Patong’s beaches, Phi Phi day trips, and Old Town charm—Phuket in seven days
This itinerary is for the traveler who wants a mix of sun, culture, and island-hopping without the hassle of planning every detail. Phuket delivers golden beaches, turquoise bays, and a food scene that runs from street-side pad thai to rooftop cocktails. In seven days you can surf Patong’s waves by morning, explore Phi Phi’s cliffs by midday, and wander Phuket Old Town’s Sino-Portuguese streets by sunset. The island’s dry season (November–April) is ideal for outdoor plans, while the monsoon (May–October) keeps the west coast wet but the east side calmer—choose your timing accordingly.
The day-by-day plan
Day 1 — Arrival & Patong Beach
Land at Phuket International Airport (HKT), grab a Grab taxi to your hotel, and drop bags before hitting Patong Beach. Spend the afternoon swimming or surfing the moderate waves, then stroll Bangla Road for neon lights and seafood at Supan Seafood. End with sunset drinks at Illuzion Rooftop Bar for skyline views. If you arrive late, stick to a beachfront dinner at The Boathouse Patong.
- Morning: Airport transfer via Grab or pre-booked hotel shuttle.
- Afternoon: Patong Beach (free); surfboard rental is inexpensive.
- Evening: Supan Seafood for grilled squid and Illuzion Rooftop Bar cocktail.
Day 2 — Phang Nga Bay & James Bond Island
Book a full-day speedboat tour to Phang Nga Bay, stopping at James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan), Hong Island lagoon, and Hong Lagoon kayaking. Expect limestone karsts, hidden caves, and a floating lunch on the boat. Return to Phuket by late afternoon and unwind with a massage at Oasis Spa Phuket. If you prefer a slower pace, choose a traditional longtail instead.
- Morning: Speedboat tour via GetYourGuide or Klook.
- Afternoon: Hong Island kayaking and Hong Lagoon swim.
- Evening: Oasis Spa Phuket 60-min oil massage.
Day 3 — Kata & Karon Beaches
Head south to Kata Beach for calmer waters and beginner surfing, then walk to Karon Viewpoint for panoramic cliffs. After lunch at Kata’s beachfront restaurants, relax on Karon Beach or try paddleboarding. End with dinner at The Shore at Katathani for sunset views and Thai fusion dishes.
- Morning: Kata Beach surf lessons or free swim.
- Afternoon: Karon Viewpoint (free) and Karon Beach.
- Evening: The Shore at Katathani dinner.
Day 4 — Phi Phi Islands Day Trip
Take an early ferry to Phi Phi Don, snorkel at Bamboo Island or Maya Bay (from The Beach movie), and hike to Phi Phi Viewpoint for sweeping island vistas. Lunch at Tonsai Bay’s casual beach shacks, then return to Phuket by late afternoon. If seas are rough, opt for a speedboat transfer for an additional fee.
- Morning: Phi Phi ferry or speedboat.
- Afternoon: Maya Bay snorkel tour and Phi Phi Viewpoint hike.
- Evening: Relax at Kata or Karon with a seafood dinner.
Day 5 — Phuket Old Town & Big Buddha
Spend the morning in Phuket Old Town, photographing pastel shophouses and street art, then visit the Big Buddha Phuket atop Nakkerd Hill for 360-degree views. After lunch at Blue Elephant Phuket, explore the weekend Naka Market for souvenirs or the Thai Hua Museum for heritage context. Cap the day with cocktails at either The Kee Sky Lounge or Bampot Kitchen.
- Morning: Old Town walking tour (free) and Thai Hua Museum.
- Afternoon: Big Buddha Phuket (free; donation suggested).
- Evening: The Kee Sky Lounge sunset cocktail.
Day 6 — Similan Islands or Racha Islands
Choose between the Similan Islands (November–April only) for world-class diving or the Racha Islands for white-sand beaches and snorkeling. Both options require an early ferry or speedboat; pack reef-safe sunscreen and waterproof cash for park fees. Return by late afternoon and celebrate with a beachfront dinner at Catch Beach Club in Surin.
- Morning: Similan Islands liveaboard or Racha Islands day trip.
- Afternoon: Snorkeling at Koh Doc Mai or Racha Noi.
- Evening: Catch Beach Club dinner.
Day 7 — Freedom & Final Beach Day
Pick your favorite beach—Patong for last-minute surfing, Kata for chill vibes, or Nai Harn for seclusion—and spend the day swimming, reading, or trying a beachfront massage. In the evening, head to Jungceylon Shopping Mall for duty-free shopping or a final dinner at Black Ginger at The Slate Resort for refined Thai cuisine.
- Morning: Nai Harn Beach (free) or Patong Beach surf session.
- Afternoon: Beachfront massage.
- Evening: Black Ginger at The Slate Resort tasting menu.
Where to stay
Patong and Kata/Karon are the island’s activity hubs, while Phuket Old Town offers heritage stays. Prices are per night for two guests in high season (December–March).
- Patong: Budget – Lub d Phuket Patong; Mid-range – The Kee Resort & Spa; Luxury – Banyan Tree Phuket.
- Kata/Karon: Budget – Kata Palm Resort & Spa; Mid-range – Centara Grand Beach Resort Karon; Luxury – The Shore at Katathani.
- Old Town: Budget – The Nap Phuket; Mid-range – Casa Blanca Boutique Hotel; Luxury – The Slate Resort.
Budget
Costs vary with the season and your travel style — check current prices before you budget.
Practical tips
- Use Grab for taxis; metered taxis often refuse short trips. Ride-hailing is cheaper than hotel shuttles.
- Carry small bills—many beach vendors, tuk-tuks, and local eateries prefer cash over cards.
- Dry season (November–April) is best for west-coast beaches; monsoon (May–October) favors east-side islands like Koh Yao Noi.
- Skip Bangla Road’s overpriced clubs; instead, enjoy the street food stalls and neon atmosphere without spending on drinks.
- Book Phi Phi and Similan tours on Klook or GetYourGuide to lock in prices; last-minute ferries can spike during peak weeks.
Phuket rewards travelers who balance beach time with cultural detours and island escapes. Seven days lets you surf, snorkel, and stroll without rushing, while giving you leeway to chase a perfect sunset or an extra massage. The island’s infrastructure is tourist-friendly, but prices climb in December and January—book early if you’re traveling then. If you want a shorter trip, cut Kata/Karon and focus on Patong, Old Town, and a single island day trip. Either way, Phuket delivers the classic Thai holiday: golden sand, turquoise water, and food that lingers longer than the tan.