Hey there travelers and welcome to my post where we will check out my top 6 free things to do in Phuket this year. Phuket is a stunning island located in the Andaman Sea, known for its beautiful beaches, crystal-clear waters and vibrant nightlife. However, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy everything Phuket has to offer.
There are plenty of free things to do that will allow you to experience the island’s natural beauty, culture and history without breaking the bank. From the beaches to stunning temples and shrines, you really can do a lot without spending a cent.
- Explore Phuket’s Beaches
- Visit Phuket’s Temples
- Walk Around Phuket Old Town
- Wander Local Markets
- Go for a Hike
- Attend Free Events
Free Things to Do In Phuket
Before we begin here however, it is important to remember that even though Phuket is a relatively small island, moving around is not always as easy as you would think. So even though the activities and attractions listed below are free, you are usually always going to have to pay a driver of some sort to get there. Just something to keep in mind.
Ok, now let’s check out my top 10 things to do for nix below.
1. Explore Phuket’s Beaches
When you think of Phuket, you probably picture beautiful beaches with crystal-clear waters and soft sand. Luckily, there are over 40 beaches on the island and many of them are free to access. Here are some of the best beaches to explore:
Patong Beach
Patong Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Phuket, and for good reason. The beach is over two kilometers long and has plenty of space for sunbathing, swimming and water sports. There are also many restaurants and bars nearby, making it a great spot for a day out.
Kata Beach
Kata Beach is another popular option, especially for families. The beach is smaller than Patong, but still offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the sun. There are also many shops and restaurants in the area, as well as a playground for kids.
Freedom Beach
If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, Freedom Beach is a great option. The beach is only accessible by boat or a steep hike, which means it’s usually less crowded than other beaches. The water is crystal-clear and perfect for swimming and the surrounding jungle makes for a picturesque backdrop.
Nai Harn Beach
Nai Harn Beach is located on the southern end of the island and is known for its clear water and soft sand. The beach is surrounded by hills, which makes for a stunning view. There are also many restaurants and shops in the area.
Mai Khao Beach
Mai Khao Beach is the longest beach in Phuket, stretching over 10 kilometers. The beach is located on the northwestern side of the island and is relatively undeveloped, which means it’s perfect for a quiet day out. The beach is also a popular spot for sea turtle nesting, so keep an eye out for these beautiful creatures.
Check out these: Top 10 Beaches in Phuket
2. Visit Phuket’s Temples
Phuket is known for its beautiful temples, or Wats, which are not only religious sites but also cultural landmarks. Visiting these temples is a great way to experience the local culture and architecture, and the best part is that many of them are completely free to visit. Here are two must-visit temples in Phuket:
Wat Chalong
Wat Chalong is one of the most famous and beautiful temples in Phuket. This colorful and superbly crafted temple is located in the Chalong area and it’s easy to get to if you’re driving to the Big Buddha. The temple is open daily from 7am to 5pm, and it’s free to enter.
Inside the temple, you can admire the intricate decorations and artwork, and learn about the history and traditions of Buddhism in Thailand. There are also several shrines and statues dedicated to different deities and you can light incense and offer prayers if you wish.
Big Buddha
The Big Buddha is another iconic landmark in Phuket located on a hilltop overlooking the island. The statue is 45 meters tall and made of white marble and visible from many parts of Phuket.
To reach the Big Buddha, you’ll need to climb a staircase of 306 steps, but the effort is worth it for the stunning views of the island and the Andaman Sea as well as the sunset. There’s also a smaller temple at the base of the statue, where you can see more Buddhist art and artifacts.
Visiting the Big Buddha is free, but donations are welcome to help with the maintenance and upkeep of the site. Keep in mind that as a religious site, you should dress modestly and remove your shoes before entering any buildings.
3. Walk Around Phuket Old Town
Phuket Old Town is a charming part of the island that is often overlooked by tourists. The area is full of beautiful Sino-Portuguese architecture, colorful street art and small boutique shops. The best way to explore the area is on foot, as the streets are narrow and winding.
Start your walk at Thalang Road, which is the main street in Old Town and lined with beautiful colonial buildings that have been converted into shops, cafes and restaurants. Take your time to wander down the street, taking in the sights and sounds of the area.
As you walk down Thalang Road, you will come across many small alleys and side streets. Take the time to explore these as they often lead to hidden gems such as small cafes and shops. One of the most famous alleys is Soi Romanee, which is known for its colorful buildings and street art.
Another must-see attraction in Old Town is the Phuket Sunday Night Market. The market takes place every Sunday evening and is a great place to try local street food and buy souvenirs. The market is located on Thalang Road and is easy to find.
Overall, walking around Phuket Old Town is a great way to spend an afternoon. And although there are plenty of markets and shops in the area, there is certainly enough to see to keep you entertained without having to open your wallet as well.
Book your trip to Phuket here!
4. Wander Local Markets
When it comes to experiencing the local culture of Phuket, visiting the markets is a must. Not only are they a great way to explore the local lifestyle, but they also offer a chance to try some of the delicious street food and pick up unique souvenirs.
Again, you may choose to spend a little here but you can certainly see enough without as well. Here are two markets you should definitely check out:
Phuket Weekend Market
The Phuket Weekend Market, also known as Naka Market, is a popular night market that takes place every Saturday and Sunday from 4pm to 10pm. Located in Phuket Town, the market is a bustling hub of vendors selling everything from clothing and accessories to handicrafts and artwork.
One of the main draws of the Phuket Weekend Market is the food. You’ll find a wide variety of local dishes and snacks, from grilled meats and seafood to sweet treats like mango sticky rice and coconut ice cream. Don’t miss out on trying some of the famous Thai street food like pad thai, satay, and som tam. You will find prices here much much cheaper than local restaurants as well.
Chillva Market
Chillva Market is a trendy night market that is popular with both locals and tourists. Located in Samkong, it is open every day from 5pm to 11pm and known for its hipster vibe with colorful shipping containers serving as shops and stalls.
There are also plenty of food stalls serving up a variety of dishes, from Thai curries to sushi and pizza. Be sure to try some of the creative drinks like fruit smoothies served in light bulbs or iced tea in mason jars.
5. Go for a Hike
If you’re looking to explore the natural beauty of Phuket for free, hiking is a great way to do it. Here are two hiking spots you can check out:
Khao Rang Hill
Khao Rang Hill is a popular hiking spot in Phuket, offering stunning views of the city and the sea. The trail is well-maintained and suitable for hikers of all levels. The hike takes about an hour to complete and is best done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat of the day.
Along the way, you’ll pass a few viewpoints where you can stop and take in the panoramic views and at the top, there’s a lookout tower where you can get an even better view of the surrounding area.
Monkey Hill
Monkey Hill is another popular hiking spot in Phuket, known for its resident macaque monkeys. The trail is steep and challenging, so it’s best suited for experienced hikers and takes about an hour to complete. Along the way, you’ll pass through dense jungle and rocky terrain and when you reach the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view of the surrounding area.
However, be aware that the monkeys can be aggressive, so it’s best to keep your distance and avoid feeding them. Also be sure to bring plenty of water, wear appropriate footwear, and respect the environment by not leaving any trash behind.
Check out these: Best Hiking Trails in Phuket
6. Attend Free Events
Phuket has a variety of free events throughout the year that you can attend to experience the local culture and traditions. Here are two of the most popular ones:
Phuket Vegetarian Festival
The Phuket Vegetarian Festival is a nine-day event held in late September or early October that celebrates the Chinese community’s belief in abstinence from meat and other stimulants during the ninth lunar month.
The festival involves various rituals, including body piercing and firewalking. You can witness these rituals and take part in the vegetarian food stalls that line the streets during the festival. The festival is free to attend, but you may want to bring some cash to purchase food and souvenirs.
Loy Krathong
Loy Krathong is a festival celebrated throughout Thailand on the full moon of the 12th lunar month, usually in November. The festival involves floating small, decorated baskets made of banana leaves and flowers on waterways to pay respect to the water goddess and ask for forgiveness for any harm caused to the water.
In Phuket, the festival is celebrated with a parade, beauty pageants and cultural performances. You can also participate in the floating of krathongs at various locations throughout the island. The festival is free to attend, but you may need to purchase a krathong to float on the water.
Book your trip to Phuket here!
Conclusion
There you have it, my 6 things that you can try out for free in Phuket. I hope it has been helpful and as usual, please let me know of your experiences here.
Also, please do not hesitate to comment below if you have any questions, concerns, or corrections or would like me to check anything else out for you.
Until next time.
Have fun
Paul
