If you only have 48 hours in Phuket, you’re going to need to prioritise the absolute must-see things to see and do on the Pearl of the Andaman. With a total area of 576 sq km, Phuket is not a particularly big island, but it's packed with a diverse range of attractions – from stunning beaches and viewpoints to fascinating historical and cultural sites, great shows, vibrant nightlife, first-class restaurants, bustling markets and more.
Our 2 Days in Phuket Guide helps you to narrow down the vast selection of attractions to an easy weekend itinerary so that you can tick off the absolute must-see places. It ensures that you get the most out of even such a severely limited amount of time in such an idyllic destination, allowing you to experience a fun and memorable holiday.
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As remarkable as Phuket’s natural beauty is, it's all the more special as a destination for the even more breathtaking places which surround it. All reachable within no more than a few hours from Phuket, the striking limestone formations jutting from the sea in Phang Nga Bay, the perfect desert islands of the Similans and the rugged beauty of the Phi Phi Islands are all more than worth a visit.
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Check out Phuket’s finest beaches, with their wide expanses of soft white sand bordering clear, warm seas. Patong, Karon and Kata are the most popular beaches because they're the perfect places to chill out in the afternoon sun and enjoy a refreshing dip. Don’t forget your sun cream!
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- History
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Read morePhuket has a long and colourful history, which is perhaps best discovered in the equally colourful streets of Old Phuket Town. Extravagant Sino-Portuguese mansions show the prosperity which the island once enjoyed in the height of the tin mining boom around the turn of the 20th century, as do some of the Phuket’s premier attractions – its impressive religious sites such as the Big Buddha and Wat Chalong.
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Read moreThe nightlife capital of Phuket is undoubtedly Patong, with everything from pool and beach clubs to discotheques and live music bars to choose from. The real heart of the party is found along Bangla Road, where very nearly every building is a club or bar of some description. Even the various side-roads off the famous street are mostly packed with good times. For a walk on the really wild side, don’t forget to check out Soi Seadragon, with its huge choice of go-go and beer bars.
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Read morePhuket’s west coast is treated to a glorious sunset every evening, making it the perfect spot to enjoy a truly magical evening. There are plenty of exceptional fine dining restaurants and cocktail bars which have taken advantage of this unbeatable setting, providing high-quality cuisine and refreshing beverages with a perfect backdrop.
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At night – go see a live show
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There's a range of highly entertaining and memorable shows to enjoy in Phuket. They include the glitzy and glamourous ladyboy cabaret shows, brutal Muay Thai boxing bouts as well as cultural extravaganzas like Siam Niramit Phuket that features a blend of songs, dance routines and traditional martial arts.
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Read moreThai cuisine is very highly regarded around the world, so it's impossible to miss out on this opportunity to try it in its home country. Phuket has everything from super-local budget restaurants where Thais enjoy their everyday meals to high-end luxurious restaurants showcasing the very best that Thai food can be. Either end of this spectrum can be enjoyed in unforgettable settings, from huge mansions to floating villages.
