Phuket is an amazing destination with endless activities and captivating attractions for beach lovers, culture fiends, sporting enthusiasts and everyone in between.

Discover the very best that Thailand’s largest island has to offer, from impressive Buddhist temples and up-close elephant encounters to dazzling night markets. When you aren’t lazing beside the azure Andaman Sea at your luxury 5-star hotel, there is a world of excitement to keep families, couples and friends entertained.

Here are our top 10 things to do on a holiday in Phuket.

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1. Explore awe-inspiring beaches

Arguably one of the top pull factors for tourists visiting Phuket, the soft white sands and turquoise waters that surround this large island are the perfect backdrop for a relaxing holiday. Whether you seek a lively atmosphere or crave peace and quiet, with over 30 spellbinding beaches, Phuket has it all. For an untouched setting, Mai Khao Beach is the longest beach on the island, whereas Patong Beach provides a sandy stretch fringed with attractive bars and restaurants. Couples can laze on the stunning shores of Freedom Beach, while families might prefer to hit the waves of Kata Beach for a world of exciting water sports.

2. Meditate inside the Big Buddha

Standing as an important symbol of the Thai people’s spirituality, this 45-metre-tall statue is surrounded by beautiful vistas. Showcasing phenomenal architecture of white marble, the Big Buddha provides visitors with the opportunity to learn all about the religion that is central to Thai culture. Discover which famous celebrities follow Buddhism, master the art of common praying rituals, and leave a lasting message on the temple’s tree of quotes. Other must-see temples in Phuket include Wat Chalong and Wat Phra Thong.

3. Party all night on Bangla Road

As the sun sets, watch Patong’s central strip come alive with bustling bars, neon-lit nightclubs, street performers and glitzy entertainment venues. This is the perfect place to immerse yourself in Thailand’s globally renowned nightlife. Groups of friends can try an infamous Mai Thai ‘bucket’ and hop from bar to bar taking in this kaleidoscope of chart-topping music and flashing lights. Be sure to grab some local street food on the way home!

4. Observe Asian elephants

When visiting Thailand, seeing these majestic animals up close is a bucket-list experience you will cherish forever. Phuket is home to a number of well-protected environments and ethical sanctuaries that prioritise the welfare of retired and/or rescued elephants. Hidden Forest Elephant Reserve and Tree Tops Elephant Reserve are observation-only sanctuaries nestled in lush greenery. Small groups can participate in feeding times for these gigantic creatures at Phuket Elephant Sanctuary, an enriching ecological park in Paklok.

5. Walk to the top of Rang Hill

For breathtaking panoramic views of Phuket, Khao Rang Viewpoint awaits the arrival of curious travellers. You can reach the hilltop via motorbike or carl, but the refreshing drink and delicious curry waiting to be savoured at the scenic restaurant makes the walk worthwhile. Kick back on suspended climbing nets and watch the mesmerising sunset around the same time that cheeky monkeys come out to play. This makes for wonderful viewing at dinnertime.

6. Discover top diving sites

Phuket is a haven for scuba enthusiasts, boasting world-class diving sites that promise aquatic wonders all year round. Weave your way through fluorescent coral reefs and swim alongside manta rays, blacktip reef sharks and captivating seahorses. Home to leopard sharks, barracuda and moray eels, Shark Point has been a protected marine sanctuary since 1992. The quaint island of Koh Doc Mai is the best for wall diving, whereas The King Cruiser Wreck offers a more challenging dive, consisting of an 87-metre catamaran ferry that sank in 1997. Phuket is a sensational place to receive your PADI certification… just watch out for those spiky sea urchins!

7. Treat your taste buds at a night market

Wherever you decide to stay in Phuket, you will never be far from a bustling night market. Popular among locals and tourists alike, embark on a sensory adventure through colourful aisles of diverse stalls, twinkly lights and local music. Spend your evening tasting Thailand’s unique delicacies, such as Banana Roti, fried dumplings and spicy soups. Various herbal teas, fragrant coffee beans, handmade jewellery, colourful souvenirs and novelty gifts are just some of the other affordable items you can find here.

8. Enjoy award-winning golf courses

For an idyllic fusion of sporting excellence and serene landscapes, tourists can tee off at a variety of pristine 18-hole golf courses in Phuket. Soaked in glistening sunshine and surrounded by panoramic ocean views, some of the best courses include Laguna Golf Phuket, Blue Canyon Country Club, Red Mountain Golf Club and Loch Palm Golf Club Phuket. Impeccably designed and well-kept, there is no wonder that these golf courses are often played by professionals. Families can enjoy a friendlier game at nearby mini golf courses, and a number of the island’s golf resorts boast driving ranges to practise your swing.

9. Stroll around the charming Old Town

Immerse yourself in the historic realm of Phuket’s Old Town. This little ‘Balamory’ is incredibly pleasing to the eye, blending tradition with modernity to create a warm urban atmosphere that Thailand’s huge cities and remote islands lack. Wander through enchanting streets lined with pastel buildings, political street art and dynamic mural paintings, and discover an abundance of boutique clothing stores, charming book shops and fascinating museums. Along the way, take a break from the heat and keep yourself topped up on treats in up-and-coming eateries, chic bars and contemporary cafés.

10. Venture offshore to nearby islands

As well as diving expeditions, there are a host of small tropical islands that have plenty to offer. Spend your days at sea on a longtail boat trip to experience the unrivalled beauty of Phang Nga Bay and James Bond Island (Khao Phing Kan). Enjoy a traditional Thai lunch and cold refreshments onboard, and spend hours kayaking through sea caves and snorkelling in crystal-clear waters. With Koh Phi Phi just over an hour away, curious travellers staying in Phuket can discover the idyllic spots of Monkey Beach and Maya Bay, made famous by the movie The Beach.