The Best 4 Days in Phuket Itinerary

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Last Updated on October 31, 2024 by sydabroad

If you are looking for the perfect 4 days in Phuket itinerary, this guide is for you. 

Whether you are spending a day in Phuket or a week here, this 4 days in Phuket itinerary will certainly give you inspo for your trip! In this itinerary, I’m sharing everything you need to know before visiting including where to eat in Phuket, the best things to do, how to get around, and more.

Phuket had been at the top of my bucket list for as long as I could remember and I was so excited to finally visit during my time studying abroad in Thailand. It’s such an incredible island to visit in Thailand. This is the perfect resource for planning your trip! Alright, let’s get into the guide.  

Looking for more Thailand Guides? 

• The Best Thai Foods to Try in Thailand 
• All You Need to Know Before Attending Thailand’s Full Moon Party in Koh Phangan
• A Complete Guide to Khao Sok National Park
• The Best Boat Trips from Phuket
• How to Spend 5 Days in Bangkok, Thailand

Keep reading to discover the perfect 4 days in Phuket itinerary. 

4 Days in Phuket, Thailand – The Basics

Currency = Thai Baht

The currency in Thailand is the Thai baht. (THB)

1 USD = 35.30 Thai Baht

Many restaurants will accept card payments in Phuket, but you will need cash for street vendors. You can find ATMs at some hotels or in Phuket Old Town. 

Language = Thai 

The official language in Thailand is Thai. However, you will find that it’s pretty simple to get around with English because Phuket is a common tourist destination. I do suggest having Google Translate downloaded on your phone.

Phone & Internet 

From my experience, I never really had an issue with the phone and internet service in Phuket. There was cell service just about everywhere aside from remote beaches. A majority of the cafes and hotels will have wifi available. 

For traveling internationally, I suggest using an eSIM for affordable cellular data when you travel. The Airalo app makes it easy to purchase and install an eSIM suitable for the destination you are visiting. Check out Airalo here. 

Daily Budget 

Thailand is an extremely affordable country to visit. The touristy parts of Phuket can be more expensive, but all and all it’s easy to travel on a budget. 

An average mid-range daily budget is around $100 per day including hotel. However, many budget travelers will spend as little as $30 per day. 

Tipping in Thailand

Tipping is not customary in Thailand. If you’d like, you can leave a few baht if you have a great meal and good service but it’s not expected.  

Is The Tap Water Drinkable?

No, do not drink the tap water in Thailand.    

When is The Best Time to Visit Phuket?

The best time to visit Phuket for ideal weather conditions is between November and April. This is the dry season so expect higher prices and more crowds. Especially in December. 

Alternatively, the monsoon season is from May to October. Rain showers are common and you can expect higher humidity. Because of this, there will be fewer crowds and prices will be lower.   

How to Get to Phuket

Phuket is one of the most accessible islands in Thailand. You can easily fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT). Flights are arriving at HKT every hour. 

If you are visiting from Bangkok, as I did, it’s extremely easy and affordable. There are non-stop flights from Bangkok to Phuket leaving multiple times per day. I suggest booking with Google Flights to find the best price. 

Pro-Tip: Browse Omio here to book flights, trains, buses, and ferries ahead of time for your travels.

Map – 4 Days in Phuket Itinerary  

How to Get Around Phuket

Getting to your Accommodation from the Airport 

You’ll likely stay somewhere near Patong Beach or Kata Beach. This is about an hour south of the airport. Finding a ride from the airport is super easy since everyone is staying south near the beaches. 

I was with a group and we hired a van to take us to our hostel. Alternatively, you can use the Grab app or organize a ride through your accommodation. 

Getting Around Phuket

Getting around Phuket is pretty easy. You can use taxis, Grab, tuk-tuks, or local buses. Once you are in the main town, there is a lot within walking distance. We walked just about everywhere. 

How Many Days in Phuket?

Although this is a 4 days in Phuket itinerary, I suggest anywhere from a weekend in Phuket to 4 days here. Having 4 days in Phuket lets you take your time enjoying this island and gives you the time to take a day trip to nearby islands such as Koh Phi Phi. 

The Perfect 4 Days in Phuket Itinerary 

Day 1: Explore Old Phuket Town & Big Budda 

Start your 4 days in Phuket off by exploring the Old Phuket Town and visiting the Big Buddha. 

Old Phuket Town is a charming area with colonial architecture and a vibrant arts scene. Here you can visit Phuket Thai Hua Museum to learn about the island’s rich history and culture. 

You can also visit Jui Tui Shrine, a Chinese temple, or the Old Town Gallery for contemporary art. There are also many amazing cafes and restaurants in Old Phuket Town. 

Next, you’ll visit the Big Buddha in Phuket. The Big Buddha is free to visit and is easily accessible via taxi. Wear good walking shoes because there are quite a few stairs. 

The Big Buddha is a sacred site so you need to have your shoulders and knees covered. They do have wraps you can borrow for free if you aren’t dressed appropriately. 

You’ll find panoramic views of Phuket from here it’s definitely worth a spot on your Phuket itinerary. Find the Big Buddha Phuket here: Karon, Mueang Phuket District, Phuket 83100. 

Day 2: Beach Day in Phuket

This 4 days in Phuket itinerary is not complete without including a beach day. There is nothing better than spending a day relaxing at the beach with a good book. Here are a few recommended beaches to visit in Phuket. 

Kata Beach

Kata Beach is a short walk away from downtown. Because of this, it is pretty touristy but it’s such a beautiful beach. There is a lot to do here such as shopping, massages, fun bars, and restaurants. I loved spending the afternoon here drinking tasty mojitos by the ocean. 

Banana Beach 

Banana Beach is located in the northern part of the island, a bit closer to the airport. This makes Banana Beach more secluded and less touristy. This was the most relaxing beach, I suggest visiting if you have the time. There isn’t as much to do here as there is at Kata Beach and Patong Beach but it’s a great place to just chill near the ocean. 

Patong Beach

This is arguably the most touristy beach in Phuket. If you want a laid-back vibe, this is not your place. If you are looking for more of a party, then Patong Beach is worth a visit.  

Additional Beaches in Phuket: 

• Karon Beach 
• Bang Tao Beach 
• Paradise Beach 
• Freedom Beach

Day 3: Day Trip Island Hopping

Taking a day trip to go island hopping is one of the best things to do in Phuket! This was probably my favorite day during the trip. 

I suggest booking a full-day tour that includes snorkeling, Monkey Beach, Maya Bay, lunch, and a stop at one of the Phi Phi Islands. You can browse Phi Phi Island tours here. 

This is a full-day activity, we left our hostel at around 8 AM and got back around 5 PM. The tour was super affordable for the all that was included. Totally worth it! The tour even included transportation to and from our hostel. I highly recommend booking an island tour. 

Looking to book a boat tour from Phuket? Check out all of my favorite Phuket boat tours here! This guide will help you choose the best tour depending on your travel style.

Day 4: Markets and Temples 

Phuket has so many amazing markets and temples to explore. Spend an entire day visiting the best night markets, street food markets, and exquisite temples on the island of Phuket. 

I suggest wandering through Phuket Weekend Market, Phuket Walking Street, Chilva Market, and Phuket Indy Night Market. You simply cannot miss the night markets in Phuket! You’ll find so many fun things and the most amazing food. 

If you want fresh seafood, visit Rawai Seafood Market. And note that Phuket Weekend Market is only open on Saturdays and Sundays. 

For a glimpse into Thai culture, visit Wat Chalong, Wat Mai Luang Pu Supha, Wat Srisoonthorn, and Wat Phra Nang Sang. These are all temples located in and around Phuket. 

Make sure to dress appropriately when visiting covering shoulders and knees. It’s also customary to remove your shoes before entering temples. 

Where to Stay in Phuket, Thailand

During my time in Phuket, I stayed at Sleepy Station Hostel and it was just what we needed and affordable. I booked through Hostel World, I suggest booking with them to find the best deals on hostels. 

I’ve listed some additional accommodation recommendations for your 4 days in Phuket below. 

Budget: Sleepy Station Hostel 

Boutique: Bedline Hotel 

Luxury: The Naka Phuket

Find a Place to Stay in Phuket

Where to Eat in Phuket

• Street food in Old Phuket Town
• Blue Elephant Phuket for upscale Thai cuisine
• Blue Mango Bar & Grill for Mediterranean cuisine
• The Neighbors Cafe for brunch 
• Mor Mu Dong for Southern Thai cuisine 

Phuket Travel Tips 

• Grab App: Get the Grab app and use either this or a taxi to get around the island. Grab is Asia’s version of Uber. 
• Bargaining at Markets: Keep in mind that you can typically bargain for a better price for almost anything you see.
• Temple Attire: If you are visiting temples, make sure that your shoulders and knees are covered. I suggest wearing a long-wrap skirt or lightweight pants. 

Don’t Forget to Pack

• Beach Towel
• Sunscreen: and don’t forget sunscreen chapstick! I love this one from Super Goop.
• Good walking shoes: I love these Birkenstocks, they are comfy and double as shower shoes for hostels!
• Sunglasses
• A book to read on the beach
• Bug spray

If you are visiting Bangkok, check out the perfect Bangkok itinerary for first time travelers here!

And that wraps up this 4 days in Phuket itinerary! I hope this helped plan your trip to Phuket, Thailand. If you have any questions about visiting Thailand, comment below or DM me on Instagram @sydabroad_.

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