tour

Discover some of Phuket’s most delicious local eateries on a walking tour around the Old Town with a foodie guide. See how Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures have left their culinary mark on Phuket. Stop at shops frequented by locals including A Pong Mae Sunee, Pun Te, Aroon Po Chana, and more. Meet your guide at Mue-Yium Cafe and Bistro before heading to the first spot, the famed A Pong Mae Sunee, a family-run shop that has been selling crepes for over 50 years. Try their coconut or crispy crepes which have been mentioned in the Michelin Guide. Next, head to Pun Te, a fairly new food court tucked away in a dead end near Yaowarat Road. See little halls with vendors who specialize in Baba Nyonya cuisine – a mixture of Chinese wok cooking style with Malay ingredients. Order some Hokkien noodles or dim sum sets. After devouring some savory dishes, make your way to Torry’s Ice Cream, a local haunt known for its traditional Phuket desserts as well as its Sino-European interior and exterior. Cool down with a sweet treat at this cafe-style ice cream parlor before heading to the next stop. Follow your guide to Aroon Po Chana to savor home-cooked meals such as roti, chicken curry, and seafood dishes. Besides their mouth-watering food, they also have an extensive drinks menu with iced tea, Thai tea, or coffee. Before ending the tour, take a stroll along Thalang Road and catch glimpses of local life against the colorful backdrop of beautifully preserved shops. If you take the tour on a weekend, you can also pass by Phuket Walking Street in the heart of Phuket Old Town. Important Note: Kindly note that most restaurants mentioned tend to close by early afternoon. If you choose the 2:30 pm slot, your experienced guide will take you to alternative (but just as delicious) street food stalls to ensure you still get a taste of authentic Phuket street cuisine. If you would like to stick to this itinerary, it is highly recommended to book the morning slots.

Phuket: Private ATV, Zipline & Phuket City Tour

6. Phuket: Private ATV, Zipline & Phuket City Tour

Get the adrenaline pumping with an ATV ride and zipline adventure in nature. Snap photos of glorious views at Karon Viewpoint, marvel at the Big Buddha, explore the temple grounds of Wat Chalong, and stroll through colorful Phuket Old Town. Start bright and early by picking you up from your hotel before we kick things off with an-hour long ATV ride. Go off road on a Phuket ATV and explore the island’s terrain before heading straight to the zipline area, where you’ll soar through the air, witnessing the beauty of Phuket. After an exhilarating ride, it’s time to get out your cameras as you make our way to Karon Viewpoint. Snap photos and take in the glorious vista before going to Ao Sane Beach. After all the energy expended, refuel with a delicious lunch before enjoying the refreshing waters by the shore. You can even rent out a snorkelling mask and try your hand at spotting marine creatures before the next stop. One of the main landmarks of the city, the 45 meter alabaster statue known as the Big Buddha Phuket is the next destination. Take in the sweeping views once you reach the base of the statue and marvel at the majesty of the third tallest statue in Thailand. The next stop in the rest of our Phuket City Tour is the Wat Chalong or Chalong Temple. The largest and most sacred temple in Phuket, legend has it that the grand pagoda actually houses a fragment of Buddha’s bone. Walk through the temple grounds and explore the gilded halls with beautiful golden statues and intricate details. The last stop of the day is Phuket Old Town, known for its colorful old-style shophouses and many opportunities to browse. Ogle at the many street vendors selling their wares, stop to taste the local street food, and even purchase a souvenir to remember your day by before you make your way back to your hotel to end the day.

Phuket: City Tour with Yoga, or Muay Thai Class

7. Phuket: City Tour with Yoga, or Muay Thai Class

Start the day bright and early and be taken to your first activity, get the opportunity to choose between a yoga class or a Muay Thai class. If you choose yoga, prepare yourself for the day ahead with a tranquil workout and meditation sessions with a local yoga teacher. The shared yoga class will be taught in a studio, the private group option will get to workout on the beach at Naiharn Beach. Or, burn off some calories in a Muay Thai class. Learn the basics of this much-loved Thai martial art and perfect a couple of punch and kick combos. After a sweaty workout, purchase a delicious local lunch. Head to Karon Viewpoint for the first stop of the Phuket city tour. Snap photos of all corners of the island, then continue on to the Big Buddha statue. Standing an impressive 45 meters in height, the statue is one of the most famous landmarks on the island. Continue to Wat Chalong, one of Phuket’s most sacred temples. It is rumored that a fragment of Buddha’s bone can be found in the hall of the grand pagoda. Marvel at the numerous golden statues and detailed carvings of the temple before heading to the last stop. Finish the tour in the Old Town of Phuket. This famous Portuguese-inspired area houses colorful shops that sell a variety of local wares. Wander the streets to take in the sights, sounds, and culinary smells, before you’re returned back to your accommodation.

Phuket: Half-Day Instagram Photography Tour

8. Phuket: Half-Day Instagram Photography Tour

Your photography adventure begins with hotel pickup after midday and heads to the colorful old town district of Phuket. Built at the beginning of the 19th century, this artsy neighborhood is known for its vibrant streets and well-preserved Sino-Portuguese town houses. Spend some time exploring the area with your guide, snapping photos of the eclectic architecture and the hustle and bustle of locals going about their day. Capture incredible photos of the sprawling landscape from this impressive vantage point before moving on to the next stop of the day, Wat Chalong. After some time exploring and snapping photos of the temples at Wat Chalong, continue the tour towards the highest mountain in Phuket and discover the world-famous Big Buddha. Marvel at and take photos of this religious landmark that dominates the skyline and glows against the ever changing colors of the sky behind it. Time to hit some beaches next with a stop at Yanui Beach, also known as the 'secret beach of Phuket', as well as viewpoints of Chalong and Kata Beach. Finally, visit the iconic Promthep Cape and watch the sunset across the sea, providing an incredibly colorful landscape to photograph. After an unforgettable day, relax, reminisce, and look over your photos as you are dropped off to your hotel at around 8pm.

Phuket: Michelin Guide Food Tour

9. Phuket: Michelin Guide Food Tour

Discover some of the finest Thai cuisine in Phuket on a guided food tour. Join a foodie guide to discover some of the finest eateries, restaurants, and stalls featured in the Michelin Guide. After being picked up from your hotel, start your culinary adventure on the outskirts of the city in Jadjan Restaurant run by Chef Suthee. Try some of the simple yet delicious Southern Thai recipes from the menu. Next, make your way to O Cha Rot, an unassuming, 30-year old restaurant that is famous for its hearty noodle soups. If you’ve still got some space in your belly, head to Wanlamun Phuket and choose from their wide array of traditional sweets. Finally, stop at the Lock Tien Food Court, which houses a number of local dishes. Try Phuket staples such as Mee Hokkien (fried noodles), Bee Hoon Kra Dook Moo (stir-fried mee noodle with pork ribs), Lo-Ba (minced pork and rice), Oh-Eaw (shredded ice dessert), and Tao Sor (sweet cake).

Phuket: Local Treats Guided Evening Tour

10. Phuket: Local Treats Guided Evening Tour

Embark on a whirlwind culinary journey tasting the flavors of Southern Thailand on this evening quest. Before the food, visit a donation-based barbershop where locals meet regularly to get their hair cut by a professional while socializing –opt for a quick trim if you like! Also visit Kio Thian Keng Saphan Hin Shrine - a beautiful, multi-colored temple that looks especially enchanting as the sun sets. The guide will explain the temple’s significance to local people, especially noting its role during the Vegetarian festival. Next, it’s on to the first food stop where we will taste Khanom Chin - a must-try southern Thai dish. These thin rice noodles come recommended by Chef Supaksorn “Ice” Jongsiri, owner-chef of Sorn (Two Michelin Stars, Thailand Michelin Guide 2022). Local people enjoy eating Khanom chin with their curry of choice, accompanied by the free, fresh condiments and spices offered at the restaurant. It’s entirely up to the diner what they choose to put in their Khanom Chin. This personal aspect of flavouring your own dish makes it a popular choice. After completing the first food quest, head to the viewpoint on Khao Rang Hill to enjoy the city’s magnificent vistas at sunset if the timing is right. Make sure to have those cameras ready to capture the magical views. Next, head to the second stop in the centre of Phuket Old Town to try Oh Aew, a shaved ice dessert. Introduced by Hokkien Chinese settlers, it is named after its main ingredient - a jelly made from seeds of the o-aew plant. After cooling down with this delicious dessert, wander along Thalang Road, admiring the pretty blend of Chinese and European-style architecture and exploring the many boutique shops. Finally, enjoy the bustling night market on the hunt for more delicious local treats; from sticky mango rice to spicy satay skewers. Enjoy the food in a celebratory atmosphere as live music often completes the vibe

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What people are saying about Phuket Old Town

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 668 reviews

Our tour guide, Pema, was exceptional! She was kind, attentive, knowledgeable, and caring throughout the whole day. She made sure all the meals and drinks were accommodating to everyone, such as lactose intolerance and no pork. We got to learn about the gastronomy & origins of the food we were about to consume which made the experiences even better! I think the best part is that we got to learn about and experience Thai food from many different regions. She made sure to give us walking and talking breaks to help digest and prepare the stomach for more food. The flavors were immaculate and helped me see the complexity, history and influences in Thai food. Recommendations: be prepared to walk and learn, be prepared to eat lots so don't feel pressured to finish everything so you can try all the food items (some of us were too full to appreciate the last spot which was also phenomenal). Highly recommend Pema and I will return to show my friends and family all the tasty food in Thailand!

The tour of tours! If you are in Phuket do not miss this tour - absolutely amazing! You basically get to do everything - swimming and snorkelling on a wonderful remote beach, visit the big Buddha and meet with a monk, visit a temple, see a number of highlights and end in Old Town Phuket for the perfect meal, sightseeing and shopping. And top of all, Kim, our guide - absolutely perfect! She was so full of information, kind and engaging, made the tour attendees a real group which brought even more joy to the sightseeing. It was our last day in Thailand and we could have not asked for a better day - and massive praises to our guide for that. Easily said - totally recommended!

Waiting time for transport to pick me up for tour is long due to the location im staying and streets, the tour guide is very knowledgeable and knows his things, fluent english spoken, didn’t waste a lot of time at an area of attractions where most of us are not interested in, very caring as well

A great experience to explore Phuket. Our tour guider helped us alot.

Great day of seeing the sights and enjoying Phuket.