7 Days in Phuket
With Carl Travels

Day 1 – Settle In & Explore Your Beach Zone

After a long flight, check into your hotel (I recommend the Kata/Karon area) and just relax. Grab a Thai iced tea, walk the beach, and find a local place for your first plate of pad kra pao or green curry.

If you land at Phuket International Airport, skip the expensive taxi and take the shared airport shuttle—it’s cheaper, drops you at your hotel, and costs just a fraction of the price.

Day 2 – Kata & Karon Beach Crawl

Spend your second day hopping between Kata, Karon, and maybe Kata Noi. Rent a scooter or just walk if you’re staying nearby. Stop for lunch at a local beachside shack, grab a coconut, and relax.

Pro tip: The sunsets from Karon Viewpoint are next level.

Day 3 – Big Buddha & Elephant Encounters

Time for one of Phuket’s main icons: the Big Buddha. It sits high on a hill and offers an incredible panoramic view over the island.

You’ll need a scooter or tuk-tuk to get there. Walking’s technically possible... but not recommended unless you’re into sweat-soaked uphill treks.

On the way up, you’ll pass various elephant camps where you can feed elephants bananas (for a price, of course). If you stop, be mindful of the ethics—some camps treat animals better than others.

Day 4 – Island-Hopping Tour

Book a day tour to the Phi Phi Islands or James Bond Island (depending on what you’re into). These are full-day boat trips with lunch, snorkelling, and incredible photo ops.

Tours usually cost around $50–$100, depending on the operator and level of comfort.

Day 5 – Relax, Spa, and Street Food

Keep it chill with a Thai massage (or two). Many spas offer packages including massage, body scrubs, and facials for less than $30. In the evening, hit a local night market—grab mango sticky rice, grilled meats, and all the spicy things you can handle.

Day 6 – Patong Party Night

Tonight’s the wild card. Head to Patong Beach for the full Phuket nightlife experience. Bangla Road is the centre of the madness—clubs, DJs, neon lights, ping pong shows (yes, they’re real), and everything in between.

Go with an open mind, keep your valuables close, and have a story to tell when you leave.

Day 7 – Recovery or Beach Day (You’ll Need It)

After a big night out, spend your last day recovering on a quieter beach like Nai Harn or head back to Kata Noi for one last swim.

If you’re up for something different, try a Thai cooking class or take a sunset cruise before wrapping up your trip.

Tips, Scams & Street Smarts

• Scooter scams: Always take a video of the bike when you rent it. Some places will try to charge you for damage that was already there.
• Bar scams: If someone’s pulling you into a bar or promising a free show, assume there’s a catch.
• ATM Fees: Thailand charges a flat fee (~220 THB) per withdrawal. Take out larger amounts if possible.
• Airport Shuttle: Shared shuttle from the airport = way better value than a private taxi. And yes, the airport is a solid 45 to 60 minutes away from Kata or Karon.

Final Thoughts

Phuket is whatever you want it to be. Want to disappear on a quiet beach with a cocktail? Easy. Want to dive into a full-blown neon nightlife rabbit hole? It's here. Yoga retreat? Sure. Elephant selfies? Absolutely.

Each visit I’ve had was different, and that’s what keeps me coming back. There’s no “one Phuket.” There’s the one you create—and if you plan it right, it’ll be a trip you won’t forget.