10 Things to Do in Phuket You Must Not Miss | Kora Holidays
Whether you are joining our 7-day Bangkok-Pattaya-Phuket package or the 8-day tour, Phuket rewards those who go beyond the resort pool. Designed with the Nepali traveler in mind, here is what to put on your ultimate 2026 travel list.
Phuket Fast Facts
- Location: Phuket, Thailand
- Best time to visit: November – April
- Suits: Couples, families, and group travel
- Packages: Starting from NPR 65K
1. Phi Phi Islands Full-Day Tour
No trip to Phuket is complete without a speedboat to the Phi Phi Islands, arguably the most photogenic cluster of islands in all of Southeast Asia. Towering limestone cliffs plunge into impossibly turquoise water and snorkeling here reveals coral gardens teeming with life. Maya Bay, made famous by the film The Beach, is a short detour away.
The Kora Perk: Included in both Kora Holidays Phuket packages—just show up with sunscreen and a dry bag.
2. James Bond Island & Phang Nga Bay
Phang Nga Bay is a landscape straight out of a dream, featuring hundreds of karst limestone towers rising from calm green water. The bay's iconic "James Bond Island" (Ko Tapu) gained worldwide fame from the 1974 film The Man with the Golden Gun. The full-day tour by longtail boat or speedboat also passes through sea caves and floating villages.
Offered as an optional excursion in the 8-day Kora Holidays tour.
3. Patong Beach: The Heartbeat of Phuket
Patong is where the island comes alive. The 3 km beach is perfect for a morning swim or an afternoon under a parasol with fresh coconut in hand. By evening it transforms; the neon-lit Bangla Road pedestrian strip offers night markets, street food, and entertainment of every variety. You do not have to stay long, but you should see it once.
Both Kora itineraries include free evenings in Phuket—ideal for exploring Patong on your own terms.
4. Big Buddha & Chalong Temple
Perched atop Nakkerd Hill, the 45-metre white marble Big Buddha is visible from across the island and commands a sweeping 360-degree panorama of Phuket. Dress modestly and take your time at the viewing terraces. Pair it with a visit to Wat Chalong Official Tourism Page (Phuket's most important Buddhist temple), just a short drive away at the base of the hills.
Covered during the Phuket city tour included in the 8-day package.
5. Phuket Old Town
Tucked away from the beach resorts is a neighborhood that many visitors overlook entirely: Phuket Old Town. The Sino-Portuguese shophouse architecture, painted in faded pastels, lines narrow streets filled with independent cafés, art galleries, and family-run restaurants. Thalang Road and Soi Rommanee are the most atmospheric stretches, especially on weekend evenings when the walking street market opens.
A half-morning here is worth more than any souvenir shop.
6. Snorkeling & Premium Water Sports
The Andaman Sea around Phuket is warm, clear, and rich with marine life. Beyond the Phi Phi snorkeling included in your package, you can try parasailing and banana boat rides in Pattaya or opt for jet-skiing, paddleboarding, and sea kayaking around Phuket's quieter coves. Koh Racha, just 20 km south of Phuket, is a favorite among snorkelers for its visibility and coral cover.
Most water sports are available at your own expense; your Kora guide can point you to reputable operators.
7. Kata & Karon: The Quieter Beaches
If Patong feels too busy, Kata and Karon beaches sit just a few kilometers south and offer longer stretches of sand with considerably fewer crowds. Kata Noi, the smaller of the two Kata beaches, is one of Phuket's most beautiful: a crescent of pale sand backed by green hills. Sunsets from Kata Viewpoint, overlooking both bays at once, are genuinely unforgettable.
Easy to visit during your free leisure days—a 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from most Phuket hotels.
8. Eat Like a Local: Thai & International Cuisine
Phuket has its own distinct culinary identity, shaped by Chinese, Malay, and southern Thai influences. Do not leave without trying Mee Hokkien (Hokkien noodles), Pad Cha (stir-fried seafood with herbs), and the island's famous cashew nut dishes. Night markets, particularly at Chillva Market or Malin Plaza, are the best places to eat well and cheaply alongside locals. Indian meal options are also widely available for a taste of comfort.
Kora tours include Indian/Thai meal options during excursions, but local market dinners are on you—and worth every baht.
9. Ethical Elephant Sanctuary Visit
Phuket is home to several ethical elephant sanctuaries where rescued elephants roam freely without performing shows or giving rides. Spending a morning feeding, bathing alongside, and learning about these animals is one of the most memorable experiences the island offers. Look for sanctuaries endorsed by wildlife welfare organizations.
An optional add-on worth every extra baht. Your Kora Holidays guide can recommend trustworthy options. Book in advance as slots fill quickly.
10. Phuket FantaSea or Simon Cabaret Show
If you enjoy a theatrical evening out, Phuket FantaSea is a grand cultural theme park blending Thai mythology, acrobatics, and spectacular stage effects into a nightly show unlike anything else in Asia. For a more intimate alternative, the Simon Cabaret Show in Patong is a beautifully produced performance featuring elaborate costumes and talented performers. Either makes for a memorable final evening in Phuket.
Optional evening entertainment; ask your Kora representative for tickets and timing upon arrival.
Ready to Experience Phuket with Kora Holidays?
Turn these travel dreams into your 2026 reality. Choose between our expertly curated packages tailored for Nepali travelers: