Best 6 Day Trips from Phuket

Phuket is a very interesting and lively city, where you can have the best holiday ever. If you want to get the full experience, it's a good idea to get to know the surrounding area. The best way to do this is with an excursion, which are usually by car, coach or ferry.

An excursion is one of the best things to do in Phuket, as it takes you to the locations where famous movies were filmed. There are tours that take you around the caves, beaches and paradisiacal coastline. You can also learn to scuba dive, in areas with ideal conditions for this type of adventure.

Phang Nga Bay is one of the most photographable places in Thailand, offering crystal clear waters and limestone caves. There are around 300 islets, but most of them have no beach, just patches of vegetation. Thousands of tourists visit every year, but it tends to be less crowded at the beginning of the year. For this reason, I recommend you opt for the activities to do in Phuket in January.

Ao Phang Nga National Park, home to James Bond Island, is located in this bay. Several scenes from the Bond saga were filmed here, so you can enjoy a tour of the filming areas. This scenic excursion will take you to discover paradisiacal sites as well as nearby islands.

Specifically, most scenes were brought to life on the tropical island of Kadu, where Phuket's most unique landscapes are hidden. By taking this adventure with a professional guide, you can discover its history and curiosities.

I recommend you take advantage of the activities to do in Phuket in October, as this month is James Bond Day.

Details of interest

• Price: from 115 € per person.
• Duration: approximately eight hours.
• Means of transport: Includes transfer to and from the airport.
• Advantages of this option: it is an experience for small groups.
• Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for pregnant women.

Phuket is home to a variety of Thai monkey species, so there are sacred areas where they are honoured and preserved. The Monkey Cave is a tourist magnet, as there are hundreds of monkeys playing in the open air. Remember that it is important not to touch them and to respect their habitat.

Be aware that it is a popular destination, as it houses a giant Buddha, striking jewellery and other mythical statues. In the surrounding area you can walk along the cliffs to enjoy the best views of the bay.

You can also go rafting, canoeing and zip-lining. For the more adventurous travellers, you can go quad biking through the forest and mangroves. Additionally, the tour will take you to the Ton Pariwat waterfall, a Thai wildlife sanctuary.

For your trip, I recommend planning activities to do in Phuket in November, as the weather is more pleasant.

Details of interest

• Price: from €45 per person.
• Duration: about ten hours.
• Means of transport: Generally includes round-trip service in a comfortable car, available free of charge to central areas of Phuket. Transport to other locations is at an additional cost.
• Advantages of this option: Travel insurance is usually included.
• Disadvantages of this option: The number of travellers is limited, so it sells out quickly.

Thailand is an ideal destination for scuba diving, yet many people miss out on this opportunity because they lack basic knowledge. A PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) certification is the best way to explore the seabed without risk or worry.

This type of excursion allows you to explore the sea at your own pace, as you have three days to learn the essential diving techniques. It is an activity that allows you to get to know the main beaches of Phuket.

Some of the beaches for diving

• Patong Beach: it is a beach surrounded by bars and nightclubs, so it offers a variety of activities to do in Phuket at night. You must respect the swimming areas, so I recommend you to visit it with a group or a professional guide.
• Kata Beach: If you are looking for things to do in Phuket in October, this beach is the ideal destination. After your PADI lessons, you can surf and snorkel like a pro, taking advantage of the calm and crystal clear waters.
• Karon Beach: one of the longest beaches on the island, it is a fusion of fun and relaxation, so it is ideal for the whole family. Here there is a perfect viewpoint to rest and appreciate the city, as well as the Big Buddha of Phuket.
• Chalong Beach: if you want to try seafood, I recommend you to go to this area. The Phuket Botanical Garden is located here, where you will be able to observe a natural spectacle of butterflies.
• Racha Yai Island: it is undoubtedly the best dive site on the island. It is also a sandy beach with crystal clear waters, so it is excellent if you are looking for activities to do in Phuket with children.

When you opt for a PADI course, you'll be accompanied by a professional safety team at all times. In addition, you'll do at least five dives, which will help you learn to dive.

It is important to remember that

For safety reasons, it is not advisable to take a plane before or after a dive. The waiting time is at least twenty-four hours, to eliminate nitrogen from your body. Therefore, I recommend that you plan a visit to Phuket of at least 7 days. This way, you will have enough time to explore and practice water sports safely.

Details of interest

• Price: from €427 per person.
• Duration: approximately 3 days.
• Means of transport: return transport in a comfortable car.
• Advantages of this option: includes some meals, insurance and accommodation.
• Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for short itineraries.

If you enjoy spy movies, this tour is a great option. Much of the James Bond saga was filmed here, with the first released in 1962 and the last in 2021, resulting in 25 releases.

Specifically, the ninth film, The Man with the Golden Gun, was shot in Phuket. Many action scenes took place on Bond Island. A fun fact is that prior to filming, the island was known as Ko Tabu.

This type of tour not only takes you to see the most famous scenes, but also allows you to experience snorkelling, scuba diving, kayaking, paddle boarding and jumping from water slides. During the tour it is very important that you wear your life jacket for safety reasons.

Interesting details

• Price: from 122 € per person.
• Duration: around eight hours.
• Means of transport: includes return transfers in a comfortable car, as well as the trip on board a boat.
• Advantages of this option: includes a professional guide.
• Disadvantages of this option: not suitable for pregnant women.

The Phi Phi Islands are an archipelago in the middle of the Andaman Sea, surrounded by crystal clear waters. It attracts thousands of tourists, so it is advisable to book in advance.

From here you can access Monkey Beach by boat, which is teeming with playful monkeys that camp out on the island. The advantage of visiting this area with a professional guide is that you'll get to know the rules of the island. While the monkeys will often approach people and accept food, it is dangerous to invade their personal space.

Additionally, The Beach, a 2000 film starring Leonardo Dicaprio, was filmed on these islands. Specifically, most of the scenes revolve around Maya Bay. This bay is surrounded by cliffs, and in November there are fun activities.

Interesting details

• Price: from €86 per person.
• Duration: approximately 10 hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes return transport in a comfortable vehicle, as well as the sea transfer by catamaran.
• Advantages of this option: can include breakfast and lunch.
• Disadvantages of this option: usually not possible in bad weather conditions.

Canoeing is a water sport, also known as canoeing. There are many entertainment options in Thailand that include this adventure. During this type of tour you can take a stroll on the sea, while enjoying the sounds of nature.

Between Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island, you should make a stop at Hong Island, as it is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand. It offers more tranquillity and has a little-known lagoon that is ideal for relaxation.

A guided tour allows you to enjoy a buffet lunch, local snacks, live entertainment and a tour of the mangrove forest. The island is also ideal for snorkelling or swimming in the sun.

Details of interest

• Price: from €97 per person.
• Duration: around ten hours.
• Means of transport: usually includes transfer to and from the island in an air-conditioned minivan. In this case, you can depart from a private port.
• Advantages of this option: this option can include local meals, vegetarian dishes, as well as entrance fees to the main attractions.
• Disadvantages of this option: it is not recommended for people with back problems, as all travellers need to paddle to balance the raft.

Here are some recommendations that will come in handy when you go on any of these excursions:

Beware of monkeys

The monkeys on the islands can be a bit mischievous, even taking mobile phones. The best way to enjoy your visit is to respect their space. I don't recommend feeding them either, as it can be dangerous for them.

If you go on a guided tour, your guide can advise you on what to do and what to avoid.

Choose the right destination

The most suitable excursion will depend on what you want to see in Phuket. There are scenic tours, which take you to iconic movie sets. You can also find rafting, zip-lining, hiking or scuba diving experiences.

If you want to get to know the city in depth, the best Phuket tours take you to walk around the old town, monuments and other iconic spaces.

Check the weather report

Most island tours are not available during the rainy season, which runs from June to October. The sea is often rough and dangerous, so you run the risk of having to reschedule.

From November to April you can travel and enjoy dry weather, with a low chance of rainfall.

Take advantage of local celebrations

I suggest you plan activities to do in Phuket in November, as this is when the Loi Krathong Festival takes place.

This is a ritual of thanksgiving, where boats are built out of banana leaves in honour of the goddess of water. This activity takes place on every island in the country, including Phi Phi, James Bond and Phang Nga.

Avoid the crowds

The peak season is from December to April, when the island is crowded with tourists. Therefore, it's more difficult to find uncrowded excursions and spaces. This is due to the good weather of the season, which is an advantage for water adventures.

However, in this season accommodation prices are high. The low season, June to November, is ideal as you'll find discounted accommodation and attractions. Again, November is the best month to visit the island as summer starts but there are not as many tourists yet.

Take out travel insurance

When on holiday it's important to travel with peace of mind. A comprehensive travel insurance policy is the best way to cross off hundreds of worries. In case you get sick, you'll get immediate assistance and save a few euros. Some tours include insurance, which is something you should check before you book.

The main risk of illness in Thailand is from food. Some people may have allergic reactions to tropical fruits or spicy foods. It's something you can't predict, but you can take precautions and travel with peace of mind with insurance.

There are options from €2 per day, which cover medical assistance up to €600, repatriation, theft and damage to luggage, among others.

Pack your excursion kit

When planning a trip to the outskirts of Phuket, it's important to pack a hiking kit. I recommend packing comfortable clothes, sturdy trainers, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, hydration and a map of the island.

Please note that some tours return to Phuket on the same day. However, some adventures last several days, so be well prepared.