Phuket 8-Day Itinerary: The Ultimate Phuket Travel Guide for Beaches, Culture & Food

A view of one of Phuket Beaches - Karon Beach - with blue sky and blue sea

Planning your dream island escape? This Phuket 8-day itinerary is a perfectly balanced Phuket travel guide combining beaches, culture, island hopping, food experiences, and relaxation, ideal for first-time visitors and repeat travellers alike.

Whether you’re searching for things to do in Phuket, the best beaches, cultural landmarks, or memorable culinary experiences, this guide helps you make the most of every day in paradise.

Day 1: Arrival & Karon Beach Sunset (Saturday)

Arrive in Phuket in the afternoon and check in at Paradox Phuket Hotel, a beachfront resort on Karon Beach.

Things to do:

  • Settle into your room and unwind by the pool
  • Enjoy sunset views from your private balcony or directly on Karon Beach
  • Light dinner and early night after travel

Day 2: Phuket Old Town & Sunday Night Market (Sunday)

Explore the colourful streets of Phuket Old Town, famous for Sino-Portuguese architecture, cafés, and street art.

Things to do:

  • Wander heritage streets and cafés
  • Try local favourites: Hokkien Mee, Moo Hong, Tom Yum Goong
  • Browse the lively Phuket Sunday Walking Street Market

Tip: Rent a Kebaya or Baba Nyonya costume from Old Town shops for stunning photos.

Day 3: Spa, Temples & Viewpoints (Monday)

Enjoy a slow, relaxing day combining wellness and sightseeing.

Things to do:

  • Spa treatment at The Spa at Paradox Phuket
  • Visit Wat Chalong
  • Sunset stop at Karon Viewpoint
  • Dinner with live music at MINT Bar & Restaurant

Day 4: Island Hopping & Local Night Market (Tuesday)

  • Join an island day trip to Phi Phi, Racha, or Coral Island for turquoise waters and snorkelling.
  • Evening visit to Karon Temple Night Market (Tuesday & Friday).

Day 5: Café, Thai Cooking Class & Beach Time (Wednesday)

Things to do:

Day 6: Ethical Elephant Encounter & Thai Afternoon Tea (Thursday)

  • Visit Patong Elephant Hug Sanctuary for an ethical, no-riding elephant experience.
  • Return for a relaxing Thai Afternoon Tea Set featuring traditional sweets.

Thai Afternoon Tea Set by the Pool Phuket

Day 7: Beach Chill & Aquarium Adventure

Things to do:

  • Slow morning on Karon Beach or pool bar
  • Visit Phuket Aquaria at Central Phuket Floresta, Thailand’s largest aquarium

Day 8: Farewell Phuket

  • Leisurely breakfast at the resort
  • Final stroll along Karon Beach
  • Transfer to airport

Why This Phuket 8-Day Itinerary Works

  • Balanced mix of relaxation & adventure
  • Covers beaches, culture, food & nature
  • Ideal for couples, families & friends


Plus, If You Have Extra Time in Phuket…

If your schedule allows, extend your Phuket 8-day itinerary with even more unforgettable experiences. These additional things to do in Phuket are perfect for adventure seekers, culture lovers, and travellers who want to explore beyond the beaches.

Ziplining Adventure in Phuket

Soar through lush jungle canopies at Hanuman World, one of the island’s most popular eco-adventure parks offering thrilling zipline courses, sky bridges, and panoramic forest views.

Phuket Night Shows & Cabaret

Enjoy dazzling performances, vibrant costumes, and world-class entertainment at Simon Cabaret Phuket or the immersive theme-park spectacle at Carnival Magic Phuket.

James Bond Island Day Trip

Visit the iconic limestone cliffs of James Bond Island in Phang Nga Bay, famous for emerald waters, caves, and dramatic karst formations, a classic Phuket island hopping highlight.

Black Rock Viewpoint Hike

Hike up to Black Rock Viewpoint Phuket for breathtaking panoramic views over Kata and Karon, especially magical at sunset.

Bang Rong Local Community Experience

Discover authentic island life at Bang Rong Community, where you can join mangrove boat tours, learn traditional cooking, visit rubber farms, explore handicrafts, and support community-led sustainable agriculture projects. This is one of the most meaningful cultural experiences in Phuket, allowing travellers to connect with locals while giving back.

If you’re looking for a complete Phuket travel itinerary, this plan offers a seamless way to explore the island while staying in one of the best areas on Karon Beach.