Ultimate Phuket Backpacking Guide (2024)

1. Patong Beach

Patong Beach is the centre of Phuket's nightlife and a popular destination for backpackers. There are several low-cost lodging options available here.

Bodega Phuket Party Hostel: With its colourful environment, this hostel is ideal for people wishing to meet other travellers and enjoy the nightlife. It provides clean dormitories and private rooms, as well as organised activities and trips.

Lub d Phuket Patong: A little more upmarket choice, Lub d features trendy decor, a huge common room, and even a co-working space. It is adjacent to the beach and Bangla Road, which is the hub of Patong's nightlife.

2. Old Phuket Town

Old Phuket Town, with its Sino-Portuguese architecture, provides a cultural experience that reflects the island's rich history.

Eco Hostel Phuket: This eco-friendly hostel provides inexpensive dorm beds and individual rooms. It's an excellent starting point for visiting the old town, with its colourful streets and lovely cafes.

Ai Phuket Hostel: Located in a lovely structure, this hostel provides a cosy environment and clean, comfortable rooms. It is ideally positioned near the local market and bus stop.

Phuket's street cuisine is renowned, with a tantalising assortment of flavours reflecting the island's broad cultural past.

1. Malin Plaza Patong

Malin Plaza, near Patong Beach, is a lively night market that serves a variety of street foods. Pad thai and som tam (papaya salad) are Thai mainstays, but there's also fresh seafood and exotic fruits to suit every taste. Don't skip the banana pancakes and mango sticky rice.

2. The Phuket Town Night Market (Naka Market)

This weekend market is a foodie's paradise. Try the local delicacies, such as moo ping (grilled pork skewers), kai jeow (Thai omelette), and numerous curries. The market also sells unusual foods such as fried insects for the daring consumer.

3. Chillva Marketplace

Chillva Market in Phuket Town is a trendy, young market where colourful shipping containers serve as food vendors. Enjoy Thai BBQ skewers, crispy pig belly, and a variety of noodle soups while listening to live music.

1. Big Buddha.

The Big Buddha, one of Phuket's most renowned monuments, is located atop Nakkerd Hill and provides panoramic views of the island. The monument itself is 45 metres tall and is fashioned of white Burmese marble. The surrounding region has a quiet ambiance that is great for reflecting on and admiring the surroundings.

2. Wat Chalong.

Wat Chalong is the largest and most popular Buddhist temple in Phuket. Its majestic architecture, lovely gardens, and serene surroundings make it a must-see. The temple complex is rich in history and provides insights into local religious traditions.

3. Phi Phi Islands.

A day excursion to the Phi Phi Islands is a popular activity among backpackers. The islands are well-known for their beautiful beaches, crystal-clear seas, and teeming marine life. They provide fantastic chances for snorkelling, diving, and simply resting on the beach. Organized trips from Phuket make it simple to see these stunning islands.

4. Phang Nga Bay.

Phang Nga Bay, with its magnificent limestone cliffs and emerald-green seas, is a natural treasure. Explore the bay by kayak, passing through marine caves and secret lagoons. James Bond Island, which appears in the film "The Man with the Golden Gun," is also located here and is a popular stop on boat trips.

5. Patong Beach Nightlife.

Patong Beach is the centre of Phuket's nightlife. Bangla Road comes alive after dark, with neon lights, music, and a bustling population. Enjoy the pubs, nightclubs, and street acts. Tiger Disco and Illuzion Show & Discotheque are popular hangouts.

1. Surfing on Kata Beach

Kata Beach is popular among surfers, especially between May and October, when the waves are excellent. Several surf schools provide basic instruction. Kata Beach is an excellent spot to rest after a day of surfing, thanks to its laid-back environment and breathtaking sunsets.

2. Scuba diving and snorkelling

Phuket serves as the entryway to some of the world's top dive locations. Shark Point, Anemone Reef, and the King Cruiser Wreck are all popular tourist destinations. Numerous diving shops in Phuket provide training for all skill levels. For snorkelling, visit Coral Island or the Racha Islands.

3. Hiking to Karon Viewpoint

The Karon Viewpoint, also known as Three Beaches Hill, provides stunning views of the Kata Noi, Kata, and Karon beaches. The walk is reasonably straightforward and offers an excellent opportunity to appreciate Phuket's natural beauty.

4. Elephant sanctuaries

For an ethical wildlife experience, go to one of Phuket's elephant sanctuaries and learn about these amazing animals and their care. The Phuket Elephant Sanctuary and Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket allow visitors to feed, wash, and engage with elephants in a compassionate setting.

Phuket is a backpacker's paradise, combining excitement, leisure, and cultural discovery. Phuket offers something for everyone, whether you want to relax on its gorgeous beaches, eat delicious street cuisine, or learn about its rich past. By following this advice, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy the finest that Phuket has to offer. Have fun hiking!