If you’re planning a honeymoon or romantic getaway in Phuket, you’re in for an incredible experience! This beautiful island has everything you could dream of, from breathtaking beaches to exciting nightlife and mouth-watering cuisine. Whether you want to unwind on the pristine white sands, savour the local flavours, or dance the night away, Phuket has it all. Plus, with over 40 stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters, Phuket is a beach lover’s paradise that won’t break the bank. Need help planning your trip? Our comprehensive Phuket travel guide includes a list of must-see attractions, delicious dishes to try, and exciting activities for a picture-perfect honeymoon, holiday or romantic getaway.
A Quick Overview of Phuket
You’ll find most of the action and accommodation options on Phuket’s west coast. Consider the lower West Coast areas, such as Kata and Karon Beaches, if you want a relaxed atmosphere. For couples seeking vibrant beach activities, abundant watersports, and lively nightlife, Patong is the place to be.
Kamala offers a long and wide beach, gentle surf breaks, and upscale resorts that are perfect for a relaxing getaway.
Further north along the west coast, Surin is also exclusive and popular with honeymooners.
Bang Tao, Nai Thon, and Nai Yang are found as you head further north, boasting excellent resorts and less crowded beaches.
And if you venture to the top of the island, you’ll discover peaceful Mai Khao Beach, home to luxurious 5-star resorts and long stretches of open space.
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Best areas to visit on your Phuket honeymoon
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is the perfect destination for those looking for a lively nightlife and a shopping extravaganza. The beach is bustling with activity, with various shopping centres, cafes, and restaurants lining the shore. As the sun sets, the beach comes alive with beer bars and clubs, offering a thrilling nightlife experience. The heart of the nightlife scene is Bangla Road, which is packed with nightclubs and bars. Enjoy live performances and indulge in delicious street food while exploring this vibrant street. Whether you are searching for trendy fashion items or unique souvenirs, you’ll find everything you need at Patong Beach.
Freedom Beach
Freedom Beach, situated in the bustling area of Patong in Phuket, stands out as a serene and stunning destination. Despite its proximity to the lively surroundings, this beach offers a peaceful and tranquil atmosphere. It’s uncrowded because it can only be reached by a short yet steep hike down a hill or by a long-tail boat transfer during the high season. However, the effort to access this hidden gem is worthwhile, as visitors are rewarded with a slice of paradise amidst the chaos.
Kalim Beach
Kalim Beach is the place to be if you want a more authentic and local Thai experience. Unlike its famous neighbour, Patong Beach, it offers stunning views and a serene atmosphere. Plenty of dining options allow visitors to indulge in delicious Thai cuisine while enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Kalim Beach is also well-known for its excellent surfing conditions, making it a favourite spot for surfers. During the low tide season, the beach hosts exciting surfing competitions, adding to its appeal for locals and tourists alike.
Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town, located near Krabi Road, is a lovely destination that showcases the area’s rich history and architectural charm. Its exquisite shrines, beautiful temples, and well-preserved Sino-Portuguese buildings offer visitors a glimpse into the past. In addition to its historical significance, the old town is a hub for cozy cafes, unique boutiques and exciting museums, making it a must-visit spot for tourists in Phuket.
Karon Beach
Karon Beach is known for its stunning coastline and is a popular destination for honeymooners and couples. The beach stretches for a considerable distance, making it the third-longest beach on the island. Karon offers a variety of options to cater to different preferences. Visitors can enjoy a vibrant atmosphere in the centre of Karon, with numerous restaurants, shops, and a beautiful Buddhist temple. The beach has several large resorts, providing easy access to the pristine sandy shores and excellent snorkelling opportunities. Additionally, the area around Luang Poh Chuan Road is famous for its lively nightlife, offering a colourful and exciting experience for those seeking entertainment.
Kata Beach
Not too far from Karon Beach is the lovely Kata Beach, a popular destination for honeymooners and older couples, offering a picturesque stretch of golden sand beach. With its breathtaking viewpoints and a wide range of activities like snorkelling and scuba diving, there is no shortage of things to do. Whether you’re looking for luxury or affordability, numerous resorts are available to cater to different budgets. Additionally, Kata Beach boasts a vibrant nightlife scene, ensuring plenty of entertainment options throughout your stay.
Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach, situated in the southern part of the island and surrounded by lush greenery, is a must-visit destination for beach lovers. Unlike the bustling tourist beaches of Patong, Karon, and Kamala, Nai Harn offers a unique and tranquil atmosphere. It is highly regarded as one of the top-rated beaches on the island and is conveniently located near the vibrant expat area of Rawai.
Kamala Beach
Kamala Beach, located in North-West Phuket, is a tranquil and beautiful stretch of beach. About 12 km north of the bustling Patong Beach, Kamala Beach offers a secluded and picturesque setting with its turquoise bay, clear water, and coconut tree-fringed shores. It’s favoured by honeymooners, retirees, and travellers seeking a peaceful getaway. You’ll find beach clubs, hotels, massages, and various Thai and international restaurants along the beach. The town behind the beach also offers a range of accommodations, markets, restaurants, massage shops, and the famous Phuket Fantasea.
Surin Beach
Surin Beach is a highly desirable destination for couples and upscale travellers looking for a picturesque beach holiday or honeymoon experience in Phuket. The beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the area, with its pristine white sand, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and coconut trees that provide ample shade. Visitors can find various food vendors along the shoreline, offering affordable street food, refreshing drinks, and fresh fruits. For those who need relaxation, traditional Thai massages are also available. Also, exclusive hotels, shops, and restaurants near the main road offer visitors various options.
Bang Tao Beach
Bang Tao Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline spanning an impressive six kilometres. It is the second-longest beach in the region and offers a perfect setting for a luxurious vacation. In addition to its natural beauty, Bang Tao Beach is known for its vibrant nightlife, with some of Phuket’s best beach clubs and entertainment venues to enjoy in the evenings. Visitors can also indulge in fine dining experiences at the many upscale restaurants and explore boutique shops that offer premium brands for a touch of indulgence.
Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach, located in the northwest of Phuket, is known for its stunning coastline and tranquil atmosphere. As part of the Sirinat National Park, the beach is protected land and offers a peaceful retreat away from the bustling tourist hotspots of Phuket. With its 11-kilometer stretch of pristine sand, Mai Khao Beach is the longest beach on the island, providing ample space for visitors to enjoy the sun and sea. The beach is also a nesting ground for sea turtles, and the Mai Khao Marine Turtle Foundation works tirelessly to protect these endangered creatures. In addition to its natural beauty, Mai Khao Beach offers a glimpse into the local way of life, with fishermen often seen casting their rods or using baskets to catch mole crabs, a unique delicacy found only in this area. Mai Khao Beach is the perfect destination for those seeking a quieter and more authentic Phuket experience.
What to do & see on your Phuket honeymoon
There are many things to see and do, from visiting Chinese temples to learning to cook Thai cuisine. You can lounge by the pool with a cocktail in hand or enjoy one of the many options for active travellers, from hiking and canoeing to hard-core sports like rock climbing and kite surfing. Here are some must-do highlights for your Phuket romantic getaway:
Visit the temples
With its predominantly Buddhist population, Phuket boasts many breathtaking Buddhist temples. The Big Buddha Temple in Tambon, Karon stands out as one of the most significant. Additionally, Wat Chalong and Rua Shrine are notable temples worth visiting.
A day trip to Phang Nga Bay
Consider visiting the stunning Phang Nga Bay. The bay is part of the Ao Phang Nga National Park and offers breathtaking limestone scenery that will leave you in awe. One of the highlights is James Bond Island, also known as Khao Phing Kan. Tip: look for a tour that can get you there off-peak, allowing you to visit before the crowds arrive in the late morning. The unique landscape of limestone islands makes Phang Nga Bay a must-see destination.
Go snorkelling
If you’re a fan of the water, then snorkelling while visiting Phuket is an activity you can’t miss out on. Phuket offers a wide range of beautiful beaches with crystal clear, turquoise waters that are perfect for snorkelling. Some of the most popular spots for snorkelling include Kata Noi, Paradise Beach, and Laem Ka. Dive in and explore the vibrant marine life that awaits you!
Discover some of Phuket’s secret beaches.
Although one of Thailand’s most popular tourist destinations, you can still find many pockets of tranquillity in Phuket, including beaches less-frequented by tourists. Consider escaping the crowds and visiting Phuket’s secret beaches.
Experience the nightlife at Bangla Road.
When the sun goes down, Phuket’s nightlife fires up! Even if you are planning a chilled honeymoon or holiday in Phuket, it’s worth putting aside one evening to experience the vibrant nightlife of Phuket, and Bangla Road is the ultimate destination. This bustling street is filled with various nightclubs and bars, making it a hotspot for locals and tourists alike. As you stroll along Bangla Road, you’ll encounter a variety of beer bars, food stalls, and restaurants offering a wide range of culinary delights. The lively atmosphere is enhanced by entertaining street performances during the late hours, ensuring a unique experience for all who visit.
Watch a Muay Thai match.
The incredible agility and mesmerising skills of the ultra-fit Muay Thai fighters are sure to impress. There are regular fights at Saphan Hin Stadium, where the crowd’s atmosphere is energising, or try Patong Beach for local matches between skilled martial arts experts.
Time your trip with one of Phuket’s festivals
There are festivals all year round, including the Phuket Vegetarian Festival, a nine-day celebration that offers a unique insight into the local culture. While in a state of trance, spirit mediums cleanse the soul by climbing ladders with rungs made of knives and piercing their bodies with hooks, skewers and other sharp objects.
Try kitesurfing
With its stunning beaches, warm water, and year-round holiday atmosphere, Phuket offers the perfect setting to learn and enjoy this exhilarating water sport. The island experiences consistent winds, particularly during the high season from November to April, providing ideal kitesurfing conditions. With steady breezes ranging from 10 to 20 knots, kite surfers can confidently ride across the water and fully embrace the thrill of the sport.
Best shopping
Phuket is renowned not just for its stunning beaches but also for its lively shopping scene. Whether you’re a fan of colossal shopping malls, bustling street stalls, or charming handicraft shops, Phuket has it all. You can find a wide variety of items to purchase, including Thai cosmetic products, teas, inexpensive T-shirts and clothing, designer labels, and exotic fruits.
Patong is the main area for shopping, with a large shopping mall called Jungceylon offering a range of stores similar to Myer in Australia or Macy’s in America. Patong is also home to numerous markets for ‘designer’ clothing, handbags, watches, and more. Close to Phuket Town you’ll find Central Phuket Festival, the largest mall here housing Central Department Store and myriad boutiques. Another popular shopping destination is Phuket Town weekend markets, which offer a unique and relaxed atmosphere. The vendors are friendly and eager to do business, making it easier to bargain for the best prices.
Like most beaches, Surin has a fair share of vendors and market stalls. But there’s also an array of shops and galleries selling quality clothing, gifts and crafts. Surin Plaza is a good bet for jewellery shops, boutiques and antiques. Travellers with four-legged friends should head to Lemongrass House at Surin Beach. Here, they can pick up handmade aromatherapy products for dogs, such as shampoos, balm and coat oil.
The island is also filled with local markets and shops, offering plenty of options for shopping enthusiasts. Bargain hunters will be delighted to know you can get great deals at these markets – but be prepared to negotiate or haggle! Most are open in the evenings to avoid the day’s heat.
How to reach Phuket:
There are multiple ways to reach Phuket from Bangkok. The most convenient option is to fly from Suvarnabhumi International Airport or Don Muang Airport to Phuket International Airport. You can also connect from major Asian hubs such as Singapore, Vietnam, Hong Kong, KL and Penang and, depending on what country you are flying from, there may be direct flights to Phuket’s international airport. At the time of writing, Australian’s can fly direct to Phuket from Sydney and Melbourne.
Alternatively, you can travel by bus, which takes around 14 hours to reach Phuket from Bangkok. Another option is to rent a car and drive to Phuket, allowing you to explore other destinations on the way.
Tip: If you are coming to Phuket via Bangkok, spend a few days there. There is so much to do and see and this guide to the best things for couples to do in Bangkok will make sure you have an amazing time!
Looking for a beautiful place to stay in Phuket? Check out our library of handpicked hotels, villas and resorts perfect for couples!
