A Complete Guide With Realistic Pacing, Must Do Tours, and the Best Areas to Base Yourself
If you are building a 5 to 7 day Phuket itinerary, the biggest mistake people make is treating Phuket like one single place. Phuket is a full island with distinct areas, and choosing the right base can completely change how your trip feels.
Some travelers want easy beach days and sunsets. Some want markets, culture, and cute streets. Some want day trips and island hopping. With 5 to 7 days, you can do all of that, but only if you pace it well and group things by location.
This itinerary is designed to feel full, not exhausting. It includes the must do experiences, and it also leaves room for the best part of Phuket, which is the mix of planned adventure and slow tropical days.
Before You Plan Your Days, Choose the Right Area to Stay
Where you stay determines your daily drive time, your beach access, and the general vibe of your trip.
Patong
Patong is the busiest area and the nightlife center. It is convenient if you want everything close and lively, but it is not quiet.
Kata and Kata Noi
Kata is a great middle ground. It is beach focused, walkable, and more relaxed than Patong. Kata Noi is even calmer and more scenic.
Rawai
Rawai feels more local and long stay. It is great for seafood by the water, access to nearby islands, and a slower pace.
Phuket Old Town
Old Town is perfect if you want culture, cafes, food, and architecture. Many people love splitting their stay and doing some nights near the beach and a night or two in Old Town.
A simple plan that works well is to base yourself in one beach area and schedule one or two Old Town evenings.
How to Get Around Phuket
Phuket is spread out. You can still have an easy trip, but you should plan transportation.
Most visitors use a mix of:
- Grab or Bolt for rides and day to day movement
- Private drivers for full day sightseeing
- Tour pickups for island tours and day trips
If you plan to see multiple areas in one day, a driver can save time and stress.
The Best 5 to 7 Day Phuket Itinerary
This itinerary is written so you can do it in 5 days by skipping the optional days, or expand it into 7 days by adding the extra beach and island days.
Day 1: South Phuket Highlights, Temples, Viewpoints, and Old Town at Night
This day is the perfect introduction because it mixes culture and scenery with a great evening in town.
Start with Wat Chalong, one of Phuket’s most important temples. Give yourself time to walk slowly, read plaques, and observe the atmosphere. This is not a rush stop.
Then head to Karon Viewpoint, a classic scenic stop where you can see the bays in one panoramic view. This viewpoint is a favorite for a reason, because it immediately gives you a sense of Phuket’s coastline and how the beach areas connect.
From there, move toward the Old Town area for late afternoon and evening.
Spend your evening in Phuket Old Town, wandering the colorful streets, shops, and cafes. If your timing lands on a Sunday, plan it around the Sunday Walking Street Market on Thalang Road, which runs from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
If it is not Sunday, you can still enjoy the Old Town streets and end your night at Chillva Market, which is open Monday to Saturday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm.
Optional note for this day: Big Buddha’s opening status has been changing due to ongoing repairs and administrative requirements. Some reports indicate it was temporarily open and then closed again, with talk of reopening in February 2026. Check current status right before you go.
Day 2: Kata or Kata Noi Beach Day, Then Sunset in the South
After a big Day 1, Day 2 should feel like what people imagine Phuket to be.
Choose Kata Beach if you want a lively, classic beach day with plenty of food and activity. Choose Kata Noi if you want a calmer, more scenic vibe.
Do not over plan this day. Let it breathe.
Have a slow morning on the beach, grab lunch nearby, and give yourself time to actually enjoy being there.
Late afternoon, head toward a sunset viewpoint in the south. Promthep Cape is one of the most famous sunset spots in Phuket, and even if it is popular, it is worth seeing once.
This day is about slowing down. You will appreciate it, especially if you are doing day trips on Days 3 and 4.
Day 3: Phi Phi Islands Day Trip and Maya Bay Rules You Should Know
This is one of the most popular day trips from Phuket for a reason. The scenery is dramatic, with limestone cliffs and that bright turquoise water people come to Thailand dreaming about.
When you book your Phi Phi day trip, understand that Maya Bay has strict rules. Boats are not allowed to anchor on the beach side, and swimming is restricted. Visitor rules have been updated since reopening to protect the bay.
Also know that Maya Bay has periodic closures for conservation. For example, tour operators have announced closures for specific months, while still allowing Maya Bay viewing from the water and keeping other Phi Phi areas open. Always confirm your exact travel dates.
The key to enjoying this day is to plan for it as a full day, bring sun protection, and choose a tour style that fits you. A faster speedboat gets you there quicker, while larger boats can feel steadier for some people.
Day 4: Phang Nga Bay Day Trip, James Bond Island, and Sea Canoeing
This is the day that gives you something totally different from beaches.
Phang Nga Bay is famous for towering limestone cliffs, calm waters, and hidden caves. Many tours include James Bond Island, plus sea cave kayaking or canoeing through areas like Panak Island and Hong Island.
If you loved the idea of canoeing, look for tours that explicitly include sea cave canoeing and multiple stops. Some itineraries also mention Koh Talu as part of the route.
This is one of those days that feels like a full experience, not just a photo stop. The canoeing portion is often the most memorable because it is quiet and immersive.
Day 5: Rawai, Seafood by the Water, Nai Harn, and an Easy Evening
If you want a day that feels more local and relaxed, this is the one.
Spend your morning in Rawai. Rawai is known for its waterfront feel and seafood restaurants, and it is a great area for a slower pace.
After lunch, head to Nai Harn Beach for a more laid back beach experience. This beach is a favorite for a reason, and it often feels more relaxed than the busiest beach zones.
End the day with a low key evening. This is a great night for a massage and a casual dinner.
At this point, you have done the main Phuket hits. If you only have 5 days, this is a strong ending.
If you have 6 or 7 days, keep going.
Day 6: Choose Your Island Hopping Style
This is where you personalize your trip.
Option A: Similan Islands (Seasonal)
The Similan Islands are famous for clear water and snorkeling, but they are seasonal. Reports commonly state the national park is open roughly mid October to mid May, and closed during monsoon season.
This is a longer day and more weather dependent, but it can be a highlight if it fits your travel dates.
Option B: Racha Islands or Coral Island
If you want something closer and easier than Similan, look at closer island hopping options. This is ideal if you want more swim time and less travel time.
Day 7: Phuket Old Town Deep Dive, Markets, and a Rain Friendly Day
Phuket is hot, and it can also be rainy depending on season. A seventh day is a perfect time to slow down and enjoy the city side.
Spend the day in Phuket Old Town with intention. Do not just walk through. Stop for coffee, explore local food, browse shops, and take in the architecture.
Then plan your evening around the best market option:
- Sunday Walking Street Market on Thalang Road if it is Sunday, 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Chillva Market if it is Monday to Saturday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm
If you want a modern indoor break, this is also a great day to visit a mall like Central Phuket, especially if the weather is intense.
Booking Advice That Actually Helps
If you are only going to book two big tours, make them:
- Phi Phi Islands day trip
- Phang Nga Bay with James Bond Island and sea canoeing
Those two experiences give you the best mix of beach beauty and dramatic bay scenery.
Then build the rest of the week around beaches, Old Town, and slower days.
Final Thoughts
A 5 to 7 day Phuket itinerary should feel like a balance.
You want enough structure to hit the must do experiences, but you also want enough openness to enjoy the reason people come here in the first place, which is the ability to slow down and live in the day.
